Abstract:In order to explore the biogenic theory of Huanglong travertine, the authors studied succinic acid,the typical extracellular organic acid of psychrotrophic bacteria isolated from Huanglong. By simulating the low-temperature sedimentary environments of Huanglong water body, the authors investigated the effects of succinic acid on the calcification kinetics as well as the morphology and polymorphism of CaCO3. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the morphology and polymorphs of CaCO3 precipitation. The results were listed as followes: ① High concentration, low pH value and temperature inhibit the calcification to a certain extent. ② High concentration of succinic acid induces the formation of vaterite. ③ High temperature improves the aggregations of microcrystals. In conclusion, succinic acid, as the typical extracellular organic acid of Huanglong psychrotrophic bacteria, participates in the process of sedimentation to a certain extent and plays a role in regulating the morphology and polymorphism of CaCO3.The results can provide a basis for biogenic theory of Huanglong travertine.