Article
Environmental Sciences
Yanping Bao, Xiaohu Jin, Chuling Guo, Guining Lu, Zhi Dang
Summary: This study investigated the distribution, diversity, and abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the Hengshi River, a site continually contaminated by acid mine drainage (AMD). High-throughput sequencing revealed the high diversity and richness of the SRB communities, as well as the impact of AMD contamination on microbial and SRB community structure. Environmental parameters were found to significantly influence the composition and structure of the SRB community, highlighting the importance of understanding indigenous SRB communities for natural AMD attenuation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luis Felipe Valdez-Nunez, Diana Ayala-Munoz, Javier Sanchez-Espana, Irene Sanchez-Andrea
Summary: This study investigates the microbial community composition in three mine tunnels in Peru and the metabolic activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria in acidic sediments. The results indicate that hydrogen is the most favorable electron donor in terms of sulfate reduction rates, which is important for bioremediation.
GEOMICROBIOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guodong Chai, Dongqi Wang, Yitong Zhang, Hui Wang, Jiake Li, Xiaosheng Jing, Haiyu Meng, Zhe Wang, Yuan Guo, Chunbo Jiang, Huaien Li, Yishan Lin
Summary: This study investigated the effects of external organic substrates on the activity and stability of sulfate-reducing bacteria in acid mine drainage treatment. The results showed that microcosms containing complex organic wastes had a good effect on reducing heavy metals and acidity in acid mine drainage. Crab shell and shrimp shell showed the best removal performance and offered a cost-efficient, stable, and environmentally friendly solution for acid mine drainage treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhuo-hui Wu, Xiao-dan Yang, Li-ying Huang, Shi-lin Li, Fei-yun Xia, Yong-zhi Qiu, Xin-zhu Yi, Pu Jia, Bin Liao, Jie-Liang Liang, Wen-sheng Shu, Jin-tian Li
Summary: The applications of sulphate-reducing microorganisms (SRMs) in acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment systems have been extensively studied. In this study, in situ enrichment of SRMs in highly stratified AMD sediment cores was performed. The results revealed the diversity of SRMs that can be enriched in AMD sediment and the physiochemical properties that might affect their growth.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Catherine J. Gandy, Neil D. Gray, Obioma K. Mejeha, Angela Sherry, Adam P. Jarvis
Summary: The study investigates the effectiveness of liquid carbon additions to enhance zinc removal in laboratory-scale short hydraulic residence time compost bioreactors. The results show that carbon supplementation is necessary to sustain effective removal of elevated zinc concentrations. Propionic acid addition improves and sustains performance by promoting the activities of sulfate reducing bacteria, leading to efficient zinc removal. On the other hand, cessation of propionic acid addition compromises zinc removal due to carbon limitation and the growth of sulfur oxidising bacteria. These findings demonstrate the potential of liquid carbon additions in enhancing rates of zinc attenuation in compost-based passive treatment systems with limited land availability, enabling remediation of highly polluting mine drainage.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Elia Laroche, Catherine Joulian, Cedric Duee, Corinne Casiot, Marina Hery, Fabienne Battaglia-Brunet
Summary: An acid-tolerant microbial community efficiently removed arsenic and antimony from real acid mine water by inducing sulfide precipitation through sulfate-reducing bacteria. The addition of antimony did not affect the efficiency of arsenic bio-precipitation, and both elements were effectively removed in all conditions.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Kathryn K. Hobart, Zhaazhaawaanong Greensky, Kimberly Hernandez, Joshua M. Feinberg, Jake V. Bailey, Daniel S. Jones
Summary: Microbial communities in the Duluth Complex have implications for evaluating the reclamation of mine waste and show differences in microbial composition across different environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tayna Diniz Frederico, Ivan Nancucheo, Werica Colaco Barros Santos, Renato Renison Moreira Oliveira, Daniella Cardoso Buzzi, Eder Soares Pires, Patricia Magalhaes Pereira Silva, Adriano Reis Lucheta, Joner Oliveira Alves, Guilherme Correa de Oliveira, Jose Augusto Pires Bitencourt
Summary: Sulfate-reducing bioreactors were used to treat acid mine drainage in this study. Two separate bioreactors with pH and temperature control were operated using different acidophilic microbial consortia to remove sulfate from synthetic acidic mine water. Both bioreactors showed similar performance in sulfate removal and contained Desulfosporosinus as the main sulfate-reducing bacteria.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Norapat Pratinthong, Siwat Sangchan, Yothin Chimupala, Pimluck Kijjanapanich
Summary: The study investigated the optimum conditions for sulfate removal from lignite coal mine drainage in Thailand using ettringite precipitation. Results showed that the Al/S ratio and reaction time significantly affected sulfate removal efficiency, while the Ca/S ratio had no significant impact. Under the optimal conditions, high sulfate removal efficiencies were achieved in both Lamphun and Lampang mine drainage, demonstrating the effectiveness of ettringite precipitation in sulfate removal.
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Ifeanyi Michael Smarte Anekwe, Yusuf Makarfi Isa
Summary: Pollution, especially acid mine drainage (AMD) caused by anthropogenic and industrial activities, is a major threat to the ecosystem. This study critically reviews various bioremediation methods for AMD contamination treatment and discusses their challenges and prospects. The research shows that bioremediation has proven effective and environmentally friendly, but large-scale application remains a challenge.
ALEXANDRIA ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Keishi Oyama, Kentaro Hayashi, Yusei Masaki, Takaya Hamai, Shigeshi Fuchida, Yutaro Takaya, Chiharu Tokoro
Summary: A passive treatment process using sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) was found effective in removing heavy metals from acid mine drainage (AMD), but the mechanism involved has been poorly understood. In this study, a sulfate-reducing column test was conducted with supplemental ethanol as an electron donor, and the reaction mechanism was investigated using geochemical modeling and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis. The results revealed that Cu was easily removed from the top surface of the column, while Zn and Cd depletion occurred in the middle of the column due to sulfide formation by SRB. Geochemical modeling and XAFS analysis confirmed the validity of the observation. These findings suggest that the developed geochemical model can be a useful tool in predicting heavy metal removal in AMD treatment with SRB.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Tianhao Du, Anna Bogush, Ondrej Masek, Saul Purton, Luiza C. Campos
Summary: Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a global issue that causes harmful environmental impacts. This study reviewed three bio-based treatment methods using algae, biochar, and bacteria that can be used separately and potentially in combination for effective and sustainable AMD treatment. The review found that all bio-based methods, when applied as a single process and in combination, were effective treatments for AMD and were influenced by various parameters. However, there is a lack of research on the combination of algae-biochar-bacteria as a consortium for AMD treatment.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zheng Wu, Kotchikpa Adekunle Firmin, Meiling Cheng, Hui Wu, Youbin Si
Summary: Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) is a promising alternative biological treatment for immobilization of heavy metals. This study investigated the immobilization efficacy of a strain isolated from a metal smelter immobilized on biochar (BIC) for Cd2+ and Pb2+ under various conditions. The results showed that BIC had higher resistance to Cd2+ and Pb2+ compared to separate strain HY-1 and biochar. The optimal immobilization conditions were 3 days, pH 8.0, 30°C, biochar addition of 0.6 g/L, and initial Cd2+ and Pb2+ concentrations of 5 and 30 mg/L, respectively. The immobilization products were confirmed to be CdS and PbS. These findings suggest that BIC is a promising method for immobilizing Cd2+ and Pb2+ from acid mine drainage.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Michelle M. Valkanas, Taylor Rosso, Jessica E. Packard, Nancy J. Trun
Summary: Passive remediation systems are effective in removing heavy metals from abandoned mine drainage, but often lack in sulfate remediation. The lack of carbon sources in PRS hinders microbial sulfate reduction, affecting the overall remediation efficiency. Analyses show that the microbial communities in PRS have the ability to overcome abiotic sulfide oxidation with increased sulfate reduction rates when provided with suitable carbon sources.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haixia Wang, Mingliang Zhang, Junbing Xue, Qi Lv, Jie Yang, Xuemei Han
Summary: The study demonstrated that the multi-stage constructed wetland system was highly effective in co-treating high-strength acid mine drainage and domestic wastewater. The different stages of wetland treatment significantly improved effluent pH and removed dissolved metals, sulfate, organic pollutants, and nutrient contaminants. Various types of microorganisms co-existing in this system contributed to the successful remediation process.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Geology
Adrian Paramo, F. Escaso, P. Mocho, F. Marcos-Fernandez, J. L. Sanz, F. Ortega
Summary: This study analyzed the geometric morphometrics of sauropod titanosaurs' hind limb bones from Lo Hueco, revealing the presence of two main morphotypes. It is difficult to accurately classify and identify appendicular remains based on morphological information, making geometric morphometrics a suitable method to explore morphological variability.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biology
Francisco Ortega, Ildefonso Armenteros, Ane de Celis, Fernando Escaso, Pedro Huerta, Santiago Martin de Jesus, Ivan Narvaez, Adan Perez-Garcia, Jose Luis Sanz
Summary: The Palaeogene sedimentary successions of the Duero Basin in northwestern Iberia contain important fossil records of vertebrates, including mammals and reptiles. Continued study of these sites is helping improve the understanding of chronostratigraphy and correlations between the western and eastern regions of the basin, as well as providing valuable insights into the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of the represented fauna.
HISTORICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Irene Sanchez-Andrea, Charlotte M. van der Graaf, Bastian Hornung, Nicole J. Bale, Monika Jarzembowska, Diana Z. Sousa, W. Irene C. Rijpstra, Jaap S. Sinninghe Damste, Alfons J. M. Stams
Summary: In acid drainage environments, moderately acidophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) play a crucial role in attenuating extreme conditions by precipitating metals as sulfides and neutralizing acidity. A new species of moderately acidophilic SRB, Acididesulfobacillus acetoxydans gen. nov. sp. nov. strain INE, is identified with the ability to grow at pH 3.8. Bioreactor studies reveal that strain INE alkalinizes its environment, especially at lower pH, and has the ability to completely oxidize organic acids to CO2. Comparative proteogenomic and membrane lipid analysis suggest that the presence of saturated ether-bound lipids in the membrane serves as a protection mechanism against acid stress.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luis Felipe Valdez-Nunez, Diana Ayala-Munoz, Javier Sanchez-Espana, Irene Sanchez-Andrea
Summary: This study investigates the microbial community composition in three mine tunnels in Peru and the metabolic activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria in acidic sediments. The results indicate that hydrogen is the most favorable electron donor in terms of sulfate reduction rates, which is important for bioremediation.
GEOMICROBIOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sara Cantera, Daniel Tamarit, Peter James Strong, Irene Sanchez-Andrea, Thijs J. G. Ettema, Diana Z. Sousa
Summary: Microbial conversion of CO2 and CO into chemicals is a promising approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a more circular economy. However, the limited number of model microorganisms and the small profit margin of the synthesized products are still restricting the biotechnological valorization of CO2 and CO. This study explores the genetic potential of microbial conversion of CO2 and CO into ectoines, aiming to broaden bioconversion platforms and the variety of products. A literature review and gene mining were conducted to identify halophilic microbes capable of using CO2 and CO as a carbon source and producing ectoines. The identified microbes provide a basis for the development of cost-effective and sustainable valorization chains of CO2 and CO in different industrial scenarios.
REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO-TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ramon Rossello-Mora, Konstantinos T. Konstantinidis, Rudolf Amann
SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ricardo Amils, Cristina Escudero, Monike Oggerin, Fernando Puente Sanchez, Alejandro Arce Rodriguez, David Fernandez Remolar, Nuria Rodriguez, Miriam Garcia Villadangos, Jose Luis Sanz, Carlos Briones, Monica Sanchez-Roman, Felipe Gomez, Tania Leandro, Mercedes Moreno-Paz, Olga Prieto-Ballesteros, Antonio Molina, Fernando Tornos, Irene Sanchez-Andrea, Kenneth Timmis, Dietmar H. Pieper, Victor Parro
Summary: Microbial activity plays a crucial role in the biogeochemical cycles of planet Earth. A study on the deep subsurface microbiome of the Iberian Pyrite Belt revealed unexpected diversity and novel activities such as anaerobic ammonium oxidation and anaerobic methane oxidation. Various complementary metabolic activities were found, and genomic analysis identified genes involved in key biogeochemical cycles.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Bledina Dede, Taylor Priest, Wolfgang Bach, Maren Walter, Rudolf Amann, Anke Meyerdierks
Summary: In this study, the microbial community composition of hydrothermal plumes in the Northern Tonga arc and Northeastern Lau Basin was analyzed using multiple culture-independent techniques, with a focus on the autecology of Alcanivorax. Alcanivorax was found to dominate the community at two sites, despite no indication for hydrocarbon presence in the plumes. The high abundance and gene expression of Alcanivorax in these areas may be related to undiscovered hydrocarbon seepage from the seafloor, potentially resulting from recent volcanic activity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Enrique Penalver, David Peris, Sergio Alvarez-Parra, David A. Grimaldi, Antonio Arillo, Luis Chiappe, Xavier Delclos, Luis Alcala, Jose Luis Sanz, Monica M. Solorzano-Kraemer, Ricardo Perez-de la Fuente
Summary: Extant terrestrial vertebrates, including birds, have symbiotic relationships with insects and arachnids, but arthropod-vertebrate symbioses in the fossil record are rarely found. In this study, direct and indirect evidence of beetles feeding on feather remains from an undetermined theropod host 105 million years ago is presented. An exceptional amber assemblage was found, including beetle larval exuviae associated with feathers, along with additional amber pieces containing isolated larval exuviae. The morphological and taphonomic data suggest that these beetle larval exuviae belonged to a keratophagous species, indicating a symbiotic relationship between beetles and their Early Cretaceous relatives similar to current ecosystems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Adrian Hidalgo-Ulloa, Charlotte M. Van der Graaf, Irene Sanchez-Andrea, Cees J. N. Buisman
Summary: Metal sulfide precipitation is a viable technology for high-yield metal recovery from hydrometallurgical streams, and a single-stage S0 reducing and metal sulfide precipitating process can optimize operational and capital costs to enhance competitiveness. However, limited research exists on biological sulfur reduction under high temperature and low pH conditions in hydrometallurgical process waters.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alberto G. Fairen, Nuria Rodriguez, Laura Sanchez-Garcia, Patricia Rojas, Esther R. Uceda, Daniel Carrizo, Ricardo Amils, Jose L. Sanz
Summary: Tirez, a small lagoon in central Spain, has dried out completely, allowing for the study of its desiccation process as an analog to similar events on early Mars. This research examines the microbial ecology of Tirez when it was active 20 years ago, the composition of the microbial community in the dried lake sediments today, and the analysis of lipid biomarkers recovered from the sediments. The findings have implications for understanding Martian microbial communities during the wet-to-dry transition and can inform research strategies to search for possible biomarkers on Mars.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Javier Sanchez-Espana, Andrey M. M. Ilin, Inaki Yusta, Charlotte M. M. van der Graaf, Irene Sanchez-Andrea
Summary: The formation and composition of thin mineral films or encrustations floating on the water surface of low-flow or stagnant zones of acid mine drainage (AMD)-affected streams were studied in this research. Fe(III) minerals dominated these formations, controlled by pH, and showed a high capacity to concentrate trace metals in the underlying aqueous solutions. The involvement of Fe(II)-oxidizing microorganisms, such as Ferrovum, Acidithiobacillus, and Leptospirillum, was found in the formation of the ferric mineral films.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Greta Reintjes, Anneke Heins, Cheng Wang, Rudolf Amann
Summary: Particulate organic matter is crucial in the marine carbon cycle for transporting organic carbon from surface to deep oceans. By analyzing particles and their microbiomes, we found significant differences between particle-attached and free-living bacterial communities in terms of composition, dynamics, and catabolic potential. We also discovered the dominance of specific bacterial taxa and their roles in glycan degradation, indicating niche diversification in particle-attached bacteria.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Greta Giljan, Sarah Brown, C. Chad Lloyd, Sherif Ghobrial, Rudolf Amann, Carol Arnosti
Summary: Heterotrophic bacteria in the ocean invest in extracellular enzymes to hydrolyze large substrates to smaller sizes suitable for uptake. Selfish bacteria change the odds in their favor by transporting polysaccharides without loss of hydrolysis products. Surprisingly, selfish bacteria are common throughout the water column of the ocean, including at depths greater than 5500 m. The activities of these bacteria might not be reflected by measurements relying on uptake only of low molecular weight substrates.
ISME COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)