Evidence of Microbial Activity in the Formation of Manganese Wads at the Asahidake Hot Spring in Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

Abstract:Mt. Asahidake is an active volcano, with more than 90 active wells, in the Daisetsu volcanic group located in central Hokkaido, Japan. Wells along the Yukomanbetsu-sawa River showed high manganese concentrations and associated manganese deposits. These deposits consist of manganese oxides, and the concentration of iron is very low except for one sample collected from the upper reach of the river. Most of the wet samples showed basal diffraction characteristic of todorokite (9.6 Å). Cultivation tests showed that microorganisms were responsible for the oxidation of dissolved Mn 2+ in the Asahidake hot spring. The dissolved Mn 2+ concentration in the sterilized hot spring water was unchanged after four days, whereas the Mn 2+ concentration in the sterilized hot spring water with a small amount of fresh manganese wad was decreased to zero after three days, and manganese oxide formed. This result implies that the activity of microorganism oxidizes dissolved Mn 2+ and forms manganese oxide at the Asahidake manganese deposits. In addition to Komanoyu hot spring and Yunotaki Falls, this is the third report of microbial activity forming considerable deposits of manganese oxides in hot spring waters.

Mn accumulation in a submerged plant Egeria densa (Hydrocharitaceae) is mediated by epiphytic bacteria

“…Biofilm‐forming filamentous cyanobacteria detected on E. densa leaves may be responsible for the strong adhesion of Mn precipitates. Deposition of biogenic Mn oxide on abiotic surfaces has been reportedly mediated by the combination of Mn‐oxidizing bacteria and filamentous cyanobacteria (Mita & Miura ). The results of the current study suggest that the complex of aquatic plants, cyanobacteria and Mn‐oxidizing bacteria contribute to the mobilization of Mn in the hydrosphere in the Shimoishidera settlement.…”

Uncovering the origin of the black stains in Lascaux Cave in France

“…E–G), similar to those observed within the black stains from Lascaux Cave. The manganese wad obtained by inoculating water from a Japanese hot spring (Mita and Miura, ) shows features similar to that of Fig. F.…”

Geochemical and Microbiological Analysis of Sambe Hot Springs, Shimane Prefecture, Japan

“…Microbial activity forming deposits of Mn oxides have been reported at Komanoyu hot spring, Yunotaki Falls and Asahidate hot spring in Japan (Usui & Mita, 1995;Mita & Miura, 2003). In the Sambe hot spring in Shimane, there are many small springs which are divided into two categories; (i) hot spring at > 25°C, of geothermal origin; and (ii) mineral springs at < 25°C derived from granite bed rock.…”