Iron Bacteria

Description:

Iron bacteria are a natural part of the environment in most parts of the world. These microorganisms combine dissolved iron or manganese with oxygen and use it to form rust-colored deposits. In the process, the bacteria produce a brown slime. You can poke the top oil looking slick and if it break apart in sharp edges, its the bacteria not oil.

Habitat:

This was spotted on the Bittern Marsh Trail at Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area, Lewisville, TX.

Notes:

Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans are the bacteria that feed on iron. This was shown to me by a retired geologist. I took the photo several years ago, but the bacteria is still in the wetlands along the trail.