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Related Concept Videos

Microbes and the Sulfur Cycle01:29

Microbes and the Sulfur Cycle

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Sulfur is a vital element in Earth's biogeochemical systems. It transitions through various inorganic states, including sulfate (SO₄²⁻), elemental sulfur (S⁰), and sulfide (S²⁻). Abiotic and biological mechanisms across oxic and anoxic environments intricately mediate these transformations. Sulfate, the most oxidized form of sulfur, is predominantly stored in rocks, marine sediments, and oceanic waters, acting as a long-term reservoir in the global sulfur...
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Microbial Corrosion01:24

Microbial Corrosion

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Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...
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Acid Mine Drainage01:19

Acid Mine Drainage

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Mining activities that disturb sulfide-rich rocks, particularly those containing pyrite (FeS₂), initiate a cascade of geochemical and microbiological processes with serious environmental implications. When exposed to air and water, pyrite undergoes oxidation, releasing sulfate, ultimately forming sulfuric acid and mobilizing heavy metals into surrounding water systems. This phenomenon, known as acid mine drainage (AMD), results in low pH waters laden with toxic elements that threaten...
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Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium01:25

Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium

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Microorganisms play a critical role in the transformation and immobilization of uranium in contaminated environments through four main pathways: bioreduction, biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biomineralization. These mechanisms reduce uranium’s toxicity and prevent its migration through groundwater systems, offering sustainable approaches for in situ bioremediation.Bioreduction of UraniumBioreduction is driven by anaerobic bacteria such as certain strains of Geobacter and Shewanella,...
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Microbial Leaching01:27

Microbial Leaching

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Microbial leaching, also known as bioleaching, is an environmentally favorable method for extracting metals from low-grade ores using specific microorganisms. This biotechnological approach is particularly valuable for mining operations targeting copper, gold, and uranium, where traditional extraction methods may be economically or environmentally impractical.Copper Leaching and Microbial CatalysisIn copper bioleaching, crushed ore is arranged into heaps and irrigated with a dilute sulfuric...
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Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides02:26

Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides

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Sulfides are the sulfur analog of ethers, just as thiols are the sulfur analog of alcohol. Like ethers, sulfides also consist of two hydrocarbon groups bonded to the central sulfur atom. Depending upon the type of groups present, sulfides can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical sulfides can be prepared via an SN2 reaction between 2 equivalents of an alkyl halide and one equivalent of sodium sulfide.
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Development of Sulfidogenic Sludge from Marine Sediments and Trichloroethylene Reduction in an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor
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Microbial impact on polysulfide dynamics in the environment.

Alyssa J Findlay1

  • 1Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er-Sheva, 84105, Israel findlay@post.bgu.ac.il.

FEMS Microbiology Letters
|May 19, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Polysulfides (Sx2-) are key sulfur cycle intermediates influencing environmental processes. Microorganisms play crucial roles in their production and consumption, impacting natural systems from microbial mats to hydrothermal vents.

Keywords:
microbial sulfur metabolismpolysulfidessulfide oxidation intermediatessulfur bacteriasulfur cyclezero-valent sulfur

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Preparation of Authigenic Pyrite from Methane-bearing Sediments for In Situ Sulfur Isotope Analysis Using SIMS
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Area of Science:

  • Environmental science
  • Geochemistry
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Polysulfides (Sx2-) are critical intermediates in sulfur oxidation, influencing pyrite formation, organic matter sulfidization, and metal chelation.
  • Microorganisms, through both direct and indirect actions, significantly affect polysulfide chemistry via production and consumption.
  • Polysulfides are prevalent in diverse natural environments, including microbial mats and hydrothermal vents, underscoring their biogeochemical importance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review laboratory findings on polysulfides in microbial metabolism.
  • To summarize environmental observations of polysulfides.
  • To elucidate the biogeochemical cycling of polysulfides and the microbial role within it.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of laboratory experiments on microbial metabolism and polysulfides.
  • Compilation of environmental observations and detections of polysulfides.
  • Analysis of existing data to identify knowledge gaps.

Main Results:

  • Laboratory studies confirm microbial involvement in polysulfide production and consumption.
  • Polysulfides are detected across a wide spectrum of natural environments.
  • Significant questions persist regarding the precise mechanisms governing polysulfide dynamics and microbial influence.

Conclusions:

  • Polysulfides are integral to the sulfur cycle with broad environmental implications.
  • Microbial activity is a key driver of polysulfide biogeochemistry.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand polysulfide cycling and microbial interactions in natural systems.