Microbial influence on fast-growing iron oxyhydroxide-based speleothems in the acidic environment of Sitarjevec mine, Slovenia

IF 3.1 3区地球科学 Q1 GEOCHEMISTRY & GEOPHYSICS

Applied Geochemistry Pub Date : 2025-02-18 DOI:10.1016/j.apgeochem.2025.106313

Minka Kovač , Marjan Bele , Boris Orel , Anton Meden , Mohor Mihelčič

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study investigates the mineralogical and morphological structure of iron oxide/hydroxide speleothems formed in the acid mine drainage (AMD) of the abandoned Sitarjevec mine near Litija in Slovenia (EU). These speleothems grow in the mine shafts under stable environmental conditions (complete darkness, a constant temperature of 10 °C and water with a pH value of 2.2–3.3), but show rapid growth of up to 5 cm/year. Using ion chromatography (IC) and carbon analysis, we detected phosphates, sulfates and carbon in the water dripping from the ceiling onto the stalagmite, indicating that bacteria can indeed colonize the surface of the stalagmite. SEM measurements provided evidence of the bacterial population and the morphology of the colored mineral (precipitate), closely resembling mineralogy of schwertmannite, which was formed in the mine water stored for several months under conditions normally found in the mine. Comparisons of the morphology, elemental composition and structure determined for different locations on the stalagmite (inner/outer part) with the morphological characteristics of the precipitate obtained by SEM/EDS measurements in combination with the analysis of XRD patterns and ATR-IR spectra showed the presence of bacteria and schwertmannite in the form of a hedge-hog particles. Analysis of the ATR-IR spectra of the outer part of the stalagmite and the mine water precipitate confirmed the presence of schwertmannite and a small amount of goethite. Goethite was predominantly present in the inner part of the stalagmite, but the ATR-IR spectra showed no evidence of schwertmannite or bacteria. From the XRD spectra, using the Rietveld method, it was confirmed that the outer part of the stalagmite contains mainly goethite, while the amount of schwertmannite did not exceed 17 wt%, which is also consistent with the results of the infrared spectra analysis. For the interior of the stalagmite, the Rietveld analysis showed no schwertmannite but only goethite.

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来源期刊

Applied Geochemistry 地学-地球化学与地球物理

CiteScore

6.10

自引率

8.80%

发文量

272

审稿时长

65 days

期刊介绍： Applied Geochemistry is an international journal devoted to publication of original research papers, rapid research communications and selected review papers in geochemistry and urban geochemistry which have some practical application to an aspect of human endeavour, such as the preservation of the environment, health, waste disposal and the search for resources. Papers on applications of inorganic, organic and isotope geochemistry and geochemical processes are therefore welcome provided they meet the main criterion. Spatial and temporal monitoring case studies are only of interest to our international readership if they present new ideas of broad application. Topics covered include: (1) Environmental geochemistry (including natural and anthropogenic aspects, and protection and remediation strategies); (2) Hydrogeochemistry (surface and groundwater); (3) Medical (urban) geochemistry; (4) The search for energy resources (in particular unconventional oil and gas or emerging metal resources); (5) Energy exploitation (in particular geothermal energy and CCS); (6) Upgrading of energy and mineral resources where there is a direct geochemical application; and (7) Waste disposal, including nuclear waste disposal.