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In batch culture experiments we examined oxidation of As(III) and adsorption of As(III/V) by biogenic manganese oxide formed by a manganese oxide-depositing fungus, strain KR21-2. We expected to gain insight into the applicability of Mn-depositing microorganisms for biological treatment of As-contaminated waters. In cultures containing Mn2+ and As(V), the solid Mn phase was rich in bound Mn2+ (molar ratio, approximately 30%) and showed a transiently high accumulation of As(V) during the early stage of manganese oxide formation. As manganese oxide formation progressed, a large proportion of adsorbed As(V) was subsequently released. The high proportion of bound Mn2+ may suppress a charge repulsion between As(V) and the manganese oxide surface, which has structural negative charges, promoting complex formation. In cultures containing Mn2+ and As(III), As(III) started to be oxidized to As(V) after manganese oxide formation was mostly completed. In suspensions of the biogenic manganese oxides with dissolved Mn2+, As(III) oxidation rates decreased with increasing dissolved Mn2+. These results indicate that biogenic manganese oxide with a high proportion of bound Mn2+ oxidizes As(III) less effectively than with a low proportion of bound Mn2+. Coexisting Zn2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ also showed similar effects to different extents. The present study demonstrates characteristic features of oxidation and adsorption of As by biogenic manganese oxides and suggests possibilities of developing a microbial treatment system for water contaminated with As that is suited to the actual situation of contamination.

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