Biotransformation of two-line silica-ferrihydrite by a dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacterium: formation of carbonate green rust in the presence of phosphate

The reductive biotransformation of two Si-ferrihydrite coprecipitates (1 and 5 mole % Si) by Shewanella putrefaciens, strain CN32, was investigated in 1,4-piperazinediethanesulfonic acid-buffered media (pH ∼7) with lactate as the electron donor. Anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate, an electron shuttle, was present in the media. Experiments were performed without and with PO43− (P) (1 to 20 mmol/L) in media containing 50 mmol/L Fe. Our objectives were to define the combined effects of SiO44− (Si) and P on the bioreducibility and biomineralization of ferrihydrites under anoxic conditions. Iron reduction was measured as a function of time, solids were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy, and aqueous solutions were analyzed for Si, P, Cl− and inorganic carbon. Both of the ferrihydrites were rapidly reduced regardless of the Si and P content. Si concentration had no effect on the reduction rate or mineralization products. Magnetite was formed in the absence of P whereas carbonate green rust GR(CO32−) ([Fe(6−x)IIFeIIIx(OH)12]x+(CO32−)0.5x · yH2O) and vivianite [Fe3(PO4)2 · 8H2O], were formed when P was present. GR(CO32−) dominated as a mineral product in samples with