Methylmercury degradation by Pseudomonas putida V1

Photochemical demethylation of methylmercury (MeHg) in aquatic systems: A review of MeHg species, mechanisms, and influencing factors

Photodemethylation is the major pathway of methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation in surface water before uptake by the food chain, whose mechanisms and influence factors are still not completely understood. Here, we review the current knowledge on photodemethylation of MeHg and divide MeHg photolysis into three pathways: (1) direct photodemethylation, (2) free radical attack, and (3) intramolecular electron or energy transfer. In aquatic environments, dissolved organic matter is involved into all above pathways, and due to its complex compositions, properties and concentrations, DOM poses multiple functions during the PD of MeHg. DOM-MeHg complex (mainly by sulfur-containing molecules) might weaken the C-Hg bond and enhance PD through both direct and indirect pathways. In special, synergistic effects of both strong binding sites and chromophoric moieties in DOM might lead to intramolecular electron or energy transfer. Moreover, DOM might play a role of radical scavenger; while triplet state DOM, which is generated by chromophoric DOM under light, might become a source of free radicals. Apart from DOMs, transition metals, halides, NO3-, NO2-, and carbonates also act as radical initialaters or scavengers, and significantly pose effects on radical demethylation, which is generally mediated by hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen. Environmental factors such as pH, light wavelength, light intensity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and suspended particles also affect the PD of MeHg. This study assessed previously published works on three major mechanisms, with the goal of providing general estimates for photodemethylation under various environment factors according to know effects, and highlighting the current uncertainties for future research directions.

Mechanism and controlling factors on rapid methylmercury degradation by ligand-enhanced Fenton-like reaction at circumneutral pH

Methylmercury (MeHg), derived from industrial processes and microbial methylation, is still a worldwide environmental concern. A rapid and efficient strategy is necessary for MeHg degradation in waste and environmental waters. Here, we provide a new method with ligand-enhanced Fenton-like reaction to rapidly degrade MeHg under neutral pH. Three common chelating ligands were selected (nitriloacetic acid (NTA), citrate, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic disodium (EDTA)) to promote the Fenton-like reaction and degradation of MeHg. Results showed that MeHg can be rapidly degraded, with the following efficiency sequence: EDTA > NTA > citrate. Scavenger addition demonstrated that hydroxyl radical (^▪OH), superoxide radical (O₂^▪-), and ferryl (Fe^ⅣO²⁺) were involved in MeHg degradation, and their relative contributions highly depended on ligand type. Degradation product and total Hg analysis suggested that Hg(Ⅱ) and Hg⁰ were generated with the demethylation of MeHg. Further, environmental factors, including initial pH, organic complexation (natural organic matter and cysteine), and inorganic ions (chloride and bicarbonate) on MeHg degradation, were investigated in NTA-enhanced system. Finally, rapid MeHg degradation was validated for MeHg-spiked waste and environmental waters. This study provided a simple and efficient strategy for MeHg remediation in contaminated waters, which is also helpful for understanding its degradation in the natural environment.

Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Growth Parameters of Pseudomonas putida HSM-C2 with Coumarin-Degrading Bacteria

Natural coumarins contribute to the aroma of licorice, and they are often used as a flavoring and stabilizing agents. However, coumarins usage in food has been banned by various countries due to its toxic effect. In this study, a strain of HSM-C2 that can biodegrade coumarin with high efficiency was isolated from soil and identified as Pseudomonas putida through performing 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The HSM-C2 catalyzed the biodegradation up to 99.83% of 1 mg/mL coumarin within 24 h under optimal culture conditions, such as 30 °C and pH 7, which highlights the strong coumarin biodegrading potential of this strain. The product, such as dihydrocoumarin, generated after the biodegradation of coumarin was identified by performing GC-MS analysis. The present study provides a theoretical basis and microbial resource for further research on coumarin biodegradation.

Deep-sea mercury resistant bacteria from the Central Indian Ocean: A potential candidate for mercury bioremediation

Deep-sea bacteria when grown in normal environmental conditions get morphologically and genetically adapted to resist the provided culture conditions for their survival, making them a possible aspirant in mercury bioremediation. In this study, seawater samples were collected from different depths of the Central Indian Ocean and seven mercury resistant bacteria (resistant to 100 mg L^-1 concentration of inorganic Hg as HgCl₂) were isolated. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the identified isolates belong to the genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Pseudoalteromonas. The presence of the merA gene in the isolates contributes to the effective volatilization of mercury. The Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectroscopy analysis revealed that the isolates can reduce up to >80% of inorganic mercury. Moreover, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum analysis indicates that functional groups play a key role in the mechanism of adaptation towards Hg²⁺ reduction. Thus, the deep-sea bacteria expressed significant tolerance and reduction potential towards ionic mercury.

Indigenous Bacteria Have High Potential for Promoting Salix integra Thunb. Remediation of Lead-Contaminated Soil by Adjusting Soil Properties

Salix integra Thunb., a fast-growing woody plant species, has been used for phytoremediation in recent years. However, little knowledge is available regarding indigenous soil microbial communities associated with the S. integra phytoextraction process. In this study, we used an Illumina MiSeq platform to explore the indigenous microbial composition after planting S. integra at different lead (Pb) contamination levels: no Pb, low Pb treatment (Pb 500 mg kg^–1), and high Pb treatment (Pb 1500 mg kg^–1). At the same time, the soil properties and their relationship with the bacterial communities were analyzed. The results showed that Pb concentration was highest in the root reaching at 3159.92 ± 138.98 mg kg^–1 under the high Pb treatment. Planting S. integra decreased the total Pb concentration by 84.61 and 29.24 mg kg^–1, and increased the acid-soluble Pb proportion by 1.0 and 0.75% in the rhizosphere and bulk soil under the low Pb treatment compared with unplanted soil, respectively. However, it occurred only in the rhizosphere soil under the high Pb treatment. The bacterial community structure and microbial metabolism were related to Pb contamination levels and planting of S. integra, while the bacterial diversity was only affected by Pb contamination levels. The dominant microbial species were similar, but their relative abundance shifted in different treatments. Most of the specific bacterial assemblages whose relative abundances were promoted by root activity and/or Pb contamination were suitable for use in plant-microbial combination remediation, especially many genera coming from Proteobacteria. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed available nitrogen and pH having a significant effect on the bacteria relating to phytoremediation. The results indicated that indigenous bacteria have great potential in the application of combined S. integra-microbe remediation of lead-contaminated soil by adjusting soil properties.

Reducing methylmercury accumulation in fish using Escherichia coli with surface-displayed methylmercury-binding peptides

Seafood consumption is widely considered as the primary route for human exposure to the neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) that is produced by certain anaerobic microorganisms and can bioaccumulate to high concentration levels in natural aquatic food webs. In this study, a novel methylmercury-binding peptide with seven amino acids was displayed on the cell surfaces of Escherichia coli strain W-1, which was isolated from fish feces and fused with ice nucleation protein. These cells exhibited high affinity and selectivity toward methylmercury. They efficiently removed more than 96% of 12 μM methylmercury, and accumulation of methylmercury in the engineered strain was four times higher than that in the wild type. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed methylmercury accumulation on cell membranes. Carassius auratus was fed by engineered bacteria, which showed a decrease in methylmercury concentration in muscles of about 36.3 ± 0.7%; whereas an increase in methylmercury concentration was observed in the feces (36.7 ± 0.8%) in comparison to the control group. The engineered strain in the gut captured methylmercury and prevented it's absorption by muscles, while some bacteria with methylmercury were excreted in the feces. The surface-engineered E. coli effectively protected fish from methylmercury contamination.

Investigation on microbial community in remediation of lead-contaminated soil by Trifolium repensL

Trifolium repensL. is a plant with strong adaptability and large biomass, which possess great potential for phytoremediation. However, little is known concerning its remediation effects and changes in rhizosphere microbial activity and community structure under heavy metal pressure. The aims of this study were to evaluate lead accumulation of Trifolium repensL., study microbial lead resistance, metabolism and community structure characteristics in rhizosphere soils. The accumulated Pb concentration of Trifolium repensL. was observed in 100 and 500 mg/kg Pb contained soil at 55.81 and 90.3 mg/kg, respectively, which cause the decrease of acid-soluble fractions in rhizosphere soil. In the progress of lead-contaminated soil phytoremediation by Trifolium repensL., Pb resistance and metabolic activities of microorganisms have been prompted gradually. In addition, the microbial community composition and abundance were investigated using Illumina sequencing and quantitative PCR. The result showed that after phytoremediation, beneficial microorganisms, such as Flavisolibacter, Kaistobacter, and Pseudomonas, increased, becoming the dominant genera. This study has provided insight into the distribution and activity of the microbial community.

Characterization of an Hg(II)-volatilizing Pseudomonas sp. strain, DC-B1, and its potential for soil remediation when combined with biochar amendment

Hg contamination is a critical environmental problem, and its remediation using cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods is highly desirable. In this study, a multi-metal-resistant bacterium showing strong Hg(II) volatilization ability, Pseudomonas sp. DC-B1, was isolated from heavy metal-contaminated soils. DC-B1 volatilized 81.1%, 79.2% and 74.3% of the initial Hg2+ from culture solutions with initial Hg2+ concentrations of 5.1, 10.4, and 15.7 mg/L, respectively, within 24 h. Microcosm experiments were performed to investigate the remediation of Hg(II)-spiked soils inoculated with DC-B1 coupled with sawdust biochar amendment. The efficiency of Hg removal from two types of soil samples with different properties and an initial Hg(II) content of approximately 100 mg/kg was enhanced 5.7-13.1% by bio-augmentation with inoculation of the bacterial strain DC-B1, 5.4-10.7% by amendment of 4% (w/w) biochar, and 10.7-23.2% by the combination of DC-B1 and biochar amendments over an incubation period of 24 d over the efficiency in the control treatment under flooded conditions. Longer root lengths were observed in lettuce grown in the treated soils than in lettuce from the control soil, confirming the bioremediation efficacy of the two bioagents for soil Hg contamination.