Breathing Iron
A gallery of colorful, naturally occurring pond bacteria called Leptothrix discophora“If you look at the ecological circuitry of this planet, the ways in which materials like carbon or sulfur or phosphorous or nitrogen get cycled in ways that makes them available for our biology, the organisms that do the heavy lifting are bacteria.” ~ Andrew Knoll
Fine Art Nature, Landscape, Macro Photography Prints / Wall Art & Licensing
Leptothrix discophora is the name of a naturally occurring bacteria found in many low-movement ponds, wetlands, and vernal pools. In a similar way to the way we breathe or respire oxygen, this bacterium does the same with iron. Many people mistake them for some type of chemical or “oil slick” iridescence on the surface of a puddle or pond. The iridescent, colorful films that these bacterium forms are different in that disruption will produce a “crack” in the mat vs. merging back together like oil.
Make no mistake – these microbes are hard at work metabolizing iron, and a variety of other minerals, like manganese or arsenic in the water. The vibrant color patterns are the result of the variety of minerals they “breathe.”
As you can see from the photographs in this gallery, this wonder of nature can be appreciated simply as colorful art, as well as a deeper dive into biology. All photographs here are available as vibrant nature wall art in the form of canvas prints, prints on metal, and acrylic mounts. Licensing is also available for publications, please inquire for a quote.
Leptothrix discophora Photography
Purchase options: Nature Prints • Canvas Wall Art • Metal Wall Art • Licensing
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