Bacterial Sulphate Reduction and the Development of Alkalinity. III. Experiments under Natural Conditions in the Wadi Natrûn

Abstract

Evidence that microbial sulphate reduction is mainly responsible for the formation of the natron (hydrated Na 2 CO 3 ) deposits in Wadi Natrûn is presented. The sulphate in the infiltrating water is reduced during passage through the surrounding waterlogged soil and the bicarbonate formed is later concentrated by evaporation in the lakes.