Background:
Banded iron formations (BIF) are the world’s largest and most widespread source of iron. The Carajas BIF of Brazil is associated with the presence of a high-grade iron ore and extensive cave development. The formation of these caves appears to be through microbial iron reduction and silica mobilization. The role and importance of silica in the formation of these caves is still unknown, so that is what we are trying to uncover.
Figure 1: Banded iron formation (BIF) sample. https://kids.britannica.com/students/assembly/view/107856.Current Research Projects:
We are studying the process of silica mobilization through microbially driven iron redox reactions and the effects dissolved silica have on iron redox reactions. We use bacterial cultures grown in both anaerobic and aerobic conditions with iron and silica. We then analyze these cultures with geochemical and biological analyses.
Figure 2: Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 growing on hematite, using iron as an electron acceptor. https://www.livescience.com/28163-bio-batteries-one-step-closer.htmlSkills you will develop:
Culturing bacteria · Growing bacteria in anaerobic conditions and using an anaerobic chamber · Creating bacterial growth media · Methods of geochemical analyses · Using a centrifuge, autoclave, pH meter, pipettes, spectrometer, ion chromatographer, microscope · You will begin to gain an understanding of the complex relationships between microbial life and geological processes.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Senkos’ lab.
