.Organic Matter Mineralization with the Reduction of Ferric Iron: A Review

A review of the literature indicates that numerous microorganisms can reduce ferric iron during the metabolism of organic matter. In most cases, the reduction of ferric iron appears to be enzymatically catalyzed and, in some instances. may be coupled to an electron transport chain that could generate A TP. However, the-physiology and biochem" istry of ferric irQn reduction are POQrly understood. In pure culture. ferric iron-reducing organisms metabolize fermentable substrates. such as glucose, primarily to typical fermentation , and transfer only a minor;.. portion of the fermentable substrates to ferric. ,. be important electron donors for ferric iron .. , . , ~;,,~.,: 1..". .. . that it is possible for a food chain to completely mineralize nonrecalcitrant with ferric iron as the sole electron acceptor. ; ; Receive4~:N.oyember 25, 1986; accepted: March 20, 1987. ;, .. : :. Volume S, Number 3/4, 1987