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Verbuyst BR, Pakostova E, Paktunc D, Bain JG, Finfrock YZ, Saurette EM, Ptacek CJ, Blowes DW. Microbiological and geochemical characterization of As-bearing tailings and underlying sediments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133554. [PMID: 38246057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Over the past 100 years, extensive oxidation of As-bearing sulfide-rich tailings from the abandoned Long Lake Gold Mine (Canada) has resulted in the formation of acid mine drainage (pH 2.0-3.9) containing high concentrations of dissolved As (∼400 mg L-1), SO42-, Fe and other metals. Dissolved As is predominantly present as As(III), with increased As(V) near the tailings surface. Pore-gas O2 is depleted to < 1 vol% in the upper 30-80 cm of the tailings profile. The primary sulfides, pyrite and arsenopyrite, are highly oxidized in the upper portions of the tailings. Elevated proportions of sulfide-oxidizing prokaryotes are present in this zone (mean 32.3% of total reads). The tailings are underlain by sediments rich in organic C. Enrichment in δ34S-SO4 in pore-water samples in the organic C-rich zone is consistent with dissimilatory sulfate reduction. Synchrotron-based spectroscopy indicates an abundance of ferric arsenate phases near the impoundment surface and the presence of secondary arsenic sulfides in the organic-C beneath the tailings. The persistence of elevated As concentrations beneath the tailings indicates precipitation of secondary As sulfides is not sufficient to completely remove dissolved As. The oxidation of sulfides and release of As is expected to continue for decades. The findings will inform future remediation efforts and provide a foundation for the long-term monitoring of the effectiveness of the remediation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent R Verbuyst
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Eva Pakostova
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; Centre for Manufacturing and Materials, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK.
| | - Dogan Paktunc
- Canmet, Mining and Mineral Sciences Laboratories, 555 Booth Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G1, Canada
| | - Jeff G Bain
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Y Zou Finfrock
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Emily M Saurette
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Carol J Ptacek
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - David W Blowes
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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Pakostova E, Hilger DM, Blowes DW, Ptacek CJ. Microbial processes with the potential to mobilize As from a circumneutral-pH mixture of flotation and roaster tailings. Sci Rep 2023; 13:23048. [PMID: 38155250 PMCID: PMC10754864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50435-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Northwest Tailings Containment Area at the inactive Giant Mine (Canada) contains a complex mixture of arsenic-containing substances, including flotation tailings (84.8 wt%; with 0.4 wt% residual S), roaster calcine wastes (14.4 wt% Fe oxides), and arsenic trioxide (0.8 wt%) derived from an electrostatic precipitator as well as As-containing water (21.3 ± 4.1 mg L-1 As) derived from the underground mine workings. In the vadose zone the tailings pore water has a pH of 7.6 and contains elevated metal(loid)s (2.37 ± 5.90 mg L-1 As); mineral oxidizers account for 2.5% of total 16S rRNA reads in solid samples. In the underlying saturated tailings, dissolved Fe and As concentrations increase with depth (up to 72 and 20 mg L-1, respectively), and the mean relative abundance of Fe(III)-reducers is 0.54% of total reads. The potential for As mobilization via both reductive and oxidative (bio)processes should be considered in Giant Mine remediation activities. The current remediation plan includes installation of an engineered cover that incorporates a geosynthetic barrier layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pakostova
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada.
- Centre for Manufacturing and Materials, Coventry University, Coventry, UK.
| | - David M Hilger
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - David W Blowes
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Carol J Ptacek
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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Chen B, Zhou FJ, Yang F, Lian JJ, Ye TR, Wu HY, Wang LM, Song N, Liu YY, Hui AY. Enhanced sequestration of molybdenum(VI) using composite constructed wetlands and responses of microbial communities. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2022; 85:1065-1078. [PMID: 35228354 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2022.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The molybdenum (Mo) non-point source pollution in the mining area has an irreversible impact on the surrounding water and soil ecosystems. Herein, three integrated vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands (CWs) were constructed to assess the effects of combination substrates and plant on the removal of Mo(VI). Results showed that CW1 with combination substrates and cattail exhibited a favorable removal performance for Mo(VI) at 80.90%. Moreover, most Mo(VI) retained in the CWs was retained in the substrate (58.13-88.04%), and the largest fraction of Mo(VI) retained was the water-soluble fraction on the surface of the combination substrates. Mo(VI) removal was also influenced by the microbial community composition in substrate, especially their co-occurrence networks. The species that showed significant positive correlation with Mo(VI) removal were Planctomycetes, Latescibacteria, Armatimonadetes, and Gemmatimonadetes. Moreover, CWs added plants showed that more co-occurrences interaction between taxa occurs, which means that the wetlands efficiently select recruitment of potential microbial consortia and change the co-occurrences to remove pollution in the substrate. These results could be useful in providing an ecology-based solution for the treatment of Mo(VI) in wastewater, especially in adjusting the microbial communities for Mo(VI) removal at the genetic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Chen
- Key Laboratory of Metallurgical Emission Reduction & Resources Recycling (Anhui University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Ma'anshan 243002, China; College of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Anhui 243002, China
| | - F J Zhou
- College of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Anhui 243002, China
| | - F Yang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - J J Lian
- Key Laboratory of Metallurgical Emission Reduction & Resources Recycling (Anhui University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Ma'anshan 243002, China; College of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Anhui 243002, China
| | - T R Ye
- College of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Anhui 243002, China
| | - H Y Wu
- College of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Anhui 243002, China
| | - L M Wang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - N Song
- College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China E-mail:
| | - Y Y Liu
- College of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Anhui 243002, China
| | - A Y Hui
- College of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Anhui 243002, China
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Li L, Tian S, Li Y, Li J, Huang J, Hu X. Study on the Role of Quartz in the Bio-Oxidation of Sulfide Minerals From Mine Solid Waste. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 107:1103-1110. [PMID: 34536096 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03313-5] [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: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sulfide-containing mine waste was oxidized to produce acid mine drainage, which lead to acidification of surrounding soil and downstream rivers and posed a threat to the surrounding environment. Quartz often coexists with sulfide minerals and affects the oxidation of sulfide minerals. In order to explore the role of quartz in the bio-oxidation of sulfide minerals in mine solid waste, the mixed minerals of quartz and sulfide minerals were bio-oxidized by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. The results showed that quartz could improve the microbial activity and increase the acid production of sulfide minerals. The larger the proportion of quartz in bio-oxidation of sulfide minerals, the less the production of secondary minerals such as jarosite, and the larger the leaching amount of iron and sulfate. This research provides new ideas for speeding up the bio-oxidation of sulfide mineral to remove iron and sulfate. It provides a new way to solve acid pollution caused by oxidation of sulfide minerals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuqing Li
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Senlin Tian
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Ying Li
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jiayao Li
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jianhong Huang
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Xuewei Hu
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
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Performance of a Geosynthetic-Clay-Liner Cover System at a Cu/Zn Mine Tailings Impoundment. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.02846-19. [PMID: 32033946 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02846-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The abandoned Kam Kotia Mine (Canada) is undergoing remediation. A geosynthetic-clay-liner (GCL) cover system was installed in the Northern Impounded Tailings (NIT) area in 2008 to isolate acid-generating tailings from water and oxygen and to mitigate sulfide oxidation. The cover system includes a vegetated uppermost soil layer underlain by a granular protective layer (sand), a clay moisture-retaining layer, a GCL, a granular capillary-break material (cushion sand), and a crushed waste rock-capillary break layer installed above the tailings. The goal of this study was to characterize the microbiology of the covered tailings to assess the performance of the cover system for mitigating sulfide bio-oxidation. Tailings beneath the GCL were characterized by high sulfur and low carbon content. The bulk pH of the tailings pore water was circumneutral (∼5.5 to 7.3). Total genomic DNA was extracted from 36 samples recovered from the constituent layers of the cover system and the underlying tailings and was analyzed in triplicates using high-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Iron-oxidizing, sulfur-oxidizing, sulfate-reducing, and aerobic heterotrophic microorganisms were enumerated by use of most probable number enumeration, which identified heterotrophs as the most numerous group of culturable microorganisms throughout the depth profile. Low relative abundances and viable counts of microorganisms that catalyze transformations of iron and sulfur in the covered tailings, compared to previous studies on unreclaimed tailings, indicate that sulfide oxidation rates have decreased due to the presence of the GCL. Characterization of the microbial community can provide a sensitive indicator for assessing the performance of remediation systems.IMPORTANCE Mining activities are accompanied by significant environmental and financial liabilities, including the release of acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD is caused by accelerated chemical and biological oxidation of sulfide minerals in mine wastes and is characterized by low pH and high concentrations of sulfate and metal(loid)s. Microorganisms assume important roles in the catalysis of redox reactions. Our research elucidates linkages among the biogeochemistry of mine wastes and remediation systems and microbial community and activity. This study assesses the performance and utility of geosynthetic-clay-liner cover systems for management of acid-generating mine wastes. Analyses of the microbial communities in tailings isolated beneath an engineered cover system provide a better understanding of the complex biogeochemical processes involved in the redox cycling of key elements, contribute to the remediation of mine wastes, and provide a valuable tool for assessment of the effectiveness of the remediation system.
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6
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Xu DM, Zhan CL, Liu HX, Lin HZ. A critical review on environmental implications, recycling strategies, and ecological remediation for mine tailings. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:35657-35669. [PMID: 31732950 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06555-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mine tailings, generated from the extraction, processing, and utilization of mineral resources, have resulted in serious acid mine drainage (AMD) pollution. Recently, scholars are paying more attention to two alternative strategies for resource recovery and ecological reclamation of mine tailings that help to improve the current tailing management, and meanwhile reduce the negative environmental outcomes. This review suggests that the principles of geochemical evolution may provide new perspective for the future in-depth studies regarding the pollution control and risk management. Recent advances in three recycling approaches of tailing resources, termed metal recovery, agricultural fertilizer, and building materials, are further described. These recycling strategies are significantly conducive to decrease the mine tailing stocks for problematic disposal. In this regard, the future recycling approaches should be industrially applicable and technically feasible to achieve the sustainable mining operation. Finally, the current state of tailing phytoremediation technologies is also discussed, while identification and selection of the ideal plants, which is perceived to be the excellent candidates of tailing reclamation, should be the focus of future studies. Based on the findings and perspectives of this review, the present study can act as an important reference for the academic participants involved in this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Mao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mine Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100082, China
| | - Chang-Lin Zhan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mine Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, China.
| | - Hong-Xia Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mine Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, China
| | - Han-Zhi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100082, China
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7
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Henne A, Craw D, Gagen EJ, Southam G. Bacterial influence on storage and mobilisation of metals in iron-rich mine tailings from the Salobo mine, Brazil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 680:91-104. [PMID: 31100671 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.448] [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: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In this study we investigated the potential effects of promoting bacterial activity on tailings from the Salobo iron-oxide copper‑gold (IOCG) mine, Brazil. In particular we focussed on (1) the potential for mobilising additional Cu and (2) the effects of long-term storage on other metals. Unlike typical sulphide-ore tailings, the pH of the Salobo tailings is circumneutral and these tailings are dominated by Fe-bearing silicates and magnetite, with minor micrometre-scale encapsulated Cu-bearing sulphides. While these tailings do not produce acid mine drainage, an endemic strain of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was isolated from the mine site. These bacteria were used in laboratory column leaching experiments of tailings material, which ran for up to 395 days, without the addition of ferrous iron. Bacteria-tailings interactions were typically maintained at a pH > 5, due to silicate-mediated pH buffering. This was eventually overcome after ~200 days by regular addition of acidic (pH 2.2) nutrient solution, as well as growth and acid generation by bacteria. Copper dissolution was not significantly enhanced by bacterial activity compared to abiotic control experiments while pH was >5. However, as the experiments were progressively acidified, additional Cu was mobilised in the biotic systems. The mineral alteration reactions produced abundant ferrihydrite precipitates within the tailings, which was enhanced by bacterial activity as the pH decreased. Adsorption of metal cations to these precipitates ensured that effluent solutions had only low levels (<0.5 mg/l) of dissolved trace metals such as As, Co, Pb, Zn, Se, Ni and Cr. These adsorption processes will strongly inhibit metal leaching from the tailings during long-term storage, as long as the iron oxidising bacteria are producing the requisite excess of ferrihydrite and the pH is >5. This case study shows that bacterially-mediated silicate weathering, in Fe(II)-bearing silicate rich tailings with only minor sulphides and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans can enhance the environmental stability of the tailings.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Henne
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - D Craw
- Department of Geology, The University of Otago, North Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - E J Gagen
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - G Southam
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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Coral T, Descostes M, De Boissezon H, Bernier-Latmani R, de Alencastro LF, Rossi P. Microbial communities associated with uranium in-situ recovery mining process are related to acid mine drainage assemblages. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 628-629:26-35. [PMID: 29428857 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A large fraction (47%) of the world's uranium is mined by a technique called "In Situ Recovery" (ISR). This mining technique involves the injection of a leaching fluid (acidic or alkaline) into a uranium-bearing aquifer and the pumping of the resulting solution through cation exchange columns for the recovery of dissolved uranium. The present study reports the in-depth alterations brought to autochthonous microbial communities during acidic ISR activities. Water samples were collected from a uranium roll-front deposit that is part of an ISR mine in operation (Tortkuduk, Kazakhstan). Water samples were obtained at a depth of ca 500 m below ground level from several zones of the Uyuk aquifer following the natural redox zonation inherited from the roll front deposit, including the native mineralized orebody and both upstream and downstream adjacent locations. Samples were collected equally from both the entrance and the exit of the uranium concentration plant. Next-generation sequencing data showed that the redox gradient shaped the community structures, within the anaerobic, reduced, and oligotrophic habitats of the native aquifer zones. Acid injection induced drastic changes in the structures of these communities, with a large decrease in both cell numbers and diversity. Communities present in the acidified (pH values < 2) mining areas exhibited similarities to those present in acid mine drainage, with the dominance of Sulfobacillus sp., Leptospirillum sp. and Acidithiobacillus sp., as well as the archaean Ferroplasma sp. Communities located up- and downstream of the mineralized zone under ISR and affected by acidic fluids were blended with additional facultative anaerobic and acidophilic microorganisms. These mixed biomes may be suitable communities for the natural attenuation of ISR mining-affected subsurface through the reduction of metals and sulfate. Assessing the effect of acidification on the microbial community is critical to evaluating the potential for natural attenuation or active bioremediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Coral
- Central Environmental Laboratory, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Station 2, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michaël Descostes
- AREVA Mines, R&D Dpt., Tour AREVA, 1, place Jean Millier, 92084 Paris, La Défense, France
| | - Hélène De Boissezon
- AREVA Mines, R&D Dpt., Tour AREVA, 1, place Jean Millier, 92084 Paris, La Défense, France
| | - Rizlan Bernier-Latmani
- Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Station 6, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luiz Felippe de Alencastro
- Central Environmental Laboratory, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Station 2, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Rossi
- Central Environmental Laboratory, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Station 2, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Aguinaga OE, McMahon A, White KN, Dean AP, Pittman JK. Microbial Community Shifts in Response to Acid Mine Drainage Pollution Within a Natural Wetland Ecosystem. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1445. [PMID: 30013541 PMCID: PMC6036317 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural wetlands are known to play an important role in pollutant remediation, such as remediating acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned mine sites. However, many aspects of the microbiological mechanisms underlying AMD remediation within wetlands are poorly understood, including the role and composition of associated microbial communities. We have utilized an AMD-polluted river-wetland system to perform rRNA sequence analysis of microbial communities that play a role in biogeochemical activities that are linked to water quality improvement. Next-generation sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons from river and wetland sediment samples identified variation in bacterial community structure and diversity on the basis of dissolved and particulate metal concentrations, sediment metal concentrations and other water chemistry parameters (pH and conductivity), and wetland plant presence. Metabolic reconstruction analysis allowed prediction of relative abundance of microbial metabolic pathways and revealed differences between samples that cluster on the basis of the severity of AMD pollution. Global metabolic activity was predicted to be significantly higher in unpolluted and wetland sediments in contrast to polluted river sediments, indicating a metabolic stress response to AMD pollution. This is one of the first studies to explore microbial community structure dynamics within a natural wetland exposed to AMD and our findings indicate that wetland ecosystems play critical roles in maintaining diversity and metabolic structure of sediment microbial communities subject to high levels of acidity and metal pollution. Moreover, these microbial communities are predicted to be important for the remediation action of the wetland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar E. Aguinaga
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Anna McMahon
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Keith N. White
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew P. Dean
- School of Science and the Environment, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jon K. Pittman
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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10
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Buttet GF, Murray AM, Goris T, Burion M, Jin B, Rolle M, Holliger C, Maillard J. Coexistence of two distinct Sulfurospirillum populations respiring tetrachloroethene—genomic and kinetic considerations. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiy018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Géraldine Florence Buttet
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Laboratory for Environmental Biotechnology, Station 6, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Marie Murray
- DTU Environment, Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tobias Goris
- Department of Applied and Ecological Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Philosophenweg 12, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Mélissa Burion
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Laboratory for Environmental Biotechnology, Station 6, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Biao Jin
- DTU Environment, Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Massimo Rolle
- DTU Environment, Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christof Holliger
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Laboratory for Environmental Biotechnology, Station 6, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Maillard
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Laboratory for Environmental Biotechnology, Station 6, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Praveckova M, Brennerova MV, Holliger C, De Alencastro F, Rossi P. Indirect Evidence Link PCB Dehalogenation with Geobacteraceae in Anaerobic Sediment-Free Microcosms. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:933. [PMID: 27379063 PMCID: PMC4909783 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) production was brought to a halt 30 years ago, recalcitrance to degradation makes them a major environmental pollutant at a global scale. Previous studies confirmed that organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB) were capable of utilizing chlorinated congeners as electron acceptor. OHRB belonging to the Phyla Chloroflexi and Firmicutes are nowadays considered as the main PCB-dechlorinating organisms. In this study, we aimed at exploring the involvement of other taxa in PCB dechlorination using sediment-free microcosms (SFMs) and the Delor PCB mixture. High rates of congener dehalogenation (up to 96%) were attained in long-term incubations of up to 692 days. Bacterial communities were dominated by Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes, among strictly simplified community structures composed of 12 major phyla only. In a first batch of SFMs, Dehalococcoides mccartyi closely affiliated with strains CG4 and CBDB1 was considered as the main actor associated with congener dehalogenation. Addition of 2-bromoethanesulfonate (BES), a known inhibitor of methanogenic activity in a second batch of SFMs had an adverse effect on the abundance of Dehalococcoides sp. Only two sequences affiliated to this Genus could be detected in two (out of six) BES-treated SFMs, contributing to a mere 0.04% of the communities. BES-treated SFMs showed very different community structures, especially in the contributions of organisms involved in fermentation and syntrophic activities. Indirect evidence provided by both statistical and phylogenetic analysis validated the implication of a new cluster of actors, distantly affiliated with the Family Geobacteraceae (Phylum δ-Proteobacteria), in the dehalogenation of low chlorinated PCB congeners. Members of this Family are known already for their dehalogenation capacity of chlorinated solvents. As a result, the present study widens the knowledge for the phylogenetic reservoir of indigenous PCB dechlorinating taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Praveckova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech RepublicPrague, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, Charles University PraguePrague, Czech Republic
| | - Maria V Brennerova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Christof Holliger
- Laboratory for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Felippe De Alencastro
- Central Environmental Laboratory, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Rossi
- Central Environmental Laboratory, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
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