Aqueous Co removal by mycogenic Mn oxides from simulated mining wastewaters

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Geochemistry
• Microbiology

Background:

• Microbial manganese oxidation produces reactive Mn(III/IV) oxides influencing metal uptake.
• Biogenic Mn oxide structure and reactivity are altered by co-contaminants and environmental conditions.
• Limited research exists on metal interactions with biogenic Mn oxides in mining wastewater conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cobalt (Co(II)) removal by fungal Mn oxides from synthetic mining wastewater.
• To compare Co(II) removal via coprecipitation versus adsorption using Periconia sp. SMF1-derived Mn oxides.
• To understand the mechanisms and effectiveness of Co(II) remediation by mycogenic Mn oxides.

Main Methods:

• Integrated geochemistry, microscopy, and spectroscopy.
• Utilized Mn(II)-oxidizing fungus Periconia sp. SMF1 from Soudan Mine.
• Applied remediation strategies: coprecipitation and adsorption of Co(II).

Main Results:

• Fungal Mn oxides effectively removed Co(II) through incorporation and adsorption.
• Both remediation strategies showed similar, high effectiveness for Co(II) removal.
• Mycogenic Mn oxides were nanoparticulate, poorly crystalline birnessite-like phases.
• Co(II) was incorporated into the Mn oxide structure during biomineralization.

Conclusions:

• Fungal Mn oxides demonstrate efficient and sustainable Co(II) remediation from mining wastewater.
• Biomineralization and subsequent Co(II) incorporation into Mn oxides create a self-sustaining remediation cycle.
• The findings support the use of mycogenic Mn oxides for treating metal-polluted environments.