Beggiatoa oxidises

Options

A. `H_2S` to S
B. `SO_4` to S
C. both correct
D. `Fe^(++) to Fe^(+++)`

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understanding Beggiatoa**:
- Beggiatoa is a type of bacteria that belongs to the group of chemoautotrophs. Chemoautotrophs are organisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic substances, particularly sulfur compounds in the case of Beggiatoa.

2. **Identifying the Oxidation Process**:
- Oxidation is a chemical process that involves the addition of oxygen to a substance or the removal of hydrogen from it. In the context of Beggiatoa, we need to focus on the oxidation of sulfur compounds.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- The question provides several options regarding what Beggiatoa oxidizes:
- Option 1: H2S to S (Hydrogen sulfide to sulfur)
- Option 2: SO4 to S (Sulfate to sulfur)
- Option 3: Both correct
- Option 4: Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺ (Iron II to Iron III)

4. **Evaluating Each Option**:
- **Option 1 (H2S to S)**: This involves the removal of hydrogen from hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is indeed an oxidation process.
- **Option 2 (SO4 to S)**: This involves the reduction of sulfate (SO4) to sulfur, which is not an oxidation process.
- **Option 3 (Both correct)**: Since only the first option is correct, this option is incorrect.
- **Option 4 (Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺)**: This is an oxidation process, but it is not related to Beggiatoa's primary function.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **Option 1: H2S to S**. Beggiatoa primarily oxidizes hydrogen sulfide to sulfur.