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Xu H, Wang M, Hei S, Qi X, Zhang X, Liang P, Fu W, Pan B, Huang X. Neglected role of iron redox cycle in direct interspecies electron transfer in anaerobic methanogenesis: Inspired from biogeochemical processes. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 262:122125. [PMID: 39053210 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion is an indispensable technical option towards green and low-carbon wastewater treatment, with interspecies electron transfer (IET) playing a key role in its efficiency and operational stability. The exogenous semiconductive iron oxides have been proven to effectively enhance IET, while the cognition of the physicochemical-biochemical coupling stimulatory mechanism was circumscribed and remains to be elucidated. In this study, semiconductive iron oxides, α-Fe2O3, γ-Fe2O3, α-FeOOH, and γ-FeOOH were found to significantly enhance syntrophic methanogenesis by 76.39, 72.40, 37.33, and 32.64% through redirecting the dominant IET pathway from classical interspecies hydrogen transfer to robust direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Their alternative roles as electron shuttles potentially substituting for c-type cytochromes were conjectured to establish an electron transport matrix associated with conductive pili. Distinguished from the conventional electron conductor mechanism of conductive Fe3O4, semiconductive iron oxides facilitated DIET intrinsically through the capacitive Fe(III/II) redox cycles coupled with secondary mineralization. The growth of Aminobacterium, Sedimentibacter, and Methanothrix was enriched and the gene copy numbers of Geobacteraceae 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid were selectively flourished by 2.0-∼4.5- fold to establish a favorable microflora for DIET pathway. Metabolic pathways of syntrophic acetogenesis from propionate/butyrate and CO2 reduction methanogenesis were correspondingly promoted. The above findings provide new insights into the underlying mechanism of iron minerals enhancing the DIET-oriented pathway and offer paradigms for redox-mediated energy harvesting biological wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Mingwei Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Shengqiang Hei
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Xiang Qi
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Xiaoyuan Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Peng Liang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Wanyi Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Bingcai Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China.
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2
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Gao Z, Quan X, Zheng Y, Yin R, Lv K. Comparative investigations on the incorporation of biogenic Fe products into anaerobic granular sludge of different sources: Fe loading capacity, physicochemical properties, microbial community and long-term methanogenesis performance. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 356:120546. [PMID: 38471321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120546] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) has been regarded as the core of lots of advanced anaerobic reactors. Formation of biogenic Fe products and their incorporation into AGS could influence interspecies electron transfer and methanogenesis performance. In this study, with anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) from different sources (brewery, chemical plant, paper mill, citric acid factory, and food factory) as the research targets, the formation of biogenic iron products in AGS through the biologically induced mineralization process was studied. Furthermore, the influences of physicochemical properties and microbial community on methanogenesis were investigated. Results showed that all the AGS of different sources possessed the capacity to form biogenic Fe products through dissimilatory iron-reduction process, and diverse Fe minerals including magnetite (Fe3O4), hematite (Fe2O3), goethite (FeOOH), siderite (FeCO3) and wustite (FeO) were incorporated into AGS. The AGS loaded with Fe minerals (Fe-AGS) showed increased conductivity, magnetism and zeta-potential comparing to the control. Those Fe-AGS of different sources demonstrated different methanogenesis performance during the long-term operation (50 days). Methane production was increased for the Fe-AGS of citric acid (6.99-32.50%), food (8.33-37.46%), chemical (2.81-7.22%) and brewery plants (2.27-2.81%), but decreased for the Fe-AGS of paper mill (54.81-72.2%). The changes of microbial community and microbial correlations in AGS as a response to Fe minerals incorporation were investigated. For the Fe-AGS samples with enhanced methane production capability, it was widely to find the enriched populations of fermentative and dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria Clostridium_sensu_stricto_6, Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17 and acetoclastic methanogens Methanosaeta, and positive correlations between them. This study provides comprehensive understanding on the effects of incorporation biogenic Fe products on AGS from different sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqi Gao
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiangchun Quan
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Yu Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ruoyu Yin
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Kai Lv
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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Eshun LE, Coker VS, Shaw S, Lloyd JR. Strategies for optimizing biovivianite production using dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 242:117667. [PMID: 37980994 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117667] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Vivianite (Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O), a sink for phosphorus, is a key mineralization product formed during the microbial reduction of phosphate-containing Fe(III) minerals in natural systems, and also in wastewater treatment where Fe(III)-minerals are used to remove phosphate. As biovivianite is a potentially useful Fe and P fertiliser, there is much interest in harnessing microbial biovivianite synthesis for circular economy applications. In this study, we investigated the factors that influence the formation of microbially-synthesized vivianite (biovivianite) under laboratory batch systems including the presence and absence of phosphate and electron shuttle, the buffer system, pH, and the type of Fe(III)-reducing bacteria (comparing Geobacter sulfurreducens and Shewanella putrefaciens). The rate of Fe(II) production, and its interactions with the residual Fe(III) and other oxyanions (e.g., phosphate and carbonate) were the main factors that controlled the rate and extent of biovivianite formation. Higher concentrations of phosphate (e.g., P/Fe = 1) in the presence of an electron shuttle, at an initial pH between 6 and 7, were needed for optimal biovivianite formation. Green rust, a key intermediate in biovivianite production, could be detected as an endpoint alongside vivianite and metavivianite (Fe2+Fe3+2(PO4)2.(OH)2.6H2O), in treatments with G. sulfurreducens and S. putrefaciens. However, XRD indicated that vivianite abundance was higher in experiments containing G. sulfurreducens, where it dominated. This study, therefore, shows that vivianite formation can be controlled to optimize yield during microbial processing of phosphate-loaded Fe(III) materials generated from water treatment processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lordina E Eshun
- University of Manchester, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Geomicrobiology Group, Williamson Building, M13 9QQ, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
| | - Victoria S Coker
- University of Manchester, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Geomicrobiology Group, Williamson Building, M13 9QQ, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
| | - Samuel Shaw
- University of Manchester, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Geomicrobiology Group, Williamson Building, M13 9QQ, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jonathan R Lloyd
- University of Manchester, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Geomicrobiology Group, Williamson Building, M13 9QQ, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
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Yi Q, You F, Li Z, Wu S, Chan TS, Lu YR, Thomsen L, Wang J, Ma Y, Liu Y, Robertson L, Southam G, Huang L. Elemental Sulfur and Organic Matter Amendment Drive Alkaline pH Neutralization and Mineral Weathering in Iron Ore Tailings Through Inducing Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:21744-21756. [PMID: 38085882 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05749] [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: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Mineral weathering and alkaline pH neutralization are prerequisites to the ecoengineering of alkaline Fe-ore tailings into soil-like growth media (i.e., Technosols). These processes can be accelerated by the growth and physiological functions of tolerant sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) in tailings. The present study characterized an indigenous SOB community enriched in the tailings, in response to the addition of elemental sulfur (S0) and organic matter (OM), as well as resultant S0oxidation, pH neutralization, and mineral weathering in a glasshouse experiment. The addition of S0 was found to have stimulated the growth of indigenous SOB, such as acidophilic Alicyclobacillaceae, Bacillaceae, and Hydrogenophilaceae in tailings. The OM amendment favored the growth of heterotrophic/mixotrophic SOB (e.g., class Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria). The resultant S0 oxidation neutralized the alkaline pH and enhanced the weathering of biotite-like minerals and formation of secondary minerals, such as ferrihydrite- and jarosite-like minerals. The improved physicochemical properties and secondary mineral formation facilitated organo-mineral associations that are critical to soil aggregate formation. From these findings, co-amendments of S0 and plant biomass (OM) can be applied to enhance the abundance of the indigenous SOB community in tailings and accelerate mineral weathering and geochemical changes for eco-engineered soil formation, as a sustainable option for rehabilitation of Fe ore tailings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yi
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Cycling and Eco-Geological Processes, Xiamen 361021, China
- Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050061, China
| | - Fang You
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Zhen Li
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Songlin Wu
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ting-Shan Chan
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 30092, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Rui Lu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 30092, Taiwan
| | - Lars Thomsen
- Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Jian Wang
- Canadian Light Source Inc., University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 2 V3, Canada
| | - Yuanying Ma
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Yunjia Liu
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lachlan Robertson
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Gordon Southam
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Longbin Huang
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
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Song Y, Huang R, Li L, Du K, Zhu F, Song C, Yuan X, Wang M, Wang S, Ferry JG, Zhou S, Yan Z. Humic acid-dependent respiratory growth of Methanosarcina acetivorans involves pyrroloquinoline quinone. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:2103-2111. [PMID: 37737251 PMCID: PMC10579383 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01520-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Although microbial humus respiration plays a critical role in organic matter decomposition and biogeochemical cycling of elements in diverse anoxic environments, the role of methane-producing species (methanogens) is not well defined. Here we report that a major fraction of humus, humic acid reduction enhanced the growth of Methanosarcina acetivorans above that attributed to methanogenesis when utilizing the energy sources methanol or acetate, results which showed both respiratory and fermentative modes of energy conservation. Growth characteristics with methanol were the same for an identically cultured mutant deleted for the gene encoding a multi-heme cytochrome c (MmcA), results indicating MmcA is not essential for respiratory electron transport to humic acid. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that growth with humic acid promoted the upregulation of genes annotated as cell surface pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-binding proteins. Furthermore, PQQ isolated from the membrane fraction was more abundant in humic acid-respiring cells, and the addition of PQQ improved efficiency of the extracellular electron transport. Given that the PQQ-binding proteins are widely distributed in methanogens, the findings extend current understanding of microbial humus respiration in the context of global methane dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxu Song
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, China
| | - Kaifeng Du
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Fanping Zhu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Chao Song
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Xianzheng Yuan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Mingyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, China.
| | - Shuguang Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| | - James G Ferry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Shungui Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Zhen Yan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
- Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
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Wu M, Yang ZH, Jiang TB, Zhang WW, Wang ZW, Hou QX. Enhancing sludge methanogenesis with changed micro-environment of anaerobic microorganisms by Fenton iron mud. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:139884. [PMID: 37648172 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Conductive materials have been demonstrated to enhance sludge methanogenesis, but few researches have concentrated on the interaction among conductive materials, microorganisms and their immediate living environment. In this study, Fenton iron mud with a high abundance of Fe(III) was recycled and applied in anaerobic reactors to promote anaerobic digestion (AD) process. The results show that the primary content of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) such as polysaccharides and proteins increased significantly, possibly promoting microbial aggregation. Furthermore, with the increment of redox mediators including humic substances in EPS and Fe(III) introduced by Fenton iron mud, the direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between methanogens and interacting bacteria could be accelerated, which enhanced the rate of methanogenesis in anaerobic digestion (35.21 ± 4.53% increase compared to the control). The further analysis of the anaerobic microbial community confirmed the fact that Fenton iron mud enriched functional microorganisms, such as the abundance of CO2-reducing (e.g. Chloroflexi) and Fe(III)-reducing bacteria (e.g., Tepidimicrobium), thereby expediting the electron transfer reaction in the AD process via microbial DIET and dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR). This work will make it possible for using the recycled hazardous material - Fenton iron mud to improve the performance of anaerobic granular sludge during methanogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Zhen-Hu Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Tong-Bao Jiang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Wen-Wen Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Wang
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Qing-Xi Hou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
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Chen X, Xue D, Wang Y, Qiu Q, Wu L, Wang M, Liu J, Chen H. Variations in the archaeal community and associated methanogenesis in peat profiles of three typical peatland types in China. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2023; 18:48. [PMID: 37280702 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-023-00503-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peatlands contain about 500 Pg of carbon worldwide and play a dual role as both a carbon sink and an important methane (CH4) source, thereby potentially influencing climate change. However, systematic studies on peat properties, microorganisms, methanogenesis, and their interrelations in peatlands remain limited, especially in China. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the physicochemical properties, archaeal community, and predominant methanogenesis pathways in three typical peatlands in China, namely Hani (H), Taishanmiao (T), and Ruokeba (R) peatlands, and quantitively determine their CH4 production potentials. RESULTS These peatlands exhibited high water content (WC) and total carbon content (TC), as well as low pH values. In addition, R exhibited a lower dissolved organic carbon concentration (DOC), as well as higher total iron content (TFe) and pH values compared to those observed in T. There were also clear differences in the archaeal community between the three peatlands, especially in the deep peat layers. The average relative abundance of the total methanogens ranged from 10 to 12%, of which Methanosarcinales and Methanomicrobiales were the most abundant in peat samples (8%). In contrast, Methanobacteriales were mainly distributed in the upper peat layer (0-40 cm). Besides methanogens, Marine Benthic Group D/Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Euryarchaeotic Group 1 (MBG-D/DHVEG-1), Nitrosotaleales, and several other orders of Bathyarchaeota also exhibited high relative abundances, especially in T. This finding might be due to the unique geological conditions, suggesting high archaeal diversity in peatlands. In addition, the highest and lowest CH4 production potentials were 2.38 and 0.22 μg g-1 d-1 in H and R, respectively. The distributions of the dominant methanogens were consistent with the respective methanogenesis pathways in the three peatlands. The pH, DOC, and WC were strongly correlated with CH4 production potentials. However, no relationship was found between CH4 production potential and methanogens, suggesting that CH4 production in peatlands may not be controlled by the relative abundance of methanogens. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study provide further insights into CH4 production in peatlands in China, highlighting the importance of the archaeal community and peat physicochemical properties for studies on methanogenesis in distinct types of peatlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 9, Section 4, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Zoige Peatland and Global Change Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hongyuan, 624400, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dan Xue
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 9, Section 4, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Zoige Peatland and Global Change Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hongyuan, 624400, China.
| | - Yue Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 9, Section 4, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qing Qiu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 9, Section 4, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Zoige Peatland and Global Change Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hongyuan, 624400, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lin Wu
- School of Forestry and Horticulture, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, Hubei, China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Institute for Peat and Mire Research, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Jiawen Liu
- SQE Department, COFCO Coca-Cola Beverages (Sichuan) Company Limited, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Huai Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization and Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 9, Section 4, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Zoige Peatland and Global Change Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hongyuan, 624400, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China.
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Yi Q, Wu S, Liu Y, Chan TS, Lu YR, Saha N, Southam G, Huang L. Mineral weathering of iron ore tailings primed by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and elemental sulfur under contrasting pH conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159078. [PMID: 36179848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159078] [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] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The acidophilic sulfur oxidizing bacterium (SOB), Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, has been found to stimulate elemental sulfur (S0) oxidation and mineral weathering in alkaline Fe ore tailings. However, A. ferrooxidans growth and activities depend on the pH conditions surrounding their interfaces with minerals. The present study aimed to investigate how pH influences bacterial growth and functions in Fe ore tailings. A simulated aquatic 'homogeneous' incubation system was initially adjusted into acidic (pH 4), neutral (pH 7) and alkaline (pH 9) conditions, which mimicked the microenvironmental conditions of the water-cell-mineral interfaces in the tailings. It was found that A. ferrooxidans grew well and oxidised S0 under the prevailing and initially acidic conditions (pH < 6). These stimulated the weathering of biotite and amphibole-like minerals and the formation of nanosized jarosite and ferrihydrite-like minerals mediated by extracellular polymer substrate (EPS). In contrast, the initially neutral/alkaline pH conditions (i.e., pH > 7) with the presence of the alkaline tailings restricted SOB growth and functions in S0-oxidation and mineral weathering. These findings suggest that it is essential to prime acidic conditions in microenvironments to support SOB growth, activities, and functions toward mineral weathering in tailings, providing critical basis for involving SOB in eco-engineered pedogenesis in tailings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yi
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Songlin Wu
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.
| | - Yunjia Liu
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Ting-Shan Chan
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Centre, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Rui Lu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Centre, Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Narottam Saha
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Gordon Southam
- School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Longbin Huang
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.
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Sun Y, Wang M, Liang L, Sun C, Wang X, Wang Z, Zhang Y. Continuously feeding fenton sludge into anaerobic digesters: Iron species change and operating stability. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 226:119283. [PMID: 36308793 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fenton sludge generated from the Fenton process contains a large number of ferric species and organic pollutants, which need to be properly treated before discharge. In this study, Fenton sludge as an Fe(III) source for dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR) was continuously added with increasing dosage into an anaerobic digester to enhance the treatment. Results showed continuously feeding Fenton sludge to the anaerobic digester did not deteriorate the performance and increased methane production and COD removal rate by 2.2 folds and 14.0%, respectively. The Fe content of sludge in the digester increased from 40.25 mg/g (dry weight) to 131.53 mg/g after continuously feeding for 77days, and then declined to 109.17 mg/g when the feeding was stopped. Mass balance analysis showed that 20.5 to 48.4% of Fe in the Fenton sludge was released to the effluent. After experiment, the ratio of reducible Fe species to the total Fe was 75.1%, which maintained the high activity in DIR. Microbial community analysis showed that iron-reducing bacteria were enriched with the addition of Fenton sludge and the sludge in the digester had a higher conductivity and capacitance to strengthen the electron transfer of DIR. All results suggested that feeding Fenton sludge into anaerobic digesters was a feasible method to dispose of Fenton sludge as well as to enhance the performance of anaerobic digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Sun
- Dalian University of Technology School of Environmental Science and Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District. Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Mingwei Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lianfu Liang
- Dalian University of Technology School of Environmental Science and Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District. Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- Dalian University of Technology School of Environmental Science and Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District. Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Xuepeng Wang
- Dalian University of Technology School of Environmental Science and Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District. Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Zhenxin Wang
- Dalian University of Technology School of Environmental Science and Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District. Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Yaobin Zhang
- Dalian University of Technology School of Environmental Science and Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District. Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China.
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10
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Wang M, Zhao Z, Li Y, Liang S, Meng Y, Ren T, Zhang X, Zhang Y. Control the greenhouse gas emission via mediating the dissimilatory iron reduction: Fulvic acid inhibit secondary mineralization of ferrihydrite. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 218:118501. [PMID: 35523036 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Reducing methane emission is of great importance to control the global greenhouse effect. Dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR) coupling of organic matter decomposition may suppress methane production via reducing primary electron donors available for methanogenesis. However, during DIR, the amorphous iron oxides (e.g., ferrihydrite) are easy to transform into more stable crystalline iron minerals, which slowdowns the rate of DIR. Humic substance (HS) with redox activity has been extensively reported to facilitate DIR via "electron shuttles" mechanism, yet little known about the effect of HS on mediating the mineralization of iron oxides and the subsequent influences on DIR and methanogenesis. To clarify this, ferrihydrite and fulvic acid (FA) (as the model substance of HS) were supplied to anaerobic methanogenesis systems. Results showed that FA could significantly decrease the formation of crystalline iron oxides, enhance DIR rate by 13.72% and suppress methanogenesis by 25.13% compared to ferrihydrite supplemented only. By X-ray absorption spectra analysis, it was found that FA could complex with ferrihydrite via forming a Fe-C/O structure on the second shell of Fe atom. Quantum chemical calculation further confirmed that FA reduced the adsorption energy between Fe(II) and ferrihydrite. Our study suggested that rational use of HS to mediate mineralization pathway of iron oxides could efficiently improve the availability of iron oxides to drive DIR and control the conversion of organics into CH4 in natural or engineered systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei Wang
- Dalian University of Technology School of Environmental Science and Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District. Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China; State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhao
- Dalian University of Technology School of Environmental Science and Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District. Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Yang Li
- Dalian University of Technology School of Ocean Science and Technology, No.2 Dagong Road, New District of Liaodong Bay. Panjin, Liaoning 124221, China
| | - Song Liang
- Dalian University of Technology School of Environmental Science and Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District. Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Yutong Meng
- Dalian University of Technology School of Environmental Science and Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District. Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Tengfei Ren
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yaobin Zhang
- Dalian University of Technology School of Environmental Science and Technology, No.2 Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District. Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China.
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11
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Zhuang Z, Xia X, Yang G, Zhuang L. The Role of Exopolysaccharides in Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:927246. [PMID: 35783440 PMCID: PMC9244359 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.927246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) is an effective mechanism for microbial species to exchange electrons cooperatively during syntrophic metabolism. It is generally accepted that DIET is mainly mediated by electrically conductive pili and outer surface c-type cytochromes (c-Cyts). However, as an extracellular matrix is ubiquitous and abundant on the surface of microorganisms, the effect and mechanism of exopolysaccharides on DIET are still unclear. This study constructed a co-culture of exopolysaccharides-deficient Geobacter sulfurreducens with Geobacter metallireducens to explore the role of exopolysaccharides in DIET. Results revealed that the deficiency of exopolysaccharides extended the metabolic period of the co-culture by 44.4% and changed the proportions of each species in the co-culture. The exopolysaccharides-deficient co-culture failed to form large, tight spherical aggregates and the expression of c-Cyts and pili was decreased. The addition of magnetite and granular activated carbon (GAC), respectively, might compensate for the functions of c-Cyts and pili in the first generation of co-culture, but the stimulatory effect on the metabolic stable period co-culture was fairly limited. These findings demonstrate that non-conductive exopolysaccharides are an important component of DIET aggregates and an extracellular matrix for DIET-required c-Cyts.
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Wang K, Yun S, Ke T, An J, Abbas Y, Liu X, Zou M, Liu L, Liu J. Use of bag-filter gas dust in anaerobic digestion of cattle manure for boosting the methane yield and digestate utilization. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 348:126729. [PMID: 35063625 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.126729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plenty of refractory and environmentally hazardous bag-filter gas dust (BGD) is produced in the iron-making process. The effects of untreated BGD on anaerobic digestion (AD) with cattle manure were investigated. The BGD had the potential to boost the methane yield and digestate utilization considerably. The digester with 2.0 wt% BGD gained the highest methane yield (256.3 mL/g VS) and chemical oxygen demand removal rate (56.8%), 51.3% and 20.1% higher than that (169.4 mL/g VS, 47.3%) of the control group, respectively. The digestates with BGD possessed a utilization potential with the stability of 49.5-57.9% and fertility of 4.65-4.86%. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that 2.0 wt% BGD improved the electron transport capacity of the AD system and increased the limiting current and redox peak current by 40.3% and 12.9%, respectively. A strategy for understanding the BGD reinforcing methanogenesis was proposed. This work also provides a technical support for recycling the BGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijun Wang
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Sining Yun
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China; Qinghai Building and Materials Research Academy Co., Ltd, the Key Lab of Plateau Building and Eco-community in Qinghai, Xining, Qinghai 810000, China.
| | - Teng Ke
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Jinhang An
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Yasir Abbas
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Xinming Liu
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Ming Zou
- Research Institute, JISCO Hongxing Iron and Steel Co., Ltd., Jiayuguan, Gansu 735100, China
| | - Lijianan Liu
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- Functional Materials Laboratory (FML), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
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Gadol HJ, Elsherbini J, Kocar BD. Methanogen Productivity and Microbial Community Composition Varies With Iron Oxide Mineralogy. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:705501. [PMID: 35250895 PMCID: PMC8894893 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.705501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantifying the flux of methane from terrestrial environments remains challenging, owing to considerable spatial and temporal variability in emissions. Amongst a myriad of factors, variation in the composition of electron acceptors, including metal (oxyhydr)oxides, may impart controls on methane emission. The purpose of this research is to understand how iron (oxyhydr)oxide minerals with varied physicochemical properties influence microbial methane production and subsequent microbial community development. Incubation experiments, using lake sediment as an inoculum and acetate as a carbon source, were used to understand the influence of one poorly crystalline iron oxide mineral, ferrihydrite, and two well-crystalline minerals, hematite and goethite, on methane production. Iron speciation, headspace methane, and 16S-rRNA sequencing microbial community data were measured over time. Substantial iron reduction only occurred in the presence of ferrihydrite while hematite and goethite had little effect on methane production throughout the incubations. In ferrihydrite experiments the time taken to reach the maximum methane production rate was slower than under other conditions, but methane production, eventually occurred in the presence of ferrihydrite. We suggest that this is due to ferrihydrite transformation into more stable minerals like magnetite and goethite or surface passivation by Fe(II). While all experimental conditions enriched for Methanosarcina, only the presence of ferrihydrite enriched for iron reducing bacteria Geobacter. Additionally, the presence of ferrihydrite continued to influence microbial community development after the onset of methanogenesis, with the dissimilarity between communities growing in ferrihydrite compared to no-Fe-added controls increasing over time. This work improves our understanding of how the presence of different iron oxides influences microbial community composition and methane production in soils and sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley J. Gadol
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Hayley J. Gadol,
| | - Joseph Elsherbini
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Benjamin D. Kocar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Environmental Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, United States
- Benjamin D. Kocar,
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14
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Lu Y, Hu Y, Tang L, Xie Q, Liu Q, Zhong L, Fu L, Fan C. Effects and mechanisms of modified biochars on microbial iron reduction of Geobacter sulfurreducens. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:130983. [PMID: 34153910 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biochar was proved as an electron shuttle to facilitate extracellular electron transfer (EET) of electrochemically active bacteria (EAB); however, its underlying mechanism was not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to further explore how the regulation of surface functional groups of biochar would affect the microbial iron reduction process of Geobacter sulfurreducens as a typical EAB. Two modified biochars were achieved after HNO3 (NBC) and NaBH4 (RBC) pretreatments, and a control biochar was produced after deionized water (WBC) washing. Results showed that WBC and RBC significantly accelerated microbial iron reduction of G. sulfurreducens PCA, while had no effect in the final Fe (II) minerals (e.g., vivianite and green rust (CO32-)). Besides, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, electron spin resonance (ESR) and electrochemical measurements showed that larger surface area, lower redox potential, and more redox-active groups (e.g., aromatic structures and quinone/hydroquinone moieties) in RBC explained its better electron transfer performance comparing to WBC. Interestingly, NBC completely suppressed the Fe (III) reduction process, mainly due to the production of reactive oxygen species which inhibited the growth of G. sulfurreducens PCA. Overall, this work paves a feasible way to regulate the surface functional groups for biochar, and comprehensively revealed its effect on EET process of microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China.
| | - Yingju Hu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Lin Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China.
| | - Qingqing Xie
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Qian Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Linrui Zhong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Leiling Fu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Changzheng Fan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
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15
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Zheng Y, Quan X, Zhuo M, Zhang X, Quan Y. In-situ formation and self-immobilization of biogenic Fe oxides in anaerobic granular sludge for enhanced performance of acidogenesis and methanogenesis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 787:147400. [PMID: 33989863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Addition of ferric oxides into flocculent anaerobic sludge was reported to enhance methanogenesis due to accelerated direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between syntrophic microbial communities. However, it is generally hard to incorporate Fe oxides into already matured anaerobic granular sludge (AGS) due to its special aggregated structure. In this study, a novel method was attempted to fast incorporate Fe oxides into AGS through in-situ microbial formation and immobilization of biogenic Fe oxides. Factors influencing the formation of Fe oxides were investigated and effects of Fe oxides on the acidogenic and methanogenic performance of AGS were assessed. Results showed that AGS could form Fe oxides mainly in the form of magnetite and hematite through biological reduction of Fe(III) oxyhydroxide. A maximum loading amount of 83.9 mg Fe/g MLVSS was obtained at pH 7 after contacting with 60 mM Fe(III) oxyhydroxide. The efficiency of electron donors which supported Fe(III) reduction followed the order of pyruvate > propionate > glucose > acetate > lactate > formate. Addition of electron transfer mediators (ETMs) promoted the formation of Fe oxides and their performance followed the order of AQDS > AQC > humics > FMN > riboflavin. Presence of Fe oxides in AGS (134.6 Fe/g VSS) increased the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and methane by 16.28% and 41.94% respectively, comparing to the control. The enhancement may be attributed to increased conductivity and stimulated growth of exoelectrogens (Clostridium and Anaerolinea) and methanogenic endoelectrogens Methanosaeta in granular sludge which may strengthen direct interspecies electron transfer between syntrophic microbial communities. Overall, this study provides an alternative strategy to improve the digestion performance of AGS through in-situ formation and immobilization of biogenic Fe oxides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiangchun Quan
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Meihui Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiangfeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yanping Quan
- School of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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16
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Tang Y, Li Y, Zhang M, Xiong P, Liu L, Bao Y, Zhao Z. Link between characteristics of Fe(III) oxides and critical role in enhancing anaerobic methanogenic degradation of complex organic compounds. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110498. [PMID: 33220246 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fe(III) oxides have been investigated to accelerate anaerobic methanogenic degradation of complex organic compounds. However, the critical role linked to the characteristics of different types of Fe(III) oxides is still unclear. Study presented here performed a side-by-side comparison of four types of Fe(III) oxides including Fe(III)-citrate, ferrihydrite, hematite and magnetite to evaluate their effectiveness in methanogenic degradation of phenol. Results showed that, amorphous Fe(III)-citrate group showed the fastest phenol degradation and Fe2+ release among all the groups, followed by poorly crystalline ferrihydrite. Although Fe(III)-citrate group also showed the fastest methane production rate, the efficiency of electron recovery in methane production was only 58-78%, which was evidently lower than that in both crystalline hematite (86-89%) and magnetite (93-97%) groups. Methane production rate with non-conductive ferrihydrite was nearly same as that with conductive magnetite, both of which were significantly higher than that with semi-conductive hematite. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that sludge collected from hematite and magnetite group still respectively presented a relatively intact characteristic spectra involved in hematite and magnetite. Differently, the characteristic spectra involved in ferrihydrite was not evident in sludge collected from ferrihydrite group, whereas the characteristic spectra involved in magnetite was detected. Microbial community analysis showed that, both Fe(III)-citrate and ferrihydrite specially enriched Fe(III)-reducing bacteria capable of degrading phenol into fatty acids (Trichococcus and Caloramator) via dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction. Fe(III)-citrate also stimulated the growth of Syntrophus capable of degrading phenol/benzoate into acetate and proceeding direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). In magnetite and hematite group, the abundance of Enterococcus species evidently increased, and they might proceed DIET with Methanothrix species in syntrophic conversion of fatty acids into methane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yapeng Tang
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China.
| | - Mingqian Zhang
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Pu Xiong
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Lifen Liu
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Yongming Bao
- School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
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17
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Cavaleiro AJ, Guedes AP, Silva SA, Arantes AL, Sequeira JC, Salvador AF, Sousa DZ, Stams AJM, Alves MM. Effect of Sub-Stoichiometric Fe(III) Amounts on LCFA Degradation by Methanogenic Communities. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091375. [PMID: 32906848 PMCID: PMC7564256 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) are common contaminants in municipal and industrial wastewater that can be converted anaerobically to methane. A low hydrogen partial pressure is required for LCFA degradation by anaerobic bacteria, requiring the establishment of syntrophic relationships with hydrogenotrophic methanogens. However, high LCFA loads can inhibit methanogens, hindering biodegradation. Because it has been suggested that anaerobic degradation of these compounds may be enhanced by the presence of alternative electron acceptors, such as iron, we investigated the effect of sub-stoichiometric amounts of Fe(III) on oleate (C18:1 LCFA) degradation by suspended and granular methanogenic sludge. Fe(III) accelerated oleate biodegradation and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis in the assays with suspended sludge, with H2-consuming methanogens coexisting with iron-reducing bacteria. On the other hand, acetoclastic methanogenesis was delayed by Fe(III). These effects were less evident with granular sludge, possibly due to its higher initial methanogenic activity relative to suspended sludge. Enrichments with close-to-stoichiometric amounts of Fe(III) resulted in a microbial community mainly composed of Geobacter, Syntrophomonas, and Methanobacterium genera, with relative abundances of 83-89%, 3-6%, and 0.2-10%, respectively. In these enrichments, oleate was biodegraded to acetate and coupled to iron-reduction and methane production, revealing novel microbial interactions between syntrophic LCFA-degrading bacteria, iron-reducing bacteria, and methanogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana J. Cavaleiro
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.P.G.); (S.A.S.); (A.L.A.); (J.C.S.); (A.F.S.); (D.Z.S.); (A.J.M.S.); (M.M.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +35-1253604423
| | - Ana P. Guedes
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.P.G.); (S.A.S.); (A.L.A.); (J.C.S.); (A.F.S.); (D.Z.S.); (A.J.M.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Sérgio A. Silva
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.P.G.); (S.A.S.); (A.L.A.); (J.C.S.); (A.F.S.); (D.Z.S.); (A.J.M.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Ana L. Arantes
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.P.G.); (S.A.S.); (A.L.A.); (J.C.S.); (A.F.S.); (D.Z.S.); (A.J.M.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - João C. Sequeira
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.P.G.); (S.A.S.); (A.L.A.); (J.C.S.); (A.F.S.); (D.Z.S.); (A.J.M.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Andreia F. Salvador
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.P.G.); (S.A.S.); (A.L.A.); (J.C.S.); (A.F.S.); (D.Z.S.); (A.J.M.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Diana Z. Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.P.G.); (S.A.S.); (A.L.A.); (J.C.S.); (A.F.S.); (D.Z.S.); (A.J.M.S.); (M.M.A.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alfons J. M. Stams
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.P.G.); (S.A.S.); (A.L.A.); (J.C.S.); (A.F.S.); (D.Z.S.); (A.J.M.S.); (M.M.A.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - M. Madalena Alves
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.P.G.); (S.A.S.); (A.L.A.); (J.C.S.); (A.F.S.); (D.Z.S.); (A.J.M.S.); (M.M.A.)
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Mansor M, Xu J. Benefits at the nanoscale: a review of nanoparticle-enabled processes favouring microbial growth and functionality. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:3633-3649. [PMID: 32705763 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles are ubiquitous and co-occur with microbial life in every environment on Earth. Interactions between microbes and nanoparticles impact the biogeochemical cycles via accelerating various reaction rates and enabling biological processes at the smallest scales. Distinct from microbe-mineral interactions at large, microbe-nanoparticle interactions may involve higher levels of active recognition and utilization of the reactive, changeable, and thereby 'moldable' nano-sized inorganic phases by microbes, which has been given minimal attention in previous reviews. Here we have compiled the various cases of microbe-nanoparticle interactions with clear and potential benefits to the microbial cells and communities. Specifically, we discussed (i) the high bioavailabilities of nanoparticles due to increased specific surface areas and size-dependent solubility, with a focus on environmentally-relevant iron(III) (oxyhydr)oxides and pyrite, (ii) microbial utilization of nanoparticles as 'nano-tools' for electron transfer, chemotaxis, and storage units, and (iii) speculated benefits of precipitating 'moldable' nanoparticles in extracellular biomineralization. We further discussed emergent questions concerning cellular level responses to nanoparticle-associated cues, and the factors that affect nanoparticles' bioavailabilities beyond size-dependent effects. We end the review by proposing a framework towards more quantitative approaches and by highlighting promising techniques to guide future research in this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muammar Mansor
- Geomicrobiology, Center for Applied Geoscience, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Geological Sciences, the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
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Shang H, Daye M, Sivan O, Borlina CS, Tamura N, Weiss BP, Bosak T. Formation of Zerovalent Iron in Iron-Reducing Cultures of Methanosarcina barkeri. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:7354-7365. [PMID: 32379434 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea have been shown to reduce iron from ferric [Fe(III)] to ferrous [Fe(II)] state, but minerals that form during iron reduction by different methanogens remain to be characterized. Here, we show that zerovalent iron (ZVI) minerals, ferrite [α-Fe(0)] and austenite [γ-Fe(0)], appear in the X-ray diffraction spectra minutes after the addition of ferrihydrite to the cultures of a methanogenic archaeon, Methanosarcina barkeri (M. barkeri). M. barkeri cells and redox-active, nonenzymatic soluble organic compounds in organic-rich spent culture supernatants can promote the formation of ZVI; the latter compounds also likely stabilize ZVI. Methanogenic microbes that inhabit organic- and Fe(III)-rich anaerobic environments may similarly reduce Fe(III) to Fe(II) and ZVI, with implications for the preservation of paleomagnetic signals during sediment diagenesis and potential applications in the protection of iron metals against corrosion and in the green synthesis of ZVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Shang
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Mirna Daye
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Orit Sivan
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Caue S Borlina
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Nobumichi Tamura
- Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Benjamin P Weiss
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Tanja Bosak
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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Wang H, Byrne JM, Liu P, Liu J, Dong X, Lu Y. Redox cycling of Fe(II) and Fe(III) in magnetite accelerates aceticlastic methanogenesis by Methanosarcina mazei. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2020; 12:97-109. [PMID: 31876088 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
It has been recently shown that magnetite nanoparticles (nanoFe3 O4 ) can facilitate methanogenic syntrophy but the effect of magnetite on methanogenesis alone remains elusive. Here we show that aceticlastic methanogenesis by Methanosarcina mazei is accelerated by magnetite and is correlated with the redox cycling of structural Fe(II) and Fe(III) in the mineral. An enrichment and its closest pure culture relative, Ms. mazei zm-15, both obtained from a natural wetland of the Tibetan plateau were tested in this experiment. The Fe(II) to Fe(III) ratios in magnetite, as measured by multiple approaches, show an initial increase in both the methanogenic cultures and the blank preparations containing no microbes. The Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratio then displays a distinct decline followed by an increase towards the end of incubation only in the enrichment and pure culture cultivations. This redox cycling of magnetite is in accordance with the stimulation of aceticlastic methanogenesis. Microscopic observation reveals the precipitation of nanoFe3 O4 on methanogen cell surface. The genomic analysis predicts that in addition to electron transfer components essential for aceticlastic methanogenesis, Ms. mazei zm-15 contains an outer-surface multiheme c-type cytochrome (MHC) and a few function-unknown surface proteins that harbour monoheme motif. We hypothesize that the redox cycling of nanoFe3 O4 delivers a positive influence via the MHC to the membrane electron transfer chain and hence promote the aceticlastic methanogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - James M Byrne
- Geomicrobiology, Center for Applied Geosciences, University of Tuebingen, Sigwartstrasse, 10, 70726, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, 80521, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Juan Liu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xiuzhu Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yahai Lu
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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Xu H, Chang J, Wang H, Liu Y, Zhang X, Liang P, Huang X. Enhancing direct interspecies electron transfer in syntrophic-methanogenic associations with (semi)conductive iron oxides: Effects and mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 695:133876. [PMID: 31756846 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion is an effective biological treatment process that produces methane by degrading organic compounds in waste/wastewater. It is a complicated microbial process by metabolic interactions among different types of microorganisms. In this process, efficient interspecies electron transfer between secondary fermenting bacteria and methanogens is the critical process for fast and effective methanogenesis. In syntrophic metabolism, hydrogen or formate has been considered as the conventional electron carrier transferring electrons from secondary fermenting bacteria to hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Recently, direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) without the involvement of dissolved redox mediators is arousing great concerns and has been regarded as a more efficient and thermodynamically favorable interspecies electron transfer pathway for methanogenesis. Interspecies electron exchange through DIET is accomplished via the membrane-bound cytochromes or conductive pili. Several kinds of exogenously-added conductive or semiconductive iron oxides have been discovered to greatly enhance anaerobic methanogenesis through promoting DIET. Different (semi)conductive iron oxides give a boost to DIET through different mechanisms based on the physicochemical properties of the iron oxides and the reciprocal interactions between iron oxides and functional microorganisms. In this review, the current understanding of interspecies electron transfer in syntrophic-methanogenic consortions is summarized, the effects and deep-rooted mechanisms of (semi)conductive iron oxides on methanogenesis and DIET are discussed, and possible future perspectives and development directions are suggested for DIET via (semi)conductive iron oxides in anaerobic digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiali Chang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Han Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yancheng Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Peng Liang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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22
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Extracellular electron transfer features of Gram-positive bacteria. Anal Chim Acta 2019; 1076:32-47. [PMID: 31203962 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Electroactive microorganisms possess the unique ability to transfer electrons to or from solid phase electron conductors, e.g., electrodes or minerals, through various physiological mechanisms. The processes are commonly known as extracellular electron transfer and broadly harnessed in microbial electrochemical systems, such as microbial biosensors, microbial electrosynthesis, or microbial fuel cells. Apart from a few model microorganisms, the nature of the microbe-electrode conductive interaction is poorly understood for most of the electroactive species. The interaction determines the efficiency and a potential scaling up of bioelectrochemical systems. Gram-positive bacteria generally have a thick electron non-conductive cell wall and are believed to exhibit weak extracellular electron shuttling activity. This review highlights reported research accomplishments on electroactive Gram-positive bacteria. The use of electron-conducting polymers as mediators is considered as one promising strategy to enhance the electron transfer efficiency up to application scale. In view of the recent progress in understanding the molecular aspects of the extracellular electron transfer mechanisms of Enterococcus faecalis, the electron transfer properties of this bacterium are especially focused on. Fundamental knowledge on the nature of microbial extracellular electron transfer and its possibilities can provide insight in interspecies electron transfer and biogeochemical cycling of elements in nature. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of cell-electrode interactions may help in overcoming insufficient electron transfer and restricted operational performance of various bioelectrochemical systems and facilitate their practical applications.
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Fu L, Zhou T, Wang J, You L, Lu Y, Yu L, Zhou S. NanoFe 3O 4 as Solid Electron Shuttles to Accelerate Acetotrophic Methanogenesis by Methanosarcina barkeri. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:388. [PMID: 30891017 PMCID: PMC6411705 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetite nanoparticles (nanoFe3O4) have been reported to facilitate direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between syntrophic bacteria and methanogens thereby improving syntrophic methanogenesis. However, whether or how nanoFe3O4 affects acetotrophic methanogenesis remain unknown. Herein, we demonstrate the unique role of nanoFe3O4 in accelerating methane production from direct acetotrophic methanogenesis in Methanosarcina-enriched cultures, which was further confirmed by pure cultures of Methanosarcina barkeri. Compared with other nanomaterials of higher electrical conductivity such as carbon nanotubes and graphite, nanoFe3O4 with mixed valence Fe(II) and Fe(III) had the most significant stimulatory effect on methane production, suggesting its redox activity rather than electrical conductivity led to enhanced methanogenesis by M. barkeri. Cell morphology and spectroscopy analysis revealed that nanoFe3O4 penetrated into the cell membrane and cytoplasm of M. barkeri. These results provide the unprecedented possibility that nanoFe3O4 in the cell membrane of methanogens serve as electron shuttles to facilitate intracellular electron transfer and thus enhance methane production. This work has important implications not only for understanding the mechanisms of mineral-methanogen interaction but also for optimizing engineered methanogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Fu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jingyuan Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lexing You
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yahai Lu
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Linpeng Yu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shungui Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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Zhuang L, Tang Z, Ma J, Yu Z, Wang Y, Tang J. Enhanced Anaerobic Biodegradation of Benzoate Under Sulfate-Reducing Conditions With Conductive Iron-Oxides in Sediment of Pearl River Estuary. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:374. [PMID: 30881355 PMCID: PMC6406033 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaerobic biodegradation of aromatic compounds under sulfate-reducing conditions is important to marine sediments. Sulfate respiration by a single bacterial strain and syntrophic metabolism by a syntrophic bacterial consortium are primary strategies for sulfate-dependent biodegradation of aromatic compounds. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of conductive iron oxides to facilitate the degradation of aromatic compounds under sulfate-reducing conditions in marine sediments, using benzoate as a model aromatic compound. Here, in anaerobic incubations of sediments from the Pearl River Estuary, the addition of hematite or magnetite (20 mM as Fe atom) enhanced the rates of sulfate-dependent benzoate degradation by 81.8 and 91.5%, respectively, compared with control incubations without iron oxides. Further experiments demonstrated that the rate of sulfate-dependent benzoate degradation accelerated with increased magnetite concentration (5, 10, and 20 mM). The detection of acetate as an intermediate product implied syntrophic benzoate degradation pathway, which was also supported by the abundance of putative acetate- or/and H2-utilizing sulfate reducers from microbial community analysis. Microbial reduction of iron oxides under sulfate-reducing conditions only accounted for 2–11% of electrons produced by benzoate oxidation, thus the stimulatory effect of conductive iron oxides on sulfate-dependent benzoate degradation was not mainly due to an increased pool of terminal electron acceptors. The enhanced rates of syntrophic benzoate degradation by the presence of conductive iron oxides probably resulted from the establishment of a direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between syntrophic partners. In the presence of magnetite, Bacteroidetes and Desulfobulbaceae with potential function of extracellular electron transfer might be involved in syntrophic benzoate degradation. Results from this study will contribute to the development of new strategies for in situ bioremediation of anaerobic sediments contaminated with aromatic compounds, and provide a new perspective for the natural attenuation of aromatic compounds in iron-rich marine sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhuang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziyang Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment Pollution Integrated Control, Guangdong Institute of Eco-environmental Science and Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlian Ma
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment Pollution Integrated Control, Guangdong Institute of Eco-environmental Science and Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Yu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment Pollution Integrated Control, Guangdong Institute of Eco-environmental Science and Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yueqiang Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment Pollution Integrated Control, Guangdong Institute of Eco-environmental Science and Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment Pollution Integrated Control, Guangdong Institute of Eco-environmental Science and Technology, Guangzhou, China
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25
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Martins G, Salvador AF, Pereira L, Alves MM. Methane Production and Conductive Materials: A Critical Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:10241-10253. [PMID: 30118213 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b01913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Conductive materials (CM) have been extensively reported to enhance methane production in anaerobic digestion processes. The occurrence of direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) in microbial communities, as an alternative or complementary to indirect electron transfer (via hydrogen or formate), is the main explanation given to justify the improvement of methane production. Not disregarding that DIET can be promoted in the presence of certain CM, it surely does not explain all the reported observations. In fact, in methanogenic environments DIET was only unequivocally demonstrated in cocultures of Geobacter metallireducens with Methanosaeta harundinacea or Methanosarcina barkeri and frequently Geobacter sp. are not detected in improved methane production driven systems. Furthermore, conductive carbon nanotubes were shown to accelerate the activity of methanogens growing in pure cultures, where DIET is not expected to occur, and hydrogenotrophic activity is ubiquitous in full-scale anaerobic digesters treating for example brewery wastewaters, indicating that interspecies hydrogen transfer is an important electron transfer mechanism in those systems. This paper presents an overview of the effect of several iron-based and carbon-based CM in bioengineered systems, focusing on the improvement in methane production and in microbial communities' changes. Control assays, as fundamental elements to support major conclusions in reported experiments, are critically revised and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Martins
- Centre of Biological Engineering , University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar , 4710-057 Braga , Portugal
| | - Andreia F Salvador
- Centre of Biological Engineering , University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar , 4710-057 Braga , Portugal
| | - Luciana Pereira
- Centre of Biological Engineering , University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar , 4710-057 Braga , Portugal
| | - M Madalena Alves
- Centre of Biological Engineering , University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar , 4710-057 Braga , Portugal
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Ye J, Hu A, Ren G, Chen M, Tang J, Zhang P, Zhou S, He Z. Enhancing sludge methanogenesis with improved redox activity of extracellular polymeric substances by hematite in red mud. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 134:54-62. [PMID: 29407651 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Different conductive materials have been employed to stimulate direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) during methanogenesis, but few studies have been concerned with the interaction between conductive materials and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) such as the effect on sludge aggregation and redox activity of EPS. This study aims to systematically investigate the role of red mud with 45.46 wt% hematite on methanogenesis during the anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge. The results showed that the multivalent cations from hematite effectively promoted the formation of large and compact aggregates, which might contribute to the rapid direct electron exchange during the DIET process. Meanwhile, more redox-active mediators including c-type cytochromes (c-Cyts) and humic substances, particularly in tight-bound EPS (TB-EPS), and more redox-active metals such as Fe introduced by red mud could take part in the interspecies electron transfer process between syntrophic bacteria and methanogenic archaea, which also promoted methane production (35.52 ± 2.64% increase compared with the control). This study provided initial scientific evidence to comprehensively assess the role of conductive materials during methanogenesis, with important implications for the biogeochemical redox processes of conductive minerals in natural and engineered environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ye
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Andong Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Guoping Ren
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Man Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jiahuan Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Panyue Zhang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Shungui Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Zhen He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Conductive Particles Enable Syntrophic Acetate Oxidation between Geobacter and Methanosarcina from Coastal Sediments. mBio 2018; 9:mBio.00226-18. [PMID: 29717006 PMCID: PMC5930305 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00226-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Coastal sediments are rich in conductive particles, possibly affecting microbial processes for which acetate is a central intermediate. In the methanogenic zone, acetate is consumed by methanogens and/or syntrophic acetate-oxidizing (SAO) consortia. SAO consortia live under extreme thermodynamic pressure, and their survival depends on successful partnership. Here, we demonstrate that conductive particles enable the partnership between SAO bacteria (i.e., Geobacter spp.) and methanogens (Methanosarcina spp.) from the coastal sediments of the Bothnian Bay of the Baltic Sea. Baltic methanogenic sediments were rich in conductive minerals, had an apparent isotopic fractionation characteristic of CO2-reductive methanogenesis, and were inhabited by Geobacter and Methanosarcina. As long as conductive particles were delivered, Geobacter and Methanosarcina persisted, whereas exclusion of conductive particles led to the extinction of Geobacter. Baltic Geobacter did not establish a direct electric contact with Methanosarcina, necessitating conductive particles as electrical conduits. Within SAO consortia, Geobacter was an efficient [13C]acetate utilizer, accounting for 82% of the assimilation and 27% of the breakdown of acetate. Geobacter benefits from the association with the methanogen, because in the absence of an electron acceptor it can use Methanosarcina as a terminal electron sink. Consequently, inhibition of methanogenesis constrained the SAO activity of Geobacter as well. A potential benefit for Methanosarcina partnering with Geobacter is that together they competitively exclude acetoclastic methanogens like Methanothrix from an environment rich in conductive particles. Conductive particle-mediated SAO could explain the abundance of acetate oxidizers like Geobacter in the methanogenic zone of sediments where no electron acceptors other than CO2 are available. Acetate-oxidizing bacteria are known to thrive in mutualistic consortia in which H2 or formate is shuttled to a methane-producing Archaea partner. Here, we discovered that such bacteria could instead transfer electrons via conductive minerals. Mineral SAO (syntrophic acetate oxidation) could be a vital pathway for CO2-reductive methanogenesis in the environment, especially in sediments rich in conductive minerals. Mineral-facilitated SAO is therefore of potential importance for both iron and methane cycles in sediments and soils. Additionally, our observations imply that agricultural runoff or amendments with conductive chars could trigger a significant increase in methane emissions.
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Wang O, Zheng S, Wang B, Wang W, Liu F. Necessity of electrically conductive pili for methanogenesis with magnetite stimulation. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4541. [PMID: 29576990 PMCID: PMC5866715 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Magnetite-mediated direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between Geobacter and Methanosarcina species is increasingly being invoked to explain magnetite stimulation of methane production in anaerobic soils and sediments. Although magnetite-mediated DIET has been documented in defined co-cultures reducing fumarate or nitrate as the electron acceptor, the effects of magnetite have only been inferred in methanogenic systems. Methods Concentrations of methane and organic acid were analysed with a gas chromatograph and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The concentration of HCl-extractable Fe(II) was determined by the ferrozine method. The association of the defined co-cultures of G. metallireducens and M. barkeri with magnetite was observed with transmission electron micrographs. Results Magnetite stimulated ethanol metabolism and methane production in defined co-cultures of G. metallireducens and M. barkeri; however, magnetite did not promote methane production in co-cultures initiated with a culture of G. metallireducens that could not produce electrically conductive pili (e-pili), unlike the conductive carbon materials that facilitate DIET in the absence of e-pili. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that G. metallireducens and M. barkeri were closely associated when magnetite was present, as previously observed in G. metallireducens/G. sulfurreducens co-cultures. These results show that magnetite can promote DIET between Geobacter and Methanosarcina species, but not as a substitute for e-pili, and probably functions to facilitate electron transfer from the e-pili to Methanosarcina. Conclusion In summary, the e-pili are necessary for the stimulation of not only G. metallireducens/G. sulfurreducens, but also methanogenic G. metallireducens/M. barkeri co-cultures with magnetite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oumei Wang
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Shiling Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Biological Resources Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Bingchen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Biological Resources Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Biological Resources Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Fanghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Biological Resources Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, China
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29
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Zheng S, Wang B, Liu F, Wang O. Magnetite production and transformation in the methanogenic consortia from coastal riverine sediments. J Microbiol 2017; 55:862-870. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-017-7104-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek R. Lovley
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
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31
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Yao D, Zhang X, Wang G, Chen TH, Wang J, Yue ZB, Wang Y. A novel parameter for evaluating the influence of iron oxide on the methanogenic process. Biochem Eng J 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Salvador AF, Martins G, Melle-Franco M, Serpa R, Stams AJM, Cavaleiro AJ, Pereira MA, Alves MM. Carbon nanotubes accelerate methane production in pure cultures of methanogens and in a syntrophic coculture. Environ Microbiol 2017; 19:2727-2739. [PMID: 28447396 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Carbon materials have been reported to facilitate direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between bacteria and methanogens improving methane production in anaerobic processes. In this work, the effect of increasing concentrations of carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the activity of pure cultures of methanogens and on typical fatty acid-degrading syntrophic methanogenic coculture was evaluated. CNT affected methane production by methanogenic cultures, although acceleration was higher for hydrogenotrophic methanogens than for acetoclastic methanogens or syntrophic coculture. Interestingly, the initial methane production rate (IMPR) by Methanobacterium formicicum cultures increased 17 times with 5 g·L-1 CNT. Butyrate conversion to methane by Syntrophomonas wolfei and Methanospirillum hungatei was enhanced (∼1.5 times) in the presence of CNT (5 g·L-1 ), but indications of DIET were not obtained. Increasing CNT concentrations resulted in more negative redox potentials in the anaerobic microcosms. Remarkably, without a reducing agent but in the presence of CNT, the IMPR was higher than in incubations with reducing agent. No growth was observed without reducing agent and without CNT. This finding is important to re-frame discussions and re-interpret data on the role of conductive materials as mediators of DIET in anaerobic communities. It also opens new challenges to improve methane production in engineered methanogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia F Salvador
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Gilberto Martins
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Manuel Melle-Franco
- Ciceco - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Serpa
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Alfons J M Stams
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal.,Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen, 6708 WE The Netherlands
| | - Ana J Cavaleiro
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| | - M Alcina Pereira
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| | - M Madalena Alves
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
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