Sulfate-reducing Conditions Research Articles

Structural and functional characteristics of the microbial community emerging upon its contact with extruded polystyrene waste

Increasing plastic pollution is a serious environmental problem as widespread production and inadequate disposal of plastic materials lead to adverse impacts on ecosystems. The research investigated the structural and functional features of the anaerobic microbial community in contact with waste from extruded polystyrene (XPS) under methanogenic (MG), nitrate-(NR) and sulfate-reducing (SR) conditions. It has been shown that the presence of XPS in the microbial community does not have a negative effect on the processes of biogas formation, but, on the contrary, leads to an increase in the yield of methane and volatile fatty acids and a change in their ratio. Microparticles of different sizes were found in the culture fluid of variants with XPS: in NR conditions ‒ 2.4 × 106/ml, in SR conditions ‒ 1.2 × 106/ml and in MG conditions ‒ 0.4 × 106/ml, while in control variants microparticles was not found. Using scanning electron microscopy, it was revealed that in all experimental variants the surface of the polymer became looser, more textured, and irregularities, cracks and holes appeared. Increased diversity in the microbial community, associated with an increase in the number of microbial morphotypes, correlates with the results of high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. When XPS was introduced into an anaerobic community incubated in different donor-acceptor conditions, the number of groups of microorganisms included in it increased and the proportion of representatives of hydrolytic and acidogenic bacteria (Sedimentibacter, Lentimicrobium), acetogenic syntrophs (Syntrophomonas, Desulfovibrio, Geobacter) and methanogenic archaea (Methanosarcina, Methanobacterium) increased. Our study shows that waste from XPS is not inert for the microbial community and contact with it leads to significant changes in its structure and functioning. However, since the experiments were carried out using household XPS containing various fillers in addition to the main polymer, there is a possibility that, along with polystyrene, additional substances included in its composition (plasticizers, dyes, etc.) are also subject to degradation. The ability of microorganisms to destroy the polymer itself requires further research.

Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of a Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium Pseudodesulfovibrio methanolicus sp. nov. Isolated from a Petroleum Reservoir in Russia.

The search for the microorganisms responsible for sulfide formation and corrosion of steel equipment in the oil fields of Tatarstan (Russia) resulted in the isolation of a new halotolerant strictly anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacterium, strain 5S69T. The cells were motile curved Gram-negative rods. Optimal growth was observed in the presence of 2.0-4.0% (w/v) NaCl, at pH 6.5, and at 23-28 °C under sulfate-reducing conditions. The isolate was capable of chemoorganotrophic growth with sulfate and other sulfoxides as electron acceptors, resulting in sulfide formation; and of pyruvate fermentation resulting in formation of H2 and acetate. The strain utilized lactate, pyruvate, ethanol, methanol, fumarate, and fructose, as well as H2/CO2/acetate for sulfate reduction. The genome size of the type strain 5S69T was 4.16 Mb with a G + C content of 63.0 mol%. On the basis of unique physiological properties and results of the 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analysis, phylogenomic analysis of the 120 conserved single copy proteins and genomic indexes (ANI, AAI, and dDDH), assigning the type strain 5S69T ((VKM B-3653T = KCTC 25499T) to a new species within the genus Pseudodesulfovibrio, is suggested, with the proposed name Pseudodesulfovibrio methanolicus sp. nov. Genome analysis of the new isolate showed several genes involved in sulfate reduction and its sulfide-producing potential in oil fields with high saline formation water.

Sulfate-mediated Fe(III) mineral reduction accelerates arsenic mobilization by a Desulfovibrio strain isolated from paddy soil

The biogeochemical cycling of arsenic (As) is often intertwined with iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) cycles, wherein Fe(III)- and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) play a crucial role. Here, we isolated strain DS-1, a strictly anaerobic Fe(III)- and sulfate-reducing bacterium, from As-contaminated paddy soil. Using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain DS-1 was identified as a member of the genus Desulfovibrio. Strain DS-1 utilized energy derived from ferrihydrite reduction to support its cellular growth. Under anoxic sulfate-reducing conditions, the presence of strain DS-1 significantly increased As mobilization compared to sulfate-free conditions. Mechanistically, SRB-produced sulfide reacts with Fe(III) to form FeS, which disrupts Fe(III) minerals, thereby enhancing As release. These findings highlight the critical role of redox disequilibrium in As mobilization and suggest that SRB-produced sulfide may permeate to the rice rhizosphere, increasing As mobilization through Fe(III) reduction.

Pyrogenic carbon modulating TCE dehalogenation through snorkeling electrons under sulfate-reducing conditions

Microbial dehalogenation, using obligate and facultative organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB), has been widely used to remediate halohydrocarbon-polluted sites. Owing to the scarcity of OHRB, and poor efficiency in H2-mediating interspecies electron transfer, microbial dehalogenation relying on OHRB is easily disturbed by Fe(III), sulfate, and nitrate as electron competitors. In the present study, pyrogenic carbon, featuring electron snorkeling, was introduced into the process of microbial dehalogenation, which facilitated the electron transfer from electro-active microbes to halohydrocarbon, then invigorating dehalogenation. As a consequence, fine dehalogenation of trichloroethene (TCE, as representative halohydrocarbon) was obtained, expressed as the nearly complete diminishment of 150 µmol L–1 TCE and the sequestration of high contents of ethene (72.2–122.3 µmol L–1 within 80 d). Such fine dehalogenation was ascribed to the synergy between pyrogenic carbon and electro-active microbes. Multiple microbes in mixed cultures, including Clostridium sp., Sporanaerobacter, Sedimentibacter, Paraclostridium, and Tissierella, stimulated TCE dehalogenation by providing electrons to pyrogenic carbon. Redox moieties on pyrogenic carbon enabled it to snorkel electrons, which facilitated the electron transfer from electro-active microbes to TCE, consequently invigorating TCE dehalogenation. Such microbial dehalogenation free of OHRB demonstrates the effectiveness of a novel strategy for remediating halohydrocarbon-polluted environments.

Biochar-Sulfate Reducing Bacteria synergy: A green approach for antimony removal and recovery from high-concentrated waters

Environments with elevated antimony (Sb) levels often result from industrial and mining activities, causing harm to ecosystems due to the inherent toxicity. Traditional treatments aim to eliminate or decrease Sb toxicity, yet they often result in the generation of secondary pollution. This study explores a novel approach for enhancing biological sulfate-reduction by biochar addition to cope with high Sb concentrations. Moreover, this research postulates sulfate-reduction bioprocess as a feasible alternative to obtain valuable antimony sulfide. The findings indicate that sulfate reduction effectively removes antimony, particularly at high concentrations, using a non-specialized inoculum. Biochar plays a pivotal role in enhancing sulfate-reduction rates, reducing lag-phase periods, and enriching the microorganisms responsible for sulfate reduction.Interestingly, lower concentrations of Sb(III) (5–40 mg/L) and Sb(V) (5–100 mg/L) exhibited a lower removal percentage compared to higher concentrations of Sb(III) (80–500 mg/L) and Sb(V) (200–1000 mg/L). This phenomenon was attributed to the excess sulfide hindering the equilibrium of the first-order reaction at lower concentrations, while at higher concentrations, the reaction proceeded more rapidly. A combination of biochemical and physicochemical reactions facilitated the removal of >95 % Sb(III) and >97 % Sb(V) using biochar.Furthermore, various taxa displayed a significant logarithmic rate of change in their abundance, influenced by the application of biochar or the introduction of distinct antimony species. The biogenic sulfide generated through the sulfate reduction process reacted with the Sb species, resulting in the precipitation of stibnite (Sb2S3), Na3SbS3, and Na3SbS4. These precipitates are considered crucial precursors in electronic applications.In conclusion, this study constitutes a pioneering exploration of elevated antimony (Sb) concentrations under sulfate-reducing conditions, significantly contributing to an advancement of knowledge in the application of biological processes.

Exploration of Optimum Configurations of Electro-Assisted Anaerobic Digester for Sulfate-Reducing Conditions: Significance of Membranes and Mechanistic Insights

Exploration of Optimum Configurations of Electro-Assisted Anaerobic Digester for Sulfate-Reducing Conditions: Significance of Membranes and Mechanistic Insights

Enrichment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH)-Degrading Strictly Anaerobic Sulfate-Reducing Cultures from Contaminated Soil and Sediment.

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are crucial players in global biogeochemical cycling and some have been implicated in the anaerobic biodegradation of organic pollutants, including recalcitrant and hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Obtaining PAH-degrading SRB cultures for laboratories is of paramount importance in the development of the young field of anaerobic biodegradation of PAHs. SRB grow exceptionally slowly on PAH substrates and are highly sensitive to oxygen. Consequently, enrichment and maintenance of PAH-degrading SRB cultures and characterization of the biodegradation process remain a tedious and formidable task, especially for new researchers. To address these technical constraints, we have developed robust and effective protocols for obtaining and characterizing PAH-degrading SRB cultures. In this set of protocols, we describe step-by-step procedures for preparing inocula from contaminated soil or sediment, preparing anoxic medium, establishing enrichment cultures with PAHs as substrates under completely anaerobic sulfate-reducing conditions, successive culture transfers to obtain highly enriched cultures, rapid verification of the viability of SRB in slow-growing cultures, assessment of PAH degradation by extracting residuals using organic solvent and subsequent analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and spectrophotometric determination of sulfate and sulfide in miniaturized, medium-throughput format. These protocols are expected to serve as a comprehensive manual for obtaining and characterizing PAH-degrading sulfate-reducing cultures. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Obtaining PAH-degrading strictly anaerobic sulfate-reducing enrichment cultures from contaminated soil and sediment Support Protocol 1: Operation and maintenance of an anaerobic workstation Support Protocol 2: Setup of gas purging systems for preparing anoxic solutions Support Protocol 3: Verification of viability in slow-growing SRB enrichment cultures Support Protocol 4: Extraction of genomic DNA from low-biomass cultures Basic Protocol 2: Extraction of residual PAH from liquid culture and analysis by GC-MS Basic Protocol 3: Spectrophotometric determination of sulfate concentration in SRB cultures Basic Protocol 4: Spectrophotometric determination of sulfide concentrations in SRB cultures by the methylene blue method Alternate Protocol: Spectrophotometric determination of sulfide concentrations in SRB cultures by the colloidal copper sulfide method.

Shift in Bacterial Community Structure in the Biodegradation of Benzene and Toluene under Sulfate-Reducing Condition.

Groundwater contaminated by benzene and toluene is a common issue, posing a threat to the ecosystems and human health. The removal of benzene and toluene under sulfate-reducing condition is well known, but how the bacterial community shifts during this process remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the shift in bacterial community structure during the biodegradation of benzene and toluene under sulfate-reducing condition. In this study, groundwater contaminated with benzene and toluene were collected from the field and used to construct three artificial samples: Control (benzene 50 mg/L, toluene 1.24 mg/L, sulfate 470 mg/L, and HgCl2 250 mg/L), S1 (benzene 50 mg/L, toluene 1.24 mg/L, sulfate 470 mg/L), and S2 (benzene 100 mg/L, toluene 2.5 mg/L, sulfate 940 mg/L). The contaminants (benzene and toluene), geochemical parameters (sulfate, ORP, and pH), and bacterial community structure in the artificial samples were monitored over time. By the end of this study (day 90), approximately 99% of benzene and 96% of toluene could be eliminated in both S1 and S2 artificial samples, while in the Control artificial sample the contaminant levels remained unchanged due to microbial inactivation. The richness of bacterial communities initially decreased but subsequently increased over time in both S1 and S2 artificial samples. Under sulfate-reducing condition, key players in benzene and toluene degradation were identified as Pseudomonas, Janthinobacterium, Novosphingobium, Staphylococcus, and Bradyrhizobium. The results could provide scientific basis for remediation and risk management strategies at the benzene and toluene contaminated sites.

A Novel View on the Taxonomy of Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium 'Desulfotomaculum salinum' and a Description of a New Species Desulfofundulus salinus sp. nov.

Two thermophilic spore-forming sulfate-reducing strains, 435T and 781, were isolated from oil and gas reservoirs in Western Siberia (Russia) about 50 years ago. Both strains were found to be neutrophilic, chemoorganotrophic, anaerobic bacteria, growing at 45-70 °C (optimum, 55-60 °C) and with 0-4.5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0.5-1% NaCl). The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0, C16:0, and C18:0. In sulfate-reducing conditions, the strains utilized H2/CO2, formate, lactate, pyruvate, malate, fumarate, succinate, methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, butyrate, valerate, and palmitate. In 2005, based on phenotypic characteristics and a 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strains were described as 'Desulfotomaculum salinum' sp. nov. However, this species was not validly published because the type strain was not deposited in two culture collections. In this study, a genomic analysis of strain 435T was carried out to determine its taxonomic affiliation. The genome size of strain 435T was 2.886 Mb with a 55.1% genomic G + C content. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were highest between strain 435T and members of the genus Desulfofundulus, 78.7-93.3% and 25.0-52.2%, respectively; these values were below the species delineation cut-offs (<95-96% and <70%). The cumulative phenotypic and phylogenetic data indicate that two strains represent a novel species within the genus Desulfofundulus, for which the name Desulfofundulus salinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 435T (=VKM B-1492T = DSM 23196T). A genome analysis of strain 435T revealed the genes for dissimilatory sulfate reduction, autotrophic carbon fixation via the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, hydrogen utilization, methanol and organic acids metabolism, and sporulation, which were confirmed by cultivation studies.

Unraveling the Coupled Dynamics between DOM Transformation and Arsenic Mobilization in Aquifer Systems during Microbial Sulfate Reduction: Evidence from Sediment Incubation Experiment

Geogenic arsenic (As)-rich groundwater poses a significant environmental challenge worldwide, yet our understanding of the interplay between dissolved organic matter (DOM) transformation and arsenic mobilization during microbial sulfate reduction remains limited. This study involved microcosm experiments using As-rich aquifer sediments from the Singe Tsangpo River basin (STR) and Jianghan Plain (JHP), respectively. The findings revealed that microbial sulfate reduction remarkably increased arsenic mobilization in both STR and JHP sediments compared to that in unamended sediments. Moreover, the mobilization of As during microbial sulfate reduction coincided with increases in the fluorescence intensity of two humic-like substances, C2 and C3 (R = 0.87/0.87 and R = 0.73/0.66 in the STR and JHP sediments, respectively; p &lt; 0.05), suggesting competitive desorption between DOM and As during incubation. Moreover, the transformations in the DOM molecular characteristics showed significant increases in CHOS molecular and low-O/C-value molecular intensities corresponding to the enhancement of microbial sulfate reduction and the possible occurrence of methanogenesis processes, which suggests a substantial bioproduction contribution to DOM components that is conducive to As mobilization during the microbial sulfate reduction. The present results thus provide new insights into the co-evolution between As mobilization and DOM transformations in alluvial aquifer systems under strong microbial sulfate reduction conditions.

Ecological determinants of 17α-ethynylestradiol biodegradation: Unveiling unique microbial community assemblages in lake sediments under nitrate or sulfate reduction

Nitrate and sulfate, as electron acceptors (EAs), influence microbial communities and the subsequent biodegradation of emerging contaminants, such as 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) in anaerobic sediments. Results of this study showed that nitrate amendment significantly raised nitrate reduction intensity within a short period (<5 days) and greatly influenced microbial community succession compared with sulfate amendment. Nitrate reduction induced deterministic selections that narrowed the niche widths of the microbial community, creating direct correlations between functional members, including denitrifiers and potential estrogen degraders like Pseudomonas. The facilitative coordination of microbes and increased denitrification resulted in greater EE2 biodegradation under nitrate-reducing (0.19 ± 0.02 μg g−1) and combined nitrate- and sulfate-reducing conditions (0.23 ± 0.01 μg g−1) after 120 days. Moreover, natural organic matter enhanced interspecies syntrophic cooperation (the number of direct connectors increased from 9 to 25 in the microbial network) in the microbial community and further improved EE2 biodegradation efficiency to 0.26 ± 0.03 μg g−1. Conversely, sulfate reduction required longer adaptation (>20 days) with a higher contribution of stochastic processes in community assembly, yielding fewer connections with estrogen degraders and weaker EE2 biodegradation (0.15 ± 0.03 μg g−1). These mechanistic understandings can guide EA selection in the bioremediation of emerging contaminants.

A novel mechanism for dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium in Acididesulfobacillus acetoxydans.

The biological route of nitrate reduction has important implications for the bioavailability of nitrogen within ecosystems. Nitrate reduction via nitrite, either to ammonium (ammonification) or to nitrous oxide or dinitrogen (denitrification), determines whether nitrogen is retained within the system or lost as a gas. The acidophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium (aSRB) Acididesulfobacillus acetoxydans can perform dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA). While encoding a Nar-type nitrate reductase, A. acetoxydans lacks recognized nitrite reductase genes. In this study, A. acetoxydans was cultivated under conditions conducive to DNRA. During cultivations, we monitored the production of potential nitrogen intermediates (nitrate, nitrite, nitric oxide, hydroxylamine, and ammonium). Resting cell experiments were performed with nitrate, nitrite, and hydroxylamine to confirm their reduction to ammonium, and formed intermediates were tracked. To identify the enzymes involved in DNRA, comparative transcriptomics and proteomics were performed with A. acetoxydans growing under nitrate- and sulfate-reducing conditions. Nitrite is likely reduced to ammonia by the previously undescribed nitrite reductase activity of the NADH-linked sulfite reductase AsrABC, or by a putatively ferredoxin-dependent homolog of the nitrite reductase NirA (DEACI_1836), or both. We identified enzymes and intermediates not previously associated with DNRA and nitrosative stress in aSRB. This increases our knowledge about the metabolism of this type of bacteria and helps the interpretation of (meta)genome data from various ecosystems on their DNRA potential and the nitrogen cycle.IMPORTANCENitrogen is crucial to any ecosystem, and its bioavailability depends on microbial nitrogen-transforming reactions. Over the recent years, various new nitrogen-transforming reactions and pathways have been identified, expanding our view on the nitrogen cycle and metabolic versatility. In this study, we elucidate a novel mechanism employed by Acididesulfobacillus acetoxydans, an acidophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium, to reduce nitrate to ammonium. This finding underscores the diverse physiological nature of dissimilatory reduction to ammonium (DNRA). A. acetoxydans was isolated from acid mine drainage, an extremely acidic environment where nitrogen metabolism is poorly studied. Our findings will contribute to understanding DNRA potential and variations in extremely acidic environments.

Temperature-dependent microbial reactions by indigenous microbes in bentonite under Fe(III)- and sulfate-reducing conditions

Bentonite is a promising buffer material for constructing spent nuclear fuel (SNF) repositories. However, indigenous microbes in bentonite can be introduced to the repository and subsequent sealing of the repository develops anoxic conditions over time which may stimulate fermentation and anaerobic respiration, possibly affecting bentonite structure and SNF repository stability. Moreover, the microbial activity in the bentonite can be impacted by the heat generated from radionuclides decay. Therefore, to investigate the temperature effect on microbial activities in bentonite, we created microcosms with WRK bentonil (a commercial bentonite) using lactate as the electron donor, and sulfate and/or ferrihydrite (Fe(III)) as electron acceptors with incubation at 18 ℃ and 50 ℃. Indigenous WRK microbes reduced sulfate and Fe(III) at both temperatures but with different rates and extents. Lactate was metabolized to acetate at both temperatures, but only to propionate at 18 ℃ during early-stage microbial fermentation. More Fe(III)-reduction at 18 ℃ but more sulfate-reduction at 50 ℃ was observed. Thermophilic and/or metabolically flexible microbes were involved in both fermentation and Fe(III)/sulfate reduction. Our findings illustrate the necessity of considering the influence of temperature on microbial activities when employing bentonite as an engineered buffer material in construction of SNF repository barriers.

Persistent Trace Organic Contaminants Are Transformed Rapidly under Sulfate- and Fe(III)-Reducing Conditions in a Nature-Based Subsurface Water Treatment System.

Subsurface treatment systems, such as constructed wetlands, riverbank filtration systems, and managed aquifer recharge systems, offer a low-cost means of removing trace organic contaminants from treated municipal wastewater. To assess the processes through which trace organic contaminants are removed in subsurface treatment systems, pharmaceuticals and several major metabolites were measured in porewater, sediment, and plants within a horizontal levee (i.e., a subsurface flow wetland that receives treated municipal wastewater). Concentrations of trace organic contaminants in each wetland compartment rapidly declined along the flow path. Mass balance calculations, analysis of transformation products, microcosm experiments, and one-dimensional transport modeling demonstrated that more than 60% of the contaminant removal could be attributed to transformation. Monitoring of the system with and without nitrate in the wetland inflow indicated that relatively biodegradable trace organic contaminants, such as acyclovir and metoprolol, were rapidly transformed under both operating conditions. Trace organic contaminants that are normally persistent in biological treatment systems (e.g., sulfamethoxazole and carbamazepine) were removed only when Fe(III)- and sulfate-reducing conditions were observed. Minor structural modifications to trace organic contaminants (e.g., hydroxylation) altered the pathways and extents of trace organic contaminant transformation under different redox conditions. These findings indicate that subsurface treatment systems can be designed to remove both labile and persistent trace organic contaminants via transformation if they are designed and operated in a manner that results in sulfate-and Fe(III)-reducing conditions.

Fibrous dolomite formation at a Miocene methane seep may reflect Neoproterozoic aragonite-dolomite sea conditions

Fibrous dolomite widely formed in Neoproterozoic marine sedimentary environments, but apparently disappeared in the Phanerozoic. Here, fibrous dolomite is recognised in a Miocene methane seep limestone (Marmorito, Italy) by synchrotron X-ray diffraction, length slow crystal optics and primary zonation under cathodoluminescence, which is unexpected. Low δ13C values and their negative correlation with MgCO3 contents indicate a formation driven by highly alkaline pore waters and catalysis of dissolved sulphide generated by sulphate-driven anaerobic oxidation of methane. Cementing cavities of reefal carbonate, Neoproterozoic fibrous dolomite might have formed under sulphate-reducing conditions like Quaternary reef microbialites. Since the cavities of Neoproterozoic reefs were restricted microenvironments, the formation of fibrous dolomite was possibly favoured by catalysis similar to its Miocene seep counterpart. Our findings reinforce the concept of penecontemporaneous dolomite formation by sulphide catalysis and contribute to our understanding of the environmental conditions of the Neoproterozoic.

Potential for the anaerobic oxidation of benzene and naphthalene in thermophilic microorganisms from the Guaymas Basin.

Unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons (UAHs) are recalcitrant molecules abundant in crude oil, which is accumulated in subsurface reservoirs and occasionally enters the marine environment through natural seepage or human-caused spillage. The challenging anaerobic degradation of UAHs by microorganisms, in particular under thermophilic conditions, is poorly understood. Here, we established benzene- and naphthalene-degrading cultures under sulfate-reducing conditions at 50°C and 70°C from Guaymas Basin sediments. We investigated the microorganisms in the enrichment cultures and their potential for UAH oxidation through short-read metagenome sequencing and analysis. Dependent on the combination of UAH and temperature, different microorganisms became enriched. A Thermoplasmatota archaeon was abundant in the benzene-degrading culture at 50°C, but catabolic pathways remained elusive, because the archaeon lacked most known genes for benzene degradation. Two novel species of Desulfatiglandales bacteria were strongly enriched in the benzene-degrading culture at 70°C and in the naphthalene-degrading culture at 50°C. Both bacteria encode almost complete pathways for UAH degradation and for downstream degradation. They likely activate benzene via methylation, and naphthalene via direct carboxylation, respectively. The two species constitute the first thermophilic UAH degraders of the Desulfatiglandales. In the naphthalene-degrading culture incubated at 70°C, a Dehalococcoidia bacterium became enriched, which encoded a partial pathway for UAH degradation. Comparison of enriched bacteria with related genomes from environmental samples indicated that pathways for benzene degradation are widely distributed, while thermophily and capacity for naphthalene activation are rare. Our study highlights the capacities of uncultured thermophilic microbes for UAH degradation in petroleum reservoirs and in contaminated environments.

Anaerobic biodegradation of pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene by a new sulfate-reducing Desulforamulus aquiferis strain DSA

The study of anaerobic high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HMW-PAHs) biodegradation under sulfate-reducing conditions by microorganisms, including microbial species responsible for biodegradation and relative metabolic processes, remains in its infancy. Here, we found that a new sulfate-reducer, designated as Desulforamulus aquiferis strain DSA, could biodegrade pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene (two kinds of HMW-PAHs) coupled with the reduction of sulfate to sulfide. Interestingly, strain DSA could simultaneously biodegrade pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene when they co-existed in culture. Additionally, the metabolic processes for anaerobic pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene biodegradation by strain DSA were newly proposed in this study based on the detection of intermediates, quantum chemical calculations and analyses of the genome and RTqPCR. The initial activation step for anaerobic pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene biodegradation by strain DSA was identified as the formation of pyrene-2-carboxylic acid and benzo[a]pyrene-11-carboxylic acid by carboxylation Thereafter, CoA ligase, ring reduction through hydrogenation, and ring cracking occurred, and short-chain fatty acids and carbon dioxide were identified as the final products. Additionally, DSA could also utilize benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, and benz[a]anthracene as carbon sources. Our study can provide new guidance for the anaerobic HMW-PAHs biodegradation under sulfate-reducing conditions.

Bioaugmentation has temporary effect on anaerobic pesticide biodegradation in simulated groundwater systems

Groundwater is the most important source for drinking water in The Netherlands. Groundwater quality is threatened by the presence of pesticides, and biodegradation is a natural process that can contribute to pesticide removal. Groundwater conditions are oligotrophic and thus biodegradation can be limited by the presence and development of microbial communities capable of biodegrading pesticides. For that reason, bioremediation technologies such as bioaugmentation (BA) can help to enhance pesticide biodegradation. We studied the effect of BA using enriched mixed inocula in two column bioreactors that simulate groundwater systems at naturally occurring redox conditions (iron and sulfate-reducing conditions). Columns were operated for around 800 days, and two BA inoculations (BA1 and BA2) were conducted in each column. Inocula were enriched from different wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) under different redox-conditions. We observed a temporary effect of BA1, reaching 100% removal efficiency of the pesticide 2,4-D after 100 days in both columns. In the iron-reducing column, 2,4-D removal was in general higher than under sulfate-reducing conditions demonstrating the influence of redox conditions on overall biodegradation. We observed a temporary shift in microbial communities after BA1 that is relatable to the increase in 2,4-D removal efficiency. After BA2 under sulfate-reducing conditions, 2,4-D removal efficiency decreased, but no change in the column microbial communities was observed. The present study demonstrates that BA with a mixed inoculum can be a valuable technique for improving biodegradation in anoxic groundwater systems at different redox-conditions.Graphical abstract

Anaerobic biodegradation of phenanthrene and pyrene by sulfate-reducing cultures enriched from contaminated freshwater lake sediments

Our current understanding of the susceptibility of hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to anaerobic microbial degradation is very limited. In the present study, we obtained phenanthrene- and pyrene-degrading strictly anaerobic sulfate-reducing enrichments using contaminated freshwater lake sediments as the source material. The highly enriched phenanthrene-degrading culture, MMKS23, was dominated (98%) by a sulfate-reducing bacterium belonging to the genus Desulfovibrio. While Desulfovibrio sp. was also predominant (79%) in the pyrene-degrading enrichment culture, MMKS44, an anoxygenic purple non-sulfur bacterium, Rhodopseudomonas sp., constituted a significant fraction (18%) of the total microbial community. Phenanthrene or pyrene biodegradation by the enrichment cultures was coupled with sulfate reduction, as evident from near stoichiometric consumption of sulfate and accumulation of sulfide. Also, there was almost complete inhibition of substrate degradation in the presence of an inhibitor of sulfate reduction, i.e., 20 mM MoO42−, in the culture medium. After 180 days of incubation, about 79.40 μM phenanthrene was degraded in the MMKS23 culture, resulting in the consumption of 806.80 μM sulfate and accumulation of 625.80 μM sulfide. Anaerobic pyrene biodegradation by the MMKS44 culture was relatively slow. About 22.30 μM of the substrate was degraded after 180 days resulting in the depletion of 239 μM sulfate and accumulation of 196.90 μM sulfide. Biodegradation of phenanthrene by the enrichment yielded a metabolite, phenanthrene-2-carboxylic acid, suggesting that carboxylation could be a widespread initial step of phenanthrene activation under sulfate-reducing conditions. Overall, this novel study demonstrates the ability of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), dwelling in contaminated freshwater sediments to anaerobically biodegrade three-ringed phenanthrene and highly recalcitrant four-ringed pyrene. Our findings suggest that SRB could play a crucial role in the natural attenuation of PAHs in anoxic freshwater sediments.

Influence of redox condition and inoculum on micropollutant biodegradation by soil and activated sludge communities

Micropollutant biodegradation is selected by the interplay among environmental conditions and microbial community composition. This study investigated how different electron acceptors, and different inocula with varying microbial diversity, pre-exposed to distinct redox conditions and micropollutants, affect micropollutant biodegradation. Four tested inocula comprised of agricultural soil (Soil), sediment from a ditch in an agricultural field (Ditch), activated sludge from a municipal WWTP (Mun AS), and activated sludge from an industrial WWTP (Ind AS). Removal of 16 micropollutants was investigated for each inoculum under aerobic, nitrate reducing, iron reducing, sulfate reducing, and methanogenic conditions. Micropollutant biodegradation was highest under aerobic conditions with removal of 12 micropollutants. Most micropollutants were biodegraded by Soil (n = 11) and Mun AS inocula (n = 10). A positive correlation was observed between inoculum community richness and the number of different micropollutants a microbial community initially degraded. The redox conditions to which a microbial community had been exposed appeared to positively affect micropollutant biodegradation performance more than pre-exposure to micropollutants. Additionally, depletion of the organic carbon present in the inocula resulted in lower micropollutant biodegradation and overall microbial activities, suggesting that i) an additional carbon source is needed to promote micropollutant biodegradation; and ii) overall microbial activity can be a good indirect indicator for micropollutant biodegradation activity. These results could help to develop novel micropollutant removal strategies.