A method for cultivation of microorganisms oxidizing iron and manganese in bottom sediments of Lake Baikal

Methods for cultivation of microorganisms oxidizing iron and manganese in bottom sediments of Lake Baikal were tested. Bacteria were grown on selective media with a characteristic accumulation of metal oxides. The morphology and developmental patterns of the isolated microbial group were studied. The studied sediment core was used to isolate 42 strains of bacteria oxidizing iron and manganese. The cultivated bacteria were confined to the upper sediment layers (down to 11 cm) and their abundance depended on sediment type and redox conditions.