Enhancing iron biogeochemical cycling for ecosystem restoration: insights from microbial stimuli.

Introduction: The microbial-induced restoration of ferruginous crusts (), which partially cover iron deposits and host unique ecosystems, is a promising alternative for reducing the environmental impacts of the iron mining industry.

Methods: To investigate the potential of microbial action to accelerate the reduction and oxidation of iron in substrates rich in hematite and goethite, four different microbial treatments (water only as a control - W; culture medium only - MO; medium + microbial consortium - MI; medium + microbial consortium + soluble iron - MIC) were periodically applied to induce iron dissolution and subsequent precipitation. Except for W, all the treatments resulted in the formation of biocemented blocks.

Development of (Rhizophoraceae) and (Avicenniaceae) in the presence of a hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial consortium and marine diesel oil.

The development of and seedlings impacted by marine diesel oil (MDO) was evaluated in the presence or absence of a hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial consortium (HBC). The bioassays were conducted in a greenhouse during 6 months and consisted of three different treatments (control, MDO only and MDO + HBC). The bacterial consortium was mainly composed of spp.