Abstract
The geochemical behavior of molybdenum (Mo) in the oceans is closely linked to the presence of sulfide species in anoxic environments, where Fe availability may play a key role in the Mo scavenging. Here, we show that Mo(VI) is reduced in the presence of particulate organic matter (represented by sulfate-reducing bacteria). Molybdenum was immobilized at the surface of both living cells and dead/lysed cells, but not in cell-free control experiments. Experiments were carried out at four different Mo concentrations (0.1 to 2 mm) to yield cell-associated Mo precipitates with little or no Fe, consisting of mainly Mo(IV)-sulfide compounds with molecular structures similar to Mo enzymes and to those found in natural euxinic sediments. Therefore, we propose that Mo removal in natural sulfidic waters can proceed via a non-Fe-assisted pathway that requires particulate organic matter (dead or living sulfate-reducing bacteria). This pathway has implications for global marine Mo cycling and the current use of Mo-based proxies for paleo-environmental investigations.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Tidsskrift | Geobiology |
Vol/bind | 15 |
Udgave nummer | 2 |
Sider (fra-til) | 311-323 |
Antal sider | 13 |
ISSN | 1472-4677 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - 2017 |