Dissimilatory bioreduction of iron (III) oxides by Shewanella loihica under marine sediment conditions

Abstract

Shewanella is a genus of marine bacteria capable of dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR). In the context of deep-sea mining activities or submarine mine tailings disposal, dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria may play an important role in biogeochemical reactions concerning iron oxides placed on the sea bed. In this study, batch experiments were performed to evaluate the capacity of Shewanella loihica PV-4 to bioreduce different iron oxides (ferrihydrite, magnetite, goethite and hematite) under conditions similar to those in anaerobic sea sediments. Results showed that bioreduction of structural Fe(III) via oxidation of labile organic matter occurred in all these iron oxides. Based on the aqueous Fe (II) released, derived Fe(II)/acetate ratios and bioreduction coefficients seem to be only up to about 4% of the theoretical ones, considering the ideal stoichiometry of the reaction. A loss of aqueous Fe (II) was caused by adsorption and mineral transformation processes. Scanning electron microscope images showed that Shewanella lohica was attached to the Fe(III)-oxide surfaces during bioreduction. Our findings suggest that DIR of Fe(III) oxides from mine waste placed in marine environments could result in adverse ecological impacts such as liberation of trace metals in the environment.