Pyrite formation from FeS and H₂S is mediated through microbial redox activity.

ABSTRACT: The exergonic reaction of FeS with H₂S to form FeS₂ (pyrite) and H₂ was postulated to have operated as an early form of energy metabolism on primordial Earth. Since the Archean, sedimentary pyrite formation has played a major role in the global iron and sulfur cycles, with direct impact on the redox chemistry of the atmosphere. However, the mechanism of sedimentary pyrite formation is still being debated. We present microbial enrichment cultures which grew with FeS, H₂S, and CO₂ as their sole substrates to produce FeS₂ and CH₄ Cultures grew over periods of 3 to 8 mo to cell densities of up to 2 to 9 × 10⁶ cells per mL^-1 Transformation of FeS with H₂S to FeS₂ was followed

SUBMITTER: Thiel J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6452648 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature