The Ability of Basalt to Leach Nutrients and Support Growth of Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 Depends on Basalt Composition and Element Release

Bo Byloos, Harsh Maan, Rob Van Houdt, Nico Boon, Natalie Leys

Research outputpeer-review

Abstract

The influence of different rock mineralogical compositions on element leaching and bio-weathering processes is poorly understood. Here, the role of basalt composition on nutrient leaching (calcium, iron, phosphorus or magnesium) and subsequent support of Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 growth was evaluated. Seven different basalts were examined. In iron-limiting media, growth could be restored for all basalts tested, while only two basalts could restore growth in magnesium-limiting medium. Only for magnesium growth complementation was correlated with the composition of the basalts tested. Our results showed that basalt composition can affect leaching and availability of different elements, in turn, affecting bacterial growth.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)438-446
Number of pages8
JournalGeomicrobiology Journal
Volume35
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Feb 2018

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