EShape Geomicro

Iron-metabolizing bacteria as a driving force in the weathering of silicate minerals

01/02/2019 to 31/01/2022

Fe(II)-oxidizing and Fe(III)-reducing bacteria represent some of the few microbial processes which directly attack minerals during energy metabolism, leading to mineral break up, saprolite formation and the fixation of carbon to support a heterotrophic microbial community. Despite their potentially fundamental importance, these bacteria are often of low abundance in the environment. They also exhibit strong metabolic flexibility, therefore their role in the soil environment must be investigated through targeted approaches. As a result of this, a holistic picture of the role of Fe-metabolizing bacteria in weathering and soil formation is lacking. In this project, we aim to identify the distribution and functional role of Fe-metabolizing throughout soil weathering profiles under different climate regimes, as well as elucidate the geological, geochemical and climatic controls which influence their weathering activity.