Scientists Stumbled Across the First Known Manganese-fueled Bacteria

    For years scientists have suspected the presence of bacteria that can use electrons from manganese to fuel their life functions. It's been more than a century since it was discovered that bacteria has the ability to borrow electrons from chemical elements to fuel growth (including nitrogen, sulfur, and iron), in a similar way that humans utilize the electrons from consumed carbohydrates. If bacteria borrows electrons from manganese, the metal is converted to manganese oxide which is found across the entire planet, and most curiously, in grapefruit sized balls on the ocean floor. However, until just recently, no one had discovered the exact species capable of such feats. That is, until a two environmental microbiologists working at Caltech, Jared Leadbetter and Hang Yu, left a jar in their office sink. Leadbetter had been experimenting with manganese carbonate in a glass jar. He had trouble cleaning it however, and filled it with tap water to soak while he left for a 10 week, far-away teaching experience. He returned to a glass full of dark crusty material- manganese oxide. Together, him and Hang Yu studied the jar- which they knew could lead to a brand new discovery- and found a total of 70 different bacterial species in the jar's contents. Through experimentation, the pair eventually isolated two species that produced manganese oxide when together. Further research revealed that in the presence of manganese carbonate, both species grew/ multiplied rapidly, and as they did, the level of manganese oxide grew as well- suggesting the species used manganese as fuel. The scientists dubbed the two species 'Candidatus Manganitrophus    noduliformans’ and 'Ramlibacter lithotrophicus'.

    The discovery of these two new bacterial species sparks a new bit of hope within the science community. Manganese oxide pollution in drinking water has been a problem for many house owners. With more knowledge on the causes behind these pollutants, researchers will likely be able to find a more effective and cost efficient way to filter our drinking water. Beyond that, understanding these new bacteria will aid in manganese oxide cleanup in the oceans, making them ever so slightly cleaner in a world of many other pollutants. Overall, this unintentional discovery could lead to healthier waters for fish and man alike.

Link to article: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/scientists-stumbled-across-first-known-manganese-fueled-bacteria