1
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Baidya AS, Boden JS, Li Y, Smith AJB, Konhauser KO, Stüeken EE. Bioavailable phosphite in the surface ocean during the Great Oxidation Event. Nat Commun 2025; 16:4825. [PMID: 40410142 PMCID: PMC12102248 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59963-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2025] [Indexed: 05/25/2025] Open
Abstract
Phosphorus availability has influenced the co-evolution of life and Earth's environments. While phosphate was likely the main phosphorus source for life during the Archean, phosphite (HPO32-) gained importance leading up to the Great Oxidation Event (GOE). However, the concentration of phosphite in seawater at that time, and the processes driving this shift in P utilization, remain poorly constrained. Using lab experiments and phosphite data from banded iron formations (BIFs), we show that hydrous ferric oxides (HFO) preferentially remove phosphate over phosphite. This suggests that shallow seawater at the onset of the GOE could have contained up to 0.17 µM phosphite, comprising 5-88% of total dissolved inorganic phosphorus. We propose that phosphate depletion driven by HFO adsorption and microbial competition may have promoted the use of phosphite as an alternative P source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Saeed Baidya
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St, Andrews, UK.
| | - Joanne S Boden
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St, Andrews, UK
| | - Yuhao Li
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Albertus J B Smith
- DSTI-NRF Cimera and PPM Research Group, Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kurt O Konhauser
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Dept of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Eva E Stüeken
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St, Andrews, UK
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2
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Li Z, Kong X, Zhang Z, Tang F, Wang M, Zhao Y, Shi F. The functional mechanisms of phosphite and its applications in crop plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2025; 16:1538596. [PMID: 40260435 PMCID: PMC12009805 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1538596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2025] [Indexed: 04/23/2025]
Abstract
Phosphite (Phi), the reduced form of phosphate (Pi), is characterized by its stability, high solubility, efficient transport, resistance to fixation in soil, and widespread occurrence in natural environments. Although Phi exhibits greater suitability than Pi as a soil fertilizer, it cannot be metabolized by plants. In agricultural applications, Phi serves as a bio-stimulant, fungicide, herbicide, and has other purposes. As a bio-stimulant, Phi has been shown to promote plant growth, enhance stress resistance, and improve fruit quality. Additionally, when used as a fungicide or pesticide, it effectively inhibits the growth of phytopathogens in various crop species. The discovery of the phosphite dehydrogenase (ptxD) gene in microorganisms has significantly expanded the potential applications of Phi, including its use as a herbicide, phosphatic fertilizer, and a selectable chemical for generating marker-free transgenic plants. Therefore, the dual fertilization and weed control system of ptxD/Phi facilitates the utilization of Phi as the sole phosphorus source while concurrently suppressing the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds in the future. Notably, ptxD also acts as an ideal selectable marker because its resistant is specific to Phi, thereby eliminating the risk of false positive clones. The application of Phi provides a promising strategy for addressing phosphorus resource shortages and improving the efficiency of phosphatic fertilizers in agriculture. Furthermore, Phi is considered an environmentally friendly fertilizer, as it contributes to the mitigation of eutrophication. In prospect, Phi is anticipated to play a significant role as a chemical fertilizer that promotes the sustainable development of agriculture. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the functional mechanisms of Phi and its current applications in agriculture, with the aim of offering deeper insights into its potential benefits and practical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education People's Republic of China, College of Grassland Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiangjiu Kong
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education People's Republic of China, College of Grassland Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Fang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education People's Republic of China, College of Grassland Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Mingjiu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education People's Republic of China, College of Grassland Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
- National Center of Pratacultural Technology Innovation (under preparation), Hohhot, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education People's Republic of China, College of Grassland Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Fengling Shi
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education People's Republic of China, College of Grassland Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
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3
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Duhamel S. The microbial phosphorus cycle in aquatic ecosystems. Nat Rev Microbiol 2025; 23:239-255. [PMID: 39528792 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01119-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Phosphorus is an essential element for life, and phosphorus cycling is crucial to planetary habitability. In aquatic environments, microorganisms are a major component of phosphorus cycling and rapidly transform the diverse chemical forms of phosphorus through various uptake, assimilation and release pathways. Recent discoveries have revealed a more dynamic and complex aquatic microbial phosphorus cycle than previously understood. Some microorganisms have been shown to use and produce new phosphorus compounds, including those in reduced forms. New findings have also raised numerous unanswered questions that warrant further investigation. There is an expanding influence of human activity on aquatic ecosystems. Advancements in understanding the phosphorus biogeochemistry of evolving aquatic environments offer a unique opportunity to comprehend, anticipate and mitigate the effect of human activities. In this Review, I discuss the wealth of new aquatic phosphorus cycle research, spanning disciplines from omics and physiology to global biogeochemical modelling, with a focus on the current comprehension of how aquatic microorganisms sense, transport, assimilate, store, produce and release phosphorus. Of note, I delve into cellular phosphorus allocation, an underexplored topic with wide-ranging implications for energy and element flux in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Duhamel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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4
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Boden JS, Som SM, Brazelton WJ, Anderson RE, Stüeken EE. Evaluating Serpentinization as a Source of Phosphite to Microbial Communities in Hydrothermal Vents. GEOBIOLOGY 2025; 23:e70016. [PMID: 40129261 PMCID: PMC11933879 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.70016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2025] [Accepted: 03/12/2025] [Indexed: 03/26/2025]
Abstract
Previous studies have documented the presence of phosphite, a reduced and highly soluble form of phosphorus, in serpentinites, which has led to the hypothesis that serpentinizing hydrothermal vents could have been an important source of bioavailable phosphorus for early microbial communities in the Archean. Here, we test this hypothesis by evaluating the genomic hallmarks of phosphorus usage in microbial communities living in modern hydrothermal vents with and without influence from serpentinization. These genomic analyses are combined with results from a geochemical model that calculates phosphorus speciation during serpentinization as a function of temperature, water:rock ratio, and lithology at thermodynamic equilibrium. We find little to no genomic evidence of phosphite use in serpentinizing environments at the Voltri Massif or the Von Damm hydrothermal field at the Mid Cayman Rise, but relatively more in the Lost City hydrothermal field, Coast Range Ophiolite Microbial Observatory, The Cedars, and chimney samples from Old City hydrothermal field and Prony Bay hydrothermal field, as well as in the non-serpentinizing hydrothermal vents at Axial Seamount. Geochemical modeling shows that phosphite production is favored at ca 275°C-325°C and low water:rock ratios, which may explain previous observations of phosphite in serpentinite rocks; however, most of the initial phosphate is trapped in apatite during serpentinization, suppressing the absolute phosphite yield. As a result, phosphite from serpentinizing vents could have supported microbial growth around olivine minerals in chimney walls and suspended aggregates, but it is unlikely to have fueled substantial primary productivity in diffusely venting fluids during life's origin and evolution in the Archean unless substrates equivalent to dunites (composed of > 90 wt% olivine) were more common.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne S. Boden
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of St. AndrewsSt. AndrewsUK
| | - Sanjoy M. Som
- Blue Marble Space Institute of ScienceSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Space Science and Astrobiology Division, Exobiology BranchNASA Ames Research CenterMountain ViewCaliforniaUSA
| | - William J. Brazelton
- Blue Marble Space Institute of ScienceSeattleWashingtonUSA
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | | | - Eva E. Stüeken
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of St. AndrewsSt. AndrewsUK
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5
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Greiner JV, Snogren TI, Glonek T. The 31P Spectral Modulus (PSM) as an Assay of Metabolic Status. BIOLOGY 2025; 14:152. [PMID: 40001920 PMCID: PMC11851515 DOI: 10.3390/biology14020152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2024] [Revised: 01/27/2025] [Accepted: 01/29/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025]
Abstract
The phosphorus-31 (31P) spectral modulus (PSM) is a measure of the metabolic status of cells, tissues, and organs. The PSM can be calculated from 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR) spectra obtained from cell, tissue, or organ preparations. These 31P NMR spectra can be a measure of intact living cells, tissues, or organs, or appropriate biochemical extracts of such preparations. The 31P NMR spectrum is comprised of signals derived from organophosphate metabolites that resonate from 10 δ to -25 δ on the phosphorus chemical shift δ scale. The PSM is the ratio of the high-energy phosphate to that of the low-energy phosphate spectral integrals. These integrals may be conveniently grouped into high-energy and low-energy spectral regions, respectively, into 31P chemical shifts located between -0.13 δ to -25 δ and between 10 δ to -0.13 δ. High-energy phosphates are typically described as providing the energy necessary for the activity of cellular metabolism; chemically, they contain one or more phosphate anhydride bonds. This study demonstrates that, (1) in general, the higher the metabolic activity, the higher the PSM, and (2) the modulus calculation does not require a highly resolved 31P spectrum and can be calculated solely from the integral. The PSM was calculated among cells, tissues, and organs considered normal, diseased, and stressed. In diseased (mean 1.29 ± 0.73) and stressed (mean 1.23 ± 0.75) cells, tissues, and organs, PSM values are typically low or low relative to normal cells, tissues, or organs (mean 1.65 ± 0.90), following time-course measurements, in dynamic decline. The PSM is useful in determining the metabolic status of cells, tissues, or organs and can be employed as a calculable numeric assay for determining health status statically or over time. Calculation of the PSM can be carried out with spectra of low signal-to-noise; it relies on the minimal resolution required to detect an integral curve having a clear spectral integral inflection point at ca. -0.13 δ. Detection of an integral curve alone enables the calculation of a PSM even at levels of phosphorus concentration so low as to prevent detection of the individual or groups of metabolites, such as with in vivo or ex vivo cell, tissue, or organ determinations. This study (1) presents the foundations and fundamentals of the PSM, a living index of tissue metabolic health, and (2) demonstrates the use of spectral scan analysis in opening new vistas of biology and medicine for measuring the metabolic status of stressed and diseased tissues at a range of detectable levels for monitoring therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack V. Greiner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye & Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Clinical Eye Research of Boston, Winchester, MA 01890, USA; (T.I.S.); (T.G.)
| | - Tamara I. Snogren
- Clinical Eye Research of Boston, Winchester, MA 01890, USA; (T.I.S.); (T.G.)
| | - Thomas Glonek
- Clinical Eye Research of Boston, Winchester, MA 01890, USA; (T.I.S.); (T.G.)
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6
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Kaçar B. Reconstructing Early Microbial Life. Annu Rev Microbiol 2024; 78:463-492. [PMID: 39163590 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-041522-103400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
For more than 3.5 billion years, life experienced dramatic environmental extremes on Earth. These include shifts from oxygen-less to overoxygenated atmospheres and cycling between hothouse conditions and global glaciations. Meanwhile, an ecological revolution took place. Earth evolved from one dominated by microbial life to one containing the plants and animals that are most familiar today. Many key cellular features evolved early in the history of life, collectively defining the nature of our biosphere and underpinning human survival. Recent advances in molecular biology and bioinformatics have greatly improved our understanding of microbial evolution across deep time. However, the incorporation of molecular genetics, population biology, and evolutionary biology approaches into the study of Precambrian biota remains a significant challenge. This review synthesizes our current knowledge of early microbial life with an emphasis on ancient metabolisms. It also outlines the foundations of an emerging interdisciplinary area that integrates microbiology, paleobiology, and evolutionary synthetic biology to reconstruct ancient biological innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betül Kaçar
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA;
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7
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Boyer TH, Briese E, Crane L, Bhadha J, Call DF, McLamore ES, Rittmann B, Tuberty S, Westerhoff P, Duckworth OW. Guidance on aqueous matrices for evaluating novel precipitants and adsorbents for phosphorus removal and recovery. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 367:143648. [PMID: 39476984 PMCID: PMC12036625 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Revised: 10/05/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/08/2024]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) removal from water and recovery into useable forms is a critical component of creating a sustainable P cycle, although mature technologies for P removal and recovery are still lacking. The goal of this paper was to advance the testing of novel materials for P removal and recovery from water by providing guidance on the development of more realistic aqueous matrices used during materials development. Literature reports of "new" materials to remove P from water are often difficult to compare in terms of performance because authors use a myriad of water chemistries containing P concentrations, pH, and competing ions. Moreover, many tests are conducted in simplified matrices that do not reflect conditions in real systems. To address this critical gap, the research herein developed a systematic approach of identifying aqueous matrices relevant to P recovery, including key components in the aqueous matrices having the greatest influence on the mechanisms of P removal with emphasis on phosphate precipitation and phosphate adsorption, and providing guidelines on relevant "recipes" for aqueous solutions for testing novel materials. Key components in the aqueous matrices included hydrogen ion (i.e., pH), multivalent metal cations, and dissolved organic matter due to their influence on phosphate precipitation and adsorption mechanisms. Recipes for buffer solution and synthetic groundwater, surface water, anaerobic digestate, and stored urine are discussed in the context of P removal and recovery processes. Wherein the adoption of standard matrices in other fields have permitted direct comparison of processes or materials, it is anticipated that adoption of relevant aqueous matrix recipes for P removal and recovery will improve the ability to directly compare novel materials and processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Treavor H Boyer
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE), Arizona State University, PO Box 873005, Tempe, AZ, 85287-3005, USA; NSF Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, USA.
| | - Emily Briese
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE), Arizona State University, PO Box 873005, Tempe, AZ, 85287-3005, USA; NSF Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, USA
| | - Lucas Crane
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE), Arizona State University, PO Box 873005, Tempe, AZ, 85287-3005, USA; NSF Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, USA
| | - Jehangir Bhadha
- Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 3200 E Canal St, Belle Glade, FL, 33430, USA; NSF Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, USA
| | - Douglas F Call
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, 915 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7908, USA; NSF Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, USA
| | - Eric S McLamore
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Clemson University, 232 McAdams Hall, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA; Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Calhoun Dr, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA; NSF Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, USA
| | - Bruce Rittmann
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA; NSF Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, USA
| | - Shea Tuberty
- Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, ASU Box 32027, 572 Rivers St, Boone, NC, 28608, USA; NSF Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, USA
| | - Paul Westerhoff
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE), Arizona State University, PO Box 873005, Tempe, AZ, 85287-3005, USA; NSF Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, USA
| | - Owen W Duckworth
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, 101 Derieux St, Campus Box 7619, Raleigh, NC, 26795, USA; NSF Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, USA
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8
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Boden JS, Zhong J, Anderson RE, Stüeken EE. Timing the evolution of phosphorus-cycling enzymes through geological time using phylogenomics. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3703. [PMID: 38697988 PMCID: PMC11066067 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47914-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphorus plays a crucial role in controlling biological productivity, but geological estimates of phosphate concentrations in the Precambrian ocean, during life's origin and early evolution, vary over several orders of magnitude. While reduced phosphorus species may have served as alternative substrates to phosphate, their bioavailability on the early Earth remains unknown. Here, we reconstruct the phylogenomic record of life on Earth and find that phosphate transporting genes (pnas) evolved in the Paleoarchean (ca. 3.6-3.2 Ga) and are consistent with phosphate concentrations above modern levels ( > 3 µM). The first gene optimized for low phosphate levels (pstS; <1 µM) appeared around the same time or in the Mesoarchean depending on the reconstruction method. Most enzymatic pathways for metabolising reduced phosphorus emerged and expanded across the tree of life later. This includes phosphonate-catabolising CP-lyases, phosphite-oxidising pathways and hypophosphite-oxidising pathways. CP-lyases are particularly abundant in dissolved phosphate concentrations below 0.1 µM. Our results thus indicate at least local regions of declining phosphate levels through the Archean, possibly linked to phosphate-scavenging Fe(III), which may have limited productivity. However, reduced phosphorus species did not become widely used until after the Paleoproterozoic Great Oxidation Event (2.3 Ga), possibly linked to expansion of the biosphere at that time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne S Boden
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of St. Andrews, Bute Building, Queen's terrace, St. Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom.
| | - Juntao Zhong
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rika E Anderson
- Department of Biology, Carleton College, Northfield, MN, USA
| | - Eva E Stüeken
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of St. Andrews, Bute Building, Queen's terrace, St. Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom
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9
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Lidbury IDEA, Hitchcock A, Groenhof SRM, Connolly AN, Moushtaq L. New insights in bacterial organophosphorus cycling: From human pathogens to environmental bacteria. Adv Microb Physiol 2024; 84:1-49. [PMID: 38821631 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
In terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, phosphorus (P) availability controls primary production, with consequences for climate regulation and global food security. Understanding the microbial controls on the global P cycle is a prerequisite for minimising our reliance on non-renewable phosphate rock reserves and reducing pollution associated with excessive P fertiliser use. This recognised importance has reinvigorated research into microbial P cycling, which was pioneered over 75 years ago through the study of human pathogenic bacteria-host interactions. Immobilised organic P represents a significant fraction of the total P pool. Hence, microbes have evolved a plethora of mechanisms to transform this fraction into labile inorganic phosphate, the building block for numerous biological molecules. The 'genomics era' has revealed an extraordinary diversity of organic P cycling genes exist in the environment and studies going 'back to the lab' are determining how this diversity relates to function. Through this integrated approach, many hitherto unknown genes and proteins that are involved in microbial P cycling have been discovered. Not only do these fundamental discoveries push the frontier of our knowledge, but several examples also provide exciting opportunities for biotechnology and present possible solutions for improving the sustainability of how we grow our food, both locally and globally. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of bacterial organic P cycling, covering studies on human pathogens and how this knowledge is informing new discoveries in environmental microbiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian D E A Lidbury
- Molecular Microbiology - Biochemistry and Disease, School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew Hitchcock
- Molecular Microbiology - Biochemistry and Disease, School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Plants, Photosynthesis, and Soil, School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie R M Groenhof
- Molecular Microbiology - Biochemistry and Disease, School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Alex N Connolly
- Molecular Microbiology - Biochemistry and Disease, School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Laila Moushtaq
- Molecular Microbiology - Biochemistry and Disease, School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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10
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Reyes-Umana V, Ewens SD, Meier DAO, Coates JD. Integration of molecular and computational approaches paints a holistic portrait of obscure metabolisms. mBio 2023; 14:e0043123. [PMID: 37855625 PMCID: PMC10746228 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00431-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms are essential drivers of earth's geochemical cycles. However, the significance of elemental redox cycling mediated by microorganisms is often underestimated beyond the most well-studied nutrient cycles. Phosphite, (per)chlorate, and iodate are each considered esoteric substrates metabolized by microorganisms. However, recent investigations have indicated that these metabolisms are widespread and ubiquitous, affirming a need to continue studying the underlying microbiology to understand their biogeochemical effects and their interface with each other and our biosphere. This review focuses on combining canonical techniques of culturing microorganisms with modern omic approaches to further our understanding of obscure metabolic pathways and elucidate their importance in global biogeochemical cycles. Using these approaches, marker genes of interest have already been identified for phosphite, (per)chlorate, and iodate using traditional microbial physiology and genetics. Subsequently, their presence was queried to reveal the distribution of metabolic pathways in the environment using publicly available databases. In conjunction with each other, computational and experimental techniques provide a more comprehensive understanding of the location of these microorganisms, their underlying biochemistry and genetics, and how they tie into our planet's geochemical cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Reyes-Umana
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Sophia D. Ewens
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - David A. O. Meier
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - John D. Coates
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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11
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Mao Z, Fleming JR, Mayans O, Frey J, Schleheck D, Schink B, Müller N. AMP-dependent phosphite dehydrogenase, a phosphorylating enzyme in dissimilatory phosphite oxidation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2309743120. [PMID: 37922328 PMCID: PMC10636320 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309743120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidation of phosphite (HPO32-) to phosphate (HPO42-) releases electrons at a very low redox potential (E0'= -690 mV) which renders phosphite an excellent electron donor for microbial energy metabolism. To date, two pure cultures of strictly anaerobic bacteria have been isolated that run their energy metabolism on the basis of phosphite oxidation, the Gram-negative Desulfotignum phosphitoxidans (DSM 13687) and the Gram-positive Phosphitispora fastidiosa (DSM 112739). Here, we describe the key enzyme for dissimilatory phosphite oxidation in these bacteria. The enzyme catalyzed phosphite oxidation in the presence of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to form adenosine diphosphate (ADP), with concomitant reduction of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) to reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). The enzyme of P. fastidiosa was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. It has a molecular mass of 35.2 kDa and a high affinity for phosphite and NAD+. Its activity was enhanced more than 100-fold by addition of ADP-consuming adenylate kinase (myokinase) to a maximal activity between 30 and 80 mU x mg protein-1. A similar NAD-dependent enzyme oxidizing phosphite to phosphate with concomitant phosphorylation of AMP to ADP is found in D. phosphitoxidans, but this enzyme could not be heterologously expressed. Based on sequence analysis, these phosphite-oxidizing enzymes are related to nucleotide-diphosphate-sugar epimerases and indeed represent AMP-dependent phosphite dehydrogenases (ApdA). A reaction mechanism is proposed for this unusual type of substrate-level phosphorylation reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuqing Mao
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance78457, Germany
- Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, Departments of Chemistry and Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance78457, Germany
| | - Jennifer R. Fleming
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance78457, Germany
- Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, Departments of Chemistry and Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance78457, Germany
| | - Olga Mayans
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance78457, Germany
- Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, Departments of Chemistry and Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance78457, Germany
| | - Jasmin Frey
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance78457, Germany
| | - David Schleheck
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance78457, Germany
- Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, Departments of Chemistry and Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance78457, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schink
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance78457, Germany
- Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, Departments of Chemistry and Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance78457, Germany
| | - Nicolai Müller
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance78457, Germany
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12
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Mao Z, Müller N, Borusak S, Schleheck D, Schink B. Anaerobic dissimilatory phosphite oxidation, an extremely efficient concept of microbial electron economy. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2068-2074. [PMID: 37525971 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Phosphite is a stable phosphorus compound that, together with phosphate, made up a substantial part of the total phosphorus content of the prebiotic Earth's crust. Oxidation of phosphite to phosphate releases electrons at an unusually low redox potential (-690 mV at pH 7.0). Numerous aerobic and anaerobic bacteria use phosphite as a phosphorus source and oxidise it to phosphate for synthesis of nucleotides and other phosphorus-containing cell constituents. Only two pure cultures of strictly anaerobic bacteria have been isolated so far that use phosphite as an electron donor in their energy metabolism, the Gram-positive Phosphitispora fastidiosa and the Gram-negative Desulfotignum phosphitoxidans. The key enzyme of this metabolism is an NAD+ -dependent phosphite dehydrogenase enzyme that phosphorylates AMP to ADP. These phosphorylating phosphite dehydrogenases were found to be related to nucleoside diphosphate sugar epimerases. The produced NADH is channelled into autotrophic CO2 fixation via the Wood-Ljungdahl (CO-DH) pathway, thus allowing for nearly complete assimilation of the substrate electrons into bacterial biomass. This extremely efficient type of electron flow connects energy and carbon metabolism directly through NADH and might have been important in the early evolution of life when phosphite was easily available on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuqing Mao
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
- Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Nicolai Müller
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Sabrina Borusak
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
- Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - David Schleheck
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
- Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schink
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
- Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
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13
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Liu Q, Niu X, Zhang D, Ye X, Tan P, Shu T, Lin Z. Phototransformation of phosphite induced by zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in aquatic environments. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 245:120571. [PMID: 37683523 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Phosphite, an essential component in the biogeochemical phosphorus cycle, may make significant contributions to the bioavailable phosphorus pool as well as water eutrophication. However, to date, the potential impacts of coexisting photochemically active substances on the environmental fate and transformation of phosphite in aquatic environments have been sparsely elucidated. In the present study, the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), a widely distributed photocatalyst in aquatic environments, on phosphite phototransformation under simulated solar irradiation was systematically investigated. The physicochemical characteristics of the pristine and reacted ZnO NPs were thoroughly characterized. The results showed that the presence of ZnO NPs induced the indirect phototransformation of phosphite to phosphate, and the reaction rate increased with increasing ZnO NPs concentration. Through experiments with quenching and trapping free radicals, it was proved that photogenerated reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydroxyl radical (•OH), superoxide anion (O2•-), and singlet oxygen (1O2), made substantial contributions to phosphite phototransformation. In addition, the influencing factors such as initial phosphite concentration, pH, water matrixes (Cl-, F-, Br-, SO42-, NO3-, NO2-, HCO3-, humic acid (HA) and citric acid (CA)) were investigated. The component of generated precipitates after the phosphite phototransformation induced by ZnO NPs was still dominated by ZnO NPs, while the presence of amorphous Zn3(PO4)2 was identified. This work explored ZnO NPs-mediated phosphite phototransformation processes, indicating that nanophotocatalysts released into aquatic environments such as ZnO NPs may function as photosensitizers to play a beneficial role in the transformation of phosphite to phosphate, thereby potentially mitigating the toxicity of phosphite to aquatic organisms while exacerbating eutrophication. The findings of this study provide a novel insight into the comprehensive assessment of the environmental fate, potential ecological risk, and biogeochemical behaviors of phosphite in natural aquatic environments under the condition of combined pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, 525000, PR China
| | - Xiaojun Niu
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, 525000, PR China; The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - Dongqing Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, 525000, PR China.
| | - Xingyao Ye
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Peibing Tan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, 525000, PR China
| | - Ting Shu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, 525000, PR China
| | - Zhang Lin
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
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14
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Nicholls JWF, Chin JP, Williams TA, Lenton TM, O’Flaherty V, McGrath JW. On the potential roles of phosphorus in the early evolution of energy metabolism. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1239189. [PMID: 37601379 PMCID: PMC10433651 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1239189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy metabolism in extant life is centered around phosphate and the energy-dense phosphoanhydride bonds of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a deeply conserved and ancient bioenergetic system. Yet, ATP synthesis relies on numerous complex enzymes and has an autocatalytic requirement for ATP itself. This implies the existence of evolutionarily simpler bioenergetic pathways and potentially primordial alternatives to ATP. The centrality of phosphate in modern bioenergetics, coupled with the energetic properties of phosphorylated compounds, may suggest that primordial precursors to ATP also utilized phosphate in compounds such as pyrophosphate, acetyl phosphate and polyphosphate. However, bioavailable phosphate may have been notably scarce on the early Earth, raising doubts about the roles that phosphorylated molecules might have played in the early evolution of life. A largely overlooked phosphorus redox cycle on the ancient Earth might have provided phosphorus and energy, with reduced phosphorus compounds potentially playing a key role in the early evolution of energy metabolism. Here, we speculate on the biological phosphorus compounds that may have acted as primordial energy currencies, sources of environmental energy, or sources of phosphorus for the synthesis of phosphorylated energy currencies. This review encompasses discussions on the evolutionary history of modern bioenergetics, and specifically those pathways with primordial relevance, and the geochemistry of bioavailable phosphorus on the ancient Earth. We highlight the importance of phosphorus, not only in the form of phosphate, to early biology and suggest future directions of study that may improve our understanding of the early evolution of bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack W. F. Nicholls
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Jason P. Chin
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Tom A. Williams
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy M. Lenton
- Global Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | - John W. McGrath
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University of Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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15
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Liu W, Zhang Y, Yu M, Xu J, Du H, Zhang R, Wu D, Xie X. Role of phosphite in the environmental phosphorus cycle. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 881:163463. [PMID: 37062315 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In modern geochemistry, phosphorus (P) is considered synonymous with phosphate (Pi) because Pi controls the growth of organisms as a limiting nutrient in many ecosystems. The researchers therefore realised that a complete P cycle is essential. Limited by thermodynamic barriers, P was long believed to be incapable of redox reactions, and the role of the redox cycle of reduced P in the global P cycling system was thus not ascertained. Nevertheless, the phosphite (Phi) form of P is widely present in various environments and participates in the global P redox cycle. Herein, global quantitative evidences of Phi are enumerated and the early origin and modern biotic/abiotic sources of Phi are elaborated. Further, the Phi-based redox pathway for P reduction is analysed and global multienvironmental Phi redox cycle processes are proposed on the basis of this pathway. The possible role of Phi in controlling algae in eutrophic lakes and its ecological benefits to plants are proposed. In this manner, the important role of Phi in the P redox cycle and global P cycle is systematically and comprehensively identified and confirmed. This work will provide scientific guidance for the future production and use of Phi products and arouse attention and interest on clarifying the role of Phi in the environmental phosphorus cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yalan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Mengqin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Jinying Xu
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Hu Du
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Ru Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Daishe Wu
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Pingxiang University, Pingxiang 337000, China
| | - Xianchuan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China.
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16
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Guo JJ, Li F, Xiao HC, Liu BL, Feng LN, Yu PF, Meng C, Zhao HM, Feng NX, Li YW, Cai QY, Xiang L, Mo CH, Li QX. Polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics reduce chemisorption of cadmium in paddy soil and increase its bioaccessibility and bioavailability. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 449:130994. [PMID: 36821898 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) usually coexist with heavy metals (HMs) in soil. MPs can influence HMs mobility and bioavailability, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Here, polyethylene and polypropylene MPs were selected to investigate their effects and mechanisms of sorption-desorption, bioaccessibility and bioavailability of cadmium (Cd) in paddy soil. Batch experiments indicated that MPs significantly reduced the Cd sorption in soil (p < 0.05). Accordingly, soil with the MPs had lower boundary diffusion constant of Cd (C1= 0.847∼1.020) and the Freundlich sorption constant (KF = 0.444-0.616) than that without the MPs (C1 = 0.894∼1.035, KF = 0.500-0.655). X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses suggested that the MPs reduced Cd chemisorption, by covering the soil active sites and thus blocking complexation of Cd with active oxygen sites and interrupting the formation of CdCO3 and Cd3P2 precipitates. Such effects of MPs enhanced about 1.2-1.5 times of Cd bioaccessibility and bioavailability in soil. Almost the same effects but different mechanisms of polyethylene and polypropylene MPs on Cd sorption in the soil indicated the complexity and pervasiveness of their effects. The findings provide new insights into impacts of MPs on the fate and risk of HMs in agricultural soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jie Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Fen Li
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hai-Chuan Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Bai-Lin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lin-Nan Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Peng-Fei Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Can Meng
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hai-Ming Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Nai-Xian Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yan-Wen Li
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Quan-Ying Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lei Xiang
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Ce-Hui Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Qing X Li
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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17
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Baidas S, Al-Deyain K, Meng X, Gao B. Competitive Removal of Perchlorate Ions by Quaternary Amine Modified Reed in the Presence of Nitrate and Phosphate. ADSORPT SCI TECHNOL 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/3087629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a kinetic and equilibrium study in which we examined the removal of perchlorate anions from water by adsorption onto modified reed (MR), an adsorption material constituted by giant reed (GR) particles whose anion adsorption properties have been enhanced by quaternary amine (QA) crosslinking. In particular, we examined how MR adsorption of perchlorate interacts competitively with concomitant adsorption of agriculture-derived phosphate and nitrate contaminants. Equilibrium and pH experiments were first conducted in single-component systems, the results of which were best described by the Langmuir-Freundlich (L-F) isotherm. Subsequent analyses of competitive effects on adsorption showed that although MR had a higher adsorption capacity for perchlorate alone than for nitrate or phosphate alone, the addition of either phosphate or nitrate to a perchlorate solution had a diminishing effect on MR adsorption of perchlorate within a natural-water pH range, with phosphate having the stronger competitive effect. Perchlorate adsorption on MR varied inversely with competing ion concentrations, providing direct evidence of the perchlorate diminution effect being attributable to anion competition. Finally, we developed a multicomponent isotherm model that describes the binary adsorption of perchlorate in the presence of each of these competing anions. The results of this work provide perchlorate removal efficiency information that is directly applicable to the design of water treatment systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salem Baidas
- Center for Environmental Systems, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
- Environmental Control, Environmental and Safety Department, Ministry of Oil, P.O. Box 5077, Safat 13051, Kuwait
| | - Khaled Al-Deyain
- Environmental Control, Environmental and Safety Department, Ministry of Oil, P.O. Box 5077, Safat 13051, Kuwait
| | - Xiaoguang Meng
- Center for Environmental Systems, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
| | - Baoyu Gao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
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18
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Gull M, Feng T, Cruz HA, Krishnamurthy R, Pasek MA. Prebiotic Chemistry of Phosphite: Mild Thermal Routes to Form Condensed-P Energy Currency Molecules Leading Up to the Formation of Organophosphorus Compounds. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:920. [PMID: 37109449 PMCID: PMC10144983 DOI: 10.3390/life13040920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The in-fall of meteorites and interstellar dust particles during the Hadean-Archean heavy bombardment may have provided the early Earth with various reduced oxidation state phosphorus compounds and minerals, including phosphite (HPO32-)([Pi(III)]). The ion phosphite ([Pi(III)])has been postulated to be ubiquitous on the early Earth and consequently could have played a role in the emergence of organophosphorus compounds and other prebiotically relevant P species such as condensed P compounds, e.g., pyrophosphite ([PPi(III)]) and isohypophosphate ([PPi(III-V)]). In the present study, we show that phosphite ([Pi(III)]) oxidizes under mild heating conditions (e.g., wet-dry cycles and a prebiotic scenario mimicking a mildly hot-evaporating/drying pool on the early Earth at 78-83 °C) in the presence of urea and other additives, resulting in changes to orthophosphate ([Pi(V)]) alongside the formation of reactive condensed P compounds (e.g., pyrophosphite ([PPi(III)]) and isohypophosphate ([PPi(III-V)])) through a one-pot mechanism. Additionally, we also show that phosphite ([Pi(III)]) and the condensed P compounds readily react with organics (nucleosides and organic alcohol) to form organophosphorus compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheen Gull
- School of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33584, USA
| | - Tian Feng
- School of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33584, USA
| | - Harold A. Cruz
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Matthew A. Pasek
- School of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33584, USA
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19
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Bindi L, Feng T, Pasek MA. Routes to reduction of phosphate by high-energy events. COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 4:70. [PMID: 38665185 PMCID: PMC11041679 DOI: 10.1038/s43247-023-00736-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Phosphate minerals such as those in the apatite group tend to be the dominant forms of phosphorus in minerals on the Earth's surface. Phosphate can be reduced to phosphides during high-energy events, such as lightning and impacts. Here we show that, in addition to formation of metal phosphides, a new compound was formed by lightning in a fulgurite from New Port Richey, Florida, USA. A calcium phosphite material, ideally CaHPO3, was found in spherules mainly consisting of iron silicides that formed by lightning-induced fusion of sand around a tree root. This phosphite material bears a phosphorus oxidation state intermediate of that of phosphides and phosphates in a geologic sample and implicates phosphites as being potentially relevant to other high-energy events where phosphorus may partially change its redox state, and material similar to this phosphite may also be the source of phosphite that makes up part of the phosphorus biogeochemical cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bindi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via La Pira 4, I-50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Tian Feng
- Department of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620 USA
| | - Matthew A Pasek
- Department of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620 USA
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20
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Wohlgemuth R. Advances in the Synthesis and Analysis of Biologically Active Phosphometabolites. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3150. [PMID: 36834560 PMCID: PMC9961378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphorus-containing metabolites cover a large molecular diversity and represent an important domain of small molecules which are highly relevant for life and represent essential interfaces between biology and chemistry, between the biological and abiotic world. The large but not unlimited amount of phosphate minerals on our planet is a key resource for living organisms on our planet, while the accumulation of phosphorus-containing waste is associated with negative effects on ecosystems. Therefore, resource-efficient and circular processes receive increasing attention from different perspectives, from local and regional levels to national and global levels. The molecular and sustainability aspects of a global phosphorus cycle have become of much interest for addressing the phosphorus biochemical flow as a high-risk planetary boundary. Knowledge of balancing the natural phosphorus cycle and the further elucidation of metabolic pathways involving phosphorus is crucial. This requires not only the development of effective new methods for practical discovery, identification, and high-information content analysis, but also for practical synthesis of phosphorus-containing metabolites, for example as standards, as substrates or products of enzymatic reactions, or for discovering novel biological functions. The purpose of this article is to review the advances which have been achieved in the synthesis and analysis of phosphorus-containing metabolites which are biologically active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Wohlgemuth
- MITR, Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego Street 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; or
- Swiss Coordination Committee Biotechnology (SKB), 8021 Zurich, Switzerland
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21
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Nader W, Zahm A, Jaschik J. Phosphonic acid in plant-based food and feed products – Where does it come from? Food Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2023.109701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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22
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Organophosphorus Compound Formation Through the Oxidation of Reduced Oxidation State Phosphorus Compounds on the Hadean Earth. J Mol Evol 2023; 91:60-75. [PMID: 36576533 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-022-10086-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Reduced oxidation state phosphorus compounds may have been brought to the early Earth via meteorites or could have formed through geologic processes. These compounds could have played a role in the origin of biological phosphorus (P, hereafter) compounds. Reduced oxidation state P compounds are generally more soluble in water and are more reactive than orthophosphate and its associated minerals. However, to date no facile routes to generate C-O-P type compounds using reduced oxidation state P compounds have been reported under prebiotic conditions. In this study, we investigate the reactions between reduced oxidation state P compounds-and their oxidized products generated via Fenton reactions-with the nucleosides uridine and adenosine. The inorganic P compounds generated via Fenton chemistry readily react with nucleosides to produce organophosphites and organophosphates, including phosphate diesters via one-pot syntheses. The reactions were facilitated by NH4+ ions and urea as a condensation agent. We also present the results of the plausible stability of the organic compounds such as adenosine in an environment containing an abundance of H2O2. Such results have direct implications on finding organic compounds in Martian environments and other rocky planets (including early Earth) that were richer in H2O2 than O2. Finally, we also suggest a route for the sink of these inorganic P compounds, as a part of a plausible natural P cycle and show the possible formation of secondary phosphate minerals such as struvite and brushite on the early Earth.
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23
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Kang F, Yang W, Guo M, Pedersen LB, Nielsen LP. Highly Selective Microsensor for Monitoring Trace Phosphine in the Environment. Anal Chem 2023; 95:2460-2468. [PMID: 36656060 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring P flux at the Earth's surface-atmosphere interface has many challenges. Therefore, the development of a technology with high selectivity and high sensitivity to in situ trace PH3 in aquatic or sedimentary environments has become a priority. Herein, an amperometric PH3 microsensor meeting the above conditions is developed. The sensor is equipped with a Au-coated Pt working electrode (WE) and a Pt guard electrode (GE) positioned in an outer glass casing. The WE and GE are polarized at a fixed value of +150 mV with respect to a pseudo-reference electrode. The outer casing is filled with an acid electrolyte solution, and the tip is sealed using a thin silicone membrane. Mixed gases from the environment diffuse through the first layer of the silicone membrane, and the major H2S disruptor is eliminated by a ZnCl2-propylene carbonate trap positioned in the front of the microsensor. Later, the gases diffuse into an electrolytic solution through the second layer of the silicone membrane, and PH3 is selectively oxidized into H3PO4 on the Au-coated Pt WE. This electrochemical oxidation thereby creates a current that is proportional to the concentration of PH3 (>2 nmol·L-1). With the aid of the H2S trap casing and selective catalysis, the effects of other gases on the microsensor can be ignored in terms of environmental monitoring. An example from the sedimentary profile shows that high PH3 accumulations are found 13 mm below the sediment surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuxing Kang
- Analysis Center of College of Resources and Environmental Sciences,, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.,Center for Electromicrobiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Wei Yang
- Analysis Center of College of Resources and Environmental Sciences,, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengwen Guo
- Analysis Center of College of Resources and Environmental Sciences,, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lars Borregaard Pedersen
- Center for Electromicrobiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lars Peter Nielsen
- Center for Electromicrobiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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24
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Wang B, Shen Q, Han C, Zheng Y, Wang Z, Liu C, Zhang L, Ren J. New insights into the growth response of the macrophyte Vallisneria natans exposed to phosphite. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158189. [PMID: 35995166 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Renewed interest in phosphite, an analog of phosphate, has increased due to its widespread distribution and increasing abundance in many waterbodies. However, up until recently very little is known about their ecological effects on aquatic organisms. Herein we studied the effects of phosphite via root and foliar exposure on the growth responses of the dominant pioneer macrophyte V. natans. Overall, both exposures of phosphite to V. natans resulted in significant reductions in the leaf length, root length, relative growth rate (RGR) and photosynthetic pigments, suggesting phosphite had an inhibitory effect on the plant growth. Our results further confirmed phosphite could induce the oxidative stresses in the V. natans cells, as indicated by the significantly increased intracellular enzyme activities i.e. superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Microscopic evidence also showed phosphite penetrated the cell membrane and destroyed membrane integrity under high phosphite stress. Besides, V. natans leaves exhibited intuitive deterioration symptoms, which seemed to be more sensitive to phosphite toxicity than roots. It is concluded that the increased abundance of phosphite in waterbodies cannot be utilized as a bioavailable P source but impose adverse physiological and metabolic limitations to plant growth, which should be receive more attention in the ecological risk assessment. Our result is necessary to build a comprehensive understanding of phosphite biogeochemical behaviors in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Qiushi Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Chao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Ye Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhaode Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Cheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jinghua Ren
- Technology Innovation Center for Ecological Monitoring & Restoration Project on Land (arable), Ministry of Natural Resources, Geological Survey of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210018, China
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Qiu L, Cooks RG. Simultaneous and Spontaneous Oxidation and Reduction in Microdroplets by the Water Radical Cation/Anion Pair. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202210765. [PMID: 35994573 PMCID: PMC9825976 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202210765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Microdroplets show unique chemistry, especially in their intrinsic redox properties, and to this we here add a case of simultaneous and spontaneous oxidation and reduction. We report the concurrent conversions of several phosphonates to phosphonic acids by reduction (R-P → H-P) and to pentavalent phosphoric acids by oxidation. The experimental results suggest that the active reagent is the water radical cation/anion pair. The water radical cation is observed directly as the ionized water dimer while the water radical anion is only seen indirectly though the spontaneous reduction of carbon dioxide to formate. The coexistence of oxidative and reductive species in turn supports the proposal of a double-layer structure at the microdroplet surface, where the water radical cation and radical anion are separated and accumulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingqi Qiu
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University560 Oval. Dr.West LafayetteIN 47907USA
| | - R. Graham Cooks
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University560 Oval. Dr.West LafayetteIN 47907USA
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Lockwood S, Greening C, Baltar F, Morales SE. Global and seasonal variation of marine phosphonate metabolism. THE ISME JOURNAL 2022; 16:2198-2212. [PMID: 35739297 PMCID: PMC9381506 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-022-01266-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Marine microbial communities rely on dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) remineralisation to meet phosphorus (P) requirements. We extensively surveyed the genomic and metagenomic distribution of genes directing phosphonate biosynthesis, substrate-specific catabolism of 2-aminoethylphosphonate (2-AEP, the most abundant phosphonate in the marine environment), and broad-specificity catabolism of phosphonates by the C-P lyase (including methylphosphonate, a major source of methane). We developed comprehensive enzyme databases by curating publicly available sequences and then screened metagenomes from TARA Oceans and Munida Microbial Observatory Time Series (MOTS) to assess spatial and seasonal variation in phosphonate metabolism pathways. Phosphonate cycling genes were encoded in diverse gene clusters by 35 marine bacterial and archaeal classes. More than 65% of marine phosphonate cycling genes mapped to Proteobacteria with production demonstrating wider taxonomic diversity than catabolism. Hydrolysis of 2-AEP was the dominant phosphonate catabolism strategy, enabling microbes to assimilate carbon and nitrogen alongside P. Genes for broad-specificity catabolism by the C-P lyase were far less widespread, though enriched in the extremely P-deplete environment of the Mediterranean Sea. Phosphonate cycling genes were abundant in marine metagenomes, particularly from the mesopelagic zone and winter sampling dates. Disparity between prevalence of substrate-specific and broad-specificity catabolism may be due to higher resource expenditure from the cell to build and retain the C-P lyase. This study is the most comprehensive metagenomic survey of marine microbial phosphonate cycling to date and provides curated databases for 14 genes involved in phosphonate cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Lockwood
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Chris Greening
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Federico Baltar
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Sergio E Morales
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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Qiu L, Cooks RG. Simultaneous and Spontaneous Oxidation and Reduction in Microdroplets by the Water Radical Cation/Anion Pair. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202210765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lingqi Qiu
- Purdue University Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - R Graham Cooks
- Purdue University Chemistry 560 Oval Drive 47907 West Lafayette UNITED STATES
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Sahai N, Adebayo S, Schoonen MA. Freshwater and Evaporite Brine Compositions on Hadean Earth: Priming the Origins of Life. ASTROBIOLOGY 2022; 22:641-671. [PMID: 35447041 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The chemical composition of aqueous solutions during the Hadean era determined the availability of essential elements for prebiotic synthesis of the molecular building blocks of life. Here we conducted quantitative reaction path modeling of atmosphere-water-rock interactions over a range of environmental conditions to estimate freshwater and evaporite brine compositions. We then evaluated the solution chemistries for their potential to influence ribonucleotide synthesis and polymerization as well as protocell membrane stability. Specifically, solutions formed by komatiite and tonalite (primitive crustal rocks) weathering and evaporation-rehydration (drying-wetting) cycles were studied assuming neutral atmospheric composition over a wide range of values of atmospheric partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) and temperatures (T). Solution pH decreased and total dissolved concentrations of inorganic P, Mg, Ca, Fe, and C (PT, MgT, CaT, FeT, and CT) increased with increasing PCO2. The PCO2 and T dictated how the solution evolved with regard to minerals precipitated and ions left in solution. At T = 75°C and PCO2 < 0.05 atm, the concentration ratio of magnesium to calcium ion concentrations (Mg2+/Ca2+) was < 1 and predominantly metal aluminosilicates (including clays), dolomite, gibbsite, and pyrite (FeS2) precipitated, whereas at PCO2 > 0.05 atm, Mg2+/Ca2+ was > 1 and mainly magnesite, dolomite, pyrite, chalcedony (SiO2), and kaolinite (Al2Si2O5) precipitated. At T = 75°C and PCO2 > 0.05 atm, hydroxyapatite (HAP) precipitated during weathering but not during evaporation, and so, PT increased with each evaporation-rehydration cycle, while MgT, CaT, and FeT decreased as other minerals precipitated. At T = 75°C and PCO2 ∼5 atm, reactions with komatiite provided end-of-weathering solutions with high enough Mg2+ concentrations to promote RNA-template directed and montmorillonite-promoted nonenzymatic RNA polymerization, but incompatible with protocell membranes; however, montmorillonite-promoted RNA polymerization could proceed with little or no Mg2+ present. Cyclically evaporating/rehydrating brines from komatiite weathering at T = 75°C and PCO2 ∼5 atm yielded the following: (1) high PT values that could promote ribonucleotide synthesis, and (2) low divalent cation concentrations compatible with amino acid-promoted, montmorillonite-catalyzed RNA polymerization and with protocell membranes, but too low for template-directed nonenzymatic RNA polymerization. For all PCO2 values, Mg2+ and PT concentrations decreased, whereas the HCO3- concentration increased within increasing temperature, due to the retrograde solubility of the minerals controlling these ions' concentrations; Fe2+ concentration increased because of prograde pyrite solubility. Tonalite weathering and cyclical wetting-drying reactions did not produce solution compositions favorable for promoting prebiotic RNA formation. Conversely, the ion concentrations compatible with protocell emergence, placed constraints on PCO2 of early Earth's atmosphere. In summary: (1) prebiotic RNA synthesis and membrane self-assembly could have been achieved even under neutral atmosphere conditions by atmosphere-water-komatiite rock interactions; and (2) constraints on element availability for the origins of life and early PCO2 were addressed by a single, globally operating mechanism of atmosphere-water-rock interactions without invoking special microenvironments. The present results support a facile origins-of-life hypothesis even under a neutral atmosphere as long as other favorable geophysical and planetary conditions are also met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nita Sahai
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering and University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
- Department of Geoscience, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
- Integrated Bioscience Program, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Segun Adebayo
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering and University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Martin A Schoonen
- Environmental and Climate Sciences Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York, USA
- Department of Geosciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
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Chen J, Wang P, Wang C, Wang X, Gao H, Cui G, Liu S, Yuan Q. How dam construction affects the activity of alkaline phosphatases in reservoir sediments: A study of two highly regulated rivers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112236. [PMID: 34678255 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Dam construction causes phosphorus (P) accumulation in reservoir sediments and significantly affects the generation of available P. However, the effect of dam construction on the activity of sediment alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which is encoded by the bacterial phoD gene and participates in P mineralization, in river sediments remains unclear. Here, we investigated the ALP activities in 78 sediment samples collected from the cascade reservoir regions located in the Lancang River and the Jinsha River, two highly regulated rivers in southwestern China. The abundance and community composition of phoD-harboring bacteria were determined based on the phoD gene using quantitative real-time PCR and MiSeq sequencing, respectively. Comparison of control and affected sites indicated that dam construction significantly increased sediment ALP activity in both rivers. The abundances of phoD-harboring bacteria increased and their community compositions varied in response to dam construction; the relative abundances of the dominant genera Methylobacterium and Bradyrhizobium were particularly higher in affected site than control site. Co-occurrence network analyses revealed much higher network connectivity and relative abundances of keystone species in affected sites. Some microbial factors including phoD-harboring bacterial abundances, network clustering coefficients, and relative abundance of keystone species were positively correlated with ALP activity. The relative abundance of keystone species was identified as the most important microbial factor contributing to variation in ALP activity based on structural equation modeling analysis. These findings enhance our understanding of how dam construction affects the functions of phoD-harboring bacteria and their role in the P biogeochemical cycle in highly regulated rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, PR China.
| | - Peifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, PR China.
| | - Chao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Xun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Han Gao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Ge Cui
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Qiusheng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
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30
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From Atmospheric Evolution to the Search of Species of Astrobiological Interest in the Solar System—Case Studies Using the Planetary Spectrum Generator. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13030461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The study of minor chemical species in terrestrial planets’ atmospheres can teach us about the chemistry, dynamics and evolution of the atmospheres through time. Phosphine or methane on terrestrial planets are potential biosignatures, such that their detection may signify the presence of life on a planet. Therefore, the search for these species in the solar system is an important step for the subsequent application of the same techniques to exoplanetary atmospheres. To study atmospheric depletion and the evolution of water abundance in the atmospheres of terrestrial planets, the estimation of the D/H ratio and its spatial and temporal variability is used. We used the Planetary Spectrum Generator (PSG), a radiative transfer suite, with the goal of simulating spectra from observations of Venus, Mars and Jupiter, searching for minor chemical species. The present study contributes to highlight that the PSG is an efficient tool for studying minor chemical species and compounds of astrobiological interest in planetary atmospheres, allowing to perform the detection and retrieval of the relevant molecular species. Regarding detection, it is effective in disentangling different molecular opacities affecting observations. In order to contribute to the scientific community that is focused on the study of minor chemical species in the solar system’s atmospheres, using this tool, in this work, we present the results from an analysis of observations of Venus, Mars and Jupiter, by comparison of observations with simulations in the infrared (IR). The first step was to clearly identify the position of molecular features using our model simulations, since the molecular absorption/emission features of different molecules tend to overlap. For this step, we used the method of the variation of abundances. The second step was to determine the molecular abundances and compare them with values from the literature using the retrieval method and the line depth ratio method. For Venus, our study of SO2-related observations by the Texas Echelon Cross Echelle Spectrograph (TEXES) at 7.4 μm enabled the identification of absorption lines due to sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide as well as constrain the abundance of SO2 at the cloud top. Phosphine was not detected in the comparison between the simulation and TEXES IR observations around 10.5 μm. For Mars, both a positive and a non-detection of methane were studied using PSG simulations. The related spectra observations in the IR, at approximately 3.3 μm, correspond, respectively, to the Mars Express (MEx) and ExoMars space probes. Moreover, an estimate of the deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio (D/H ratio) was obtained by comparing the simulations with observations by the Echelon Cross Echelle Spectrograph (EXES) onboard the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) at approximately 7.19–7.23 μm. For Jupiter, the detection of ammonia, phosphine, deuterated methane and methane was studied, by comparing the simulations with IR observations by the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) at approximately 7–12 μm. Moreover, the retrieval of the profiles of ammonia and phosphine was performed.
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Sebesta J, Xiong W, Guarnieri MT, Yu J. Biocontainment of Genetically Engineered Algae. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:839446. [PMID: 35310623 PMCID: PMC8924478 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.839446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Algae (including eukaryotic microalgae and cyanobacteria) have been genetically engineered to convert light and carbon dioxide to many industrially and commercially relevant chemicals including biofuels, materials, and nutritional products. At industrial scale, genetically engineered algae may be cultivated outdoors in open ponds or in closed photobioreactors. In either case, industry would need to address a potential risk of the release of the engineered algae into the natural environment, resulting in potential negative impacts to the environment. Genetic biocontainment strategies are therefore under development to reduce the probability that these engineered bacteria can survive outside of the laboratory or industrial setting. These include active strategies that aim to kill the escaped cells by expression of toxic proteins, and passive strategies that use knockouts of native genes to reduce fitness outside of the controlled environment of labs and industrial cultivation systems. Several biocontainment strategies have demonstrated escape frequencies below detection limits. However, they have typically done so in carefully controlled experiments which may fail to capture mechanisms of escape that may arise in the more complex natural environment. The selection of biocontainment strategies that can effectively kill cells outside the lab, while maintaining maximum productivity inside the lab and without the need for relatively expensive chemicals will benefit from further attention.
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Han C, Ren J, Wang B, Wang Z, Yin H, Ke F, Xu D, Zhang L, Si X, Shen Q. Ignored effects of phosphite (P +III) on the growth responses of three typical algae species. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 294:118672. [PMID: 34896401 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118672] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, the ubiquitous distribution and increasing abundance of P+III in waterbodies have caused serious concerns regarding its bioavailability and potential toxicity. However, our knowledge on these issues is relatively limited. We addressed previously unknown effects of P+III on three dominate algae species i.e. Microcystic aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa), Chlorella pyrenoidesa (C. pyrenoidesa) and Cyclotella. sp in eutrophic waterbodies in China. Remarkable declines in biomass, specific growth rate and Chl-a of algae cells treated with 0.01-0.7 mg/L P+III as sole or an alternative P source were observed, indicating P+III had an inhibitory effect on the algal growth. Besides, the intracellular enzyme activities e.g superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased with P+III stress. M. aeruginosa and Cyclotella. sp cells seemed to be more sensitive to P+III toxicity than C. pyrenoidesa since cell membrane suffered more serious stress and destruction. These findings combined, it confirmed P+III could not be utilized as bioavailable P, but had certain toxicity to the tested algae. It indicated that the increased P+III abundance in eutrophic waterbodies would accelerate the algal cell death, which could have a positive effect against algal blooms. Our results provide new insights into assessing the ecological risks of P+III in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Jinghua Ren
- Technology Innovation Center for Ecological Monitoring & Restoration Project on Land (arable), Ministry of Natural Resources, Geological Survey of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, 210018, China
| | - Baoying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zhaode Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Hongbin Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Fan Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Di Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xiaoxia Si
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Qiushi Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, PR China
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Song X, Liu J, Wang B. Emergence of Function from Nonheme Diiron Oxygenases: A Quantum Mechanical/Molecular Mechanical Study of Oxygen Activation and Organophosphonate Catabolism Mechanisms by PhnZ. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.1c05116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xitong Song
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People’s Republic of China
| | - Binju Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People’s Republic of China
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34
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Mao Z, Gräßle F, Frey J, Franchini P, Schleheck D, Müller N, Schink B. Phosphitispora fastidiosa gen. nov. sp. nov., a new dissimilatory phosphite-oxidizing anaerobic bacterium isolated from anaerobic sewage sludge. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71. [PMID: 34878375 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A new strictly anaerobic bacterium, strain DYL19T, was enriched and isolated with phosphite as the sole electron donor and CO2 as a single carbon source and electron acceptor from anaerobic sewage sludge sampled at a sewage treatment plant in Constance, Germany. It is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, slightly curved, rod-shaped bacterium which oxidizes phosphite to phosphate while reducing CO2 to biomass and small amounts of acetate. Optimal growth is observed at 30 °C, pH 7.2, with a doubling time of 3 days. Beyond phosphite, no further inorganic or organic electron donor can be used, and no other electron acceptor than CO2 is reduced. Sulphate inhibits growth with phosphite and CO2. The G+C content is 45.95 mol%, and dimethylmenaquinone-7 is the only quinone detectable in the cells. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and other chemotaxonomic properties, strain DYL19T is described as the type strain of a new genus and species, Phosphitispora fastidiosa gen. nov., sp. nov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuqing Mao
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Fabian Gräßle
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Jasmin Frey
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Paolo Franchini
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - David Schleheck
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Nicolai Müller
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schink
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
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35
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Liao W, Xu R, Stone AT. Adsorption of Phosphorus Oxyanions at the FeOOH(goethite)/Water Interface: The Importance of Basicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:14389-14396. [PMID: 34477376 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PIII-containing H-phosphonate (HPO32-) and its monoethyl ester (fosetyl), essential pesticides for control of oomycete and fungal pathogens, are among the few pesticides transported by both xylem and phloem, making application as folia spray, soil spray, and trunk injection equally effective. To understand bioavailability and efficacy within soils, knowledge of adsorption to soil minerals is important. FeOOH(goethite) is often selected as an archetypal mineral surface. In the present work, H-phosphonate (with pKa values of 1.5 and 6.78) adsorption onto FeOOH is nearly complete below pH 6 and decreases to negligible amounts by pH 11, following an S-shaped curve. Fosetyl (pKa: 0.9), in contrast, does not adsorb to any significant extent, regardless of pH. To place these observations in context, adsorption of six other phosphorus oxyanions was investigated, and fitted using a CD-MUSIC model. Phosphate defines a similar S-shaped curve but adsorbs more strongly than H-phosphonate. Despite moderate differences in basicity, pH dependence and extents of adsorption for the four additional diprotic oxyanions methylphosphonate (pKas: 2.40, 8.00), benzylphosphonate (2.24, 7.93), phenylphosphonate (1.9, 7.47), and phenyl phosphate (1.1, 6.28) are quite similar to those of H-phosphonate. As with fosetyl, the other low pKa monoprotic oxyanion in our study, phenylphosphinate (pKa: 1.75), does not adsorb. Basicity, that is, pKa, is revealed to be the principal determinant of extents of adsorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichen Liao
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering G.W.C. Whiting School of Engineering Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Ruizhe Xu
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Alan T Stone
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering G.W.C. Whiting School of Engineering Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
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Cutolo E, Tosoni M, Barera S, Herrera-Estrella L, Dall'Osto L, Bassi R. A chimeric hydrolase-PTXD transgene enables chloroplast-based heterologous protein expression and non-sterile cultivation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. ALGAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Bains W, Petkowski JJ, Seager S, Ranjan S, Sousa-Silva C, Rimmer PB, Zhan Z, Greaves JS, Richards AMS. Phosphine on Venus Cannot Be Explained by Conventional Processes. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:1277-1304. [PMID: 34283644 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The recent candidate detection of ∼1 ppb of phosphine in the middle atmosphere of Venus is so unexpected that it requires an exhaustive search for explanations of its origin. Phosphorus-containing species have not been modeled for Venus' atmosphere before, and our work represents the first attempt to model phosphorus species in the venusian atmosphere. We thoroughly explore the potential pathways of formation of phosphine in a venusian environment, including in the planet's atmosphere, cloud and haze layers, surface, and subsurface. We investigate gas reactions, geochemical reactions, photochemistry, and other nonequilibrium processes. None of these potential phosphine production pathways is sufficient to explain the presence of ppb phosphine levels on Venus. If PH3's presence in Venus' atmosphere is confirmed, it therefore is highly likely to be the result of a process not previously considered plausible for venusian conditions. The process could be unknown geochemistry, photochemistry, or even aerial microbial life, given that on Earth phosphine is exclusively associated with anthropogenic and biological sources. The detection of phosphine adds to the complexity of chemical processes in the venusian environment and motivates in situ follow-up sampling missions to Venus. Our analysis provides a template for investigation of phosphine as a biosignature on other worlds.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Bains
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Janusz J Petkowski
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sara Seager
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sukrit Ranjan
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Clara Sousa-Silva
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul B Rimmer
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Zhuchang Zhan
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jane S Greaves
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Anita M S Richards
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Omran A, Oze C, Jackson B, Mehta C, Barge LM, Bada J, Pasek MA. Phosphine Generation Pathways on Rocky Planets. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:1264-1276. [PMID: 34551269 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2021.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of life in the venusian clouds was proposed in the 1960s, and recently this hypothesis has been revived with the potential detection of phosphine (PH3) in Venus' atmosphere. These observations may have detected ∼5-20 ppb phosphine on Venus (Greaves et al., 2020), which raises questions about venusian atmospheric/geochemical processes and suggests that this phosphine could possibly be generated by biological processes. In such a claim, it is essential to understand the abiotic phosphorus chemistry that may occur under Venus-relevant conditions, particularly those processes that may result in phosphine generation. Here, we discuss two related abiotic routes for phosphine generation within the atmosphere of Venus. Based on our assessment, corrosion of large impactors as they ablate near Venus' cloud layer, and the presence of reduced phosphorus compounds in the subcloud layer could result in production of phosphine and may explain the phosphine detected in Venus' atmosphere or on other rocky planets. We end on a cautionary note: although there may be life in the clouds of Venus, the detection of a simple, single gas, phosphine, is likely not a decisive indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Omran
- Department of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Christopher Oze
- Geology Department, Occidental College, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Brian Jackson
- Department of Physics, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - Chris Mehta
- Department of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Laura M Barge
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bada
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography Department, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Matthew A Pasek
- Department of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Gaylor MO, Miro P, Vlaisavljevich B, Kondage AAS, Barge LM, Omran A, Videau P, Swenson VA, Leinen LJ, Fitch NW, Cole KL, Stone C, Drummond SM, Rageth K, Dewitt LR, González Henao S, Karanauskus V. Plausible Emergence and Self Assembly of a Primitive Phospholipid from Reduced Phosphorus on the Primordial Earth. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2021; 51:185-213. [PMID: 34279769 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-021-09613-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
How life arose on the primitive Earth is one of the biggest questions in science. Biomolecular emergence scenarios have proliferated in the literature but accounting for the ubiquity of oxidized (+ 5) phosphate (PO43-) in extant biochemistries has been challenging due to the dearth of phosphate and molecular oxygen on the primordial Earth. A compelling body of work suggests that exogenous schreibersite ((Fe,Ni)3P) was delivered to Earth via meteorite impacts during the Heavy Bombardment (ca. 4.1-3.8 Gya) and there converted to reduced P oxyanions (e.g., phosphite (HPO32-) and hypophosphite (H2PO2-)) and phosphonates. Inspired by this idea, we review the relevant literature to deduce a plausible reduced phospholipid analog of modern phosphatidylcholines that could have emerged in a primordial hydrothermal setting. A shallow alkaline lacustrine basin underlain by active hydrothermal fissures and meteoritic schreibersite-, clay-, and metal-enriched sediments is envisioned. The water column is laden with known and putative primordial hydrothermal reagents. Small system dimensions and thermal- and UV-driven evaporation further concentrate chemical precursors. We hypothesize that a reduced phospholipid arises from Fischer-Tropsch-type (FTT) production of a C8 alkanoic acid, which condenses with an organophosphinate (derived from schreibersite corrosion to hypophosphite with subsequent methylation/oxidation), to yield a reduced protophospholipid. This then condenses with an α-amino nitrile (derived from Strecker-type reactions) to form the polar head. Preliminary modeling results indicate that reduced phospholipids do not aggregate rapidly; however, single layer micelles are stable up to aggregates with approximately 100 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O Gaylor
- Department of Chemistry, Dakota State University, Madison, SD, 57042, USA.
| | - Pere Miro
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA
| | - Bess Vlaisavljevich
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA
| | | | - Laura M Barge
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA
| | - Arthur Omran
- School of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Patrick Videau
- Department of Biology, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, OR, 97520, USA
- Bayer Crop Science, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Vaille A Swenson
- Department of Chemistry, Dakota State University, Madison, SD, 57042, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Lucas J Leinen
- Department of Chemistry, Dakota State University, Madison, SD, 57042, USA
| | - Nathaniel W Fitch
- Department of Chemistry, Dakota State University, Madison, SD, 57042, USA
| | - Krista L Cole
- Department of Chemistry, Dakota State University, Madison, SD, 57042, USA
| | - Chris Stone
- Department of Biology, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, OR, 97520, USA
| | - Samuel M Drummond
- Department of Chemistry, Dakota State University, Madison, SD, 57042, USA
| | - Kayli Rageth
- Department of Chemistry, Dakota State University, Madison, SD, 57042, USA
| | - Lillian R Dewitt
- Department of Chemistry, Dakota State University, Madison, SD, 57042, USA
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Abstract
Phosphite (Phi)-containing products are marketed for their antifungal and nutritional value. Substantial evidence of the anti-fungal properties of Phi on a wide variety of plants has been documented. Although Phi is readily absorbed by plant leaves and/or roots, the plant response to Phi used as a phosphorus (P) source is variable. Negative effects of Phi on plant growth are commonly observed under P deficiency compared to near adequate plant P levels. Positive responses to Phi may be attributed to some level of fungal disease control. While only a few studies have provided evidence of Phi oxidation through cellular enzymes genetically controlled in plant cells, increasing evidence exists for the potential to manipulate plant genes to enhance oxidation of Phi to phosphate (Pi) in plants. Advances in genetic engineering to sustain growth and yield with Phi + Pi potentially provides a dual fertilization and weed control system. Further advances in genetic manipulation of plants to utilize Phi are warranted. Since Phi oxidation occurs slowly in soils, additional information is needed to characterize Phi oxidation kinetics under variable soil and environmental conditions.
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Hoke KL, Zimmer SL, Roddy AB, Ondrechen MJ, Williamson CE, Buan NR. Reintegrating Biology Through the Nexus of Energy, Information, and Matter. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:2082-2094. [PMID: 34374780 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Information, energy, and matter are fundamental properties of all levels of biological organization, and life emerges from the continuous flux of matter, energy, and information. This perspective piece defines and explains each of the three pillars of this nexus. We propose that a quantitative characterization of the complex interconversions between matter, energy, and information that comprise this nexus will help us derive biological insights that connect phenomena across different levels of biological organization. We articulate examples from multiple biological scales that highlight how this nexus approach leads to a more complete understanding of the biological system. Metrics of energy, information, and matter can provide a common currency that helps link phenomena across levels of biological organization. The propagation of energy and information through levels of biological organization can result in emergent properties and system-wide changes that impact other hierarchical levels. Deeper consideration of measured imbalances in energy, information, and matter can help researchers identify key factors that influence system function at one scale, highlighting avenues to link phenomena across levels of biological organization and develop predictive models of biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim L Hoke
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1878
| | - Sara L Zimmer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus, Duluth, MN 55812
| | - Adam B Roddy
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199
| | - Mary Jo Ondrechen
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | | | - Nicole R Buan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0662
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Sadeghi S, Anderson TA, Jackson WA. Determination of phosphite (HPO 3-2) by a new IC/MS/MS method using an 18O-labeled HPO 3-2 internal standard. Talanta 2021; 230:122198. [PMID: 33934758 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A new method has been developed to determine trace amounts of phosphite (HPO3-2) in environmental samples using ion chromatography with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (IC-ESI/MS/MS). The method includes the production and use of an 18O-labeled HPO3-2 internal standard (IS). This isotopically labeled IS significantly improved sensitivity and could account for matrix suppression. The method detection limit (MDL) was determined as 0.017 and 0.034 μg L-1 of HPO3-2 (6.5 and 13 ng P L-1) using a 500 and 25 μL injection loop, respectively. Precision (1-10%) and accuracy (recoveries = 96-106%) were established for a range of environmental samples using known (spiked) addition. The impact of ionic interferences was investigated by evaluating the response of the internal standard in the presence of common anions with respect to distilled deionized water. The most significant interference was due to nitrate (100 mg-NO3- L-1) with a 99.99% reduction in IS intensity. The method was successfully applied to wastewater effluent, surface water, tap water, and soil samples. Relatively low concentrations <0.25 μg HPO3-2 L-1 were measured in tap water, surface water and wastewater effluent, and ~1.6 μg kg-1 HPO3-2 in soil samples, using both injection loops. Limited suppression was observed for all matrices. The largest IS peak area suppression (~98%) was observed in WW effluent with 500 μL injection loop; however, this method was able to quantify HPO3-2 with good recoveries and precision despite the mentioned suppression, supporting the ability of the proposed method to quantify HPO3-2 in different environmental matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Sadeghi
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Box 41023, Lubbock, TX, 79409-1023, USA.
| | - Todd A Anderson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Box 41163, Lubbock, TX, 79409-1163, USA.
| | - W Andrew Jackson
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Box 41023, Lubbock, TX, 79409-1023, USA.
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Truong N, Lunine JI. Volcanically extruded phosphides as an abiotic source of Venusian phosphine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2021689118. [PMID: 34253608 PMCID: PMC8307446 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2021689118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We hypothesize that trace amounts of phosphides formed in the mantle are a plausible abiotic source of the Venusian phosphine observed by Greaves et al. [Nat. Astron., https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-020-1174-4 (2020)]. In this hypothesis, small amounts of phosphides (P3- bound in metals such as iron), sourced from a deep mantle, are brought to the surface by volcanism. They are then ejected into the atmosphere in the form of volcanic dust by explosive volcanic eruptions, which were invoked by others to explain the episodic changes of sulfur dioxide seen in the atmosphere [Esposito, Science 223, 1072-1074 (1984)]. There they react with sulfuric acid in the aerosol layer to form phosphine (2 P3- + 3H2SO4 = 2PH3 + 3SO42-). We take issue with the conclusion of Bains et al. [arXiv:2009.06499 (2020)] that the volcanic rates for such a mechanism would have to be implausibly high. We consider a mantle with the redox state similar to the Earth, magma originating deep in the mantle-a likely scenario for the origin of plume volcanism on Venus-and episodically high but plausible rates of volcanism on a Venus bereft of plate tectonics. We conclude that volcanism could supply an adequate amount of phosphide to produce phosphine. Our conclusion is supported by remote sensing observations of the Venusian atmosphere and surface that have been interpreted as indicative of currently active volcanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Truong
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853;
- Carl Sagan Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - J I Lunine
- Carl Sagan Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853;
- Department of Astronomy, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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Shaheen SM, Wang J, Baumann K, Wang SL, Leinweber P, Rinklebe J. Redox-induced mobilization of phosphorus in groundwater affected arable soil profiles. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 275:129928. [PMID: 33640743 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mobilization of phosphorus (P) in arable soils might be affected by groundwater fluctuations and the associated changes in redox potential (EH). However, the impact of systematic changes of EH on P mobilization in redoximorphic arable soils along a catena has not been studied so far. Therefore, we investigated P mobilization under different redox conditions in top- and sub-soil horizons of three groundwater affected arable soils along a slight slope (toe-, mid-, and upper-slope position) in Northern Germany using an automated biogeochemical microcosm system. The impact of pH, Al, Fe, Mn, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on P mobilization was also studied. The initial EH (+351 to +431 mV) and pH (6.5-7.0) decreased in all soil samples (EH = -280 mV; pH = 4.4) when creating a slurry. Thereafter, the pH increased to 7.1 and 6.4 with increasing EH in the mid-and toe-slope soil, respectively. Concentrations of dissolved P ranged between 20.8 mg L-1 under low EH in the toe slope topsoil and 0.69 mg L-1 under high EH in the toe- and mid-slop subsoil. Concentrations (mg L-1) of dissolved Fe (0.31-13.3) and DOC (92-2651) increased under low EH and decreased under high EH. The increase of P mobilization under low EH and pH in the soils might be due to the release of P via the reductive and acidic dissolution of Fe-(oxhydr)oxides and/or due to soil organic matter mineralization. The high mobilization of P under reducing conditions may increase its bioavailability; however, it may increase its loss in the soils, particularly in the toe slope profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabry M Shaheen
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture, Department of Arid Land Agriculture, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia; University of Kafrelsheikh, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, 33 516, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt.
| | - Jianxu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 550082, Guiyang, PR China; University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Karen Baumann
- University of Rostock, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Soil Science, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 6, 18051, Rostock, Germany
| | - Shan-Li Wang
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, 1 Sect. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Peter Leinweber
- University of Rostock, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Soil Science, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 6, 18051, Rostock, Germany; University of Rostock, Department of Life, Light, and Matter (LLM), Albert-Einstein-Str. 25, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany; University of Sejong, Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Guangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea.
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YOSHIMURA Y, ENYA K, KOBAYASHI K, SASAKI S, YAMAGISHI A. Life Explorations for Biosignatures in Space. BUNSEKI KAGAKU 2021. [DOI: 10.2116/bunsekikagaku.70.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka YOSHIMURA
- Department of Advanced Food Sciences, College of Agriculture, Tamagawa University
| | - Keigo ENYA
- Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
| | - Kensei KOBAYASHI
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University
| | - Satoshi SASAKI
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology
| | - Akihiko YAMAGISHI
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
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46
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Ewens SD, Gomberg AFS, Barnum TP, Borton MA, Carlson HK, Wrighton KC, Coates JD. The diversity and evolution of microbial dissimilatory phosphite oxidation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2020024118. [PMID: 33688048 PMCID: PMC7980464 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2020024118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphite is the most energetically favorable chemotrophic electron donor known, with a half-cell potential (Eo') of -650 mV for the PO43-/PO33- couple. Since the discovery of microbial dissimilatory phosphite oxidation (DPO) in 2000, the environmental distribution, evolution, and diversity of DPO microorganisms (DPOMs) have remained enigmatic, as only two species have been identified. Here, metagenomic sequencing of phosphite-enriched microbial communities enabled the genome reconstruction and metabolic characterization of 21 additional DPOMs. These DPOMs spanned six classes of bacteria, including the Negativicutes, Desulfotomaculia, Synergistia, Syntrophia, Desulfobacteria, and Desulfomonilia_A Comparing the DPO genes from the genomes of enriched organisms with over 17,000 publicly available metagenomes revealed the global existence of this metabolism in diverse anoxic environments, including wastewaters, sediments, and subsurface aquifers. Despite their newfound environmental and taxonomic diversity, metagenomic analyses suggested that the typical DPOM is a chemolithoautotroph that occupies low-oxygen environments and specializes in phosphite oxidation coupled to CO2 reduction. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the DPO genes form a highly conserved cluster that likely has ancient origins predating the split of monoderm and diderm bacteria. By coupling microbial cultivation strategies with metagenomics, these studies highlighted the unsampled metabolic versatility latent in microbial communities. We have uncovered the unexpected prevalence, diversity, biochemical specialization, and ancient origins of a unique metabolism central to the redox cycling of phosphorus, a primary nutrient on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia D Ewens
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Energy & Biosciences Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Alexa F S Gomberg
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Tyler P Barnum
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Mikayla A Borton
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Hans K Carlson
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Kelly C Wrighton
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - John D Coates
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720;
- Energy & Biosciences Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
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47
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Phosphorus Transport along the Cropland–Riparian–Stream Continuum in Cold Climate Agroecosystems: A Review. SOIL SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/soilsystems5010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) loss from cropland to ground and surface waters is a global concern. In cold climates (CCs), freeze–thaw cycles, snowmelt runoff events, and seasonally wet soils increase P loss potential while limiting P removal effectiveness of riparian buffer zones (RBZs) and other practices. While RBZs can help reduce particulate P transfer to streams, attenuation of dissolved P forms is more challenging. Moreover, P transport studies often focus on either cropland or RBZs exclusively rather than spanning the natural cropland–RBZ–stream gradient, defined here as the cropland–RBZ–stream continuum. Watershed P transport models and agronomic P site indices are commonly used to identify critical source areas; however, RBZ effects on P transport are usually not included. In addition, the coarse resolution of watershed P models may not capture finer-scale soil factors affecting P mobilization. It is clear that site microtopography and hydrology are closely linked and important drivers of P release and transport in overland flow. Combining light detection and ranging (LiDAR) based digital elevation models with P site indices and process-based models show promise for mapping and modeling P transport risk in cropland-RBZ areas; however, a better mechanistic understanding of processes controlling mobile P species across regions is needed. Broader predictive approaches integrating soil hydro-biogeochemical processes with real-time hydroclimatic data and risk assessment tools also hold promise for improving P transport risk assessment in CCs.
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Neufurth M, Wang X, Wang S, Schröder HC, Müller WEG. Caged Dexamethasone/Quercetin Nanoparticles, Formed of the Morphogenetic Active Inorganic Polyphosphate, are Strong Inducers of MUC5AC. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:64. [PMID: 33513822 PMCID: PMC7910845 DOI: 10.3390/md19020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a widely distributed polymer found from bacteria to animals, including marine species. This polymer exhibits morphogenetic as well as antiviral activity and releases metabolic energy after enzymatic hydrolysis also in human cells. In the pathogenesis of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the platelets are at the frontline of this syndrome. Platelets release a set of molecules, among them polyP. In addition, the production of airway mucus, the first line of body defense, is impaired in those patients. Therefore, in this study, amorphous nanoparticles of the magnesium salt of polyP (Mg-polyP-NP), matching the size of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, were prepared and loaded with the secondary plant metabolite quercetin or with dexamethasone to study their effects on the respiratory epithelium using human alveolar basal epithelial A549 cells as a model. The results revealed that both compounds embedded into the polyP nanoparticles significantly increased the steady-state-expression of the MUC5AC gene. This mucin species is the major mucus glycoprotein present in the secreted gel-forming mucus. The level of gene expression caused by quercetin or with dexamethasone, if caged into polyP NP, is significantly higher compared to the individual drugs alone. Both quercetin and dexamethasone did not impair the growth-supporting effect of polyP on A549 cells even at concentrations of quercetin which are cytotoxic for the cells. A possible mechanism of the effects of the two drugs together with polyP on mucin expression is proposed based on the scavenging of free oxygen species and the generation of ADP/ATP from the polyP, which is needed for the organization of the protective mucin-based mucus layer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- ERC Advanced Investigator Grant Research Group, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (M.N.); (S.W.); (H.C.S.)
| | | | | | - Werner E. G. Müller
- ERC Advanced Investigator Grant Research Group, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (M.N.); (S.W.); (H.C.S.)
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49
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Wang Q, Li T, Huang X, Yang G. Redox mechanism and stability of uranyl phosphites at mineral surfaces: Cooperative proton/electron transfer and high efficacy for Uranium(VI) reduction. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 255:126948. [PMID: 32387733 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Uranium phosphites have recently emerged as promising materials to remediate radioactive contamination. In this study, the redox mechanisms of uranyl phosphites at mineral surfaces have been addressed by periodic DFT calculations with dispersion corrections. Different from other ligands, the phosphite anions (H2PO3-, HPO32-) are efficient reducing agents for uranyl reduction, and the redox reactions are divided into three steps, as isomerization between two phosphite anion isomers (Step 1), conformational transition (Step 2) and dissociation of the water molecule (Step 3). A second water molecule is critical to lower the activation barriers of Step 1, and all activation barriers are moderate so that the redox reactions occur favorably under normal conditions, which are further dramatically accelerated by the highly exergonic Step 3. Accordingly, formation of uranyl phosphites becomes an effective approach to manage uranium pollution. Moreover, the lower activation barriers for H2PO3- rather than HPO32- rationalize the superior reduction activities of uranyl phosphites and the enhanced stability of U(IV) products at lower pH conditions. Owing to the cooperative proton/electron transfer, the U(VI) reduction to U(IV) and P(III) oxidation to P(V) are completed within one step, with transition states being featured by the U(V) and P(IV) species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- College of Resources and Environment & Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soil Multi-scale Interfacial Process, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Tingting Li
- College of Resources and Environment & Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soil Multi-scale Interfacial Process, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Huang
- College of Resources and Environment & Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soil Multi-scale Interfacial Process, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Gang Yang
- College of Resources and Environment & Chongqing Key Laboratory of Soil Multi-scale Interfacial Process, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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50
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Qian W, Chu X, Song C, Wu Z, Jiao M, Liu H, Zou B, Rauhut G, Tew DP, Wang L, Zeng X. Hydrogen-Atom Tunneling in Metaphosphorous Acid. Chemistry 2020; 26:8205-8209. [PMID: 32302021 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202000844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Metaphosphorous acid (HOPO), a key intermediate in phosphorus chemistry, has been generated in syn- and anti-conformations in the gas phase by high-vacuum flash pyrolysis (HVFP) of a molecular precursor ethoxyphosphinidene oxide (EtOPO→C2 H4 +HOPO) at ca. 1000 K and subsequently trapped in an N2 -matrix at 2.8 K. Unlike the two conformers of the nitrogen analogue HONO, the anti-conformer of HOPO undergoes spontaneous rotamerization at 2.8 K via hydrogen-atom tunneling (HAT) with noticeable kinetic isotope effects for H/D (>104 for DOPO) and 16 O/18 O (1.19 for H18 OPO and 1.06 for HOP18 O) in N2 -matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyu Qian
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Xianxu Chu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Chao Song
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhuang Wu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Mengqi Jiao
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Hanwen Liu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Bin Zou
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Guntram Rauhut
- Institute for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, Stuttgart, 70569, Germany
| | - David P Tew
- Max-Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Heisenbergstraße 1, Stuttgart, 70569, Germany
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zeng
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China.,Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
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