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Lan X, Lin W, Ning Z, Su X, Chen Y, Jia Y, Xiao E. Arsenic shapes the microbial community structures in tungsten mine waste rocks. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114573. [PMID: 36243050 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114573] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tungsten (W) is a critical material that is widely used in military applications, electronics, lighting technology, power engineering and the automotive and aerospace industries. In recent decades, overexploitation of W has generated large amounts of mine waste rocks, which generate elevated content of toxic elements and cause serious adverse effects on ecosystems and public health. Microorganisms are considered important players in toxic element migrations from waste rocks. However, the understanding of how the microbial community structure varies in W mine waste rocks and its key driving factors is still unknown. In this study, high-throughput sequencing methods were used to determine the microbial community profiles along a W content gradient in W mine waste rocks. We found that the microbial community structures showed clear differences across the different W levels in waste rocks. Notably, arsenic (As), instead of W and nutrients, was identified as the most important predictor influencing microbial diversity. Furthermore, our results also showed that As is the most important environmental factor that regulates the distribution patterns of ecological clusters and keystone ASVs. Importantly, we found that the dominant genera have been regulated by As and were widely involved in As biogeochemical cycling in waste rocks. Taken together, our results have provided useful information about the response of microbial communities to W mine waste rocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Lan
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, 521041, China
| | - Wenjie Lin
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, 521041, China.
| | - Zengping Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Xinyu Su
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, 521041, China
| | - Yushuang Chen
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, 521041, China
| | - Yanlong Jia
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, 521041, China
| | - Enzong Xiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Milojevic T, Cramm MA, Hubert CRJ, Westall F. "Freezing" Thermophiles: From One Temperature Extreme to Another. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122417. [PMID: 36557670 PMCID: PMC9782878 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
New detections of thermophiles in psychrobiotic (i.e., bearing cold-tolerant life forms) marine and terrestrial habitats including Arctic marine sediments, Antarctic accretion ice, permafrost, and elsewhere are continually being reported. These microorganisms present great opportunities for microbial ecologists to examine biogeographical processes for spore-formers and non-spore-formers alike, including dispersal histories connecting warm and cold biospheres. In this review, we examine different examples of thermophiles in cryobiotic locations, and highlight exploration of thermophiles at cold temperatures under laboratory conditions. The survival of thermophiles in psychrobiotic environments provokes novel considerations of physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying natural cryopreservation of microorganisms. Cultures of thermophiles maintained at low temperature may serve as a non-sporulating laboratory model for further exploration of metabolic potential of thermophiles at psychrobiotic temperatures, as well as for elucidating molecular mechanisms behind natural preservation and adaptation to psychrobiotic environments. These investigations are highly relevant for the search for life on other cold and icy planets in the Solar System, such as Mars, Europa and Enceladus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Milojevic
- Exobiology Group, CNRS-Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, University of Orléans, Rue Charles Sadron, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orléans, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-2-3825-5548
| | - Margaret Anne Cramm
- Geomicrobiology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Casey R. J. Hubert
- Geomicrobiology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Frances Westall
- Exobiology Group, CNRS-Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, Rue Charles Sadron, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orléans, France
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Kölbl D, Memic A, Schnideritsch H, Wohlmuth D, Klösch G, Albu M, Giester G, Bujdoš M, Milojevic T. Thermoacidophilic Bioleaching of Industrial Metallic Steel Waste Product. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:864411. [PMID: 35495675 PMCID: PMC9043896 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.864411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The continuous deposition of hazardous metalliferous wastes derived from industrial steelmaking processes will lead to space shortages while valuable raw metals are being depleted. Currently, these landfilled waste products pose a rich resource for microbial thermoacidophilic bioleaching processes. Six thermoacidophilic archaea (Sulfolobus metallicus, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, Metallosphaera hakonensis, Metallosphaera sedula, Acidianus brierleyi, and Acidianus manzaensis) were cultivated on metal waste product derived from a steelmaking process to assess microbial proliferation and bioleaching potential. While all six strains were capable of growth and bioleaching of different elements, A. manzaensis outperformed other strains and its bioleaching potential was further studied in detail. The ability of A. manzaensis cells to break down and solubilize the mineral matrix of the metal waste product was observed via scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Refinement of bioleaching operation parameters shows that changes in pH influence the solubilization of certain elements, which might be considered for element-specific solubilization processes. Slight temperature shifts did not influence the release of metals from the metal waste product, but an increase in dust load in the bioreactors leads to increased element solubilization. The formation of gypsum crystals in course of A. manzaensis cultivation on dust was observed and clarified using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The results obtained from this study highlight the importance of thermoacidophilic archaea for future small-scale as well as large-scale bioleaching operations and metal recycling processes in regard to circular economies and waste management. A thorough understanding of the bioleaching performance of thermoacidophilic archaea facilitates further environmental biotechnological advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Kölbl
- Extremophiles/Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alma Memic
- Extremophiles/Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Mihaela Albu
- Graz Centre for Electron Microscopy, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerald Giester
- Department of Mineralogy and Crystallography, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marek Bujdoš
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tetyana Milojevic
- Extremophiles/Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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4
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Kotsyurbenko OR, Cordova JA, Belov AA, Cheptsov VS, Kölbl D, Khrunyk YY, Kryuchkova MO, Milojevic T, Mogul R, Sasaki S, Słowik GP, Snytnikov V, Vorobyova EA. Exobiology of the Venusian Clouds: New Insights into Habitability through Terrestrial Models and Methods of Detection. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:1186-1205. [PMID: 34255549 PMCID: PMC9545807 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The search for life beyond Earth has focused on Mars and the icy moons Europa and Enceladus, all of which are considered a safe haven for life due to evidence of current or past water. The surface of Venus, on the other hand, has extreme conditions that make it a nonhabitable environment to life as we know it. This is in contrast, however, to its cloud layer, which, while still an extreme environment, may prove to be a safe haven for some extreme forms of life similar to extremophiles on Earth. We consider the venusian clouds a habitable environment based on the presence of (1) a solvent for biochemical reactions, (2) appropriate physicochemical conditions, (3) available energy, and (4) biologically relevant elements. The diversity of extreme microbial ecosystems on Earth has allowed us to identify terrestrial chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms that may be analogs to putative venusian organisms. Here, we hypothesize and describe biological processes that may be performed by such organisms in the venusian clouds. To detect putative venusian organisms, we describe potential biosignature detection methods, which include metal-microbial interactions and optical methods. Finally, we describe currently available technology that can potentially be used for modeling and simulation experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg R. Kotsyurbenko
- Yugra State University, The Institute of Oil and Gas, School of Ecology, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russian Federation
- Network of Researchers on the Chemical Evolution of Life, Leeds, UK
| | - Jaime A. Cordova
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Andrey A. Belov
- Network of Researchers on the Chemical Evolution of Life, Leeds, UK
- Moscow State University, Faculty of Soil Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir S. Cheptsov
- Network of Researchers on the Chemical Evolution of Life, Leeds, UK
- Moscow State University, Faculty of Soil Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Space Research Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Denise Kölbl
- Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yuliya Y. Khrunyk
- Department of Heat Treatment and Physics of Metal, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
- M.N. Mikheev Institute of Metal Physics of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
| | - Margarita O. Kryuchkova
- Network of Researchers on the Chemical Evolution of Life, Leeds, UK
- Moscow State University, Faculty of Soil Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Tetyana Milojevic
- Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rakesh Mogul
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Satoshi Sasaki
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology/School of Health Sciences, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Grzegorz P. Słowik
- Institute of Materials and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Valery Snytnikov
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Elena A. Vorobyova
- Network of Researchers on the Chemical Evolution of Life, Leeds, UK
- Moscow State University, Faculty of Soil Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Milojevic T, Treiman AH, Limaye SS. Phosphorus in the Clouds of Venus: Potential for Bioavailability. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:1250-1263. [PMID: 34342520 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aerosol phase elements such as phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and metals including iron (Fe) are essential nutrients that could help sustain potential biodiversity in the cloud deck of Venus. While the presence of S and Fe in the venusian cloud deck has been broadly discussed (Zasova et al., 1981; Krasnopolsky, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017; Markiewicz et al., 2014), less attention has been given to the presence of P in the aerosols and its involvement in the multiphase chemistry of venusian clouds and potential sources of P deposition in the venusian atmosphere. A detailed characterization of phosphorus atmospheric chemistry in the cloud deck of Venus is crucial for understanding its solubility and bioavailability for potential venusian cloud microbiota (Schulze-Makuch et al., 2004; Grinspoon and Bullock, 2007; Limaye et al., 2018). We summarize our current understanding of the presence of P in the clouds of Venus and its role in a hypothetical atmospheric (bio)chemical cycle. The results of the VeGa lander measurements are put into perspective with regard to nutrient limitation for a potential biosphere in venusian clouds. Our work combines the results of the VeGa measurements and focuses on P as an inorganic nutrient component and its potential sources and chemical behavior as part of multiple transformations of atmospheric chemistry. The VeGa data indicate that a plentiful phosphorus layer exists within a layer that reaches into the lower venusian clouds and exceeds minimum P abundances for terrestrial microbial life. Extreme acidification of airborne phases in the atmosphere of Venus may facilitate P solubilization and its bioavailability for a potential ecosystem in venusian clouds. Further sampling and P abundance measurements in the atmosphere of Venus would improve our knowledge of P speciation and facilitate determination of a bioavailable fraction of P detected in venusian clouds. The previous results deserve further experimental and modeling analyses to diminish uncertainties and understand the rates of atmospheric deposition of P and its role in a potential venusian cloud ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Milojevic
- Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Sanjay S Limaye
- Space Science and Engineering Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Abstract
Tungsten is recognized as a critical metal due to its unique properties, economic importance, and limited sources of supply. It has wide applications where hardness, high density, high wear, and high-temperature resistance are required, such as in mining, construction, energy generation, electronics, aerospace, and defense sectors. The two primary tungsten minerals, and the only minerals of economic importance, are wolframite and scheelite. Secondary tungsten minerals are rare and generated by hydrothermal or supergene alteration rather than by atmospheric weathering. There are no reported concerns for tungsten toxicity. However, tungsten tailings and other residues may represent severe risks to human health and the environment. Tungsten metal scrap is the only secondary source for this metal but reprocessing of tungsten tailings may also become important in the future. Enhanced gravity separation, wet high-intensity magnetic separation, and flotation have been reported to be successful in reprocessing tungsten tailings, while bioleaching can assist with removing some toxic elements. In 2020, the world’s tungsten mine production was estimated at 84 kt of tungsten (106 kt WO3), with known tungsten reserves of 3400 kt. In addition, old tungsten tailings deposits may have great potential for exploration. The incomplete statistics indicate about 96 kt of tungsten content in those deposits, with an average grade of 0.1% WO3 (versus typical grades of 0.3–1% in primary deposits). This paper aims to provide an overview of tungsten minerals, tungsten primary and secondary resources, and tungsten mine waste, including its environmental risks and potential for reprocessing.
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Mauerhofer LM, Zwirtmayr S, Pappenreiter P, Bernacchi S, Seifert AH, Reischl B, Schmider T, Taubner RS, Paulik C, Rittmann SKMR. Hyperthermophilic methanogenic archaea act as high-pressure CH 4 cell factories. Commun Biol 2021; 4:289. [PMID: 33674723 PMCID: PMC7935968 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01828-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioprocesses converting carbon dioxide with molecular hydrogen to methane (CH4) are currently being developed to enable a transition to a renewable energy production system. In this study, we present a comprehensive physiological and biotechnological examination of 80 methanogenic archaea (methanogens) quantifying growth and CH4 production kinetics at hyperbaric pressures up to 50 bar with regard to media, macro-, and micro-nutrient supply, specific genomic features, and cell envelope architecture. Our analysis aimed to systematically prioritize high-pressure and high-performance methanogens. We found that the hyperthermophilic methanococci Methanotorris igneus and Methanocaldococcoccus jannaschii are high-pressure CH4 cell factories. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that high-performance methanogens are covered with an S-layer, and that they harbour the amino acid motif Tyrα444 Glyα445 Tyrα446 in the alpha subunit of the methyl-coenzyme M reductase. Thus, high-pressure biological CH4 production in pure culture could provide a purposeful route for the transition to a carbon-neutral bioenergy sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Maria Mauerhofer
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Sara Zwirtmayr
- grid.9970.70000 0001 1941 5140Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Patricia Pappenreiter
- grid.9970.70000 0001 1941 5140Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Linz, Austria
| | | | | | - Barbara Reischl
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria ,Krajete GmbH, Linz, Austria
| | - Tilman Schmider
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Ruth-Sophie Taubner
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria ,grid.9970.70000 0001 1941 5140Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Christian Paulik
- grid.9970.70000 0001 1941 5140Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Simon K.-M. R. Rittmann
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
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Pfeifer K, Ergal İ, Koller M, Basen M, Schuster B, Rittmann SKMR. Archaea Biotechnology. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 47:107668. [PMID: 33271237 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Archaea are a domain of prokaryotic organisms with intriguing physiological characteristics and ecological importance. In Microbial Biotechnology, archaea are historically overshadowed by bacteria and eukaryotes in terms of public awareness, industrial application, and scientific studies, although their biochemical and physiological properties show a vast potential for a wide range of biotechnological applications. Today, the majority of microbial cell factories utilized for the production of value-added and high value compounds on an industrial scale are bacterial, fungal or algae based. Nevertheless, archaea are becoming ever more relevant for biotechnology as their cultivation and genetic systems improve. Some of the main advantages of archaeal cell factories are the ability to cultivate many of these often extremophilic organisms under non-sterile conditions, and to utilize inexpensive feedstocks often toxic to other microorganisms, thus drastically reducing cultivation costs. Currently, the only commercially available products of archaeal cell factories are bacterioruberin, squalene, bacteriorhodopsin and diether-/tetraether-lipids, all of which are produced utilizing halophiles. Other archaeal products, such as carotenoids and biohydrogen, as well as polyhydroxyalkanoates and methane are in early to advanced development stages, respectively. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current state of Archaea Biotechnology by describing the actual state of research and development as well as the industrial utilization of archaeal cell factories, their role and their potential in the future of sustainable bioprocessing, and to illustrate their physiological and biotechnological potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Pfeifer
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria; Institute of Synthetic Bioarchitectures, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Wien, Austria
| | - İpek Ergal
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Martin Koller
- Office of Research Management and Service, c/o Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Austria
| | - Mirko Basen
- Microbial Physiology Group, Division of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schuster
- Institute of Synthetic Bioarchitectures, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Wien, Austria
| | - Simon K-M R Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria.
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Exploring the microbial biotransformation of extraterrestrial material on nanometer scale. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18028. [PMID: 31792265 PMCID: PMC6889503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54482-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploration of microbial-meteorite redox interactions highlights the possibility of bioprocessing of extraterrestrial metal resources and reveals specific microbial fingerprints left on extraterrestrial material. In the present study, we provide our observations on a microbial-meteorite nanoscale interface of the metal respiring thermoacidophile Metallosphaera sedula. M. sedula colonizes the stony meteorite Northwest Africa 1172 (NWA 1172; an H5 ordinary chondrite) and releases free soluble metals, with Ni ions as the most solubilized. We show the redox route of Ni ions, originating from the metallic Ni° of the meteorite grains and leading to released soluble Ni2+. Nanoscale resolution ultrastructural studies of meteorite grown M. sedula coupled to electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) points to the redox processing of Fe-bearing meteorite material. Our investigations validate the ability of M. sedula to perform the biotransformation of meteorite minerals, unravel microbial fingerprints left on meteorite material, and provide the next step towards an understanding of meteorite biogeochemistry. Our findings will serve in defining mineralogical and morphological criteria for the identification of metal-containing microfossils.
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