Microbial Reduction of Illite and Glauconite
EMSL Project ID
2329
Abstract
This project investigates reduction of Fe(III) in structure of sedimentary illite and glauconite by Shewanella oneidensis CN32, and possible implications for bioremediation and subsurface microbial ecology. Subsurface bacteria have been discovered in several sedimentary basin, however, their survial mechanisms have not been fully understood. Clay minerals, illite in particular, are most abundant minerals in such a setting, and questions arise as to whether or not these organisms can live on these clays for their energy needs. The objectives of this project are therefore to delineate if it is possible for subsurface bacteria to utilize clay minerals for their respiration, and if so, what are the implications for clay diagenesis in context of organic matter maturation ? This project will utilize a suite of techniques, including microbial reduction, chemical extraction, X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, electron microscopy. Mossbauer spectroscopy is particularly important to the project because it provides quantitative information on relative proportions of Fe(III) and Fe(II) on the original and bioreduced clay minerals.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2001-08-07
End Date
2002-11-25
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members