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Synchronous microbial V(V) reduction and denitrification using corn straw as the sole carbon source
Haishuang Wang1, Nan Chen1, Chuanping Feng1
1School of Water Resources and Environment, MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China.
The Science of the Total Environment
|June 2, 2022
Summary
Corn straw enables simultaneous microbial reduction of nitrate and vanadium(V) in groundwater. This sustainable approach offers a novel strategy for remediating contaminated aquifers, enhancing environmental and public health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Geochemistry
- Bioremediation
Background:
- Coexisting nitrate and vanadium(V) in groundwater present significant ecological and health risks.
- The microbial mechanisms driving simultaneous nitrate and vanadium(V) bio-reduction, particularly with organic carbon sources, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of using corn straw as a sole carbon and energy source for coupled denitrification and vanadium(V) bio-reduction.
- To determine optimal conditions for these processes and elucidate the underlying microbial community responses.
Main Methods:
- Experimental microcosm studies using corn straw as the electron donor.
- Optimization of vanadium(V) and nitrate reduction rates by varying vanadium(V) concentration and pH.
- Metagenomic analysis to assess changes in microbial gene abundance.
Main Results:
- Corn straw effectively facilitated simultaneous denitrification and vanadium(V) bio-reduction.
- Optimal vanadium(V) reduction rate (19.25 mg/L·d) occurred at 100 mg/L V(V), while optimal nitrate reduction rate (3.12 d-1) was observed at pH 11.
- V(V) release was noted under carbon-limited conditions with nitrate presence.
- Metagenomic analysis revealed increased abundance of genes for metal resistance, electron transport (cytochrome, dimethyl sulfoxide), and glycolysis.
Conclusions:
- Corn straw is a viable and efficient substrate for the coupled bioremediation of nitrate and vanadium(V) in contaminated groundwater.
- Microbial metabolic pathways, including glycolysis and enhanced electron transport, are crucial for vanadium(V) reduction.
- Findings provide insights into bioremediation mechanisms and offer practical guidance for managing co-contaminated aquifers.
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