Abstract
A method for producing particles of inverse spinels of general formula MFe2O4 (where M is any first row transition metal) is disclosed, said particles having a maximum diameter of less than 1000nm. The method involves the steps of providing an aqueous suspension of amorphous Fe(III) oxide additionally containing amorphous oxide of metal M adding to said metal oxide suspension dissimilatory Fe(III) reducing bacteria together with an electron donor incubating the bacteria with the metal oxide suspension under an anaerobic atmosphere and separating the resulting particles of spinel from the suspension. The disclosure also relates to a method for removing iron(III) and other transition metal contaminants from the environment, comprising the steps of: providing an aqueous suspension of contaminated sediment containing amorphous Fe(III) oxide together with an oxide of at least one other first row transition metal, and of dissimilatory Fe(III) reducing bacteria adding to said suspension an electron donor incubating the suspension containing the bacteria under an anaerobic atmosphere and separating the resulting particles of spinel from the suspension.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Patent number | GB2421022-A; GB2421022-B |
| Publication status | Published - 14 Jun 2006 |