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Updated: May 9, 2026

Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution
Published on: December 30, 2021
Decoding the survival strategy of Parachlorella sp. MP1: Genomic basis and physiological adaptations to acidity and
Meichen Wang1, Lu Zhang1, Zhengbo Yue1
1School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China; Key Laboratory of Nanominerals and Pollution Control of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China.
Abstract:
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a common extreme ecosystem characterized by strong acidity, oligotrophy, high sulfate, and metal ion concentrations. Despite the harsh environmental conditions that threaten the survival of microorganisms, recent studies have revealed the presence of active and complex life activities within it. Microalga play an important role in the remediation and evolution of AMD due to their unique cellular structure and ecological functions. However, the understanding of the survival adaptations of acid-tolerant microalgae in AMD remains limited. In this study, high-throughput sequencing combined with experimental omics methods were employed to isolate an acid-tolerant microalga (Parachlorella sp. MP1) from AMD and explore its adaptability mechanisms to the AMD environment. Genomic analysis revealed a substantial repertoire of genes associated with acid and metal tolerance, demonstrating broad adaptability and functionality in genetic information processing and metabolic pathways. These genetic features underpin a complex metabolic network enabling the strain to cope with concurrent acidic and metal stress in AMD. Based on the comprehensive analysis of genomic and physiological evidence, the multi-level adaptability mechanisms of Parachlorella sp. MP1 to AMD stress were inferred, which mainly include the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), the synthesis of specific lipids, the efflux and sequestration of ions, the neutralization of intracellular H+ and metal detoxification, the activation of the antioxidant system, and the reallocation of carbon resources. By combining genomic insights with experimental validation, this study enhances the understanding of microbial adaptive mechanisms in extreme environments and provides a reference for the exploitation and utilization of extremophilic microorganisms.
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