Manganese is a transition metal element (atomic number 25) that functions as an essential trace nutrient and catalytic cofactor in numerous biological and geochemical processes. In biological systems it serves as a redox-active center in enzymes such as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and participates in photosynthetic water oxidation in the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II. In geoscience and environmental chemistry, manganese cycles between multiple oxidation states (primarily Mn(II), Mn(III), and Mn(IV)), forming oxides and hydroxides that strongly influence redox conditions, trace metal scavenging, and contaminant mobility in soils, sediments, and aquatic systems.
Science never stops. Get notified about trending stories.
