Fig. 1 Phase distribution of catechol-derived carbon as a function of time during reaction with birnessite in suspension at pH 4 (no additions at 5 h): (a) normal conditions; (b) sterile conditions. Initial catechol and birnessite concentrations were 13.8 mmol C L^-1 and 1.0 g L^-1 respectively. Mean value ± sample standard deviation is shown