Giuliano J. de Leon, Tech Times

A metal-eating bacteria was accidentally discovered by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) scientists after 100 years. According to Independent's latest report, many researchers theorized that this kind of bacteria that eats metal has already existed for over a century. However, there was not enough study to prove its existence. 

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When the scientists conducted experiments to study manganese, a mineral usually combined with iron, they accidentally discovered the tiny microbes. 

The discovery happened when Dr. Jared Leadbetter, a professor of environmental microbiology at Caltech, left a glass jar covered with manganese in the office sink to soak. When he returned to his office after working several months off-campus, the jar he left was covered with a black substance. The report explained that the dark compound is oxidized manganese formed by bacteria.  

Many scientists are aware of bacteria and fungi could oxidize manganese or strip it of electronics. However, there are no data that say microbes could do the same behavior, and this incident is another discovery in the science field. . 

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"These are the first bacteria found to use manganese as their source of fuel," said Dr. Jared.

"A wonderful aspect of microbes in nature is that they can metabolize seemingly unlikely materials, like metals, yielding energy useful to the cell," he added.

He also said that there is strong evidence that the bacteria live in groundwater and a portion of Pasadena's water that is pumped from local aquifers.

The metal-eating bacteria could also eliminate pollutants in groundwater

According to PhysOrg, the researchers were able to better understand groundwater's geochemistry because of the study's findings. Scientists explained that a process called "bioremediation" allows bacteria to eliminate pollutants found in groundwater. 

Once the pollutants are reduced, several key organisms will donate electrons to manganese oxide to reduce it, in the same way how humans use oxygen in the air.

"The bacteria we have discovered can produce it, thus, they enjoy a lifestyle that also serves to supply the other microbes with what they need to perform reactions that we consider to be beneficial and desirable," said Dr. Jared.The study may also help other researchers and scientists to understand manganese modules, which are usually found in the seafloor; marine researchers are already familiar with these round metallic balls, which can be as large as grapefruit.

These nodules are also found to line most of the oceans' bottom. Rare metals are usually found concentrated within the manganese nodules, attracting many mining companies to exploit and harvest them. 

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