Bacteria and algae act as biocatalysts for deep-sea raw material deposition

Microorganisms trigger the formation of manganese nodules and manganese crusts - a model for future extraction of raw materials

19.05.2009

The sea floor is strewn with raw materials that could be very important in the future: Manganese and iron, but also rarer and more precious elements such as cobalt, copper, zinc and nickel, are present in great quantities in the form of deep-sea nodules and crusts. The depositions of such materials from seawater and sediment is the result of a process known as "biomineralization". Microorganisms such as bacteria and algae contribute to this process of nodule and crust accretion and catalyze the accumulation of metals, as has been shown by new research at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. The new findings could, the scientists believe, contribute to an environment-friendly and sustainable use of valuable marine natural resources.

Coccolithophorides, small algae sized about 10 µm, provide bio-seeds for the production of deep-sea crusts. (© Werner E. G. Müller)

Coccolithophorides are unicellar algae completely encased in a protective shell of calcium carbonate. These algae were deposited in the deep-sea crusts about 50 million years ago. (here: electron-microscopical image) (© Werner E. G. Müller)

Manganese nodules consist of

Manganese nodules are found in the deep-sea at depths of about 5,000 meters. Their diameter is about 7 centimeters. (© Werner E. G. Müller)

Manganese nodules are riddled with bacteria about 2 µm in diameter. Here starts the accumulation of manganese and other ores. (© Werner E. G. Müller)

Bacteria precipitating Manganese(IV). These bacteria have been isolated from a deep-sea sponge. They have the ability to oxidize Manganese(II) into Manganese IV and thus to precipitate the latter. (© Werner E. G. Müller)

Manganese nodules are pervaded by biofilms, composed of and covered by bacteria. Here the synthesis of biomaterials starts. (© Werner E. G. Müller)

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press release "Bacteria and algae act as biocatalysts for deep-sea raw material deposition" (5 May 2009)
Contact Contact
Mainz University Medical Center 
Professor Dr. Werner E. G. Müller
Applied Molecular Biology
Institute of Physiological Chemistry
Langenbeckstr. 1
D 55131 Mainz
Tel +49 6131 39-25910
Fax +49 6131 39-25243
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