Temperature dependance of microbial Mn oxidation as a control on seasonal concentration variability of dissolved metals in flood-plain rivers

GEOC 140

Alan M. Shiller, Department of Marine Science, Department of Marine Science, University of Southern Mississippi, 1020 Blach Blvd., Stennis Space Center, MS 39529
Seasonal variability in dissolved Mn and other particle-reactive trace elements has been observed in a number of river systems. In some cases this variability can be attributed to nearby seasonally reducing lakes or reservoirs. In the lower Mississippi River, such a source does not appear to provide a reasonable explanation, though. However, microbial Mn oxidation is found to occur in these waters. The rate of the oxidation depends on the water temperature and suspended load. A simple model suggests the temperature dependance of the Mn oxidation can explain the seasonal variability of dissolved Mn. Others have demonstrated that fresh, microbially-precipitated Mn oxide has a very high specific surface area. Thus, temperature-driven seasonal changes in the Mn oxidation rate might drive seasonal changes in the amount of certain adsorbing surfaces and thereby drive changes in the concentrations of other particle-reactive trace elements.