Characterization of the manganese oxide produced by Pseudomonas putida strain MnBI

Biogenic manganese oxides affect the speciation, mobility, and ultimately the fate of metal contaminants, trace metal nutrients, and organic matter in the environment. Determination of their structure and function will provide insight into their reactivity and environmental significance. The synthesis of well characterized MnO _x model compounds has afforded structural determination of MnB1-MnO _x and can be extended to other biogenic systems. ³⁰ This research presents the first detailed structural characterization of MnO _x by spectroscopic and physicochemical methods. The researchers determined that the freshwater and soil bacteria P. putida MnB1 oxidize aqueous Mn(II) into a solid product with a structure intermediate between a poorly crystalline hexagonal birnessite (disordered along the c-axis) and δ-MnO ₂ (complete disorder along the c-axis). Determination of MnB1-MnO _x structure will begin to provide insight into their role and reactivity within the environment.