Sequestration and oxidation of heavy metals mediated by Mn(II) oxidizing microorganisms in the aquatic environment

Abstract

Microorganisms can oxidize Mn(II) to biogenic Mn oxides (BioMnOx), through enzyme-mediated processes and non-enzyme-mediated processes, which are generally considered as the source and sink of heavy metals due to highly reactive to sequestrate and oxidize heavy metals. Hence, the summary of interactions between Mn(II) oxidizing microorganisms (MnOM) and heavy metals is benefit for further work on microbial-mediated self-purification of water bodies. This review comprehensively summarizes the interactions between MnOM and heavy metals. The processes of BioMnOx production by MnOM has been firstly discussed. Moreover, the interactions between BioMnOx and various heavy metals are critically discussed. On the one hand, modes for heavy metals adsorbed on BioMnOx are summarized, such as electrostatic attraction, oxidative precipitation, ion exchange, surface complexation, and autocatalytic oxidation. On the other hand, adsorption and oxidation of representative heavy metals based on BioMnOx/Mn(II) are also discussed. Thirdly, the interactions between MnOM and heavy metals are also focused on. Finally, several perspectives which will contribute to future research are proposed. This review provides insight into the sequestration and oxidation of heavy metals mediated by Mn(II) oxidizing microorganisms. It might be helpful to understand the geochemical fate of heavy metals in the aquatic environment and the process of microbial-mediated water self-purification.