1
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Gupta S, Plugge CM, Muyzer G, Sánchez-Andrea I. Harnessing the potential of the microbial sulfur cycle for environmental biotechnology. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 88:103164. [PMID: 38964081 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
The sulfur cycle is a complex biogeochemical cycle characterized by the high variability in the oxidation states of sulfur. While sulfur is essential for life processes, certain sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, are toxic to all life forms. Micro-organisms facilitate the sulfur cycle, playing a prominent role even in extreme environments, such as soda lakes, acid mine drainage sites, hot springs, and other harsh habitats. The activity of these micro-organisms presents unique opportunities for mitigating sulfur-based pollution and enhancing the recovery of sulfur and metals. This review highlights the application of sulfur-oxidizing and -reducing micro-organisms in environmental biotechnology through three illustrative examples. Additionally, it discusses the challenges, recent trends, and prospects associated with these applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyash Gupta
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Microbial Systems Ecology, Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute or Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline M Plugge
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard Muyzer
- Microbial Systems Ecology, Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute or Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Irene Sánchez-Andrea
- Environmental Science for Sustainability Department, IE Universidad, Segovia, Spain
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2
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Echavarría JAC, El Hajj S, Irankunda R, Selmeczi K, Paris C, Udenigwe CC, Canabady-Rochelle L. Screening, separation and identification of metal-chelating peptides for nutritional, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications. Food Funct 2024; 15:3300-3326. [PMID: 38488016 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo05765h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Metal-chelating peptides, which form metal-peptide coordination complexes with various metal ions, can be used as biofunctional ingredients notably to enhance human health and prevent diseases. This review aims to discuss recent insights into food-derived metal-chelating peptides, the strategies set up for their discovery, their study, and identification. After understanding the overall properties of metal-chelating peptides, their production from food-derived protein sources and their potential applications will be discussed, particularly in nutritional, cosmetics and pharmaceutical fields. In addition, the review provides an overview of the last decades of progress in discovering food-derived metal-chelating peptides, addressing several screening, separation and identification methodologies. Furthermore, it emphasizes the methods used to assess peptide-metal interaction, allowing for better understanding of chemical and thermodynamic parameters associated with the formation of peptide-metal coordination complexes, as well as the specific amino acid residues that play important roles in the metal ion coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah El Hajj
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LRGP, F-54000 Nancy, France.
| | | | | | - Cédric Paris
- Université de Lorraine, LIBIO, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Chibuike C Udenigwe
- School of Nutrition Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
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3
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Sharma P, Parakh SK, Singh SP, Parra-Saldívar R, Kim SH, Varjani S, Tong YW. A critical review on microbes-based treatment strategies for mitigation of toxic pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 834:155444. [PMID: 35461941 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of the environment through toxic pollutants poses a key risk to the environment due to irreversible environmental damage(s). Industrialization and urbanization produced harmful elements such as petrochemicals, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials, and herbicides that are intentionally or unintentionally released into the water system, threatening biodiversity, the health of animals, and humans. Heavy metals (HMs) in water, for example, can exist in a variety of forms that are inclined by climate features like the presence of various types of organic matter, pH, water system hardness, transformation, and bioavailability. Biological treatment is an important tool for removing toxic contaminants from the ecosystem, and it has piqued the concern of investigators over the centuries. In situ bioremediation such as biosparging, bioventing, biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and phytoremediation and ex-situ bioremediation includes composting, land farming, biopiles, and bioreactors. In the last few years, scientific understanding of microbial relations with particular chemicals has aided in the protection of the environment. Despite intensive studies being carried out on the mitigation of toxic pollutants, there have been limited efforts performed to discuss the solutions to tackle the limitations and approaches for the remediation of heavy metals holistically. This paper summarizes the risk assessment of HMs on aquatic creatures, the environment, humans, and animals. The content of this paper highlights the principles and limitations of microbial remediation to address the technological challenges. The coming prospect and tasks of evaluating the impact of different treatment skills for pollutant remediation have been reviewed in detail. Moreover, genetically engineered microbes have emerged as powerful bioremediation capabilities with significant potential for expelling toxic elements. With appropriate examples, current challenging issues and boundaries related to the deployment of genetically engineered microbes as bioremediation on polluted soils are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Sharma
- Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, 138602, Singapore
| | - Sheetal Kishor Parakh
- Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, 138602, Singapore
| | - Surendra Pratap Singh
- Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (PG) College, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur-208001, India
| | - Roberto Parra-Saldívar
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias-Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Sang-Hyoun Kim
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunita Varjani
- Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gandhinagar 382010, Gujarat, India.
| | - Yen Wah Tong
- Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 CREATE Way, 138602, Singapore; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive, 117585, Singapore.
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4
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Su Z, Li X, Xi Y, Xie T, Liu Y, Liu B, Liu H, Xu W, Zhang C. Microbe-mediated transformation of metal sulfides: Mechanisms and environmental significance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 825:153767. [PMID: 35157862 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms play a key role in the natural circulation of various constituent elements of metal sulfides. Some microorganisms (such as Thiobacillus ferrooxidans) can promote the oxidation of metal sulfides to increase the release of heavy metals. However, other microorganisms (such as Desulfovibrio vulgaris) can transform heavy metals into metal sulfides crystals. Therefore, insight into the metal sulfides transformation mediated by microorganisms is of great significance to environmental protection. In this review, first, we discuss the mechanism and influencing factors of microorganisms transforming heavy metals into metal sulfides crystals in different environments. Then, we explore three microbe-mediated transformation forms of heavy metals to metal sulfides and their environmental applications: (1) transformation to metal sulfides precipitation for metal resource recovery; (2) transformation to metal sulfides nanoparticles (NPs) for pollutant treatment; (3) transformation to "metal sulfides-microbe" biohybrid system for clean energy production and pollutant remediation. Finally, we further provide critical views on the application of microbe-mediated metal sulfides transformation in the environmental field and discuss the need for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Su
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Yanni Xi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Tanghuan Xie
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yanfen Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Bo Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Huinian Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Weihua Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Chang Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
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5
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Huang MQ, Zhang M, Zhan SL, Chen L, Xue ZL. Saturated Dissolved Oxygen Concentration in in situ Fragmentation Bioleaching of Copper Sulfide Ores. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:821635. [PMID: 35464926 PMCID: PMC9019730 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.821635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In situ fragmentation bioleaching is a promising way to perform deep mining safely, economically, and in an environmentally friendly manner, where oxygen plays a critical role in microbial growth and mineral dissolution. However, the lack of oxygen limits the implementation of in-situ fragmentation bioleaching. To overcome this limitation, aeration was proposed, with saturated dissolved oxygen concentration as an important indicator. Orthogonal experiments were conducted to measure saturated dissolved oxygen concentration at various temperature, pH, and electrolyte (ferrous sulfate, ferric sulfate, copper sulfate, and sulfuric acid) concentration conditions. Experimental data were analyzed by Python programming language and least squares method to obtain a saturated dissolved oxygen concentration model. Results showed that temperature had the most significant effect on oxygen solubility, which was concluded by comparing the results of surface fitting based on the least squares method. At 30-40°C, the saturated dissolved oxygen concentration decreased faster as metal ions concentration increased. The conjoint effect of the five variables on oxygen solubility showed that pH was linearly negatively related to oxygen solubility. Additionally, a mathematical model was also proposed to predict the saturated dissolved oxygen concentration in in situ fragmentation bioleaching of copper sulfide ores. This work enables bioleaching processes to be modeled and controlled more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Qing Huang
- Zijin School of Geology and Mining, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Zijin School of Geology and Mining, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shu-Lin Zhan
- Zijin School of Geology and Mining, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Zijin School of Geology and Mining, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Lin Xue
- College of Mining Engineering, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
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6
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Liao CW, Yeh YW, El-Shall H, Gower LB. Biotechnology Approach to Mineral Separation via Phage Flotation Collectors. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:9795-9806. [PMID: 35143175 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A long-standing challenge in the mining industry is the separation of mineral particles that have similar surface characteristics for which surfactant-based flotation collectors cannot discriminate. In Florida phosphate mining, this problem occurs in the separation of dolomite [CaMg(CO3)2] contaminants from the desired francolite mineral {a fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH)]}. In this study, phage display techniques were used to select phage clones with specific binding affinity to francolite, which were then tested in a benchtop bubbler flotation apparatus for their ability to selectively float francolite particles from mixtures containing dolomite. Contact angles measured with the captive bubble technique were used to examine changes in the surface character of the mineral particles upon adsorption of the phage, which showed that the most selective phage led to an increase in the contact angle from 16 to 50°. Although this is below the level considered hydrophobic, the correlation between contact angles and increased flotation recovery suggests that the phage coat proteins are behaving as efficient bioamphiphiles for the attachment of the particles to air bubbles, demonstrating a new and environmentally friendly type of biocollector system. The chemical and physical characteristics of the phage "tail" peptides were evaluated to offer an explanation for the specificity of phage binding. We conclude with a discussion of the potential benefits of this biotechnology approach, even for commodity industries such as mining or other particle separation systems, when costs and sustainability are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wei Liao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Ya-Wen Yeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Hassan El-Shall
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
- Particle Engineering Research Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Laurie B Gower
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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7
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Montaño López J, Duran L, Avalos JL. Physiological limitations and opportunities in microbial metabolic engineering. Nat Rev Microbiol 2021; 20:35-48. [PMID: 34341566 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-021-00600-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic engineering can have a pivotal role in increasing the environmental sustainability of the transportation and chemical manufacturing sectors. The field has already developed engineered microorganisms that are currently being used in industrial-scale processes. However, it is often challenging to achieve the titres, yields and productivities required for commercial viability. The efficiency of microbial chemical production is usually dependent on the physiological traits of the host organism, which may either impose limitations on engineered biosynthetic pathways or, conversely, boost their performance. In this Review, we discuss different aspects of microbial physiology that often create obstacles for metabolic engineering, and present solutions to overcome them. We also describe various instances in which natural or engineered physiological traits in host organisms have been harnessed to benefit engineered metabolic pathways for chemical production.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Montaño López
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Lisset Duran
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - José L Avalos
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA. .,Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA. .,Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA. .,Princeton Environmental Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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8
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Martínez-Alesón García P, García-Balboa C, Romero-López J, López-Rodas V, Costas E, Baselga-Cervera B. Fluctuation analysis to select for Samarium bio-uptaking microalgae clones the repurposing of a classical evolution experiment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 215:112134. [PMID: 33721662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112134] [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: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rare Earth Elements (REE) increasing demand prompts the research of biotechnological approaches to exploit secondary resources. We made use of the adapted Fluctuation analyses experiment to obtain Chlamydomonas reinhardtii ChlA strains resistant to Samarium (Sm) as the reference REE. The starting hypothesis was that adaptation to metal-containing media leads to an enhanced metal uptake. ChlA was able to adapt to 1.33·10-4 Sm M and pH~3 by pre-existing genetic variability, allowing the evolutionary rescue of 13 of the 99 populations studied. The rescuing resistant genotypes presented a mutation rate of 8.65·10-7 resistant cells per division. The resulting resistant population contradicted the expected fitness cost associated with the adaptation to Sm, selection resulted in larger and faster-growing resistant cells. Among the three isolated strains studied for Sm uptake, only one presented uplifted performance compared to the control population (46.64 μg Sm g-¹ of wet biomass and 3.26·10-7 ng Sm per cell, mainly bioaccumulated within the cells). The selection of microalgae strains with improved tolerance to REEs by this methodology could be a promising solution for REES sequestration. However, increased tolerance can be independent or have negative effects on uptake performance and cellular features studied are not directly correlated with the metal uptake. SUMMARY SENTENCE: Repurposing a classic laboratory evolution experiment to select for microalgae Samarium adapted strains for metals recovery and biotechnology approaches. DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT: All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article (and its raw files).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camino García-Balboa
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Julia Romero-López
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Victoria López-Rodas
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Eduardo Costas
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Beatriz Baselga-Cervera
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain; Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Department, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, United States; Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States.
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9
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Gallo G, Puopolo R, Carbonaro M, Maresca E, Fiorentino G. Extremophiles, a Nifty Tool to Face Environmental Pollution: From Exploitation of Metabolism to Genome Engineering. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5228. [PMID: 34069056 PMCID: PMC8157027 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Extremophiles are microorganisms that populate habitats considered inhospitable from an anthropocentric point of view and are able to tolerate harsh conditions such as high temperatures, extreme pHs, high concentrations of salts, toxic organic substances, and/or heavy metals. These microorganisms have been broadly studied in the last 30 years and represent precious sources of biomolecules and bioprocesses for many biotechnological applications; in this context, scientific efforts have been focused on the employment of extremophilic microbes and their metabolic pathways to develop biomonitoring and bioremediation strategies to face environmental pollution, as well as to improve biorefineries for the conversion of biomasses into various chemical compounds. This review gives an overview on the peculiar metabolic features of certain extremophilic microorganisms, with a main focus on thermophiles, which make them attractive for biotechnological applications in the field of environmental remediation; moreover, it sheds light on updated genetic systems (also those based on the CRISPR-Cas tool), which expand the potentialities of these microorganisms to be genetically manipulated for various biotechnological purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Gallo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.G.); (R.P.); (M.C.); (E.M.)
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche CNR, Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Rosanna Puopolo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.G.); (R.P.); (M.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Miriam Carbonaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.G.); (R.P.); (M.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Emanuela Maresca
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.G.); (R.P.); (M.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Gabriella Fiorentino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.G.); (R.P.); (M.C.); (E.M.)
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche CNR, Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
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10
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Giachino A, Focarelli F, Marles-Wright J, Waldron KJ. Synthetic biology approaches to copper remediation: bioleaching, accumulation and recycling. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2021; 97:6021318. [PMID: 33501489 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiaa249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the current aims of synthetic biology is the development of novel microorganisms that can mine economically important elements from the environment or remediate toxic waste compounds. Copper, in particular, is a high-priority target for bioremediation owing to its extensive use in the food, metal and electronic industries and its resulting common presence as an environmental pollutant. Even though microbe-aided copper biomining is a mature technology, its application to waste treatment and remediation of contaminated sites still requires further research and development. Crucially, any engineered copper-remediating chassis must survive in copper-rich environments and adapt to copper toxicity; they also require bespoke adaptations to specifically extract copper and safely accumulate it as a human-recoverable deposit to enable biorecycling. Here, we review current strategies in copper bioremediation, biomining and biorecycling, as well as strategies that extant bacteria use to enhance copper tolerance, accumulation and mineralization in the native environment. By describing the existing toolbox of copper homeostasis proteins from naturally occurring bacteria, we show how these modular systems can be exploited through synthetic biology to enhance the properties of engineered microbes for biotechnological copper recovery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Giachino
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Focarelli
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Marles-Wright
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J Waldron
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
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11
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Azizi D, Larachi F, Garnier A, Lagüe P, Levasseur B. Sorption of aqueous amino acid species on sulphidic mineral surfaces—DFT study and insights on biosourced‐reagent mineral flotation. CAN J CHEM ENG 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/cjce.23841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dariush Azizi
- Department of Chemical Engineering Université Laval Québec Québec Canada
| | - Faïçal Larachi
- Department of Chemical Engineering Université Laval Québec Québec Canada
| | - Alain Garnier
- Department of Chemical Engineering Université Laval Québec Québec Canada
| | - Patrick Lagüe
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Bioinformatics Université Laval Québec Québec Canada
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12
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Brown biotechnology: a powerful toolbox for resolving current and future challenges in the development of arid lands. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-2980-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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13
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Rambabu K, Banat F, Pham QM, Ho SH, Ren NQ, Show PL. Biological remediation of acid mine drainage: Review of past trends and current outlook. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 2:100024. [PMID: 36160925 PMCID: PMC9488087 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2020.100024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Formation of acid mine drainage (AMD) is a widespread environmental issue that has not subsided throughout decades of continuing research. Highly acidic and highly concentrated metallic streams are characteristics of such streams. Humans, plants and surrounding ecosystems that are in proximity to AMD producing sites face immediate threats. Remediation options include active and passive biological treatments which are markedly different in many aspects. Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) remove sulfate and heavy metals to generate non-toxic streams. Passive systems are inexpensive to operate but entail fundamental drawbacks such as large land requirements and prolonged treatment period. Active bioreactors offer greater operational predictability and quicker treatment time but require higher investment costs and wide scale usage is limited by lack of expertise. Recent advancements include the use of renewable raw materials for AMD clean up purposes, which will likely achieve much greener mitigation solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Rambabu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fawzi Banat
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Quan Minh Pham
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 11307, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 11307, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Shih-Hsin Ho
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Nan-Qi Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, Semenyih, 43500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- Corresponding author.
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Zhou W, Zhang L, Peng J, Ge Y, Tian Z, Sun J, Cheng H, Zhou H. Cleaner utilization of electroplating sludge by bioleaching with a moderately thermophilic consortium: A pilot study. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 232:345-355. [PMID: 31158629 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The semi-pilot scale bioleaching of electroplating sludge by the moderately thermophilic acidophilic consortium was carried out for the first time. During the microbial cultivation, Leptospirillum ferriphilum CS13, Acidithiobacillus caldus S2, and Sulfobacillus acidophilus CS5 could grow rapidly in a 300 L aeration packed reactor, in which the total suspended cell concentration could fluctuate around 3 × 108 cells/mL and the community structure remained relatively stable. During the bioleaching process, the microbial stock solution could effectively leach heavy metals from electroplating sludge in a stirred reactor within a few hours. Meanwhile, the effects of pH, temperature, the quantity of active culture, and liquid-solid ratio on the bioleaching behavior were also investigated. The optimal conditions for electroplating sludge bioleaching were pH 1.5, temperature 45 °C, bacterial liquid ratio 40%, liquid-solid ratio 4:1 L kg-1, and leaching time 5 h. The total removal rate of various heavy metals in electroplating sludge was over 99%. The bioleaching residue was successfully passed the TCLP test, and the total contents of heavy metals in the residue were also well below the regulatory criteria. In addition, the XRD analysis of the bioleaching residue was also confirmed that the moderately thermophilic consortium bioleaching provided a cleaner process than chemical leaching on the removal of the residual fraction metals, which was feasible and attractive for industrial treatment of electroplating sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Zhou
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Jing Peng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Yang Ge
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Zhuang Tian
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Jianxing Sun
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Haina Cheng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China.
| | - Hongbo Zhou
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China.
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15
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Schönberger N, Zeitler C, Braun R, Lederer FL, Matys S, Pollmann K. Directed Evolution and Engineering of Gallium-Binding Phage Clones-A Preliminary Study. Biomimetics (Basel) 2019; 4:biomimetics4020035. [PMID: 31105220 PMCID: PMC6630928 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics4020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The phage surface display technology is a useful tool to screen and to extend the spectrum of metal-binding protein structures provided by nature. The directed evolution approach allows identifying specific peptide ligands for metals that are less abundant in the biosphere. Such peptides are attractive molecules in resource technology. For example, gallium-binding peptides could be applied to recover gallium from low concentrated industrial wastewater. In this study, we investigated the affinity and selectivity of five bacteriophage clones displaying different gallium-binding peptides towards gallium and arsenic in independent biosorption experiments. The displayed peptides were highly selective towards Ga3+ whereby long linear peptides showed a lower affinity and specificity than those with a more rigid structure. Cysteine scanning was performed to determine the relationship between secondary peptide structure and gallium sorption. By site-directed mutagenesis, the amino acids of a preselected peptide sequence are systematically replaced by cysteines. The resulting disulphide bridge considerably reduces the flexibility of linear peptides. Subsequent biosorption experiments carried out with the mutants obtained from cysteine scanning demonstrated, depending on the position of the cysteines in the peptide, either a considerable increase in the affinity of gallium compared to arsenic or an increase in the affinity for arsenic compared to gallium. This study shows the impressive effect on peptide–target interaction based on peptide structure and amino acid position and composition via the newly established systematic cysteine scanning approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Schönberger
- Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
- Institute of Nonferrous Metallurgy and Purest Materials, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Leipziger Str. 34, 09599 Freiberg, Germany.
| | - Christina Zeitler
- Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Robert Braun
- Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Franziska L Lederer
- Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Sabine Matys
- Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Katrin Pollmann
- Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
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16
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Ma L, Wang H, Wu J, Wang Y, Zhang D, Liu X. Metatranscriptomics reveals microbial adaptation and resistance to extreme environment coupling with bioleaching performance. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 280:9-17. [PMID: 30743055 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.01.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Chalcopyrite bioleaching by 2, 4 and 6 acidophilic strains with the same inoculation density were studied, respectively. The results indicated that the 6-strain community firstly adapted to bioleaching environment, dissolved the chalcopyrite rapidly and maintained an efficient work until late stage. Transcriptome profiles of the 6-strain community at 6th and 30th day during bioleaching process were investigated by RNA-seq. Comparative transcriptomics identified 226 and 737 significantly up-regulated genes at early and late stage, respectively. Gene annotation results revealed that microorganisms adapted to the oligotrophic environment by enhancing cell proliferation, catalytic activation and binding action to maintain their life activities at early stage, and genes related to signal transduction, localization and transporter were highly expressed as an effective response to the stressful late stage. A graphical representation was presented to show how microorganisms adapted and resisted to the extreme environment by their inner functional properties and promoted the bioleaching efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Ma
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| | - Hongmei Wang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jiangjun Wu
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yuguang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Du Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Xueduan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
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17
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Awasthi AK, Li J. Sustainable Bioprospecting of Electronic Waste. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:677-680. [PMID: 30926141 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Global electronic waste management is emerging as a critical issue, especially in developing countries. Collective societal effort and scientific innovation are required along with interdisciplinary approaches to the development of sustainable technologies for recycling precious metals. Bioprospecting of electronic waste is a promising approach to provide economic, environmental, and public health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Kumar Awasthi
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Jinhui Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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18
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Bioleaching for Copper Extraction of Marginal Ores from the Brazilian Amazon Region. METALS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/met9010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The use of biotechnology to explore low-grade ore deposits and mining tailings is one of the most promising alternatives to reduce environmental impacts and costs of copper extraction. However, such technology still depends on improvements to be fully applied in Brazil under industrial scale. In this way, the bioleaching, by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, in columns and stirred reactors were evaluated regarding to copper extraction of a mineral sulfide and a weathered ore from the Brazilian Amazon region. Samples (granulometry of 2.0/4.75 mm) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry and scanning electrons microscopy (SEM). The pH and Oxidation-reduction potential (Eh) were daily monitored and leachate samples were collected for copper extraction determination by EDXRF. After 47 days, the columns bioleaching efficiency was 1% (1298 mg Cu·L−1) and 0.95% (985 mg Cu·L−1) for 2.00/4.75 mm sulfide ore, respectively, whereas the stirred reactors bioleaching resulted in 4% (348 mg Cu·L−1) for the mineral sulfide and 47% (295.5 mg Cu·L−1) for the weathered ore.
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19
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Alternative Biochemistries for Alien Life: Basic Concepts and Requirements for the Design of a Robust Biocontainment System in Genetic Isolation. Genes (Basel) 2018; 10:genes10010017. [PMID: 30597824 PMCID: PMC6356944 DOI: 10.3390/genes10010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The universal genetic code, which is the foundation of cellular organization for almost all organisms, has fostered the exchange of genetic information from very different paths of evolution. The result of this communication network of potentially beneficial traits can be observed as modern biodiversity. Today, the genetic modification techniques of synthetic biology allow for the design of specialized organisms and their employment as tools, creating an artificial biodiversity based on the same universal genetic code. As there is no natural barrier towards the proliferation of genetic information which confers an advantage for a certain species, the naturally evolved genetic pool could be irreversibly altered if modified genetic information is exchanged. We argue that an alien genetic code which is incompatible with nature is likely to assure the inhibition of all mechanisms of genetic information transfer in an open environment. The two conceivable routes to synthetic life are either de novo cellular design or the successive alienation of a complex biological organism through laboratory evolution. Here, we present the strategies that have been utilized to fundamentally alter the genetic code in its decoding rules or its molecular representation and anticipate future avenues in the pursuit of robust biocontainment.
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20
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Diep P, Mahadevan R, Yakunin AF. Heavy Metal Removal by Bioaccumulation Using Genetically Engineered Microorganisms. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:157. [PMID: 30420950 PMCID: PMC6215804 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Wastewater effluents from mines and metal refineries are often contaminated with heavy metal ions, so they pose hazards to human and environmental health. Conventional technologies to remove heavy metal ions are well-established, but the most popular methods have drawbacks: chemical precipitation generates sludge waste, and activated carbon and ion exchange resins are made from unsustainable non-renewable resources. Using microbial biomass as the platform for heavy metal ion removal is an alternative method. Specifically, bioaccumulation is a natural biological phenomenon where microorganisms use proteins to uptake and sequester metal ions in the intracellular space to utilize in cellular processes (e.g., enzyme catalysis, signaling, stabilizing charges on biomolecules). Recombinant expression of these import-storage systems in genetically engineered microorganisms allows for enhanced uptake and sequestration of heavy metal ions. This has been studied for over two decades for bioremediative applications, but successful translation to industrial-scale processes is virtually non-existent. Meanwhile, demands for metal resources are increasing while discovery rates to supply primary grade ores are not. This review re-thinks how bioaccumulation can be used and proposes that it can be developed for bioextractive applications-the removal and recovery of heavy metal ions for downstream purification and refining, rather than disposal. This review consolidates previously tested import-storage systems into a biochemical framework and highlights efforts to overcome obstacles that limit industrial feasibility, thereby identifying gaps in knowledge and potential avenues of research in bioaccumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander F. Yakunin
- BioZone - Centre for Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering, Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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21
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Ayangbenro AS, Olanrewaju OS, Babalola OO. Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria as an Effective Tool for Sustainable Acid Mine Bioremediation. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1986. [PMID: 30186280 PMCID: PMC6113391 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mining industries produce vast waste streams that pose severe environmental pollution challenge. Conventional techniques of treatment are usually inefficient and unsustainable. Biological technique employing the use of microorganisms is a competitive alternative to treat mine wastes and recover toxic heavy metals. Microorganisms are used to detoxify, extract or sequester pollutants from mine waste. Sulfate-reducing microorganisms play a vital role in the control and treatment of mine waste, generating alkalinity and neutralizing the acidic waste. The design of engineered sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) consortia will be an effective tool in optimizing degradation of acid mine tailings waste in industrial processes. The understanding of the complex functions of SRB consortia vis-à-vis the metabolic and physiological properties in industrial applications and their roles in interspecies interactions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olubukola O. Babalola
- Food Security and Safety Niche, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
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22
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Sethurajan M, van Hullebusch ED, Nancharaiah YV. Biotechnology in the management and resource recovery from metal bearing solid wastes: Recent advances. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 211:138-153. [PMID: 29408062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Solid metalliferous wastes (sludges, dusts, residues, slags, red mud and tailing wastes) originating from ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgical industries are a serious environmental threat, when waste management practices are not properly followed. Metalliferous wastes generated by metallurgical industries are promising resources for biotechnological extraction of metals. These wastes still contain significant amounts of valuable non-ferrous metals, sometimes precious metals and also rare earth elements. Elemental composition and mineralogy of the metallurgical wastes is dependent on the nature of mining site and composition of primary ores mined. Most of the metalliferous wastes are oxidized in nature and contain less/no reduced sulfidic minerals (which can be quite well processed by biohydrometallurgy). However, application of biohydrometallurgy is more challenging while extracting metals from metallurgical wastes that contain oxide minerals. In this review, origin, elemental composition and mineralogy of the metallurgical solid wastes are presented. Various bio-hydrometallurgical processes that can be considered for the extraction of non-ferrous metals from metal bearing solid wastes are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manivannan Sethurajan
- Biofouling and Biofilm Processes Section, Water and Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam 603102, India; Department of Environmental Engineering and Water Technology, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Eric D van Hullebusch
- Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire Géomatériaux et Environnement (LGE), EA 4508, UPEM, 77454 Marne-la-Vallée, France; Department of Environmental Engineering and Water Technology, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Yarlagadda V Nancharaiah
- Biofouling and Biofilm Processes Section, Water and Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam 603102, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushakti Nagar Complex, Mumbai, 400 094, India
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23
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Gumulya Y, Boxall NJ, Khaleque HN, Santala V, Carlson RP, Kaksonen AH. In a quest for engineering acidophiles for biomining applications: challenges and opportunities. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E116. [PMID: 29466321 PMCID: PMC5852612 DOI: 10.3390/genes9020116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomining with acidophilic microorganisms has been used at commercial scale for the extraction of metals from various sulfide ores. With metal demand and energy prices on the rise and the concurrent decline in quality and availability of mineral resources, there is an increasing interest in applying biomining technology, in particular for leaching metals from low grade minerals and wastes. However, bioprocessing is often hampered by the presence of inhibitory compounds that originate from complex ores. Synthetic biology could provide tools to improve the tolerance of biomining microbes to various stress factors that are present in biomining environments, which would ultimately increase bioleaching efficiency. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art tools to genetically modify acidophilic biomining microorganisms and the limitations of these tools. The first part of this review discusses resilience pathways that can be engineered in acidophiles to enhance their robustness and tolerance in harsh environments that prevail in bioleaching. The second part of the paper reviews the efforts that have been carried out towards engineering robust microorganisms and developing metabolic modelling tools. Novel synthetic biology tools have the potential to transform the biomining industry and facilitate the extraction of value from ores and wastes that cannot be processed with existing biomining microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosephine Gumulya
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Floreat WA 6014, Australia.
| | - Naomi J Boxall
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Floreat WA 6014, Australia.
| | - Himel N Khaleque
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Floreat WA 6014, Australia.
| | - Ville Santala
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University of Technology (TUT), Tampere, 33101, Finland.
| | - Ross P Carlson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University (MSU), Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
| | - Anna H Kaksonen
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Floreat WA 6014, Australia.
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
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25
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Jerez CA. Biomining of metals: how to access and exploit natural resource sustainably. Microb Biotechnol 2017; 10:1191-1193. [PMID: 28771998 PMCID: PMC5609284 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Mining activities have been carried out for thousands of years and nowadays have an enormous worldwide use to obtain important metals of industrial use. These include copper, iron, gold and several others. Although modern mining companies have sustainable mining programs that include tailings management and external verifications, it is recognized that these industrial activities are responsible for a significant damage to the environment. Specially, technologies such as smelting and roasting generate very toxic emissions, including solid particles in the air, very large tailings and contribute to generate acid mine drainage (AMD) that affects humans health and all kinds of living plants, animals and microorganisms. Consequently, due to environmental restrictions, these methods are being replaced in many countries by less contaminating processes. On the other hand, the microbial solubilization of metals by bioleaching or biomining is successfully used in industrial operations, to extract several metals such as copper, gold and uranium. How to access and exploit natural resources sustainably by using biomining of metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Jerez
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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