The oxidation of Mn(II) to Mn(IV) is thermodynamically favored under aerobic conditions, with a negative free energy of approximately 16 kcal/mol (Stumm and Morgan, 1981; Ehrlich, 1981; Nealson et al., 1988). However, the large activation energy of Mn(II) oxidation renders Mn(II) very stable in most aquatic environments (Stumm and Morgan, 1981). The activation energy barrier can be overcome by raising the pH (see Fig. 1) or by the addition of Mn-binding components, including Mn oxides themselves, which are excellent chelators of Mn(II) (Stumm and Morgan, 1981). The catalysis of Mn(II) oxidation by Mn oxides (autooxidation) makes it difficult to distinguish between chemically and microbially catalyzed Mn oxidation, especially in natural environments where organic chelators and Mn oxide particles may be abundant.