[Mechanism of the oxidation of divalent iron and manganese by iron bacteria developing in a neutral acidic medium].

The paper confirms the existence of a peroxide mechanism involved in oxidation of iron and manganeses by the most typical iron bacteria growing at neutral acidity of the medium. Oxidation of bivalent iron and manganese is accomplished by the simultaneous action of catalase and hydrogen peroxide produced in the respiratory chain in the course of oxidation of organic substances. Catalase performs the peroxidase function in these processes. The possibility of these biological reactions to occur and the necessary conditions have been studied in vitro. Possible variants of iron and manganese oxidation by iron bacteria are discussed, including the conditions for "symbiotic" oxidation of manganese by mixed cultures of microorganisms.