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Yao S, Jin T, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Chen R, Wang Q, Lv M, Hu C, Ma T, Xia W. N/S element transformation modulating lithospheric microbial communities by single-species manipulation. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:107. [PMID: 37194043 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01553-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lithospheric microbiome plays a vital role in global biogeochemical cycling, yet their mutual modulation mechanisms remain largely uncharted. Petroleum reservoirs are important lithosphere ecosystems that provide desirable resources for understanding microbial roles in element cycling. However, the strategy and mechanism of modulating indigenous microbial communities for the optimization of community structures and functions are underexplored, despite its significance in energy recovery and environmental remediation. RESULTS Here we proposed a novel selective stimulation of indigenous functional microbes by driving nitrogen and sulfur cycling in petroleum reservoirs using injections of an exogenous heterocycle-degrading strain of Pseudomonas. We defined such bacteria capable of removing and releasing organically bound sulfur and nitrogen from heterocycles as "bioredox triggers". High-throughput 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, metagenomic, and gene transcription-level analyses of extensive production water and sandstone core samples spanning the whole oil production process clarified the microbiome dynamics following the intervention. These efforts demonstrated the feasibility of in situ N/S element release and electron acceptor generation during heterocycle degradation, shifting microbiome structures and functions and increasing phylogenetic diversity and genera engaged in sulfur and nitrogen cycling, such as Desulfovibrio, Shewanella, and Sulfurospirillum. The metabolic potentials of sulfur- and nitrogen-cycling processes, particularly dissimilatory sulfate reduction and dissimilatory nitrate reduction, were elevated in reservoir microbiomes. The relative expression of genes involved in sulfate reduction (dsrA, dsrB) and nitrate reduction (napA) was upregulated by 85, 28, and 22 folds, respectively. Field trials showed significant improvements in oil properties, with a decline in asphaltenes and aromatics, hetero-element contents, and viscosity, hence facilitating the effective exploitation of heavy oil. CONCLUSIONS The interactions between microbiomes and element cycling elucidated in this study will contribute to a better understanding of microbial metabolic involvement in, and response to, biogeochemical processes in the lithosphere. The presented findings demonstrated the immense potential of our microbial modulation strategy for green and enhanced heavy oil recovery. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Yao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianzhi Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Chen
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Mingjie Lv
- Institute of Crop Germplasm and Biotechnology, Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Chuxiao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenjie Xia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China.
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Johnsen AR, Boe US, Henriksen P, Malmquist LMV, Christensen JH. Full-scale bioremediation of diesel-polluted soil in an Arctic landfarm. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 280:116946. [PMID: 33780839 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116946] [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: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A full-scale, experimental landfarm was tested for the capacity to biodegrade oil-polluted soil under high-Arctic tundra conditions in northeast Greenland at the military outpost 9117 Station Mestersvig. Soil contaminated with Arctic diesel was transferred to the landfarm in August 2012 followed by yearly addition of fertilizer and plowing and irrigation to optimize microbial diesel biodegradation. Biodegradation was determined from changes in total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), enumeration of specific subpopulations of oil-degrading microorganisms (MPN), and changes in selected classes of alkylated isomers and isomer ratios. Sixty-four percent of the diesel was removed in the landfarm within the first year, but a recalcitrant fraction (18%) remained after five years. n-alkanes and naphthalenes were biodegraded as demonstrated by changing isomer ratios. Dibenzothiophenes and phenanthrenes showed almost constant isomer ratios indicating that their removal was mostly abiotic. Oil-degrading microorganisms were present for the major components of diesel (n-alkanes, alkylbenzenes and alkylnaphthalenes). The degraders showed very large population increases in the landfarm with a peak population of 1.2 × 109 cells g-1 of total diesel degraders. Some diesel compounds such as cycloalkanes, hydroxy-PAHs and sulfur-heterocycles had very few or no specific degraders, these compounds may consequently be degraded only by slow co-metabolic processes or not at all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders R Johnsen
- Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), Department of Geochemistry, Øster Voldgade 10, 1350, København K, Denmark.
| | - Uffe S Boe
- NIRAS A/S, Ceres Allé 3, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Linus M V Malmquist
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Jan H Christensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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3
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Dogra Y, Scarlett AG, Rowe D, Galloway TS, Rowland SJ. Predicted and measured acute toxicity and developmental abnormalities in zebrafish embryos produced by exposure to individual aromatic acids. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 205:98-107. [PMID: 29689530 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Petroleum acids, often called 'Naphthenic Acids' (NA), enter the environment in complex mixtures from numerous sources. These include from Produced and Process-Affected waters discharged from some oil industry activities, and from the environmental weathering of spilled crude oil hydrocarbons. Here, we test the hypothesis that individual NA within the complex mixtures can induce developmental abnormalities in fish, by screening a range of individual acids, with known chemical structures. Sixteen aromatic NA were tested using a Thamnocephalus platyrus (beavertail fairyshrimp) assay, to establish acute toxicity. Toxicities ranged from 568 to 8 μM, with the methylbiphenyl acid, 4-(p-tolyl)benzoic acid, most toxic. Next, five of the most toxic monoacids and for comparison, a diacid, were assayed using Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos to test for lethality and developmental abnormalities. The toxicities were also predicted using Admet predictor™ software. Exposure to the five monoacids produced deformities in zebrafish embryos in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, exposure to 4-(p-tolyl)benzoic acid produced abnormalities in >90% of the embryos at concentrations of <1 μM; exposure to dehydroabietic acid caused pericardial edema and stunted growth in 100% of the embryos at 6 μM and exposure to pyrene-1-carboxylic acid caused 80% of embryos to be affected at 3 μM. The findings of this preliminary study therefore suggest that some aromatic acids are targets for more detailed mechanistic studies of mode of action. The results should help to focus on those NA which may be important for monitoring in oil industry wastewaters and polluted environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuktee Dogra
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD UK
| | - Alan G Scarlett
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Darren Rowe
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD UK
| | - Steven J Rowland
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
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Wolfson SJ, Porter AW, Kerkhof LJ, McGuinness LM, Prince RC, Young LY. Sulfate-Reducing Naphthalene Degraders Are Picky Eaters. Microorganisms 2018; 6:microorganisms6030059. [PMID: 29941798 PMCID: PMC6163709 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms6030059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common organic contaminants found in anoxic environments. The capacity for PAH biodegradation in unimpacted environments, however, has been understudied. Here we investigate the enrichment, selection, and sustainability of a microbial community from a pristine environment on naphthalene as the only amended carbon source. Pristine coastal sediments were obtained from the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve in Tuckerton, New Jersey, an ecological reserve which has no direct input or source of hydrocarbons. After an initial exposure to naphthalene, primary anaerobic transfer cultures completely degraded 500 µM naphthalene within 139 days. Subsequent transfer cultures mineralized naphthalene within 21 days with stoichiometric sulfate loss. Enriched cultures efficiently utilized only naphthalene and 2-methylnaphthalene from the hydrocarbon mixtures in crude oil. To determine the microorganisms responsible for naphthalene degradation, stable isotope probing was utilized on cultures amended with fully labeled 13C-naphthalene as substrate. Three organisms were found to unambiguously synthesize 13C-DNA from 13C-naphthalene within 7 days. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 16S rRNA genes from two of these organisms are closely related to the known naphthalene degrading isolates NaphS2 and NaphS3 from PAH-contaminated sites. A third 16S rRNA gene was only distantly related to its closest relative and may represent a novel naphthalene degrading microbe from this environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Wolfson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Abigail W Porter
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Lee J Kerkhof
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Lora M McGuinness
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | | | - Lily Y Young
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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Oberoi AS, Philip L. Variation in toxicity during the biodegradation of various heterocyclic and homocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in single and multi-substrate systems. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 135:337-346. [PMID: 27770649 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, an attempt was made to understand the variation in the toxicity during the biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbons in single and multi-substrate system. The bacterial bioassay based on the inhibition of dehydrogenase enzyme activity of two different bacterial sp. E.coli and Pseudomonas fluorescens was used for toxicity assessment. Amongst the chosen pollutants, the highest acute toxicity was observed for benzothiophene followed by benzofuran having EC50 value of 16.60mg/L and 19.30mg/L respectively. Maximum residual toxicity of 30.8% was observed at the end during the degradation of benzothiophene. Due to the accumulation of transitory metabolites in both single and multisubstrate systems, reduction in toxicity was not proportional to the decrease in pollutant concentration. In multi-substrate system involving mixture of heterocyclic hydrocarbons, maximum residual toxicity of 39.5% was observed at the end of biodegradation. Enhanced degradation of benzofuran, benzothiophene and their metabolic intermediates were observed in the presence of naphthalene resulting in significant reduction in residual toxicity. 2 (1H) - quinolinone, an intermediate metabolite of quinoline was observed having significant eco-toxicity amongst all other intermediates investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akashdeep Singh Oberoi
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai 600 036, India
| | - Ligy Philip
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai 600 036, India.
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Hofmann R, Grösbacher M, Griebler C. Mini Sediment Columns and Two-Dimensional Sediment Flow-Through Microcosms: Versatile Experimental Systems for Studying Biodegradation of Organic Contaminants in Groundwater Ecosystems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/8623_2016_210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
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7
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Dvorski SEM, Gonsior M, Hertkorn N, Uhl J, Müller H, Griebler C, Schmitt-Kopplin P. Geochemistry of Dissolved Organic Matter in a Spatially Highly Resolved Groundwater Petroleum Hydrocarbon Plume Cross-Section. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:5536-46. [PMID: 27152868 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b00849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
At numerous groundwater sites worldwide, natural dissolved organic matter (DOM) is quantitatively complemented with petroleum hydrocarbons. To date, research has been focused almost exclusively on the contaminants, but detailed insights of the interaction of contaminant biodegradation, dominant redox processes, and interactions with natural DOM are missing. This study linked on-site high resolution spatial sampling of groundwater with high resolution molecular characterization of DOM and its relation to groundwater geochemistry across a petroleum hydrocarbon plume cross-section. Electrospray- and atmospheric pressure photoionization (ESI, APPI) ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) revealed a strong interaction between DOM and reactive sulfur species linked to microbial sulfate reduction, i.e., the key redox process involved in contaminant biodegradation. Excitation emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) modeling attributed DOM samples to specific contamination traits. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy evaluated the aromatic compounds and their degradation products in samples influenced by the petroleum contamination and its biodegradation. Our orthogonal high resolution analytical approach enabled a comprehensive molecular level understanding of the DOM with respect to in situ petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation and microbial sulfate reduction. The role of natural DOM as potential cosubstrate and detoxification reactant may improve future bioremediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine E-M Dvorski
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health , Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael Gonsior
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science , Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, Maryland 20688, United States
| | - Norbert Hertkorn
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health , Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jenny Uhl
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health , Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hubert Müller
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health , Institute of Groundwater Ecology, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Christian Griebler
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health , Institute of Groundwater Ecology, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health , Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Technische Universität München , Chair of Analytical Food Chemistry, D-85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
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Oberoi AS, Philip L. Biological Degradation of Heterocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with Naphthalene-Enriched Consortium: Substrate Interaction Studies and Fate of Metabolites. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2016; 180:400-425. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-016-2106-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Domaradzka D, Guzik U, Hupert-Kocurek K, Wojcieszyńska D. Cometabolic Degradation of Naproxen by Planococcus sp. Strain S5. WATER, AIR, AND SOIL POLLUTION 2015; 226:297. [PMID: 26300571 PMCID: PMC4534501 DOI: 10.1007/s11270-015-2564-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug frequently detected in the influent and effluent of sewage treatment plants. The Gram-positive strain Planococcus sp. S5 was able to remove approximately 30 % of naproxen after 35 days of incubation in monosubstrate culture. Under cometabolic conditions, with glucose or phenol as a growth substrate, the degradation efficiency of S5 increased. During 35 days of incubation, 75.14 ± 1.71 % and 86.27 ± 2.09 % of naproxen was degraded in the presence of glucose and phenol, respectively. The highest rate of naproxen degradation observed in the presence of phenol may be connected with the fact that phenol is known to induce enzymes responsible for aromatic ring cleavage. The activity of phenol monooxygenase, naphthalene monooxygenase, and hydroxyquinol 1,2-dioxygenase was indicated in Planococcus sp. S5 culture with glucose or phenol as a growth substrate. It is suggested that these enzymes may be engaged in naproxen degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Domaradzka
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Jagiellońska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
| | - Urszula Guzik
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Jagiellońska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Hupert-Kocurek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Jagiellońska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
| | - Danuta Wojcieszyńska
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Jagiellońska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
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Biodegradation of Various Aromatic Compounds by Enriched Bacterial Cultures: Part B—Nitrogen-, Sulfur-, and Oxygen-Containing Heterocyclic Aromatic Compounds. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2015; 176:1746-69. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-015-1692-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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11
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West CE, Pureveen J, Scarlett AG, Lengger SK, Wilde MJ, Korndorffer F, Tegelaar EW, Rowland SJ. Can two-dimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometric identification of bicyclic aromatic acids in petroleum fractions help to reveal further details of aromatic hydrocarbon biotransformation pathways? RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2014; 28:1023-32. [PMID: 24677524 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.6876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The identification of key acid metabolites ('signature' metabolites) has allowed significant improvements to be made in our understanding of the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons, in reservoir and in contaminated natural systems, such as aquifers and seawater. On this basis, anaerobic oxidation is now more widely accepted as one viable mechanism, for instance. However, identification of metabolites in the complex acid mixtures from petroleum degradation is challenging and would benefit from use of more highly resolving analytical methods. METHODS Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC/TOFMS) with both nominal mass and accurate mass measurement was used to study the complex mixtures of aromatic acids (as methyl esters) in petroleum fractions. RESULTS Numerous mono- and di-aromatic acid isomers were identified in a commercial naphthenic acids fraction from petroleum and in an acids fraction from a biodegraded petroleum. In many instances, compounds were identified by comparison of mass spectral and retention time data with those of authentic compounds. CONCLUSIONS The identification of a variety of alkyl naphthalene carboxylic and alkanoic and alkyl tetralin carboxylic and alkanoic acids, plus identifications of a range of alkyl indane acids, provides further evidence for 'signature' metabolites of biodegradation of aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons. Identifications such as these now offer the prospect of better differentiation of metabolites of bacterial processes (e.g. aerobic, methanogenic, sulphate-reducing) in polar petroleum fractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E West
- Petroleum and Environmental Geochemistry Group, Biogeochemistry Research Centre, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
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12
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Mass spectrometric screening and identification of acidic metabolites in fulvic acid fractions of contaminated groundwater. Anal Bioanal Chem 2014; 406:3415-29. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-7783-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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13
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Callaghan AV. Metabolomic investigations of anaerobic hydrocarbon-impacted environments. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2013; 24:506-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2012.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Mouttaki H, Johannes J, Meckenstock RU. Identification of naphthalene carboxylase as a prototype for the anaerobic activation of non-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons. Environ Microbiol 2012; 14:2770-4. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2012.02768.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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15
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Comprehensive GC2/MS for the monitoring of aromatic tar oil constituents during biodegradation in a historically contaminated soil. J Biotechnol 2012; 157:460-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2011.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Revised: 07/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Meckenstock RU, Mouttaki H. Anaerobic degradation of non-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2011; 22:406-14. [PMID: 21398107 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2011.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2010] [Revised: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aromatic hydrocarbons are among the most prevalent organic pollutants in the environment. Their removal from contaminated systems is of great concern because of the high toxicity effect on living organisms including humans. Aerobic degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons has been intensively studied and is well understood. However, many aromatics end up in habitats devoid of molecular oxygen. Nevertheless, anaerobic degradation using alternative electron acceptors is much less investigated. Here, we review the recent literature and very early progress in the elucidation of anaerobic degradation of non-substituted monocyclic (i.e. benzene) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH such as naphthalene and phenanthrene). A focus will be on benzene and naphthalene as model compounds. This review concerns the microbes involved, the biochemistry of the initial activation and subsequent enzyme reactions involved in the pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer U Meckenstock
- Institute for Groundwater Ecology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
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Abed RMM, Musat N, Musat F, Mussmann M. Structure of microbial communities and hydrocarbon-dependent sulfate reduction in the anoxic layer of a polluted microbial mat. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 62:539-546. [PMID: 21194714 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2010.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2010] [Revised: 11/27/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial communities in the anoxic layer of a heavily polluted microbial mat and their growth on hydrocarbons under sulfate-reducing conditions were investigated. Microbial communities were dominated by members of Alphaproteobacteria (27% of the total rRNA), Planctomycetes (21.1%) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB: 17.5%). 16S rRNA cloning revealed sequences beloning to the same bacterial groups with SRB affiliated to the genera Desulfobulbus, Desulfocapsa, Desulfomicrobium, Desulfobacterium and Desulfosarcina/Desulfococcus. The derived enrichment cultures on crude oil, hexadecane and toluene were dominated by SRB. While most SRB sequences of the toluene and hexadecane cultures were related to the sequence of Desulfotignum toluolica, the crude oil enrichment showed a more diverse bacterial community with sequences from the genera Desulfotignum, Desulfobacter, Desulfatibacillus, Desulfosalina, and Desulfococcus. We conclude that the anoxic layer of the studied mats contains a diverse community of anaerobic bacteria, dominated by SRB, some of which are able to grow on hydrocarbons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeid M M Abed
- Biology Department, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 36, PC 123 Al Khoud, Oman.
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Jobelius C, Ruth B, Griebler C, Meckenstock RU, Hollender J, Reineke A, Frimmel FH, Zwiener C. Metabolites indicate hot spots of biodegradation and biogeochemical gradients in a high-resolution monitoring well. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:474-81. [PMID: 21121661 DOI: 10.1021/es1030867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic degradation processes play an important role in contaminated aquifers. To indicate active biodegradation processes signature metabolites can be used. In this study field samples from a high-resolution multilevel well in a tar oil-contaminated, anoxic aquifer were analyzed for metabolites by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In addition to already known specific degradation products of toluene, xylenes, and naphthalenes, the seldom reported degradation products benzothiophenemethylsuccinic acid (BTMS), benzofuranmethylsuccinic acid (BFMS), methylnaphthyl-2-methylsuccinic acid (MNMS), and acenaphthene-5-carboxylic acid (AC) could be identified (BFMS, AC) and tentatively identified (BTMS, MNMS). The occurrence of BTMS and BFMS clearly show that the fumarate addition pathway, known for toluene and methylnaphthalene, is also important for the anaerobic degradation of heterocyclic contaminants in aquifers. The molar concentration ratios of metabolites and their related parent compounds differ over a wide range which shows that there is no simple and consistent quantitative relation. However, generally higher ratios were found for the more recalcitrant compounds, which are putatively cometabolically degraded (e.g., 2-carboxybenzothiophene and acenaphthene-5-carboxylic acid), indicating an accumulation of these metabolites. Vertical concentration profiles of benzylsuccinic acid (BS) and methyl-benzylsuccinic acid (MBS) showed distinct peaks at the fringes of the toluene and xylene plume indicating hot spots of biodegradation activity and supporting the plume fringe concept. However, there are some compounds which show a different vertical distribution with the most prominent concentrations where also the precursor compounds peaked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Jobelius
- Engler-Bunte-Institut, Water Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany
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Gai Z, Yu B, Wang X, Deng Z, Xu P. Microbial transformation of benzothiophenes, with carbazole as the auxiliary substrate, by Sphingomonas sp. strain XLDN2-5. Microbiology (Reading) 2008; 154:3804-3812. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.2008/023176-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Gai
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Bo Yu
- Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Zixin Deng
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Ping Xu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
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20
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Li Y, Li W, Gu G. Promotive effect of pyridine on indole degradation by activated sludge under anoxic conditions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s11783-007-0079-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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21
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Del Rio LF, Hadwin AKM, Pinto LJ, MacKinnon MD, Moore MM. Degradation of naphthenic acids by sediment micro-organisms. J Appl Microbiol 2007; 101:1049-61. [PMID: 17040229 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03005.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Naphthenic acids (NAs) are naturally occurring, linear and cyclic carboxylic surfactants associated with the acidic fraction of petroleum. NAs account for most of the acute aquatic toxicity of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). The toxicity of OSPW can be reduced by microbial degradation. The aim of this research was to determine the extent of NA degradation by sediment microbial communities exposed to varying amounts of OSPW. METHODS AND RESULTS Eleven wetlands, both natural and process-affected, and one tailings settling pond in Northern Alberta were studied. The natural wetlands and process-affected sites fell into two distinct groups based on their water chemistry. The extent of degradation of a 14C-labelled monocyclic NA surrogate [14C-cyclohexane carboxylic acid (CCA)] was relatively uniform in all sediments (approximately 30%) after 14 days. In contrast, degradation of a bicyclic NA surrogate [14C-decahydronaphthoic acid (DHNA)] was significantly lower in non process-affected sediments. Enrichment cultures, obtained from an active tailings settling pond, using commercially available NAs as the sole carbon source, resulted in the isolation of a co-culture containing Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Quantitative GC-MS analysis showed that the co-culture removed >95% of the commercial NAs, and partially degraded the process NAs from OSPW with a resulting NA profile similar to that from 'aged wetlands'. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to NAs induced and/or selected micro-organisms capable of more effectively degrading bicyclic NAs. Native Pseudomonas spp. extensively degraded fresh, commercial NA. The recalcitrant NAs resembled those found in process-affected wetlands. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY These results suggest that it may be possible to manipulate the existing environmental conditions to select for a microbial community exhibiting higher rates of NA degradation. This will have significant impact on the design of artificial wetlands for water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F Del Rio
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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22
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Kirkwood KM, Andersson JT, Fedorak PM, Foght JM, Gray MR. Sulfur from benzothiophene and alkylbenzothiophenes supports growth of Rhodococcus sp. strain JVH1. Biodegradation 2006; 18:541-9. [PMID: 17091342 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-006-9085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2006] [Accepted: 09/21/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Rhodococcus sp. strain JVH1 was previously reported to use a number of compounds with aliphatic sulfide bridges as sulfur sources for growth. We have shown that although JVH1 does not use the three-ring thiophenic sulfur compound dibenzothiophene, this strain can use the two-ring compound benzothiophene as its sole sulfur source, resulting in growth of the culture and loss of benzothiophene. Addition of inorganic sulfate to the medium reduced the conversion of benzothiophene, indicating that benzothiophene metabolism is repressed by sulfate and that benzothiophene is therefore used specifically as a sulfur source. JVH1 also used all six isomers of methylbenzothiophene and two dimethylbenzothiophene isomers as sulfur sources for growth. Metabolites identified from benzothiophene and some methylbenzothiophenes were consistent with published pathways for benzothiophene biodesulfurization. Products retaining the sulfur atom were sulfones and sultines, the sultines being formed from phenolic sulfinates under acidic extraction conditions. With 2-methylbenzothiophene, the final desulfurized product was 2-methylbenzofuran, formed by dehydration of 3-(o-hydroxyphenyl) propanone under acidic extraction conditions and indicating an oxygenative desulfination reaction. With 3-methylbenzothiophene, the final desulfurized product was 2-isopropenylphenol, indicating a hydrolytic desulfination reaction. JVH1 is the first microorganism reported to use all six isomers of methylbenzothiophene, as well as some dimethylbenzothiophene isomers, as sole sulfur sources. JVH1 therefore possesses broader sulfur extraction abilities than previously reported, including not only sulfidic compounds but also some thiophenic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathlyn M Kirkwood
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G6, Canada
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Safinowski M, Griebler C, Meckenstock RU. Anaerobic cometabolic transformation of polycyclic and heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: evidence from laboratory and field studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2006; 40:4165-73. [PMID: 16858866 DOI: 10.1021/es0525410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The sulfate-reducing enrichment culture N47 can grow on naphthalene or 2-methylnaphthalene as the sole carbon and energy source. Here we show that the culture can furthermore cometabolicallytransform a variety of polycyclic and heteroaromatic compounds with naphthalene or methylnaphthalene as the auxiliary substrate. Most of the cosubstrates were converted to the corresponding carboxylic acids, frequently to several isomers. The mass spectra of specific metabolites that were extracted from supernatants of cultures containing the cosubstrates benzothiophene, benzofuran, and 1-methylnaphthalene resembled known intermediates of the anaerobic naphthalene and 2-methylnaphthalene degradation pathways (i.e., naphthyl-2-methylsuccinic acid and naphthyl-2-methylenesuccinic acid). This indicates that some of the tested compounds were first methylated and then transformed to the corresponding methylsuccinic acids by a fumarate addition to the methyl group. For some of the cosubstrates, a partial or total inhibition of growth on the auxiliary substrate was observed. This was not caused by the toxicity of the individual cosubstrate itself, but by a specific combination of auxiliary substrate and cosubstrate. None of the cosubstrates tested could be utilized as the sole carbon source and electron donor by the enrichment culture N47. Field investigations at the tar-oil-contaminated aquifer, where strain N47 originated, revealed the presence of a number of metabolites similar to the ones identified in batch culture supernatants. Our findings suggest that aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic compounds can be converted by aquifer organisms and produce a variety of polar compounds that become mobile in groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Safinowski
- Center for Applied Geosciences, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 56, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Abstract
Recent progress in microbiology resulted in the enrichment and isolation of anaerobic bacteria capable of the biodegradation of various hydrocarbons under a variety of electron-accepting conditions. Problems challenging the enrichment and isolation of anaerobic hydrocarbonclastic organisms required new approaches and modifications of conventional microbiological techniques. This chapter summarizes the collective experience accumulated in this area starting from anaerobic sampling precautions and includes all stages of cultivation from the construction of initial incubations to final isolation steps and the evaluation of culture purity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene A Davidova
- Department of Microbiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman 73019, USA
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25
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Vinzelberg G, Schwarzbauer J, Littke R. Groundwater contamination by chlorinated naphthalenes and related substances caused by activities of a former military base. CHEMOSPHERE 2005; 61:770-82. [PMID: 15939452 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2004] [Revised: 03/18/2005] [Accepted: 04/01/2005] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Water samples derived from two different aquifer layers of six sampling sites were analysed by GC/MS in order to characterize a groundwater contamination caused by chemicals used for wood impregnation. Mono- and dichlorinated naphthalenes, chlorobenzo(b)thiophene, 1-chloro-4-naphthol, 1-chloronaphthoic acid, acenaphthene and methyled naphthalenes were identified as the main pollutants and quantified. 1-Chloro-4-naphthol and 1-chloronaphthoic acid are discussed as possible indicators for anaerobic degradation processes. Results of inorganic and compound specific stable carbon isotope analyses revealed only a minor degree of microbiological transformation. Thus, sorption was characterized as the main attenuation process within the aquifer affecting the contamination described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gero Vinzelberg
- Institute of Geology and Geochemistry, Aachen University of Technology of Petroleum and Coal, Lochnerstrasse 4-20, 52056 Aachen, Germany.
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Pérez-Jiménez JR, Kerkhof LJ. Phylogeography of sulfate-reducing bacteria among disturbed sediments, disclosed by analysis of the dissimilatory sulfite reductase genes (dsrAB). Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:1004-11. [PMID: 15691959 PMCID: PMC546750 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.2.1004-1011.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sediment samples were collected worldwide from 16 locations on four continents (in New York, California, New Jersey, Virginia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Italy, Latvia, and South Korea) to assess the extent of the diversity and the distribution patterns of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in contaminated sediments. The SRB communities were examined by terminal restriction fragment (TRF) length polymorphism (TRFLP) analysis of the dissimilatory sulfite reductase genes (dsrAB) with NdeII digests. The fingerprints of dsrAB genes contained a total of 369 fluorescent TRFs, of which <20% were present in the GenBank database. The global sulfidogenic communities appeared to be significantly different among the anthropogenically impacted (petroleum-contaminated) sites, but nearly all were less diverse than pristine habitats, such as mangroves. A global SRB indicator species of petroleum pollution was not identified. However, several dsrAB gene sequences corresponding to hydrocarbon-degrading isolates or consortium members were detected in geographically widely separated polluted sites. Finally, a cluster analysis of the TRFLP fingerprints indicated that many SRB microbial communities were most similar on the basis of close geographic proximity (tens of kilometers). Yet, on larger scales (hundreds to thousands of kilometers) SRB communities could cluster with geographically widely separated sites and not necessarily with the site with the closest proximity. These data demonstrate that SRB populations do not adhere to a biogeographic distribution pattern similar to that of larger eukaryotic organisms, with the greatest species diversity radiating from the Indo-Pacific region. Rather, a patchy SRB distribution is encountered, implying an initially uniform SRB community that has differentiated over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Pérez-Jiménez
- Biotechnology Center for Agriculture and Environment, Cook Campus, Rutgers University, 71 Dudley Rd., New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8521, USA
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Mundt M, Hollender J. Simultaneous determination of NSO-heterocycles, homocycles and their metabolites in groundwater of tar oil contaminated sites using LC with diode array UV and fluorescence detection. J Chromatogr A 2005; 1065:211-8. [PMID: 15782967 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2004.12.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
For monitoring groundwater at tar oil contaminated sites a simple method of analysis was developed for the simultaneous detection of several NSO heterocyclic compounds, homocyclic compounds, mobile two- and three-cyclic PAHs and selected metabolites. The groundwater samples are enriched using SPE with polymer material at pH 4. Chromatographic separation and detection is performed by LC with diode array UV or fluorescence detection. The recoveries of 25 selected compounds were mostly between 80-110% and the detection limits were 0.4-2.4 microg/L for UV detection and for the fluorescence detectable compounds 0.4-140 ng/L. The method was successfully applied to groundwater samples from a wood preserving facility. Especially benzo(b)thiophene showed an increasing dominance downgradient of the source. Detection of metabolites, such as 1-hydroxyiso-, 2-hydroxyquinoline and 2-hydroxy-4-methylquinoline, 2-naphthoic acid, and 1-indanone, indicating in situ biodegradation, was confirmed by LC-ESI-MS analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Mundt
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
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Griebler C, Safinowski M, Vieth A, Richnow HH, Meckenstock RU. Combined application of stable carbon isotope analysis and specific metabolites determination for assessing in situ degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons in a tar oil-contaminated aquifer. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2004; 38:617-31. [PMID: 14750740 DOI: 10.1021/es0344516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the intrinsic bioremediation potential in an anoxic tar oil-contaminated aquifer at a former gasworks site, groundwater samples were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) and signature metabolites analysis (SMA). 13C/12C fractionation data revealed conclusive evidence for in situ biodegradation of benzene, toluene, o-xylene, m/p-xylene, naphthalene, and 1-methylnaphthalene. In laboratory growth studies, 13C/12C isotope enrichment factors for anaerobic degradation of naphthalene (epsilon = -1.1 +/- 0.4) and 2-methylnaphthalene (epsilon = -0.9 +/- 0.1) were determined with the sulfate-reducing enrichment culture N47, which was isolated from the investigated test site. On the basis of these and other laboratory-derived enrichment factors from the literature, in situ biodegradation could be quantified for toluene, o-xylene, m/p-xylene, and naphthalene. Stable carbon isotope fractionation in the field was also observed for ethylbenzene, 2-methylnaphthalene, and benzothiophene but without providing conclusive results. Further evidence for the in situ turnover of individual BTEX compounds was provided by the presence of acetophenone, o-toluic acid, and p-toluic acid, three intermediates in the anaerobic degradation of ethylbenzene, o-xylene, and p-xylene, respectively. A number of groundwater samples also contained naphthyl-2-methylsuccinic acid, a metabolite that is highly specific for the anaerobic degradation of 2-methylnaphthalene. Additional metabolites that provided evidence on the anaerobic in situ degradation of naphthalenes were 1-naphthoic acid, 2-naphthoic acid, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthoic acid, and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthoic acid. 2-Carboxybenzothiophene, 5-carboxybenzothiophene, a putative further carboxybenzothiophene isomer, and the reduced derivative dihydrocarboxybenzothiophene indicated the anaerobic conversion of the heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benzothiophene. The combined application of CSIA and SMA, as two reliable and independent tools to collect direct evidence on intrinsic bioremediation, leads to a substantially improved evaluation of natural attenuation in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Griebler
- Environmental Mineralogy, Center for Applied Geosciences, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 56, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany.
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Abstract
Recent advances in molecular biology have extended our understanding of the metabolic processes related to microbial transformation of petroleum hydrocarbons. The physiological responses of microorganisms to the presence of hydrocarbons, including cell surface alterations and adaptive mechanisms for uptake and efflux of these substrates, have been characterized. New molecular techniques have enhanced our ability to investigate the dynamics of microbial communities in petroleum-impacted ecosystems. By establishing conditions which maximize rates and extents of microbial growth, hydrocarbon access, and transformation, highly accelerated and bioreactor-based petroleum waste degradation processes have been implemented. Biofilters capable of removing and biodegrading volatile petroleum contaminants in air streams with short substrate-microbe contact times (<60 s) are being used effectively. Microbes are being injected into partially spent petroleum reservoirs to enhance oil recovery. However, these microbial processes have not exhibited consistent and effective performance, primarily because of our inability to control conditions in the subsurface environment. Microbes may be exploited to break stable oilfield emulsions to produce pipeline quality oil. There is interest in replacing physical oil desulfurization processes with biodesulfurization methods through promotion of selective sulfur removal without degradation of associated carbon moieties. However, since microbes require an environment containing some water, a two-phase oil-water system must be established to optimize contact between the microbes and the hydrocarbon, and such an emulsion is not easily created with viscous crude oil. This challenge may be circumvented by application of the technology to more refined gasoline and diesel substrates, where aqueous-hydrocarbon emulsions are more easily generated. Molecular approaches are being used to broaden the substrate specificity and increase the rates and extents of desulfurization. Bacterial processes are being commercialized for removal of H(2)S and sulfoxides from petrochemical waste streams. Microbes also have potential for use in removal of nitrogen from crude oil leading to reduced nitric oxide emissions provided that technical problems similar to those experienced in biodesulfurization can be solved. Enzymes are being exploited to produce added-value products from petroleum substrates, and bacterial biosensors are being used to analyze petroleum-contaminated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Van Hamme
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University College of the Cariboo, Kamloops, British Columbia V2C 5N3
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Ohlenbusch G, Zwiener C, Meckenstock RU, Frimmel FH. Identification and quantification of polar naphthalene derivatives in contaminated groundwater of a former gas plant site by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2002; 967:201-7. [PMID: 12685567 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9673(02)00785-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A liquid chromatography (LC) method followed by electrospray ionization (ESI) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) was developed for the quantification of acidic naphthalene derivatives in the concentration range 0.1 to 100 microg/l without excessive sample preparation. For optimal sensitivity the LC-MS-MS measurements were performed recording mass fragmentation by collision induced dissociation in the multiple reaction mode. The collision energy was optimized for every analyte. The matrix effects of the sample were investigated by spiking standards of 1-naphthoic acid with humic acid (HA) and with calcium chloride. While HA decreased the signal intensity an increase was observed in the presence of calcium chloride. For the investigated groundwater samples of a tar oil contaminated site a complete separation of the analytes from the sample matrix by reversed-phase separation could be obtained. The absence of matrix effects on quantification results was confirmed by comparison of results based on external calibration with those based on standard addition of the analytes to a groundwater sample. In four groundwater samples of the contaminated site naphthalene derivatives like 1-naphthoic acid, 2-naphthoic acid, 1-naphthylacetic acid, 2-naphthylacetic acid, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-naphthoic acid, and naphthyl-2-methylenesuccinic acid have been detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Ohlenbusch
- Engler-Bunte-Institut, Bereich Wasserchemie, Universität Karlsruhe, Engler-Bunte-Ring 1, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.
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