Process of Carbonate Precipitation by Deleya halophila
Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray dispersive energy microanalysis were used to investigate the formation of carbonate crystals by Deleya halophila. The formation of calcium carbonate crystals (polymorphous aragonite) by D. halophila is a sequential process that commences with a nucleus formed by the aggregation of a few calcified bacterial cells and the subsequent accumulation of more calcified cells and carbonate, which acts to weld the bacteria together. The process leads to the formation of spherical bioliths measuring approximately 50 &mgr;m in diameter. The mechanism of carbonate precipitation by D. halophila under our working conditions represents a process of induced biomineralization.
Rivadeneyra
MA
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
Ramos-Cormenzana
A
Delgado
G
Delgado
R