[email protected]/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing...

54
Sulfur Allotropes Technological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins Massachusetts Institute of Technology [email protected] 5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Transcript of [email protected]/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing...

Page 1: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Sulfur

Christopher C. Cummins

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

[email protected]

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 2: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Outline

1 Sulfur Allotropes

2 Technological Applications

3 Sulfate Reducing BacteriaBiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 3: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Volcanic sulfur

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

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Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Sulfur as a CommodityCommercial sources of sulfur

Sulfur is pale yellow, odorless, brittle solid, which is insolublein water but soluble in carbon disulfide

Sulfur is used in the vulcanization of natural rubber

Sulfur is also used extensively in marking phosphatic fertilizers

A tremendous tonnage is used to produce sulfuric acid

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 5: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Sulfur as a CommodityCommercial sources of sulfur

Sulfur is pale yellow, odorless, brittle solid, which is insolublein water but soluble in carbon disulfide

Sulfur is used in the vulcanization of natural rubber

Sulfur is also used extensively in marking phosphatic fertilizers

A tremendous tonnage is used to produce sulfuric acid

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 6: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Sulfur as a CommodityCommercial sources of sulfur

Sulfur is pale yellow, odorless, brittle solid, which is insolublein water but soluble in carbon disulfide

Sulfur is used in the vulcanization of natural rubber

Sulfur is also used extensively in marking phosphatic fertilizers

A tremendous tonnage is used to produce sulfuric acid

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 7: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Sulfur as a CommodityCommercial sources of sulfur

Sulfur is pale yellow, odorless, brittle solid, which is insolublein water but soluble in carbon disulfide

Sulfur is used in the vulcanization of natural rubber

Sulfur is also used extensively in marking phosphatic fertilizers

A tremendous tonnage is used to produce sulfuric acid

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 8: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Synthetic Sulfur Allotropes

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

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Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Synthetic Sulfur AllotropesS6 is densely packed with close intermolecular contacts

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

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Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Synthetic Sulfur AllotropesS7-δ is less densely packed with close intermolecular contacts

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

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Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Orthorhombic α-SulfurS8 is the most stable form of sulfur

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 12: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Orthorhombic α-SulfurS8 is the most stable form of sulfur

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 13: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

γ-Sulfurγ-S8 exhibits a “sheared pennyroll” packing motif

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

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Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Molecular DecasulfurWouldn’t this make a great point group question?

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

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Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

S6·S10An allotrope consisting of two different molecular forms of an element

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

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Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Larger Sulfur Rings

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

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Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

S14, Tetradecasulfur

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

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Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

S18 and S20

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

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Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Fibrous SulfurThis allotrope exhibits infinite helical chains of sulfur

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

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Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Fibrous SulfurThis allotrope exhibits infinite helical chains of sulfur

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

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Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Lithium Sulfur BatteriesCarbon@Sulfur Composites for High-Power LithiumSulfur Batteries

Among cathode materials for secondary lithium batteries,elemental sulfur has the highest theoretical capacity,1672 mA h g−1

This is at least ten times greater than that of commerciallyused transition-metal phosphates and oxides

The electrochemical redox reaction: 16Li + S8 � 8Li2S

Lithium-Sulfur is considered a promising candidate for electricand hybrid electric vehicles

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 22: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Lithium Sulfur BatteriesCarbon@Sulfur Composites for High-Power LithiumSulfur Batteries

Among cathode materials for secondary lithium batteries,elemental sulfur has the highest theoretical capacity,1672 mA h g−1

This is at least ten times greater than that of commerciallyused transition-metal phosphates and oxides

The electrochemical redox reaction: 16Li + S8 � 8Li2S

Lithium-Sulfur is considered a promising candidate for electricand hybrid electric vehicles

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 23: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Lithium Sulfur BatteriesCarbon@Sulfur Composites for High-Power LithiumSulfur Batteries

Among cathode materials for secondary lithium batteries,elemental sulfur has the highest theoretical capacity,1672 mA h g−1

This is at least ten times greater than that of commerciallyused transition-metal phosphates and oxides

The electrochemical redox reaction: 16Li + S8 � 8Li2S

Lithium-Sulfur is considered a promising candidate for electricand hybrid electric vehicles

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 24: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Lithium Sulfur BatteriesCarbon@Sulfur Composites for High-Power LithiumSulfur Batteries

Among cathode materials for secondary lithium batteries,elemental sulfur has the highest theoretical capacity,1672 mA h g−1

This is at least ten times greater than that of commerciallyused transition-metal phosphates and oxides

The electrochemical redox reaction: 16Li + S8 � 8Li2S

Lithium-Sulfur is considered a promising candidate for electricand hybrid electric vehicles

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 25: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

C@S NanocompositesTEM images of mesoporous, hollow carbon capsules generated by a template-basedapproach

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 26: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Sulfur-Containing PolymersElemental sulfur is a byproduct of petroleum refining (HDS)

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 27: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Sulfur-Containing PolymersThe use of elemental sulfur as an alternative feedstock for polymeric materials

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 28: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Sulfur-Containing PolymersA new process given the name “inverse vulcanization”

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

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Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

Sulfur-Containing PolymersImprint lithography of poly(S-r-DIB) copolymers to form micropatterned films with 70% S

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 30: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Outline

1 Sulfur Allotropes

2 Technological Applications

3 Sulfate Reducing BacteriaBiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 31: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

They can be traced back billions of years in the geologic rockrecord to the Early Archean (3900 to 2900 million years ago)

Oxygen concentrations in Earth’s atmosphere were low

Ancient sulfate-reducing bacteria left their first mark on theirenvironment in pyrite minerals (FeS2) as old as 3400 millionyears

Today, these microorganisms are widespread in marine andterrestrial aquatic environments

Their ability to adapt to extreme physical and chemicalconditions enables them to play an important role in globalgeochemical cycles

There is evidence of their role in the generation of ore deposits

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 32: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

They can be traced back billions of years in the geologic rockrecord to the Early Archean (3900 to 2900 million years ago)

Oxygen concentrations in Earth’s atmosphere were low

Ancient sulfate-reducing bacteria left their first mark on theirenvironment in pyrite minerals (FeS2) as old as 3400 millionyears

Today, these microorganisms are widespread in marine andterrestrial aquatic environments

Their ability to adapt to extreme physical and chemicalconditions enables them to play an important role in globalgeochemical cycles

There is evidence of their role in the generation of ore deposits

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 33: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

They can be traced back billions of years in the geologic rockrecord to the Early Archean (3900 to 2900 million years ago)

Oxygen concentrations in Earth’s atmosphere were low

Ancient sulfate-reducing bacteria left their first mark on theirenvironment in pyrite minerals (FeS2) as old as 3400 millionyears

Today, these microorganisms are widespread in marine andterrestrial aquatic environments

Their ability to adapt to extreme physical and chemicalconditions enables them to play an important role in globalgeochemical cycles

There is evidence of their role in the generation of ore deposits

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 34: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

They can be traced back billions of years in the geologic rockrecord to the Early Archean (3900 to 2900 million years ago)

Oxygen concentrations in Earth’s atmosphere were low

Ancient sulfate-reducing bacteria left their first mark on theirenvironment in pyrite minerals (FeS2) as old as 3400 millionyears

Today, these microorganisms are widespread in marine andterrestrial aquatic environments

Their ability to adapt to extreme physical and chemicalconditions enables them to play an important role in globalgeochemical cycles

There is evidence of their role in the generation of ore deposits

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 35: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

They can be traced back billions of years in the geologic rockrecord to the Early Archean (3900 to 2900 million years ago)

Oxygen concentrations in Earth’s atmosphere were low

Ancient sulfate-reducing bacteria left their first mark on theirenvironment in pyrite minerals (FeS2) as old as 3400 millionyears

Today, these microorganisms are widespread in marine andterrestrial aquatic environments

Their ability to adapt to extreme physical and chemicalconditions enables them to play an important role in globalgeochemical cycles

There is evidence of their role in the generation of ore deposits

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 36: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

They can be traced back billions of years in the geologic rockrecord to the Early Archean (3900 to 2900 million years ago)

Oxygen concentrations in Earth’s atmosphere were low

Ancient sulfate-reducing bacteria left their first mark on theirenvironment in pyrite minerals (FeS2) as old as 3400 millionyears

Today, these microorganisms are widespread in marine andterrestrial aquatic environments

Their ability to adapt to extreme physical and chemicalconditions enables them to play an important role in globalgeochemical cycles

There is evidence of their role in the generation of ore deposits

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 37: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

They can be traced back billions of years in the geologic rockrecord to the Early Archean (3900 to 2900 million years ago)

Oxygen concentrations in Earth’s atmosphere were low

Ancient sulfate-reducing bacteria left their first mark on theirenvironment in pyrite minerals (FeS2) as old as 3400 millionyears

Today, these microorganisms are widespread in marine andterrestrial aquatic environments

Their ability to adapt to extreme physical and chemicalconditions enables them to play an important role in globalgeochemical cycles

There is evidence of their role in the generation of ore deposits

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 38: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

Sulfate-reducing bacteria can tolerate low levels of oxygen andcan precipitate zinc sulfide minerals

The sulfur cycle was strongly correlated with the carbon cyclethroughout geologic history because the two cycles areintrinsically connected through microbial metabolism

The sulfur cycle thus constitutes one of the best examples ofthe impact exerted by living organisms on geochemical cycles

Sulfate-reducing bacteria use sulfate mainly as an electronacceptor (without assimilating sulfur) in the anaerobicoxidation of inorganic or organic substrates such as H2 +CO2, lactate, acetate, and propionate

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 39: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

Sulfate-reducing bacteria can tolerate low levels of oxygen andcan precipitate zinc sulfide minerals

The sulfur cycle was strongly correlated with the carbon cyclethroughout geologic history because the two cycles areintrinsically connected through microbial metabolism

The sulfur cycle thus constitutes one of the best examples ofthe impact exerted by living organisms on geochemical cycles

Sulfate-reducing bacteria use sulfate mainly as an electronacceptor (without assimilating sulfur) in the anaerobicoxidation of inorganic or organic substrates such as H2 +CO2, lactate, acetate, and propionate

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 40: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

Sulfate-reducing bacteria can tolerate low levels of oxygen andcan precipitate zinc sulfide minerals

The sulfur cycle was strongly correlated with the carbon cyclethroughout geologic history because the two cycles areintrinsically connected through microbial metabolism

The sulfur cycle thus constitutes one of the best examples ofthe impact exerted by living organisms on geochemical cycles

Sulfate-reducing bacteria use sulfate mainly as an electronacceptor (without assimilating sulfur) in the anaerobicoxidation of inorganic or organic substrates such as H2 +CO2, lactate, acetate, and propionate

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 41: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

Sulfate-reducing bacteria can tolerate low levels of oxygen andcan precipitate zinc sulfide minerals

The sulfur cycle was strongly correlated with the carbon cyclethroughout geologic history because the two cycles areintrinsically connected through microbial metabolism

The sulfur cycle thus constitutes one of the best examples ofthe impact exerted by living organisms on geochemical cycles

Sulfate-reducing bacteria use sulfate mainly as an electronacceptor (without assimilating sulfur) in the anaerobicoxidation of inorganic or organic substrates such as H2 +CO2, lactate, acetate, and propionate

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 42: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

The Sulfur Cycle

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 43: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

As a consequence of their metabolism, large amounts ofreduced sulfide ions are produced and accumulated in theirnatural habitats

The sulfide ions combine with available metal ions to forminsoluble products, most commonly FeS2, leading to theproduction and transformation of natural mineral deposits

Using scuba divers to gain access to a flooded mine tunneledinto a Pb-Zn ore deposit, Labrenz et al. were able to retrievesamples containing microbial biofilms

They demonstrated that the collected aerotolerantsulfate-reducing bacteria assemblage has the ability to form apure precipitate of sphalerite (ZnS)

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 44: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

As a consequence of their metabolism, large amounts ofreduced sulfide ions are produced and accumulated in theirnatural habitats

The sulfide ions combine with available metal ions to forminsoluble products, most commonly FeS2, leading to theproduction and transformation of natural mineral deposits

Using scuba divers to gain access to a flooded mine tunneledinto a Pb-Zn ore deposit, Labrenz et al. were able to retrievesamples containing microbial biofilms

They demonstrated that the collected aerotolerantsulfate-reducing bacteria assemblage has the ability to form apure precipitate of sphalerite (ZnS)

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 45: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

As a consequence of their metabolism, large amounts ofreduced sulfide ions are produced and accumulated in theirnatural habitats

The sulfide ions combine with available metal ions to forminsoluble products, most commonly FeS2, leading to theproduction and transformation of natural mineral deposits

Using scuba divers to gain access to a flooded mine tunneledinto a Pb-Zn ore deposit, Labrenz et al. were able to retrievesamples containing microbial biofilms

They demonstrated that the collected aerotolerantsulfate-reducing bacteria assemblage has the ability to form apure precipitate of sphalerite (ZnS)

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 46: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

As a consequence of their metabolism, large amounts ofreduced sulfide ions are produced and accumulated in theirnatural habitats

The sulfide ions combine with available metal ions to forminsoluble products, most commonly FeS2, leading to theproduction and transformation of natural mineral deposits

Using scuba divers to gain access to a flooded mine tunneledinto a Pb-Zn ore deposit, Labrenz et al. were able to retrievesamples containing microbial biofilms

They demonstrated that the collected aerotolerantsulfate-reducing bacteria assemblage has the ability to form apure precipitate of sphalerite (ZnS)

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 47: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

The bacteria can scavenge zinc from waters with very low zincconcentrations (less than 1 part per million), essentiallystripping the water of the metal

This observation has interesting implications forunderstanding how economic ZnS deposits may have formed

Bacteria could be used to remove trace metals, such as Zn,As, or Se, from contaminated drinking water!

Sulfate-reducing bacterial assemblages can accumulate metalsto form a valuable ore deposit (PbS, ZnS, or FeS2) whilesimultaneously promoting the dolomitization (CaMg(CO3)2)of the host rock

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 48: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

The bacteria can scavenge zinc from waters with very low zincconcentrations (less than 1 part per million), essentiallystripping the water of the metal

This observation has interesting implications forunderstanding how economic ZnS deposits may have formed

Bacteria could be used to remove trace metals, such as Zn,As, or Se, from contaminated drinking water!

Sulfate-reducing bacterial assemblages can accumulate metalsto form a valuable ore deposit (PbS, ZnS, or FeS2) whilesimultaneously promoting the dolomitization (CaMg(CO3)2)of the host rock

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 49: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

The bacteria can scavenge zinc from waters with very low zincconcentrations (less than 1 part per million), essentiallystripping the water of the metal

This observation has interesting implications forunderstanding how economic ZnS deposits may have formed

Bacteria could be used to remove trace metals, such as Zn,As, or Se, from contaminated drinking water!

Sulfate-reducing bacterial assemblages can accumulate metalsto form a valuable ore deposit (PbS, ZnS, or FeS2) whilesimultaneously promoting the dolomitization (CaMg(CO3)2)of the host rock

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 50: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Sulfate Reducing BacteriaOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

The bacteria can scavenge zinc from waters with very low zincconcentrations (less than 1 part per million), essentiallystripping the water of the metal

This observation has interesting implications forunderstanding how economic ZnS deposits may have formed

Bacteria could be used to remove trace metals, such as Zn,As, or Se, from contaminated drinking water!

Sulfate-reducing bacterial assemblages can accumulate metalsto form a valuable ore deposit (PbS, ZnS, or FeS2) whilesimultaneously promoting the dolomitization (CaMg(CO3)2)of the host rock

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 51: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

The role of microbes in ore deposit formationOne of the oldest forms of life on Earth

Scanning electron microscopy image of sulfate-reducing bacteria that areintimately associated with dolomite crystals

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 52: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their

Sulfur AllotropesTechnological ApplicationsSulfate Reducing Bacteria

BiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

Outline

1 Sulfur Allotropes

2 Technological Applications

3 Sulfate Reducing BacteriaBiofilmsSulfur Elsewhere

5.03 Principles of Inorganic Chemistry Sulfur

Page 53: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their
Page 54: ccummins@mitweb.mit.edu/5.03/www/readings/sulfur/main.pdfTechnological Applications Sulfate Reducing Bacteria Sulfur Christopher C. Cummins ... terrestrial aquatic environments Their