OUR RESEARCH

Biologically-mediated abiotic degradation (BMAD)

Certain contaminants resist microbial degradation but are susceptible to abiotic degradation mediated by reactive metal mineral phases. Traditionally, abiotic degradation studies characterize the abiotic process without exploring the microbial component(s) required for the formation of the reactive mineral phase(s). We study microbial cultures that produce magnetite, a mixed ferric-ferrous iron mineral phase, under relevant geochemical conditions. Magnetite readily degrades carbon tetrachloride, and we are exploring if BMAD can be implemented at sites impacted with this toxic contaminant. Another BMAD example is the degradation of bisphenol A by manganese dioxide (MnO₂).