Figure 2. Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 growing on hematite, using iron as an electron acceptor.
link: https://www.livescience.com/28163-bio-batteries-one-step-closer.htmlBackground:
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, driven by the organic carbon from high surficial primary productivity in overlying soils. In order for the ore to form, it must be depleted of silica, yet there is no clear explanation of how the silica is being mobilized. Silica has a low solubility in water and is difficult to dissolve without a catalyst at circumneutral pH. We know iron reduction is occurring within the caves and this changes iron to its soluble form, but there is no redox reaction for silica. This suggests the possibility that iron redox reactions influence the dissolution of silica.
Current Research Projects:
We are trying to understand the process of silica mobilization through microbially driven iron redox reactions, using bacterial cultures grown in both anaerobic and aerobic conditions with iron and silica.
To analyze these bacterial cultures, we will do both geochemical and biological analyses.
Skills you will develop:
Culturing bacteria · Growing bacteria in anaerobic conditions and using an anaerobic chamber · Creating various forms of media · Various 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.
