Formation of manganese micro-nodules on water pipeline materials

A study was carried out on the interaction of a manganese oxidising bacterium growing as part of a biofilm on the surface of polyvinychloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe material. After 2 weeks the formation of micro-nodules was observed within the biofilm. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of these micro-nodules showed high manganese and oxygen levels and indicated the possible formation of a manganese oxide complex. The nodules were found to average 10 μm in diameter and most had a central hole of approximately 2μm.