1
|
Robles A, Sundar SV, Mohana Rangan S, Delgado AG. Butanol as a major product during ethanol and acetate chain elongation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1181983. [PMID: 37274171 PMCID: PMC10233103 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1181983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chain elongation is a relevant bioprocess in support of a circular economy as it can use a variety of organic feedstocks for production of valuable short and medium chain carboxylates, such as butyrate (C4), caproate (C6), and caprylate (C8). Alcohols, including the biofuel, butanol (C4), can also be generated in chain elongation but the bioreactor conditions that favor butanol production are mainly unknown. In this study we investigated production of butanol (and its precursor butyrate) during ethanol and acetate chain elongation. We used semi-batch bioreactors (0.16 L serum bottles) fed with a range of ethanol concentrations (100-800 mM C), a constant concentration of acetate (50 mM C), and an initial total gas pressure of ∼112 kPa. We showed that the butanol concentration was positively correlated with the ethanol concentration provided (up to 400 mM C ethanol) and to chain elongation activity, which produced H2 and further increased the total gas pressure. In bioreactors fed with 400 mM C ethanol and 50 mM C acetate, a concentration of 114.96 ± 9.26 mM C butanol (∼2.13 g L-1) was achieved after five semi-batch cycles at a total pressure of ∼170 kPa and H2 partial pressure of ∼67 kPa. Bioreactors with 400 mM C ethanol and 50 mM C acetate also yielded a butanol to butyrate molar ratio of 1:1. At the beginning of cycle 8, the total gas pressure was intentionally decreased to ∼112 kPa to test the dependency of butanol production on total pressure and H2 partial pressure. The reduction in total pressure decreased the molar ratio of butanol to butyrate to 1:2 and jolted H2 production out of an apparent stall. Clostridium kluyveri (previously shown to produce butyrate and butanol) and Alistipes (previously linked with butyrate production) were abundant amplicon sequence variants in the bioreactors during the experimental phases, suggesting the microbiome was resilient against changes in bioreactor conditions. The results from this study clearly demonstrate the potential of ethanol and acetate-based chain elongation to yield butanol as a major product. This study also supports the dependency of butanol production on limiting acetate and on high total gas and H2 partial pressures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aide Robles
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Engineering Research Center for Bio-Mediated and Bio-Inspired Geotechnics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Skanda Vishnu Sundar
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Srivatsan Mohana Rangan
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Engineering Research Center for Bio-Mediated and Bio-Inspired Geotechnics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Anca G. Delgado
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Engineering Research Center for Bio-Mediated and Bio-Inspired Geotechnics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mohana Rangan S, Rao S, Robles A, Mouti A, LaPat-Polasko L, Lowry GV, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Delgado AG. Decoupling Fe 0 Application and Bioaugmentation in Space and Time Enables Microbial Reductive Dechlorination of Trichloroethene to Ethene: Evidence from Soil Columns. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:4167-4179. [PMID: 36866930 PMCID: PMC10018760 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06433] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Fe0 is a powerful chemical reductant with applications for remediation of chlorinated solvents, including tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene. Its utilization efficiency at contaminated sites is limited because most of the electrons from Fe0 are channeled to the reduction of water to H2 rather than to the reduction of the contaminants. Coupling Fe0 with H2-utilizing organohalide-respiring bacteria (i.e., Dehalococcoides mccartyi) could enhance trichloroethene conversion to ethene while maximizing Fe0 utilization efficiency. Columns packed with aquifer materials have been used to assess the efficacy of a treatment combining in space and time Fe0 and aD. mccartyi-containing culture (bioaugmentation). To date, most column studies documented only partial conversion of the solvents to chlorinated byproducts, calling into question the feasibility of Fe0 to promote complete microbial reductive dechlorination. In this study, we decoupled the application of Fe0 in space and time from the addition of organic substrates andD. mccartyi-containing cultures. We used a column containing soil and Fe0 (at 15 g L-1 in porewater) and fed it with groundwater as a proxy for an upstream Fe0 injection zone dominated by abiotic reactions and biostimulated/bioaugmented soil columns (Bio-columns) as proxies for downstream microbiological zones. Results showed that Bio-columns receiving reduced groundwater from the Fe0-column supported microbial reductive dechlorination, yielding up to 98% trichloroethene conversion to ethene. The microbial community in the Bio-columns established with Fe0-reduced groundwater also sustained trichloroethene reduction to ethene (up to 100%) when challenged with aerobic groundwater. This study supports a conceptual model where decoupling the application of Fe0 and biostimulation/bioaugmentation in space and/or time could augment microbial trichloroethene reductive dechlorination, particularly under oxic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srivatsan Mohana Rangan
- School
of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Biodesign
Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Center
for Bio-Mediated and Bio-Inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Biodesign
Center for Health Through Microbiomes, Arizona
State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Shefali Rao
- School
of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Biodesign
Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Center
for Bio-Mediated and Bio-Inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Aide Robles
- School
of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Biodesign
Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Center
for Bio-Mediated and Bio-Inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Aatikah Mouti
- Biodesign
Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | | | - Gregory V. Lowry
- Center
for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (CEINT), Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Department
of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- School
of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Biodesign
Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Center
for Bio-Mediated and Bio-Inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Biodesign
Center for Health Through Microbiomes, Arizona
State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Anca G. Delgado
- School
of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Biodesign
Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Center
for Bio-Mediated and Bio-Inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brumovský M, Micić V, Oborná J, Filip J, Hofmann T, Tunega D. Iron nitride nanoparticles for rapid dechlorination of mixed chlorinated ethene contamination. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 442:129988. [PMID: 36155299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Sulfidation and, more recently, nitriding have been recognized as promising modifications to enhance the selectivity of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles for trichloroethene (TCE). Herein, we investigated the performance of iron nitride (FexN) nanoparticles in the removal of a broader range of chlorinated ethenes (CEs), including tetrachloroethene (PCE), cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-DCE), and their mixture with TCE, and compared it to the performance of sulfidated nZVI (S-nZVI) prepared from the same precursor nZVI. Two distinct types of iron nitride (FexN) nanoparticles, containing γ'-Fe4N and ε-Fe2-3N phases, exhibited substantially higher PCE and cis-DCE dechlorination rates compared to S-nZVI. A similar effect was observed with a CE mixture, which was completely dechlorinated by both types of FexN nanoparticles within 10 days, whereas S-nZVI was able to remove only about half of the amount, most of which being TCE. Density functional theory calculations further revealed that the cleavage of the first C-Cl bond was the rate-limiting step for all CEs dechlorinated on the γ'-Fe4N(001) surface, with the reaction barriers of PCE and cis-DCE being 29.9, and 40.8 kJ mol-1, respectively. FexN nanoparticles proved to be highly effective in the remediation of PCE, cis-DCE, and mixed CE contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Brumovský
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Forest, and Soil Sciences, Institute of Soil Research, Peter-Jordan-Straße 82, 1190 Vienna, Austria; Department of Environmental Geosciences (EDGE), Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, UZA II, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Vesna Micić
- Department of Environmental Geosciences (EDGE), Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, UZA II, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jana Oborná
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Filip
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Thilo Hofmann
- Department of Environmental Geosciences (EDGE), Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, UZA II, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Tunega
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Department of Forest, and Soil Sciences, Institute of Soil Research, Peter-Jordan-Straße 82, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Meinel M, Delgado AG, Ilhan ZE, Aguero ML, Aguiar S, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Torres CI. Organic carbon metabolism is a main determinant of hydrogen demand and dynamics in anaerobic soils. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 303:134877. [PMID: 35577129 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134877] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen (H2) is a crucial electron donor for many processes in the environment including nitrate-, sulfate- and, iron-reduction, homoacetogenesis, and methanogenesis, and is a major determinant of microbial competition and metabolic pathways in groundwater, sediments, and soils. Despite the importance of H2 for many microbial processes in the environment, the total H2 consuming capacity (or H2 demand) of soils is generally unknown. Using soil microcosms with added H2, the aims of this study were 1) to measure the H2 demand of geochemically diverse soils and 2) to define the processes leading to this demand. Study results documented a large range of H2 demand in soil (0.034-1.2 millielectron equivalents H2 g-1 soil). The measured H2 demand greatly exceeded the theoretical demand predicted based on measured concentrations of common electron acceptors initially present in a library of 15 soils. While methanogenesis accounted for the largest fraction of H2 demand, humic acid reduction and acetogenesis were also significant contributing H2-consuming processes. Much of the H2 demand could be attributed to CO2 produced during incubation from fermentation and/or acetoclastic methanogenesis. The soil initial total organic carbon showed the strongest correlation to H2 demand. Besides external additions, H2 was likely generated or cycled in the microcosms. Apart from fermentative H2 production, carboxylate elongation to produce C4-C7 fatty acids may have accounted for additional H2 production in these soils. Many of these processes, especially the organic carbon contribution is underestimated in microbial models for H2 consumption in natural soil ecosystems or during bioremediation of contaminants in soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Meinel
- Arizona State University, Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State University, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State University, Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Anca G Delgado
- Arizona State University, Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State University, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State University, Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Zehra Esra Ilhan
- Arizona State University, Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Marisol Luna Aguero
- Arizona State University, Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State University, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State University, Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Samuel Aguiar
- Arizona State University, Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State University, Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- Arizona State University, Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State University, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State University, Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State University, Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - César I Torres
- Arizona State University, Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State University, Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State University, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport & Energy, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Apul OG, Arrowsmith S, Hall CA, Miranda EM, Alam F, Dahlen P, Sra K, Kamath R, McMillen SJ, Sihota N, Westerhoff P, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Delgado AG. Biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in a weathered, unsaturated soil is inhibited by peroxide oxidants. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 433:128770. [PMID: 35364529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Field-weathered crude oil-containing soils have a residual concentration of hydrocarbons with complex chemical structure, low solubility, and high viscosity, often poorly amenable to microbial degradation. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-based oxidation can generate oxygenated compounds that are smaller and/or more soluble and thus increase petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradability. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of H2O2-based oxidation under unsaturated soil conditions to promote biodegradation in a field-contaminated and weathered soil containing high concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (25200 mg TPH kg-1) and total organic carbon (80900 mg TOC kg-1). Microcosms amended with three doses of 48 g H2O2 kg-1 soil (unactivated or Fe2+-activated) or 24 g sodium percarbonate kg-1 soil and nutrients did not show substantial TPH changes during the experiment. However, 7.6-41.8% of the TOC concentration was removed. Furthermore, production of DOC was enhanced and highest in the microcosms with oxidants, with approximately 20-40-fold DOC increase by the end of incubation. In the absence of oxidants, biostimulation led to > 50% TPH removal in 42 days. Oxidants limited TPH biodegradation by diminishing the viable concentration of microorganisms, altering the composition of the soil microbial communities, and/or creating inhibitory conditions in soil. Study's findings underscore the importance of soil characteristics and petroleum hydrocarbon properties and inform on potential limitations of combined H2O2 oxidation and biodegradation in weathered soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Onur G Apul
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Sarah Arrowsmith
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Caitlyn A Hall
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Evelyn M Miranda
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Fabiha Alam
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Paul Dahlen
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Kanwartej Sra
- Chevron Technical Center (a Chevron USA Inc. division), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roopa Kamath
- Chevron Technical Center (a Chevron USA Inc. division), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sara J McMillen
- Chevron Technical Center (a Chevron USA Inc. division), San Ramon, CA, USA
| | - Natasha Sihota
- Chevron Technical Center (a Chevron USA Inc. division), San Ramon, CA, USA
| | - Paul Westerhoff
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Anca G Delgado
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Robles A, Yellowman TL, Joshi S, Mohana Rangan S, Delgado AG. Microbial Chain Elongation and Subsequent Fermentation of Elongated Carboxylates as H 2-Producing Processes for Sustained Reductive Dechlorination of Chlorinated Ethenes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:10398-10410. [PMID: 34283573 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In situ anaerobic groundwater bioremediation of trichloroethene (TCE) to nontoxic ethene is contingent on organohalide-respiring Dehalococcoidia, the most common strictly hydrogenotrophic Dehalococcoides mccartyi (D. mccartyi). The H2 requirement for D. mccartyi is fulfilled by adding various organic substrates (e.g., lactate, emulsified vegetable oil, and glucose/molasses), which require fermenting microorganisms to convert them to H2. The net flux of H2 is a crucial controlling parameter in the efficacy of bioremediation. H2 consumption by competing microorganisms (e.g., methanogens and homoacetogens) can diminish the rates of reductive dechlorination or stall the process altogether. Furthermore, some fermentation pathways do not produce H2 or having H2 as a product is not always thermodynamically favorable under environmental conditions. Here, we report on a novel application of microbial chain elongation as a H2-producing process for reductive dechlorination. In soil microcosms bioaugmented with dechlorinating and chain-elongating enrichment cultures, near stoichiometric conversion of TCE (0.07 ± 0.01, 0.60 ± 0.03, and 1.50 ± 0.20 mmol L-1 added sequentially) to ethene was achieved when initially stimulated by chain elongation of acetate and ethanol. Chain elongation initiated reductive dechlorination by liberating H2 in the conversion of acetate and ethanol to butyrate and caproate. Syntrophic fermentation of butyrate, a chain-elongation product, to H2 and acetate further sustained the reductive dechlorination activity. Methanogenesis was limited during TCE dechlorination in soil microcosms and absent in transfer cultures fed with chain-elongation substrates. This study provides critical fundamental knowledge toward the feasibility of chlorinated solvent bioremediation based on microbial chain elongation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aide Robles
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Theodora L Yellowman
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Sayalee Joshi
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Srivatsan Mohana Rangan
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Anca G Delgado
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Joshi S, Robles A, Aguiar S, Delgado AG. The occurrence and ecology of microbial chain elongation of carboxylates in soils. THE ISME JOURNAL 2021; 15:1907-1918. [PMID: 33558687 PMCID: PMC8245554 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-00893-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Chain elongation is a growth-dependent anaerobic metabolism that combines acetate and ethanol into butyrate, hexanoate, and octanoate. While the model microorganism for chain elongation, Clostridium kluyveri, was isolated from a saturated soil sample in the 1940s, chain elongation has remained unexplored in soil environments. During soil fermentative events, simple carboxylates and alcohols can transiently accumulate up to low mM concentrations, suggesting in situ possibility of microbial chain elongation. Here, we examined the occurrence and microbial ecology of chain elongation in four soil types in microcosms and enrichments amended with chain elongation substrates. All soils showed evidence of chain elongation activity with several days of incubation at high (100 mM) and environmentally relevant (2.5 mM) concentrations of acetate and ethanol. Three soils showed substantial activity in soil microcosms with high substrate concentrations, converting 58% or more of the added carbon as acetate and ethanol to butyrate, butanol, and hexanoate. Semi-batch enrichment yielded hexanoate and octanoate as the most elongated products and microbial communities predominated by C. kluyveri and other Firmicutes genera not known to undergo chain elongation. Collectively, these results strongly suggest a niche for chain elongation in anaerobic soils that should not be overlooked in soil microbial ecology studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayalee Joshi
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Aide Robles
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Samuel Aguiar
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Anca G Delgado
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- Engineering Research Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mohana Rangan S, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Delgado AG. An Ion Chromatography Method for Simultaneous Quantification of Chromate, Arsenate, Selenate, Perchlorate, and Other Inorganic Anions in Environmental Media. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE 2021; 38:626-634. [PMID: 34316248 PMCID: PMC8312025 DOI: 10.1089/ees.2020.0347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Chromium (Cr) (VI) is a toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic water pollutant. The standard ion chromatography (IC) method for quantification of Cr (VI) in water samples is Environmental Protection Agency Method 218.7, which requires postcolumn derivatization with 1,5-diphenylcarbazide and UV-Vis spectroscopy detection. Method 218.7 is Cr (VI) specific; thus, it does not allow detection of co-occurring natural and anthropogenic anions in environmental media. In this study, we developed an isocratic IC method with suppressed conductivity detection, a Metrohm Metrosep A Supp 7 column, and sodium carbonate/acetonitrile as mobile phase for simultaneous quantification of Cr (VI),C l O 4 - , As (V) as arsenate, Se (VI) as selenate, and the common anions F-, Cl-,N O 2 - ,N O 3 - , andS O 4 2 - . The determination coefficient for every analyte was >0.99 and the method showed good accuracy in quantification. Cr (VI), As (V), Se (VI), andC l O 4 - limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.1-0.6 μg/L and 0.5-2.1 μg/L, respectively. Recovery of Cr (VI) in various aqueous samples (tap water, surface water, groundwater, and wastewater) was between 97.2% and 102.8%. Overall, most analytes showed acceptable recovery (80-120%) in the environmental samples tested. The IC method was applied to track Cr (VI) and other anion concentrations in laboratory batch microcosms experiments with soil, surface water, and anaerobic medium. The IC method developed in this study should prove useful to environmental practitioners, academic and research organizations, and industries for monitoring low concentrations of multiple anions in environmental media, helping to decrease the sample requirement, time, and cost of analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srivatsan Mohana Rangan
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Engineering Research Center for Bio-Mediated and Bio-Inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Engineering Research Center for Bio-Mediated and Bio-Inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Anca G. Delgado
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Engineering Research Center for Bio-Mediated and Bio-Inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li J, Hu A, Bai S, Yang X, Sun Q, Liao X, Yu CP. Characterization and Performance of Lactate-Feeding Consortia for Reductive Dechlorination of Trichloroethene. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040751. [PMID: 33918519 PMCID: PMC8065584 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the underlying mechanism that drives the microbial community mediated by substrates is crucial to enhance the biostimulation in trichloroethene (TCE)-contaminated sites. Here, we investigated the performance of stable TCE-dechlorinating consortia by monitoring the variations in TCE-related metabolites and explored their underlying assembly mechanisms using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing and bioinformatics analyses. The monitoring results indicated that three stable TCE-dechlorinating consortia were successfully enriched by lactate-containing anaerobic media. The statistical analysis results demonstrated that the microbial communities of the enrichment cultures changed along with time and were distinguished by their sample sources. The deterministic and stochastic processes were simultaneously responsible for shaping the TCE-dechlorinating community assembly. The indicator patterns shifted with the exhaustion of the carbon source and the pollutants, and the tceA-carrying Dehalococcoides, as an indicator for the final stage samples, responded positively to TCE removal during the incubation period. Pseudomonas, Desulforhabdus, Desulfovibrio and Methanofollis were identified as keystone populations in the TCE-dechlorinating process by co-occurrence network analysis. The results of this study indicate that lactate can be an effective substrate for stimulated bioremediation of TCE-contaminated sites, and the reduction of the stochastic forces or enhancement of the deterministic interventions may promote more effective biostimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiangwei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; (J.L.); (A.H.); (X.Y.); (Q.S.); (X.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Anyi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; (J.L.); (A.H.); (X.Y.); (Q.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Shijie Bai
- Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academic of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China;
| | - Xiaoyong Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; (J.L.); (A.H.); (X.Y.); (Q.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Qian Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; (J.L.); (A.H.); (X.Y.); (Q.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Xu Liao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; (J.L.); (A.H.); (X.Y.); (Q.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Chang-Ping Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; (J.L.); (A.H.); (X.Y.); (Q.S.); (X.L.)
- Water Innovation, Low Carbon and Environmental Sustainability Research Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Luo YH, Zhou C, Bi Y, Long X, Wang B, Tang Y, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Rittmann BE. Long-Term Continuous Co-reduction of 1,1,1-Trichloroethane and Trichloroethene over Palladium Nanoparticles Spontaneously Deposited on H 2-Transfer Membranes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:2057-2066. [PMID: 33236898 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
1,1,1-Trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA) and trichloroethene (TCE) are common recalcitrant contaminants that coexist in groundwater. H2-induced reduction over precious-metal catalysts has proven advantageous, but its application to long-term continuous treatment has been limited due to poor H2-transfer efficiency and catalyst loss. Furthermore, catalytic reductions of aqueous 1,1,1-TCA alone or concomitant with TCE catalytic co-reductions are unstudied. Here, we investigated 1,1,1-TCA and TCE co-reduction using palladium nanoparticle (PdNP) catalysts spontaneously deposited on H2-transfer membranes that allow efficient H2 supply on demand in a bubble-free form. The catalytic activities for 1,1,1-TCA and TCE reductions reached 9.9 and 11 L/g-Pd/min, values significantly greater than that reported for other immobilized-PdNP systems. During 90 day continuous operation, removals were up to 95% for 1,1,1-TCA and 99% for TCE. The highest steady-state removal fluxes were 1.5 g/m2/day for 1,1,1-TCA and 1.7 g/m2/day for TCE. The major product was nontoxic ethane (94% selectivity). Only 4% of the originally deposited PdNPs were lost over 90 days of continuous operation. Documenting long-term continuous Pd-catalyzed dechlorination at high surface loading with minimal loss of the catalyst mass or activity, this work expands understanding of and provides a foundation for sustainable catalytic removal of co-existing chlorinated solvents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hao Luo
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-5701, Arizona, United States
| | - Chen Zhou
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-5701, Arizona, United States
| | - Yuqiang Bi
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-5701, Arizona, United States
| | - Xiangxing Long
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-5701, Arizona, United States
- Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-5701, Arizona, United States
| | - Boya Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee 32306-1058, Florida, United States
| | - Youneng Tang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee 32306-1058, Florida, United States
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-5701, Arizona, United States
| | - Bruce E Rittmann
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-5701, Arizona, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rangan SM, Mouti A, LaPat-Polasko L, Lowry GV, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Delgado AG. Synergistic Zerovalent Iron (Fe 0) and Microbiological Trichloroethene and Perchlorate Reductions Are Determined by the Concentration and Speciation of Fe. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:14422-14431. [PMID: 33151674 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Trichloroethene (TCE) and perchlorate (ClO4-) are cocontaminants at multiple Superfund sites. Fe0 is often used during TCE bioremediation with Dehalococcoides mccartyi to establish anoxic conditions in the aquifer. However, the synergy between Fe0 abiotic reactions and microbiological TCE and ClO4- reductions is poorly understood and seldom addressed in the literature. Here, we investigated the effects of Fe0 and its oxidation product, Fe2+, at field-relevant concentrations in promoting microbial TCE and ClO4- reductions. Using semibatch microcosms with a Superfund site soil and groundwater, we showed that the high Fe0 concentration (16.5 g L-1) expected during Fe0in situ injection mostly yielded TCE abiotic reduction to ethene/ethane. However, such concentrations obscured dechlorination by D. mccartyi, impeded ClO4- reduction, and enhanced SO42- reduction and methanogenesis. Fe2+ at 0.25 g L-1 substantially delayed conversion of TCE to ethene when compared to no-Fe controls. A low concentration of aged-Fe0 synergistically promoted microbiological TCE dechlorination to ethene while achieving complete ClO4- reduction. Collectively, these results illustrate scenarios relevant at or downstream of Fe0 injection zones when Fe0 is used to facilitate microbial dechlorination. Results also underscore the potential detrimental effects of Fe0 and bioaugmentation cultures coinjection for in situ treatment of chlorinated ethenes and ClO4-.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srivatsan Mohana Rangan
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Aatikah Mouti
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | | | - Gregory V Lowry
- Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (CEINT) Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| | - Anca G Delgado
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics (CBBG), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang X, Xin J, Yuan M, Zhao F. Electron competition and electron selectivity in abiotic, biotic, and coupled systems for dechlorinating chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons in groundwater: A review. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 183:116060. [PMID: 32750534 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) have been frequently detected in aquifers in recent years. Owing to the bioaccumulation and toxicity of CAHs, it is essential to explore high-efficiency technologies for their complete dechlorination in groundwater. At present, the most widely used abiotic and biotic remediation technologies are based on zero-valent iron (ZVI) and functional anaerobic bacteria (FAB), respectively. However, the main obstacles to the full potential of both technologies in the field include their lowered efficiencies and increased economic costs due to the co-existence of a variety of natural electron acceptors in the environment, such as dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate (NO3-), sulfate (SO42-), ferric iron (Fe (III)), bicarbonate (HCO3-), and even water, which compete for electrons with the target contaminants. Therefore, a clear understanding of the mechanisms governing electron competition and electron selectivity is significant for the accurate evaluation of the effectiveness of both technologies under natural hydrochemical conditions. We collected data from both abiotic and biotic CAH-remediation systems, summarized the dechlorination and undesired reactions in groundwater, discussed the characterization methods and general principles of electron competition, and described strategies to improve electron selectivity in both systems. Furthermore, we reviewed the emerging ZVI-FAB coupled system, which integrates abiotic and biotic processes to enhance dechlorination performance and electron utilization efficiency. Lastly, we propose future research needs to quantitatively understand the electron competition in abiotic, biotic, and coupled systems in more detail and to promote improved electron selectivity in groundwater remediation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wang
- Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Geological Engineering College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Jia Xin
- Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Geological Engineering College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China.
| | - Mengjiao Yuan
- Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Geological Engineering College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Key Lab of Marine Environmental Science and Ecology, Ministry of Education Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Geological Engineering College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lai YS, Ontiveros‐Valencia A, Coskun T, Zhou C, Rittmann BE. Electron‐acceptor loadings affect chloroform dechlorination in a hydrogen‐based membrane biofilm reactor. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 116:1439-1448. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.26945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- YenJung Sean Lai
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentArizona State University, Biodesign InstituteTempe Arizona
| | - Aura Ontiveros‐Valencia
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentArizona State University, Biodesign InstituteTempe Arizona
- Present address: Escuela de Ingenieria y CienciasTecnologico de Monterrey, Campus PueblaPuebla Pue Mexico
| | - Tamer Coskun
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentArizona State University, Biodesign InstituteTempe Arizona
| | - Chen Zhou
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentArizona State University, Biodesign InstituteTempe Arizona
| | - Bruce E. Rittmann
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built EnvironmentArizona State University, Biodesign InstituteTempe Arizona
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ontiveros-Valencia A, Zhou C, Zhao HP, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Tang Y, Rittmann BE. Managing microbial communities in membrane biofilm reactors. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:9003-9014. [PMID: 30128582 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9293-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Membrane biofilm reactors (MBfRs) deliver gaseous substrates to biofilms that develop on the outside of gas-transfer membranes. When an MBfR delivers electron donors hydrogen (H2) or methane (CH4), a wide range of oxidized contaminants can be reduced as electron acceptors, e.g., nitrate, perchlorate, selenate, and trichloroethene. When O2 is delivered as an electron acceptor, reduced contaminants can be oxidized, e.g., benzene, toluene, and surfactants. The MBfR's biofilm often harbors a complex microbial community; failure to control the growth of undesirable microorganisms can result in poor performance. Fortunately, the community's structure and function can be managed using a set of design and operation features as follows: gas pressure, membrane type, and surface loadings. Proper selection of these features ensures that the best microbial community is selected and sustained. Successful design and operation of an MBfR depends on a holistic understanding of the microbial community's structure and function. This involves integrating performance data with omics results, such as with stoichiometric and kinetic modeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Ontiveros-Valencia
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 156 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46617, USA. .,Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Puebla, Ave. Atlixcáyotl 2301, 72453, Puebla, Pue, Mexico. .,Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA.
| | - C Zhou
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA
| | - H-P Zhao
- College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control & Environmental Safety, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - R Krajmalnik-Brown
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA.,School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Y Tang
- FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32310, USA
| | - B E Rittmann
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA.,School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Atashgahi S, Häggblom MM, Smidt H. Organohalide respiration in pristine environments: implications for the natural halogen cycle. Environ Microbiol 2017; 20:934-948. [PMID: 29215190 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Halogenated organic compounds, also termed organohalogens, were initially considered to be of almost exclusively anthropogenic origin. However, over 5000 naturally synthesized organohalogens are known today. This has also fuelled the hypothesis that the natural and ancient origin of organohalogens could have primed development of metabolic machineries for their degradation, especially in microorganisms. Among these, a special group of anaerobic microorganisms was discovered that could conserve energy by reducing organohalogens as terminal electron acceptor in a process termed organohalide respiration. Originally discovered in a quest for biodegradation of anthropogenic organohalogens, these organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB) were soon found to reside in pristine environments, such as the deep subseafloor and Arctic tundra soil with limited/no connections to anthropogenic activities. As such, accumulating evidence suggests an important role of OHRB in local natural halogen cycles, presumably taking advantage of natural organohalogens. In this minireview, we integrate current knowledge regarding the natural origin and occurrence of industrially important organohalogens and the evolution and spread of OHRB, and describe potential implications for natural halogen and carbon cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Atashgahi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen 6708 WE, The Netherlands
| | - Max M Häggblom
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen 6708 WE, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Leitner S, Berger H, Gorfer M, Reichenauer TG, Watzinger A. Isotopic effects of PCE induced by organohalide-respiring bacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:24803-24815. [PMID: 28913587 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0075-2] [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: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Reductive dechlorination performed by organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB) enables the complete detoxification of certain emerging groundwater pollutants such as perchloroethene (PCE). Environmental samples from a contaminated site incubated in a lab-scale microcosm (MC) study enable documentation of such reductive dechlorination processes. As compound-specific isotope analysis is used to monitor PCE degradation processes, nucleic acid analysis-like 16S-rDNA analysis-can be used to determine the key OHRB that are present. This study applied both methods to laboratory MCs prepared from environmental samples to investigate OHRB-specific isotope enrichment at PCE dechlorination. This method linkage can enhance the understanding of isotope enrichment patterns of distinct OHRB, which further contribute to more accurate evaluation, characterisation and prospection of natural attenuation processes. Results identified three known OHRB genera (Dehalogenimonas, Desulfuromonas, Geobacter) in diverse abundance within MCs. One species of Dehalogenimonas was potentially involved in complete reductive dechlorination of PCE to ethene. Furthermore, the isotopic effects of PCE degradation were clustered and two isotope enrichment factors (ε) (- 11.6‰, - 1.7‰) were obtained. Notably, ε values were independent of degradation rates and kinetics, but did reflect the genera of the dechlorinating OHRB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Leitner
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Energy Department, Environmental Resources & Technologies, Konrad-Lorenz-Str. 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria
| | - Harald Berger
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Health & Environment Department, Bioresources, Konrad-Lorenz-Str. 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria
| | - Markus Gorfer
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Health & Environment Department, Bioresources, Konrad-Lorenz-Str. 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria
| | - Thomas G Reichenauer
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Energy Department, Environmental Resources & Technologies, Konrad-Lorenz-Str. 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria
| | - Andrea Watzinger
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Energy Department, Environmental Resources & Technologies, Konrad-Lorenz-Str. 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Delgado AG, Fajardo-Williams D, Bondank E, Esquivel-Elizondo S, Krajmalnik-Brown R. Coupling Bioflocculation of Dehalococcoides mccartyi to High-Rate Reductive Dehalogenation of Chlorinated Ethenes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:11297-11307. [PMID: 28914537 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b03097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Continuous bioreactors operated at low hydraulic retention times have rarely been explored for reductive dehalogenation of chlorinated ethenes. The inability to consistently develop such bioreactors affects the way growth approaches for Dehalococcoides mccartyi bioaugmentation cultures are envisioned. It also affects interpretation of results from in situ continuous treatment processes. We report bioreactor performance and dehalogenation kinetics of a D. mccartyi-containing consortium in an upflow bioreactor. When fed synthetic groundwater at 11-3.6 h HRT, the upflow bioreactor removed >99.7% of the influent trichloroethene (1.5-2.8 mM) and produced ethene as the main product. A trichloroethene removal rate of 98.51 ± 0.05 me- equiv L-1 d-1 was achieved at 3.6 h HRT. D. mccartyi cell densities were 1013 and 1012 16S rRNA gene copies L-1 in the bioflocs and planktonic culture, respectively. When challenged with a feed of natural groundwater containing various competing electron acceptors and 0.3-0.4 mM trichloroethene, trichloroethene removal was sustained at >99.6%. Electron micrographs revealed that D. mccartyi were abundant within the bioflocs, not only in multispecies structures, but also as self-aggregated microcolonies. This study provides fundamental evidence toward the feasibility of upflow bioreactors containing D. mccartyi as high-density culture production tools or as a high-rate, real-time remediation biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anca G Delgado
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona 85287-5701, United States
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona 85287-3005, United States
| | - Devyn Fajardo-Williams
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona 85287-5701, United States
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona 85287-3005, United States
| | - Emily Bondank
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona 85287-5701, United States
| | - Sofia Esquivel-Elizondo
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona 85287-5701, United States
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona 85287-3005, United States
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona 85287-5701, United States
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona 85287-3005, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dehalococcoides and general bacterial ecology of differentially trichloroethene dechlorinating flow-through columns. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 101:4799-4813. [PMID: 28213734 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-017-8180-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The diversity of Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc) and/or other organohalide respiring or associated microorganisms in parallel, partial, or complete trichloroethene (TCE) dehalogenating systems has not been well described. The composition of Dhc populations and the associated bacterial community that developed over 7.5 years in the top layer (0-10 cm) of eight TCE-fed columns were examined using pyrosequencing. Columns biostimulated with one of three carbon sources, along with non-stimulated controls, developed into complete (ethene production, whey amended), partial (cis-dichloroethene (DCE) and VC, an emulsified oil with nonionic surfactant), limited (<5 % cis-DCE and 95 % TCE, an emulsified oil), and non- (controls) TCE dehalogenating systems. Bioaugmentation of one column of each treatment with Bachman Road enrichment culture did not change Dhc populations nor the eventual degree of TCE dehalogenation. Pyrosequencing revealed high diversity among Dhc strains. There were 13 OTUs that were represented by more than 1000 sequences each. Cornell group-related populations dominated in complete TCE dehalogenating columns, while Pinellas group related Dhc dominated in all other treatments. General microbial communities varied with biostimulation, and three distinct microbial communities were established: one each for whey, oils, and control treatments. Bacterial genera, including Dehalobacter, Desulfitobacterium, Sulfurospirillum, Desulfuromonas, and Geobacter, all capable of partial TCE dehalogenation, were abundant in the limited and partial TCE dehalogenating systems. Dhc strain diversity was wider than previously reported and their composition within the community varied significantly depending on the nature of the carbon source applied and/or changes in the Dhc associated partners that fostered different biogeochemical conditions across the columns.
Collapse
|
19
|
Mayer-Blackwell K, Azizian MF, Green JK, Spormann AM, Semprini L. Survival of Vinyl Chloride Respiring Dehalococcoides mccartyi under Long-Term Electron Donor Limitation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:1635-1642. [PMID: 28002948 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b05050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In anoxic groundwater aquifers, the long-term survival of Dehalococcoides mccartyi populations expressing the gene vcrA (or bvcA) encoding reductive vinyl chloride dehalogenases are important to achieve complete dechlorination of tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) to nonchlorinated ethene. The absence or inactivity of vcrA-containing Dehalococcoides results in the accumulation of the harmful chlorinated intermediates dichloroethene (DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC). Although vcrA-containing Dehalococcoides subpopulations depend on synergistic interaction with other organohalide-respiring populations generating their metabolic electron acceptors (DCE and VC), their survival requires successful competition for electron donor within the entire organohalide-respiring microbial community. To understand this dualism of synergy and competition under growth conditions relevant in contaminated aquifers, we investigated Dehalococcoides-level population structure when subjected to a change in the ratio of electron donor to chlorinated electron acceptor in continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) operated over 7 years. When the electron donor formate was supplied in stoichiometric excess to TCE, both tceA-containing and vcrA-containing Dehalococcoides populations persisted, and near-complete dechlorination to ethene was stably maintained. When the electron donor formate was supplied at substoichiometric concentrations, the interactions between tceA-containing and vcrA-containing populations shifted toward direct competition for the same limiting catabolic electron donor substrate with subsequent niche exclusion of the vcrA-containing population. After more than 2000 days of operation under electron donor limitation, increasing the electron donor to TCE ratio facilitated a recovery of the vcrA-containing Dehalococoides population to its original frequency. We demonstrate that electron donor scarcity alone, in the absence of competing metabolic processes or inhibitory dechlorination intermediate products, is sufficient to alter the Dehalococcoides population structure. These results underscore the importance of electron donor and chloroethene stoichiometry in maintaining balanced functional performance within consortia composed of multiple D. mccartyi subpopulations, even when other competing electron acceptor processes are absent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad F Azizian
- Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Jennifer K Green
- Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | | | - Lewis Semprini
- Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wen LL, Yang Q, Zhang ZX, Yi YY, Tang Y, Zhao HP. Interaction of perchlorate and trichloroethene bioreductions in mixed anaerobic culture. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 571:11-17. [PMID: 27449607 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.07.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This work evaluated the interaction of perchlorate and trichloroethene (TCE), two common co-contaminants in groundwater, during bioreduction in serum bottles containing synthetic mineral salts media and microbial consortia. TCE at concentrations up to 0.3mM did not significantly affect perchlorate reduction; however, perchlorate concentrations higher than 0.1mM made the reduction of TCE significantly slower. Perchlorate primarily inhibited the reduction of vinyl chloride (VC, a daughter product of TCE) to ethene. Mechanistic analysis showed that the inhibition was mainly because perchlorate reduction is thermodynamically more favorable than reduction of TCE and its daughter products and not because of toxicity due to accumulation of dissolved oxygen produced during perchlorate reduction. As the initial perchlorate concentration increased from 0 to 600mg/L in a set of serum bottles, the relative abundance of Rhodocyclaceae (a putatively perchlorate-reducing genus) increased from 6.3 to 80.6%, while the relative abundance of Dehalococcoides, the only known genus that is able to reduce TCE all the way to ethene, significantly decreased. Similarly, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria (a phylum to which most known perchlorate-reducing bacteria belong) increased from 22% to almost 80%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lian Wen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Prov Key Lab Water Pollut Control & Envi, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Yang
- Hangzhou Institute of Environmental Protection Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhao-Xin Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang-Yi Yi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Youneng Tang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310-6046, USA
| | - He-Ping Zhao
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Prov Key Lab Water Pollut Control & Envi, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Hangzhou Institute of Environmental Protection Science, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Miceli JF, Torres CI, Krajmalnik-Brown R. Shifting the balance of fermentation products between hydrogen and volatile fatty acids: microbial community structure and function. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2016; 92:fiw195. [PMID: 27633926 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiw195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fermentation is a key process in many anaerobic environments. Varying the concentration of electron donor fed to a fermenting community is known to shift the distribution of products between hydrogen, fatty acids and alcohols. Work to date has focused mainly on the fermentation of glucose, and how the microbial community structure is affected has not been explored. We fed ethanol, lactate, glucose, sucrose or molasses at 100 me- eq. L-1, 200 me- eq. L-1 or 400 me- eq. L-1 to batch-fed cultures with fermenting, methanogenic communities. In communities fed high concentrations of electron donor, the fraction of electrons channeled to methane decreased, from 34% to 6%, while the fraction of electrons channeled to short chain fatty acids increased, from 52% to 82%, averaged across all electron donors. Ethanol-fed cultures did not produce propionate, but did show an increase in electrons directed to acetate as initial ethanol concentration increased. In glucose, sucrose, molasses and lactate-fed cultures, propionate accumulation co-occurred with known propionate producing organisms. Overall, microbial communities were determined by the substrate provided, rather than its initial concentration, indicating that a change in community function, rather than community structure, is responsible for shifts in the fermentation products produced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Miceli
- Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe 85287, Arizona, USA
| | - César I Torres
- Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe 85287, Arizona, USA
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe 85287, Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Impact of Ammonium on Syntrophic Organohalide-Respiring and Fermenting Microbial Communities. mSphere 2016; 1:mSphere00053-16. [PMID: 27303735 PMCID: PMC4894693 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00053-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Contamination with ammonium and chlorinated solvents has been reported in numerous subsurface environments, and these chemicals bring significant challenges for in situ bioremediation. Dehalococcoides mccartyi is able to reduce the chlorinated solvent trichloroethene to the nontoxic end product ethene. Fermentative bacteria are of central importance for organohalide respiration and bioremediation to provide D. mccartyi with H2, their electron donor, acetate, their carbon source, and other micronutrients. In this study, we found that high concentrations of ammonium negatively correlated with rates of trichloroethene reductive dehalogenation and fermentation. However, detoxification of trichloroethene to nontoxic ethene occurred even at ammonium concentrations typical of those found in animal waste (up to 2 g liter−1 NH4+-N). To date, hundreds of subsurface environments have been bioremediated through the unique metabolic capability of D. mccartyi. These findings extend our knowledge of D. mccartyi and provide insight for bioremediation of sites contaminated with chlorinated solvents and ammonium. Syntrophic interactions between organohalide-respiring and fermentative microorganisms are critical for effective bioremediation of halogenated compounds. This work investigated the effect of ammonium concentration (up to 4 g liter−1 NH4+-N) on trichloroethene-reducing Dehalococcoides mccartyi and Geobacteraceae in microbial communities fed lactate and methanol. We found that production of ethene by D. mccartyi occurred in mineral medium containing ≤2 g liter−1 NH4+-N and in landfill leachate. For the partial reduction of trichloroethene (TCE) to cis-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) at ≥1 g liter−1 NH4+-N, organohalide-respiring dynamics shifted from D. mccartyi and Geobacteraceae to mainly D. mccartyi. An increasing concentration of ammonium was coupled to lower metabolic rates, longer lag times, and lower gene abundances for all microbial processes studied. The methanol fermentation pathway to acetate and H2 was conserved, regardless of the ammonium concentration provided. However, lactate fermentation shifted from propionic to acetogenic at concentrations of ≥2 g liter−1 NH4+-N. Our study findings strongly support a tolerance of D. mccartyi to high ammonium concentrations, highlighting the feasibility of organohalide respiration in ammonium-contaminated subsurface environments. IMPORTANCE Contamination with ammonium and chlorinated solvents has been reported in numerous subsurface environments, and these chemicals bring significant challenges for in situ bioremediation. Dehalococcoides mccartyi is able to reduce the chlorinated solvent trichloroethene to the nontoxic end product ethene. Fermentative bacteria are of central importance for organohalide respiration and bioremediation to provide D. mccartyi with H2, their electron donor, acetate, their carbon source, and other micronutrients. In this study, we found that high concentrations of ammonium negatively correlated with rates of trichloroethene reductive dehalogenation and fermentation. However, detoxification of trichloroethene to nontoxic ethene occurred even at ammonium concentrations typical of those found in animal waste (up to 2 g liter−1 NH4+-N). To date, hundreds of subsurface environments have been bioremediated through the unique metabolic capability of D. mccartyi. These findings extend our knowledge of D. mccartyi and provide insight for bioremediation of sites contaminated with chlorinated solvents and ammonium.
Collapse
|
23
|
Mirza BS, Sorensen DL, Dupont RR, McLean JE. Dehalococcoides abundance and alternate electron acceptor effects on large, flow-through trichloroethene dechlorinating columns. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 100:2367-79. [PMID: 26536878 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-7112-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Trichloroethene (TCE) in groundwater is a major health concern and biostimulation/bioaugmentation-based strategies have been evaluated to achieve complete reductive dechlorination with varying success. Different carbon sources were hypothesized to stimulate different extents of TCE reductive dechlorination. Ecological conditions that developed different dechlorination stages were investigated by quantitating Dehalococcoides 16S rRNA (Dhc) and reductive dehalogenase gene abundance, and by describing biogeochemical properties of laboratory columns in response to this biostimulation. Eight large columns (183 cm × 15.2 cm), packed with aquifer material from Hill AFB, Utah, that were continuously fed TCE for 7.5 years. Duplicate columns were biostimulated with whey or one of two different Newman Zone® emulsified oil formulations containing either nonionic surfactant (EOLN) or standard surfactant (EOL). Two columns were non-stimulated controls. Complete (whey amended), partial (EOLN amended), limited (EOL), and non-TCE dehalogenating systems (controls) developed over the course of the study. Bioaugmentation of half of the columns with Bachman Road culture 3 years prior to dismantling did not influence the extent of TCE dehalogenation. Multivariate analysis clustered samples by biostimulation treatments and extent of TCE dehalogenation. Dhc, tceA, and bvcA gene concentrations did not show a consistent relationship with TCE dehalogenation but the vcrA gene was more abundant in completely dehalogenating, whey-treated columns. The whey columns developed strongly reducing conditions producing Fe(II), sulfide, and methane. Biostimulation with different carbon and energy sources can support high concentrations of diverse Dhc, but carbon addition has a major influence on biogeochemical processes effecting the extent of TCE dehalogenation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Babur S Mirza
- Utah Water Research Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322-8200, USA
| | - Darwin L Sorensen
- Utah Water Research Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322-8200, USA
| | - R Ryan Dupont
- Utah Water Research Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322-8200, USA.,Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322-8200, USA
| | - Joan E McLean
- Utah Water Research Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322-8200, USA. .,Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322-8200, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sutton NB, Atashgahi S, Saccenti E, Grotenhuis T, Smidt H, Rijnaarts HHM. Microbial Community Response of an Organohalide Respiring Enrichment Culture to Permanganate Oxidation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134615. [PMID: 26244346 PMCID: PMC4526698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
While in situ chemical oxidation is often used to remediate tetrachloroethene (PCE) contaminated locations, very little is known about its influence on microbial composition and organohalide respiration (OHR) activity. Here, we investigate the impact of oxidation with permanganate on OHR rates, the abundance of organohalide respiring bacteria (OHRB) and reductive dehalogenase (rdh) genes using quantitative PCR, and microbial community composition through sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. A PCE degrading enrichment was repeatedly treated with low (25 μmol), medium (50 μmol), or high (100 μmol) permanganate doses, or no oxidant treatment (biotic control). Low and medium treatments led to higher OHR rates and enrichment of several OHRB and rdh genes, as compared to the biotic control. Improved degradation rates can be attributed to enrichment of (1) OHRB able to also utilize Mn oxides as a terminal electron acceptor and (2) non-dechlorinating community members of the Clostridiales and Deltaproteobacteria possibly supporting OHRB by providing essential co-factors. In contrast, high permanganate treatment disrupted dechlorination beyond cis-dichloroethene and caused at least a 2-4 orders of magnitude reduction in the abundance of all measured OHRB and rdh genes, as compared to the biotic control. High permanganate treatments resulted in a notably divergent microbial community, with increased abundances of organisms affiliated with Campylobacterales and Oceanospirillales capable of dissimilatory Mn reduction, and decreased abundance of presumed supporters of OHRB. Although OTUs classified within the OHR-supportive order Clostridiales and OHRB increased in abundance over the course of 213 days following the final 100 μmol permanganate treatment, only limited regeneration of PCE dechlorination was observed in one of three microcosms, suggesting strong chemical oxidation treatments can irreversibly disrupt OHR. Overall, this detailed investigation into dose-dependent changes of microbial composition and activity due to permanganate treatment provides insight into the mechanisms of OHR stimulation or disruption upon chemical oxidation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora B. Sutton
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Siavash Atashgahi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Edoardo Saccenti
- Laboratory of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Grotenhuis
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|