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Ammar A, Nouira A, El Mouridi Z, Boughribil S. Recent trends in the phytoremediation of radionuclide contamination of soil by cesium and strontium: Sources, mechanisms and methods: A comprehensive review. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142273. [PMID: 38750727 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review examines recent trends in phytoremediation strategies to address soil radionuclide contamination by cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr). Radionuclide contamination, resulting from natural processes and nuclear-related activities such as accidents and the operation of nuclear facilities, poses significant risks to the environment and human health. Cs and Sr, prominent radionuclides involved in nuclear accidents, exhibit chemical properties that contribute to their toxicity, including easy uptake, high solubility, and long half-lives. Phytoremediation is emerging as a promising and environmentally friendly approach to mitigate radionuclide contamination by exploiting the ability of plants to extract toxic elements from soil and water. This review focuses specifically on the removal of 90Sr and 137Cs, addressing their health risks and environmental implications. Understanding the mechanisms governing plant uptake of radionuclides is critical and is influenced by factors such as plant species, soil texture, and physicochemical properties. Phytoremediation not only addresses immediate contamination challenges but also provides long-term benefits for ecosystem restoration and sustainable development. By improving soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, phytoremediation is in line with global sustainability goals and environmental protection initiatives. This review aims to provide insights into effective strategies for mitigating environmental hazards associated with radionuclide contamination and to highlight the importance of phytoremediation in environmental remediation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayyoub Ammar
- Laboratory of Virology, Microbiology, Quality and Biotechnology /Eco-toxicology and Biodiversity (LVMQB/EB), Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Mohammedia, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco; National Center for Energy, Sciences, and Nuclear Techniques (CNESTEN), Rabat, Morocco; Laboratory of Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, National Institute of Agronomique Research (INRA), Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Asmae Nouira
- National Center for Energy, Sciences, and Nuclear Techniques (CNESTEN), Rabat, Morocco
| | - Zineb El Mouridi
- Laboratory of Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources, National Institute of Agronomique Research (INRA), Rabat, Morocco
| | - Said Boughribil
- Laboratory of Virology, Microbiology, Quality and Biotechnology /Eco-toxicology and Biodiversity (LVMQB/EB), Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Mohammedia, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco
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2
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Pal S, Yuvaraj R, Krishnan H, Venkatraman B, Abraham J, Gopinathan A. Unraveling radiation resistance strategies in two bacterial strains from the high background radiation area of Chavara-Neendakara: A comprehensive whole genome analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304810. [PMID: 38857267 PMCID: PMC11164402 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304810] [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: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper reports the results of gamma irradiation experiments and whole genome sequencing (WGS) performed on vegetative cells of two radiation resistant bacterial strains, Metabacillus halosaccharovorans (VITHBRA001) and Bacillus paralicheniformis (VITHBRA024) (D10 values 2.32 kGy and 1.42 kGy, respectively), inhabiting the top-ranking high background radiation area (HBRA) of Chavara-Neendakara placer deposit (Kerala, India). The present investigation has been carried out in the context that information on strategies of bacteria having mid-range resistance for gamma radiation is inadequate. WGS, annotation, COG and KEGG analyses and manual curation of genes helped us address the possible pathways involved in the major domains of radiation resistance, involving recombination repair, base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair and mismatch repair, and the antioxidant genes, which the candidate could activate to survive under ionizing radiation. Additionally, with the help of these data, we could compare the candidate strains with that of the extremely radiation resistant model bacterium Deinococccus radiodurans, so as to find the commonalities existing in their strategies of resistance on the one hand, and also the rationale behind the difference in D10, on the other. Genomic analysis of VITHBRA001 and VITHBRA024 has further helped us ascertain the difference in capability of radiation resistance between the two strains. Significantly, the genes such as uvsE (NER), frnE (protein protection), ppk1 and ppx (non-enzymatic metabolite production) and those for carotenoid biosynthesis, are endogenous to VITHBRA001, but absent in VITHBRA024, which could explain the former's better radiation resistance. Further, this is the first-time study performed on any bacterial population inhabiting an HBRA. This study also brings forward the two species whose radiation resistance has not been reported thus far, and add to the knowledge on radiation resistant capabilities of the phylum Firmicutes which are abundantly observed in extreme environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowptika Pal
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramani Yuvaraj
- Radiological and Environmental Safety Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Hari Krishnan
- Radiological and Environmental Safety Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balasubramanian Venkatraman
- Radiological and Environmental Safety Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jayanthi Abraham
- Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anilkumar Gopinathan
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Williamson AJ, Binet M, Sergeant C. Radionuclide biogeochemistry: from bioremediation toward the treatment of aqueous radioactive effluents. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024; 44:698-716. [PMID: 37258417 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2194505] [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] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Civilian and military nuclear programs of several nations over more than 70 years have led to significant quantities of heterogenous solid, organic, and aqueous radioactive wastes bearing actinides, fission products, and activation products. While many physicochemical treatments have been developed to remediate, decontaminate and reduce waste volumes, they can involve high costs (energy input, expensive sorbants, ion exchange resins, chemical reducing/precipitation agents) or can lead to further secondary waste forms. Microorganisms can directly influence radionuclide solubility, via sorption, accumulation, precipitation, redox, and volatilization pathways, thus offering a more sustainable approach to remediation or effluent treatments. Much work to date has focused on fundamentals or laboratory-scale remediation trials, but there is a paucity of information toward field-scale bioremediation and, to a lesser extent, toward biological liquid effluent treatments. From the few biostimulation studies that have been conducted at legacy weapon production/test sites and uranium mining and milling sites, some marked success via bioreduction and biomineralisation has been observed. However, rebounding of radionuclide mobility from (a)biotic scale-up factors are often encountered. Radionuclide, heavy metal, co-contaminant, and/or matrix effects provide more challenging conditions than traditional industrial wastewater systems, thus innovative solutions via indirect interactions with stable element biogeochemical cycles, natural or engineered cultures or communities of metal and irradiation tolerant strains and reactor design inspirations from existing metal wastewater technologies, are required. This review encompasses the current state of the art in radionuclide biogeochemistry fundamentals and bioremediation and establishes links toward transitioning these concepts toward future radioactive effluent treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Binet
- EDF R&D, LNHE (Laboratoire National d'Hydraulique et Environnement), Chatou, France
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MacIntosh A, Dafforn K, Chariton A, Koppel D, Cresswell T, Gissi F. Response of Microbial Communities to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material-Contaminated Sediments: A Microcosm-Based Study. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38819030 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing need to understand the potential ecological impacts of contaminants in offshore oil and gas infrastructure, especially if that infrastructure is to be left in situ as a decommissioning option. Naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) is one type of contaminant found in solid deposits on internal surfaces of infrastructure that poses potential ecological harm if released into the marine environment. Microbes are important components of marine sediment ecosystems because they provide ecosystem services, yet the impacts of NORM contamination to these communities are not well understood. The present study aimed to investigate the response of benthic microbial communities to NORM-contaminated scale, collected from an offshore oil and gas system, via controlled laboratory microcosm studies. Changes to microbial communities in natural sediment and sediments spiked with NORM at radium-226 activity concentrations ranging from 9.5 to 59.8 Bq/kg (in partial equilibria with progeny) over 7 and 28 days were investigated using high-throughput sequencing of environmental DNA extracted from experimental sediments. There were no significant differences in microbial community composition between control and scale-spiked sediments over 7 and 28 days. However, we observed a greater presence of Firmicutes in the scale-mixed treatment and Chloroflexi in the scale-surface treatments after 28 days. This could suggest selection for species with contaminant tolerance or potential resilience to radiation and metal toxicity. Further research is needed to explore microbial tolerance mechanisms and their potential as indicators of effects of radionuclide-contaminated sediments. The present study demonstrated that microcosm studies can provide valuable insights about the potential impacts of contamination from oil and gas infrastructure to sediment microbial communities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-14. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy MacIntosh
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Natural Sciences, Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine Dafforn
- School of Natural Sciences, Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony Chariton
- School of Natural Sciences, Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Darren Koppel
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tom Cresswell
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Francesca Gissi
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, New South Wales, Australia
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Morales-Hidalgo M, Povedano-Priego C, Martinez-Moreno MF, Ruiz-Fresneda MA, Lopez-Fernandez M, Jroundi F, Merroun ML. Insights into the Impact of Physicochemical and Microbiological Parameters on the Safety Performance of Deep Geological Repositories. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1025. [PMID: 38792854 PMCID: PMC11123828 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12051025] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, the production of radioactive waste from nuclear industries is increasing, leading to the development of reliable containment strategies. The deep geological repository (DGR) concept has emerged as a suitable storage solution, involving the underground emplacement of nuclear waste within stable geological formations. Bentonite clay, known for its exceptional properties, serves as a critical artificial barrier in the DGR system. Recent studies have suggested the stability of bentonite within DGR relevant conditions, indicating its potential to enhance the long-term safety performance of the repository. On the other hand, due to its high resistance to corrosion, copper is one of the most studied reference materials for canisters. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on the influence of nuclear waste conditions on the characteristics and properties of DGR engineered barriers. This paper outlines how evolving physico-chemical parameters (e.g., temperature, radiation) in a nuclear repository may impact these barriers over the lifespan of a repository and emphasizes the significance of understanding the impact of microbial processes, especially in the event of radionuclide leakage (e.g., U, Se) or canister corrosion. Therefore, this review aims to address the long-term safety of future DGRs, which is critical given the complexity of such future systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Morales-Hidalgo
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (C.P.-P.); (M.F.M.-M.); (M.A.R.-F.); (M.L.-F.); (M.L.M.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fadwa Jroundi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (C.P.-P.); (M.F.M.-M.); (M.A.R.-F.); (M.L.-F.); (M.L.M.)
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Pradhoshini KP, Santhanabharathi B, Priyadharshini M, Ahmed MS, Murugan K, Sivaperumal P, Alam L, Duong VH, Musthafa MS. Microbial consortium and impact of industrial mining on the Natural High Background Radiation Area (NHBRA), India - Characteristic role of primordial radionuclides in influencing the community structure and extremophiles pattern. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 244:118000. [PMID: 38128601 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.118000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The present investigation is the first of its kind which aims to study the characteristics of microbial consortium inhabiting one of the natural high background radiation areas of the world, Chavara Coast in Kerala, India. The composition of the microbial community and their structural changes were evaluated under the natural circumstances with exorbitant presence of radionuclides in the sediments and after the radionuclide's recession due to mining effects. For this purpose, the concentration of radionuclides, heavy metals, net radioactivity estimation via gross alpha and beta emitters and other physiochemical characteristics were assessed in the sediments throughout the estuarine stretch. According to the results, the radionuclides had a significant effect in shaping the community structure and composition, as confirmed by the bacterial heterogeneity achieved between the samples. The results indicate that high radioactivity in the background environment reduced the abundance and growth of normal microbial fauna and favoured only the growth of certain extremophiles belonging to families of Piscirickettsiacea, Rhodobacteriacea and Thermodesulfovibrionaceae, which were able to tolerate and adapt towards the ionizing radiation present in the environment. In contrast, communities from Comamondacea, Sphingomonadacea, Moraxellacea and Erythrobacteracea were present in the sediments collected from industrial outlet, reinforcing the potent role of radionuclides in governing the community pattern of microbes present in the natural environment. The study confirms the presence of these novel and unidentified bacterial communities and further opens the possibility of utilizing their usefulness in future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumara Perumal Pradhoshini
- Unit of Research in Radiation Biology & Environmental Radioactivity (URRBER), P.G & Research Department of Zoology, The New College (Autonomous), Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 014, India; Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Research Centre for Sustainability Science and Governance (SGK), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Bharathi Santhanabharathi
- Unit of Research in Radiation Biology & Environmental Radioactivity (URRBER), P.G & Research Department of Zoology, The New College (Autonomous), Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 014, India
| | - Marckasagayam Priyadharshini
- Unit of Research in Radiation Biology & Environmental Radioactivity (URRBER), P.G & Research Department of Zoology, The New College (Autonomous), Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 014, India
| | - Munawar Suhail Ahmed
- Unit of Research in Radiation Biology & Environmental Radioactivity (URRBER), P.G & Research Department of Zoology, The New College (Autonomous), Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 014, India
| | - Karuvelan Murugan
- Department of Microbiology, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Sciences (VISTAS), Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamilnadu, 600117, India
| | - Pitchiah Sivaperumal
- Marine Biomedical Research Lab & Environmental Toxicology Unit, Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, 600077, India
| | - Lubna Alam
- Fisheries Economics Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Van-Hao Duong
- VNU School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Mohamed Saiyad Musthafa
- Unit of Research in Radiation Biology & Environmental Radioactivity (URRBER), P.G & Research Department of Zoology, The New College (Autonomous), Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 014, India; Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Research Centre for Sustainability Science and Governance (SGK), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Newman-Portela AM, Krawczyk-Bärsch E, Lopez-Fernandez M, Bok F, Kassahun A, Drobot B, Steudtner R, Stumpf T, Raff J, Merroun ML. Biostimulation of indigenous microbes for uranium bioremediation in former U mine water: multidisciplinary approach assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:7227-7245. [PMID: 38157180 PMCID: PMC10821841 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31530-4] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Characterizing uranium (U) mine water is necessary to understand and design an effective bioremediation strategy. In this study, water samples from two former U-mines in East Germany were analysed. The U and sulphate (SO42-) concentrations of Schlema-Alberoda mine water (U: 1 mg/L; SO42-: 335 mg/L) were 2 and 3 order of magnitude higher than those of the Pöhla sample (U: 0.01 mg/L; SO42-: 0.5 mg/L). U and SO42- seemed to influence the microbial diversity of the two water samples. Microbial diversity analysis identified U(VI)-reducing bacteria (e.g. Desulfurivibrio) and wood-degrading fungi (e.g. Cadophora) providing as electron donors for the growth of U-reducers. U-bioreduction experiments were performed to screen electron donors (glycerol, vanillic acid, and gluconic acid) for Schlema-Alberoda U-mine water bioremediation purpose. Thermodynamic speciation calculations show that under experimental conditions, U(VI) is not coordinated to the amended electron donors. Glycerol was the best-studied electron donor as it effectively removed 99% of soluble U, 95% of Fe, and 58% of SO42- from the mine water, probably by biostimulation of indigenous microbes. Vanillic acid removed 90% of U, and no U removal occurred using gluconic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M Newman-Portela
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva S/N, 18071, Granada, Spain.
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Evelyn Krawczyk-Bärsch
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Margarita Lopez-Fernandez
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva S/N, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Frank Bok
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andrea Kassahun
- WISMUT GmbH, Jagdschänkenstraße 29, 09117, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Björn Drobot
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Robin Steudtner
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stumpf
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johannes Raff
- Institute of Resource Ecology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mohamed L Merroun
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva S/N, 18071, Granada, Spain
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Ali S, Baloch SB, Bernas J, Konvalina P, Onyebuchi EF, Naveed M, Ali H, Jamali ZH, Nezhad MTK, Mustafa A. Phytotoxicity of radionuclides: A review of sources, impacts and remediation strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117479. [PMID: 37884073 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Various anthropogenic activities and natural sources contribute to the presence of radioactive materials in the environment, posing a serious threat to phytotoxicity. Contamination of soil and water by radioactive isotopes degrades the environmental quality and biodiversity. They persist in soils for a considerable amount of time and disturb the fauna and flora of any affected area. Hence, their removal from the contaminated medium is inevitable to prevent their entry into the food chain and the organisms at higher levels of the food chain. Physicochemical methods for radioactive element remediation are effective; however, they are not eco-friendly, can be expensive and impractical for large-scale remediation. Contrastingly, different bioremediation approaches, such as phytoremediation using appropriate plant species for removing the radionuclides from the polluted sites, and microbe-based remediation, represent promising alternatives for cleanup. In this review, sources of radionuclides in soil as well as their hazardous impacts on plants are discussed. Moreover, various conventional physicochemical approaches used for remediation discussed in detail. Similarly, the effectiveness and superiority of various bioremediation approaches, such as phytoremediation and microbe-based remediation, over traditional approaches have been explained in detail. In the end, future perspectives related to enhancing the efficiency of the phytoremediation process have been elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzaib Ali
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Sadia Babar Baloch
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Bernas
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Konvalina
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Eze Festus Onyebuchi
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Muhammad Naveed
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Hassan Ali
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Zameer Hussain Jamali
- College of Environmental Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mohammad Tahsin Karimi Nezhad
- Department of Forest Ecology, The Silva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental 13 Gardening, Lidicka, 25/27, Brno, 60200, Czech Republic
| | - Adnan Mustafa
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Guangzhou, 510650, China.
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Song J, Tang Z, Zhao X, Yin Y, Li X, Chen F, Chen A, Liu Y. Red imported fire ant nesting affects the structure of soil microbial community. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1221996. [PMID: 37483389 PMCID: PMC10358852 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1221996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The red imported fire ants (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta) have become a well-known invasive species that poses significant ecological and economic threats globally. As of recent times, the geographic scope of its invasion in China is rapidly expanding, thereby aggravating the extent and severity of its detrimental effects. The importance of soil microorganisms for maintaining soil health and ecosystem function has been widely acknowledged. However, the negative impact of RIFAs on soil microbial communities and their functions has not yet been fully understood. In this study, we sequenced the V3-V4 variable region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene in soil samples collected from three types of RIFA nests to investigate the impact of RIFA invasion on soil microbial diversity and composition. The results of alpha diversity analysis showed that the normal soil without nests of RIFAs exhibited the highest level of diversity, followed by the soil samples from RIFA-invaded nests and abandoned nests. Taxonomy and biological function annotation analyses revealed significant differences in microbial community structure and function among the different samples. Our findings demonstrate that RIFA invasion can significantly alter soil microbial community composition, which could ultimately affect ecosystem function. Therefore, effective management strategies are urgently needed to mitigate the negative impact of invasive species on native ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjie Song
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Agricultural Transboundary Pests of Yunnan Province, Agricultural Environment and Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science (YAAS), Kunming, China
| | - Zhenzhen Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueqing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Agricultural Transboundary Pests of Yunnan Province, Agricultural Environment and Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science (YAAS), Kunming, China
| | - Yanqiong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Agricultural Transboundary Pests of Yunnan Province, Agricultural Environment and Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science (YAAS), Kunming, China
| | - Xiangyong Li
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Agricultural Transboundary Pests of Yunnan Province, Agricultural Environment and Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science (YAAS), Kunming, China
| | - Fushou Chen
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Agricultural Transboundary Pests of Yunnan Province, Agricultural Environment and Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science (YAAS), Kunming, China
| | - Aidong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Agricultural Transboundary Pests of Yunnan Province, Agricultural Environment and Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science (YAAS), Kunming, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Agricultural Transboundary Pests of Yunnan Province, Agricultural Environment and Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science (YAAS), Kunming, China
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Feng G, Yong J, Liu Q, Chen H, Hu Y, Mao P. Remedial effect and operating status of a decommissioned uranium mill tailings (UMT) repository: A micro-ecological perspective based on bacterial community. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 340:117993. [PMID: 37094385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
From a radioecological perspective, increasing attention has been paid to the long-term stabilisation of decommissioned uranium mill tailings (UMT) repositories. However, little is known about the evaluation of decommissioning and remedial effects of UMT repositories from a microecological perspective based on bacterial communities. Here, we analysed the distribution and structure of soil community assemblies along different vertical soil profiles in a decommissioned UMT repository and explored the impact of soil properties, including physicochemical parameters, metal(loid)s, and radionuclides, on the bacterial assemblage. We found that the α diversity of the bacterial community was unaffected by variations in different soil profiles and taxa were classified at the phylum level with small significant differences. In contrast, the bacterial community structure in and around the UMT repository showed significant differences; however, this difference was significantly affected by soil metal(loid)s and physicochemical properties rather than soil radionuclides. In addition, seven bacterial genera with significant differences between the inner and surrounding regions of the repository could be used as potential indicators to further investigate the remedial effects on soil environmental quality. These findings provide novel insights into the construction of an assessment system and in situ biomonitoring of UMT repositories from a microecological perspective based on bacterial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Feng
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, PR China.
| | - Jinlong Yong
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, PR China
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Statistics and Data Science, Xinjiang University of Finance & Economics, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830012, PR China
| | - Henglei Chen
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, PR China
| | - Youhua Hu
- Radiation Environment Supervision Station of Xinjiang, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830000, PR China
| | - Peihong Mao
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, PR China
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11
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Ruiz-Fresneda MA, Martinez-Moreno MF, Povedano-Priego C, Morales-Hidalgo M, Jroundi F, Merroun ML. Impact of microbial processes on the safety of deep geological repositories for radioactive waste. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1134078. [PMID: 37007474 PMCID: PMC10062484 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1134078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, the increasing production of radioactive waste due to the extensive use of nuclear power is becoming a global environmental concern for society. For this reason, many countries have been considering the use of deep geological repositories (DGRs) for the safe disposal of this waste in the near future. Several DGR designs have been chemically, physically, and geologically well characterized. However, less is known about the influence of microbial processes for the safety of these disposal systems. The existence of microorganisms in many materials selected for their use as barriers for DGRs, including clay, cementitious materials, or crystalline rocks (e.g., granites), has previously been reported. The role that microbial processes could play in the metal corrosion of canisters containing radioactive waste, the transformation of clay minerals, gas production, and the mobility of the radionuclides characteristic of such residues is well known. Among the radionuclides present in radioactive waste, selenium (Se), uranium (U), and curium (Cm) are of great interest. Se and Cm are common components of the spent nuclear fuel residues, mainly as 79Se isotope (half-life 3.27 × 105 years), 247Cm (half-life: 1.6 × 107 years) and 248Cm (half-life: 3.5 × 106 years) isotopes, respectively. This review presents an up-to-date overview about how microbes occurring in the surroundings of a DGR may influence their safety, with a particular focus on the radionuclide-microbial interactions. Consequently, this paper will provide an exhaustive understanding about the influence of microorganisms in the safety of planned radioactive waste repositories, which in turn might improve their implementation and efficiency.
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12
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Ruiz-Fresneda MA, Fernández-Cantos MV, Gómez-Bolívar J, Eswayah AS, Gardiner PHE, Pinel-Cabello M, Solari PL, Merroun ML. Combined bioreduction and volatilization of Se VI by Stenotrophomonas bentonitica: Formation of trigonal selenium nanorods and methylated species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160030. [PMID: 36356742 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, metal pollution due to the huge release of toxic elements to the environment has become one of the world's biggest problems. Bioremediation is a promising tool for reducing the mobility and toxicity of these contaminants (e.g. selenium), being an efficient, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive strategy. The present study describes the capacity of Stenotrophomonas bentonitica to biotransform SeVI through enzymatic reduction and volatilization processes. HAADF-STEM analysis showed the bacterium to effectively reduce SeVI (200 mM) into intra- and extracellular crystalline Se0 nanorods, made mainly of two different Se allotropes: monoclinic (m-Se) and trigonal (t-Se). XAS analysis appears to indicate a Se crystallization process based on the biotransformation of amorphous Se0 into stable t-Se nanorods. In addition, results from headspace analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectometry (GC-MS) revealed the formation of methylated volatile Se species such as DMSe (dimethyl selenide), DMDSe (dimethyl diselenide), and DMSeS (dimethyl selenenyl sulphide). The biotransformation pathways and tolerance are remarkably different from those reported with this bacterium in the presence of SeIV. The formation of crystalline Se0 nanorods could have positive environmental implications (e.g. bioremediation) through the production of Se of lower toxicity and higher settleability with potential industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Philip H E Gardiner
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Pier L Solari
- MARS Beamline, Synchrotron SOLEIL, L'Orme des Merisiers, Saint-Aubin, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
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13
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Martínez-Rodríguez P, Sánchez-Castro I, Ojeda JJ, Abad MM, Descostes M, Merroun ML. Effect of different phosphate sources on uranium biomineralization by the Microbacterium sp. Be9 strain: A multidisciplinary approach study. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1092184. [PMID: 36699588 PMCID: PMC9868770 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1092184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Industrial activities related with the uranium industry are known to generate hazardous waste which must be managed adequately. Amongst the remediation activities available, eco-friendly strategies based on microbial activity have been investigated in depth in the last decades and biomineralization-based methods, mediated by microbial enzymes (e.g., phosphatase), have been proposed as a promising approach. However, the presence of different forms of phosphates in these environments plays a complicated role which must be thoroughly unraveled to optimize results when applying this remediation process. Methods In this study, we have looked at the effect of different phosphate sources on the uranium (U) biomineralization process mediated by Microbacterium sp. Be9, a bacterial strain previously isolated from U mill tailings. We applied a multidisciplinary approach (cell surface characterization, phosphatase activity, inorganic phosphate release, cell viability, microscopy, etc.). Results and Discussion It was clear that the U removal ability and related U interaction mechanisms by the strain depend on the type of phosphate substrate. In the absence of exogenous phosphate substrate, the cells interact with U through U phosphate biomineralization with a 98% removal of U within the first 48 h. However, the U solubilization process was the main U interaction mechanism of the cells in the presence of inorganic phosphate, demonstrating the phosphate solubilizing potential of the strain. These findings show the biotechnological use of this strain in the bioremediation of U as a function of phosphate substrate: U biomineralization (in a phosphate free system) and indirectly through the solubilization of orthophosphate from phosphate (P) containing waste products needed for U precipitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Martínez-Rodríguez
- Department of Microbiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain,*Correspondence: Pablo Martínez-Rodríguez, ✉
| | | | - Jesús J. Ojeda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - María M. Abad
- Centro de Instrumentación Científica (CIC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Michael Descostes
- Environmental R&D Department, ORANO Mining, Chatillon, France,Centre de Géosciences, MINES Paris, PSL University, Fontainebleau, France
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14
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Feng G, Yong J, Liu Q, Chen H, Mao P. Response of soil microbial communities to natural radionuclides along specific-activity gradients. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 246:114156. [PMID: 36209527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the response of soil microbial community to abnormal natural radionuclides is important to maintain soil ecological function, but the underlying mechanism of tolerance and survival of microbes is poorly studied. The effects of natural radionuclides on the topsoil microbial communities in anomalous natural radiation area were investigated in this work, and it was found that microbial community composition was significantly influenced by the specific-activities of natural radionuclides. The results revealed that relative abundances of 10 major microbial phyla and genera displayed different patterns along specific-activity gradients, including decreasing, increasing, hump-shaped, U-shaped, and similar sinusoidal or cosine wave trends, which indicated that the natural radionuclides were the predominant driver for change of microbial community structure. At the phylum and genus level, microbial communities were divided into two special groups according to the tolerance to natural radionuclides, such as 238U and 232Th, including tolerant and sensitive groups. Taken together, our findings suggest that the high specific-activities of natural radionuclides can obviously drive changes in microbial communities, providing a possibility for future studies on the microbial tolerance genes and bioremediation strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Feng
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830017, PR China
| | - Jinlong Yong
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830017, PR China
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Statistics and Data Science, Xinjiang University of Finance & Economics, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830012, PR China.
| | - Henglei Chen
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830017, PR China
| | - Peihong Mao
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830017, PR China
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15
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Characterization of Microbial Communities and Naturally Occurring Radionuclides in Soilless Growth Media Amended with Different Concentrations of Biochar. Appl Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/applmicrobiol2030051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Biochar, derived from the pyrolysis of plant materials has the potential to enhance plant growth in soilless media. Howevetar, little is known about the impact of biochar amendments to soilless growth media, microbial community composition, and fate of chemical constituents in the media. In this study, different concentrations of biochar were added to soilless media and microbial composition, and chemical constituents were analyzed using metagenomics and gamma spectroscopy techniques, respectively. Across treatments, carboxyl-C, phenolic-C, and aromatic-C were the main carbon sources that influenced microbial community composition. Flavobacterium (39.7%), was the predominantly bacteria genus, followed by Acidibacter (12.2%), Terrimonas (10.1%), Cytophaga (7.5%), Ferruginibacter (6.0%), Lacunisphaera (5.9%), Cellvibrio (5.8%), Opitutus (4.8%), Mucilaginibacter (4.0%) and Bryobacter (4.0%). Negative relationships were found between Cytophaga and 226Ra (r = −0.84, p = 0.0047), 40K (r = −0.82, p = 0.0069) and 137Cs (r = −0.93, p = 0.0002). Similarly, Mucilaginibacter was negatively correlated with 226Ra (r = −0.83, p = 0.0054) and 137Cs (r = −0.87, p = 0.0021). Overall, the data suggest that high % biochar amended samples have high radioactivity concentration levels. Some microorganisms have less presence in high radioactivity concentration levels.
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Uehara A, Matsumura D, Tsuji T, Yakumaru H, Tanaka I, Shiro A, Saitoh H, Ishihara H, Homma-Takeda S. Uranium chelating ability of decorporation agents in serum evaluated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2022; 14:2439-2445. [PMID: 35694955 DOI: 10.1039/d2ay00565d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Internal exposure to actinides such as uranium and plutonium has been reduced using chelating agents for decorporation because of their potential to induce both radiological and chemical toxicities. This study measures uranium chemical forms in serum in the presence and absence of chelating agents based on X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The chelating agents used were 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-bisphosphonate (EHBP), inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), deferoxamine B (DFO), and diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA). Percentages of uranium-chelating agents and uranium-bioligands (bioligands: inorganic and organic ligands coordinating with uranium) dissolving in the serum were successfully evaluated based on principal component analysis of XAS spectra. The main ligands forming complexes with uranium in the serum were estimated as follows: IP6 > EHBP > bioligands > DFO ≫ DTPA when the concentration ratio of the chelating agent to uranium was 10. Measurements of uranium chemical forms and their concentrations in the serum would be useful for the appropriate treatment using chelating agents for the decorporation of uranium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Uehara
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan.
| | - Daiju Matsumura
- Materials Sciences Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Takuya Tsuji
- Materials Sciences Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Haruko Yakumaru
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan.
| | - Izumi Tanaka
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan.
| | - Ayumi Shiro
- Quantum Beam Science Research Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Saitoh
- Quantum Beam Science Research Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ishihara
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan.
| | - Shino Homma-Takeda
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage, Chiba 263-8555, Japan.
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Chot E, Reddy MS. Role of Ectomycorrhizal Symbiosis Behind the Host Plants Ameliorated Tolerance Against Heavy Metal Stress. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:855473. [PMID: 35418968 PMCID: PMC8996229 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.855473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil heavy metal (HM) pollution, which arises from natural and anthropogenic sources, is a prime threat to the environment due to its accumulative property and non-biodegradability. Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis is highly efficient in conferring enhanced metal tolerance to their host plants, enabling their regeneration on metal-contaminated lands for bioremediation programs. Numerous reports are available regarding ECM fungal potential to colonize metal-contaminated lands and various defense mechanisms of ECM fungi and plants against HM stress separately. To utilize ECM–plant symbiosis successfully for bioremediation of metal-contaminated lands, understanding the fundamental regulatory mechanisms through which ECM symbiosis develops an enhanced metal tolerance in their host plants has prime importance. As this field is highly understudied, the present review emphasizes how plant’s various defense systems and their nutrient dynamics with soil are affected by ECM fungal symbiosis under metal stress, ultimately leading to their host plants ameliorated tolerance and growth. Overall, we conclude that ECM symbiosis improves the plant growth and tolerance against metal stress by (i) preventing their roots direct exposure to toxic soil HMs, (ii) improving plant antioxidant activity and intracellular metal sequestration potential, and (iii) altering plant nutrient uptake from the soil in such a way to enhance their tolerance against metal stress. In some cases, ECM symbiosis promotes HM accumulation in metal stressed plants simultaneous to improved growth under the HM dilution effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eetika Chot
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, India
| | - Mondem Sudhakara Reddy
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, India
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