[Microbiologic studies of a spodumene deposit].

A wide spectrum of heterotrophic and autotrophic microorganisms was detected in the zones of decomposition of spodumene and bed rocks, pegmatites and shales, in the spodumene deposit. The following aerobic microorganisms which did not from spores predominated in the deposit: Arthrobacter globiformis, A. pascens, A. simplex, Nocardia globerula, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Ps. putida, Ps. testosteronii. The following specific bacterial groups were found: thionic, sulfate reducing, and nitrifying bacteria. Degradation of spodumene and bed rocks was found to occur in moist regions containing cracks; it was accompanied with a decrease in pH. A possible role of microorganisms in decomposition of spodumene as well as removal of elements is discussed.