Tiny builders with huge appetite

Researchers: Bacteria can eat holes in the rock

Some large cave systems could be caused by sulphur bacteria. The American scientists have discovered in the investigation of a cave in the U.S. state of Wyoming. The bacteria produce a waste product of their metabolism, sulphuric acid, capable of converting the limestone into gypsum. Since gypsum is water soluble, it will over time of water leached from the rock, so that cavities form. About the study of geologists to Annette Summers Engel from the University of Texas at Austin reported the online service provided by the journal Nature.

So far, scientists had assumed that the sulphuric acid without the aid of bacteria arises: If hydrogen sulphide, which causes many natural sources of the characteristic odor of rotten eggs rises to the surface, it can react with oxygen in the air, forming sulphuric acid. The acid in turn reacts with the calcium carbonate (lime) in the rock and converts it into calcium sulphate (gypsum) in order. The calcium sulphate is dissolved in the groundwater and form small cavities, which are getting bigger over time.

sulphuric acid destroyed banknotes

02.11.2006 - (02/11/2006) In Germany, according to a report in Bild newspaper showed up bills that degrade themselves.

An assessment found that the destroyed notes have come in contact with sulphuric acid. Chemists suggest that the degradation process is triggered only by the touch of a hand. Eventually, the bills were powdered with a sulphate salt, which develops only in conjunction with moisture, for example, manual welding, to form sulphuric acid.

leakage of sulphuric acid injured 10 people

Ship accident in the Port of Hamburg: leakage of sulphuric acid injured 10 people
Collision with container ship as a cause
Eight dock workers and two police officers involved

In a shipwreck in the port of Hamburg on Monday evening, eleven people were injured. A sulphuric acid-laden tanker had collided with a container ship capsized and so strong, that it was upturned.

Like the northern German Affinerie (NA) as the owner of the tanker, announced on Tuesday that the acid tanks are intact, but part of the cargo of 960 tons of sulphuric acid was flowed through the ventilation systems yet. Through the vapors suffered nine port workers and two policemen Atemwegverätzungen, like a fire brigade spokesman announced.

Fish kills
Shortly after the accident occurred in the immediate vicinity of the tanker to a fish kill. According to the Affinerie the leaked sulphuric acid in water led to the change in pH from seven to five. On Monday morning began with the rescue work. "The critical moment will be when the vessel is lifted," said Fire Department spokesman Peter Brown. The ship should then break apart, which threatens an environmental catastrophe port. The requested floating crane from Bremerhaven was expected around midday.

The tanker "ENA 2" was on Monday from 18.35 clock with the container ship "Pudong Senator" clashes that left the harbor towards the North Sea. The "ENA 2" is specially designed for the transport of sulphuric acid and the security built double-walled, reported the NA. After the accident it was the arrangements from the master and a boatswain's existing crew to bring the tanker to dock and moor at the quay facility.

Tear in the outer skin came from misfortune
Through a crack in the outer steel skin is water penetrated into the cavity between the acid tank and vessel wall and caused the capsizing of the ship, the report said. The sulphuric acid is pumped out loud and be transported back to the NA Affinerie.
(Bbc)