Effects of heavy metals on aerobic denitrification by strain Pseudomonas stutzeri PCN-1

Inhibition of zinc ions in sulfur-driven autotrophic denitrification process: What is the behavior of extracellular polymeric substances?

Sulfur-driven autotrophic denitrification (SAD) process is a cost-effective and sustainable method for nitrogen removal from wastewater. However, a higher concentration of zinc ions (Zn(II)) flowing into wastewater treatment plants poses a potential threat to the SAD process. This study examined that a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Zn(II) was 7 mg·L-1 in the SAD process. Additionally, the addition of 20 mg·L-1 Zn(II) resulted in a severe accumulation of nitrite to 150.20 ± 6.00 mg·L-1 when the initial concentration of nitrate was 500 mg·L-1. Moreover, the activities of nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, dehydrogenase and electron transport system were significantly inhibited under Zn(II) stress. The addition of Zn(II) inhibited EPS secretion and worsened electrochemical properties. The result was attributed to the spontaneous binding between EPS and Zn(II), with a ΔG of -17.50 KJ·mol-1 and a binding constant of 1.77 × 104 M-1, respectively. Meanwhile, the protein, fulvic acid, and humic-like substances occurred static quenching after Zn(II) addition, with -OH and -C=O groups providing binding sites. The binding sequence was fulvic acid→protein→humic acid and -OH → -C=O. Zn(II) also reduced the content of α-helix, which was unfavorable for electron transfer. Additionally, the Zn(II) loosened protein structure, resulting in a 50 % decrease in α-helix/(β-sheet+random coil). This study reveals the effect of Zn(II) on the SAD process and enhances our understanding of EPS behavior under metal ions stress.

Effect of humic acid on aerobic denitrification by Achromobacter sp. strain GAD-3

Humic acid (HA), a common natural organic matter, could affect conventional anoxic denitrification. Aim of this study was to investigate effect of HA on the process of aerobic denitrification in Achromobacter sp. GAD-3, an aerobic denitrifying strain. The findings demonstrated that an increase in HA concentrations (≥5 mg L-1) promoted the aerobic denitrification process (excluding N2O reduction), manifesting as higher rates of nitrate removal (6.67-11.1 mg L-1 h-1) and lower levels of nitrite accumulation (30.2-20.7 mg L-1). This was attributed to the increased electron transfer activities and denitrifying reductase activities (including NAR, NIR and NOR) facilitated by HA. Accordingly, the expression of denitrification genes such as napA, cnorB, and nirS was enhanced by HA. Nonetheless, the nosZ gene and N2OR activity underwent suppression by HA, which was accountable for N2O emission. It is crucial to understand the HA mechanism towards aerobic denitrifiers for wastewater treatment plants to enhance nitrogen removal.

Promoting the denitrification process by heavy metals in Liaohe Estuary sediment

The impact of heavy metal ions on the biodenitrification process remains unknown, which is the key to understand the nitrogen cycle in estuarine areas. Here, denitrification rate and the abundance of five denitrifying enzyme genes (narG, nirK, napA, norB and nosZ) in Liaohe Estuary sediments were examined, and the community structure of nirK denitrifying bacteria was also analyzed. The results demonstrate a significant positive correlation between heavy metal content (Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cr) and the denitrification rate, and the abundance of napA/norB (periplasmic nitrate reductase and nitric-oxide reductase) in sediments. The dominant narG denitrifiers were Pseudomonas, Hydrogenophaga, and Serratia known to be tolerant to heavy metal pollution. Sediment particle size, NO3-, NO2-, Zn2+, and Cd2+ were the key factors influencing the denitrifying community structure. These findings suggest that heavy metals may enhance the aerobic denitrification process in sediments and mitigate the adverse effects of high dissolved oxygen levels.

Effects of sliver nanoparticles on nitrogen removal by the heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification bacteria Zobellella sp. B307 and their toxicity mechanisms

Due to the widespread use of sliver nanoparticles (AgNPs), a large amount of AgNPs has inevitably been released into the environment, and there is growing concern about the toxicity of AgNPs to nitrogen-functional bacteria. In addition to traditional anaerobic denitrifying bacteria, heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (HNAD) bacteria are also important participants in the nitrogen cycle. However, the mechanisms by which AgNPs influence HNAD bacteria have yet to be explicitly demonstrated. In this study, the inhibitory effects of different concentrations of AgNPs on a HNAD bacteria Zobellella sp. B307 were investigated, and the underlying mechanism was explored by analyzing the antioxidant system and the activities of key denitrifying enzymes. Results showed that AgNPs could inhibit the growth and the HNAD ability of Zobellella sp. B307. AgNPs could accumulate on the surface of bacterial cells and significantly destroyed the cell membrane integrity. Further studies demonstrated that the presence of high concentration of AgNPs could result in the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and related oxidative stress in the cells. Furthermore, the catalytic activities of key denitrifying enzymes (nitrate reductase (NAR), nitrite reductase (NIR), and nitrous oxide reductase (N2OR)) were significantly suppressed under exposure to a high concentration of AgNPs (20 mg·L-1), which might be responsible for the inhibited nitrogen removal performance of strain B307. This work could improve our understanding of the inhibitory effect and underlying mechanism of AgNPs on HNAD bacteria.

Single and Combined Effects of Phenanthrene and Silver Nanoparticles on Denitrification Processes in Coastal Marine Sediments

The increasing production and utilization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and commercial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have raised concerns about their potential environmental release, with coastal sediments as a substantial sink. To better understanding the effects of these contaminants on denitrification processes in coastal marine sediments, a short-term exposure simulation experiment was conducted. We investigated the effects of single and combined contamination of phenanthrene (Phe) and AgNPs on denitrification processes in a coastal marine sediment. Results showed that all contaminated treatment groups had different degrees of inhibitory effect on denitrification activity, denitrifying enzyme activity, total bacteria count and denitrifying genes. The inhibitory effect sequence of each treatment group was combined treatment > AgNPs treatment > Phe treatment. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of denitrifying genes were much larger than that of total bacteria count, indicating that the pollutants had specific toxic effects on denitrifying bacteria. The sequence of sensitivity of three reduction process to pollutants was N2O > NO2- > NO3-. All contaminated treatment groups could increase NO3-, NO2- and N2O accumulation. Furthermore, according to the linear relationship between functional gene or reductase and denitrification process, we also found that the abundance of denitrifying genes could better predict the influence of Phe and AgNPs on sediment denitrification than the denitrifying bacterial diversity. In addition, at the genus level, the community structure of nirS- and nosZ-type denitrifying bacteria changed dramatically, while changes at the phylum level were comparatively less pronounced. Single and combined contamination of Phe and AgNPs could reduce the dominance of Pseudomonas, which may lead to a potential slow-down in the degradation of Phe and inhibition of denitrification, especially the combined contamination. Overall, our study revealed that combined contamination of Phe and AgNPs could lead to an increase in NO3-, NO2- and N2O accumulation in coastal sediment, which poses a risk of eutrophication in coastal areas, exacerbates the greenhouse effect and has adverse effects on global climate change.

Natural chalcopyrite mitigates nitrous oxide emissions in sediment from coastal wetlands

Coastal wetlands are one of the most important natural sources of nitrous oxide (N2O). Previous studies have shown that copper-containing chemicals are able to reduce N2O emissions from these ecosystems. However, these chemicals may harm organisms present in coastal waters and sediment, and disturb the ecological balance of these areas. Here, we first investigated the physiological characteristics and genetic potential of denitrifying bacteria isolated from coastal wetlands. Based on an isolated denitrifier carrying a complete denitrification pathway, we tested the effect of the natural mineral chalcopyrite on N2O production by the bacteria. The results demonstrated that chalcopyrite addition lowers N2O emissions from the bacteria while increasing its N2 production rate. Among the four denitrification genes of the isolate, only nosZ gene expression was significantly upregulated following the addition of 2 mg L-1 chalcopyrite. Furthermore, chalcopyrite was applied to coastal wetland sediments. The N2O flux was significantly reduced in 50-100 mg L-1 chalcopyrite-amended sets relative to the controls. Notably, the dissolved Cu concentration in chalcopyrite-amended sediment remained within the limit set by the National Sewage Treatment Discharge Standard. qPCR and metagenomic analysis revealed that the abundance of N2O-reducing bacteria with the nosZ or nirK + nosZ genotype increased significantly in the chalcopyrite-amended groups relative to the controls, suggesting their active involvement in the reduction of N2O emissions. Our findings offer valuable insights for the use of natural chalcopyrite in large-scale field applications to reduce N2O emissions.

Insights into the nitrogen transformation mechanism of Pseudomonas sp. Y15 capable of heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification

Excessive nitrogen (N) discharged in water is a major cause of eutrophication and other severe environmental issues. Biological N removal via heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) has drawn particular attention, owing to the merit of concurrent nitrification and denitrification inside one cell. However, the mechanisms underlying N transformation during HN-AD remain unclear. In the present study, the HN-AD strain Pseudomonas sp. Y15 (Y15) was isolated to explore the N distribution and flow, based on stoichiometry and energetics. The total N removal efficiency by Y15 increased linearly with C/N ratio (in the range of 5-15) to ∼96.8%. Of this, ∼32.2% and ∼64.6% were transformed into gas-N and biomass-N, respectively. A new intracellular N metabolic bypass (NO → NO2) was found, to address the substantial gaseous N production during HN-AD. Concering energetics, the large portion of the biomass-N is ascribed to the synthesis of the amino acids that consume low energy. Finally, two novel stoichiometric equations for different N sources were proposed, to describe the overall HN-AD process. This study deepens the fundamental knowledge on HN-AD bacteria and enlightens their use in treating N-contaminated wastewater.

Ascription of nosZ gene, pH and copper for mitigating N2O emissions in acidic soils

Soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are alarming for global warming and climate change. N2O reduction is carried out only by nosZ gene encoded N2O-reductase, which is highly sensitive to acidic pH and copper (Cu) contents. Therefore, a microcosm study was conducted to examine the attribution of soil pH management, Cu supply and nosZ gene abundance for N2O emission mitigation. Cu was applied at the dose of 0, 10, 25 and 50 mg kg-1 to three acidic soils (Soil 1, 2 and 3) without and with dolomite (0 and 5 g kg-1). Cu application and soil pH increment substantially enlarged the abundance of nosZ gene, and consequently mitigated soil N2O emissions; highest reduction with 25 Cu mg kg-1. Decline in NH4+ and subsequently accumulation of NO3-, and large contents of MBC and DOC in dolomite treated soils led to a substantial N2O reduction. The cumulative N2O emissions were lowest in the treatment of 25 Cu mg kg-1 with dolomite application for each soil. Results suggest that soil pH increment, an adequate Cu supply, and nosZ gene abundance can potentially lower soil N2O emissions in acidic soils.

Pollution caused by mining reshaped the structure and function of bacterial communities in China's largest ion-adsorption rare earth mine watershed

Ion-adsorption rare earth mining results in the production of high levels of nitrogen, multiple metals, and strong acidic mine drainage (AMD), the impacts of which on microbial assembly and ecological functions remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we collected river sediments from the watershed of China's largest ion-adsorption rare earth mine and analyzed the bacterial community's structure, function, and assembly mechanisms. Results showed that bacterial community assembly was weakly affected by spatial dispersion, and dispersal limitation and homogeneous selection were the dominant ecological processes, with the latter increasing with pollution gradients. Bacterial alpha diversity decreased with pollution, which was mainly influenced by lead (Pb), pH, rare earth elements (REEs), and electrical conductivity (EC). However, bacteria developed survival strategies (i.e., enhanced acid tolerance and interspecific competition) to adapt to extreme environments, sustaining species diversity and community stability. Community structure and function showed a consistent response to the polluted environment (r = 0.662, P = 0.001). Enhanced environmental selection reshaped key microbial-mediated biogeochemical processes in the mining area, in particular weakening the potential for microbial denitrification. These findings provide new insights into the ecological response of microbes to compound pollution and offer theoretical support for proposing effective remediation and management strategies for polluted areas.

Ecophysiological and genomic analyses of a representative isolate of highly abundant Bacillus cereus strains in contaminated subsurface sediments

Bacillus cereus strain CPT56D-587-MTF (CPTF) was isolated from the highly contaminated Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) subsurface. This site is contaminated with high levels of nitric acid and multiple heavy metals. Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes (V4 region) in sediment from this area revealed an amplicon sequence variant (ASV) with 100% identity to the CPTF 16S rRNA sequence. Notably, this CPTF-matching ASV had the highest relative abundance in this community survey, with a median relative abundance of 3.77% and comprised 20%-40% of reads in some samples. Pangenomic analysis revealed that strain CPTF has expanded genomic content compared to other B. cereus species-largely due to plasmid acquisition and expansion of transposable elements. This suggests that these features are important for rapid adaptation to native environmental stressors. We connected genotype to phenotype in the context of the unique geochemistry of the site. These analyses revealed that certain genes (e.g. nitrate reductase, heavy metal efflux pumps) that allow this strain to successfully occupy the geochemically heterogenous microniches of its native site are characteristic of the B. cereus species while others such as acid tolerance are mobile genetic element associated and are generally unique to strain CPTF.

Hydrophilic spongy biochar crosslinked with starch and polyvinyl alcohol biocarrier for nitrate, phosphorus, and cadmium removal in low carbon wastewater: Enhanced performance mechanism and detoxification

This study aims to develop a functional biocarrier with hydrophilic spongy biochar crosslinked with starch and polyvinyl alcohol (WSB/starch-PVA) for simultaneous removal of NO₃^--N, total phosphorus (TP) and Cd²⁺ in low carbon wastewater. Results showed that the WSB/starch-PVA bioreactor achieved the maximum NO₃^--N removal efficiency in subphase 1.2 with 98.07 % (3.64 mg L^-1h^-1) versus control (75.30 %, 2.81 mg L^-1h^-1), and removed 54.84 % and 73.97 % of TP and Cd²⁺. Material characterization suggested that functional groups (related to C, N and O) on biocarrier and biofilm, and biogenic co-precipitation facilitated TP and Cd²⁺ removal. The WSB made the biocarrier pores larger and regular, and decreased fluorescent soluble microbial products. The predicted metagenome further suggested that central citrate cycle, oxidative phosphorylation of bio-community, and NO₃^--N removal were enhanced. Functions for microbial induced co-precipitation, Cd²⁺ transport/efflux, antioxidants, and enhanced biofilm formation favored the NO₃^--N/TP removal and Cd²⁺ detoxification.

Continuous monitoring of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) transformations along the waste-vadose zone - groundwater path of an uncontrolled landfill, using multiple N-species isotopic analysis

Landfill leachates contain a heavy load of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), posing a threat to water resources. Therefore, it is highly important to understand the processes that control its evolution (speciation, accumulation, or attenuation) during the percolation of leachates through the unsaturated zone, finally affecting the groundwater. However, tracking DIN transformations in this complex and inaccessible environment is challenging, and knowledge concerning this important topic under field conditions is scarce. The presented study used a unique monitoring system that allows sampling of repetitive samples from within the waste and the unsaturated zone. An array of 8 wells penetrating the underlying aquifer completed the spatial observation. Multiple N-species isotopic approach was applied to discern the dominating N-involving processes over the continuum - from the waste mound through the unsaturated zone and the underlying aquifer. Despite the considerable heterogeneity observed throughout the profile, the results provided a cohesive and valuable reflection of the evolution of the inorganic nitrogen pool in this highly contaminated environment. Leachates inside the waste had reducing characteristics with high accumulation of ammonium (up to 360 mg/l NH₄⁺-N), and a distinct δ¹⁵N-NH₄⁺ range (-3‰ to +10‰). The upper layers of the unsaturated zone underneath the landfill margins found to be aerated, promoting N oxidation which resulted in the accumulation of nitrate in the leachates (up to 490 mg/l NO₃^-N). Exceptionally high concentrations of nitrite (up to 126 mg/l NO₂^-N) were found as oxygen levels decreased in deeper sections of the vadose zone. Enrichment of δ¹⁵N-NO₂^- compared to δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- indicated the significance of autotropic nitrite reduction, controlling the DIN composition, correlated with NO₂^- accumulation and net DIN attenuation. The δ¹⁵N: δ¹⁸O ratio implied co-occurrence of denitrification in the leachates, even in the more oxidized sections, further contributing to N-attenuation in the unsaturated zone. In the aquifer, δ¹⁵N-NH₄⁺ values and δ¹⁵N: δ¹⁸O ratio linked N contamination to the leachates source. The encounter with the oxidized groundwater promoted intensive nitrification. δ¹⁵N-NO₂^- values in the groundwater were lighter than both δ¹⁵N-NH₄⁺ and δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- by 22‰ to 62‰, implying the co-occurrence of nitrification-denitrification processes. The effect of denitrification grew with decreasing dissolved oxygen (DO) levels below 0.5 mg/l towards the center of the plume, contributing to net DIN attenuation in the plume. The findings are significant for any consideration of the risk posed by DIN, as well as remediation measures, in a landfill environment and other sites with a heavy load of degrading organic matter.

Nitrates in the environment: A critical review of their distribution, sensing techniques, ecological effects and remediation

Nitrate pollution is eminent in almost all the developing nations as a result of increased natural activities apart from anthropogenic pollution. The release of nitrates in more than critical quantities into the water bodies causes accretion impacts on living creatures, environmental receptors, and human vigour by accumulation through the food chain. Nitrates have recently acquired researchers' huge attention and extend their roots in environmental contamination of surface and groundwater systems. The presence of nitrate in high concentrations in surface and groundwater triggers several health problems, for instance, methemoglobinemia, diabetes, eruption of infectious disorders, harmfully influence aquatic organisms. Sensing nitrate is an alternate option for monitoring the distribution of nitrate in different water bodies. Here we review electrochemical, spectroscopic, and electrical modes of nitrate sensing. It is concluded that, among the various sensors discussed in this review, FET sensors are the most desirable choice. Their sensitivity, ease of use and scope for miniaturisation are exceptional. Advanced functional materials need to be designed to satiate the growing need for environmental monitoring. Different sources of nitrate contamination in ground and surface water can be estimated using different techniques such as nitrate isotopic composition, co contaminants, water tracers, and other specialized techniques. This review intends to explore the research work on remediation of nitrate from wastewater and soil using different processes such as reverse osmosis, chemical denitrification, biological denitrification, ion exchange, electrodialysis, and adsorption. Denitrification proves as a promising alternative over previously reported techniques in terms of their nitrate removal because of its high cost-effectiveness.

Hypothermia Pseudomonas taiwanensis J488 exhibited strong tolerance capacity to high dosages of divalent metal ions during nitrogen removal process

The nitrogen metabolic pathways of Pseudomonas taiwanensis J488 have not been confirmed from genomic function analysis and its divalent metal ion resistance remains poorly understood. In this study, the key denitrifying gene of Pseudomonas taiwanensis J488, nirB, was determined by draft genome sequencing. The nitrification of ammonium was insensitive to high concentrations of Ca(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II). Similarly, complete nitrite removal was achieved despite Mn(II) and Zn(II) reaching concentrations up to 30 mg/L. Furthermore, the efficiency of nitrate removal was significantly enhanced by 1.33%, 3.33%, 5.99%, and 1.53% with the addition of 0.5 mg/L Ca(II), 20 mg/L Mn(II), 5 mg/L Zn(II), and 2 mg/L Cd(II), respectively, comparison with the control. The bacterial growth in both nitrifying and denitrifying processes was substantially promoted by various dosages of divalent metal ions. These results indicate that divalent metal ions would not severely limit the capacity of strain J488 to purify nitrogen-polluted wastewater.

Study on the aerobic remediation of Ni(II) by Pseudomonas hibiscicola strain L1 interaction with nitrate

Aerobic denitrifying bacteria have the potential to remove the co-pollutants Ni(II) and nitrate in industrial wastewater. In this study, aerobic denitrifying bacteria with significant Ni(II) removal efficiency was isolated from the biological reaction tank and named as Pseudomonas hibiscicola L1 strain after 16 S rRNA identification analysis. The removal of ever-increasing Ni(II) and NO₃^--N wastewater under aerobic conditions by strain L1 was discussed. The experimental results showed that strain L1 removed 84% of Ni(II) and 81% of COD, with the use of 34.8 mg L^-1 of nitrogen source and without nitrite accumulation yet. Strain L1 had remarkable activity (OD₆₀₀ = 0.51-0.56 (p < 0.05)) at 20 mg L^-1 of Ni(II) and 100 mg L^-1 of NO₃^--N. It was found that high Ni(II) gradients (2-10 mg L^-1) had little effect on nitrate removal ratio (35-34% (p > 0.05), and the removal ratios of Ni(II) was enhanced (from 42% to 83% (p < 0.05)) by increasing nitrate (25-100 mg L^-1). Also, the results indicated that strain L1 could reduce Ni(II) and nitrate under different pH (6-9); electron donor-glucose, sodium acetate, sodium succinate and trisodium citrate; C/N (5-20) and coexisting ions (Cu(II) and Zn(II)). Notably, the nitrogen balance analysis showed 32.4% of TN was lost nitrogen and 19.7% of TN was assimilated for cell growth, which indicated aerobic denitrification process of strain L1. Meanwhile, characterization technology (SEM, FTIR, and XRD) showed Ni(II) was bioadsorbed in the form of Ni(NH₂)₂, NiCO₃, and Ni(OH)₂·2H₂O through surface functional groups. This research provides new microbial method for the simultaneous removal of nitrate and Ni(II) in wastewater.

Mix-cultured aerobic denitrifying bacterial communities reduce nitrate: Novel insights in micro-polluted water treatment at lower temperature

Three mix-cultured aerobic denitrifiers were screened from a source water reservoir and named HE1, HE3 and SU4. Approximately 72.9%, 68.6% and 66.2% of nitrate were effectively removed from basal medium, respectively, after 120 h of cultivation at 8 °C. The nitrogen balance analysis revealed about one-fifth of the initial nitrogen was converted into gaseous denitrification products. According to the results of Biolog, the three microfloras had high metabolic capacity to carbon sources. The dominant genera were Pseudomonas and Paracoccus in these bacterial communities based on nirS gene sequencing. Response surface methodology elucidated that the denitrification rates of identified bacteria reached the maximum under the following optimal parameters: C/N ratio of 7.51-8.34, pH of 8.03-8.09, temperature of 18.03-20.19 °C, and shaking speed of 67.04-120 rpm. All results suggested that screened aerobic denitrifiers could potentially be applied to improve the source water quality at low temperature.

Biological stimulation with Fe(III) promotes the growth and aerobic denitrification of Pseudomonas stutzeri T13

Certain metal ions can contribute to the functional microorganisms becoming dominant by stimulating their metabolism and activity. Therefore, Pseudomonas stutzeri T13 was used to investigate the impacts of biological stimulation with certain metal ions on aerobic denitrifying bacteria. Results showed that with the addition of 0.036 mmol/L Fe³⁺ ions, the nitrogen-assimilation capacity of P. stutzeri T13 significantly increased by 43.99% when utilizing ammonium as the sole nitrogen source. Kinetic models were applied to analyze the role of Fe³⁺ ions in the growth, and results indicated that increasing Fe³⁺ ion concentrations decreased the decay rate. The maximum nitrate reduction rate increased from 9.55 mg-N L^-1 h^-1 to 19.65 mg-N L^-1 h^-1 with Fe³⁺ ion concentrations increasing from 0.004 to 0.036 mmol/L, which was due to the increased level of napA gene transcription and activity of nitrate reductase. This study provides a theoretical foundation for further understanding of the mechanism of Fe³⁺ ion stimulation of aerobic denitrification, benefiting the practicable application of aerobic denitrifiers.

Effects of copper and florfenicol on nirS- and nirK-type denitrifier communities and related antibiotic resistance in vegetable soils

Denitrification play an important role in nitrogen cycle and is affected by veterinary drugs entering agricultural soils. In the present study, the effects of copper and florfenicol on denitrification, related antibiotic resistance and environmental variables were characterized using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and amplicon sequencing in a short-term (30 d) soil model experiment. Drug additions significantly decreased the nirS gene abundance (P < 0.05) but maximized the abundance of gene nirK in soil containing florfenicol and moderate copper levels (150 mg kg^-1). Surprisingly, copper additions decreased the fexB gene abundance, however, the abundance of gene pcoD significantly increased in soils containing florfenicol, moderate copper levels (150 mg kg^-1), and florfenicol and low copper levels (30 mg kg^-1), respectively (P < 0.05). Overall, the nirK-type community composition was more complex than that of nirS-type but Proteobacteria predominated (> 90%) in both communities. Correlation analysis indicated that the gene abundance of fexB was highly correlated with NH₄⁺-N (P < 0.05) and NO₃^--N (P < -0.01), and floR gene abundance was positively correlated with nirK (P < 0.01). Besides, the abundance of nirS-type genera Bradyrhizobium and Pseudomonas were obviously related to total organic matter (TOM), total nitrogen (TN) or total phosphorus (TP) (P < 0.05), while the abundance of nirK-type Rhizobium, Sphingomonas and Bosea showed a significantly correlated with TOM, TN or copper contents (P < 0.05). Taken together, copper and florfenicol contamination increased the possibility of durg resistance genes spread in agricultural soils through nitrogen transformation.

Nitrogen removal characteristics and predicted conversion pathways of a heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa P-1

In this study, the heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P-1) strain was investigated, and the N transformation pathway was revealed. The highest removal rates of NH₄⁺, NO₃^-, and NO₂^- (9.29, 6.12, and 3.72 mg L^-1 h^-1, respectively) by this strain were higher than those by most reported bacteria and were achieved when the carbon source was glucose, C/N ratio was 15, pH was 8, temperature was 30 °C, and shaking speed was 200 rpm. The removal order and characteristics of three N sources were investigated in Pseudomonas aeruginosa for the first time. The results revealed that P-1 preferentially nitrified NH₄⁺ and only began to denitrify NO₂^- and NO₃^- when NH₄⁺ was almost entirely depleted. Isotopic labeling of N sources revealed that P-1 uses both partial and complete nitrification/denitrification pathways that can operate either simultaneously or independently, depending on the availability of different types of N compounds, with N₂ as the final gaseous product and virtually no NO₂^- accumulation. Moreover, the P-1 strain could convert various nitrogen compounds under high salinity (40 g L^-1) and high concentrations of Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cr⁶⁺, Pb²⁺, and Cd²⁺ (50 mg L^-1). Therefore, P-1 could be used as an alternative of inorganic N-removal bacteria in practical applications.

New application of rutin: Repair the toxicity of emerging perfluoroalkyl substance to Pseudomonas stutzeri

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are toxic to microorganisms, thereby affecting microbial communities in sludge and soil, but how to repair the toxicity of microorganisms remains unclear. In this study, rutin, an antioxidant, was added into a culture medium with an aerobic denitrification bacteria, Pseudomonas stutzeri, under the exposure of sodium perfluorononyloxy-benzenesulfonate (OBS) to evaluate the repair mechanisms of rutin to the toxicity of OBS to the bacteria. The results showed that rutin could repair the damage of OBS to cell structures, and reduce the death rates of the bacteria under OBS exposure. The dosage of rutin reduced the effect on the inhibition of denitrification ability of P. stutzeri under OBS exposure. Compared with the bacteria exposed to single OBS, the dosage of rutin resulted in that the death rates recovered from 96.2% to 66.4%, the growth inhibition rate decreased from 46.5% to 15.8%, the total nitrogen removal rate recovered from 66.9% to 100%, and the NO₂^- content recovered from 34.5 mg/L to 0.22 mg/L. The expressions of key denitrification genes (napA, nirS, norB, nosZ) were recovered after adding rutin under OBS exposure. Rutin changed the positive rate of reactive oxygen species, the relative superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the bacteria which exposed to OBS. The mechanism by which rutin repaired the toxicity of OBS to P. stutzeri related to inhibiting the activities of antioxidant and denitrification enzymes rather than affecting the expressions of genes involved in these enzymes. This study sheds light on the repair method of micro-organics and reveals the repair mechanisms under PFASs exposure.

Nitrate assimilation, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium, and denitrification coexist in Pseudomonas putida Y-9 under aerobic conditions

The specific nitrate reduction pathway in Pseudomonas putida Y-9 under aerobic conditions was studied. Strain Y-9 removed 82% of the nitrate accompanied by an accumulation of ammonium and a decrease of total nitrogen. Ammonium inhibited nitrate transformation (removal efficiency was 22.65%), illustrating that nitrate assimilation exists in strain Y-9. The detectable ammonium in the supernatant during the nitrate reduction process came from intracellular locations in strain Y-9. The nirBD that encodes nitrite reductase had an important role in strain growth and ammonium production. A ¹⁵N isotope experiment demonstrated that strain Y-9 can conduct dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) and nirBD controls this process. This further indicated that the loss of total nitrogen is due to denitrification. All results highlighted that strain Y-9 performs simultaneous nitrate assimilation, DNRA, and denitrification under aerobic conditions, and nirBD controls the assimilation and DNRA process. Thereinto, nitrate assimilation dominates the removal of nitrate.

Simultaneous cobalt(III)-histidine reduction and aerobic denitrification by Paracoccus versutus LYM

Cobalt(II)-histidine [Co(II)His] is potentially a better alternative to ferrous complexes in the chemical absorption-biological reduction (CABR) flue gas denitrification process in view of its higher oxygenation reversibility. Though with excellent O₂-resistant ability, Co(II)His was still gradually oxidized into Co(III)His, losing NO binding capacity. Thus, Co(III)His biological reduction is an indispensable step in CABR process. Co(III)His reduction by Paracoccus versutus LYM under aerobic condition in the presence of nitrate or nitrite was investigated. Results indicated that simultaneous Co(III)His reduction and aerobic denitrification were achieved by strain LYM. Co(III)His reduction was significantly promoted by denitrification process, but dramatically inhibited by 5-15 mM sulfite. Co(II)His absorbent regeneration could be facilitated by adjusting O₂ supply properly or adding nitrogen and carbon source regularly. These findings provide a basis for the application of Co(II)His as the absorbent in the CABR process and qualify P. versutus LYM as an applicable and competitive strain for this process.

Transcriptional and metabolic response against hydroxyethane-(1,1-bisphosphonic acid) on bacterial denitrification by a halophilic Pannonibacter sp. strain DN

Biological denitrification is an environmentally sound pathway for the elimination of nitrogen pollution in wastewater treatment. Extreme environmental conditions, such as the co-existence of toxic organic pollutants, can affect biological denitrification. However, the potential underlying mechanism remains largely unexplored. Herein, the effect of a model pollutant, hydroxyethane-(1,1-bisphosphonic acid) (HEDP), a widely applied and consumed bisphosphonate, on microbial denitrification was investigated by exploring the metabolic and transcriptional responses of an isolated denitrifier, Pannonibacter sp. strain DN. Results showed that nitrate removal efficiency decreased from 85% to 50% with an increase in HEDP concentration from 0 to 3.5 mM, leading to nitrite accumulation of 204 mg L^-1 in 3.5 mM HEDP. This result was due to the lower bacterial population count and reduction in the live cell percentage. Further investigation revealed that HEDP caused a decrease in membrane potential from 0.080 ± 0.005 to 0.020 ± 0.002 with the increase in HEDP from 0 to 3.5 mM. This hindered electron transfer, which is required for nitrate transformation into nitrogen gas. Moreover, transcriptional profiling indicated that HEDP enhanced the genes involved in ROS (O₂^-) scavenging, thus protecting cells against oxidative stress damage. However, the suppression of genes responsible for the production of NADH/FADH₂ in tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), NADH catalyzation (NADH dehydrogenase) in (electron transport chain) ETC system and denitrifying genes, especially nor and nir, in response to 2.5 mM HEDP were identified as the key factor inhibiting transfer of electron from TCA cycle to denitrifying enzymes through ETC system.

Effect of Cobalt, Cadmium and Manganese on Nitrogen Removal Capacity of Arthrobacter arilaitensis Y-10

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of a simultaneous nitrification–denitrification hypothermic bacterium for applying in Cd(II), Co(II), and Mn(II)-contaminated wastewater. The influence of Cd(II), Co(II), and Mn(II) on the inorganic nitrogen removal capacity of the hypothermia bacterium Arthrobacter arilaitensis Y-10 was determined. The experimental results demonstrated that low concentration of Cd(II) (2.5 mg/L) exhibited no significant impact on bioremediation of ammonium. The nitrate and nitrite removal activities of strain Y-10 were enhanced by 0.1 and 0.25 mg/L of Cd(II), but hindered by more than 0.25 and 0.5 mg/L of Cd(II), respectively. However, the cell growth and denitrification activity ceased immediately once Co(II) was supplemented. In terms of Mn(II), no conspicuous inhibitory impact on ammonium bioremediation was observed even if Mn(II) concentration reached as high as 30 mg/L. The bioremediation of nitrates and nitrites was significantly improved by 0.5 mg/L of Mn(II), and then dropped sharply along with the increase of Mn(II). The order of the degree of inhibitory influence of the three heavy metal ions on the nitrogen bioremediation ability of strain Y-10 was Co(II) > Cd(II) > Mn(II). All the results highlighted that the heterotrophic nitrification was less sensitive to the inhibitory effects of Cd(II), Co(II), and Mn(II) relative to aerobic denitrification.

Characterisation of Pseudomonas stutzeri T13 for aerobic denitrification: Stoichiometry and reaction kinetics

The mechanism of total nitrogen (TN) removal at aerobic condition in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has been one of the most popular research fields. However, the role of aerobic denitrification in TN removal was unclear because of the lack of stoichiometric coefficients and kinetic constants of aerobic denitrification bacterium. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the stoichiometry and kinetics of aerobic denitrification by using Pseudomonas stutzeri T13 as a model aerobic denitrification bacterium. Results indicated that strain T13 obtained the maximum yield coefficient (0.1098 mol biomass-N/mol COD) when using NH₄⁺-N as the sole nitrogen source. This value decreased slightly (0.1077 mol biomass-N/mol COD) during aerobic denitrification, but was still higher than that of conventional denitrification. The half-saturation constants for ammonium, nitrate and nitrite ( [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ) of strain T13 were fitted based on the experimental data and were 2.72, 18.33 and 209.07 mg/L, respectively. The validity of the stoichiometric coefficients and kinetic constants was tested at two extra conditions and perfect fitting results were obtained. To our knowledge, this is the first time to report the stoichiometric coefficients and kinetic constants of aerobic denitrification. These parameters will be useful in modelling nitrogen removal performance in systems inoculated with aerobic denitrification bacterium. Moreover, this study could provide an experimental basis for further clarifying the mechanism of aerobic denitrification from a quantitative perspective.

Response of an aerobic denitrifier to titanium dioxide nanoparticles exposure

The cytotoxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) to microorganisms has attracted great attention over the past few decades. As an important participator in the nitrogen cycle, aerobic denitrifiers have been proven to be negatively affected by TiO₂ NPs, but the mechanism of this effect remains unclear. In this study, the bacteria-nanoparticle interaction was investigated by exposing an aerobic denitrifier, Pseudomonas stutzeri PCN-1 to different concentrations of TiO₂ NPs at the dark condition, in order to investigate the cytotoxicity mechanism. The results illustrated that aerobic denitrification was inhibited at different TiO₂ NPs concentrations from 1 to 128 mg/L, accompanied by the postponement of nitrate reduction and the accumulations of nitrite and nitrous oxide. But this inhibitory effect was mitigated with increasing TiO₂ NPs concentrations. Further studies revealed that expressions of aerobic denitrification genes were also inhibited with the presence of TiO₂ NPs, and the inhibition effect on napA and nirS genes was more significant than that on nosZ and cnorB, which might directly bring about the delayed nitrate reduction and hindered nitrite transfer. Moreover, the decreased toxicities at higher TiO₂ NPs concentrations could be attributed to the formation of larger aggregates (>1000 nm), which greatly reduced the chance for direct interactions between NPs and bacterial membranes, as well as the interruption of denitrifying genes expressions. These findings were meaningful for the formation of deep insights into the mechanism of TiO₂ NPs cytotoxicity as well as the development of strategies to control the negative effect of nanoparticles in the environment.Aerobic denitrification characteristics of strain PCN-1 under different carbon sources.

Simultaneous cleanup of Reactive Black 5 and cadmium by a desert soil bacterium

Multi-contaminated industrial wastewaters pose serious environmental risks due to high toxicity and non-biodegradability. The work reported here evaluated the ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain Gb30 isolated from desert soil to simultaneously remove cadmium (Cd) and Reactive Black 5 (RB5), both common contaminants in various industrial effluents. The strain was able to grow normally and decolorize 50 mg L^-1 RB5 within 24 h of incubation in the presence of 0.629 m mol L^-1 of Cd²⁺. In order to evaluate strain performance in RB5 detoxification, a cytotoxicity test using Human Embryonic Kidney cells (HEK293) was used. Cadmium removal from culture media was determined using atomic adsorption. Even in presence of (0.115 + 0.157 + 0.401 + 0.381) m mol L^-1, respectively, of Cr⁶⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in the growth medium, strain Gb30 successfully removed 35% of RB5 and 44%, 36%, 59% and 97%, respectively, of introduced Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cr⁶⁺ and Cd²⁺, simultaneously. In order to understand the mechanism of Cd removal used by P. aeruginosa strain Gb30, biosorption and bioaccumulation abilities were examined. The strain was preferentially biosorbing Cd on the cell surface, as opposed to intracellular bioaccumulation. Microscopic investigations using AFM, SEM and FTIR analysis of the bacterial biomass confirmed the presence of various structural features, which enabled the strain to interact with metal ions. The study suggests that Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gb30 is a potential candidate for bioremediation of textile effluents in the presence of complex dye-metal contamination.

Effects of cobalt-histidine absorbent on aerobic denitrification by Paracoccus versutus LYM

To overcome the problem that ferrous complexes are easily oxidized by O₂ and then lose NO binding ability in the chemical absorption-biological reduction (CABR) process, cobalt(II)-histidine [Co(II)His] was proposed as an alternative. To evaluate the applicability of Co(II)His, the effects of CoHis absorbent on the aerobic denitrification by Paracoccus versutus LYM were investigated. Results indicated that His significantly promoted nitrite reduction. The inhibition effects of CoHis absorbent could be substantially alleviated by increasing the initial His/Co²⁺ to 4 or higher. CoHis with concentrations of 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 mM presented no distinct effect on nitrite reduction, but slightly inhibited the reduction of nitrate, resulting in longer lag of nitrate reduction, and obviously promoted the growth of strain LYM. In the presence of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mM CoHis absorbent, the main denitrification product was N₂ (not less than 95.0%). This study is of significance in verifying the applicability of Co(II)His in the CABR process, and provides a referable CoHis absorbent concentration as 20 mM with an initial His/Co²⁺ of 4 for the future experiments.

Ca(II) and Mg(II) significantly enhanced the nitrogen removal capacity of Arthrobacter arilaitensis relative to Zn(II) and Ni(II)

This study investigated the impacts of alkaline-earth metals [Ca(II), Mg(II)] and heavy metals [Zn(II), Ni(II)] on the nitrogen removal capacity of Arthrobacter arilaitensis Y-10. StrainY-10 was able to tolerate 20 mg/L Ca(II) and its ammonium removal efficiency was 100%. 0.5 mg/L Ca(II) effectively promoted total nitrogen removal from wastewater containing nitrite. Mg(II) supplementation substantially enhanced the bacterial growth and nitrogen reduction. As Mg(II) concentrations increased from 0 to 2 mg/L, the ammonium, nitrate and nitrite removal efficiencies increased by 40.62%, 69.91% and 64.68%, respectively. Although the nitrogen removal ability of strain Y-10 was sharply hindered by Zn(II) and Ni(II), it occurred continuously even when the Zn(II) concentration reached 30 mg/L. However, the ammonium and total nitrogen removal almost stopped at 8 mg/L Ni(II), and the denitrification capacity was lost when the Ni(II) concentration exceeded 1 mg/L. The results demonstrate that Ca(II) and especially Mg(II) could significantly enhance the nitrogen removal capacity of Arthrobacter arilaitensis relative to Zn(II) and Ni(II).

Investigating the effect of copper and magnesium ions on nitrogen removal capacity of pure cultures by modified non-competitive inhibition model

Copper, a common heavy metal, may be beneficial for or poisonous to microbial activity. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different copper ion concentrations on the nitrogen removal performance of Arthrobacter arilaitensis strain Y-10 and Pseudomonas taiwanensis strain J488. The non-competitive inhibition model was employed to evaluate the 50% inhibition concentrations (IC₅₀ values) of copper ions toward the pure strains. In the absence of magnesium ions, a low concentration of copper (0.1 mg/L) significantly enhanced the ammonium removal ability of strain Y-10 and its removal efficiency increased by 10.88% compared with the control treatment. Copper ranging from 0 to 0.1 mg/L had no significant effect on the ammonium removal capacity of strain J488. After adding 9.90 mg/L of magnesium to the basal medium, the effects of copper on nitrification of ammonium or denitrification of nitrate or nitrite were also assessed. In these conditions, 0.25 mg/L copper ions could strongly inhibit the ammonium, nitrate and nitrite removal activities for strain Y-10. For strain J488, no clear deterioration in ammonium removal efficiency was observed at copper ion concentrations below 0.5 mg/L, but 0.25 mg/L copper ions significantly inhibited nitrate and nitrite removal efficiencies, which were only 45.88% and 6.35%, respectively. The IC₅₀ values of copper ions for nitrate and nitrite removal by strain Y-10 were 0.195 and 0.090 mg/L respectively; for strain J488, the IC₅₀ values were 0.175 and 0.196 mg/L. The magnesium ions could improve the cell growth, nitrogen removal efficiency and copper ion resistance of bacteria.

Aerobic denitrification by Paracoccus sp. YF1 in the presence of Cu(II)

This study of Cu(II)'s impact on aerobic denitrification of Paracoccus sp. YF1 revealed that the denitrification rate decreased markedly from 99.8%, 98.0%, 68.7% to 16.3% when the concentrations of Cu(II) rose from 0, 0.01 mM, 0.05 mM to 0.1 mM, respectively. This outcome was confirmed by the successful test of OD₆₀₀, total protein and enzyme activities. As the concentration of Cu(II) increased from 0 to 0.1 mM, the total protein contents declined over a period of 48 h, and the activities of nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite reductase (NIR) decreased remarkably during the first 24 h in a NO₃^- sufficient state. Meanwhile, the reduction of NO₃^- and NO₂^- was positively correlated with the expression level of NR and NIR. The removal rate of nitrate in the control treatment and different concentration of Cu(II) treatment fitted approximately to the zero-order model. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the cell surfaces of Paracoccus sp. YF1 were disrupted when exposed to 0.1 mM Cu(II). The adsorption of Cu(II) onto the cells' surface was confirmed by Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis (XPS). The insights obtained here regarding the influence of Cu(II) on aerobic denitrification will be of great significance for the treatment of heavy metals and nitrite co-existing sewage.

Characteristics of Heterotrophic Nitrifying and Aerobic Denitrifying Arthrobacter nicotianae D51 Strain in the Presence of Copper

A heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification bacterium, strain D51, was identified as Arthrobacter nicotianae based on morphological, phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. Further tests demonstrated that strain D51 had the capability to use nitrite, nitrate, or ammonium as the sole nitrogen source in the presence of Cu2+. The maximum removal efficiencies of nitrite, nitrate and ammonium were 68.97%, 78.32%, and 98.70%, respectively. Additionally, the maximum growth rate and denitrification capacity of this strain occurred in the presence of 0.05 mg·L−1 of Cu2+.However, the growth and aerobic denitrification capacity were intensively inhibited by Cu2+ at ≥0.1 mg·L−1. Moreover, gas chromatography indicated that a portion of the nitrogen was transformed into N2O when the nitrite, nitrate, and ammonium were separately used as the sole nitrogen source. This is the first study of the nitrification and denitrification ability of Arthrobacter nicotianae under aerobic conditions, and the first experiment to investigate the impact of Cu2+ concentration on the growth and denitrification ability of this bacteria. The results presented herein extend the known varieties of heterotrophic nitrifying–aerobic denitrifying bacteria and provide useful information regarding the specific bacteria for nitrogen bioremediation of industrial wastewater containing Cu2+.

Denitrifier communities impacted by heavy metal contamination in freshwater sediment

Heavy metals are widely detected in natural environments, however their impacts on denitrifier community in freshwater ecosystem remain unclear. The present study investigated the changes of denitrifier communities (based on nosZ (nitrous oxide reductase) gene) in a freshwater reservoir contaminated by a severe accidental spill of heavy metals. The abundance of nosZ-denitrifiers drastically decreased, and their community richness, diversity and structure also showed considerable variations. The mainly detected denitrifying bacteria included Pseudogulbenkiania, Pseudomonas and two unknown groups. These major nosZ-denitrifier groups responded in different ways to heavy metal pollution. Metal contamination could exert a profound influence on denitrifier community in freshwater sediment. This work could provide some new insights to the impact of metal pollution on nitrogen cycling.

Effects of ZnO nanoparticles on aerobic denitrification by strain Pseudomonas stutzeri PCN-1

Anaerobic denitrification has been proved to be negatively affected by ZnO nanomaterials (NPs), but little is known about how ZnO NPs affects aerobic denitrification. In this study, inhibition of ZnO NPs to an aerobic denitrifier, Pseudomonas stutzeri PCN-1, was firstly reported. The results showed total nitrogen removal efficiency was decreased from 100% to 1.70% with the increase of ZnO NPs from 1 to 128mg/L. The presence of ZnO NPs caused significant inhibition of gene expressions and catalytic activities of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase, which finally led to delayed nitrate reduction and high nitrite accumulation. Further studies revealed that the deposition of nanoparticles on the bacterial surface caused by electrostatic forces and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were responsible for the cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs, where ROS played a more important role. These results were of significance to evaluating the potential ecological toxicity and risks of nanomaterials.

Effect of sulfamethoxazole on aerobic denitrification by strain Pseudomonas stutzeri PCN-1

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), as a common sulfonamide antibiotic, was reported to affect conventional anaerobic denitrification. This study presented effects of SMX on aerobic denitrification by an aerobic denitrifier strain Pseudomonas stutzeri PCN-1. Results demonstrated serious inhibition of N₂O reduction as SMX reached 4μg/L, leading to higher N₂O emission ratio (251-fold). Increase of SMX (∼8μg/L) would induce highest nitrite accumulation (95.3mg/L) without reduction, and severe inhibition of nitrate reduction resulted in lower nitrate removal rate (0.15mg/L/h) as SMX reached 20μg/L. Furthermore, corresponding inhibition of SMX on denitrifying genes expression (nosZ>nirS>cnorB>napA) was found with a time-lapse expression between nosZ and cnorB. Meanwhile, the decline in electron transport activity and active microbial biomass of strain PCN-1 was revealed. The insight into mechanism of SMX influence on aerobic denitrifier is of particular significance to upgrade nitrogen removal process in antibiotics-containing wastewater treatment plant.