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Foster L, Boothman C, Harrison S, Jenkinson P, Pittman JK, Lloyd JR. Identification of algal rich microbial blooms in the Sellafield Pile Fuel Storage Pond and the application of ultrasonic treatment to control the formation of blooms. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1261801. [PMID: 37860139 PMCID: PMC10582928 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1261801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of microorganisms in a range of nuclear facilities has been known for many years. In this study the microbial community inhabiting the Pile Fuel Storage Pond (PFSP), which is a legacy open-aired facility on the Sellafield nuclear site, Cumbria, UK, was determined to help target microbial bloom management strategies in this facility. The PFSP is currently undergoing decommissioning and the development of prolonged dense microbial blooms reduces the visibility within the water. Such impairment in the pond water visibility can lead to delays in pond operations, which also has financial implications. Efforts to control the microbial population within the PFSP are ongoing, with the installation of ultrasonic treatment units. Here next generation sequencing techniques focussing on broad targets for both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms were used to identify the microbial community. On-site monitoring of photosynthetic pigments indicated when microbial blooms formed and that eukaryotic algae were most likely to be responsible for these events. The sequencing data suggested that the blooms were dominated by members of the class Chrysophyceae, a group of golden algae, while evidence of cyanobacteria and other photosynthetic bacteria was limited, further supporting eukaryotic organisms causing the blooms. The results of sequencing data from 2018 was used to inform a change in the operational settings of the ultrasonic units, while monitoring of the microbial community and photosynthetic pigments trends was extended. Since the changes were made to the ultrasonic treatment, the visibility in the pond was significantly improved, with an absence of a spring bloom in 2020 and an overall reduction in the number of days lost due to microbial blooms annually. This work extends our knowledge of the diversity of microbes able to colonise nuclear fuel storage ponds, and also suggests that sequencing data can help to optimise the performance of ultrasonic treatments, to control algal proliferation in the PFSP facility and other inhospitable engineered systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Foster
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Boothman
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Scott Harrison
- National Nuclear Laboratory, Central Laboratory, Sellafield, Seascale, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jon K. Pittman
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan R. Lloyd
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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2
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Petit P, Hayoun K, Alpha-Bazin B, Armengaud J, Rivasseau C. First Isolation and Characterization of Bacteria from the Core's Cooling Pool of an Operating Nuclear Reactor. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1871. [PMID: 37630434 PMCID: PMC10456712 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial life can thrive in the most inhospitable places, such as nuclear facilities with high levels of ionizing radiation. Using direct meta-analyses, we have previously highlighted the presence of bacteria belonging to twenty-five different genera in the highly radioactive water of the cooling pool of an operating nuclear reactor core. In the present study, we further characterize this specific environment by isolating and identifying some of these microorganisms and assessing their radiotolerance and their ability to decontaminate uranium. This metal is one of the major radioactive contaminants of anthropogenic origin in the environment due to the nuclear and mining industries and agricultural practices. The microorganisms isolated when sampling was performed during the reactor operation consisted mainly of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes, whereas Proteobacteria were dominant when sampling was performed during the reactor shutdown. We investigated their tolerance to gamma radiation under different conditions. Most of the bacterial strains studied were able to survive 200 Gy irradiation. Some were even able to withstand 1 kGy, with four of them showing more than 10% survival at this dose. We also assessed their uranium uptake capacity. Seven strains were able to remove almost all the uranium from a 5 µM solution. Four strains displayed high efficiency in decontaminating a 50 µM uranium solution, demonstrating promising potential for use in bioremediation processes in environments contaminated by radionuclides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Petit
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, F-38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Karim Hayoun
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SPI, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France; (K.H.); (B.A.-B.); (J.A.)
- Laboratoire Innovations Technologiques pour la Détection et le Diagnostic (Li2D), Université de Montpellier, F-30207 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France
| | - Béatrice Alpha-Bazin
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SPI, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France; (K.H.); (B.A.-B.); (J.A.)
| | - Jean Armengaud
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SPI, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France; (K.H.); (B.A.-B.); (J.A.)
| | - Corinne Rivasseau
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, F-38000 Grenoble, France;
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, F-91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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3
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Karley D, Shukla SK, Rao TS. Sequestration of cobalt and nickel by biofilm forming bacteria isolated from spent nuclear fuel pool water. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:699. [PMID: 37209244 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11266-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In the current study, six bacterial types, isolated from spent nuclear fuel (SNF) pool facility, were investigated for their ability to sequester heavy metals (cobalt and nickel). Biofilm formation by the six bacterial isolates, viz., Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus species, Staphylococcus arlettae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus auricularis, and Chryseobacterium gleum, were assayed, and they were found to have significant biofilm forming property. Their biofilms were characterised using confocal scanning laser microscopy, and their potential to accumulate Co2+ and Ni2+ from bulk solutions was analysed with respect to time. A comparative assessment of bioaccumulation capacity was done using biofilms, planktonic cells, and live vs dead cells. The strains accumulated Co2+ and Ni2+ in the range of 4 × 10-4 to 1 × 10-5 g/mg of cell biomass. It is interesting to note that dead biomass also showed significant removal of the two metal ions, suggesting an alternative process for metal removal. This study suggests that hostile environments can be a repertoire of putative bacterial species with potential heavy metals and other contaminants remediation properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dugeshwar Karley
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 493225, India
- Biofouling & Biofilm Processes Section, Water & Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Facilities, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603102, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar Shukla
- Biofouling & Biofilm Processes Section, Water & Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Facilities, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603102, India
| | - Toleti Subba Rao
- School of Arts & Sciences, Sai University, Paiyanur, OMR, , Tamil Nadu, 603104, India.
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4
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Barton F, Shaw S, Morris K, Graham J, Lloyd JR. Impact and control of fouling in radioactive environments. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR ENERGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pnucene.2022.104215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Kim H, Son HM, Lee HK. Characterization of bio-adsorptive removal performance of strontium through ureolysis-mediated bio-mineralization. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 288:132586. [PMID: 34718026 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132586] [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: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The adsorptive removal performance of strontium (Sr) through bio-mineralization metabolism under various parameters was evaluated in this study. The primary mechanism of bio-mineralization used in this study was the urea hydrolysis process through bacterial enzymatic catalysis. Bacillus sp, which was isolated from river sediment, was used as a ureolytic bacteria. Various environmental conditions were set as different initial concentrations of Sr (10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 mg/L), and various ratios of Mg/Ca (4, 2, 1, 0.5, and 0.25). The concentrations of Sr2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ in the solution of the batch experiment were measured to identify the bio-mineralization performance and the removal rate of Sr. In addition, the main Sr removal mechanism of ureolytic bacteria was identified. As a result, for Sr removal of bacteria, the bio-mineralization mechanism was more predominant than the adsorption of Sr. The rapid growth and high nucleation site production were observed when the initial concentration of Sr2+ increased and the Mg/Ca ratio was lowered, resulting in high biomineralization performance and Sr removal rate. The main phases of carbonate minerals formed in the presence of Sr, Ca, and Mg were SrCO3 and SrCa(CO3)2. Mg2+ could retard the bacterial growth and participate in the formation of carbonate minerals, when a large amount of Mg2+ was present. Furthermore, the desorption rate of Sr2+ from bacterial pastes containing the carbonate minerals increased as the concentration of HCl increased, although the carbonate minerals were in a stable state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayeon Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - H M Son
- Device Solutions, Samsung Electronics, Samsungjeonja-ro 1, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 18448, South Korea
| | - H K Lee
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.
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6
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Swanson J, Navarrette A, Hazelton C, Richmann M, Stanley F. Biomass and salt-dependent effects of Bacillus spores on radionuclide migration from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 280:130680. [PMID: 34162079 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130680] [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: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Spores of a Bacillus sp., isolated from radioactive waste, were tested for their ability to influence the fate and transport of neodymium (Nd3+) under high salt conditions expected at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) nuclear waste repository. Spores were suspended in neodymium-spiked saline solutions up to 4 M NaCl, and concentrations of Nd and the complexing agent dipicolinic acid (DPA), a component of spores, were monitored along with optical densities and spore numbers. Results support neodymium bioassociation that is dependent upon biomass, with more apparent adsorption occurring at higher spore concentrations. However, probable spore lysis in 2 and 4 M NaCl solutions and possible germination at 0.15 M NaCl appear to drive the release of DPA and subsequent return of Nd to solution. The implications of this work for the WIPP will depend on actual biomass levels and the ionic strength of the repository brines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Swanson
- Los Alamos National Laboratory-Carlsbad Operations, 1400 University Drive, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, USA.
| | - Adrianne Navarrette
- Los Alamos National Laboratory-Carlsbad Operations, 1400 University Drive, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, USA
| | - Cindi Hazelton
- Los Alamos National Laboratory-Carlsbad Operations, 1400 University Drive, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, USA
| | - Michael Richmann
- Los Alamos National Laboratory-Carlsbad Operations, 1400 University Drive, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, USA
| | - Floyd Stanley
- Los Alamos National Laboratory-Carlsbad Operations, 1400 University Drive, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, USA
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7
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Ruiz-Lopez S, Foster L, Boothman C, Cole N, Morris K, Lloyd JR. Identification of a Stable Hydrogen-Driven Microbiome in a Highly Radioactive Storage Facility on the Sellafield Site. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:587556. [PMID: 33329459 PMCID: PMC7732693 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.587556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of nuclear power has been a significant part of the United Kingdom’s energy portfolio with the Sellafield site being used for power production and more recently reprocessing and decommissioning of spent nuclear fuel activities. Before being reprocessed, spent nuclear fuel is stored in water ponds with significant levels of background radioactivity and in high alkalinity (to minimize fuel corrosion). Despite these challenging conditions, the presence of microbial communities has been detected. To gain further insight into the microbial communities present in extreme environments, an indoor, hyper-alkaline, oligotrophic, and radioactive spent fuel storage pond (INP) located on the Sellafield site was analyzed. Water samples were collected from sample points within the INP complex, and also the purge water feeding tank (FT) that supplies water to the pond, and were screened for the presence of the 16S and 18S rRNA genes to inform sequencing requirements over a period of 30 months. Only 16S rRNA genes were successfully amplified for sequencing, suggesting that the microbial communities in the INP were dominated by prokaryotes. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) analysis targeting 16S rRNA genes suggested that bacterial cells in the order of 104–106 mL–1 were present in the samples, with loadings rising with time. Next generation Illumina MiSeq sequencing was performed to identify the dominant microorganisms at eight sampling times. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis suggested that 70% and 91% from of the OTUs samples, from the FT and INP respectively, belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria, mainly from the alpha and beta subclasses. The remaining OTUs were assigned primarily to the phyla Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and, Cyanobacteria. Overall the most abundant genera identified were Hydrogenophaga, Curvibacter, Porphyrobacter, Rhodoferax, Polaromonas, Sediminibacterium, Roseococcus, and Sphingomonas. The presence of organisms most closely related to Hydrogenophaga species in the INP areas, suggests the metabolism of hydrogen as an energy source, most likely linked to hydrolysis of water caused by the stored fuel. Isolation of axenic cultures using a range of minimal and rich media was also attempted, but only relatively minor components (from the phylum Bacteroidetes) of the pond water communities were obtained, emphasizing the importance of DNA-based, not culture-dependent techniques, for assessing the microbiome of nuclear facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Ruiz-Lopez
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester (UoM), Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lynn Foster
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester (UoM), Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Boothman
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester (UoM), Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Cole
- Sellafield Ltd., Warrington, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Morris
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester (UoM), Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan R Lloyd
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester (UoM), Manchester, United Kingdom
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8
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Hayoun K, Pible O, Petit P, Allain F, Jouffret V, Culotta K, Rivasseau C, Armengaud J, Alpha-Bazin B. Proteotyping Environmental Microorganisms by Phylopeptidomics: Case Study Screening Water from a Radioactive Material Storage Pool. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1525. [PMID: 33020444 PMCID: PMC7599590 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbial diversity encompassed by the environmental biosphere is largely unexplored, although it represents an extensive source of new knowledge and potentially of novel enzymatic catalysts for biotechnological applications. To determine the taxonomy of microorganisms, proteotyping by tandem mass spectrometry has proved its efficiency. Its latest extension, phylopeptidomics, adds a biomass quantitation perspective for mixtures of microorganisms. Here, we present an application of phylopeptidomics to rapidly and sensitively screen microorganisms sampled from an industrial environment, i.e., a pool where radioactive material is stored. The power of this methodology is demonstrated through the identification of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, whether as pure isolates or present as mixtures or consortia. In this study, we established accurate taxonomical identification of environmental prokaryotes belonging to the Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria phyla, as well as eukaryotes from the Ascomycota phylum. The results presented illustrate the potential of tandem mass spectrometry proteotyping, in particular phylopeptidomics, to screen for and rapidly identify microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Hayoun
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), CEA, INRAE, SPI, Université Paris Saclay, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France; (K.H.); (O.P.); (F.A.); (V.J.); (K.C.); (B.A.-B.)
- Laboratoire Innovations technologiques pour la Détection et le Diagnostic (Li2D), Université de Montpellier, F-30207 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France
| | - Olivier Pible
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), CEA, INRAE, SPI, Université Paris Saclay, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France; (K.H.); (O.P.); (F.A.); (V.J.); (K.C.); (B.A.-B.)
| | - Pauline Petit
- CEA, CNRS, INRA, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies de Grenoble, UMR5168, F-38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - François Allain
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), CEA, INRAE, SPI, Université Paris Saclay, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France; (K.H.); (O.P.); (F.A.); (V.J.); (K.C.); (B.A.-B.)
| | - Virginie Jouffret
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), CEA, INRAE, SPI, Université Paris Saclay, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France; (K.H.); (O.P.); (F.A.); (V.J.); (K.C.); (B.A.-B.)
| | - Karen Culotta
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), CEA, INRAE, SPI, Université Paris Saclay, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France; (K.H.); (O.P.); (F.A.); (V.J.); (K.C.); (B.A.-B.)
| | - Corinne Rivasseau
- CEA-Saclay, DRF/Joliot/SB2SM/BBC, I2BC, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France;
| | - Jean Armengaud
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), CEA, INRAE, SPI, Université Paris Saclay, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France; (K.H.); (O.P.); (F.A.); (V.J.); (K.C.); (B.A.-B.)
| | - Béatrice Alpha-Bazin
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), CEA, INRAE, SPI, Université Paris Saclay, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France; (K.H.); (O.P.); (F.A.); (V.J.); (K.C.); (B.A.-B.)
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9
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Foster L, Boothman C, Ruiz-Lopez S, Boshoff G, Jenkinson P, Sigee D, Pittman JK, Morris K, Lloyd JR. Microbial bloom formation in a high pH spent nuclear fuel pond. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 720:137515. [PMID: 32325573 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms are able to colonise a wide range of extreme environments, including nuclear facilities. In this study, the First Generation Magnox Storage Pond (FGMSP) a high pH, legacy spent nuclear fuel pond (SNFP) situated at Sellafield, Cumbria, UK, was studied. Despite the inhospitable conditions in the FGMSP, microorganisms can cause "blooms" within the facility which to date have not been studied. These microbial blooms significantly reduce visibility in the engineered facility, disrupting fuel retrieval operations and slowing decommissioning. The microbial community colonising the pond during two microbial bloom periods was determined by using physiological measurements and high throughput next generation sequencing techniques. In situ probes within the ponds targeting photosynthetic pigments indicated a cyanobacterial bloom event. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene data suggested that a single cyanobacterial genus was dominant during the bloom events, which was most closely related to Pseudanabaena sp. Comparisons between the microbial community of FGMSP and an adjacent SNFP that is periodically purged into the FGMSP, showed different community profiles. Data confirm the onset of the microbial blooms occurred when the pond purge rate was reduced, and blooms could be controlled by re-establishing the purging regime. The presence of Pseudanabaena sp. that can colonise the pond and dominate during bloom periods is notable since they have received little attention for their role in cyanobacterial bloom formation. This work also informs bioremediation efforts to treat waters contaminated with radionuclides, which could benefit from the use of cyanobacteria able to tolerate extreme environments and accumulate priority radionuclides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Foster
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Christopher Boothman
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Sharon Ruiz-Lopez
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Genevieve Boshoff
- National Nuclear Laboratory, Chadwick House, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 6AE, UK.
| | | | - David Sigee
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Jon K Pittman
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Katherine Morris
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Jonathan R Lloyd
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
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10
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Foster L, Muhamadali H, Boothman C, Sigee D, Pittman JK, Goodacre R, Morris K, Lloyd JR. Radiation Tolerance of Pseudanabaena catenata, a Cyanobacterium Relevant to the First Generation Magnox Storage Pond. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:515. [PMID: 32318035 PMCID: PMC7154117 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently a species of Pseudanabaena was identified as the dominant photosynthetic organism during a bloom event in a high pH (pH ∼11.4), radioactive spent nuclear fuel pond (SNFP) at the Sellafield Ltd., United Kingdom facility. The metabolic response of a laboratory culture containing the cyanobacterium Pseudanabaena catenata, a relative of the major photosynthetic microorganism found in the SNFP, to X-ray irradiation was studied to identify potential survival strategies used to support colonization of radioactive environments. Growth was monitored and the metabolic fingerprints of the cultures, during irradiation and throughout the post-irradiation recovery period, were determined using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. A dose of 95 Gy delivered over 5 days did not significantly affect growth of P. catenata, as determined by turbidity measurements and cell counts. Multivariate statistical analysis of the FT-IR spectral data revealed metabolic variation during the post-irradiation recovery period, with increased polysaccharide and decreased amide spectral intensities. Increases in polysaccharides were confirmed by complementary analytical methods including total carbohydrate assays and calcofluor white staining. This observed increased production of polysaccharides is of significance, since this could have an impact on the fate of the radionuclide inventory in the pond via biosorption of cationic radionuclides, and may also impact on downstream processes through biofilm formation and biofouling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Foster
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Howbeer Muhamadali
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Boothman
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David Sigee
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jon K. Pittman
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Royston Goodacre
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Morris
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan R. Lloyd
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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11
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Karley D, Shukla SK, Rao TS. Microbiota of spent nuclear fuel pool water with emphasis on their biofilm forming ability on stainless steel (SS-304L). J Biosci 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-019-9937-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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12
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Silva R, de Almeida DM, Cabral BCA, Dias VHG, Mello ICDTE, Ürményi TP, Woerner AE, Neto RSDM, Budowle B, Nassar CAG. Microbial enrichment and gene functional categories revealed on the walls of a spent fuel pool of a nuclear power plant. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205228. [PMID: 30286173 PMCID: PMC6171911 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms developing in the liner of the spent fuel pool (SFP) and the fuel transfer channel (FTC) of a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) can form high radiation resistant biofilms and cause corrosion. Due to difficulties and limitations to obtain large samples from SFP and FTC, cotton swabs were used to collect the biofilm from the wall of these installations. Molecular characterization was performed using massively parallel sequencing to obtain a taxonomic and functional gene classification. Also, samples from the drainage system were evaluated because microorganisms may travel over the 12-meter column of the pool water of the Brazilian Nuclear Power Plant (Angra1), which has been functioning since 1985. Regardless of the treatment of the pool water, our data reveal the unexpected presence of Fungi (Basidiomycota and Ascomycota) as the main contaminators of the SFP and FTC. Ustilaginomycetes (Basidiomycota) was the major class contributor (70%) in the SFP and FTC reflecting the little diversity in these sites; nevertheless, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes (Bacilli) were present in small proportions. Mapping total reads against six fungal reference genomes indicate that there is, in fact, a high abundance of fungal sequences in samples collected from SFP and FTC. Analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 and 2 regions and the protein found in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells, cytochrome b (cytb) grouped our sample fungi in the clade 7 as Ustilago and Pseudozyma. In contrast, in the drainage system, Alphaproteobacteria were present in high abundances (55%). The presence of Sphingopyxis, Mesorhizobium, Erythrobacter, Sphingomonas, Novosphingobium, Sphingobium, Chelativorans, Oceanicaulis, Acidovorax, and Cyanobacteria was observed. Based on genomic annotation data, the assessment of the biological function found a higher proportion of protein-coding sequences related to respiration and protein metabolism in SFP and FTC samples. The knowledge of this biological inventory present in the system may contribute to further studies of potential microorganisms that might be useful for bioremediation of nuclear waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosane Silva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Darcy Muniz de Almeida
- Escola Politécnica & Escola de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Victor Hugo Giordano Dias
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Turán Péter Ürményi
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - August E. Woerner
- Center for Human Identification, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, United States of America
| | | | - Bruce Budowle
- Center for Human Identification, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, United States of America
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Mittelman MW, Jones ADG. A Pure Life: The Microbial Ecology of High Purity Industrial Waters. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2018; 76:9-18. [PMID: 26879941 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-016-0736-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The microbial ecology of various natural environments has been an active area of research since the earlier part of the twentieth century. Remote and sometimes extreme environments such as the deep ocean and the deep terrestrial subsurface have revealed a remarkable array of microorganisms. The majority of these environments are nutrient limited, and microorganisms-principally, bacteria-have developed a number of survival strategies that enable their survival and, in some cases, replication. While planktonic microorganisms exist in oligotrophic environments, the predominant mode of survival and growth is associated with biofilms. There are a number of similarities between the physicochemistry of industrial water systems and some natural aquatic ecosystems, and these similarities extend to the microbial populations and the survival mechanisms that are employed. The "starvation-survival" mechanisms, including biofilm formation, may be associated with deleterious effects on industrial water systems. These effects include heat transfer inhibition, microbially influenced corrosion, and contamination of various products manufactured in a wide array of industries. Biological fouling of industrial water systems has significant direct and indirect (through antimicrobial chemical applications) impacts on engineered materials and on the etiology of some waterborne diseases. This review provides an overview of the microbial ecology of purified waters and discusses the impacts of biological activity on industrial systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- M W Mittelman
- Exponent, 9 Strathmore Rd., Natick, MA, 01760, USA.
- Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 58 Oxford St., Rm. 301, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
| | - A D G Jones
- Exponent, 9 Strathmore Rd., Natick, MA, 01760, USA
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Karley D, Shukla SK, Rao TS. Isolation and characterization of culturable bacteria present in the spent nuclear fuel pool water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:20518-20526. [PMID: 29063404 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0376-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A spent nuclear fuel (SNF) pool is a key facility for safe management of nuclear waste, where spent nuclear fuel rods are stored in a water pool. The spent fuel rods carry a significant amount of radioactivity; they are either recycled or stored for further processing. Pool water acts as a heat sink as well as a shield against the radiation present in spent/burned fuel rods. The water used in these pools is filtered by an ultra-filtration process which makes certain the purity of water. As the life span of these pools is approximately 20 to 40 years, the maintenance of pure water is a big challenge. A number of researchers have shown the presence of bacterial communities in this ultrapure water. The bacterial types present in SNF pool water is of increasing interest for their potential bioremediation applications for radioactive waste. The present study showed the isolation of six bacterial species in the SNF pool water samples, which had significant radio-tolerance (D10 value 248 Gy to 2 kGy) and also biofilm-forming capabilities. These strains were also investigated for their heavy metal removal capacity. Maximum biofilm-mediated heavy metal (Co and Ni) removal (up to 3.8 μg/mg of biomass) was observed by three isolates (FPB1, FPB4, and FPB6). The ability of these bacterial isolates to survive in radioactive environments can be of great interest for remediation of radioactive contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dugeshwar Karley
- Biofouling and Thermal Ecology Section, Water & Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Facilities, Kalpakkam, 603102, India
| | - Sudhir K Shukla
- Biofouling and Thermal Ecology Section, Water & Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Facilities, Kalpakkam, 603102, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Toleti Subba Rao
- Biofouling and Thermal Ecology Section, Water & Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Facilities, Kalpakkam, 603102, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India.
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15
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MeGraw VE, Brown AR, Boothman C, Goodacre R, Morris K, Sigee D, Anderson L, Lloyd JR. A Novel Adaptation Mechanism Underpinning Algal Colonization of a Nuclear Fuel Storage Pond. mBio 2018; 9:e02395-17. [PMID: 29946053 PMCID: PMC6020298 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02395-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Geochemical analyses alongside molecular techniques were used to characterize the microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of an outdoor spent nuclear fuel storage pond at Sellafield, United Kingdom, that is susceptible to seasonal algal blooms that cause plant downtime. 18S rRNA gene profiling of the filtered biomass samples showed the increasing dominance of a species closely related to the alga Haematococcus pluvialis, alongside 16S rRNA genes affiliated with a diversity of freshwater bacteria, including Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria High retention of 137Cs and 90Sr on pond water filters coincided with high levels of microbial biomass in the pond, suggesting that microbial colonization may have an important control on radionuclide fate in the pond. To interpret the unexpected dominance of Haematococcus species during bloom events in this extreme environment, the physiological response of H. pluvialis to environmentally relevant ionizing radiation doses was assessed. Irradiated laboratory cultures produced significant quantities of the antioxidant astaxanthin, consistent with pigmentation observed in pond samples. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy suggested that radiation did not have a widespread impact on the metabolic fingerprint of H. pluvialis in laboratory experiments, despite the 80-Gy dose. This study suggests that the production of astaxanthin-rich encysted cells may be related to the preservation of the Haematococcus phenotype, potentially allowing it to survive oxidative stress arising from radiation doses associated with the spent nuclear fuel. The oligotrophic and radiologically extreme conditions in this environment do not prevent extensive colonization by microbial communities, which play a defining role in controlling the biogeochemical fate of major radioactive species present.IMPORTANCE Spent nuclear fuel is stored underwater in large ponds prior to processing and disposal. Such environments are intensively radioactive but can be colonized by microorganisms. Colonization of such inhospitable radioactive ponds is surprising, and the survival mechanisms that microbes use is of fundamental interest. It is also important to study these unusual ecosystems, as microbes growing in the pond waters may accumulate radionuclides present in the waters (for bioremediation applications), while high cell loads can hamper management of the ponds due to poor visibility. In this study, an outdoor pond at the U.K. Sellafield facility was colonized by a seasonal bloom of microorganisms, able to accumulate high levels of 137Cs and 90Sr and dominated by the alga Haematococcus This organism is not normally associated with deep water bodies, but it can adapt to radioactive environments via the production of the pigment astaxanthin, which protects the cells from radiation damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E MeGraw
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley R Brown
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Boothman
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Royston Goodacre
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Morris
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David Sigee
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lizzie Anderson
- Thorp Management Centre, Sellafield, Seascale, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan R Lloyd
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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16
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Bassil NM, Bryan N, Lloyd JR. Microbial degradation of isosaccharinic acid at high pH. ISME JOURNAL 2014; 9:310-20. [PMID: 25062127 PMCID: PMC4303625 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2014.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Intermediate-level radioactive waste (ILW), which dominates the radioactive waste inventory in the United Kingdom on a volumetric basis, is proposed to be disposed of via a multibarrier deep geological disposal facility (GDF). ILW is a heterogeneous wasteform that contains substantial amounts of cellulosic material encased in concrete. Upon resaturation of the facility with groundwater, alkali conditions will dominate and will lead to the chemical degradation of cellulose, producing a substantial amount of organic co-contaminants, particularly isosaccharinic acid (ISA). ISA can form soluble complexes with radionuclides, thereby mobilising them and posing a potential threat to the surrounding environment or ‘far field'. Alkaliphilic microorganisms sampled from a legacy lime working site, which is an analogue for an ILW-GDF, were able to degrade ISA and couple this degradation to the reduction of electron acceptors that will dominate as the GDF progresses from an aerobic ‘open phase' through nitrate- and Fe(III)-reducing conditions post closure. Furthermore, pyrosequencing analyses showed that bacterial diversity declined as the reduction potential of the electron acceptor decreased and that more specialised organisms dominated under anaerobic conditions. These results imply that the microbial attenuation of ISA and comparable organic complexants, initially present or formed in situ, may play a role in reducing the mobility of radionuclides from an ILW-GDF, facilitating the reduction of undue pessimism in the long-term performance assessment of such facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naji M Bassil
- 1] Research Centre for Radwaste and Decommissioning and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK [2] National Council for Scientific Research-Lebanon (CNRS-L), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nicholas Bryan
- National Nuclear Laboratory, Birchwood Park, Warrington WA3 6AE, UK
| | - Jonathan R Lloyd
- Research Centre for Radwaste and Decommissioning and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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17
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Bioaccumulation of 137Cs and 60Co by bacteria isolated from spent nuclear fuel pools. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-012-1932-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Joshi MH, Balamurugan P, Venugopalan VP, Rao TS. Dense fouling in acid transfer pipelines by an acidophilic rubber degrading fungus. BIOFOULING 2011; 27:621-629. [PMID: 21722066 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2011.594162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
An unique case of dense fouling by an acidophilic, hard rubber (polymerized rubber) degrading fungus in the acid transfer pipelines of a boron enrichment plant located at Kalpakkam, India is reported. In spite of a highly adverse environment for survival (pH 1.5, no dissolved nutrients), the fungus thrived and clogged the pipeline used for transferring 0.1N hydrochloric acid (HCl). Detailed investigations were carried out to isolate and identify the fungus and examine the nutrient source for such profuse growth inside the system. Microscopic observation showed the presence of a thick filamentous fungal biomass. Molecular characterization by 18S rRNA gene sequencing showed 98% similarity of the isolate with the acidophilic fungus Bispora sp. In laboratory studies the fungus showed luxuriant growth (specific growth rate of 13 mg day⁻¹) when scrapings of the hard rubber were used as the sole source of carbon. Scanning electron microscopy revealed extensive incursion of the fungus into the hard rubber matrix. In the laboratory, fungal growth was completely inhibited by the antifungal agent sodium omadine. The study illustrates an interesting example of biofouling under extreme conditions and demonstrates that organisms can physiologically adapt to grow under unfavourable conditions, provided that a nutrient source is available and competition is low. The use of this fungal strain in biodegradation and in development of environmentally compatible processes for disposal of rubber wastes is envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hiren Joshi
- Biofouling & Biofilm Processes Section, Water & Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Facilities, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu 603102, India
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20
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Simonoff M, Sergeant C, Poulain S, Pravikoff MS. Microorganisms and migration of radionuclides in environment. CR CHIM 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crci.2007.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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21
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Renshaw JC, Lloyd JR, Livens FR. Microbial interactions with actinides and long-lived fission products. CR CHIM 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crci.2007.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sarró MI, García AM, Moreno DA, Montero F. Development and characterization of biofilms on stainless steel and titanium in spent nuclear fuel pools. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2007; 34:433-41. [PMID: 17426994 DOI: 10.1007/s10295-007-0215-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2006] [Accepted: 03/01/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present research was to study the biofilms developed in a Spanish nuclear power plant and their ability to entrap radionuclides. In order to carry this out, a bioreactor, which was then submerged in a spent nuclear fuel pool, was designed. To characterise the biofilm on two different metallic materials (stainless steel and titanium), standard culture microbiological methods and molecular biology tools, as well as epifluorescence and scanning electron microscopy were used. The bacterial composition of the biofilm belongs to several phylogenetic groups (alpha, beta, and gamma-Proteobacteria, Actinobacteridae, and Firmicutes). The radioactivity of the biofilms was measured by gamma-ray spectrometry. Biofilms were able to retain radionuclides from radioactive water, especially (60)Co. The potential use of these biofilms in bioremediation of radioactive water is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Isabel Sarró
- Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
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23
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Lloyd JR, Renshaw JC. Bioremediation of radioactive waste: radionuclide–microbe interactions in laboratory and field-scale studies. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2005; 16:254-60. [PMID: 15916892 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2005.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2005] [Revised: 03/30/2005] [Accepted: 04/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Given the scale of the contamination associated with 60 years of global nuclear activity, and the inherent high financial and environmental costs associated with invasive physical and chemical clean-up strategies, there is an unparalleled interest in new passive in situ bioremediation processes for sites contaminated with nuclear waste. Many of these processes rely on successfully harnessing newly discovered natural biogeochemical cycles for key radionuclides and fission products. Recent advances have been made in understanding the microbial colonization of radioactive environments and the biological basis of microbial transformations of radioactive waste in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Lloyd
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science and School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
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Chicote E, García AM, Moreno DA, Sarró MI, Lorenzo PI, Montero F. Isolation and identification of bacteria from spent nuclear fuel pools. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2005; 32:155-62. [PMID: 15778866 DOI: 10.1007/s10295-005-0216-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2004] [Accepted: 02/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present research was to isolate and identify bacteria from spent nuclear fuel pools of a Spanish nuclear power plant. Water samples were collected and inoculated onto different culture media to isolate the highest number of species. 16S rDNA fragments from colonies growing on solid media were amplified and analysed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Sequencing revealed the presence of 21 different bacteria belonging to several phylogenetic groups (alpha, beta, and gamma-Proteobacteria, Actinomycetales, Flavobacterium, and the Bacillus/Staphylococcus group). The isolation of these microorganisms in this particular environment (oligotrophic and radioactive) is highly interesting because of the possibility of their being used for the bioremediation of radionuclide-contaminated waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Chicote
- Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
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