Rich growth medium promotes an increased on Mn(II) removal and manganese oxide production by Serratia marcescens strains isolates from wastewater

Effects of biochar on the manganese enrichment and oxidation by a microalga Scenedesmus quadricauda in the aquatic environment

Microalgae play a significant impact in the biogeochemical cycle of Mn(II) in the aquatic ecosystem. Meanwhile, the inflow of biochar into the water bodies is bound to impact the aquatic organisms. However, the influence of biochar on the manganese transformation in algae-rich water has not drawn much attention. Thus, we studied the effects of rice straw biochar on manganese enrichment and oxidation by a common type of algae in freshwater (Scenedesmus quadricauda). The results showed that Mn(II) was absorbed intracellularly and adsorbed extracellularly by active algal cells. A significant portion of enriched Mn(II) was oxidized to amorphous precipitates MnO2, MnOOH, and Mn2O3. Moreover, the extracellular bound Mn(II) content in the coexistent system of algae and biochar increased compared with the pure Scenedesmus quadricauda system. Nevertheless, the intracellular Mn content was continually lowered as the biochar dose rose from an initial 0.2 to 2.0 g·L-1, suggesting that Mn assimilation of the cell was suppressed. It was calculated that the total enrichment ability of Scenedesmus quadricauda in the algae-biochar coexistent system was 0.31- 15.32 mg Mn/g biomass, more than that in the pure algae system. More importantly, with biochar in the algae system, the amount of generated MnOx increased, and more Mn(II) was oxidized into highly-charged Mn(IV). This was probably because the biochar could relieve the stress of massive Mn(II) on algae and support the MnOx precipitates. In brief, moderate biochar promoted the Mn(II) accumulation by algal cells and its oxidation activity. This study offers deeper insight into the bioconversion of Mn(II) by algae and the potential impact of biochar application to the aquatic system.

Competitive Mn(II) removal occurs in Lysinibacillus sp. MHQ-1 through microbially-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) and indirect Mn(II) oxidation

Biological Mn(II) removal usually involves adsorption and precipitation of Mn(II) in the form of various minerals. Manganese oxides (MnOx) formation through the activity of Mn(II) oxidation bacteria (MnOB) contributes to the majority of Mn(II) removal. However, whether other bacterial-mediated pathway could couple or competitive with Mn(II) oxidation during Mn(II) removal is scarcely reported. In this study, we reported a competitive Mn(II) removal occurred in nutrient-rich condition during the indirect Mn(II) oxidation of Lysinibacillus sp. MHQ-1, i.e., microbially-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP). In the presence of 1 mM Mn(II), 39.4% of free Mn(II) converted to MnCO3(s) quickly within 100 h, and then 11.6% of initial Mn(II) slowly oxidized to MnOx within 442 h. The urease activity assay and the genome sequencing confirmed the existence of urease and the absence of Mn(II)-oxidizing enzymes in the genome of strain MHQ-1. The urease catalyzed the formation of carbonate ion that reacts with Mn(II) and the formed ammonia raises the pH to initiate indirect Mn(II) oxidation. Genome survey suggests the urease widely exists in various Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria (MnOB), emphasizing the importance to reconsider the composition, stability and environmental effects of biological Mn(II) removal products in nutrient-rich environment.

Rhizobiome Transplantation: A Novel Strategy beyond Single-Strain/Consortium Inoculation for Crop Improvement

The growing human population has a greater demand for food; however, the care and preservation of nature as well as its resources must be considered when fulfilling this demand. An alternative employed in recent decades is the use and application of microbial inoculants, either individually or in consortium. The transplantation of rhizospheric microbiomes (rhizobiome) recently emerged as an additional proposal to protect crops from pathogens. In this review, rhizobiome transplantation was analyzed as an ecological alternative for increasing plant protection and crop production. The differences between single-strain/species inoculation and dual or consortium application were compared. Furthermore, the feasibility of the transplantation of other associated micro-communities, including phyllosphere and endosphere microbiomes, were evaluated. The current and future challenges surrounding rhizobiome transplantation were additionally discussed. In conclusion, rhizobiome transplantation emerges as an attractive alternative that goes beyond single/group inoculation of microbial agents; however, there is still a long way ahead before it can be applied in large-scale agriculture.

A novel N-arachidonoyl-l-alanine-catabolizing strain of Serratia marcescens for the bioremediation of Cd and Cr co-contamination

Cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) are widespread contaminants with a high risk to the environment and humans. Herein we isolated a novel strain of Serratia marcescens, namely strain S27, from soil co-contaminated with Cd and Cr. This strain showed strong resistance to Cd as well as Cr. S27 cells demonstrated Cd adsorption rate of 45.8% and Cr reduction capacity of 84.4% under optimal growth conditions (i.e., 30 °C, 200 rpm, and pH 7.5). Microscopic characterization of S27 cells revealed the importance of the functional groups C-O-C, C-H-O, C-C, C-H, and -OH, and also indicated that Cr reduction occurred on bacterial cell membrane. Cd(II) and Cr(VI) bioaccumulation on S27 cell surface was mainly in the form of Cd(OH)₂ and Cr₂O₃, respectively. Further, metabolomic analyses revealed that N-arachidonoyl-l-alanine was the key metabolite that promoted Cd and Cr complexation by S27; it primarily promotes γ-linolenic acid (GLA) metabolism, producing siderophores and coordinating with organic acids to enhance metal bioavailability. To summarize, our results suggest that S27 is promising for the bioremediation of environments contaminated with Cd and Cr in tropical regions.

A Review of Manganese-Oxidizing Bacteria (MnOB): Applications, Future Concerns, and Challenges

Groundwater serving as a drinking water resource usually contains manganese ions (Mn2+) that exceed drinking standards. Based on the Mn biogeochemical cycle at the hydrosphere scale, bioprocesses consisting of aeration, biofiltration, and disinfection are well known as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly ecotechnology for removing Mn2+. The design of aeration and biofiltration units, which are critical components, is significantly influenced by coexisting iron and ammonia in groundwater; however, there is no unified standard for optimizing bioprocess operation. In addition to the groundwater purification, it was also found that manganese-oxidizing bacteria (MnOB)-derived biogenic Mn oxides (bioMnOx), a by-product, have a low crystallinity and a relatively high specific surface area; the MnOB supplied with Mn2+ can be developed for contaminated water remediation. As a result, according to previous studies, this paper summarized and provided operational suggestions for the removal of Mn2+ from groundwater. This review also anticipated challenges and future concerns, as well as opportunities for bioMnOx applications. These could improve our understanding of the MnOB group and its practical applications.

Role of intracellular energy metabolism in Mn(Ⅱ) removal by the novel bacterium Stenotrophomonas sp. MNB17

Microorganism-mediated Mn(Ⅱ) removal has gained increasing attention as a valuble bioremediation approach. In this study, a novel strain Stenotrophomonas sp. MNB17 - obtained from marine sediments - was found to show Mn(Ⅱ) removal efficiencies of 98.51-99.38% within 7 days and 92.24% within 20 days at Mn(Ⅱ) concentrations of 10-40 mM and 50 mM, respectively. On day 7, 80.44% of 50 mM Mn(Ⅱ) was oxidized to Mn(Ⅲ/Ⅳ), whereas only 2.11-2.86% of 10-40 mM Mn(Ⅱ) was oxidized. This difference in the proportion of Mn-oxides suggested that the strain MNB17 could remove soluble Mn(Ⅱ) via distinct mechanisms under different Mn(Ⅱ) concentrations. At 10 mM Mn(Ⅱ), indirect mechanisms were employed by strain MNB17 to remove Mn(Ⅱ). The sufficient energy generated by increased cellular respiration led to enhanced ammonification, and MnCO₃ was the main component of the Mn-precipitates (97.27%). Meanwhile, intracellular fatty acids were degraded and served as an important carbon source for respiration. At 50 mM Mn(Ⅱ), most of the soluble Mn(Ⅱ) was oxidized, and Mn-oxides dominated the Mn-precipitates (80.44%). Mn(Ⅱ) oxidation likely contributed to electrons for energy production, as the down-regulation of respiratory pathways resulted in a deficit of electron supply, which warrants futher study. The exogenous addition of tricarboxylic acid cycle substrates (malate, α-ketoglutarate, oxaloacetate, succinate, and fumarate) was found to accelerate Mn(Ⅱ) removal as MnCO₃ at a concentration of 50 mM. Overall, this study reports a novel strain MNB17 with the biotechnological potential of Mn(Ⅱ) removal and elucidates the function of cellular energy metabolism during the Mn(Ⅱ) removal process. In addition, it demonstrates the potential of aerobic respiration-related substrates in accelerating the removal of high concentrations of Mn(Ⅱ) for the first time.

Removal of Mn(II) by a nitrifying bacterium Acinetobacter sp. AL-6: efficiency and mechanisms

A nitrifying bacterium Acinetobacter sp. AL-6 showed a high efficiency of 99.05% for Mn(II) removal within 144 h when the Mn(II) concentration was 200 mg L^-1; meanwhile, 64.23% of NH₄⁺-N was removed. With the Mn(II) concentration increased from 25 to 300 mg L^-1, bacterial growth and Mn(II) removal were stimulated. However, due to the electron acceptor competition between Mn(II) oxidation and nitrification reactions, the increase in NH₄⁺-N concentration would inhibit Mn(II) removal. By measuring Mn metabolic form and locating oxidative active factors, it was proved that extracellular oxidation effect played a dominant role in the removal process of Mn(II). The self-regulation of pH during strain metabolism further promoted the occurrence of biological Mn oxidation. Characterization results showed that the Mn oxidation products were tightly attached to the surface of the bacteria in the form of flakes. The product crystal composition (mainly MnO₂ and Mn₂O₃), Mn-O functional group, and element level fluctuations confirmed the biological oxidation information. The changes of -OH, N-H, and -CH₂ groups and the appearance of new functional groups (such as C-H and C-O) provided more possibilities for Mn ion adsorption and bonding.

Characterization and mechanism of Mn(II)-based mixotrophic denitrifying bacterium (Cupriavidus sp. HY129) in remediation of nitrate (NO3--N) and manganese (Mn(II)) contaminated groundwater

The co-contamination of groundwater with nitrate (NO₃^--N) and manganese (Mn(II)) is a global issue that needs to be efficiently remediated. In this research, a novel denitrifying and manganese-oxidizing strain HY129 was isolated from the sediments sample of a drinking water and identified as Cupriavidus sp. HY129. The remediation ability of strain HY129 regarding the nitrate and Mn(II) pollution were investigated. The removal efficiency of nitrate and Mn(II) were 99.81% (0.229 mgL^-1 h^-1) and 87.24% (0.233 mgL^-1 h^-1) in bacterial culture after 72 h, respectively. Moreover, the addition of Mn(II) significantly enhanced the denitrification process, while excessive concentration of Mn(II) caused more NO₂^--N accumulation. The impacts of adsorption and oxidation activity on Mn(II) removal were investigated. Protein in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) which produced in the Mn-oxidizing process was speculated to be the main cause of extracellular adsorption of Mn(II). Characterization of biogenic manganese oxides (BMO) confirmed the formation of high-valent manganese and the trapping experiment with sodium pyrophosphate (NaPP) demonstrated the existence of Mn(III)-intermediates. Furthermore, multicopper oxidase gene amplification provided evidence for the molecular biology of Mn(II) oxidation by strain HY129.

Enhanced Cd2+ and Zn2+ removal from heavy metal wastewater in constructed wetlands with resistant microorganisms

The bioaugmentation role of microbes is often impeded by heavy metal (HM) ions in constructed wetlands (CWs). To explore the interaction between microbes and HM ions, two identical CWs: an MCW (with resistant microorganisms) and a CCW (as control) were used in this study. Experiments analyzed static adsorption performance in a synthetic HM solution. The removal performance of Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ was further investigated in both CWs. The removal efficiencies (REs) of 81.92-99.56% and 74.05-98.79% were achieved for Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in the adsorption study, respectively. Significantly higher REs of Cd²⁺ (99.60%), and Zn²⁺ (94.41%) were achieved in the MCW. The microbial community analysis revealed that the dominant genera were Serratia and Pseudomonas in the MCW. The subcellular analysis further demonstrated that the HMs bioaccumulated mainly in the cytomembrane and cell wall. These results indicate that CW with resistant microorganisms inoculated was an effective strategy for treating HMs wastewater.

Unlocking the potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on soil health and the sustainability of agricultural systems

The concept of soil health refers to specific soil properties and the ability to support and sustain crop growth and productivity, while maintaining long-term environmental quality. The key components of healthy soil are high populations of organisms that promote plant growth, such as the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). PGPR plays multiple beneficial and ecological roles in the rhizosphere soil. Among the roles of PGPR in agroecosystems are the nutrient cycling and uptake, inhibition of potential phytopathogens growth, stimulation of plant innate immunity, and direct enhancement of plant growth by producing phytohormones or other metabolites. Other important roles of PGPR are their environmental cleanup capacities (soil bioremediation). In this work, we review recent literature concerning the diverse mechanisms of PGPR in maintaining healthy conditions of agricultural soils, thus reducing (or eliminating) the toxic agrochemicals dependence. In conclusion, this review provides comprehensive knowledge on the current PGPR basic mechanisms and applications as biocontrol agents, plant growth stimulators and soil rhizoremediators, with the final goal of having more agroecological practices for sustainable agriculture.

A renewable biosorbent material for green decontamination of heavy metal pollution from aquatic medium: a case study on manganese removal

In this study, a renewable biosorbent material was prepared from biological waste of widespread coastal plant, Zostera marina and employed for the biosorption of heavy metal pollution from water environment in green way. Manganese was selected as a model heavy metal to evaluate the treatment efficiency of prepared biosorbent. The batch biosorption behavior of biosorbent was investigated by the characterization, parameters evaluation, kinetic and equilibrium studies. The characterization study showed that the biosorbent has a rough surface and various binding groups for the heavy metal ions. The heavy metal concentration of 30 mg L^-1, time of 60 min, pH of 6 and biosorbent amount of 10 mg were determined as the optimum biosorption conditions. The pseudo-second-order equation was found to be the best among kinetic models applied. The equilibrium data were best explained by Freundlich isotherm. The maximum biosorption efficiency based on Langmuir model was predicted as 58.426 mg g^-1. Hence, the current work presents a renewable alternative biosorbent substance for the green treatment of heavy metal pollution from water medium.

Manganese-contaminated groundwater treatment by novel bacterial isolates: kinetic study and mechanism analysis using synchrotron-based techniques

The occurrence of manganese in groundwater causes coloured water and pipe rusting in water treatment systems. Consumption of manganese-contaminated water promotes neurotoxicity in humans and animals. Manganese-oxidizing bacteria were isolated from contaminated areas in Thailand for removing manganese from water. The selected bacterium was investigated for its removal kinetics and mechanism using synchrotron-based techniques. Among 21 isolates, Streptomyces violarus strain SBP1 (SBP1) was the best manganese-oxidizing bacterium. At a manganese concentration of 1 mg L-1, SBP1 achieved up to 46% removal. The isolate also successfully removed other metal and metalloid, such as iron (81%) and arsenic (38%). The manganese concentration played a role in manganese removal and bacterial growth. The observed self-substrate inhibition best fit with the Aiba model. Kinetic parameters estimated from the model, including a specific growth rate, half-velocity constant, and inhibitory constant, were 0.095 h-1, 0.453 mg L-1, and 37.975 mg L-1, respectively. The synchrotron-based techniques indicated that SBP1 removed manganese via combination of bio-oxidation (80%) and adsorption (20%). The study is the first report on biological manganese removal mechanism using synchrotron-based techniques. SBP1 effectively removed manganese under board range of manganese concentrations. This result showed the potential use of the isolate for treating manganese-contaminated water.

An Effectual Biosorbent Substance for Removal of Manganese Ions from Aquatic Environment: A Promising Environmental Remediation Study with Activated Coastal Waste of Zostera marina Plant

In the present research paper, a biosorptive remediation practice for an aqueous medium sample polluted with manganese ions was implemented using the activated coastal waste of the Zostera marina plant. This is the first report in the literature on the utilization of current modified biological waste as a biosorbent substance for the removal of manganese ions from the water environment. The analyses of biosorbent characterization, environmental condition, kinetic, equilibrium, and comparison were performed to introduce the ability of prepared biosorbent for the removal of manganese from the aquatic medium. The biosorbent matter has a rough surface with numerous cavities and cracks and various functional groups for the biosorption of manganese. The environmental conditions significantly affected the manganese purification process, and the optimum working conditions were determined to be biosorbent quantity of 10 mg, pH of 6, manganese concentration of 30 mg L^-1, and time of 60 min. The pseudo-second-order model best explained the kinetic data of biosorption operation. The biosorption equilibrium data were best described by the Freundlich isotherm. According to the Langmuir equilibrium model, the maximum purification potency was estimated to be 120.6 mg g^-1. The comparison work revealed that the activated coastal waste of the Z. marina plant could be utilized as an effectual and promising biosorbent substance for the remediation of an aquatic environment contaminated with manganese ions.

Removal of Manganese(II) from Acid Mine Wastewater: A Review of the Challenges and Opportunities with Special Emphasis on Mn-Oxidizing Bacteria and Microalgae

Many global mining activities release large amounts of acidic mine drainage with high levels of manganese (Mn) having potentially detrimental effects on the environment. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the main implications and challenges of Mn(II) removal from mine drainage. We first present the sources of contamination from mineral processing, as well as the adverse effects of Mn on mining ecosystems. Then the comparison of several techniques to remove Mn(II) from wastewater, as well as an assessment of the challenges associated with precipitation, adsorption, and oxidation/filtration are provided. We also critically analyze remediation options with special emphasis on Mn-oxidizing bacteria (MnOB) and microalgae. Recent literature demonstrates that MnOB can efficiently oxidize dissolved Mn(II) to Mn(III, IV) through enzymatic catalysis. Microalgae can also accelerate Mn(II) oxidation through indirect oxidation by increasing solution pH and dissolved oxygen production during its growth. Microbial oxidation and the removal of Mn(II) have been effective in treating artificial wastewater and groundwater under neutral conditions with adequate oxygen. Compared to physicochemical techniques, the bioremediation of manganese mine drainage without the addition of chemical reagents is relatively inexpensive. However, wastewater from manganese mines is acidic and has low-levels of dissolved oxygen, which inhibit the oxidizing ability of MnOB. We propose an alternative treatment for manganese mine drainage that focuses on the synergistic interactions of Mn in wastewater with co-immobilized MnOB/microalgae.

High carbon iron filings (HCIF) and metal reducing bacteria (Serratia sp.) co-assisted Cr (VI) reduction: Kinetics, mechanism and longevity

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) have been an area of interest for in-situ remediation of groundwater. However, the corrosion of iron used in PRBs has been an area of concern. This study was aimed to enhance the long term performance for reduction of Cr (VI) by high carbon iron filings (HCIF) co-assisted with Serratia sp. Cr (VI) reduction by HCIF alone followed pseudo-first order kinetics and the reaction rate was 0.382 h^-1 for 50 mg/L of Cr (VI) which declined to 0.0017 mg^-1 L h^-1 in combined system. But in cyclic studies, the reduction of Cr (VI) with HCIF alone system declined to 70% after 2 cycles whereas more than 90% reduction was observed in combined system up to four cycles. The corrosion potential and XRD data supported that Serratia sp. have positive effect on longevity of HCIF for Cr (VI) reduction.

Alterations in the proteomic composition of Serratia marcescens in response to manganese (II)

Background

Proteomics is an important tool for the investigation of dynamic physiological responses of microbes under heavy metal stress. To gain insight into how bacteria respond to manganese (II) and identify the proteins involved in Mn (II) oxidation, the shotgun proteomics approach was applied to a potential Mn (II)-oxidizing Serratia marcescens strain cultivated in the absence and presence of Mn (II).

Results

The LG1 strain, which grew equally well in the two conditions, was found to express a set of proteins related to cellular processes vital for survival, as well as proteins involved in adaptation and tolerance to Mn (II). The multicopper oxidase CueO was identified, indicating its probable participation in the Mn (II) bio-oxidation; however, its expression was not modulated by the presence of Mn (II). A set of proteins related to cell and metabolic processes vital to the cells were downregulated in the presence of Mn (II), while cell membrane-related proteins involved in the maintenance of cell integrity and survival under stress were upregulated under this condition.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the LG1 strain may be applied successfully in the bioremediation of Mn (II), and the shotgun approach provides an efficient means for obtaining the total proteome of this species.