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Microbial communities in low permeability, high pH uranium mine tailings: characterization and potential effects
V F Bondici1, J R Lawrence, N H Khan
1Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|March 2, 2013
Summary
Microbial communities in uranium mine tailings are diverse and metal-resistant. These organisms can transform metals, potentially influencing long-term tailings geochemistry.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Geomicrobiology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Uranium mine tailings present extreme conditions: high pH, high metal concentrations, and low permeability.
- Understanding microbial life in these environments is crucial for predicting long-term geochemical behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the diversity and metabolic capabilities of microbial communities in uranium mine tailings.
- To assess the potential of these microbes to influence tailings geochemistry.
Main Methods:
- Utilized aerobic and anaerobic culture-based methods.
- Employed next-generation sequencing and clone library sequencing targeting 16S rRNA and cpn60 genes.
- Conducted growth assays and enzyme expression profiling of isolates.
Main Results:
- 69% of isolates were metal-resistant, with 15% showing hypertolerance.
- Microbial diversity varied significantly with tailings depth (0-60m).
- Identified metabolically active microbes capable of reducing iron and molybdate, and oxidizing arsenite.
Conclusions:
- A diverse, metal-resistant microbial population exists in uranium mine tailings.
- These microbes possess the metabolic potential to transform metals, impacting long-term tailings geochemistry.
- This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of microbial diversity and function in such extreme tailings environments.
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