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Evolution and role of manganese-transforming bacterial microorganisms during natural manganese-tailing succession
Chuan Wu1, Yahui Wu2, Jiahao Pan2
1School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Administrative Region, Hong Kong 999077, China.
Abstract:
The natural succession of tailings is critical for reducing their adverse environmental impacts. However, the current knowledge of the Mn-transforming microorganisms involved in the natural vegetation succession of Mn tailings is very limited. This study reveals for the first time the evolution of Mn-transforming microorganisms during vegetation succession in Mn tailing. The results revealed that the amount of reducible Mn increased during the succession process (divided into nake-land, bryophyte, herb and woody-plant stages), which is the most important geochemical property driving bacterial community diversity. Metagenomic functional profile analysis revealed that the abundance of genes involved in nutrient uptake, metal tolerance, and metal detoxification increased during succession. A total of 51 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were reconstructed, in which 6 encoding multicopper oxidase (cotA)-containing MAGs were identified. The relative abundance of these cotA-containing MAGs first increased but then decreased during succession. Notably, genes associated with carbon fixation and denitrification were also identified in these cotA-containing MAGs, indicating their roles in coupling the cycling of manganese, carbon and nitrogen. These results suggest that Mn(II)- oxidizing bacteria could be crucial for lowering Mn toxicity, obtaining nutrients, and potentially contributing to the ecological succession of Mn tailings. The investigation of Mn-transforming microorganisms (cotA-MAGs) has also contributed to understanding the succession mechanisms and restoration of Mn tailing ecosystems.
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