A Microbial Arsenic Cycle in a Salt-Saturated, Extreme Environment

Thiosulfate driving bio-reduction mechanisms of scorodite in groundwater environment

Reductive dissolution of scorodite results in the release and migration of arsenic (As) in groundwater. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible abiotic and biotic reduction of scorodite in groundwater environment and the effect of microbial-mediated sulfur cycling on the bio-reduction of scorodite. Microcosm experiments consisting of scorodite with bacterium Citrobacter sp. JH012-1 or free sulfide were carried out to determine the effects of thiosulfate on the mobilization of As/Fe. The results show arsenic release is positively correlated with iron reduction. The arsenate [As(V)] released can agglomerate with Fe(II) on the surface of scorodite to form crystalline parasymplesite, while no parasymplesite was detected in the abiotic reduction of scorodite by sulfide. The reduction of scorodite and As(V) was affected by thiosulfate. When 0.5 mM thiosulfate was added, the Fe(III) reduction rate increased from 32% to 82%, and the As(V) reduction rate rose from 54% to 64%. When the addition of thiosulfate was increased from 0.5 mM to 2 mM and 5 mM, Fe(III) reduction rate added 4% and 8%, and As(V) reduction rate increased 11% and 16%, respectively. In addition, the presence of thiosulfate promoted the scorodite almost completely converting to parasymplesite. Therefore, the effect of microbial-mediated sulfur cycling should be considered in arsenic migration and reduction from scorodite.

Effects of Sulfide Input on Arsenate Bioreduction and Its Reduction Product Formation in Sulfidic Groundwater

Microbes have important impacts on the mobilization of arsenic in groundwater. To study the effects of sulfide on As(V) bioreduction in sulfidic groundwater, Citrobacter sp. JH012-1 isolated from sediments in the Jianghan Plain was used in a microcosm experiment. The results showed that sulfide significantly enhanced As(V) bioreduction as an additional electron donor. The reduction rates of As(V) were 21.8%, 34.5%, 73.6% and 85.9% under 0, 15, 75 and 150 µM sulfide inputting, respectively. The main products of As(V) bioreduction were thioarsenite and orpiment and the concentration of thioarsenite reached to 5.5 and 7.1 µM in the solution with the initial 75 and 150 µM sulfide, respectively. However, under 0 and 15 µM sulfide inputting, the dominant product was arsenite with no thioarsenite accumulation. The decrease in pH enhanced the bioreduction of As(V) and promoted the formation of thioarsenite and orpiment. In addition, the percentage of thioarsenite in total arsenic decreased with the decrease in the ratio of sulfur to arsenic, indicating that the formation of thioarsenite was limited by the concentration of initial sulfide. Therefore, the presence of sulfide had a significant effect on the transformation of arsenic in groundwater. This study provides new insights into the bioreduction of As(V) and the formation of thioarsenite in sulfidic groundwater.

Single Strain-Triggered Biogeochemical Cycle of Arsenic

The microbial metabolism of arsenic plays a prominent role in governing the biogeochemical cycle of arsenic. Although diverse microbes are known to be involved in the redox transformation of inorganic arsenic, the underlying mechanisms about the arsenic redox cycle mediated by a single microbial strain remain unclear yet. Herein, we discover that Shewanella putrefaciens CN32, a well-known arsenate-respiring and dissimilatory metal-reducing bacterium, could mediate the reversible arsenic redox transformation under aerobic conditions. Genetic analysis shows that S. putrefaciens CN32 contains both ars and arr operon but lacks an As(III) oxidase encoding gene. Arsenic(V) reduction tests demonstrate that the ars operon is advantageous but not essential for As(V) respiration in S. putrefaciens CN32. The Arr complex encoded by the arr operon not only plays a crucial role in arsenate respiration under anaerobic conditions but also participates in the sequential process of As(V) reduction and As(III) oxidation under aerobic conditions. The Arr enzyme also contributes to the microbial As(III) resistance. The expression and catalysis directionality of Arr in S. putrefaciens CN32 are regulated by the carbon source types. Our results highlight the complexity of arsenic redox biotransformation in environments and provide new insights into the important contribution of Arr to the As biogeochemical cycle in nature.

Mapping Archaeal Diversity in Soda Lakes by Coupling 16S rRNA PCR-DGGE Analysis with Remote Sensing and GIS Technology

The haloarchaeal diversity of four hypersaline alkaline lakes from the Wadi El-Natrun depression (Northern Egypt) was investigated using culture-independent polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) of 16S rRNA gene phylotypes, which was combined with remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) data to highlight the distribution pattern of the microbial diversity in water and sediment samples. The majority of archaeal sequences identified in all four lakes belonged to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. Sediment samples from Beida Lake and water samples from El-Hamra Lake showed the highest levels of archaeal diversity. Sequence similarities ≥ 95% were found between six of the acquired clones and uncultured Halorhabdus, Euryarchaeota, and archaeon clones. In addition, two clones shared a high level of sequence similarity (97%) with unclassified archaea, while other nine clones exhibited 96% to 99% sequence similarity with uncultured archaeon clones, and only one clone showed 97% identity with an uncultured Crenarchaeota. Likewise, 7 DGGE bands presented a sequence similarity of 90 to 98% to Halogranum sp., Halalkalicoccus tibetensis, Halalkalicoccus jeotgali, uncultured Halorubrum, Halobacteriaceae sp., or uncultured haloarchaeon. In conclusion, while the variety of alkaliphilic haloarchaea in the examined soda lakes was restricted, the possibility of uncovering novel species for biotechnological applications from these extreme habitats remains promising.

Iocasia fonsfrigidae NS-1 gen. nov., sp. nov., a Novel Deep-Sea Bacterium Possessing Diverse Carbohydrate Metabolic Pathways

Resolving metabolisms of deep-sea microorganisms is crucial for understanding ocean energy cycling. Here, a strictly anaerobic, Gram-negative strain NS-1 was isolated from the deep-sea cold seep in the South China Sea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain NS-1 was most closely related to the type strain Halocella cellulosilytica DSM 7362^T (with 92.52% similarity). A combination of phylogenetic, genomic, and physiological traits with strain NS-1, was proposed to be representative of a novel genus in the family Halanaerobiaceae, for which Iocasia fonsfrigidae NS-1 was named. It is noteworthy that I. fonsfrigidae NS-1 could metabolize multiple carbohydrates including xylan, alginate, starch, and lignin, and thereby produce diverse fermentation products such as hydrogen, lactate, butyrate, and ethanol. The expressions of the key genes responsible for carbohydrate degradation as well as the production of the above small molecular substrates when strain NS-1 cultured under different conditions, were further analyzed by transcriptomic methods. We thus predicted that part of the ecological role of Iocasia sp. is likely in the fermentation of products from the degradation of diverse carbohydrates to produce hydrogen as well as other small molecules, which are in turn utilized by other members of cold seep microbes.

Root microbiome assembly of As-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata and its efficacy in arsenic requisition

The assemblage of root-associated microorganisms plays important roles in improving their capability to adapt to environmental stress. Metal(loid) hyperaccumulators exhibit disparate adaptive capability compared to that of non-hyperaccumulators when faced with elevated contents of metal(loid)s. However, knowledge of the assemblage of root microbes of hyperaccumulators and their ecological roles in plant growth is still scarce. The present study used Pteris vittata as a model plant to study the microbial assemblage and its beneficial role in plant growth. We demonstrated that the assemblage of microbes from the associated bulk soil to the root compartment was based on their lifestyles. We used metagenomic analysis and identified that the assembled microbes were primarily involved in root-microbe interactions in P. vittata root. Notably, we identified that the assembled root microbiome played an important role in As requisition, which promoted the fitness and growth of P. vittata. This study provides new insights into the root microbiome and potential valuable knowledge to understand how the root microbiome contributes to the fitness of its host.

Living at the Extremes: Extremophiles and the Limits of Life in a Planetary Context

Prokaryotic life has dominated most of the evolutionary history of our planet, evolving to occupy virtually all available environmental niches. Extremophiles, especially those thriving under multiple extremes, represent a key area of research for multiple disciplines, spanning from the study of adaptations to harsh conditions, to the biogeochemical cycling of elements. Extremophile research also has implications for origin of life studies and the search for life on other planetary and celestial bodies. In this article, we will review the current state of knowledge for the biospace in which life operates on Earth and will discuss it in a planetary context, highlighting knowledge gaps and areas of opportunity.

NaCl-saturated brines are thermodynamically moderate, rather than extreme, microbial habitats

NaCl-saturated brines such as saltern crystalliser ponds, inland salt lakes, deep-sea brines and liquids-of-deliquescence on halite are commonly regarded as a paradigm for the limit of life on Earth. There are, however, other habitats that are thermodynamically more extreme. Typically, NaCl-saturated environments contain all domains of life and perform complete biogeochemical cycling. Despite their reduced water activity, ∼0.755 at 5 M NaCl, some halophiles belonging to the Archaea and Bacteria exhibit optimum growth/metabolism in these brines. Furthermore, the recognised water-activity limit for microbial function, ∼0.585 for some strains of fungi, lies far below 0.755. Other biophysical constraints on the microbial biosphere (temperatures of >121°C; pH > 12; and high chaotropicity; e.g. ethanol at >18.9% w/v (24% v/v) and MgCl2 at >3.03 M) can prevent any cellular metabolism or ecosystem function. By contrast, NaCl-saturated environments contain biomass-dense, metabolically diverse, highly active and complex microbial ecosystems; and this underscores their moderate character. Here, we survey the evidence that NaCl-saturated brines are biologically permissive, fertile habitats that are thermodynamically mid-range rather than extreme. Indeed, were NaCl sufficiently soluble, some halophiles might grow at concentrations of up to 8 M. It may be that the finite solubility of NaCl has stabilised the genetic composition of halophile populations and limited the action of natural selection in driving halophile evolution towards greater xerophilicity. Further implications are considered for the origin(s) of life and other aspects of astrobiology.

Interactions between arsenic adsorption/desorption and indigenous bacterial activity in shallow high arsenic aquifer sediments from the Jianghan Plain, Central China

Exposure to arsenic in the environment is hazardous to biota. Three types of sediments from a shallow, high arsenic aquifer were collected from Jianghan Plain, Central China to investigate interactions between indigenous bacterial activity and arsenic adsorption/desorption. For the same level of bacterial activity, the As(III) or As(V) adsorption rate in sediments decreased from clay loam to loamy sand to silty sand. However, the arsenic desorption rate from these sediments followed the reverse sequence. For the same arsenic speciation and content, bacterial activity decreased from clay loam to loamy sand to silty sand. Overall, arsenic adsorption/desorption rates were related to both bacterial activity and sediment texture. The bacteria present could reduce As(V) to As(III), thereby favoring its release from sediment into solution and increasing the ratio of As(III) to total arsenic. These results indicate indigenous bacteria strongly affect the adsorption/desorption and oxidation-reduction of arsenic, and are actively involved in the dynamic equilibrium of arsenic between sediment and groundwater in this shallow aquifer.

Autotrophic microbial arsenotrophy in arsenic-rich soda lakes

A number of prokaryotes are capable of employing arsenic oxy-anions as either electron acceptors [arsenate; As(V)] or electron donors [arsenite; As(III)] to sustain arsenic-dependent growth ('arsenotrophy'). A subset of these microorganisms function as either chemoautotrophs or photoautotrophs, whereby they gain sufficient energy from their redox metabolism of arsenic to completely satisfy their carbon needs for growth by autotrophy, that is the fixation of inorganic carbon (e.g. HCO3-) into their biomass. Here we review what has been learned of these processes by investigations we have undertaken in three soda lakes of the western USA and from the physiological characterizations of the relevant bacteria, which include the critical genes involved, such as respiratory arsenate reductase (arrA) and the discovery of its arsenite-oxidizing counterpart (arxA). When possible, we refer to instances of similar process occurring in other, less extreme ecosystems and by microbes other than haloalkaliphiles.

Reduction of adsorbed As(V) on nano-TiO2 by sulfate-reducing bacteria

Reduction of surface-bound arsenate [As(V)] and subsequent release into the aqueous phase contribute to elevated As in groundwater. However, this natural process is not fully understood, especially in the presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Gaining mechanistic insights into solid-As(V)-SRB interactions motivated our molecular level study on the fate of nano-TiO₂ bound As(V) in the presence of Desulfovibrio vulgaris DP4, a strain of SRB, using incubation and in situ ATR-FTIR experiments. The incubation results clearly revealed the reduction of As(V), either adsorbed on nano-TiO₂ or dissolved, in the presence of SRB. In contrast, this As(V) reduction was not observed in abiotic control experiments where sulfide was used as the reductant. Moreover, the reduction was faster for surface-bound As(V) than for dissolved As(V), as evidenced by the appearance of As(III) at 45h and 75h, respectively. ATR-FTIR results provided direct evidence that the surface-bound As(V) was reduced to As(III) on TiO₂ surfaces in the presence of SRB. In addition, the As(V) desorption from nano-TiO₂ was promoted by SRB relative to abiotic sulfide, due to the competition between As(V) and bacterial phosphate groups for TiO₂ surface sites. This competition was corroborated by the ATR-FTIR analysis, which showed inner-sphere surface complex formation by bacterial phosphate groups on TiO₂ surfaces. The results from this study highlight the importance of indirect bacteria-mediated As(V) reduction and release in geochemical systems.

Thioarsenate Formation Coupled with Anaerobic Arsenite Oxidation by a Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium Isolated from a Hot Spring

Thioarsenates are common arsenic species in sulfidic geothermal waters, yet little is known about their biogeochemical traits. In the present study, a novel sulfate-reducing bacterial strain Desulfotomaculum TC-1 was isolated from a sulfidic hot spring in Tengchong geothermal area, Yunnan Province, China. The arxA gene, encoding anaerobic arsenite oxidase, was successfully amplified from the genome of strain TC-1, indicating it has a potential ability to oxidize arsenite under anaerobic condition. In anaerobic arsenite oxidation experiments inoculated with strain TC-1, a small amount of arsenate was detected in the beginning but became undetectable over longer time. Thioarsenates (AsO4-xSx2- with x = 1-4) formed with mono-, di- and tri-thioarsenates being dominant forms. Tetrathioarsenate was only detectable at the end of the experiment. These results suggest that thermophilic microbes might be involved in the formation of thioarsenates and provide a possible explanation for the widespread distribution of thioarsenates in terrestrial geothermal environments.

Patterns of metal distribution in hypersaline microbialites during early diagenesis: Implications for the fossil record

The use of metals as biosignatures in the fossil stromatolite record requires understanding of the processes controlling the initial metal(loid) incorporation and diagenetic preservation in living microbialites. Here, we report the distribution of metals and the organic fraction within the lithifying microbialite of the hypersaline Big Pond Lake (Bahamas). Using synchrotron-based X-ray microfluorescence, confocal, and biphoton microscopies at different scales (cm-μm) in combination with traditional geochemical analyses, we show that the initial cation sorption at the surface of an active microbialite is governed by passive binding to the organic matrix, resulting in a homogeneous metal distribution. During early diagenesis, the metabolic activity in deeper microbialite layers slows down and the distribution of the metals becomes progressively heterogeneous, resulting from remobilization and concentration as metal(loid)-enriched sulfides, which are aligned with the lamination of the microbialite. In addition, we were able to identify globules containing significant Mn, Cu, Zn, and As enrichments potentially produced through microbial activity. The similarity of the metal(loid) distributions observed in the Big Pond microbialite to those observed in the Archean stromatolites of Tumbiana provides the foundation for a conceptual model of the evolution of the metal distribution through initial growth, early diagenesis, and fossilization of a microbialite, with a potential application to the fossil record.

Draft Genome Sequence of the Type Strain Desulfuribacillus alkaliarsenatis AHT28, an Obligately Anaerobic, Sulfidogenic Bacterium Isolated from Russian Soda Lake Sediments

Desulfuribacillus alkaliarsenatis AHT28^T is an obligately anaerobic, sulfur- and arsenate-reducing haloalkaliphile that was isolated from Russian soda lake sediments. Here, we present the 3.1-Mb draft genome sequence for this strain, consisting of 36 contigs with a G+C content of 37.5% and 2,978 protein-coding sequences.

Genome Sequence of the Photoarsenotrophic Bacterium Ectothiorhodospira sp. Strain BSL-9, Isolated from a Hypersaline Alkaline Arsenic-Rich Extreme Environment

The full genome sequence of Ectothiorhodospira sp. strain BSL-9 is reported here. This purple sulfur bacterium encodes an arxA-type arsenite oxidase within the arxB2AB1CD gene island and is capable of carrying out “photoarsenotrophy” anoxygenic photosynthetic arsenite oxidation. Its genome is composed of 3.5 Mb and has approximately 63% G+C content.

Bio-rescue of marine environments: On the track of microbially-based metal/metalloid remediation

The recent awareness of the huge relevance of marine resources and ecological services is driving regulatory demands for their protection from overwhelming contaminants, such as metals/metalloids. These contaminants enter and accumulate in different marine niches, hence deeply compromising their quality and integrity. Bioremediation has been flourishing to counteract metal/metalloid impacts, since it provides cost-effective and sustainable options by relying on ecology-based technologies. The potential of marine microbes for metal/metalloid bioremediation is the core of many studies, due to their high plasticity to overcome successive environmental hurdles. However, any thorough review on the advances of metal/metalloid bioremediation in marine environments was so far unveiled. This review is designed to (i) outline the characteristics and potential of marine microbes for metal/metalloid bioremediation, (ii) describe the underlying pathways of resistance and detoxification, as well as useful methodologies for their characterization, (iii) identify major bottlenecks on metal/metalloid bioremediation with marine microbes, (iv) present alternative strategies based on microbial consortia and engineered microbes for enhanced bioremediation, and (v) propose key research avenues to keep pace with a changing society, science and economy in a sustainable manner.

Both Phosphorus Fertilizers and Indigenous Bacteria Enhance Arsenic Release into Groundwater in Arsenic-Contaminated Aquifers

Arsenic (As) is a human carcinogen, and arsenic contamination in groundwater is a worldwide public health concern. Arsenic-affected areas are found in many places but are reported mostly in agricultural farmlands, yet the interaction of fertilizers, microorganisms, and arsenic mobilization in arsenic-contaminated aquifers remains uncharacterized. This study investigates the effects of fertilizers and bacteria on the mobilization of arsenic in two arsenic-contaminated aquifers. We performed microcosm experiments using arsenic-contaminated sediments and amended with inorganic nitrogenous or phosphorus fertilizers for 1 and 4 months under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The results show that microcosms amended with 100 mg/L phosphorus fertilizers (dipotassium phosphate), but not nitrogenous fertilizers (ammonium sulfate), significantly increase aqueous As(III) release in arsenic-contaminated sediments under anaerobic condition. We also show that concentrations of iron, manganese, potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium are increased in the aqueous phase and that the addition of dipotassium phosphate causes a further increase in aqueous iron, potassium, and sodium, suggesting that multiple metal elements may take part in the arsenic release process. Furthermore, microbial analysis indicates that the dominant microbial phylum is shifted from α-proteobacteria to β- and γ-proteobacteria when the As(III) is increased and phosphate is added in the aquifer. Our results provide evidence that both phosphorus fertilizers and microorganisms can mediate the release of arsenic to groundwater in arsenic-contaminated sediments under anaerobic condition. Our study suggests that agricultural activity such as the use of fertilizers and monitoring phosphate concentration in groundwater should be taken into consideration for the management of arsenic in groundwater.

High-Up: A Remote Reservoir of Microbial Extremophiles in Central Andean Wetlands

The Central Andes region displays unexplored ecosystems of shallow lakes and salt flats at mean altitudes of 3700 m. Being isolated and hostile, these so-called "High-Altitude Andean Lakes" (HAAL) are pristine and have been exposed to little human influence. HAAL proved to be a rich source of microbes showing interesting adaptations to life in extreme settings (poly-extremophiles) such as alkalinity, high concentrations of arsenic and dissolved salts, intense dryness, large daily ambient thermal amplitude, and extreme solar radiation levels. This work reviews HAAL microbiodiversity, taking into account different microbial niches, such as plankton, benthos, microbial mats and microbialites. The modern stromatolites and other microbialites discovered recently at HAAL are highlighted, as they provide unique modern-though quite imperfect-analogs of environments proxy for an earlier time in Earth's history (volcanic setting and profuse hydrothermal activity, low atmospheric O2 pressure, thin ozone layer and high UV exposure). Likewise, we stress the importance of HAAL microbes as model poly-extremophiles in the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying their resistance ability against UV and toxic or deleterious chemicals using genome mining and functional genomics. In future research directions, it will be necessary to exploit the full potential of HAAL poly-extremophiles in terms of their biotechnological applications. Current projects heading this way have yielded detailed molecular information and functional proof on novel extremoenzymes: i.e., DNA repair enzymes and arsenic efflux pumps for which medical and bioremediation applications, respectively, are envisaged. But still, much effort is required to unravel novel functions for this and other molecules that dwell in a unique biological treasure despite its being hidden high up, in the remote Andes.

Indigenous arsenic(V)-reducing microbial communities in redox-fluctuating near-surface sediments of the Mekong Delta

Arsenic (As) cycling within soils and sediments of the Mekong Delta of Cambodia is affected by drastic redox fluctuations caused by seasonal monsoons. Extensive flooding during monsoon seasons creates anoxic soil conditions that favor anaerobic microbial processes, including arsenate [As(V)] respiration-a process contributing to the mobilization of As. Repeated oxidation and reduction in near-surface sediments, which contain 10-40 mg kg(-1) As, lead to the eventual downward movement of As to the underlying aquifer. Amplification of a highly conserved functional gene encoding dissimilatory As(V) reductase, arrA, can be used as a molecular marker to detect the genetic potential for As(V) respiration in environmental samples. However, few studies have successfully amplified arrA from sediments without prior enrichment, which can drastically shift community structure. In the present study, we examine the distribution and diversity of arrA genes amplified from multiple sites within the Cambodian Mekong Delta as a function of near-surface depth (10, 50, 100, 200, and 400 cm), where sediments undergo seasonal redox fluctuations. We report successful amplification of 302 arrA gene sequences (72 OTUs) from near-surface Cambodian soils (without prior enrichment or stimulation with carbon amendments), where a large majority (>70%) formed a well-supported clade that is phylogenetically distinct from previously reported sequences from Cambodia and other South and Southeast Asian sediments, with highest sequence similarity to known Geobacter species capable of As(V) respiration, further supporting the potentially important role of Geobacter sp. in arsenic mobilization in these regions.

Effect of arsenic on tolerance mechanisms of two plant growth-promoting bacteria used as biological inoculants

Bacterial ability to colonize the rhizosphere of plants in arsenic (As) contaminated soils is highly important for symbiotic and free-living plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) used as inoculants, since they can contribute to enhance plant As tolerance and limit metalloid uptake by plants. The aim of this work was to study the effect of As on growth, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, biofilm formation and motility of two strains used as soybean inoculants, Bradyrhizobium japonicum E109 and Azospirillum brasilense Az39. The metabolism of arsenate (As(V)) and arsenite (As(III)) and their removal and/or possible accumulation were also evaluated. The behavior of both bacteria under As treatment was compared and discussed in relation to their potential for colonizing plant rhizosphere with high content of the metalloid. B. japonicum E109 growth was reduced with As(III) concentration from 10 μM while A. brasilense Az39 showed a reduction of growth with As(III) from 500 μM. EPS and biofilm production increased significantly under 25 μM As(III) for both strains. Moreover, this was more notorious for Azospirillum under 500 μM As(III), where motility was seriously affected. Both bacterial strains showed a similar ability to reduce As(V). However, Azospirillum was able to oxidize more As(III) (around 53%) than Bradyrhizobium (17%). In addition, both strains accumulated As in cell biomass. The behavior of Azospirillum under As treatments suggests that this strain would be able to colonize efficiently As contaminated soils. In this way, inoculation with A. brasilense Az39 would positively contribute to promoting growth of different plant species under As treatment.

Anaerobic arsenite oxidation by an autotrophic arsenite-oxidizing bacterium from an arsenic-contaminated paddy soil

Microbe-mediated arsenic (As) redox reactions play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of As. Reduction of arsenate [As(V)] generally leads to As mobilization in paddy soils and increased As availability to rice plants, whereas oxidation of arsenite [As(III)] results in As immobilization. A novel chemoautotrophic As(III)-oxidizing bacterium, designated strain SY, was isolated from an As-contaminated paddy soil. The isolate was able to derive energy from the oxidation of As(III) to As(V) under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions using O2 or NO3(-) as the respective electron acceptor. Inoculation of the washed SY cells into a flooded soil greatly enhanced As(III) oxidation to As(V) both in the solution and adsorbed phases of the soil. Strain SY is phylogenetically closely related to Paracoccus niistensis with a 16S rRNA gene similarity of 96.79%. The isolate contains both the denitrification and ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase gene clusters, underscoring its ability to denitrify and to fix CO2 while coupled to As(III) oxidation. Deletion of the aioA gene encoding the As(III) oxidase subunit A abolished the As(III) oxidation ability of strain SY and led to increased sensitivity to As(III), suggesting that As(III) oxidation is a detoxification mechanism in this bacterium under aerobic and heterotrophic growth conditions. Analysis of the aioA gene clone library revealed that the majority of the As(III)-oxidizing bacteria in the soil were closely related to the genera Paracoccus of α-Proteobacteria. Our results provide direct evidence for As(III) oxidation by Paracoccus species and suggest that these species may play an important role in As(III) oxidation in paddy soils under both aerobic and denitrifying conditions.

Miniaturized Raman instrumentation detects carotenoids in Mars-analogue rocks from the Mojave and Atacama deserts

This study is primarily focused on proving the potential of miniaturized Raman systems to detect any biomolecular and mineral signal in natural geobiological samples that are relevant for future application of the technique within astrobiologically aimed missions on Mars. A series of evaporites of varying composition and origin from two extremely dry deserts were studied, namely Atacama and Mojave. The samples represent both dry evaporitic deposits and recent evaporitic efflorescences from hypersaline brines. The samples comprise halite and different types of sulfates and carbonates. The samples were analysed in two different ways: (i) directly as untreated rocks and (ii) as homogenized powders. Two excitation wavelengths of miniaturized Raman spectrometers were compared: 532 and 785 nm. The potential to detect carotenoids as biomarkers on Mars compared with the potential detection of carbonaceous matter using miniaturized instrumentation is discussed.

Metals in cyanobacteria: analysis of the copper, nickel, cobalt and arsenic homeostasis mechanisms

Traces of metal are required for fundamental biochemical processes, such as photosynthesis and respiration. Cyanobacteria metal homeostasis acquires an important role because the photosynthetic machinery imposes a high demand for metals, making them a limiting factor for cyanobacteria, especially in the open oceans. On the other hand, in the last two centuries, the metal concentrations in marine environments and lake sediments have increased as a result of several industrial activities. In all cases, cells have to tightly regulate uptake to maintain their intracellular concentrations below toxic levels. Mechanisms to obtain metal under limiting conditions and to protect cells from an excess of metals are present in cyanobacteria. Understanding metal homeostasis in cyanobacteria and the proteins involved will help to evaluate the use of these microorganisms in metal bioremediation. Furthermore, it will also help to understand how metal availability impacts primary production in the oceans. In this review, we will focus on copper, nickel, cobalt and arsenic (a toxic metalloid) metabolism, which has been mainly analyzed in model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

Identification and characterization of arsenite methyltransferase from an archaeon, Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A

Arsenic is a ubiquitous toxic contaminant in the environment. The methylation of arsenic can affect its toxicity and is primarily mediated by biological processes. Few studies have focused on the mechanism of arsenic methylation in archaea although archaea are widespread in the environment. Here, an arsenite [As(III)] methyltransferase (ArsM) was identified and characterized from an archaeon Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A. Heterologous expression of MaarsM was shown to confer As(III) resistance to an arsenic-sensitive strain of E. coli through arsenic methylation and subsequent volatilization. Purified MaArsM protein was further identified the function in catalyzing the formation of various methylated products from As(III) in vitro. Methylation of As(III) by MaArsM is highly dependent on the characteristics of the thiol cofactors used, with some of them (coenzyme M, homocysteine, and dithiothreitol) more efficient than GSH. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that three conserved cysteine (Cys) residues (Cys62, Cys150, and Cys200) in MaArsM were necessary for As(III) methylation, of which only Cys150 and Cys200 were required for the methylation of monomethylarsenic. These results present a molecular pathway for arsenic methylation in archaea and provide some insight into the role of archaea in As biogeochemistry.

How could haloalkaliphilic microorganisms contribute to biotechnology?

Haloalkaliphiles are microorganisms requiring Na+concentrations of at least 0.5 mol·L–1and an alkaline pH of 9 for optimal growth. Their unique features enable them to make significant contributions to a wide array of biotechnological applications. Organic compatible solutes produced by haloalkaliphiles, such as ectoine and glycine betaine, are correlated with osmoadaptation and may serve as stabilizers of intracellular proteins, salt antagonists, osmoprotectants, and dermatological moisturizers. Haloalkaliphiles are an important source of secondary metabolites like rhodopsin, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and exopolysaccharides that play essential roles in biogeocycling organic compounds. These microorganisms also can secrete unique exoenzymes, including proteases, amylases, and cellulases, that are highly active and stable in extreme haloalkaline conditions and can be used for the production of laundry detergent. Furthermore, the unique metabolic pathways of haloalkaliphiles can be applied in the biodegradation and (or) biotransformation of a broad range of toxic industrial pollutants and heavy metals, in wastewater treatment, and in the biofuel industry.

Characterization of arsenic-resistant endophytic bacteria from hyperaccumulators Pteris vittata and Pteris multifida

We isolated and characterized As-resistant endophytic bacteria (AEB) from two arsenic hyperaccumulators. Their plant growth promoting traits and the relation between As tolerance and transformation were evaluated. A total of 41 and 33 AEB were isolated from Pteris vittata (PV) and Pteris multifida (PM) respectively. PV AEB represented 2genera while PM AEB comprised of 12 genera, with Bacillus sp. being the most dominant bacteria from both plants. All AEB had limited ability in solubilizing P and producing indole acetic acid (IAA) and siderophore. All isolates tolerated 10mM arsenate (As(V)), with PV isolates being more tolerant to As(V) and PM more tolerant to arsenite (As(III)). Bacterial arsenic tolerance was related to their ability in As(III) oxidation and As(V) reduction as well as their ability to retain As in the biomass to a varying extent. Though AEB showed limited plant growth promoting traits, they were important in arsenic tolerance and speciation in plants.

Coregulated genes link sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase and arsenic metabolism in Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803

Although the biogeochemistry of the two environmentally hazardous compounds arsenic and sulfide has been extensively investigated, the biological interference of these two toxic but potentially energy-rich compounds has only been hypothesized and indirectly proven. Here we provide direct evidence for the first time that in the photosynthetic model organism Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803 the two metabolic pathways are linked by coregulated genes that are involved in arsenic transport, sulfide oxidation, and probably in sulfide-based alternative photosynthesis. Although Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803 is an obligate photoautotrophic cyanobacterium that grows via oxygenic photosynthesis, we discovered that specific genes are activated in the presence of sulfide or arsenite to exploit the energy potentials of these chemicals. These genes form an operon that we termed suoRSCT, located on a transposable element of type IS4 on the plasmid pSYSM of the cyanobacterium. suoS (sll5036) encodes a light-dependent, type I sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase. The suoR (sll5035) gene downstream of suoS encodes a regulatory protein that belongs to the ArsR-type repressors that are normally involved in arsenic resistance. We found that this repressor has dual specificity, resulting in 200-fold induction of the operon upon either arsenite or sulfide exposure. The suoT gene encodes a transmembrane protein similar to chromate transporters but in fact functioning as an arsenite importer at permissive concentrations. We propose that the proteins encoded by the suoRSCT operon might have played an important role under anaerobic, reducing conditions on primordial Earth and that the operon was acquired by the cyanobacterium via horizontal gene transfer.

Identification and characterization of metabolic properties of bacterial populations recovered from arsenic contaminated ground water of North East India (Assam)

Diversity of culturable bacterial populations within the Arsenic (As) contaminated groundwater of North Eastern state (Assam) of India is studied. From nine As contaminated samples 89 bacterial strains are isolated. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis reveals predominance of Brevundimonas (35%) and Acidovorax (23%) along with Acinetobacter (10%), Pseudomonas (9%) and relatively less abundant (<5%) Undibacterium, Herbaspirillum, Rhodococcus, Staphylococcus, Bosea, Bacillus, Ralstonia, Caulobacter and Rhizobiales members. High As(III) resistance (MTC 10-50 mM) is observed for the isolates obtained from As(III) enrichment, particularly for 3 isolates of genus Brevundimonas (MTC 50 mM). In contrast, high resistance to As(V) (MTC as high as 550 mM) is present as a ubiquitous property, irrespective of isolates' enrichment condition. Bacterial genera affiliated to other groups showed relatively lower degree of As resistance [MTCs of 15-20 mM As(III) and 250-350 mM As(V)]. As(V) reductase activity is detected in strains with high As(V) as well as As(III) resistance. A strong correlation could be established among isolates capable of reductase activity and siderophore production as well as As(III) tolerance. A large number of isolates (nearly 50%) is capable of anaerobic respiration using alternate inorganic electron acceptors [As(V), Se(VI), Fe(III), [NO(3)(2), SO(4)(2), S(2)O(3)(2). Ability to utilize different carbon sources ranging from C2-C6 compounds along with some complex sugars is also observed. Particularly, a number of strains is found to possess ability to grow chemolithotrophically using As(III) as the electron donor. The study reports for the first time the identity and metabolic abilities of bacteria in As contaminated ground water of North East India, useful to elucidate the microbial role in influencing mobilization of As in the region.

Genomic analysis of stress response against arsenic in Caenorhabditis elegans

Arsenic, a known human carcinogen, is widely distributed around the world and found in particularly high concentrations in certain regions including Southwestern US, Eastern Europe, India, China, Taiwan and Mexico. Chronic arsenic poisoning affects millions of people worldwide and is associated with increased risk of many diseases including arthrosclerosis, diabetes and cancer. In this study, we explored genome level global responses to high and low levels of arsenic exposure in Caenorhabditis elegans using Affymetrix expression microarrays. This experimental design allows us to do microarray analysis of dose-response relationships of global gene expression patterns. High dose (0.03%) exposure caused stronger global gene expression changes in comparison with low dose (0.003%) exposure, suggesting a positive dose-response correlation. Biological processes such as oxidative stress, and iron metabolism, which were previously reported to be involved in arsenic toxicity studies using cultured cells, experimental animals, and humans, were found to be affected in C. elegans. We performed genome-wide gene expression comparisons between our microarray data and publicly available C. elegans microarray datasets of cadmium, and sediment exposure samples of German rivers Rhine and Elbe. Bioinformatics analysis of arsenic-responsive regulatory networks were done using FastMEDUSA program. FastMEDUSA analysis identified cancer-related genes, particularly genes associated with leukemia, such as dnj-11, which encodes a protein orthologous to the mammalian ZRF1/MIDA1/MPP11/DNAJC2 family of ribosome-associated molecular chaperones. We analyzed the protective functions of several of the identified genes using RNAi. Our study indicates that C. elegans could be a substitute model to study the mechanism of metal toxicity using high-throughput expression data and bioinformatics tools such as FastMEDUSA.

Microbiology of Lonar Lake and other soda lakes

Soda lakes are saline and alkaline ecosystems that are believed to have existed throughout the geological record of Earth. They are widely distributed across the globe, but are highly abundant in terrestrial biomes such as deserts and steppes and in geologically interesting regions such as the East African Rift valley. The unusual geochemistry of these lakes supports the growth of an impressive array of microorganisms that are of ecological and economic importance. Haloalkaliphilic Bacteria and Archaea belonging to all major trophic groups have been described from many soda lakes, including lakes with exceptionally high levels of heavy metals. Lonar Lake is a soda lake that is centered at an unusual meteorite impact structure in the Deccan basalts in India and its key physicochemical and microbiological characteristics are highlighted in this article. The occurrence of diverse functional groups of microbes, such as methanogens, methanotrophs, phototrophs, denitrifiers, sulfur oxidizers, sulfate reducers and syntrophs in soda lakes, suggests that these habitats harbor complex microbial food webs that (a) interconnect various biological cycles via redox coupling and (b) impact on the production and consumption of greenhouse gases. Soda lake microorganisms harbor several biotechnologically relevant enzymes and biomolecules (for example, cellulases, amylases, ectoine) and there is the need to augment bioprospecting efforts in soda lake environments with new integrated approaches. Importantly, some saline and alkaline lake ecosystems around the world need to be protected from anthropogenic pressures that threaten their long-term existence.

Characterization of arsenic resistant bacteria from arsenic rich groundwater of West Bengal, India

Sixty-four arsenic (As) resistant bacteria isolated from an arsenic rich groundwater sample of West Bengal were characterized to investigate their potential role in subsurface arsenic mobilization. Among the isolated strains predominance of genera Agrobacterium/Rhizobium, Ochrobactrum and Achromobacter which could grow chemolitrophically and utilize arsenic as electron donor were detected. Higher tolerance to As(3+) [maximum tolerable concentration (MTC): ≥10 mM], As(5+) (MTC: ≥100 mM) and other heavy metals like Cu(2+), Cr(2+), Ni(2+) etc. (MTC: ≥10 mM), presence of arsenate reductase and siderophore was frequently observed among the isolates. Ability to produce arsenite oxidase and phosphatase enzyme was detected in 50 and 34 % of the isolates, respectively. Although no direct correlation among taxonomic identity of bacterial strains and their metabolic abilities as mentioned above was apparent, several isolates affiliated to genera Ochrobactrum, Achromobacter and unclassified Rhizobiaceae members were found to be highly resistant to As(3+) and As(5+) and positive for all the test properties. Arsenate reductase activity was found to be conferred by arsC gene, which in many strains was coupled with arsenite efflux gene arsB as well. Phylogenetic incongruence between the 16S rRNA and ars genes lineages indicated possible incidence of horizontal gene transfer for ars genes. Based on the results we propose that under the prevailing low nutrient condition inhabitant bacteria capable of using inorganic electron donors play a synergistic role wherein siderophores and phosphatase activities facilitate the release of sediment bound As(5+), which is subsequently reduced by arsenate reductase resulting into the mobilization of As(3+) in groundwater.

Bacteria-mediated arsenic oxidation and reduction in the growth media of arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata

Microbes play an important role in arsenic transformation and cycling in the environment. Microbial arsenic oxidation and reduction were demonstrated in the growth media of arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L. All arsenite (AsIII) at 0.1 mM in the media was oxidized after 48 h incubation. Oxidation was largely inhibited by antibiotics, indicating that bacteria played a dominant role. To identify AsIII oxidizing bacteria, degenerate primers were used to amplify ∼500 bp of the AsIII oxidase gene aioA (aroA) using DNA extracted from the media. One aioA (aroA)-like sequence (MG-1, tentatively identified as Acinetobacter sp.) was amplified, exhibiting 82% and 91% identity in terms of gene and deduced protein sequence to those from Acinetobacter sp. 33. In addition, four bacterial strains with different arsenic tolerance were isolated and identified as Comamonas sp.C-1, Flavobacterium sp. C-2, Staphylococcus sp. C-3, and Pseudomonas sp. C-4 using carbon utilization, fatty acid profiles, and/or sequencing 16s rRNA gene. These isolates exhibited dual capacity for both AsV reduction and AsIII oxidation under ambient conditions. Arsenic-resistant bacteria with strong AsIII oxidizing ability may have potential to improve bioremediation of AsIII-contaminated water using P. vittata and/or other biochemical strategies.

Desulfohalophilus alkaliarsenatis gen. nov., sp. nov., an extremely halophilic sulfate- and arsenate-respiring bacterium from Searles Lake, California

A haloalkaliphilic sulfate-respiring bacterium, strain SLSR-1, was isolated from a lactate-fed stable enrichment culture originally obtained from the extreme environment of Searles Lake, California. The isolate proved capable of growth via sulfate-reduction over a broad range of salinities (125–330 g/L), although growth was slowest at salt-saturation. Strain SLSR-1 was also capable of growth via dissimilatory arsenate-reduction and displayed an even broader range of salinity tolerance (50–330 g/L) when grown under these conditions. Strain SLSR-1 could also grow via dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia. Growth experiments in the presence of high borate concentrations indicated a greater sensitivity of sulfate-reduction than arsenate-respiration to this naturally abundant anion in Searles Lake. Strain SLSR-1 contained genes involved in both sulfate-reduction (dsrAB) and arsenate respiration (arrA). Amplicons of 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained from DNA extracted from Searles Lake sediment revealed the presence of close relatives of strain SLSR-1 as part of the flora of this ecosystem despite the fact that sulfate-reduction activity could not be detected in situ. We conclude that strain SLSR-1 can only achieve growth via arsenate-reduction under the current chemical conditions prevalent at Searles Lake. Strain SLSR-1 is a deltaproteobacterium in the family Desulfohalobiacea of anaerobic, haloalkaliphilic bacteria, for which we propose the name Desulfohalophilus alkaliarsenatis gen. nov., sp. nov.

Enrichment of arsenic transforming and resistant heterotrophic bacteria from sediments of two salt lakes in Northern Chile

Microbial populations are involved in the arsenic biogeochemical cycle in catalyzing arsenic transformations and playing indirect roles. To investigate which ecotypes among the diverse microbial communities could have a role in cycling arsenic in salt lakes in Northern Chile and to obtain clues to facilitate their isolation in pure culture, sediment samples from Salar de Ascotán and Salar de Atacama were cultured in diluted LB medium amended with NaCl and arsenic, at different incubation conditions. The samples and the cultures were analyzed by nucleic acid extraction, fingerprinting analysis, and sequencing. Microbial reduction of As was evidenced in all the enrichments carried out in anaerobiosis. The results revealed that the incubation factors were more important for determining the microbial community structure than arsenic species and concentrations. The predominant microorganisms in enrichments from both sediments belonged to the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla, but most of the bacterial ecotypes were confined to only one system. The occurrence of an active arsenic biogeochemical cycle was suggested in the system with the highest arsenic content that included populations compatible with microorganisms able to transform arsenic for energy conservation, accumulate arsenic, produce H(2), H(2)S and acetic acid (potential sources of electrons for arsenic reduction) and tolerate high arsenic levels.

Draft genome of halomonas species strain GFAJ-1 (ATCC BAA-2256)

Halomonas strain GFAJ-1 was reported in Science magazine to be a remarkable microbe for which there was "arsenate in macromolecules that normally contain phosphate, most notably nucleic acids." The draft genome of the bacterium was determined (NCBI accession numbers AHBC01000001 through AHBC01000103). It appears to be a typical gamma proteobacterium.

Environmental controls on nitrogen and sulfur cycles in surficial aquatic sediments

Enhanced anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) have disturbed their biogeochemical cycling in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The N and S cycles interact with one another through competition for labile forms of organic carbon between nitrate-reducing and sulfate-reducing bacteria. Furthermore, the N and S cycles could interact through nitrate (NO3-) reduction coupled to S oxidation, consuming NO3-, and producing sulfate (SO42-). The research questions of this study were: (1) what are the environmental factors explaining variability in N and S biogeochemical reaction rates in a wide range of surficial aquatic sediments when NO3- and SO42- are present separately or simultaneously, (2) how the N and S cycles could interact through S oxidation coupled to NO3- reduction, and (3) what is the extent of sulfate reduction inhibition by nitrate, and vice versa. The N and S biogeochemical reaction rates were measured on intact surface sediment slices using flow-through reactors. The two terminal electron acceptors NO3- and SO42- were added either separately or simultaneously and NO3- and SO42- reduction rates as well as NO3- reduction linked to S oxidation were determined. We used redundancy analysis, to assess how environmental variables were related to these rates. Our analysis showed that overlying water pH and salinity were two dominant environmental factors that explain 58% of the variance in the N and S biogeochemical reaction rates when NO3- and SO42- were both present. When NO3- and SO42- were added separately, however, sediment N content in addition to pH and salinity accounted for 62% of total variance of the biogeochemical reaction rates. The SO42- addition had little effect on NO3- reduction; neither did the NO3- addition inhibit SO42- reduction. The presence of NO3- led to SO42- production most likely due to the oxidation of sulfur. Our observations suggest that metal-bound S, instead of free sulfide produced by SO42- reduction, was responsible for the S oxidation.

Assessing the mechanisms controlling the mobilization of arsenic in the arsenic contaminated shallow alluvial aquifer in the blackfoot disease endemic area

High levels of arsenic in groundwater and drinking water represent a major health problem worldwide. Drinking arsenic-contaminated groundwater is a likely cause of blackfoot disease (BFD) in Taiwan, but mechanisms controlling the mobilization of arsenic present at elevated concentrations within aquifers remain understudied. Microcosm experiments using sediments from arsenic contaminated shallow alluvial aquifers in the blackfoot disease endemic area showed simultaneous microbial reduction of Fe(III) and As(V). Significant soluble Fe(II) (0.23±0.03 mM) in pore waters and mobilization of As(III) (206.7±21.2 nM) occurred during the first week. Aqueous Fe(II) and As(III) respectively reached concentrations of 0.27±0.01 mM and 571.4±63.3 nM after 8 weeks. We also showed that the addition of acetate caused a further increase in aqueous Fe(II) but the dissolved arsenic did not increase. We further isolated an As(V)-reducing bacterium native to aquifer sediments which showed that the direct enzymatic reduction of As(V) to the potentially more-soluble As(III) in pore water is possible in this aquifer. Our results provide evidence that microorganisms can mediate the release of sedimentary arsenic to groundwater in this region and the capacity for arsenic release was not limited by the availability of electron donors in the sediments.

Bacterial aox genotype from arsenic contaminated mine to adjacent coastal sediment: evidences for potential biogeochemical arsenic oxidation

The potential biogeochemical redox activity of arsenic was investigated by examining bacterial arsenic (As) redox genes such as aox, ars, and arr in arsenic-contaminated abandoned mine area and adjacent coastal sediments. Consistent with aerobic sediment and water samples from the mine through coastal areas, bacterial genes involing arsenic(V) (arsenate, AsO(4)(3-)) reduction such as arsC and arrA were identified only in a few samples, where's bacterial aoxB gene encoding arsenite oxidase which is a central role in arsenic(III) (AsO(2)(-)) oxidation of aox operon. This study suggests that evaluation of arsenite-oxidizing bacteria including aox genotype may lead to a better understanding of molecular geomicrobiology in arsenic biogeochemistry, which can be applied to the bioremediation of arsenic contaminated mines along the coast of Gwangyang Bay. In this study, high concentrations of arsenic were observed in the mines and Gwangyang Bay and it was speculated that As(III)-oxidizing bacteria isolated from those highly arsenic-contaminated areas contributed the biogeochemical cycling of arsenic by transforming arsenic species and resulting in change of mobility, though further in situ biogeochemical and/or microbial ecological investigations are needed for confirming the phenomena in natural environment. Acinetobacter junni and Marinobacter sp. which were isolated in the contaminated area contained the aox genes and were able to oxidize As(III) to As(V), which is a more soluble form in oxic aqueous environments and apt to migrate from the mine to the coast. This might suggest a potential of a significant redox role of aox genes of arsenic-oxidizing bacteria in biogeochemical cycle of arsenic.

Flexible bacterial strains that oxidize arsenite in anoxic or aerobic conditions and utilize hydrogen or acetate as alternative electron donors

Arsenic is a carcinogenic compound widely distributed in the groundwater around the world. The fate of arsenic in groundwater depends on the activity of microorganisms either by oxidizing arsenite (As(III)), or by reducing arsenate (As(V)). Because of the higher toxicity and mobility of As(III) compared to As(V), microbial-catalyzed oxidation of As(III) to As(V) can lower the environmental impact of arsenic. Although aerobic As(III)-oxidizing bacteria are well known, anoxic oxidation of As(III) with nitrate as electron acceptor has also been shown to occur. In this study, three As(III)-oxidizing bacterial strains, Azoarcus sp. strain EC1-pb1, Azoarcus sp. strain EC3-pb1 and Diaphorobacter sp. strain MC-pb1, have been characterized. Each strain was tested for its ability to oxidize As(III) with four different electron acceptors, nitrate, nitrite, chlorate and oxygen. Complete As(III) oxidation was achieved with both nitrate and oxygen, demonstrating the novel ability of these bacterial strains to oxidize As(III) in either anoxic or aerobic conditions. Nitrate was only reduced to nitrite. Different electron donors were used to study their suitability in supporting nitrate reduction. Hydrogen and acetate were readily utilized by all the cultures. The flexibility of these As(III)-oxidizing bacteria to use oxygen and nitrate to oxidize As(III) as well as organic and inorganic substrates as alternative electron donors explains their presence in non-arsenic-contaminated environments. The findings suggest that at least some As(III)-oxidizing bacteria are flexible with respect to electron-acceptors and electron-donors and that they are potentially widespread in low arsenic concentration environments.

Long term performance of an arsenite-oxidizing-chlorate-reducing microbial consortium in an upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) bioreactor

A chlorate (ClO(3)(-)) reducing microbial consortium oxidized arsenite (As(III)) to arsenate (As(V)) in an upflow anaerobic sludge-bed bioreactor over 550 days operation. As(III) was converted with high conversion efficiencies (>98%) at volumetric loadings ranging from 0.45 to 1.92 mmol As/(L(reactor)d). The oxidation of As(III) was linked to the complete reduction of ClO(3)(-) to Cl(-) and H(2)O, as demonstrated by a molar ratio of approximately 3.0 mol As(III) oxidized per mole of Cl(-) formed and by the greatly lowered ClO(3)(-)-reducing capacity without As(III) feeding. An autotrophic enrichment culture was established from the bioreactor biofilm. A 16S rRNA gene clone library indicated that the culture was dominated by Dechloromonas, and Stenotrophomonas as well as genera within the family Comamonadaceae. The results indicate that the oxidation of As(III) to less mobile As(V) utilizing ClO(3)(-) as a terminal electron acceptor provides a sustainable bioremediation strategy for arsenic contamination in anaerobic environments.

Thermodynamic limits to microbial life at high salt concentrations

Life at high salt concentrations is energetically expensive. The upper salt concentration limit at which different dissimilatory processes occur in nature appears to be determined to a large extent by bioenergetic constraints. The main factors that determine whether a certain type of microorganism can make a living at high salt are the amount of energy generated during its dissimilatory metabolism and the mode of osmotic adaptation used. I here review new data, both from field observations and from the characterization of cultures of new types of prokaryotes growing at high salt concentrations, to evaluate to what extent the theories formulated 12 years ago are still valid, need to be refined, or should be refuted on the basis of the novel information collected. Most data agree well with the earlier theories. Some new observations, however, are not easily explained: the properties of Natranaerobius and other haloalkaliphilic thermophilic fermentative anaerobes, growth of the sulfate-reducing Desulfosalsimonas propionicica with complete oxidation of propionate and Desulfovermiculus halophilus with complete oxidation of butyrate, growth of lactate-oxidizing sulfate reducers related to Desulfonatronovibrio at 346 g l(-1) salts at pH 9.8, and occurrence of methane oxidation in the anaerobic layers of Big Soda Lake and Mono Lake.

Structural features promoting dioxygen production by Dechloromonas aromatica chlorite dismutase

Chlorite dismutase (Cld) is a heme enzyme capable of rapidly and selectively decomposing chlorite (ClO(2) (-)) to Cl(-) and O(2). The ability of Cld to promote O(2) formation from ClO(2) (-) is unusual. Heme enzymes generally utilize ClO(2) (-) as an oxidant for reactions such as oxygen atom transfer to, or halogenation of, a second substrate. The X-ray crystal structure of Dechloromonas aromatica Cld co-crystallized with the substrate analogue nitrite (NO(2) (-)) was determined to investigate features responsible for this novel reactivity. The enzyme active site contains a single b-type heme coordinated by a proximal histidine residue. Structural analysis identified a glutamate residue hydrogen-bonded to the heme proximal histidine that may stabilize reactive heme species. A solvent-exposed arginine residue likely gates substrate entry to a tightly confined distal pocket. On the basis of the proposed mechanism of Cld, initial reaction of ClO(2) (-) within the distal pocket generates hypochlorite (ClO(-)) and a compound I intermediate. The sterically restrictive distal pocket probably facilitates the rapid rebound of ClO(-) with compound I forming the Cl(-) and O(2) products. Common to other heme enzymes, Cld is inactivated after a finite number of turnovers, potentially via the observed formation of an off-pathway tryptophanyl radical species through electron migration to compound I. Three tryptophan residues of Cld have been identified as candidates for this off-pathway radical. Finally, a juxtaposition of hydrophobic residues between the distal pocket and the enzyme surface suggests O(2) may have a preferential direction for exiting the active site.