1
|
Mohamad Shahimin MF, Siddique T. Uncovering Anaerobic Hydrocarbon Biodegradation Pathways in Oil Sands Tailings from Two Different Tailings Ponds via Metabolite and Functional Gene Analyses. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12010-024-04855-0. [PMID: 38376742 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-024-04855-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Oil sands tailings, a slurry of alkaline water, silt, clay, unrecovered bitumen, and residual hydrocarbons generated during bitumen extraction, are contained in ponds. Indigenous microbes metabolize hydrocarbons and emit greenhouse gases from the tailings. Metabolism of hydrocarbons in tailings ponds of two operators, namely, Canadian Natural Upgrading Limited (CNUL) and Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL), has not been comprehensively investigated. Previous reports have revealed sequential and preferential hydrocarbon degradation of alkanes in primary cultures established from CNUL and CNRL tailings amended separately with mixtures of hydrocarbons (n-alkanes, iso-alkanes, paraffinic solvent, or naphtha). In this study, activation pathway of hydrocarbon biodegradation in these primary cultures was investigated. The functional gene analysis revealed that fumarate addition was potentially the primary activation pathway of alkanes in all cultures. However, the metabolite analysis only detected transient succinylated 2-methylpentane and 2-methylbutane metabolites during initial methanogenic biodegradation of iso-alkanes and paraffinic solvent in all CNUL and CNRL cultures amended with iso-alkanes and paraffinic solvent. Under sulfidogenic conditions (prepared only with CNUL tailings amended with iso-alkanes), succinylated 2-methylpentane persisted throughout incubation period of ~ 1100 days, implying dead-end nature of the metabolite. Though no metabolite was detected in n-alkanes- and naphtha-amended cultures during incubation, assA/masD genes related to Peptococcaceae were amplified in all CNUL and CNRL primary cultures. The findings of this present study suggest that microbial communities in different tailings ponds can biodegrade hydrocarbons through fumarate addition as activation pathway under methanogenic and sulfidogenic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Faidz Mohamad Shahimin
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G7, Canada.
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Aras 2, Blok S2, UniCITI Alam Campus, 02100, Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia.
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gjini L, Kuznetsova A, Okpala G, Foght JM, Ulrich A, Siddique T. Aerobic biodegradation of cycloalkanes in non-aqueous extracted oil sands tailings. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140900. [PMID: 38065261 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Management of growing volumes of fluid fine tailings (FFT) is a significant challenge for oil sands industry. A potential alternative non-aqueous solvent extraction (NAE) process uses cycloalkane solvent such as cyclohexane or cyclopentane with very little water and generates smaller volumes of 'dry' solids (NAES) with residual solvent. Here we investigate remediation of NAES in a simulated bench-scale upland reclamation scenario. In the first study, microcosms with nutrient medium plus FFT as inoculum were amended with cyclohexane and incubated for ∼1 year, monitoring for cyclohexane biodegradation under aerobic conditions. Biodegradation of cyclohexane occurred under aerobic conditions with no metabolic intermediates detected. A second study using NAES mixed with FFT spiked with cyclohexane and cyclopentane, with or without additional nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), showed complete and rapid aerobic biodegradation of both cycloalkanes in NAES inoculated with FFT and supplemented with nutrients. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed dominance of Rhodoferax and members of Burkholderiaceae during aerobic cyclohexane biodegradation in FFT, and Hydrogenophaga, Acidovorax, Defluviimonas and members of Porticoccaceae during aerobic biodegradation of cyclohexane and cyclopentane in NAES inoculated with FFT and supplemented with nutrients. The findings indicate that biodegradation of cycloalkanes from NAES is possible under aerobic condition, which will contribute to the successful reclamation of oil sands tailings for land closure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Gjini
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Alsu Kuznetsova
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Gloria Okpala
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Julia M Foght
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ania Ulrich
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mohamad Shahimin MF, Siddique T. Biodegradation of 2-methylpentane in fluid fine tailings amended with a mixture of iso-alkanes under sulfate-reducing conditions. Can J Microbiol 2023; 69:362-368. [PMID: 37235883 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2023-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic microorganisms in Canada Natural Upgrading Limited (CNUL) fluid fine tailings (FFT) are sustained by residual solvent hydrocarbons. Although FFT are methanogenic in nature, sulfate-reducing microorganisms represent a significant portion of FFT bacterial community. In this study, we examined biodegradation of three iso-alkanes (2-methylbutane, 2-methylpentane, and 3-methylpentane), representing major iso-alkanes in paraffinic solvent, in CNUL FFT under sulfate-reducing conditions. During ∼1100 days of incubation, only 2-methylpentane was degraded partially, whereas 2-methylbutane and 3-methylpentane were not degraded. During active degradation of 2-methylpentane, the bacterial community was dominated by Anaerolineaceae followed by Syntrophaceae, Peptococcaceae, Desulfobacteraceae, and Desulfobulbaceae. The archaeal community was co-dominated by acetoclastic (Methanosaetaceae) and hydrogenotrophic (Methanobacteriaceae) methanogens. This study underlines the limited capability of the microbial community indigenous to CNUL FFT in degrading recalcitrant iso-alkanes under sulfate-reducing conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dai X, Lv J, Fu P, Guo S. Microbial remediation of oil-contaminated shorelines: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:93491-93518. [PMID: 37572250 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Frequent marine oil spills have led to increasingly serious oil pollution along shorelines. Microbial remediation has become a research hotspot of intertidal oil pollution remediation because of its high efficiency, low cost, environmental friendliness, and simple operation. Many microorganisms are able to convert oil pollutants into non-toxic substances through their growth and metabolism. Microorganisms use enzymes' catalytic activities to degrade oil pollutants. However, microbial remediation efficiency is affected by the properties of the oil pollutants, microbial community, and environmental conditions. Feasible field microbial remediation technologies for oil spill pollution in the shorelines mainly include the addition of high-efficiency oil degrading bacteria (immobilized bacteria), nutrients, biosurfactants, and enzymes. Limitations to the field application of microbial remediation technology mainly include slow start-up, rapid failure, long remediation time, and uncontrolled environmental impact. Improving the environmental adaptability of microbial remediation technology and developing sustainable microbial remediation technology will be the focus of future research. The feasibility of microbial remediation techniques should also be evaluated comprehensively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Dai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Remediation of Industrial Pollution Sites, Institute of Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 10089, China.
| | - Jing Lv
- China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing, 102249, China
| | - Pengcheng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - Shaohui Guo
- China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing, 102249, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cantera S, López M, Muñoz R, Lebrero R. Comparative evaluation of bacterial and fungal removal of indoor and industrial polluted air using suspended and packed bed bioreactors. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136412. [PMID: 36108761 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The abatement of indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represents a major challenge due to their environmental risk, wide nature and concentration variability. Biotechnologies represent a cost-effective, robust and sustainable platform for the treatment of hazardous VOCs at low and fluctuating concentrations. However, they have been scarcely implemented for indoor air purification. Thus, little is known about the influence of the reactor configuration or the VOC nature and concentration variability on the removal, resilience and the microbial population of bioreactor configurations susceptible to be implemented, both in indoors and industrial environments. The present study aims at comparing the removal performance of four VOCs with different hydrophobicity and molecular structure -acetone, n-hexane, α-pinene and toluene-at two inlet concentrations (5 and 400 mg m-3), which mimics the concentrations of contaminated indoor and industrial air. To this aim a stirred tank, flat biofilm and latex-based biocoated flat bioreactor were comparatively evaluated. The results demonstrated the superior performance of the stirred tank reactor for the removal of hydrophilic VOCs at high inlet concentrations, which achieved removals >99% for acetone and toluene. At low concentrations, the removal efficiencies of acetone, toluene and α-pinene were >97% regardless of the bioreactor configuration tested. The most hydrophobic gas, n-hexane, was more efficiently removed in the flat biofilm reactor without latex. The microbial community analyses showed that the presence of VOCs as the only carbon and energy source didn't promote the growth of dominant bacterial members and the populations independently evolved in each reactor configuration and operation mode. The fungal population was more diverse in the biofilm-based bioreactors, although, it was mainly dominated by uncultured fungi from the phylum Cryptomycota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cantera
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research Center, the Netherlands
| | - Martino López
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain
| | - Raquel Lebrero
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Francis DJ, Barbour SL, Lindsay MBJ. Ebullition enhances chemical mass transport across the tailings-water interface of oil sands pit lakes. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2022; 245:103938. [PMID: 34915427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2021.103938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Base Mine Lake (BML) was the first commercial-scale demonstration oil sands pit lake established in northern Alberta, Canada. Recent studies indicate that ebullition enhances internal mass loading of dissolved constituents during settlement and dewatering of methanogenic fluid fine tailings (FFT) below the overlying water cap. Here, we describe results of integrated field measurements and numerical modelling to (i) determine potential for ebullition and enhanced mixing within BML, and (ii) assess impacts on chemical mass transport across the tailings-water interface. We observed sharp increases in [CH4(aq)] with depth from <0.1 mg L-1 immediately above the interface to >60 mg L-1 over the upper 1.5 to 3.0 m of FTT. Thermodynamic modelling revealed that maximum [CH4(aq)] values represent 60 to 80% of theoretical saturation, and corresponding total dissolved gas pressures approach or exceed fluid pressures. These findings supported integration of enhanced mixing into one-dimensional (1-D) advective-dispersive transport models, which substantially improved upon previous simulations of conservative tracer (i.e., Cl-) profiles and chemical mass fluxes. The models revealed a positive relationship between CH4(aq) saturation and enhanced mixing, showing that ebullition enhances internal mass loading. This information has potential to inform ongoing assessments of pit lake performance and support improved closure and reclamation planning at oil sands mines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Francis
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada.
| | - S Lee Barbour
- Department of Civil and Geological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A9, Canada.
| | - Matthew B J Lindsay
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
A microbial solution to oil sand pollution: Understanding the microbiomes, metabolic pathways and mechanisms involved in naphthenic acid (NA) biodegradation. ADV ECOL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
8
|
Fu L, Wu C, Zuo J, Zhou Y, Yang J. Residual ozone in microorganisms enhanced organics removal and shaped microbial community. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 278:130322. [PMID: 33831684 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The residual ozone played an important role in enhancing the organics removal by stimulate subsequent biological processes. However, how the residual ozone affects the biological process is not well studied. In this work, a pilot scale integrated O3-BAF, ordinary BAF and separated O3-BAF were compared in advanced treatment of real bio-treated petrochemical wastewater. Results showed that residual ozone with 0.05-0.10 mg L-1 in the BAF demonstrated relatively high chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 48.4%, which was 1.5-fold higher than that obtained by separated O3-BAF and 3-fold higher than that obtained by ordinary BAF. The stimulative effect of low dosage of O3 on biological treatment additionally donated 33.9% of the COD removal in the BAF. The COD removal amount per dosage of ozone reached 5.30 mg-COD/mg-O3. The biofilm thickness in the integrated O3-BAF was reduced by 30-50% while the dehydrogenase activity (DHA) was improved by 500%, indicating the stimulate effect on the bioactivity. Additionally, Illumina HiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons demonstrated significant microbial diversity decreasing. Specially, Gemmatimonadetes and Bacteroidetes are the dominate microorganism in the integrated O3-BAF, having a positive correlation with the proper residual ozone, and increased by 5.4% and 4.2% in comparison with the separated O3-BAF, respectively. The residual ozone higher than 0.22 mg L-1 showed inhibition effect on the bioactivity. In summary, the control of residual ozone introduced to BAF was crucial for stimulative effects and manager the microbial community in the integrated O3-BAF, which still need further detail research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liya Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; Research Center of Environmental Pollution Control Engineering Technology, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Changyong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; Research Center of Environmental Pollution Control Engineering Technology, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Jian'e Zuo
- Research Center of Environmental Pollution Control Engineering Technology, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Yuexi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; Research Center of Environmental Pollution Control Engineering Technology, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Jin Yang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Methanogenic Biodegradation of iso-Alkanes by Indigenous Microbes from Two Different Oil Sands Tailings Ponds. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081569. [PMID: 34442648 PMCID: PMC8400375 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
iso-Alkanes, a major fraction of the solvents used in bitumen extraction from oil sand ores, are slow to biodegrade in anaerobic tailings ponds. We investigated methanogenic biodegradation of iso-alkane mixtures comprising either three (2-methylbutane, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane) or five (2-methylbutane, 2-methylpentane, 2-methylhexane, 2-methylheptane, 2-methyloctane) iso-alkanes representing paraffinic and naphtha solvents, respectively. Mature fine tailings (MFT) collected from two tailings ponds, having different residual solvents (paraffinic solvent in Canadian Natural Upgrading Limited (CNUL) and naphtha in Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL)), were amended separately with the two mixtures and incubated in microcosms for ~1600 d. The indigenous microbes in CNUL MFT produced methane from the three-iso-alkane mixture after a lag of ~200 d, completely depleting 2-methylpentane while partially depleting 2-methylbutane and 3-methylpentane. CNRL MFT exhibited a similar degradation pattern for the three iso-alkanes after a lag phase of ~700 d, but required 1200 d before beginning to produce methane from the five-iso-alkane mixture, preferentially depleting components in the order of decreasing carbon chain length. Peptococcaceae members were key iso-alkane-degraders in both CNUL and CNRL MFT but were associated with different archaeal partners. Co-dominance of acetoclastic (Methanosaeta) and hydrogenotrophic (Methanolinea and Methanoregula) methanogens was observed in CNUL MFT during biodegradation of three-iso-alkanes whereas CNRL MFT was enriched in Methanoregula during biodegradation of three-iso-alkanes and in Methanosaeta with five-iso-alkanes. This study highlights the different responses of indigenous methanogenic microbial communities in different oil sands tailings ponds to iso-alkanes.
Collapse
|
10
|
A Deep Look into the Microbiology and Chemistry of Froth Treatment Tailings: A Review. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051091. [PMID: 34069522 PMCID: PMC8161226 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In Alberta’s Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR), over 1.25 billion m3 of tailings waste from the bitumen extraction process are stored in tailings ponds. Fugitive emissions associated with residual hydrocarbons in tailings ponds pose an environmental concern and include greenhouse gases (GHGs), reduced sulphur compounds (RSCs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Froth treatment tailings (FTT) are a specific type of tailings waste stream from the bitumen froth treatment process that contains bioavailable diluent: either naphtha or paraffins. Tailings ponds that receive FTT are associated with the highest levels of biogenic gas production, as diverse microbial communities biodegrade the residual diluent. In this review, current literature regarding the composition, chemical analysis, and microbial degradation of FTT and its constituents is presented in order to provide a more complete understanding of the complex chemistry and biological processes related to fugitive emissions from tailings ponds receiving FTT. Characterizing the composition and biodegradation of FTT is important from an environmental perspective to better predict emissions from tailings ponds and guide tailings pond management decisions.
Collapse
|
11
|
Bismuth-Graphene Nanohybrids: Synthesis, Reaction Mechanisms, and Photocatalytic Applications—A Review. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14082281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Photocatalysis is a classical solution to energy conversion and environmental pollution control problems. In photocatalysis, the development and exploration of new visible light catalysts and their synthesis and modification strategies are crucial. It is also essential to understand the mechanism of these reactions in the various reaction media. Recently, bismuth and graphene’s unique geometrical and electronic properties have attracted considerable attention in photocatalysis. This review summarizes bismuth-graphene nanohybrids’ synthetic processes with various design considerations, fundamental mechanisms of action, heterogeneous photocatalysis, benefits, and challenges. Some key applications in energy conversion and environmental pollution control are discussed, such as CO2 reduction, water splitting, pollutant degradation, disinfection, and organic transformations. The detailed perspective of bismuth-graphene nanohybrids’ applications in various research fields presented herein should be of equal interest to academic and industrial scientists.
Collapse
|
12
|
Sheng Y, Liu Y, Yang J, Dong H, Liu B, Zhang H, Li A, Wei Y, Li G, Zhang D. History of petroleum disturbance triggering the depth-resolved assembly process of microbial communities in the vadose zone. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 402:124060. [PMID: 33254835 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biogeochemical gradient forms in vadose zone, yet little is known about the assembly processes of microbial communities in this zone under petroleum disturbance. This study collected vadose zone soils at three sites with 0, 5, and 30 years of petroleum contamination to unravel the vertical microbial community successions and their assembly mechanisms. The results showed that petroleum hydrocarbons exhibited higher concentrations at the long-term contaminated site, showing negative impacts on some soil properties, retarding in the surface soils and decreasing along soil depth. Cultivable fraction of heterotrophic bacteria and microbial α-diversity decreased along depth in vadose zones with short-term/no contamination history, but exhibited an opposite trend with long-term contamination history. Petroleum contamination intensified the vertical heterogeneity of microbial communities based on the contamination time. Microbial co-occurrence network revealed the lowest species co-occurrence pattern at the long-term contaminated site. The distance-decay patterns and null model analysis together suggested distinct assembly mechanisms at three sites, where dispersal limitation (42-45%) was higher and variable and homogenizing selections were lower (37-38%) in vadose zones under petroleum disturbance than those in the uncontaminated vadose zone. Our findings help to better understand the subsurface biogeochemical cycles and bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated vadose zones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yizhi Sheng
- School of Environment & State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science, Miami University, Oxford OH 45056, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Juejie Yang
- School of Environment & State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hailiang Dong
- Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science, Miami University, Oxford OH 45056, USA
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Environment & State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- School of Environment & State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Aiyang Li
- School of Environment & State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guanghe Li
- School of Environment & State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Dayi Zhang
- School of Environment & State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Research Institute for Environmental Innovation (Suzhou), Tsinghua, Suzhou 215163, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Song T, Li S, Yin Z, Bao M, Lu J, Li Y. Hydrolyzed polyacrylamide-containing wastewater treatment using ozone reactor-upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor-aerobic biofilm reactor multistage treatment system. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 269:116111. [PMID: 33290953 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polymer flooding is one of the most important enhanced oil recovery techniques. However, a large amount of hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM)-containing wastewater is produced in the process of polymer flooding, and this poses a potential threat to the environment. In this study, the treatment of HPAM-containing wastewater was analyzed in an ozonic-anaerobic-aerobic multistage treatment process involving an ozone reactor (OR), an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASBR), and an aerobic biofilm reactor (ABR). At an HPAM concentration of 500 mg L-1 and an ozone dose of 25 g O3/g TOC, the HPAM removal rate reached 85.06%. With fracturing of the carbon chain, high-molecular-weight HPAM was degraded into low-molecular-weight compounds. Microbial communities in bioreactors were investigated via high-throughput sequencing, which revealed that norank_c_Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17, norank_f_Cytophagaceae, and Meiothermus were the dominant bacterial groups, and that Methanobacterium, norank_c_WCHA1-57, and Methanosaeta were the key archaeal genera. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in which HPAM-containing wastewater is treated using an ozonic-anaerobic-aerobic multistage treatment system. The ideal degradation performance and the presence of keystone microorganisms confirmed that the multistage treatment process is feasible for treatment of HPAM-containing wastewater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianwen Song
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, And Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; College of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, And Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Zichao Yin
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, And Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Mutai Bao
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, And Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China.
| | - Jinren Lu
- College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Yang Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, And Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China; China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec Group), Beijing, 100728, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Laczi K, Erdeiné Kis Á, Szilágyi Á, Bounedjoum N, Bodor A, Vincze GE, Kovács T, Rákhely G, Perei K. New Frontiers of Anaerobic Hydrocarbon Biodegradation in the Multi-Omics Era. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:590049. [PMID: 33304336 PMCID: PMC7701123 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.590049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment substantially endangers terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Many microbial strains have been recognized to utilize aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons under aerobic conditions. Nevertheless, most of these pollutants are transferred by natural processes, including rain, into the underground anaerobic zones where their degradation is much more problematic. In oxic zones, anaerobic microenvironments can be formed as a consequence of the intensive respiratory activities of (facultative) aerobic microbes. Even though aerobic bioremediation has been well-characterized over the past few decades, ample research is yet to be done in the field of anaerobic hydrocarbon biodegradation. With the emergence of high-throughput techniques, known as omics (e.g., genomics and metagenomics), the individual biodegraders, hydrocarbon-degrading microbial communities and metabolic pathways, interactions can be described at a contaminated site. Omics approaches provide the opportunity to examine single microorganisms or microbial communities at the system level and elucidate the metabolic networks, interspecies interactions during hydrocarbon mineralization. Metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics, for example, can shed light on the active genes and proteins and functional importance of the less abundant species. Moreover, novel unculturable hydrocarbon-degrading strains and enzymes can be discovered and fit into the metabolic networks of the community. Our objective is to review the anaerobic hydrocarbon biodegradation processes, the most important hydrocarbon degraders and their diverse metabolic pathways, including the use of various terminal electron acceptors and various electron transfer processes. The review primarily focuses on the achievements obtained by the current high-throughput (multi-omics) techniques which opened new perspectives in understanding the processes at the system level including the metabolic routes of individual strains, metabolic/electric interaction of the members of microbial communities. Based on the multi-omics techniques, novel metabolic blocks can be designed and used for the construction of microbial strains/consortia for efficient removal of hydrocarbons in anaerobic zones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krisztián Laczi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Erdeiné Kis
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Árpád Szilágyi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Naila Bounedjoum
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Environmental and Technological Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Bodor
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Environmental and Technological Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Tamás Kovács
- Department of Biotechnology, Nanophagetherapy Center, Enviroinvest Corporation, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Rákhely
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Environmental and Technological Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Katalin Perei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Environmental and Technological Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zamanpour MK, Kaliappan RS, Rockne KJ. Gas ebullition from petroleum hydrocarbons in aquatic sediments: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 271:110997. [PMID: 32778285 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Gas ebullition in sediment results from biogenic gas production by mixtures of bacteria and archaea. It often occurs in organic-rich sediments that have been impacted by petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) and other anthropogenic pollution. Ebullition occurs under a relatively narrow set of biological, chemical, and sediment geomechanical conditions. This process occurs in three phases: I) biogenic production of primarily methane and dissolved phase transport of the gases in the pore water to a bubble nucleation site, II) bubble growth and sediment fracture, and III) bubble rise to the surface. The rate of biogenic gas production in phase I and the resistance of the sediment to gas fracture in phase II play the most significant roles in ebullition kinetics. What is less understood is the role that substrate structure plays in the rate of methanogenesis that drives gas ebullition. It is well established that methanogens have a very restricted set of compounds that can serve as substrates, so any complex organic molecule must first be broken down to fermentable compounds. Given that most ebullition-active sediments are completely anaerobic, the well-known difficulty in degrading PHCs under anaerobic conditions suggests potential limitations on PHC-derived gas ebullition. To date, there are no studies that conclusively demonstrate that weathered PHCs can alone drive gas ebullition. This review consists of an overview of the factors affecting gas ebullition and the biochemistry of anaerobic PHC biodegradation and methanogenesis in sediment systems. We next compile results from the scholarly literature on PHCs serving as a source of methanogenesis. We combine these results to assess the potential for PHC-driven gas ebullition using energetics, kinetics, and sediment geomechanics analyses. The results suggest that short chain <C10 alkanes are the only PHC class that alone may have the potential to drive ebullition, and that PHC-derived methanogenesis likely plays a minor part in driving gas ebullition in contaminated sediments compared to natural organic matter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Raja Shankar Kaliappan
- Department of Civil and Materials Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Karl John Rockne
- Department of Civil and Materials Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Siddique T, Semple K, Li C, Foght JM. Methanogenic biodegradation of iso-alkanes and cycloalkanes during long-term incubation with oil sands tailings. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 258:113768. [PMID: 31864926 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbes indigenous to oil sands tailings ponds methanogenically biodegrade certain hydrocarbons, including n-alkanes and monoaromatics, whereas other hydrocarbons such as iso- and cycloalkanes are more recalcitrant. We tested the susceptibility of iso- and cycloalkanes to methanogenic biodegradation by incubating them with mature fine tailings (MFT) collected from two depths (6 and 31 m below surface) of a tailings pond, representing different lengths of exposure to hydrocarbons. A mixture of five iso-alkanes and three cycloalkanes was incubated with MFT for 1700 d. Iso-alkanes were completely biodegraded in the order 3-methylhexane > 4-methylheptane > 2-methyloctane > 2-methylheptane, whereas 3-ethylhexane and ethylcyclopentane were only partially depleted and methylcyclohexane and ethylcyclohexane were not degraded during incubation. Pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes showed enrichment of Peptococcaceae (Desulfotomaculum) and Smithella in amended cultures with acetoclastic (Methanosaeta) and hydrogenotrophic methanogens (Methanoregula and Methanoculleus). Bioaugmentation of MFT by inoculation with MFT-derived enrichment cultures reduced the lag phase before onset of iso-alkane and cycloalkane degradation. However, the same enrichment culture incubated without MFT exhibited slower biodegradation kinetics and less CH4 production, implying that the MFT solid phase (clay minerals) enhanced methanogenesis. These results help explain and predict continued emissions of CH4 from oil sands tailings repositories in situ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada.
| | - Kathleen Semple
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Carmen Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Julia M Foght
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ji JH, Zhou L, Mbadinga SM, Irfan M, Liu YF, Pan P, Qi ZZ, Chen J, Liu JF, Yang SZ, Gu JD, Mu BZ. Methanogenic biodegradation of C 9 to C 12n-alkanes initiated by Smithella via fumarate addition mechanism. AMB Express 2020; 10:23. [PMID: 32008120 PMCID: PMC6995468 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-020-0956-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, a methanogenic alkane-degrading (a mixture of C9 to C12n-alkanes) culture enriched from production water of a low-temperature oil reservoir was established and assessed. Significant methane production was detected in the alkane-amended enrichment cultures compared with alkane-free controls over an incubation period of 1 year. At the end of the incubation, fumarate addition metabolites (C9 to C12 alkylsuccinates) and assA genes (encoding the alpha subunit of alkylsuccinate synthase) were detected only in the alkane-amended enrichment cultures. Microbial community analysis showed that putative syntrophic n-alkane degraders (Smithella) capable of initiating n-alkanes by fumarate addition mechanism were enriched in the alkane-amended enrichment cultures. In addition, both hydrogenotrophic (Methanocalculus) and acetoclastic (Methanothrix) methanogens were also observed. Our results provide further evidence that alkanes can be activated by addition to fumarate under methanogenic conditions.
Collapse
|
18
|
Mitter EK, de Freitas JR, Germida JJ. Hydrocarbon-degrading genes in root endophytic communities on oil sands reclamation covers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2020; 22:703-712. [PMID: 31905300 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2019.1707480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In response to environmental regulations, the Canadian oil sands industry aims to reclaim all disturbed areas to equivalent land capability prior to mining operations. However, tailing sands used in reclamation contain residual hydrocarbons and plants growing in these areas may rely on hydrocarbon-degrading endophytic bacteria to survive. This study assessed the hydrocarbon-degrading potential (genes: CYP153, alkB and nah) of culturable and unculturable endophytic bacteria associated with annual barley (Hordeum vulgare) and sweet clover (Melilotus albus) plants in an oil sands reclamation area. Our results suggest higher CYP153 gene copy numbers in sweet clover when compared to barley. Yet, no significant differences were detected in 16S rRNA, alkB and nah genes. In addition, total hydrocarbons, pH, total soil carbon, organic carbon and total nitrogen play an important role in determining hydrocarbon-degrading potential in these communities. The assessment of culturable hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria revealed 42 isolates (total of 316) that were positive for at least one hydrocarbon-degrading gene. Most of these isolates were positive for alkB, and closely match the database for Pantoea, Pseudomonas and Enterobacter spp. Thus, to improve oil sands reclamation strategies, plant inoculation with select hydrocarbon-degrading endophytes could be used to increase plant tolerance and hydrocarbon degradation in these areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo K Mitter
- Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | | | - James J Germida
- Department of Soil Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kong JD, Wang H, Siddique T, Foght J, Semple K, Burkus Z, Lewis MA. Second-generation stoichiometric mathematical model to predict methane emissions from oil sands tailings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 694:133645. [PMID: 31400693 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbial metabolism of fugitive hydrocarbons produces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from oil sands tailings ponds (OSTP) and end pit lakes (EPL) that retain fluid tailings from surface mining of oil sands ores. Predicting GHG production, particularly methane (CH4), would help oil sands operators mitigate tailings emissions and may assist regulators evaluating the trajectory of reclamation scenarios. Using empirical datasets from laboratory incubation of OSTP sediments with pertinent hydrocarbons, we developed a stoichiometric model for CH4 generation by indigenous microbes. This model improved on previous first-approximation models by considering long-term biodegradation kinetics for 18 relevant hydrocarbons from three different oil sands operations, lag times, nutrient limitations, and microbial growth and death rates. Laboratory measurements were used to estimate model parameter values and to validate the new model. Goodness of fit analysis showed that the stoichiometric model predicted CH4 production well; normalized mean square error analysis revealed that it surpassed previous models. Comparison of model predictions with field measurements of CH4 emissions further validated the new model. Importantly, the model also identified in-situ parameters that are currently lacking but are needed to enable future robust modeling of CH4 production from OSTP and EPL in-situ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jude D Kong
- Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science, Rutgers University, 96 Frelinghuysen Road Piscataway, NJ 08854-8018, USA; Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G1, Canada
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G1, Canada.
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada
| | - Julia Foght
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Kathleen Semple
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Zvonko Burkus
- Alberta Environment and Parks, Government of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Mark A Lewis
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G1, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang K, Hu Z, Zeng F, Yang X, Wang J, Jing R, Zhang H, Li Y, Zhang Z. Biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons and changes in microbial community structure in sediment under nitrate-, ferric-, sulfate-reducing and methanogenic conditions. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 249:109425. [PMID: 31446121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the biodegradation behaviors of petroleum hydrocarbons under various reducing conditions were investigated. n-Alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were degraded with NO3-, Fe3+, SO42-, or HCO3- as terminal electron acceptors (TEAs), which link to four typical reducing conditions (i.e., nitrate-reducing, ferric-reducing, sulfate-reducing and methanogenic conditions, respectively) in sediment. The fastest degradation rates were achieved under sulfate-reducing conditions with half-lives of 49.51 days for n-alkanes and 58.74 days for PAHs. For short-chain n-alkanes and low-molecular weight (LMW) PAHs, relatively higher removal efficiencies were achieved under nitrate- and ferric-reducing conditions. The degradation of long-chain n-alkanes and high-molecular weight (HMW) PAHs coupled to methanogenesis was the most favored as compared with other reducing conditions. Carboxylation was found to be the principle mechanism for regulating n-alkane degradation coupled to denitrification, while the activation of n-alkanes by the addition of fumarate was the principle mechanism for the n-alkane degradation under sulfate-reducing conditions. The anaerobic metabolism of n-alkanes may not proceed via fumarate addition or carboxylation under ferric-reducing and methanogenic conditions. Illumina HiSeq sequencing revealed dissimilar structures of the microbial communities under various reducing conditions. It is hypothesized that the utilization of different TEAs for n-alkane and PAH degradation resulted in distinct microbial community structures, which were highly correlated with the varied degradation behaviors of petroleum hydrocarbons in sediment. The current results may provide reference value on better understanding the biodegradation behaviors of n-alkanes and PAHs in association with the induced microbial communities in sedimentary environments under the four typical reducing conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environmental Research & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zheng Hu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environmental Research & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Feifan Zeng
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environmental Research & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xingjian Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environmental Research & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jinjin Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environmental Research & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Ran Jing
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland at College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Huanni Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environmental Research & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environmental Research & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Tianjin, 300191, China.
| | - Zhen Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environmental Research & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhang J, Chen M, Huang J, Guo X, Zhang Y, Liu D, Wu R, He H, Wang J. Diversity of the microbial community and cultivable protease-producing bacteria in the sediments of the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea and South China Sea. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215328. [PMID: 30973915 PMCID: PMC6459509 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The nitrogen (N) cycle is closely related to the stability of marine ecosystems. Microbial communities have been directly linked to marine N-cycling processes. However, systematic research on the bacterial community composition and diversity involved in N cycles in different seas is lacking. In this study, microbial diversity in the Bohai Sea (BHS), Yellow Sea (YS) and South China Sea (SCS) was surveyed by targeting the hypervariable V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. A total of 2,505,721 clean reads and 15,307 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained from 86 sediment samples from the three studied China seas. LEfSe analysis demonstrated that the SCS had more abundant microbial taxa than the BHS and YS. Diversity indices demonstrated that Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes were the dominant phyla in all three China seas. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that pH (P = 0.034) was the principal determining factors, while the organic matter content, depth and temperature had a minor correlated with the variations in sedimentary microbial community distribution. Cluster and functional analyses of microbial communities showed that chemoheterotrophic and aerobic chemoheterotrophic microorganisms widely exist in these three seas. Further research found that the cultivable protease-producing bacteria were mainly affiliated with the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. It was very clear that Pseudoalteromonadaceae possessed the highest relative abundance in the three sea areas. The predominant protease-producing genera were Pseudoalteromonas and Bacillus. These results shed light on the differences in bacterial community composition, especially protease-producing bacteria, in these three China seas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Zhang
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Sanway Gene Technology Inc., Changsha, China
| | - Jiafeng Huang
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinwu Guo
- Sanway Gene Technology Inc., Changsha, China
| | - Yanjiao Zhang
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, School of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dan Liu
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ribang Wu
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hailun He
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- * E-mail: (HH); (GW)
| | - Jun Wang
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Sanway Gene Technology Inc., Changsha, China
- * E-mail: (HH); (GW)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Oberding LK, Gieg LM. Methanogenic Paraffin Biodegradation: Alkylsuccinate Synthase Gene Quantification and Dicarboxylic Acid Production. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:e01773-17. [PMID: 29030441 PMCID: PMC5734044 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01773-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Paraffinic n-alkanes (>C17) that are solid at ambient temperature comprise a large fraction of many crude oils. The comparatively low water solubility and reactivity of these long-chain alkanes can lead to their persistence in the environment following fuel spills and pose serious problems for crude oil recovery operations by clogging oil production wells. However, the degradation of waxy paraffins under the anoxic conditions characterizing contaminated groundwater environments and deep subsurface energy reservoirs is poorly understood. Here, we assessed the ability of a methanogenic culture enriched from freshwater fuel-contaminated aquifer sediments to biodegrade the model paraffin n-octacosane (C28H58). Compared with that in controls, the consumption of n-octacosane was coupled to methane production, demonstrating its biodegradation under these conditions. Smithella was postulated to be an important C28H58 degrader in the culture on the basis of its high relative abundance as determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. An identified assA gene (known to encode the α subunit of alkylsuccinate synthase) aligned most closely with those from other Smithella organisms. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and reverse transcription qPCR assays for assA demonstrated significant increases in the abundance and expression of this gene in C28H58-degrading cultures compared with that in controls, suggesting n-octacosane activation by fumarate addition. A metabolite analysis revealed the presence of several long-chain α,ω-dicarboxylic acids only in the C28H58-degrading cultures, a novel observation providing clues as to how methanogenic consortia access waxy hydrocarbons. The results of this study broaden our understanding of how waxy paraffins can be biodegraded in anoxic environments with an application toward bioremediation and improved oil recovery.IMPORTANCE Understanding the methanogenic biodegradation of different classes of hydrocarbons has important applications for effective fuel-contaminated site remediation and for improved recovery from oil reservoirs. Previous studies have clearly demonstrated that short-chain alkanes (C17) that comprise many fuel mixtures. Using an enrichment culture derived from a freshwater fuel-contaminated site, we demonstrate that the model waxy alkane n-octacosane can be biodegraded under methanogenic conditions by a presumed Smithella phylotype. Compared with that of controls, we show an increased abundance and expression of the assA gene, which is known to be important for anaerobic n-alkane metabolism. Metabolite analyses revealed the presence of a range of α,ω-dicarboxylic acids found only in n-octacosane-degrading cultures, a novel finding that lends insight as to how anaerobic communities may access waxes as growth substrates in anoxic environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K Oberding
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lisa M Gieg
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Foght JM, Gieg LM, Siddique T. The microbiology of oil sands tailings: past, present, future. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2017; 93:3064888. [PMID: 28334283 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fix034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Surface mining of enormous oil sands deposits in northeastern Alberta, Canada since 1967 has contributed greatly to Canada's economy but has also received negative international attention due largely to environmental concerns and challenges. Not only have microbes profoundly affected the composition and behavior of this petroleum resource over geological time, they currently influence the management of semi-solid tailings in oil sands tailings ponds (OSTPs) and tailings reclamation. Historically, microbial impacts on OSTPs were generally discounted, but next-generation sequencing and biogeochemical studies have revealed unexpectedly diverse indigenous communities and expanded our fundamental understanding of anaerobic microbial functions. OSTPs that experienced different processing and management histories have developed distinct microbial communities that influence the behavior and reclamation of the tailings stored therein. In particular, the interactions of Deltaproteobacteria and Firmicutes with methanogenic archaea impact greenhouse gas emissions, sulfur cycling, pore water toxicity, sediment biogeochemistry and densification, water usage and the trajectory of long-term mine waste reclamation. This review summarizes historical data; synthesizes current understanding of microbial diversity and activities in situ and in vitro; predicts microbial effects on tailings remediation and reclamation; and highlights knowledge gaps for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Foght
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2E9
| | - Lisa M Gieg
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2G7
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mohamad Shahimin MF, Siddique T. Methanogenic biodegradation of paraffinic solvent hydrocarbons in two different oil sands tailings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 583:115-122. [PMID: 28094047 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Microbial communities drive many biogeochemical processes in oil sands tailings and cause greenhouse gas emissions from tailings ponds. Paraffinic solvent (primarily C5-C6; n- and iso-alkanes) is used by some oil sands companies to aid bitumen extraction from oil sands ores. Residues of unrecovered solvent escape to tailings ponds during tailings deposition and sustain microbial metabolism. To investigate biodegradation of hydrocarbons in paraffinic solvent, mature fine tailings (MFT) collected from Albian and CNRL ponds were amended with paraffinic solvent at ~0.1wt% (final concentration: ~1000mgL-1) and incubated under methanogenic conditions for ~1600d. Albian and CNRL MFTs exhibited ~400 and ~800d lag phases, respectively after which n-alkanes (n-pentane and n-hexane) in the solvent were preferentially metabolized to methane over iso-alkanes in both MFTs. Among iso-alkanes, only 2-methylpentane was completely biodegraded whereas 2-methylbutane and 3-methylpentane were partially biodegraded probably through cometabolism. 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing showed dominance of Anaerolineaceae and Methanosaetaceae in Albian MFT and Peptococcaceae and co-domination of "Candidatus Methanoregula" and Methanosaetaceae in CNRL MFT bacterial and archaeal communities, respectively, during active biodegradation of paraffinic solvent. The results are important for developing future strategies for tailings reclamation and management of greenhouse gas emissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mohamad Shahimin MF, Siddique T. Sequential biodegradation of complex naphtha hydrocarbons under methanogenic conditions in two different oil sands tailings. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 221:398-406. [PMID: 27939633 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Methane emissions in oil sands tailings ponds are sustained by anaerobic biodegradation of unrecovered hydrocarbons. Naphtha (primarily C6-C10; n- iso- and cycloalkanes) is commonly used as a solvent during bitumen extraction process and its residue escapes to tailings ponds during tailings deposition. To investigate biodegradability of hydrocarbons in naphtha, mature fine tailings (MFT) collected from Albian and CNRL tailings ponds were amended with CNRL naphtha at ∼0.2 wt% (∼2000 mg L-1) and incubated under methanogenic conditions for ∼1600 d. Microbial communities in both MFTs started metabolizing naphtha after a lag phase of ∼100 d. Complete biodegradation/biotransformation of all n-alkanes (except partial biodegradation of n-octane in CNRL MFT) followed by major iso-alkanes (2-methylpentane, 3-methylhexane, 2- and 4-methylheptane, iso-nonanes and 2-methylnonane) and a few cycloalkanes (derivatives of cyclopentane and cyclohexane) was observed during the incubation. 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing showed dominance of Peptococcaceae and Anaerolineaceae in Albian MFT and Anaerolineaceae and Syntrophaceae in CNRL MFT bacterial communities with co-domination of Methanosaetaceae and "Candidatus Methanoregula" in archaeal populations during active biodegradation of hydrocarbons. The findings extend the known range of hydrocarbons susceptible to methanogenic biodegradation in petroleum-impacted anaerobic environments and help refine existing kinetic model to predict greenhouse gas emissions from tailings ponds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Liang B, Wang LY, Zhou Z, Mbadinga SM, Zhou L, Liu JF, Yang SZ, Gu JD, Mu BZ. High Frequency of Thermodesulfovibrio spp. and Anaerolineaceae in Association with Methanoculleus spp. in a Long-Term Incubation of n-Alkanes-Degrading Methanogenic Enrichment Culture. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1431. [PMID: 27695441 PMCID: PMC5025540 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, the microbial community and functional gene composition of a long-term active alkane-degrading methanogenic culture was established after two successive enrichment culture transfers and incubated for a total period of 1750 days. Molecular analysis was conducted after the second transfer (incubated for 750 days) for both the active alkanes-degrading methanogenic enrichment cultures (T2-AE) and the background control (T2-BC). A net increase of methane as the end product was detected in the headspace of the enrichment cultures amended with long-chain n-alkanes and intermediate metabolites, including octadecanoate, hexadecanoate, isocaprylate, butyrate, isobutyrate, propionate, acetate, and formate were measured in the liquid cultures. The composition of microbial community shifted through the successive transfers over time of incubation. Sequences of bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA gene (16S rDNA) and mcrA functional gene indicated that bacterial sequences affiliated to Thermodesulfovibrio spp. and Anaerolineaceae and archaeal sequences falling within the genus Methanoculleus were the most frequently encountered and thus represented the dominant members performing the anaerobic degradation of long-chain n-alkanes and methanogenesis. In addition, the presence of assA functional genes encoding the alkylsuccinate synthase α subunit indicated that fumarate addition mechanism could be considered as a possible initial activation step of n-alkanes in the present study. The succession pattern of microbial communities indicates that Thermodesulfovibrio spp. could be a generalist participating in the metabolism of intermediates, while Anaerolineaceae plays a key role in the initial activation of long-chain n-alkane biodegradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology Shanghai, China
| | - Zhichao Zhou
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China
| | - Serge M Mbadinga
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and TechnologyShanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing TechnologyShanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and TechnologyShanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing TechnologyShanghai, China
| | - Shi-Zhong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and TechnologyShanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing TechnologyShanghai, China
| | - Ji-Dong Gu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China
| | - Bo-Zhong Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and TechnologyShanghai, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing TechnologyShanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Collins CEV, Foght JM, Siddique T. Co-occurrence of methanogenesis and N2 fixation in oil sands tailings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 565:306-312. [PMID: 27177137 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.04.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Oil sands tailings ponds in northern Alberta, Canada have been producing biogenic gases via microbial metabolism of hydrocarbons for decades. Persistent methanogenic activity in tailings ponds without any known replenishment of nutrients such as fixed nitrogen (N) persuaded us to investigate whether N2 fixation or polyacrylamide (PAM; used as a tailings flocculant) could serve as N sources. Cultures comprising mature fine tailings (MFT) plus methanogenic medium supplemented with or deficient in fixed N were incubated under an N2 headspace. Some cultures were further amended with citrate, which is used in oil sands processing, as a relevant carbon source, and/or with PAM. After an initial delay, N-deficient cultures with or without PAM produced methane (CH4) at the same rate as N-containing cultures, indicating a mechanism of overcoming apparent N-deficiency. Acetylene reduction and (15)N2 incorporation in all N-deficient cultures (with or without PAM) suggested active N2 fixation concurrently with methanogenesis but inability to use PAM as a N source. 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing revealed little difference between archaeal populations regardless of N content. However, bacterial sequences in N-deficient cultures showed enrichment of Hyphomicrobiaceae and Clostridium members that might contain N2-fixing species. The results are important in understanding long-term production of biogenic greenhouse gases in oil sands tailings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C E Victoria Collins
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada
| | - Julia M Foght
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Tariq Siddique
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|