Aerobic iron-oxidizing bacteria secrete metabolites that markedly impede abiotic iron oxidation.

Iron is one of the Earth's most abundant elements and is required for essentially all forms of life. Yet, iron's reactivity with oxygen and poor solubility in its oxidized form (Fe) mean that it is often a limiting nutrient in oxic, near-neutral pH environments like Earth's ocean. In addition to being a vital nutrient, there is a diversity of aerobic organisms that oxidize ferrous iron (Fe) to harness energy for growth and biosynthesis.