Article
Environmental Sciences
Qing Yi, Songlin Wu, Yunjia Liu, Ting-Shan Chan, Ying-Rui Lu, Narottam Saha, Gordon Southam, Longbin Huang
Summary: The growth and functions of acidophilic sulfur oxidizing bacterium (SOB) A. ferrooxidans in Fe ore tailings are influenced by pH conditions. Acidic conditions (pH < 6) support SOB growth and mineral weathering, while neutral/alkaline conditions (pH > 7) restrict SOB growth and functions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Y. Zhan, X. Shen, M. Chen, K. Yang, H. Xie
Summary: This study investigated the leaching of tellurium (Te) from mine tailings using an indigenous Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans strain, and found that the leaching behavior of Te is similar to sulfur in sulfide minerals. Additionally, an indirect mechanism was discovered in the bioleaching process.
LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiaxin Li, Baogang Zhang, Meng Yang, Hai Lin
Summary: Bioleaching has the potential to efficiently and environmentally meet the demand for strategic vanadium. This study focused on bioleaching vanadium from common raw materials utilized in traditional extraction processes, finding that clinker had the highest leachability under optimized conditions. The results provide insights for developing sustainable techniques for vanadium extraction and integrating bioleaching with traditional processes.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Tingting Yue, Yuankun Yang, Lunzhen Li, Mingyue Su, Maosheng Wang, Yucheng Liao, Liang Jia, Shu Chen
Summary: The accumulation of mine tailings is a serious environmental challenge, and recovering valuable elements and rare-earth elements from them is crucial for sustainable development. Researchers have made significant progress in improving the efficiency of recovery using bioleaching. This study reports the application of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in tailings disposal and describes the anaerobic characteristics and technical difficulties of the recovery process.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Min Gan, Dongli Huang, Fang Chen, Ke Zhang, Jianyu Zhu
Summary: This study systematically investigated the Cr(VI) reduction and Cr(III) coprecipitation behavior mediated by sulfide minerals and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, revealing a synergistic effect in achieving efficient removal of chromium contaminants. The dissolution of sulfide minerals and formation of secondary iron minerals played crucial roles in enhancing the removal of Cr(III) under the promotion of A. ferrooxidans. The research provides insights into solving redox-sensitive pollution through the collaboration between sulfide minerals and chemoautotrophic A. ferrooxidans, highlighting its environmental and practical significance.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Constantinos Varotsis, Charalampos Tselios, Konstantinos A. Yiannakkos, Charalampos Andreou, Marios Papageorgiou, Antonis Nicolaides
Summary: The combination of Fourier transform infrared mu-spectroscopy and Raman microscopy with various laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy approaches has been used to characterize whole ore copper-sulfide minerals. Among the different LIBS methods, the two-color double pulse LIBS shows the highest sensitivity in detecting Fe and Cu metals in the whole ore samples.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Leticia P. do Nascimento, Jamile Goncalves, Iolanda C. Duarte
Summary: This study discusses the enhancement of bioleaching outcomes on a laboratory scale by establishing optimal operational parameters based on a literature review. The use of a mixed inoculum of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, supplemented with FeSO4 and S-0, and an initial system pH near 6.0, may lead to greater bioleaching efficiency. However, operational parameters should be established according to the type of sludge being treated, and the duration of bioleaching should be considered to avoid reducing dewaterability performance.
Article
Microbiology
Eduardo A. Moncayo, Alexis Debut, Karla Vizuete, Diana Jumbo-Flores, Paulina Aguirre
Summary: In this study, the researchers evaluated the attachment behavior of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans on a polymetallic sulfide ore from Ecuador, mediated by the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). They found that the highest attachment rate was achieved at specific galactose and iron ion concentrations, suggesting a potential increase in biooxidation and bioleaching rates.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Spectroscopy
Ismail Elhamdaoui, Kheireddine Rifai, Javed Iqbal, Nessrine Mohamed, Samira Selmani, Jordan Fernandes, Paul Bouchard, Marc Constantin, Marcel Laflamme, Mohamad Sabsabi, Francois Vidal
Summary: The study found that LIBS measurements are accurate for homogeneous powder samples, but may differ from laboratory measurements for solid ore samples, depending on the uniformity of gold distribution. The LIBS sampling strategy, involving scanning diagonally across the ore layers, yielded gold concentration results similar to scanning the entire rock surface with fewer laser shots.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Songlin Wu, Yunjia Liu, Gordon Southam, Lachlan M. Robertson, Jeremy Wykes, Qing Yi, Merinda Hall, Zhen Li, Qiang Sun, Narottam Saha, Ting-Shan Chan, Ying-Rui Lu, Longbin Huang
Summary: The study revealed that plant root activities accelerated the weathering of biotite-like minerals in tailings, leading to the formation of numerous nanosized Fe-Si short-range-ordered (SRO) minerals and vermiculite. Among the three plant species studied, Sorghum spp. roots developed most extensively in the tailings, potentially promoting more efficient mineral weathering and secondary mineral formation compared to other plants. Overall, the research elucidated the rhizosphere effects on tailing mineral weathering and secondary Fe-Si mineral formation, highlighting the importance of pioneer plants in eco-engineering Fe ore tailings into soil.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yongwei Song, Linlin Yang, Heru Wang, Xinxin Sun, Shuangyou Bai, Ning Wang, Jianru Liang, Lixiang Zhou
Summary: The oxidation of Fe2+ by A. ferrooxidans can lead to the formation of iron hydroxysulfate minerals in AMD; a cyclic process involving 'Cu reducing coupled with bio-oxidization' can fully convert the total Fe in AMD into mineral precipitates with the resultant mineral specie being regulated by controlling the K+ concentration.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lu Sun, Tim Werner, Fang Yang, Wenlai Xu, Liang Tang
Summary: This study systematically investigated the chemical and mineral composition, hydro-geochemistry, and isotopes of four tailings ponds in Panxi valley, revealing significant rock-water interactions and potential influences on the mining sector emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Bingxu Dong, Yan Jia, Haiping Zhao, Qiaoyi Tan, Heyun Sun, Chengying Jiang, Renman Ruan
Summary: This study investigates the composition and properties of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and finds a weak interaction between EPS and ferric iron, suggesting that there is no strong chemical interaction between bacteria and ferric iron.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Y. Tian, X. Hu, X. Song, A. J. Yang
Summary: This study investigates the bioleaching of rare-earth elements (REEs) from phosphate rock using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans for the first time, and it shows that the bioleaching process is more efficient and environmentally friendly compared to abiotic leaching. The results also suggest that bacterial contact and Fe2+ oxidation play a key role in the bioleaching process, and extracellular polymeric substances contribute to the leaching of REEs.
LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jin Xu, Nengwu Zhu, Ruying Yang, Chong Yang, Pingxiao Wu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of synthetic extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on the bioleaching of copper from waste printed circuit boards (PCBs). It finds that the composition of EPS plays a crucial role in the efficiency of copper bioleaching.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Songlin Wu, Yunjia Liu, Gordon Southam, Lachlan M. Robertson, Jeremy Wykes, Qing Yi, Merinda Hall, Zhen Li, Qiang Sun, Narottam Saha, Ting-Shan Chan, Ying-Rui Lu, Longbin Huang
Summary: The study revealed that plant root activities accelerated the weathering of biotite-like minerals in tailings, leading to the formation of numerous nanosized Fe-Si short-range-ordered (SRO) minerals and vermiculite. Among the three plant species studied, Sorghum spp. roots developed most extensively in the tailings, potentially promoting more efficient mineral weathering and secondary mineral formation compared to other plants. Overall, the research elucidated the rhizosphere effects on tailing mineral weathering and secondary Fe-Si mineral formation, highlighting the importance of pioneer plants in eco-engineering Fe ore tailings into soil.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Songlin Wu, Fang You, Berin Boughton, Yunjia Liu, Tuan A. H. Nguyen, Jeremy Wykes, Gordon Southam, Lachlan M. Robertson, Ting-Shan Chan, Ying-Rui Lu, Adrian Lutz, Dingyi Yu, Qing Yi, Narottam Saha, Longbin Huang
Summary: The study characterized the composition and molecular changes of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in an alkaline Fe ore tailing primed with organic matter (OM) amendment and plant colonization. The results showed that microbial OM decomposition and plant colonization drove molecular shifts of DOM, influencing its richness, molecular weight, unsaturation, aromaticity, and oxidation. These findings provide insights into the ecofunctionality in tailings during early pedogenesis, contributing to the development of strategies for tailings-soil formation eco-engineering.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Zhen Li, Songlin Wu, Yunjia Liu, Qing Yi, Fang You, Yuanying Ma, Lars Thomsen, Ting-Shan Chan, Ying-Rui Lu, Merinda Hall, Narottam Saha, Yuanfang Huang, Longbin Huang
Summary: The study revealed that the AM symbiosis not only improved the growth of pioneer plant species in the early eco-engineered tailings, but also advanced soil formation through enhancing organic C and N sequestration and physical structure development via water-stable aggregation. This highlights the importance of AM symbiosis in the eco-engineering of tailings for sustainable rehabilitation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ming Zhang, Kun Lin, Yuchi Zhong, Dong Zhang, Mahtab Ahmad, Jie Yu, Hailu Fu, Liheng Xu, Songlin Wu, Longbin Huang
Summary: In this study, Fe/Fe oxide loaded biochars (RMBCs) were synthesized from red mud and shaddock peel, and their potential for removing anionic azo dye from water was evaluated. The results showed that high pyrolysis temperature and appropriate loading ratio can enhance the adsorption and degradation capability of biochars towards AO7. Additionally, the RMBCs can be easily separated from water using a magnetic field.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Zhen Li, Songlin Wu, Yunjia Liu, Qing Yi, Tuan A. H. Nguyen, Yuanying Ma, Fang You, Merinda Hall, Ting-Shan Chan, Yuanfang Huang, Longbin Huang
Summary: This study found that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis plays an important role in the sequestration of organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (N) in iron ore tailings, but its effectiveness is influenced by plant biomass amendment and water supply, particularly different C:N ratios. In comparison, AM enhanced OC sequestration in tailings with low C:N ratio biomass amendment, while it enhanced N sequestration in tailings with high C:N ratio biomass amendment. Water deficit generally weakened these AM effects.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qing Yi, Songlin Wu, Yunjia Liu, Ting-Shan Chan, Ying-Rui Lu, Narottam Saha, Gordon Southam, Longbin Huang
Summary: The growth and functions of acidophilic sulfur oxidizing bacterium (SOB) A. ferrooxidans in Fe ore tailings are influenced by pH conditions. Acidic conditions (pH < 6) support SOB growth and mineral weathering, while neutral/alkaline conditions (pH > 7) restrict SOB growth and functions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lina Yu, Fang You, Songlin Wu, Zhaohua Lu, April Hastwell, Brett Ferguson, Longbin Huang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate if Acacia holosericea, a native pioneer leguminous species, can form nodules and acquire nitrogen through N-2 fixation when grown in soils with different levels of tailing stress. The results showed that tailings had a significant negative impact on plant growth, nodule formation, and nitrogen acquisition. These findings demonstrated that the prevailing alkaline and excess salt conditions derived from tailings limit the ability of A. holosericea to grow, form nodules, and fix nitrogen.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Songlin Wu, Yunjia Liu, Gordon Southam, Tuan A. H. Nguyen, Kurt O. Konhauser, Fang You, Jeremy J. Bougoure, David Paterson, Ting-Shan Chan, Ying-Rui Lu, Shu-Chih Haw, Qing Yi, Zhen Li, Lachlan M. Robertson, Merinda Hall, Narottam Saha, Yong Sik Ok, Longbin Huang
Summary: An approach using microbial and rhizosphere processes is demonstrated to drive aggregate formation and development in iron ore tailings. Organic cements derived from microbial decomposition of organic matter initially form the aggregates, which are later consolidated by rhizosphere biogeochemical processes. A conceptual model is proposed for progressive aggregate structure development in the tailings, utilizing renewable resources as a sustainable pathway for tailings rehabilitation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Songlin Wu, Jeremy Bougoure, Jian Wang, Lars Thomsen, Ting-Shan Chan, Qing Yi, Zhen Li, Gordon Southam, Longbin Huang
Summary: This study used NanoSIMS and STXM techniques to investigate the formation, molecular signature, and stabilization of organic matter (OM) in Fe ore tailings. Microbial processing of isotopically labeled OM showed that glucose and plant biomass were decomposed, regenerated, and associated with Fe-rich minerals in a heterogeneous pattern. Organo-mineral associations primarily involved carboxyl, amide, aromatic, and aliphatic groups interacting with weathered mineral products from biotite-like minerals or Fe3+ oxyhydroxides. This research provides a basis for microbial-based technologies in the ecological rehabilitation of tailings.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Songlin Wu, Wei Fu, Matthias C. Rillig, Baodong D. Chen, Yong-Guan Zhu, Longbin Huang
Summary: AM fungi play a crucial role in the formation and stabilization of soil organic matter (SOM). Previous studies have focused on the organic compounds produced by AM fungi as binding agents for aggregate formation and SOM storage. However, this overlooks the various biogeochemical processes mediated by AM fungal activities, which drive SOM dynamics. We propose an updated conceptual framework to enhance the understanding of AM fungal role in SOM dynamics.
