Anaerobic Microbial-Mineral Processes with Fe(III) Oxides: Experimental Considerations and Approaches
The biogeochemical cycle of Fe is a one of the dominant redox cycles operative in surface waters and sediments, soils and vadose zones, and groundwater systems. In this cycle which is pronounced at oxic-anoxic boundaries, Fe compounds and microorganisms couple to mediate the oxidation of organic matter by molecular oxygen. The cycle includes: i.) the reductive dissolution of Fe(III) oxides by biogenic organic acids and organic matter oxidizing-metal reducing bacteria yielding Fe2+(aq) and ferrous containing minerals as products, and ii.) the oxidation of dissolved and solid-phase ferrous iron by molecular oxygen and microaerophilic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria with subsequent precipitation of poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxides (e.g., ferrihydrite). These Fe(III) oxides; that may recrystallize slowly with time to goethite, hematite, and lepidocrocite; represent a primary redox buffering agent (in terms of electron equivalents) in soils, sediments, and subsurface materials. Manganese (III/IV) oxides are also important in this regard. Because of the high surface area and surface chemical reactivity of Fe(III) oxides and Fe(II) containing mineral phases, the Fe biogeochemical cycle is closely linked to those of the trace metals, phosphorous, and various organic and inorganic anthropogenic contaminants.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US), Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 918844
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-46735; 25692; KP1301030
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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