Bioremediation of zinc using Desulfotomaculum nigrificans: bioprecipitation and characterization studies

An Overview of Bacteria-Mediated Heavy Metal Bioremediation Strategies

Contamination-free groundwater is considered a good source of potable water. Even in the twenty-first century, over 90 percent of the population is reliant on groundwater resources for their lives. Groundwater influences the economical state, industrial development, ecological system, and agricultural and global health conditions worldwide. However, different natural and artificial processes are gradually polluting groundwater and drinking water systems throughout the world. Toxic metalloids are one of the major sources that pollute the water system. In this review work, we have collected and analyzed information on metal-resistant bacteria along with their genetic information and remediation mechanisms of twenty different metal ions [arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), palladium (Pd), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), antimony (Sb), gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), tungsten (W), and uranium (U)]. We have surveyed the scientific information available on bacteria-mediated bioremediation of various metals and presented the data with responsible genes and proteins that contribute to bioremediation, bioaccumulation, and biosorption mechanisms. Knowledge of the genes responsible and self-defense mechanisms of diverse metal-resistance bacteria would help us to engineer processes involving multi-metal-resistant bacteria that may reduce metal toxicity in the environment.

Enhanced bioremediation of acid mine-influenced groundwater with micro-sized emulsified corn oil droplets (MOD) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (Desulfovibrio vulgaris) in a microcosm assay

High concentrations of metals and sulfates in acid mine drainage (AMD) are the cause of the severe environmental hazard that mining operations pose to the surrounding ecosystem. Little study has been conducted on the cost-effective biological process for treating high AMD. The current research investigated the potential of the proposed carbon source and sulfate reduction bacteria (SRB) culture in achieving the bioremediation of sulfate and heavy metals. This work uses individual and combinatorial bioaugmentation and bio-stimulation methods to bioremediate acid-mine-influenced groundwater in batch microcosm experiments. Bioaugmentation and bio-stimulation methods included pure culture SRB (Desulfovibrio vulgaris) and microsized oil droplet (MOD) by emulsifying corn oil. The research tested natural attenuation (T 1), bioaugmentation (T2), biostimulation (T3), and bioaugmentation plus biostimulation (T4) for AM-contaminated groundwater remediation. Bioaugmentation and bio-stimulation showed the greatest sulfate reduction (75.3%) and metal removal (95-99%). Due to carbon supply scarcity, T1 and T2 demonstrated 15.7% and 27.8% sulfate reduction activities. Acetate concentrations in T3 and T4 increased bacterial activity by providing carbon sources. Metal bio-precipitation was substantially linked with sulfate reduction and cell growth. SEM-EDS study of precipitates in T3 and T4 microcosm spectra indicated peaks for S, Cd, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe, indicating metal-sulfide association for metal removal precipitates. The MOD provided a constant carbon source for indigenous bacteria, while Desulfovibrio vulgaris increased biogenic sulfide synthesis for heavy metal removal.

Isolation of heavy metal-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis strain TWSL_22 and evaluation of heavy metal bioremediation potential of recombinant E. coli cloned with isolated cadD

A heavy metal-resistant bacterial strain, TWSL_22 was isolated from an industrial effluent sample and tested for heavy metal tolerance and resistance. The strain was molecularly characterized as Staphylococcus epidermidis based on 16S rDNA gene analysis and the sequence was deposited in the NCBI repository (accession number KT184893.1). Metal removal activity (P < .001) of TWSL_22 was 99.99 ± 0.001%, 74.43 ± 2.51%, and 51.16 ± 4.17% for Cd, Pb, and Cu, respectively. Highest MIC was observed for Cd. Antibiotic susceptibility assays revealed the strain TWSL_22 to be resistant to several antibiotics. The strain was screened for possible heavy metal-resistant genes and presence of cadA, copA, and cadD was confirmed by PCR. A DNA fragment containing complete sequence of cadD (618 bp) was isolated and cloned into pET 21a(+), transformed into E. coli BL21 and designated as E. coli/cadDET. E. coli/cadDET showed high metal tolerance capacity and could remove over 82% of heavy metals (Zn2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, and Cr3+) in the industrial effluent.

Advances in biological methods for the sequestration of heavy metals from water bodies: A review

Pollution is a major concern of the modern era as it affects all the principal aspects of the environment, especially the hydrosphere. Pollution with heavy metals has unequivocally threatened aquatic bodies and organisms as these metals are persistent, non-biodegradable, and toxic. Heavy metals tend to accumulate in the environment and eventually in humans, which makes their efficient removal a topic of paramount importance. Treatment of metal-contaminated water can be done both via chemical and biological methods. Where remediation through conventional methods is expensive and generates a large amount of sludge, biological methods are favoured over older and prevalent chemical purification processes because they are cheaper and environment friendly. The present review attempts to summarise effective methods for the remediation of water contaminated with heavy metals. We concluded that in biological techniques, bio-sorption is among the most employed and successful mechanisms because of its high efficacy and eco-friendly nature.

Preliminary Proof-of-Concept Testing of Novel Antimicrobial Heat-Conducting “Metallic” Coatings Against Biofouling and Biocorrosion

NiMo (nickel-molybdenum) and NiMo with embedded CeO₂ nanoparticles (NPs; 100 nm) were tested as antimicrobial coatings (~15 μm thickness) on titanium (Ti) surfaces using an electrochemical process for heat exchanger applications onboard marine vessels. Preliminary static biofouling and biocorrosion (also known as microbiologically influenced corrosion) assessments were carried out in glass bottles using pure-culture Desulfovibrio vulgaris, a sulfate-reducing bacterium (SRB), in deoxygenated ATCC 1249 medium at 37°C, and using an alga (Chlorella vulgaris) mixed with general heterotrophic bacteria (GHB) in enriched artificial seawater at 28°C. It was found that the coating containing NiMo/CeO₂ NPs were much more effective than NiMo in preventing SRB biofilm formation with an efficacy of 99% reduction in D. vulgaris sessile cells after 21 day incubation. The coating also exhibited a 50% lower corrosion current density compared to the uncoated Ti against SRB corrosion. Both NiMo and NiMo/CeO₂ NP coatings achieved 99% reduction in sessile algal cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) biofilm images indicated a large reduction of sessile GHB cells. The CLSM images also confirmed the biocidal kill effects of the two coatings. Unlike polymer coatings, the “metallic” coatings are heat conductive. Thus, the corrosion resistant antifouling coatings are suitable for heat exchanger applications.

Recycling deteriorated silage to remove hazardous mycotoxins and produce a value-added product

Silage, an important forage feed, contains hazardous mycotoxins due to spoilage caused by unreasonable management. Deteriorated silage becomes a mycotoxin source and threatens human health and the eco-environment. Recycling deteriorated silage and exploiting beneficial substances would be profitable and environmentally friendly. Squalene [60.3-73.9 mg/kg fresh matter (FM)] and 6 types of mycotoxins (4.56-10,080 ug/kg FM) were found in deteriorated silages. To clarify the source and synthesis mechanism of squalene, alfalfa was ensiled at low temperature (LT, 3-20 ℃), 25 ℃ (T25), 30 ℃ (T30) or 35 ℃ (T35) for 10, 40 and 70 d. The highest squalene was detected when alfalfa ensiled for 40 d (P = 0.033) or ensiled at LT and T30 (P < 0.001). Squalene source was traced as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) using next-generation sequencing. Multiple linear regression models inferred that squalene synthase of LAB positively contributed to the squalene synthesis but was negatively adjusted by ammonia-N during ensiling. Two promising squalene-producing LAB strains were screened from alfalfa silage, which fermented deteriorated silage to enhanced squalene yield (190~279 mg/L) with low cost and high mycotoxin removal ratios (up to 85.5%). Therefore, the environmentally friendly strategy of recycling deteriorated silage to produce beneficial squalene was created.

Microbial Diversity of Bacteria Involved in Biomineralization Processes in Mine-Impacted Freshwaters

In order to increase the knowledge about geo-bio interactions in extreme metal-polluted mine waters, we combined microbiological, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses to study the indigenous sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) involved in the heavy metal (HM) biomineralization processes occurring in Iglesiente and Arburese districts (SW Sardinia, Italy). Anaerobic cultures from sediments of two different mining-affected streams of this regional framework were enriched and analyzed by 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique, showing sequences closely related to SRB classified in taxa typical of environments with high concentrations of metals (Desulfovibrionaceae, Desulfosporosinus). Nevertheless, the most abundant genera found in our samples did not belong to the traditional SRB groups (i.e., Rahnella, Acinetobacter). The bio-precipitation process mediated by these selected cultures was assessed by anaerobic batch tests performed with polluted river water showing a dramatic (more than 97%) Zn decrease. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the occurrence of Zn sulfide with tubular morphology, suggesting a bacteria-mediated bio-precipitation. The inocula represent two distinct communities of microorganisms, each adapted to peculiar environmental conditions. However, both the communities were able to use pollutants in their metabolism and tolerating HMs by detoxification mechanisms. The Zn precipitation mediated by the different enriched cultures suggests that SRB inocula selected in this study have great potentialities for the development of biotechnological techniques to reduce contaminant dispersion and for metal recovery.

Sorption mechanism and distribution of cadmium by different microbial species

Bioremediation programs of cadmium (Cd) by microorganisms have being proposed, but the underlying mechanism of the remediation ion remains unexplored. Here, the sorption efficiency and subcellular fraction distribution of Cd in three selected microbial species were investigated. Our results showed that both species of the microorganisms and initial Cd concentrations strongly affected the Cd sorption capacity. In the three microbial species, the Cd removal efficiency increased with decreased Cd concentrations. Specifically, Hansenula anomala removed the highest Cd ions in low concentration of 0.05 mg L^-1; while in medium concentration of 0.5 mg L^-1 and high concentration of 5 mg L^-1, Bacillus subtilis removed the highest Cd ions. The subcellular fractionation allocation showed that Cd was mainly allocated on cell wall (mantle and inner wall) in Pseudomonas stutzeri and B. subtilis, while cell cytomembrane accumulated similar amount of Cd compared to the cell wall of H. anomala at concentration of 0.5 mg L^-1. Meanwhile, the Cd distributions on cell subcellular fractionation of the three species changed along the contact times, suggesting varied migration models during the biosorption process. Moreover, the functional groups involved in biosorption differed among the species based on Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis. Our results have important implications for developing and improving Cd remediation by microorganisms, which is a low-cost and environmentally friendly bioremediation strategy of Cd pollution in environments.

Efficacy of ureolytic Enterobacter cloacae EMB19 mediated calcite precipitation in remediation of Zn (II)

In this study, urease mediated calcite precipitation technique was used for remediation of Zn (II). A urease positive Enterobacter cloacae EMB19 was used to produce calcite impregnated with Zn ions. In co-presence of Ca (II), Zn (II) concentrations of 10 and 20 mg L^-1 were completely remediated by the bacterium from the media at 72 and 96 h of incubation, respectively. Co-precipitation of Ca (II) and Zn (II) to form calcite-Zn precipitate is one of the major mechanisms of Zn remediation in the present study. Role of urease in calcite-Zn precipitation was substantiated by using urease/carbonate and ammonium enriched cell free culture supernatant (CFS) obtained after sufficient microbial growth. Using CFS, 68% removal of initial 50 mg L^-1 Zn (II) was detected. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) of the precipitate supports calcite mediated remediation of Zn. Remediation of multiple metals viz. Cd, Zn, Cu was also analyzed using CFS laden with urease. The preparation showed 40% Cd, 23% Zn, and 8% Cu reduction from the solution containing initial 25 mg L^-1 of each metal. Overall, it can be concluded that, the E. cloacae mediated calcite precipitation technique could effectively be used for alleviation of Zn (II) and other heavy metals from the contaminated environment.

Biological synthesis of nanosized sulfide semiconductors: current status and future prospects

There have been extensive and comprehensive reviews in the field of metal sulfide precipitation in the context of environmental remediation. However, these works have focused mainly on the removal of metals from aqueous solutions-usually, metal-contaminated effluents-with less emphasis on the precipitation process and on the end-products, frequently centering on metal removal efficiencies. Recently, there has been an increasing interest not only in the possible beneficial effects of these bioremediation strategies for metal-rich effluents but also on the formed precipitates. These metal sulfide materials are of special relevance in industry, due to their optical, electronic, and mechanical properties. Hence, identifying new routes for synthesizing these materials, as well as developing methodologies allowing for the control of the shape and size of particulates, is of environmental, economic, and practical importance. Multiple studies have shown proof-of-concept for the biological synthesis of inorganic metallic sulfide nanoparticles (NPs), resorting to varied organisms or cell components, though this information has scarcely been structured and compiled in a systematic manner. In this review, we overview the biological synthesis methodologies of nanosized metal sulfides and the advantages of these strategies when compared to more conventional chemical routes. Furthermore, we highlight the possibility of the use of numerous organisms for the synthesis of different metal sulfide NPs, with emphasis on sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Finally, we put in perspective the potential of these methodologies in the emerging research areas of biohydrometallurgy and nanobiotechnology for the uptake of metals in the form of metal sulfide nanoparticles. A more complete understanding of the principles underlying the (bio)chemistry of formation of solids in these conditions may lead to the large-scale production of such metal sulfides, while simultaneously allowing an enhanced control over the size and shape of these biogenic nanomaterials.

The Role of Bacterial Spores in Metal Cycling and Their Potential Application in Metal Contaminant Bioremediation

Bacteria are one of the premier biological forces that, in combination with chemical and physical forces, drive metal availability in the environment. Bacterial spores, when found in the environment, are often considered to be dormant and metabolically inactive, in a resting state waiting for favorable conditions for them to germinate. However, this is a highly oversimplified view of spores in the environment. The surface of bacterial spores represents a potential site for chemical reactions to occur. Additionally, proteins in the outer layers (spore coats or exosporium) may also have more specific catalytic activity. As a consequence, bacterial spores can play a role in geochemical processes and may indeed find uses in various biotechnological applications. The aim of this review is to introduce the role of bacteria and bacterial spores in biogeochemical cycles and their potential use as toxic metal bioremediation agents.

Impact of an organic formulation (panchakavya) on the bioleaching of copper and lead in contaminated mine soil

The study was aimed to evaluate the potential of organic formulation, panchakavya, for enhancing the biological leaching of Pb and Cu in contaminated mine soil. Response surface methodology based Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the variables such as incubation time, panchakavya concentration, and agitation rate. The maximum bioleaching (Pb=64% and Cu=49%) was observed after 54 h of incubation with 10 mL panchakavya at 120 rpm. Statistics-based contour and three-dimensional plots were generated to understand the relationship between Pb and Cu bioleaching and variables. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed the presence of lactic (25.88 mg g(-1)), citric (0.14 mg g(-1)), succinic (0.14 mg g(-1)), malic (0.66 mg g(-1)), and acetic (0.44 mg g(-1)) acids in panchakavya, which may have a vital role in the removal of metals from the contaminated soil. Soil fraction studies indicate a significant increase of Pb (45%) in the exchangeable fraction of panchakavya-treated soil. XRD studies confirmed the role of panchakavya induced calcite and other minerals in the precipitation of metal ions. A significant increase in the enzyme activities of phosphatase, dehydrogenase, urease, amylase, invertase, and cellulase were observed in the panchakavya-treated soil.

Interaction of L-Cysteine with ZnO: Structure, Surface Chemistry, and Optical Properties

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were stabilized in water using the amino acid l-cysteine. A transparent dispersion was obtained with an agglomerate size on the level of the primary particles. The dispersion was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), pH dependent zeta potential measurements, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS, XANES) spectroscopy. Cysteine acts as a source for sulfur to form a ZnS shell around the ZnO core and as a stabilizer for these core-shell NPs. A large effect on the photoluminescent properties is observed: the intensity of the defect luminescence (DL) emission decreases by more than 2 orders of magnitude, the intensity of the near band edge (NBE) emission increases by 20%, and the NBE wavelength decreases with increasing cysteine concentration corresponding to a blue shift of about 35 nm due to the Burstein-Moss effect.

Metabolic reconfigurations aimed at the detoxification of a multi-metal stress in Pseudomonas fluorescens: implications for the bioremediation of metal pollutants

Although the ability of microbial systems to adapt to the toxic challenge posed by numerous metal pollutants individually has been well documented, there is little detailed information on how bacteria survive in a multiple-metal environment. Here we describe the metabolic reconfiguration invoked by the soil microbe Pseudomonas fluorescens in a medium with millimolar amounts of aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), gallium (Ga), calcium (Ca), and zinc (Zn). While enzymes involved in the production of NADH were decreased, there was a marked increase in enzymatic activities dedicated to NADPH formation. A modified tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle coupled to an alternate glyoxylate shunt mediated the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) with the concomitant generation of oxalate. This dicarboxylic acid was a key ingredient in the sequestration of the metals that were detoxified as a lipid complex. It appears that the microbe favors this strategy as opposed to a detoxification process aimed at each metal separately. These findings have interesting implications for bioremediation technologies.

Heavy metal removal in groundwater originating from acid mine drainage using dead Bacillus drentensis sp. immobilized in polysulfone polymer

Batch, column, and pilot scale feasibility experiments for a bio-sorption process using a bio-carrier (beads) with dead Bacillus drentensis sp. in polysulfone polymer were performed to remove heavy metals in groundwater originating from an acid mine drainage (AMD). For batch experiments, various amounts of bio-carrier each containing a different amount of dead biomass were added in artificial solution, of which the initial heavy metal concentration and pH were about 10 mg/L and 3, respectively. The heavy metal removal efficiencies of the bio-carrier under various conditions were calculated and more than 92% of initial Pb and Cu were found to have been removed from the solution when using 2 g of bio-carriers containing 5% biomass. For a continuous experiment with a column packed with bio-carriers (1 m in length and 0.02 m in diameter), more than 98% of Pb removal efficiency was maintained for 36 pore volumes and 1.553 g of Pb per g of bio-carrier was removed. For the pilot scale feasibility test, a total of 80 tons of groundwater (lower than pH of 4) were successfully treated for 40 working days and the removal efficiencies of Cu, Cd, Zn, and Fe were maintained above 93%, demonstrating that one kg of bio-carrier can clean up at least 1098 L of groundwater in the field.

Zinc toxicity and ATP production in Pseudomonas fluorescens

AIMS

To identify the molecular networks in Pseudomonas fluorescens that convey resistance to toxic concentrations of Zn, a common pollutant and hazard to biological systems.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pseudomonas fluorescens strain ATCC 13525 was cultured in growth medium with millimolar concentrations of Zn. Enzymatic activities and metabolite levels were monitored with the aid of in-gel activity assays and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. As oxidative phosphorylation was rendered ineffective, the assimilation of citric acid mediated sequentially by citrate lyase (CL), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK) appeared to play a key role in ATP synthesis via substrate-level phosphorylation (SLP). Enzymes generating the antioxidant, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) were enhanced, while metabolic modules mediating the formation of the pro-oxidant, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) were downregulated.

CONCLUSIONS

Pseudomonas fluorescens reengineers its metabolic networks to generate ATP via SLP, a stratagem that allows the microbe to compensate for an ineffective electron transport chain provoked by excess Zn.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The molecular insights described here are critical in devising strategies to bioremediate Zn-polluted environments.

Rapid and efficient removal of Ni(2+) from aqueous solution by the one-pot synthesized EDTA-modified magnetic nanoparticles

A facile one-pot process has been proposed to prepare the novel ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-modified magnetite nanoparticles (EDTA-MNPs). The bared Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles and EDTA-MNPs were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, VSM, and X-ray diffraction. The application of the modified magnetite nanoparticles for metal ion uptake was studied using Ni(2+) as a model. The adsorption was fast and the equilibrium was established within 5 min, and the adsorption kinetics of Ni(2+) onto EDTA-MNPs followed the pseudo second-order chemisorption mechanism. Maximum adsorption capacity for Ni(2+) reached as high as 41.3 mg/g at pH 6. The successive adsorption-desorption studies indicated that the EDTA-MNPs kept the adsorption and desorption efficiencies constant over ten cycles. Importantly, EDTA-MNPs were able to remove nearly 100 % of Ni(2+) from real water.

In-situ zinc bioprecipitation by organic substrate injection in a high-flow, poorly reduced aquifer

We investigated if in-situ metal bioprecipitation (ISMP) is applicable to remediate a highly permeable zinc-contaminated aquifer at a metal-processing factory in Maasmechelen, Belgium. A large (more than 200m long and 70m wide) groundwater contamination plume has developed, with zinc concentrations in the range of 1-100mg/L, whereas the legal Flemish clean-up standard is 0.5mg/L. The estimated groundwater flow velocity is in the range 0.2-1m/d. The groundwater is relatively oxidized, naturally low in DOC (<1mg/L) and relatively low in sulfate (40-50mg/L). We conducted both laboratory feasibility tests as well as a long-term field pilot test in two sections of the plume. In the laboratory microcosm tests, zinc bioprecipitation (following addition of organic substrate and sulfate) removed more than 99% of the zinc from the water phase. Lactate, glycerol and vegetable oil were equally effective as substrates. 28-day anaerobic leaching tests indicated that the metal precipitates that were formed are stable, but they also suggested that substrate addition increases the solubility (leachability) of arsenic and manganese. In the field test, Zn concentrations were reduced by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude within the 232 day testing period and stayed low for the following 6 months in both pilot zones. In the field, no mobilization of arsenic occurred but manganese groundwater concentrations increased from 0.01-0.6mg/L to 0.4-6.5mg/L. Dissolved iron concentrations also increased markedly from below detection limits to concentrations as high as 67mg/L. Zinc concentrations in groundwater were closely correlated to pH and redox potential (Eh): plotting y=[Zn] against x=pH/log(Eh), an exponential relationship was found:

Biosorption of lead and copper by heavy-metal tolerant Micrococcus luteus DE2008

Micrococcus luteus DE2008 has the ability to absorb lead and copper. The effect of these metals on biomass and viability of this microorganism were investigated and removal of the metals from culture media was determined. Lead had no effect on the biomass expressed as mg Carbon/cm(3) of M. Iuteus DE2008, but in the case of copper, the minimum metal concentration that affected the biomass was 0.1 mM Cu(II). According to these results this microorganism shows a greater tolerance for lead. The minimum metal concentration that affected viability (expressed as the percentage of live cells) was 0.5 mM for both metals. M. luteus DE2008 exhibited a specific removal capacity of 408 mg/g for copper and 1965 mg/g for lead. This microorganism has a greater ability to absorb Pb(II) than Cu(II). M. luteus DE2008 could be seen as a microorganism capable of restoring environments polluted by lead and copper.

Phytoavailability and geospeciation of cadmium in contaminated soil remediated by Rhodobacter sphaeroides

A microorganism was isolated from oil field injection water and identified as Rhodobacter sphaeroides. It was used for the remediation of simulated cadmium-contaminated soil. The phytoavailability of Cd was investigated through wheat seedling method to determine the efficiency of remediation. It was found that after remediation, the accumulation of Cd in wheat roots and leaves decreased by 67% and 53%, respectively. The Cd speciation in soil was determined with Tessier extraction procedure. It was found that the total Cd content in soil did not change during the experiments, but the geo-speciation of Cd changed remarkably. Among the five fractions, the concentration of exchangeable phases decreased by 27-46% and that of the phases bound to Fe-Mn oxides increased by 22-44%. The decrease of Cd accumulation in wheat showed significant positive correlation with the decrease of exchangeable phases. It could be concluded that the remediation of R. sphaeroides was carried out through the conversion of Cd to more stable forms. The decrease of sulfate concentration in supernatant indicated that the R. sphaeroides consumed sulfate.

Biologically-induced precipitation of sphalerite-wurtzite nanoparticles by sulfate-reducing bacteria: implications for acid mine drainage treatment

Several experiments were conducted to evaluate zinc-tolerance of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) obtained from three environmental samples, two inocula from sulfide-mining districts and another inoculum from a wastewater treatment plant. The populations of SRB resisted zinc concentrations of 260 mg/L for 42 days in a sulfate-rich medium. During the experiments, sulfate was reduced to sulfide and concentrations in solution decreased. Zinc concentrations also decreased from 260 mg/L to values below detection limit. Both decreases were consistent with the precipitation of newly-formed sphalerite and wurtzite, two polymorphs of ZnS, forming <2.5-μm-diameter spherical aggregates identified by microscopy and synchrotron-μ-XRD. Sulfate and zinc are present in high concentrations in acid mine drainage (AMD) even after passive treatments based on limestone dissolution. The implementation of a SRB-based zinc removal step in these systems could completely reduce the mobility of all metals, which would improve the quality of stream sediments, water and soils in AMD-affected landscapes.

Heavy metal removal in anaerobic semi-continuous stirred tank reactors by a consortium of sulfate-reducing bacteria

Removal of heavy metals by an enriched consortium of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) was evaluated through the abundance of SRB, sulfate reduction, sulfide production and heavy metal precipitation. Five parallel anaerobic semi-continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR, V = 2 L) (referred as R1-R5) were fed with synthetic wastewater containing mixtures of Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Ni(2+), and Cr(6+) in the concentrations of 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 mg L(-1) of each metal and operated with a hydraulic retention time of 20 days for 12 weeks. The loading rates of each metal in R1-R5 were 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, and 7.5 mg L(-1) d(-1), respectively. The results showed that there was no inhibition of SRB growth and that heavy metal removal efficiencies of 94-100% for Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Ni(2+), and Cr(6+) were achieved in R1-R3 throughout the experiment and in R4 during the first 8 weeks. The toxic effect of heavy metals on the SRB consortium was revealed in R5, in which no SRB could survive and almost no heavy metal precipitation was detected after four weeks of operation.

Enhancement of cadmium bioremediation by endophytic bacterium Bacillus sp. L14 using industrially used metabolic inhibitors (DCC or DNP)

Bioremediations of cadmium by endophytic bacterium (EB) L14 (Bacillus sp.) in the presence of industrially used metabolic inhibitors (DCC or DNP) were investigated. In the presence of DCC or DNP, the biomass population of EB L14 was greatly inhibited. However, the cadmium removal of EB L14 increased from 73.6% (in the absence of DCC or DNP) to 93.7% and 80.8%, respectively. The analysis of total and intracellular cadmium concentrations during 24h of incubation indicated that this enhanced cadmium removal was the inhibition effect of DCC or DNP on the cations export resistance system of EB L14. This unique property strongly indicated the superiority of this endophyte for practical application in cadmium bioremediation in the presence of industrially used metabolic inhibitors.

Identification and characterization of Leucobacter sp. N-4 for Ni (II) biosorption by response surface methodology

In the present study, batch experiments were carried out to characterize and optimize the removal process of Ni (II) by a nickel tolerant strain Leucobacter sp. N-4, which was isolated from the soil samples. The effects of operating parameters with respect to initial solution pH (3.0-6.5), initial nickel concentration (50-100mg/L) and biomass dosage (1-10 g/L) on Ni (II) biosorption were investigated by response surface methodology (RSM). The maximal Ni (II) removal efficiency (nearly 99%) was achieved under the following conditions: pH 4.75, biomass dosage 5.38 g/L and initial Ni (II) concentration 53.6 mg/L. The adsorption-equilibrium data fitted well with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The monolayer adsorption capacity of biomass obtained from Langmuir isotherm was about 19.6 mg/g. Infrared spectrometer (IR) results showed that chemical functional groups (e.g. -NH(2), -OH and COO-M) of the biomass should be the active binding sites for Ni (II) biosorption from aqueous solutions.

Bioremediation of heavy metals by growing hyperaccumulaor endophytic bacterium Bacillus sp. L14

Heavy metal bioremediation by a multi-metal resistant endophytic bacteria L14 (EB L14) isolated from the cadmium hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum L. was characterized for its potential application in metal treatment. 16S rDNA analysis revealed that this endophyte belonged to Bacillus sp. The hormesis of EB L14 were observed in presence of divalent heavy metals (Cu (II), Cd (II) and Pb (II)) at a relatively lower concentration (10mg/L). Such hormesis was the side effect of abnormal activities increases of ATPase which was planned to provide energy to help EB L14 reduce the toxicity of heavy metals by exporting the cations. Within 24h incubation, EB L14 could specifically uptake 75.78%, 80.48%, 21.25% of Cd (II), Pb (II) and Cu (II) under the initial concentration of 10mg/L. However, nearly no chromium uptake was observed. The mechanism study indicated that its remediation efficiencies may be greatly promoted through inhibiting the activities of ATPase. The excellent adaptation abilities and promising remediation efficiencies strongly indicated the superiority of this endophyte in heavy metal bioremediation at low concentrations, which could be useful for developing efficient metal removal system.

Simultaneous sulfate reduction and copper removal by a PVA-immobilized sulfate reducing bacterial culture

The effect of a sulfate reducing bacteria immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) on simultaneous sulfate reduction and copper removal was investigated. Batch experiments were designed using central composite design (CCD) with two parameters, i.e. the copper concentration (10-100mg/L), and the quantity of immobilized SRB in culture solution (19-235 mg of VSS/L). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to model the experimental data, and to identify optimal conditions for the maximum sulfate reduction and copper removal. Under optimum condition, i.e. approximately 138.5mg VSS/L of sulfate reducing bacteria immobilized in PVA, and approximately 51.5mg/L of copper, the maximum sulfate reduction rate was 1.57 d(-1) as based on the first-order kinetic equation. The data demonstrate that immobilizing sulfate reducing bacteria in PVA can enhance copper removal and the resistance of the bacteria towards copper toxicity.

Performance of sulfidogenic anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) treating acidic and zinc-containing wastewater

The applicability of anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) was investigated for the treatment of acidic (pH 4.5-7.0) wastewater containing sulfate (1000-2000 mg/L) and Zn (65-200mg/L) at 35 degrees C. The ABR consisted of four equal stages and lactate was supplemented (COD/SO(4)(2-)=0.67) as carbon and energy source for sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB). The robustness of the system was studied by decreasing pH and increasing Zn, COD, and sulfate loadings. Sulfate-reduction efficiency quickly increased during the start-up period and reached 80% within 45 days. Decreasing feed pH, increasing feed sulfate and Zn concentrations did not adversely affect system performance as sulfate reduction and COD removal efficiencies were within 62-90% and 80-95%, respectively. Although feed pH was steadily decreased from 7.0 to 4.5, effluent pH was always within 6.8-7.5. Over 99% Zn removal was attained throughout the study due to formation of Zn-sulfide precipitate.

Treatment of chromium(VI) solutions in a pilot-scale bioreactor through a biofilm of Arthrobacter viscosus supported on GAC

The aim of this work is to evaluate the applicability of a biofilm to the removal of chromium in solution, at a pilot scale. The effect of the initial concentration of metal on the biosorption behavior of an Arthrobacter viscosus biofilm supported on granular activated carbon, in batch and column essays was also analyzed. Six isotherm equations have been tested in the present study. The best fit was obtained with the Freundlich model. It was observed that as the initial chromium concentration increases, the uptake increases too, but the removal percentage decreases, with values between 95.20% (C(0)=5mg/l) and 38.28% (C(0)=1000 mg/l). The batch adsorption studies were used to develop a pilot bioreactor able to remove chromium from aqueous solutions. Data obtained in a pilot-scale reactor showed an average removal percentage of 99.9%, during the first 30 days, for the initial concentration of 10mg/l and an average removal percentage of 72%, for the same period and for the initial concentration of 100mg/l. Uptake values of 11.35 mg/g and 14.55 mg/g were obtained, respectively, for the initial concentration of 10 and 100mg/l. The results obtained are very promising and encourage the utilization of this biofilm in environmental applications.

Bioremoval of arsenic species from contaminated waters by sulphate-reducing bacteria

A mixed culture of sulphate-reducing bacteria was used to study the bioremoval of arsenic species (As(III) or As(V)) from groundwater. During growth of a mixed SRB culture adapted to 0.1mg/L arsenic species through repeated sub-culturing, 1mg/L of either As(III) or As(V) was reduced to 0.3 and 0.13mg/L respectively. Sorption experiments on the precipitate produced by batch cultured sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB-PP) indicated a removal of about 77 and 55% of As(V) and As(III) respectively under the following conditions: pH 6.9; biomass (2g/L); 24h contact time; initial arsenic concentration, 1mg/L of either species. These results were compared with synthetic iron sulphide as adsorbent. The adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis showed the SRB-PP contained elements such as sulphur, iron, calcium and phosphorus. Biosorption studies indicated that SRB cell pellets removed about 6.6% of the As(III) and 10.5% of the As(V) from water containing an initial concentration of 1mg/L of either arsenic species after 24h contact.

Enhancement of bioremediation by Ralstonia sp. HM-1 in sediment polluted by Cd and Zn

In this study, the potential for the application of the bioaugmentation to Cd and Zn contaminated sediment was investigated. A batch experiment was performed in the lake sediments augmented with Ralstonia sp. HM-1. The degradation capacity of 18.7 mg-DOC/l/day in the treatment group was bigger than that of the blank group (4.4 mg-DOC/l/day). It can be regarded as the result of the reduction of the metal concentration in the liquid phase due to adsorption into the sediments, with the increased alkalinity resulting from the reduction of sulfate by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB). The removal efficiency of cadmium and zinc in the treatment group was both 99.7% after 35 days. Restrain of elution to water phase from sediment in the Ralstonia sp. HM-1 added treatment group was also shown. In particular, the observed reduction of the exchangeable fraction and an increase in the bound to organics or sulfide fraction in the treatment group indicate its role in the prevention of metal elution from the sediment. Therefore, for bioremediation and restrain of elution from the sediment polluted by metal, Ralstonia sp. augmentation with indigenous microorganism including SRB, sediment stabilization and restrain of elution to surface water is recommended.

Bioremediation of cadmium by growing Rhodobacter sphaeroides: kinetic characteristic and mechanism studies

The removal kinetic characteristic and mechanism of cadmium by growing Rhodobacter sphaeroides were investigated. The removal data were fitted to the second-order equation, with a correlation coefficient, R2=0.9790-0.9916. Furthermore, it was found that the removal mechanism of cadmium was predominantly governed by bioprecipitation as cadmium sulfide with biosorption contributing to a minor extent. Also, the results revealed that the activities of cysteine desulfhydrase in strains grown in the presence of 10 and 20 mg/l of cadmium were higher than in the control, while the activities in the presence of 30 and 40 mg/l of cadmium were lower than in the control. Content analysis of subcellular fractionation showed that cadmium was mostly removed and transformed by precipitation on the cell wall.