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Whaley-Martin KJ, Chen LX, Nelson TC, Gordon J, Kantor R, Twible LE, Marshall S, McGarry S, Rossi L, Bessette B, Baron C, Apte S, Banfield JF, Warren LA. O 2 partitioning of sulfur oxidizing bacteria drives acidity and thiosulfate distributions in mining waters. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2006. [PMID: 37037821 PMCID: PMC10086054 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37426-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The acidification of water in mining areas is a global environmental issue primarily catalyzed by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB). Little is known about microbial sulfur cycling in circumneutral pH mine tailing impoundment waters. Here we investigate biological sulfur oxidation over four years in a mine tailings impoundment water cap, integrating aqueous sulfur geochemistry, genome-resolved metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. The microbial community is consistently dominated by neutrophilic, chemolithoautotrophic SOB (relative abundances of ~76% in 2015, ~55% in 2016/2017 and ~60% in 2018). Results reveal two SOB strategies alternately dominate across the four years, influencing acid generation and sulfur speciation. Under oxic conditions, novel Halothiobacillus drive lower pH conditions (as low as 4.3) and lower [S2O32-] via the complete Sox pathway coupled to O2. Under anoxic conditions, Thiobacillus spp. dominate in activity, via the incomplete Sox and rDSR pathways coupled to NO3-, resulting in higher [S2O32-] and no net significant acidity generation. This study provides genomic evidence explaining acidity generation and thiosulfate accumulation patterns in a circumneutral mine tailing impoundment and has significant environmental applications in preventing the discharge of sulfur compounds that can impact downstream environments. These insights illuminate opportunities for in situ biotreatment of reduced sulfur compounds and prediction of acidification events using gene-based monitoring and in situ RNA detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Whaley-Martin
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Environmental Resources management (ERM), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lin-Xing Chen
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Rose Kantor
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Marshall
- Environmental Resources management (ERM), Toronto, ON, Canada
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sam McGarry
- Glencore, Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Simon Apte
- CSIRO Land and Water, Clayton, NSW, Australia
| | - Jillian F Banfield
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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Camacho D, Frazao R, Fouillen A, Nanci A, Lang BF, Apte SC, Baron C, Warren LA. New Insights Into Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans Sulfur Metabolism Through Coupled Gene Expression, Solution Chemistry, Microscopy, and Spectroscopy Analyses. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:411. [PMID: 32231653 PMCID: PMC7082400 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we experimentally expand understanding of the reactions and enzymes involved in Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans ATCC 19377 S0 andS 2 O 3 2 - metabolism by developing models that integrate gene expression analyzed by RNA-Seq, solution sulfur speciation, electron microscopy and spectroscopy. The A. thiooxidansS 2 O 3 2 - metabolism model involves the conversion ofS 2 O 3 2 - to SO 4 2 - , S0 andS 4 O 6 2 - , mediated by the sulfur oxidase complex (Sox), tetrathionate hydrolase (TetH), sulfide quinone reductase (Sqr), and heterodisulfate reductase (Hdr) proteins. These same proteins, with the addition of rhodanese (Rhd), were identified to convert S0 to SO 3 2 - ,S 2 O 3 2 - and polythionates in the A. thiooxidans S0 metabolism model. Our combined results shed light onto the important role specifically of TetH inS 2 O 3 2 - metabolism. Also, we show that activity of Hdr proteins rather than Sdo are likely associated with S0 oxidation. Finally, our data suggest that formation of intracellularS 2 O 3 2 - is a critical step in S0 metabolism, and that recycling of internally generated SO 3 2 - occurs, through comproportionating reactions that result inS 2 O 3 2 - . Electron microscopy and spectroscopy confirmed intracellular production and storage of S0 during growth on both S0 andS 2 O 3 2 - substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Camacho
- School of Geography and Earth Science, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Rodolfo Frazao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aurélien Fouillen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Laboratory for the Study of Calcified Tissues and Biomaterials, Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Antonio Nanci
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Laboratory for the Study of Calcified Tissues and Biomaterials, Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - B. Franz Lang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Simon C. Apte
- CSIRO, Land and Water, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Christian Baron
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lesley A. Warren
- School of Geography and Earth Science, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Whaley-Martin K, Jessen GL, Nelson TC, Mori JF, Apte S, Jarolimek C, Warren LA. The Potential Role of Halothiobacillus spp. in Sulfur Oxidation and Acid Generation in Circum-Neutral Mine Tailings Reservoirs. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:297. [PMID: 30906283 PMCID: PMC6418380 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The biogeochemistry of acid mine drainage (AMD) derived from waste rock associated sulfide mineral oxidation is relatively well-characterized and linked to Acidithiobacillus spp.. However, little is understood about the microbial communities and sulfur cycling before AMD develops, a key component of its prevention. This study aimed to examine circum-neutral mining impacted water (MIW) communities and its laboratory enrichments for sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SoxBac). MIW in situ microbial communities differed in diversity, structure and relative abundance consistent with site specific variations in total aqueous sulfur concentrations (TotS; ~2-17 mM), pH (3.67-7.34), and oxygen (22-93% saturation). However, the sulfur oxidizer, Halothiobacillus spp. dominated seven of the nine total SoxBac enrichment communities (~76-100% relative abundance), spanning three of the four mines. The presence and relative abundance of the identified sixteen known and five unclassified Halothiobacillus spp. here, were the important clustering determinants across parent MIW and enrichment communities. Further, the presence of Halothiobacillus spp. was associated with driving the pH <4 in enrichment experiments, and the combination of specific Halothiobacillus spp. in the enrichments affected the observed acid to sulfate ratios indicating differential sulfur cycling. Halothiobacillus spp. also dominated the parent communities of the two acidic MIWs providing corroborating evidence for its active role in net acid generation within these waters. These results identify a putative indicator organism specific to mine tailings reservoirs and highlight the need for further study of tailings associated sulfur cycling for better mine management and environmental stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Whaley-Martin
- Civil and Mineral Engineering Department, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gerdhard L Jessen
- Civil and Mineral Engineering Department, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jiro F Mori
- Civil and Mineral Engineering Department, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simon Apte
- Commonwealth Scientific Industry and Research Organization, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Chad Jarolimek
- Commonwealth Scientific Industry and Research Organization, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lesley A Warren
- Civil and Mineral Engineering Department, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Sousa JAB, Bijmans MFM, Stams AJM, Plugge CM. Thiosulfate Conversion to Sulfide by a Haloalkaliphilic Microbial Community in a Bioreactor Fed with H 2 Gas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:914-923. [PMID: 27997142 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In industrial gas biodesulfurization systems, where haloalkaline conditions prevail, a thiosulfate containing bleed stream is produced. This bleed stream can be treated in a separate bioreactor by reducing thiosulfate to sulfide and recycling it. By performing treatment and recycling of the bleed stream, its disposal decreases and less caustics are required to maintain the high pH. In this study, anaerobic microbial thiosulfate conversion to sulfide in a H2/CO2 fed bioreactor operated at haloalkaline conditions was investigated. Thiosulfate was converted by reduction to sulfide as well as disproportionation to sulfide and sulfate. Formate production from H2/CO2 was observed as an important reaction in the bioreactor. Formate, rather than H2, might have been used as the main electron donor by thiosulfate/sulfate-reducing bacteria. The microbial community was dominated by bacteria belonging to the family Clostridiaceae most closely related to Tindallia texcoconensis. Bacteria phylogenetically related to known haloalkaline sulfate and thiosulfate reducers, thiosulfate-disproportionating bacteria, and remarkably sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were also detected. On the basis of the results, two approaches to treat the biodesulfurization waste stream are proposed: (i) addition of electron donor to reduce thiosulfate to sulfide and (ii) thiosulfate disproportionation without the need for an electron donor. The concept of application of solely thiosulfate disproportionation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- João A B Sousa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University , Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Wetsus , European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn F M Bijmans
- Wetsus , European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Alfons J M Stams
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University , Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Caroline M Plugge
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University , Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Wetsus , European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
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Norlund KLI, Southam G, Tyliszczak T, Hu Y, Karunakaran C, Obst M, Hitchcock AP, Warren LA. Microbial architecture of environmental sulfur processes: a novel syntrophic sulfur-metabolizing consortia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2009; 43:8781-8786. [PMID: 19943646 DOI: 10.1021/es803616k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Microbial oxidation of sulfur-rich mining waste materials drives acid mine drainage (AMD) and affects the global sulfur biogeochemical cycle. The generation of AMD is a complex, dynamic process that proceeds via multiple reaction pathways. The role of natural consortia of microbes in AMD generation, however, has received very little attention despite their widespread occurrence in mining environments. Through a combination of geochemical experimentation and modeling, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, and fluorescent in situ hybridization, we show a novel interdependent metabolic arrangement of two ubiquitous and abundant AMD bacteria: chemoautotrophic sulfur-oxidizing Acidithiobacillus sp. and heterotrophic Acidiphilium sp. Highly reminiscent of anaerobic methane oxidation (AOM) consortia, these bacteria are spatially segregated within a planktonic macrostructure of extracellular polymeric substance in which they syntrophically couple sulfur oxidation and reduction reactions in a mutually beneficial arrangement that regenerates their respective sulfur substrates. As discussed here, the geochemical impacts of microbial metabolism are linked to the consortial organization and development of the pod structure, which affects cell-cell interactions and interactions with the surrounding geochemical microenvironment. If these pods are widespread in mine waters, echoing the now widespread discovery of AOM consortia, then AMD-driven CO(2) atmospheric fluxes from H(2)SO(4) carbonate weathering could be reduced by as much as 26 TgC/yr. This novel sulfur consortial discovery indicates that organized metabolically linked microbial partnerships are likely widespread and more significant in global elemental cycling than previously considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L I Norlund
- School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1 Canada
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