Weak impact of microorganisms on Ca, Mg-bearing silicate weathering

Abstract Assessment of the microbial impact on mineral dissolution is crucial for a predictive understanding basic (Ca, Mg bearing) silicate weathering and associated CO 2 consumption, bioerosion, storage in basaltic rocks. However, there are controversies about mechanism effect, which ranges from inhibiting via nil to accelerating. Here we studied diopside interaction with heterotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas reactants soil fungus Chaetomium brasiliense using combination mixed-flow batch reactors situ (AFM) ex (SEM) microscopy. The results provide new nano-level insights into degree microorganisms modify dissolution. Taking account negligible effects organic ligands as reported earlier, conclude that effect Ca-Mg silicates weak acceleration “basic” rocks presence biota solely due pH decrease porewaters.