Matthias Labrenz et. al. "Formation of Sphalerite (ZnS) Deposits in Natural Biofilms of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria" Science Vol. 290, No. 5497,  1 Dec 2000, pp. 1744-1747.


Description:

Microorganisms can dramatically alter the distributions of metal ions via several mechanisms.  Shown are abundant, micrometer-scale, spherical aggregates of 2- to 5-nanometer-diameter sphalerite (ZnS - Zinc Sulfide) particles formed within natural biofilms dominated by sulfate-reducing bacteria of the family Desulfobacteriaceae.  These bacteria actually concentrate the metals in their environment into nanoparticles. These results show how microbes control metal concentrations in groundwater- and wetland-based remediation systems and suggest biological routes for the formation of some low-temperature ZnS deposits.  These bacteria may ultimately be able to help convert sulfuric acid in acid drain water from mines into much safer compounds. 

 

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