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Sánchez-España J, Falagán C, Meier J. Aluminum Biorecovery from Wastewaters. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38877309 DOI: 10.1007/10_2024_256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Aluminum biorecovery is still at an early stage. However, a significant number of studies showing promising results already exist, although they have revealed problems that need to be solved so aluminum biorecovery can have a wider application and industrial upscaling. In this chapter, we revise the existing knowledge on the biorecovery of aluminum from different sources. We discuss the design, overall performance, advantages, technical problems, limitations, and possible future directions of the different biotechnological methods that have been reported so far. Aluminum biorecovery from different sources has been studied (i.e., solid wastes and primary sources of variable origin, wastewater with low concentrations of dissolved aluminum at pH-neutral or weakly acidic conditions, and acidic mine waters with high concentrations of dissolved aluminum and other metal(loid)s) and has shown that the process efficiency strongly depends on factors such as (1) the physicochemical properties of the source materials, (2) the physiological features of the used (micro)organisms, or (3) the biochemical process used. Bioleaching of aluminum from low-grade bauxite or red mud can much be achieved by a diverse range of organisms (e.g., fungi, bacteria) with different metabolic rates. Biorecovery of aluminum from wastewaters, e.g., domestic wastewater, acidic mine water, has also been accomplished by the use of microalgae, cyanobacteria (for domestic wastewater) or by sulfate-reducing bacteria (acidic mine water). In most of the cases, the drawback of the process is the requirement of controlled conditions which involves a continuous supply of oxygen or maintenance of anoxic conditions which make aluminum biorecovery challenging in terms of process design and economical value. Further studies should focus on studying these processes in comparison or in combination to existing economical processes to assess their feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sánchez-España
- Planetary Geology and Atmospheres Research Group, Department of Planetology and Habitability, Centro de Astrobiología (CAB, CSIC-INTA), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carmen Falagán
- School of Biological Sciences, King Henry Building, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Jutta Meier
- Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, University of Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany
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Cuevas M, Francisco I, Díaz-González F, Diaz M, Quatrini R, Beamud G, Pedrozo F, Temporetti P. Nutrient structure dynamics and microbial communities at the water-sediment interface in an extremely acidic lake in northern Patagonia. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1335978. [PMID: 38410393 PMCID: PMC10895001 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1335978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lake Caviahue (37° 50 'S and 71° 06' W; Patagonia, Argentina) is an extreme case of a glacial, naturally acidic, aquatic environment (pH ~ 3). Knowledge of the bacterial communities in the water column of this lake, is incipient, with a basal quantification of the bacterioplankton abundance distribution in the North and South Basins of Lake Caviahue, and the described the presence of sulfur and iron oxidizing bacteria in the lake sediments. The role that bacterioplankton plays in nutrient utilization and recycling in this environment, especially in the phosphorus cycle, has not been studied. In this work, we explore this aspect in further depth by assessing the diversity of pelagic, littoral and sediment bacteria, using state of the art molecular methods and identifying the differences and commonalties in the composition of the cognate communities. Also, we investigate the interactions between the sediments of Lake Caviahue and the microbial communities present in both sediments, pore water and the water column, to comprehend the ecological relationships driving nutrient structure and fluxes, with a special focus on carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Two major environmental patterns were observed: (a) one distinguishing the surface water samples due to temperature, Fe2+, and electrical conductivity, and (b) another distinguishing winter and summer samples due to the high pH and increasing concentrations of N-NH4+, DOC and SO42-, from autumn and spring samples with high soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and iron concentrations. The largest bacterial abundance was found in autumn, alongside higher levels of dissolved phosphorus, iron forms, and increased conductivity. The highest values of bacterial biomass were found in the bottom strata of the lake, which is also where the greatest diversity in microbial communities was found. The experiments using continuous flow column microcosms showed that microbial growth over time, in both the test and control columns, was accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of dissolved nutrients (SRP and N-NH4+), providing proof that sediment microorganisms are active and contribute significantly to nutrient utilization/mobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Cuevas
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (INIBIOMA), Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche-UNComahue, CCT-Patagonia Norte, CONICET, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Issotta Francisco
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Biological Sciences, P. Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando Díaz-González
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mónica Diaz
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (INIBIOMA), Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche-UNComahue, CCT-Patagonia Norte, CONICET, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Raquel Quatrini
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Guadalupe Beamud
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (INIBIOMA), Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche-UNComahue, CCT-Patagonia Norte, CONICET, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Fernando Pedrozo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (INIBIOMA), Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche-UNComahue, CCT-Patagonia Norte, CONICET, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Pedro Temporetti
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (INIBIOMA), Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche-UNComahue, CCT-Patagonia Norte, CONICET, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
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She Z, Wang J, Pan X, Ma D, Gao Y, Wang S, Chuai X, Yue Z. Decadal evolution of an acidic pit lake: Insights into the biogeochemical impacts of microbial community succession. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120415. [PMID: 37517152 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120415] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Acidic pit lakes represent hydrological features resulting from the accumulation of acid mine drainage in mining operations. Long-term monitoring is essential for these extreme and contaminated environments, yet tracking investigations integrating microbial geochemical dynamics in acidic pit lakes have been lacking thus far. This study integrated historical data with field sampling to track decadal biogeochemical changes in an acidic pit lake. With limited artificial disturbance, significant and sustained biogeochemical changes were observed over the past decade. Surface water pH slowly increased from 2.8 to a maximum of 3.6, with a corresponding increase in bottom water pH to around 3.9, despite the accumulation of externally imported sulfate and metals. Elevated nutrient levels stimulated the macroscopic growth of Chlorophyta, resulting in a shift from reddish-brown to green water with floating algal bodies. Furthermore, microalgae-fixed organic carbon promoted the transition from the initial chemolithotrophy-based population dominated by Acidiphilium and Ferrovum to a heterotrophic community. The increase in heterotrophic iron- and sulfate-reducers may cause an elevation in ferrous levels and a decline in copper concentrations. However, most metals were not removed from the water column, potentially due to insufficient biosulfidogenesis or sulfide reoxidation. These findings offer novel insights into microbial succession in extreme ecosystem evolution and contribute to the management and remediation of acidic pit lakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang She
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China; Key Laboratory of Nanominerals and Pollution Control of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China; Key Laboratory of Nanominerals and Pollution Control of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China.
| | - Xin Pan
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China; Key Laboratory of Nanominerals and Pollution Control of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Ding Ma
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China; Key Laboratory of Nanominerals and Pollution Control of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Yijun Gao
- Luohe Mining Company Ltd, Anhui Maanshan Iron and Steel Mining Resources Group, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Shaoping Wang
- Nanshan Mining Company Ltd, Anhui Maanshan Iron and Steel Mining Resources Group, Ma'anshan, Anhui 243000, China
| | - Xin Chuai
- Nanshan Mining Company Ltd, Anhui Maanshan Iron and Steel Mining Resources Group, Ma'anshan, Anhui 243000, China
| | - Zhengbo Yue
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China; Key Laboratory of Nanominerals and Pollution Control of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China.
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Hidalgo-Ulloa A, van der Graaf CM, Sanchez-Andrea I, Buisman CJN. Continuous single-stage elemental sulfur reduction and copper sulfide precipitation under thermoacidophilic conditions. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 236:119948. [PMID: 37098320 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Metal sulfide precipitation is a viable technology for high-yield metal recovery from hydrometallurgical streams, with the potential to streamline the process design. A single-stage elemental sulfur (S0)-reducing and metal sulfide precipitating process can optimize the operational and capital costs associated with this technology, boosting the competitiveness of this technology for wider industrial application. However, limited research is available on biological sulfur reduction at high temperature and low pH, frequent conditions of hydrometallurgical process waters. Here we assessed the sulfidogenic activity of an industrial granular sludge previously shown to reduce S0 under hot (60-80 °C) and acidic conditions (pH 3.6). A 4 L gas-lift reactor was operated for 206 days and fed continuously with culture medium and copper. During the reactor operation, we explored the effect of the hydraulic retention time, copper loading rates, temperature, and H2 and CO2 flow rates on the volumetric sulfide production rates (VSPR). A maximum VSPR of 274 ± 6 mg·L-1·d-1 was reached, a 3.9-fold increase of the VSPR previously reported with this inoculum in batch operation. Interestingly, the maximum VSPR was achieved at the highest copper loading rates. At the maximum copper loading rate (509 mg·L-1·d-1), a 99.96% copper removal efficiency was observed. 16 s rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed an increased abundance of reads assigned to Desulfurella and Thermoanaerobacterium in periods of higher sulfidogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Hidalgo-Ulloa
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Cees J N Buisman
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands
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Li Y, Zhao Q, Liu M, Guo J, Xia J, Wang J, Qiu Y, Zou J, He W, Jiang F. Treatment and remediation of metal-contaminated water and groundwater in mining areas by biological sulfidogenic processes: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130377. [PMID: 36444068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution in the mining areas leads to serious environmental problems. The biological sulfidogenic process (BSP) mediated by sulfidogenic bacteria has been considered an attractive technology for the treatment and remediation of metal-contaminated water and groundwater. Notwithstanding, BSP driven by different sulfidogenic bacteria could affect the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the treatment performance in practical applications, such as the microbial intolerance of pH and metal ions, the formation of toxic byproducts, and the consumption of organic electron donors. Sulfur-reducing bacteria (S0RB)-driven BSP has been demonstrated to be a promising alternative to the commonly used sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB)-driven BSP for treating metal-contaminated wastewater and groundwater, due to the cost-saving in chemical addition, the high efficiency in sulfide production and metal removal efficiency. Although the S0RB-driven BSP has been developed and applied for decades, the present review works mainly focus on the developments in SRB-driven BSP for the treatment and remediation of metal-contaminated wastewater and groundwater. Accordingly, a comprehensive review for metal-contaminated wastewater treatment and groundwater remediation should be provided with the incorporation of the SRB- and S0RB-driven BSP. To identify the bottlenecks and to improve BSP performance, this paper reviews sulfidogenic bacteria presenting in metal-contaminated water and groundwater; highlight the critical factors for the metabolism of sulfidogenic bacteria during BSP; the ecological roles of sulfidogenic bacteria and the mechanisms of metal removal by sulfidogenic bacteria; and the application of the present sulfidogenic systems and their drawbacks. Accordingly, the research knowledge gaps, current process limitations, and future prospects were provided for improving the performance of BSP in the treatment and remediation of metal-contaminated wastewater and groundwater in mining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qingxia Zhao
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ming Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ecological Environment Simulation and Protection, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Jiahua Guo
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Juntao Xia
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jinting Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Technology Lab, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yanying Qiu
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jiahui Zou
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Weiting He
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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6
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Ayala-Muñoz D, Macalady JL, Sánchez-España J, Falagán C, Couradeau E, Burgos WD. Microbial carbon, sulfur, iron, and nitrogen cycling linked to the potential remediation of a meromictic acidic pit lake. THE ISME JOURNAL 2022; 16:2666-2679. [PMID: 36123522 PMCID: PMC9666448 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-022-01320-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cueva de la Mora is a permanently stratified acidic pit lake and a model system for extreme acid mine drainage (AMD) studies. Using a combination of amplicon sequencing, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics we performed a taxonomically resolved analysis of microbial contributions to carbon, sulfur, iron, and nitrogen cycling. We found that active green alga Coccomyxa onubensis dominated the upper layer and chemocline. The chemocline had activity for iron(II) oxidation carried out by populations of Ca. Acidulodesulfobacterium, Ferrovum, Leptospirillium, and Armatimonadetes. Predicted activity for iron(III) reduction was only detected in the deep layer affiliated with Proteobacteria. Activity for dissimilatory nitrogen cycling including nitrogen fixation and nitrate reduction was primarily predicted in the chemocline. Heterotrophic archaeal populations with predicted activity for sulfide oxidation related to uncultured Thermoplasmatales dominated in the deep layer. Abundant sulfate-reducing Desulfomonile and Ca. Acidulodesulfobacterium populations were active in the chemocline. In the deep layer, uncultured populations from the bacterial phyla Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Nitrospirae contributed to both sulfate reduction and sulfide oxidation. Based on this information we evaluated the potential for sulfide mineral precipitation in the deep layer as a tool for remediation. We argue that sulfide precipitation is not limited by microbial genetic potential but rather by the quantity and quality of organic carbon reaching the deep layer as well as by oxygen additions to the groundwater enabling sulfur oxidation. Addition of organic carbon and elemental sulfur should stimulate sulfate reduction and limit reoxidation of sulfide minerals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Ayala-Muñoz
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Macalady
- Department of Geosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 211 Deike Building University Park, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Javier Sánchez-España
- Centro Nacional Instituto Geológico Minero de España (IGME), CSIC, Calera 1, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Falagán
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, King Henry Building, King Henry 1st St., Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, UK
| | - Estelle Couradeau
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University, 50 ASI University Park, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - William D Burgos
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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Bernasconi R, Lund MA, Blanchette ML. Non-charismatic waterbodies and ecosystem disservices: Mine pit lakes are underrepresented in the literature. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1063594. [PMID: 36523823 PMCID: PMC9745135 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1063594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pit lakes are one of the greatest legacies of open-cut mining. Despite the potential hazards of these lakes, they represent newly formed ecosystems with great scientific and ecological potential. Although thousands of pit lakes occur on every inhabited continent, with more being created, the microbial ecology of pit lakes is relatively under-researched. We evaluated the current state of microbial research in pit lakes by performing a Web of Science search and creating a literature database. Study lakes were categorized according to location and water quality (pH and conductivity) which is a key community and environmental concern. Research technology employed in the study was also categorized. We compared research effort in lakes, rivers, and streams which are the more "charismatic" inland aquatic ecosystems. Pit lake publications on microbes from 1987 to 2022 (n = 128) were underrepresented in the literature relative to rivers and streams (n = 321) and natural lakes (n = 948). Of the 128 pit lake publications, 28 were within the field of geochemistry using indirect measures of microbial activity. Most pit lake microbial research was conducted in a few acidic lakes in Germany due to social pressure for remediation and government initiative. Relatively few studies have capitalized on emerging technology. Pit lake microbial research likely lags other more charismatic ecosystems given that they are viewed as performing "ecosystem disservices," but this is socially complex and requires further research. Improving understanding of microbial dynamics in pit lakes will allow scientists to deliver safer pit lakes to communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Bernasconi
- Mine Water and Environment Research Centre (MiWER), School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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8
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Ilin AM, van der Graaf CM, Yusta I, Sorrentino A, Sánchez-Andrea I, Sánchez-España J. Glycerol amendment enhances biosulfidogenesis in acid mine drainage-affected areas: An incubation column experiment. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:978728. [PMID: 36105607 PMCID: PMC9464833 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.978728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial sulfate (SO42−) reduction in Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) environments can ameliorate the acidity and extreme metal concentrations by consumption of protons via the reduction of SO42− to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and the concomitant precipitation of metals as metal sulfides. The activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria can be stimulated by the amendment of suitable organic carbon sources in these generally oligotrophic environments. Here, we used incubation columns (IC) as model systems to investigate the effect of glycerol amendment on the microbial community composition and its effect on the geochemistry of sediment and waters in AMD environments. The ICs were built with natural water and sediments from four distinct AMD-affected sites with different nutrient regimes: the oligotrophic Filón Centro and Guadiana acidic pit lakes, the Tintillo river (Huelva, Spain) and the eutrophic Brunita pit lake (Murcia, Spain). Physicochemical parameters were monitored during 18 months, and the microbial community composition was determined at the end of incubation through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. SEM-EDX analysis of sediments and suspended particulate matter was performed to investigate the microbially-induced mineral (neo)formation. Glycerol amendment strongly triggered biosulfidogenesis in all ICs, with pH increase and metal sulfide formation, but the effect was much more pronounced in the ICs from oligotrophic systems. Analysis of the microbial community composition at the end of the incubations showed that the SRB Desulfosporosinus was among the dominant taxa observed in all sulfidogenic columns, whereas the SRB Desulfurispora, Desulfovibrio and Acididesulfobacillus appeared to be more site-specific. Formation of Fe3+ and Al3+ (oxy)hydroxysulfates was observed during the initial phase of incubation together with increasing pH while formation of metal sulfides (predominantly, Zn, Fe and Cu sulfides) was observed after 1–5 months of incubation. Chemical analysis of the aqueous phase at the end of incubation showed almost complete removal of dissolved metals (Cu, Zn, Cd) in the amended ICs, while Fe and SO42− increased towards the water-sediment interface, likely as a result of the reductive dissolution of Fe(III) minerals enhanced by Fe-reducing bacteria. The combined geochemical and microbiological analyses further establish the link between biosulfidogenesis and natural attenuation through metal sulfide formation and proton consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Ilin
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, Leioa, Spain
- *Correspondence: A. M. Ilin, ; J. Sánchez-España,
| | - C. M. van der Graaf
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University (WUR), Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - I. Yusta
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, Leioa, Spain
| | - A. Sorrentino
- ALBA Synchrotron Light Source, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I. Sánchez-Andrea
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University (WUR), Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - J. Sánchez-España
- Mine Wastes and Environmental Geochemistry Research Group, Department of Geological Resources for the Ecological Transition, (CN IGME-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: A. M. Ilin, ; J. Sánchez-España,
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Shewanella sp. T2.3D-1.1 a Novel Microorganism Sustaining the Iron Cycle in the Deep Subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081585. [PMID: 36014003 PMCID: PMC9415397 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) is one of the largest deposits of sulphidic minerals on Earth. Río Tinto raises from its core, presenting low a pH and high metal concentration. Several drilling cores were extracted from the IPB’s subsurface, and strain T2.3D-1.1 was isolated from a core at 121.8 m depth. We aimed to characterize this subterranean microorganism, revealing its phylogenomic affiliation (Average Nucleotide Identity, digital DNA-DNA Hybridization) and inferring its physiology through genome annotation, backed with physiological experiments to explore its relationship with the Fe biogeochemical cycle. Results determined that the isolate belongs to the Shewanella putrefaciens (with ANI 99.25 with S. putrefaciens CN-32). Its genome harbours the necessary genes, including omcA mtrCAB, to perform the Extracellular Electron Transfer (EET) and reduce acceptors such as Fe3+, napAB to reduce NO3− to NO2−, hydAB to produce H2 and genes sirA, phsABC and ttrABC to reduce SO32−, S2O32− and S4O62−, respectively. A full CRISPR-Cas 1F type system was found as well. S. putrefaciens T2.3D-1.1 can reduce Fe3+ and promote the oxidation of Fe2+ in the presence of NO3− under anaerobic conditions. Production of H2 has been observed under anaerobic conditions with lactate or pyruvate as the electron donor and fumarate as the electron acceptor. Besides Fe3+ and NO3−, the isolate also grows with Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Trimethyl N-oxide, S4O62− and S2O32− as electron acceptors. It tolerates different concentrations of heavy metals such as 7.5 mM of Pb, 5 mM of Cr and Cu and 1 mM of Cd, Co, Ni and Zn. This array of traits suggests that S. putrefaciens T2.3D-1.1 could have an important role within the Iberian Pyrite Belt subsurface participating in the iron cycle, through the dissolution of iron minerals and therefore contributing to generate the extreme conditions detected in the Río Tinto basin.
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Ayala-Muñoz D, Burgos WD, Sánchez-España J, Falagán C, Couradeau E, Macalady JL. Novel Microorganisms Contribute to Biosulfidogenesis in the Deep Layer of an Acidic Pit Lake. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:867321. [PMID: 35910036 PMCID: PMC9326234 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.867321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cueva de la Mora is a permanently stratified acidic pit lake with extremely high concentrations of heavy metals at depth. In order to evaluate the potential for in situ sulfide production, we characterized the microbial community in the deep layer using metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. We retrieved 18 high quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) representing the most abundant populations. None of the MAGs were closely related to either cultured or non-cultured organisms from the Genome Taxonomy or NCBI databases (none with average nucleotide identity >95%). Despite oxygen concentrations that are consistently below detection in the deep layer, some archaeal and bacterial MAGs mapped transcripts of genes for sulfide oxidation coupled with oxygen reduction. Among these microaerophilic sulfide oxidizers, mixotrophic Thermoplasmatales archaea were the most numerous and represented 24% of the total community. Populations associated with the highest predicted in situ activity for sulfate reduction were affiliated with Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Nitrospirae phyla, and together represented about 9% of the total community. These MAGs, in addition to a less abundant Proteobacteria MAG in the genus Desulfomonile, contained transcripts of genes in the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. All MAGs had significant genetic potential for organic carbon oxidation. Our results indicate that novel acidophiles are contributing to biosulfidogenesis in the deep layer of Cueva de la Mora, and that in situ sulfide production is limited by organic carbon availability and sulfur oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Ayala-Muñoz
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Diana Ayala-Muñoz, ; Jennifer L. Macalady,
| | - William D. Burgos
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | | | - Carmen Falagán
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Estelle Couradeau
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Macalady
- Department of Geosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Diana Ayala-Muñoz, ; Jennifer L. Macalady,
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11
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Sánchez-Andrea I, van der Graaf CM, Hornung B, Bale NJ, Jarzembowska M, Sousa DZ, Rijpstra WIC, Sinninghe Damsté JS, Stams AJM. Acetate Degradation at Low pH by the Moderately Acidophilic Sulfate Reducer Acididesulfobacillus acetoxydans gen. nov. sp. nov. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:816605. [PMID: 35391737 PMCID: PMC8982180 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.816605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In acid drainage environments, biosulfidogenesis by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) attenuates the extreme conditions by enabling the precipitation of metals as their sulfides, and the neutralization of acidity through proton consumption. So far, only a handful of moderately acidophilic SRB species have been described, most of which are merely acidotolerant. Here, a novel species within a novel genus of moderately acidophilic SRB is described, Acididesulfobacillus acetoxydans gen. nov. sp. nov. strain INE, able to grow at pH 3.8. Bioreactor studies with strain INE at optimum (5.0) and low (3.9) pH for growth showed that strain INE alkalinized its environment, and that this was more pronounced at lower pH. These studies also showed the capacity of strain INE to completely oxidize organic acids to CO2, which is uncommon among acidophilic SRB. Since organic acids are mainly in their protonated form at low pH, which increases their toxicity, their complete oxidation may be an acid stress resistance mechanism. Comparative proteogenomic and membrane lipid analysis further indicated that the presence of saturated ether-bound lipids in the membrane, and their relative increase at lower pH, was a protection mechanism against acid stress. Interestingly, other canonical acid stress resistance mechanisms, such as a Donnan potential and increased active charge transport, did not appear to be active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Sánchez-Andrea
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Irene Sánchez-Andrea,
| | | | - Bastian Hornung
- Laboratory of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Nicole J. Bale
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Den Burg, Netherlands
| | - Monika Jarzembowska
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Diana Z. Sousa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - W. Irene C. Rijpstra
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Den Burg, Netherlands
| | - Jaap S. Sinninghe Damsté
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Den Burg, Netherlands
- Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alfons J. M. Stams
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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12
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Paganin P, Alisi C, Dore E, Fancello D, Marras PA, Medas D, Montereali MR, Naitza S, Rigonat N, Sprocati AR, Tasso F, Vacca S, De Giudici G. Microbial Diversity of Bacteria Involved in Biomineralization Processes in Mine-Impacted Freshwaters. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:778199. [PMID: 34880845 PMCID: PMC8645857 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.778199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to increase the knowledge about geo-bio interactions in extreme metal-polluted mine waters, we combined microbiological, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses to study the indigenous sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) involved in the heavy metal (HM) biomineralization processes occurring in Iglesiente and Arburese districts (SW Sardinia, Italy). Anaerobic cultures from sediments of two different mining-affected streams of this regional framework were enriched and analyzed by 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique, showing sequences closely related to SRB classified in taxa typical of environments with high concentrations of metals (Desulfovibrionaceae, Desulfosporosinus). Nevertheless, the most abundant genera found in our samples did not belong to the traditional SRB groups (i.e., Rahnella, Acinetobacter). The bio-precipitation process mediated by these selected cultures was assessed by anaerobic batch tests performed with polluted river water showing a dramatic (more than 97%) Zn decrease. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the occurrence of Zn sulfide with tubular morphology, suggesting a bacteria-mediated bio-precipitation. The inocula represent two distinct communities of microorganisms, each adapted to peculiar environmental conditions. However, both the communities were able to use pollutants in their metabolism and tolerating HMs by detoxification mechanisms. The Zn precipitation mediated by the different enriched cultures suggests that SRB inocula selected in this study have great potentialities for the development of biotechnological techniques to reduce contaminant dispersion and for metal recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Paganin
- Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Alisi
- Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Dore
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Dario Fancello
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pier Andrea Marras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Medas
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Montereali
- Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Naitza
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Rigonat
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Sprocati
- Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Tasso
- Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Vacca
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Giudici
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
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13
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Aguinaga OE, White KN, Dean AP, Pittman JK. Addition of organic acids to acid mine drainage polluted wetland sediment leads to microbial community structure and functional changes and improved water quality. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 290:118064. [PMID: 34481302 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a serious environmental problem worldwide that requires efficient and sustainable remediation technologies including the use of biological mechanisms. A key challenge for AMD bioremediation is to provide optimal conditions for microbial-mediated immobilisation of trace metals. Although organic carbon and oxygen can enhance treatment efficiency, the effect on microbial communities is unclear. In this study, surface sediments from a natural wetland with proven efficiency for AMD bioremediation were artificially exposed to oxygen (by aeration) and/or organic carbon (in the form of mixed organic acids) and incubated under laboratory conditions. In addition to measuring changes in water chemistry, a metagenomics approach was used to determine changes in sediment bacterial, archaeal and fungal community structure, and functional gene abundance. The addition of organic carbon produced major changes in the abundance of microorganisms related to iron and sulfur metabolism (including Geobacter and Pelobacter) and increased levels of particulate metals via sulfate reduction. Aeration resulted in an increase in Sideroxydans abundance but no significant changes in metal chemistry were observed. The study concludes that the utilisation of organic carbon by microorganisms is more important for achieving efficient AMD treatment than the availability of oxygen, yet the combination of oxygen with organic carbon addition did not inhibit the improvements to water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar E Aguinaga
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK; Departamento de Ingeniería, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Keith N White
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Andrew P Dean
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - Jon K Pittman
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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14
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Newsome L, Falagán C. The Microbiology of Metal Mine Waste: Bioremediation Applications and Implications for Planetary Health. GEOHEALTH 2021; 5:e2020GH000380. [PMID: 34632243 PMCID: PMC8490943 DOI: 10.1029/2020gh000380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Mine wastes pollute the environment with metals and metalloids in toxic concentrations, causing problems for humans and wildlife. Microorganisms colonize and inhabit mine wastes, and can influence the environmental mobility of metals through metabolic activity, biogeochemical cycling and detoxification mechanisms. In this article we review the microbiology of the metals and metalloids most commonly associated with mine wastes: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel and zinc. We discuss the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria, archaea, and fungi interact with contaminant metals and the consequences for metal fate in the environment, focusing on long-term field studies of metal-impacted mine wastes where possible. Metal contamination can decrease the efficiency of soil functioning and essential element cycling due to the need for microbes to expend energy to maintain and repair cells. However, microbial communities are able to tolerate and adapt to metal contamination, particularly when the contaminant metals are essential elements that are subject to homeostasis or have a close biochemical analog. Stimulating the development of microbially reducing conditions, for example in constructed wetlands, is beneficial for remediating many metals associated with mine wastes. It has been shown to be effective at low pH, circumneutral and high pH conditions in the laboratory and at pilot field-scale. Further demonstration of this technology at full field-scale is required, as is more research to optimize bioremediation and to investigate combined remediation strategies. Microbial activity has the potential to mitigate the impacts of metal mine wastes, and therefore lessen the impact of this pollution on planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Newsome
- Camborne School of Mines and Environment and Sustainability InstituteUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| | - Carmen Falagán
- Camborne School of Mines and Environment and Sustainability InstituteUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
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15
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Extremofiles 2.0. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040784. [PMID: 33918685 PMCID: PMC8069568 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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