1
|
Gil-Villalba S, Palau J, Soder-Walz JM, Vallecillo MA, Corregidor J, Tirado A, Shouakar-Stash O, Guivernau M, Viñas M, Soler A, Rosell M. Use of isotopic (C, Cl) and molecular biology tools to assess biodegradation in a source area of chlorinated ethenes after biostimulation with Emulsified Vegetable Oil (EVO). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175351. [PMID: 39151619 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175351] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Enhanced In Situ Bioremediation (EISB) using Emulsified Vegetable Oil (EVO) as a long-term electron donor has gained prominence for the treatment of groundwater contaminated with chlorinated ethenes (CEs). This study explores the potential of isotopic and molecular biology tools (MBT) to investigate the CEs (PCE, TCE and cis-DCE) bioremediation using EVO in a contaminated site. A multiple approach using C and Cl-CSIA, quantification of Dehalococcoides (Dhc) and specific reductive dechlorination (RD) gene population, and hydrochemical data in microcosm experiments and field samples was applied. Despite the high partitioning of CEs into the EVO phase, the carbon isotopic values of the remaining CEs fraction in the aqueous phase did not exhibit significant changes caused by phase partitioning in laboratory experiments. Both microcosm experiments and field data revealed a rapid RD of PCE and TCE, resulting in the transient accumulation of cis-DCE, which was slowly degraded to vinyl chloride (VC). These results agreed with the presence of Dhc populations and a shift to stronger reducing conditions in the field: i) RD functional genes (tceA, vcrA and bvcA) exhibited a trend to higher values and ii) a substantial increase in Dhc populations (up to 30% of the total bacterial populations) was observed over time. The dual-element isotope slope ΛC-Cl for RD of cis-DCE obtained from field data (ΛC - Cl = 5 ± 3) was similar to the one determined from the microcosm experiments under controlled anoxic conditions (ΛC - Cl = 4.9 ± 0.8). However, ΛC-Cl values differ from those reported so far for laboratory studies with Dhc strains and mixed cultures containing Dhc, i.e., between 8.3 and 17.8. This observation underscores the potential variety of reductive dehalogenases involved during cis-DCE RD and the importance of determining site-specific Λ and ɛ values in order to improve the identification and quantification of transformation processes in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Gil-Villalba
- Grup MAiMA, SGR Mineralogia Aplicada, Geoquímica i Hidrogeologia (MAGH), Departament de Mineralogia, Petrologia i Geologia Aplicada, Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Institut de Recerca de l'Aigua (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Martí Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jordi Palau
- Grup MAiMA, SGR Mineralogia Aplicada, Geoquímica i Hidrogeologia (MAGH), Departament de Mineralogia, Petrologia i Geologia Aplicada, Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Institut de Recerca de l'Aigua (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Martí Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesica M Soder-Walz
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Carrer de les Sitges s/n, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Miguel A Vallecillo
- Environmental Resources Management Iberia SAU, Rambla de Catalunya 33, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Corregidor
- Environmental Resources Management Iberia SAU, Rambla de Catalunya 33, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Tirado
- Environmental Resources Management Iberia SAU, Rambla de Catalunya 33, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Miriam Guivernau
- Sustainability in Biosystems Programme, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Torre Marimon, Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Viñas
- Sustainability in Biosystems Programme, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Torre Marimon, Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Soler
- Grup MAiMA, SGR Mineralogia Aplicada, Geoquímica i Hidrogeologia (MAGH), Departament de Mineralogia, Petrologia i Geologia Aplicada, Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Institut de Recerca de l'Aigua (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Martí Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Monica Rosell
- Grup MAiMA, SGR Mineralogia Aplicada, Geoquímica i Hidrogeologia (MAGH), Departament de Mineralogia, Petrologia i Geologia Aplicada, Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Institut de Recerca de l'Aigua (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Martí Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen G, Rosolina S, Padilla-Crespo E, He G, Chen Q, Arosemena A, Rosado-Maldonado BE, Swift CM, Coelho PB, Whelton AJ, Taggart D, Löffler FE. Natural Attenuation Potential of Vinyl Chloride and Butyl Acrylate Released in the East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment Accident. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:17743-17755. [PMID: 39344962 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c04198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
The East Palestine, Ohio train derailment released toxic vinyl chloride (VC) and butyl acrylate (BA), which entered the watershed. Streambed sediment, surface water, and private well water samples were collected 128 and 276 days postaccident to assess the natural attenuation potential of VC and BA by quantifying biodegradation biomarker genes and conducting microcosm treatability studies. qPCR detected the aerobic VC degradation biomarkers etnC in ∼40% and etnE in ∼27% of sediments collected in both sampling campaigns in abundances reaching 105 gene copies g-1. The 16S rRNA genes of organohalide-respiring Dehalococcoides and Dehalogenimonas were, respectively, detected in 50 and 64% of sediment samples collected 128 days postaccident and in 63 and 88% of sediment samples collected 276 days postaccident, in abundances reaching 107 cells g-1. Elevated detection frequencies of VC degradation biomarker genes were measured immediately downstream of the accident site (i.e., Sulphur Run). Aerobic VC degradation occurred in all sediment microcosms and coincided with increases of etnC/etnE genes and Mycobacterium, a genus comprising aerobic VC degraders. The conversion of VC to ethene and an increased abundance of VC reductive dechlorination biomarker genes were observed in microcosms established with sediments collected from Sulphur Run. All anoxic microcosms rapidly degraded BA to innocuous products with intermediate formation of n-butanol and acrylate. The results indicate that microbiomes in the East Palestine watershed have natural attenuation capacity for VC and BA. Recommendations are made to improve first-response actions in future contaminant release accidents of this magnitude.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gao Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Sam Rosolina
- Microbial Insights, Incorporated, 10515 Research Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37932, United States
| | - Elizabeth Padilla-Crespo
- Science and Technology Department, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla 00605, Puerto Rico
| | - Guang He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Qiao Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Ana Arosemena
- Science and Technology Department, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla 00605, Puerto Rico
| | - Bryan E Rosado-Maldonado
- Science and Technology Department, Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metropolitan Campus, San Juan 00926, Puerto Rico
| | - Cynthia M Swift
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Paula Belmont Coelho
- Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Andrew J Whelton
- Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Dora Taggart
- Microbial Insights, Incorporated, 10515 Research Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37932, United States
| | - Frank E Löffler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Islam DT, Williams MR, Teppen BJ, Johnston CT, Li H, Boyd SA, Zylstra GJ, Fennell DE, Cupples AM, Hashsham SA. Comprehensive model for predicting toxic equivalents (TEQ) reduction due to dechlorination of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F congeners). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 480:135749. [PMID: 39276747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Remediation-focused predictive tools for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) rely on transformation models to evaluate the reduction in total contaminant load and toxic equivalency (TEQ). In this study, a comprehensive model predicting the profiles of PCDD/F congeners and the associated TEQs was developed. The model employs first-order kinetics to describe the transformation of 256 reactions for 75 PCDD congeners and 421 reactions for 135 PCDF congeners. It integrates the growth of anaerobic microbial guilds using Monod kinetics on hydrogen release compounds and stoichiometric growth for Dehalococcoides sp. The effects of temperature, salinity, pH, and availability of vitamin B12 (a cofactor) were also integrated. The PCDD/F congeners model was used to extract the first-order dechlorination rate constants from a number of pure culture and mixed microbial microcosm studies. Simulations for the transformation of PCDD/F congeners at concentrations representative of the Tittabawassee or Saginaw Rivers and watershed in MI, USA were carried out. For a starting TEQ of 5000 ng per kg dry sediment (ppt), the model predicted a decrease in the overall TEQ to below 2000 ppt after 2.6 years and below 250 ppt after ∼21 years. The developed model may be used for extracting rates from microcosm studies and to evaluate the effect of engineering interventions on TEQ reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dar Tafazul Islam
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Maggie R Williams
- School of Engineering and Technology, Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Brian J Teppen
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Cliff T Johnston
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Stephen A Boyd
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Gerben J Zylstra
- Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Donna E Fennell
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Alison M Cupples
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Syed A Hashsham
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang J, Li X, Jin H, Yang S, Yu L, Wang H, Huang S, Liao H, Wang X, Yan J, Yang Y. CO-driven electron and carbon flux fuels synergistic microbial reductive dechlorination. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:154. [PMID: 39160636 PMCID: PMC11334346 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01869-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbon monoxide (CO), hypothetically linked to prebiotic biosynthesis and possibly the origin of the life, emerges as a substantive growth substrate for numerous microorganisms. In anoxic environments, the coupling of CO oxidation with hydrogen (H2) production is an essential source of electrons, which can subsequently be utilized by hydrogenotrophic bacteria (e.g., organohalide-respring bacteria). While Dehalococcoides strains assume pivotal roles in the natural turnover of halogenated organics and the bioremediation of chlorinated ethenes, relying on external H2 as their electron donor and acetate as their carbon source, the synergistic dynamics within the anaerobic microbiome have received comparatively less scrutiny. This study delves into the intriguing prospect of CO serving as both the exclusive carbon source and electron donor, thereby supporting the reductive dechlorination of trichloroethene (TCE). RESULTS The metabolic pathway involved anaerobic CO oxidation, specifically the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, which produced H2 and acetate as primary metabolic products. In an intricate microbial interplay, these H2 and acetate were subsequently utilized by Dehalococcoides, facilitating the dechlorination of TCE. Notably, Acetobacterium emerged as one of the pivotal collaborators for Dehalococcoides, furnishing not only a crucial carbon source essential for its growth and proliferation but also providing a defense against CO inhibition. CONCLUSIONS This research expands our understanding of CO's versatility as a microbial energy and carbon source and unveils the intricate syntrophic dynamics underlying reductive dechlorination.
Collapse
Grants
- Grant No. 41907220, 42177220, 41907287, 41977295, 41907220 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Grant No. 41907220, 42177220, 41907287, 41977295, 41907220 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Grant No. 41907220, 42177220, 41907287, 41977295, 41907220 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Grant No.2023004 Zhiyuan Science Foundation of BIPT
- Grant No. 2019YFC1804400 National Key Research and Development Program of China
- Grant No. ZDBS-LY-DQC038 Key Research Program of Frontier Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Grant No. 2021-MS-026 Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province of China
- Grant No. IAEMP202201 Major Program of Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
| | - Xiuying Li
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
| | - Huijuan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
| | - Shujing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 117004, China
| | - Lian Yu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing, 102617, China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Siqi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hengyi Liao
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xuhao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China.
- Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Blázquez-Pallí N, Torrentó C, Marco-Urrea E, Garriga D, González M, Bosch M. Pilot tests for the optimization of the bioremediation strategy of a multi-layered aquifer at a multi-focus site impacted with chlorinated ethenes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173093. [PMID: 38768723 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173093] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
A multi-layered aquifer in an industrial area in the north of the Iberian Peninsula is severely contaminated with the chlorinated ethenes (CEs) tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride. Both shallow and deep aquifers are polluted, with two differentiated north and south CEs plumes. Hydrogeochemical and isotopic data (δ13C of CEs) evidenced natural attenuation of CEs. To select the optimal remediation strategy to clean-up the contamination plumes, laboratory treatability studies were performed, which confirmed the intrinsic biodegradation potential of the north and south shallow aquifers to fully dechlorinate CEs to ethene after injection of lactate, but also the combination of lactate and sulfidized mZVI as an alternative treatment for the north deep aquifer. In the lactate-amended microcosms, full dechlorination of CEs was accompanied by an increase in 16S rRNA gene copies of Dehalococcoides and Dehalogenimonas, and the tceA, vcrA and bvcA reductive dehalogenases. Three in situ pilot tests were implemented, which consisted in injections of lactate in the north and south shallow aquifers, and injections of lactate and sulfidized mZVI in the north deep aquifer. The hydrogeochemical, isotopic and molecular analyses used to monitor the pilot tests evidenced that results obtained mimicked the laboratory observations, albeit at different dechlorination rates. It is likely that the efficiency of the injections was affected by the amendment distribution. In addition, monitoring of the pilot tests in the shallow aquifers showed the release of CEs due to back diffusion from secondary sources, which limited the use of isotopic data for assessing treatment efficiency. In the pilot test that combined the injection of lactate and sulfidized mZVI, both biotic and abiotic pathways contributed to the production of ethene. This study demonstrates the usefulness of integrating different chemical, isotopic and biomolecular approaches for a more robust selection and implementation of optimal remediation strategies in CEs polluted sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natàlia Blázquez-Pallí
- LITOCLEAN, S.L., Environmental site assessment and remediation, c/ Numància 36, 08029 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Clara Torrentó
- Grup MAiMA, SGR Mineralogia Aplicada, Geoquímica i Hidrogeologia (MAGH), Departament de Mineralogia, Petrologia i Geologia Aplicada, Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Institut de Recerca de l'Aigua (IdRA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Martí Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Serra Húnter Fellowship, Generalitat de Catalunya, Spain
| | - Ernest Marco-Urrea
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), c/ de les Sitges s/n, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - David Garriga
- LITOCLEAN, S.L., Environmental site assessment and remediation, c/ Numància 36, 08029 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta González
- LITOCLEAN, S.L., Environmental site assessment and remediation, c/ Numància 36, 08029 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marçal Bosch
- LITOCLEAN, S.L., Environmental site assessment and remediation, c/ Numància 36, 08029 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lorah MM, He K, Blaney L, Akob DM, Harris C, Tokranov A, Hopkins Z, Shedd BP. Anaerobic biodegradation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and microbial community composition in soil amended with a dechlorinating culture and chlorinated solvents. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:172996. [PMID: 38719042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172996] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), one of the most frequently detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) occurring in soil, surface water, and groundwater near sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), has proven to be recalcitrant to many destructive remedies, including chemical oxidation. We investigated the potential to utilize microbially mediated reduction (bioreduction) to degrade PFOS and other PFAS through addition of a known dehalogenating culture, WBC-2, to soil obtained from an AFFF-contaminated site. A substantial decrease in total mass of PFOS (soil and water) was observed in microcosms amended with WBC-2 and chlorinated volatile organic compound (cVOC) co-contaminants - 46.4 ± 11.0 % removal of PFOS over the 45-day experiment. In contrast, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) concentrations did not decrease in the same microcosms. The low or non-detectable concentrations of potential metabolites in full PFAS analyses, including after application of the total oxidizable precursor assay, indicated that defluorination occurred to non-fluorinated compounds or ultrashort-chain PFAS. Nevertheless, additional research on the metabolites and degradation pathways is needed. Population abundances of known dehalorespirers did not change with PFOS removal during the experiment, making their association with PFOS removal unclear. An increased abundance of sulfate reducers in the genus Desulfosporosinus (Firmicutes) and Sulfurospirillum (Campilobacterota) was observed with PFOS removal, most likely linked to initiation of biodegradation by desulfonation. These results have important implications for development of in situ bioremediation methods for PFAS and advancing knowledge of natural attenuation processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Lorah
- U.S. Geological Survey, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA.
| | - Ke He
- University of Maryland Baltimore County, Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Lee Blaney
- University of Maryland Baltimore County, Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Denise M Akob
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy, & Minerals Science Center, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - Cassandra Harris
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy, & Minerals Science Center, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - Andrea Tokranov
- U.S. Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center, Pembroke, NH 03275, USA
| | - Zachary Hopkins
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA
| | - Brian P Shedd
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. DOD Environmental Programs Branch, Environmental Division, Headquarters, Washington, D.C. 20314, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang Z, Ali M, Tang Z, Sun Q, Wang Q, Liu X, Yin L, Yan S, Xu M, Coulon F, Song X. Unveiling complete natural reductive dechlorination mechanisms of chlorinated ethenes in groundwater: Insights from functional gene analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134034. [PMID: 38521036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134034] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Monitored natural attenuation (MNA) of chlorinated ethenes (CEs) has proven to be a cost-effective and environment-friendly approach for groundwater remediation. In this study, the complete dechlorination of CEs with formation of ethene under natural conditions, were observed at two CE-contaminated sites, including a pesticide manufacturing facility (PMF) and a fluorochemical plant (FCP), particularly in the deeply weathered bedrock aquifer at the FCP site. Additionally, a higher abundance of CE-degrading bacteria was identified with heightened dechlorination activities at the PMF site, compared to the FCP site. The reductive dehalogenase genes and Dhc 16 S rRNA gene were prevalent at both sites, even in groundwater where no CE dechlorination was observed. vcrA and bvcA was responsible for the complete dechlorination at the PMF and FCP site, respectively, indicating the distinct contributions of functional microbial species at each site. The correlation analyses suggested that Sediminibacterium has the potential to achieve the complete dechlorination at the FCP site. Moreover, the profiles of CE-degrading bacteria suggested that dechlorination occurred under Fe3+/sulfate-reducing and nitrate-reducing conditions at the PMF and FCP site, respectively. Overall these findings provided multi-lines of evidence on the diverse mechanisms of CE-dechlorination under natural conditions, which can provide valuable guidance for MNA strategies implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuanxia Zhang
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mukhtiar Ali
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhiwen Tang
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Lipu Yin
- China State Science Dingshi Environmental Engineering CO., LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Song Yan
- China State Science Dingshi Environmental Engineering CO., LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Minmin Xu
- Shandong Academy of Environmental Sciences Co., LTD, Jinan 250013, China
| | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Xin Song
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fang S, Geng Y, Wang L, Zeng J, Zhang S, Wu Y, Lin X. Coupling between 2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) debromination and methanogenesis in anaerobic soil microcosms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169831. [PMID: 38185166 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169831] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent pollutants that may undergo microbial-mediated debromination in anoxic environments, where diverse anaerobic microbes such as methanogenic archaea co-exist. However, current understanding of the relations between PBDE pollution and methanogenic process is far from complete. To address this knowledge gap, a series of anaerobic soil microcosms were established. BDE-47 (2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether) was selected as a model pollutant, and electron donors were supplied to stimulate the activity of anaerobes. Debromination and methane production were monitored during the 12 weeks incubation, while obligate organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRBs), methanogenic, and the total bacterial communities were examined at week 7 and 12. The results demonstrated slow debromination of BDE-47 in all microcosms, with considerable growth of Dehalococcoides and Dehalogenimonas over the incubation observed in most BDE-47 spiked treatments. In addition, the accumulation of intermediate metabolites positively correlated with the abundance of Dehalogenimonas at week 7, suggesting potential role of these OHRBs in debromination. Methanosarcinaceae were identified as the primary methanogenic archaea, and their abundance were correlated with the production of debrominated metabolites at week 7. Furthermore, it was observed for the first time that BDE-47 considerably enhanced methane production and increased the abundance of mcrA genes, highlighting the potential effects of PBDE pollution on climate change. This might be related to the inhibition of reductive N- and S-transforming microbes, as revealed by the quantitative microbial element cycling (QMEC) analysis. Overall, our findings shed light on the intricate interactions between PBDE and methanogenic processes, and contribute to a better understanding of the environmental fate and ecological implication of PBDE under anaerobic settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Fang
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yue Geng
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Shimin Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Yucheng Wu
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Xiangui Lin
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen G, Yang Y, Yan J, Löffler FE. Metabolite cross-feeding enables concomitant catabolism of chlorinated methanes and chlorinated ethenes in synthetic microbial assemblies. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae090. [PMID: 38818735 PMCID: PMC11170663 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Isolate studies have been a cornerstone for unraveling metabolic pathways and phenotypical (functional) features. Biogeochemical processes in natural and engineered ecosystems are generally performed by more than a single microbe and often rely on mutualistic interactions. We demonstrate the rational bottom-up design of synthetic, interdependent co-cultures to achieve concomitant utilization of chlorinated methanes as electron donors and organohalogens as electron acceptors. Specialized anaerobes conserve energy from the catabolic conversion of chloromethane or dichloromethane to formate, H2, and acetate, compounds that the organohalide-respiring bacterium Dehalogenimonas etheniformans strain GP requires to utilize cis-1,2-dichloroethenene and vinyl chloride as electron acceptors. Organism-specific qPCR enumeration matched the growth of individual dechlorinators to the respective functional (i.e. dechlorination) traits. The metabolite cross-feeding in the synthetic (co-)cultures enables concomitant utilization of chlorinated methanes (i.e. chloromethane and dichloromethane) and chlorinated ethenes (i.e. cis-1,2-dichloroethenene and vinyl chloride) without the addition of an external electron donor (i.e. formate and H2). The findings illustrate that naturally occurring chlorinated C1 compounds can sustain anaerobic food webs, an observation with implications for the development of interdependent, mutualistic communities, the sustenance of microbial life in oligotrophic and energy-deprived environments, and the fate of chloromethane/dichloromethane and chlorinated electron acceptors (e.g. chlorinated ethenes) in pristine environments and commingled contaminant plumes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gao Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Frank E Löffler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen SH, Li ZT, Zhao HP. Bioelectrochemical system accelerates reductive dechlorination through extracellular electron transfer networks. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116645. [PMID: 37442263 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical system is considered as a promising approach for enhanced bio-dechlorination. However, the mechanism of extracellular electron transfer in the dechlorinating consortium is still a controversial issue. In this study, bioelectrochemical systems were established with cathode potential settings at -0.30 V (vs. SHE) for trichloroethylene reduction. The average dechlorination rate (102.0 μM Cl·d-1) of biocathode was 1.36 times higher than that of open circuit (74.7 μM Cl·d-1). Electrochemical characterization via cyclic voltammetry illustrated that electrostimulation promoted electrochemical activity for redox reactions. Moreover, bacterial community structure analyses indicated electrical stimulation facilitated the enrichment of electroactive and dechlorinating populations on cathode. Metagenomic and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses revealed that direct electron transfer (via electrically conductive pili, multi-heme c-type cytochromes) between Axonexus and Desulfovibrio/cathode and indirect electron transfer (via riboflavin) for Dehalococcoides enhanced dechlorination process in BES. Overall, this study verifies the effectiveness of electrostimulated bio-dechlorination and provides novel insights into the mechanisms of dechlorination process enhancement in bioelectrochemical systems through electron transfer networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su-Hao Chen
- MOE Key Lab of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zheng-Tao Li
- MOE Key Lab of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - He-Ping Zhao
- MOE Key Lab of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xu G, Zhao S, Chen C, Zhang N, He J. Alleviating Chlorinated Alkane Inhibition on Dehalococcoides to Achieve Detoxification of Chlorinated Aliphatic Cocontaminants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:15112-15122. [PMID: 37772791 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Cocontamination by multiple chlorinated solvents is a prevalent issue in groundwater, presenting a formidable challenge for effective remediation. Despite the recognition of this issue, a comprehensive assessment of microbial detoxification processes involving chloroethenes and associated cocontaminants, along with the underpinning microbiome, remains absent. Moreover, strategies to mitigate the inhibitory effects of cocontaminants have not been reported. Here, we revealed that chloroform exhibited the most potent inhibitory effects, followed by 1,1,1-trichloroethane and 1,1,2-trichloroethane, on dechlorination of dichloroethenes (DCEs) in Dehalococcoides-containing consortia. The observed inhibition could be attributed to suppression of biosynthesis and enzymatic activity of reductive dehalogenases and growth of Dehalococcoides. Notably, cocontaminants more profoundly inhibited Dehalococcoides populations harboring the vcrA gene than those possessing the tceA gene, thereby explaining the accumulation of vinyl chloride under cocontaminant stress. Nonetheless, we successfully ameliorated cocontaminant inhibition by augmentation with Desulfitobacterium sp. strain PR owing to its ability to attenuate cocontaminants, resulting in concurrent detoxification of DCEs, trichloroethanes, and chloroform. Microbial community analyses demonstrated obvious alterations in taxonomic composition, structure, and assembly of the dechlorinating microbiome in the presence of cocontaminants, and introduction of strain PR reshaped the dechlorinating microbiome to be similar to its original state in the absence of cocontaminants. Altogether, these findings contribute to developing bioremediation technologies to clean up challenging sites polluted with multiple chlorinated solvents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guofang Xu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Siyan Zhao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Ning Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, China
| | - Jianzhong He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Meng L, Tomita R, Yoshida T, Yoshida N. Soil organic matter and nutrient availability affect the applicability of low-carbon energy source in Dehalococcoides-augmented soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132251. [PMID: 37591166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132251] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Dehalococcoides is a functional microorganism that completely dechlorinates trichloroethene (TCE). Augmentation with pure Dehalococcoides is important for reducing environmental disturbances that accompany bioaugmentation. However, the applicability of Dehalococcoides-bioaugmentation to contaminated soils is unclear. In this study, seven low-carbon energy sources (methanol, formate, acetate, ethanol, lactate, citrate, and benzoate) were used as electron donors for Dehalococcides to evaluate its applicability in remediating TCE-contaminated soils. Soil microcosms supplemented with ethanol, formate, or lactate showed relatively high dechlorination activity within 111-180 days. The functional gene profiles predicted by PICRUSt2 from 16 S rRNA gene sequences were similar in the proportions of dehydrogenases, which initiate electron donor oxidation, in all soils and did not seem to reflect Dehalococcoides-bioaugmentation applicability. Soils with higher organic matter content (>3.2%; dry weight base) and protein concentration (>1.6 µg/mL) supported complete dechlorination. These results suggest that organic matter and nutrient availability mainly affect successful TCE dechlorination in Dehalococcoides-augmented soils. The study offers significant experimental support for comprehending the suitability of low-carbon energy sources in successful bioaugmentation, aiming to mitigate environmental disturbances associated with the process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Meng
- Department of Civil Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology (Nitech), Nagoya 466-8555, Japan.
| | - Ryuya Tomita
- Department of Civil Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology (Nitech), Nagoya 466-8555, Japan.
| | - Tomoki Yoshida
- Department of Civil Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology (Nitech), Nagoya 466-8555, Japan.
| | - Naoko Yoshida
- Department of Civil Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology (Nitech), Nagoya 466-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen WY, Wu JH, Wang BN. Intermittent Oxygen Supply Facilitates Codegradation of Trichloroethene and Toluene by Anaerobic Consortia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37422855 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradation is commonly employed for remediating trichloroethene- or toluene-contaminated sites. However, remediation methods using either anaerobic or aerobic degradation are inefficient for dual pollutants. We developed an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor system with intermittent oxygen supply for the codegradation of trichloroethylene and toluene. Our results showed that oxygen inhibited anaerobic dechlorination of trichloroethene, but dechlorination rates remained comparable to that at dissolved oxygen levels of 0.2 mg/L. Intermittent oxygenation engendered reactor redox fluctuations (-146 to -475 mV) and facilitated rapid codegradation of targeting dual pollutants, with trichloroethene degradation constituting only 27.5% of the noninhibited dechlorination. Amplicon sequencing analysis revealed the predominance of Dehalogenimonas (16.0% ± 3.5%) over Dehalococcoides (0.3% ± 0.2%), with ten times higher transcriptomic activity in Dehalogenimonas. Shotgun metagenomics revealed numerous genes related to reductive dehalogenases and oxidative stress resistance in Dehalogenimonas and Dehalococcoides, as well as the enrichment of diversified facultative populations with functional genes related to trichloroethylene cometabolism and aerobic and anaerobic toluene degradation. These findings suggested that the codegradation of trichloroethylene and toluene may involve multiple biodegradation mechanisms. Overall results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of intermittent micro-oxygenation in aiding trichloroethene-toluene degradation, suggesting the potential for the bioremediation of sites with similar organic pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yu Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., East District, Tainan City 70101, Taiwan
| | - Jer-Horng Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., East District, Tainan City 70101, Taiwan
| | - Bing Nan Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., East District, Tainan City 70101, Taiwan
- Environmental Laboratory and Research, Sinotech Environmental Technology, Ltd., No. 351, Sanzhong Rd., Dashe District, Kaohsiung City 815040, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cui Y, Li X, Yan J, Lv Y, Jin H, Wang J, Chen G, Kara-Murdoch F, Yang Y, Löffler FE. Dehalogenimonas etheniformans sp. nov., a formate-oxidizing, organohalide-respiring bacterium isolated from grape pomace. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 37185088 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A strictly anaerobic, organohalide-respiring bacterium, designated strain GPT, was characterized using a polyphasic approach. GPT is Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming and non-motile. Cells are irregular cocci ranging between 0.6 and 0.9 µm in diameter. GPT couples growth with the reductive dechlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane, vinyl chloride and all polychlorinated ethenes, except tetrachloroethene, yielding ethene and inorganic chloride as dechlorination end products. H2 and formate serve as electron donors for organohalide respiration in the presence of acetate as carbon source. Major cellular fatty acids include C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 1, C14 : 0 and C18 : 0. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, GPT is most closely related to Dehalogenimonas formicexedens NSZ-14T and Dehalogenimonas alkenigignens IP3-3T with 99.8 and 97.4 % sequence identities, respectively. Genome-wide pairwise comparisons based on average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization do not support the inclusion of GPT in previously described species of the genus Dehalogenimonas with validly published names. On the basis of phylogenetic, physiological and phenotypic traits, GPT represents a novel species within the genus Dehalogenimonas, for which the name Dehalogenimonas etheniformans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GPT (= JCM 39172T = CGMCC 1.17861T).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiru Cui
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Xiuying Li
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Jun Yan
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Yan Lv
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Huijuan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Gao Chen
- Center for Environmental Biotechnology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Fadime Kara-Murdoch
- Center for Environmental Biotechnology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
- Present address: Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Frank E Löffler
- Center for Environmental Biotechnology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hwangbo M, Shao Y, Hatzinger PB, Chu KH. Acidophilic methanotrophs: Occurrence, diversity, and possible bioremediation applications. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2023. [PMID: 37041665 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Methanotrophs have been identified and isolated from acidic environments such as wetlands, acidic soils, peat bogs, and groundwater aquifers. Due to their methane (CH4 ) utilization as a carbon and energy source, acidophilic methanotrophs are important in controlling the release of atmospheric CH4 , an important greenhouse gas, from acidic wetlands and other environments. Methanotrophs have also played an important role in the biodegradation and bioremediation of a variety of pollutants including chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) using CH4 monooxygenases via a process known as cometabolism. Under neutral pH conditions, anaerobic bioremediation via carbon source addition is a commonly used and highly effective approach to treat CVOCs in groundwater. However, complete dechlorination of CVOCs is typically inhibited at low pH. Acidophilic methanotrophs have recently been observed to degrade a range of CVOCs at pH < 5.5, suggesting that cometabolic treatment may be an option for CVOCs and other contaminants in acidic aquifers. This paper provides an overview of the occurrence, diversity, and physiological activities of methanotrophs in acidic environments and highlights the potential application of these organisms for enhancing contaminant biodegradation and bioremediation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myung Hwangbo
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Yiru Shao
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Paul B Hatzinger
- Aptim Federal Services, LLC, 17 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kung-Hui Chu
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Madison AS, Sorsby SJ, Wang Y, Key TA. Increasing in situ bioremediation effectiveness through field-scale application of molecular biological tools. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1005871. [PMID: 36845972 PMCID: PMC9950576 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1005871] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Leveraging the capabilities of microorganisms to reduce (degrade or transform) concentrations of pollutants in soil and groundwater can be a cost-effective, natural remedial approach to manage contaminated sites. Traditional design and implementation of bioremediation strategies consist of lab-scale biodegradation studies or collection of field-scale geochemical data to infer associated biological processes. While both lab-scale biodegradation studies and field-scale geochemical data are useful for remedial decision-making, additional insights can be gained through the application of Molecular Biological Tools (MBTs) to directly measure contaminant-degrading microorganisms and associated bioremediation processes. Field-scale application of a standardized framework pairing MBTs with traditional contaminant and geochemical analyses was successfully performed at two contaminated sites. At a site with trichloroethene (TCE) impacted groundwater, framework application informed design of an enhanced bioremediation approach. Baseline abundances of 16S rRNA genes for a genus of obligate organohalide-respiring bacteria (i.e., Dehalococcoides) were measured at low abundances (101-102 cells/mL) within the TCE source and plume areas. In combination with geochemical analyses, these data suggested that intrinsic biodegradation (i.e., reductive dechlorination) may be occurring, but activities were limited by electron donor availability. The framework was utilized to support development of a full-scale enhanced bioremediation design (i.e., electron donor addition) and to monitor remedial performance. Additionally, the framework was applied at a second site with residual petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) impacted soils and groundwater. MBTs, specifically qPCR and 16S gene amplicon rRNA sequencing, were used to characterize intrinsic bioremediation mechanisms. Functional genes associated with anaerobic biodegradation of diesel components (e.g., naphthyl-2-methyl-succinate synthase, naphthalene carboxylase, alkylsuccinate synthase, and benzoyl coenzyme A reductase) were measured to be 2-3 orders of magnitude greater than unimpacted, background samples. Intrinsic bioremediation mechanisms were determined to be sufficient to achieve groundwater remediation objectives. Nonetheless, the framework was further utilized to assess that an enhanced bioremediation could be a successful remedial alternative or complement to source area treatment. While bioremediation of chlorinated solvents, PHCs, and other contaminants has been demonstrated to successfully reduce environmental risk and reach site goals, the application of field-scale MBT data in combination with contaminant and geochemical data analyses to design, implement, and monitor a site-specific bioremediation approach can result in more consistent remedy effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Madison
- Golder Associates USA Inc., (Currently WSP USA Inc.), Marlton, NJ, United States,*Correspondence: Andrew S. Madison, ✉
| | - Skyler J. Sorsby
- Golder Associates USA Inc., (Currently WSP USA Inc.), Marlton, NJ, United States
| | | | - Trent A. Key
- ExxonMobil Environmental and Property Solutions Company, Spring, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wu Z, Man Q, Niu H, Lyu H, Song H, Li R, Ren G, Zhu F, Peng C, Li B, Ma X. Recent advances and trends of trichloroethylene biodegradation: A critical review. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1053169. [PMID: 36620007 PMCID: PMC9813602 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1053169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a ubiquitous chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon (CAH) in the environment, which is a Group 1 carcinogen with negative impacts on human health and ecosystems. Based on a series of recent advances, the environmental behavior and biodegradation process on TCE biodegradation need to be reviewed systematically. Four main biodegradation processes leading to TCE biodegradation by isolated bacteria and mixed cultures are anaerobic reductive dechlorination, anaerobic cometabolic reductive dichlorination, aerobic co-metabolism, and aerobic direct oxidation. More attention has been paid to the aerobic co-metabolism of TCE. Laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that bacterial isolates or mixed cultures containing Dehalococcoides or Dehalogenimonas can catalyze reductive dechlorination of TCE to ethene. The mechanisms, pathways, and enzymes of TCE biodegradation were reviewed, and the factors affecting the biodegradation process were discussed. Besides, the research progress on material-mediated enhanced biodegradation technologies of TCE through the combination of zero-valent iron (ZVI) or biochar with microorganisms was introduced. Furthermore, we reviewed the current research on TCE biodegradation in field applications, and finally provided the development prospects of TCE biodegradation based on the existing challenges. We hope that this review will provide guidance and specific recommendations for future studies on CAHs biodegradation in laboratory and field applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhineng Wu
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Quanli Man
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Hanyu Niu
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Honghong Lyu
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Haokun Song
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Rongji Li
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Gengbo Ren
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Fujie Zhu
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Chu Peng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Benhang Li
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Xiaodong Ma,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Li X, Yang Y, Wang J, Jin H, Zhang Y, Cui Y, Song Y, Yan J. Organohalide Respiration with Diclofenac by Dehalogenimonas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:11266-11276. [PMID: 35921385 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c08824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Diclofenac (DCF) is a pharmaceutically active contaminant frequently found in aquatic ecosystems. The transformation pathways and microbiology involved in the biodegradation of DCF, particularly under anoxic conditions, remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated microbially mediated reductive dechlorination of DCF in anaerobic enrichment culture derived from contaminated river sediment. Over 90% of the initial 76.7 ± 3.6 μM DCF was dechlorinated at a maximum rate of 1.8 ± 0.3 μM day-1 during a 160 days' incubation. Mass spectrometric analysis confirmed that 2-(2-((2-chlorophenyl)amino)phenyl)acetic acid (2-CPA) and 2-anilinophenylacetic acid (2-APA) were formed as the monochlorinated and nonchlorinated DCF transformation products, respectively. A survey of microbial composition and Sanger sequencing revealed the enrichment and dominance of a new Dehalogenimonas population, designated as Dehalogenimonas sp. strain DCF, in the DCF-dechlorinating community. Following the stoichiometric conversion of DCF to 2-CPA (76.0 ± 2.1 μM) and 2-APA (3.7 ± 0.8 μM), strain DCF cell densities increased by 24.4 ± 4.4-fold with a growth yield of 9.0 ± 0.1 × 108 cells per μmol chloride released. Our findings expand the metabolic capability in the genus Dehalogenimonas and highlight the relevant roles of organohalide-respiring bacteria for the natural attenuation of halogenated contaminants of emerging concerns (e.g., DCF).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuying Li
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Room 512 South Building, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Room 512 South Building, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Room 512 South Building, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Huijuan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Room 512 South Building, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yaozhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Room 512 South Building, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yiru Cui
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Room 512 South Building, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yufang Song
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Room 512 South Building, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Room 512 South Building, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| |
Collapse
|