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Manganese

Hard and brittle manganese is widely distributed in the Earth's crust. In its impure state, this transition metal is chemically reactive and burns readily in oxygen.

Manganese possesses many physical and chemical properties similar to those of iron, and traces of manganese are often found associated with iron ores. Hard manganese, as an additive in the manufacture of steel, improves the strength and wear resistance of the steel.

Manganese compounds, such as the sulfate or the oxide, are frequently added to fertilizers, since this element is important to plant life. A deficiency could result in a decrease of chlorophyll molecules and negatively affect the process of photosynthesis, causing plants to lose their green colour.

It is believed that manganese, a trace element in animals, regulates the use of some vitamins, such as vitamin B1 – thiamine. Insufficient amounts of this element could lead to disturbances in bone formation and possibility of infertility in mammals.

In collaboration with the Magnetic Resonance Technology Group at the National Research Council's (NRC) Institute for Biodiagnostics, the Cardiac Studies Group uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess perfusion and viability of cardiac tissue. Manganese ions are used as contrast agents, during these studies, to highlight areas of reduced blood supply.