Voltammetric determination of iron, sulfur, and arsenic redox speciation in natural waters as a guide to microbial sampling

GEOC 61

Gregory K. Druschel, Gregory.Druschel@uvm.edu1, Gregory W. Lorenson1, Danielle E. Eastman1, Harry D. Oduro1, and Jenn Macalady, jmacalad@geosc.psu.edu2. (1) Department of Geology, University of Vermont, 321 Delehanty Hall, Burlington, VT 05405, (2) Department of Geosciences & Astrobiology Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
Voltammetric microelectrodes have been used to determine redox speciation in a number of environments worldwide (Luther et al., 1999; 2003; Taillefert et al., 2000). As microbes in any natural environment utilize redox species for electron donors and acceptors to drive metabolic reactions, we can utilize these tools to describe geochemical niches specific microbial communities inhabit, gather information about the microbial physiology of dominant organisms, and investigate the dynamics of redox geochemistry experienced by a microbial community. We present new techniques here utilizing Au-amalgam electrodes for arsenic/sulfur speciation and microbial energetics calculations in hydrothermal waters of Yellowstone National Park, iron-sulfur chemistry in abandoned mine waters, and sulfur chemistry linked to microbial ecology in subterranean karst systems.
 

Frontiers in Geochemistry: Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the ACS-Geochemistry Division
9:00 AM-12:00 PM, Monday, 11 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Room 262, Oral

Division of Geochemistry

The 232nd ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, CA, September 10-14, 2006