Microbial Fe, Mn, As cycles Flashcards
What is the oxidised form of iron?
Fe(III), Fe 3+, ferric
What is the reduced form of iron?
Fe(II), Fe 2+, ferrous
What conditions are required for ferrous iron oxidation?
Aerobic conditions
What conditions are required for ferric iron reduction?
Anaerobic conditions
What do isotopic tests on BIFs show?
Half of Fe atoms originated in shallow oceans after being processed by microbe 2.5 Gya
When is Fe(II) stable?
Low pH aerobic conditions
What type of organism can use Fe(II) as an electron donor for aerobic respiration?
Acidophilic chemolithotroph
Describe the process of using Fe(II) as an e- donor for aerobic respiration
FeS2 reacts with oxygen to give Fe(II) (initiator reaction, either bacteria or chemical-driven), O2 is an e- acceptor, producing Fe(III)
How can using Fe(II) as an e- donor for aerobic respiration lead to acid mine drainage?
If pyrite is present, Fe(III) can react to give H2SO4
How is autotrophic bioleaching carried out?
By acidophilic S- or Fe- oxidising bacteria
e.g. oxidation of pyrite giving sulfuric acid (acid mine drainage)
What is bioleaching used for?
To extract low grade ores
Describe water affected by AMD
High acidity and elevated Fe(III) and other toxic metals, e.g. Cu, Zn, Ni, As
Toxic to almost all forms of aquatic life
How is AMD treated?
Sulfate-reducing bacteria
Describe how SRBs treat AMD
Reduces sulfate to sulfide, raises pH, forms H2S, precipitates toxic metals as sulfides
What was tested at Wheal Jane Mine to treat AMD and what was used in the end?
Tried active measures and switched to passive measures
Describe the active measures that were tested at the Wheal Jane Mine
Three step system that generates lots of sledge
Removes 99% of metals when pH is adjusted to 8.5
Describe the passive measures used at the Wheal Jane Mine
Aerobic cells, anaerobic cells, shallow rock filters
Name a common form of aerobic cell to treat AMD and describe how it works
Artificial reed beds (commonly used commercially)
Drives the system oxic to precipitate Fe as Fe3 hydroxides that absorb metals
Microbial oxidation around the roots
Describe anaerobic cells to treat AMD
Uses compost bioreactors, e- donors include straw and sawdust
pH is raised by metabolic
Only successful when a conditioning phase allows reactors to stabilise
Describe shallow rock filters to treat AMD
Algal growth and precipitation of metals via alkalinity, driven by consumption of CO2 during oxygenic photosynthesis
Placed downstream of the anaerobic cells