Biomineral microstructures in ferromanganese nodules: evidence of the biological and abiogenous origin

G. N. Lysyuk

doi:10.1117/12.893322

23 September 2011 Biomineral microstructures in ferromanganese nodules: evidence of the biological and abiogenous origin

G. N. Lysyuk

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8152, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XIV; 815207 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.893322
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Manganese oxides, which are widespread and of great practical importance, are formed and transformed by the active role of microorganisms. Manganese aggregates occur as both crystallized varieties and disordered fine-grained phases with significant ore grade and up to 50-60 vol % of X-ray amorphous components. X-ray amorphous nanosizedMn oxides in Fe-Mn nodules from the Pacific Ocean floor were examined from the standpoint of their biogenic origin. SEM examination showed abundant mineralized biofilms on the studied samples. The chemical composition of bacterial mass is as follows (wt %): 28.34 MnO, 17.14 Fe2O3, 7.11 SiO2, 2.41 CaO, 17.90 TiO2, 1.74Na2O,1.73 A12O3,1.30 MgO, 1.25P2O5,1.25 SO3,0.68 CoO, 0.54 CuO, 0.53 NiO, and 0.50 K2O. The chemical composition of fossilized cyanobacterial mats within the interlayer space of nodules is as follows (wt %): 48.35 MnO, 6.23 Fe2O3, 8.76 MgO, 5.05 A12O3, 4.45 SiO2, 3.63 NiO, 2.30 Na2O, 2.19 CuO, 1.31 CaO, and 0.68 K2O is direct evidence for participation of bacteria in Mn oxide formation. This phase consists of mineralized glycocalix consisting of nanosized flakes of todorokite. Native metals (Cu, Fe, and Zn) as inclusions 10-20 μm in size were identified in ferromanganese nodules as well. The formation of native metals can be explained by their crystallization at highly reducing conditions maintained by organic matter.

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G. N. Lysyuk "Biomineral microstructures in ferromanganese nodules: evidence of the biological and abiogenous origin", Proc. SPIE 8152, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XIV, 815207 (23 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.893322

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