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Microbial community diversity and geochemistry inform bioremediation of molybdenum-contaminated groundwater

Summary

When coal plants burn coal, they produce waste that can contaminate groundwater with molybdenum, a toxic element. Scientists studied how bacteria naturally found in contaminated groundwater can be used to clean up this pollution. They discovered that certain bacteria can tolerate high molybdenum levels and safely remove it from water by storing it inside their cells using a detoxification system similar to how our bodies handle toxins.

Background

Coal combustion product (CCP) sites can release molybdenum (Mo) into groundwater, creating contamination that is difficult to treat using conventional methods. Bioremediation using sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) offers a potential in situ treatment strategy, though Mo can inhibit sulfate reduction and suppress SRB communities.

Objective

This study aimed to understand how molybdenum-contaminated groundwater affects microbial community structure and function at a CCP site, identify Mo-tolerant microorganisms, and elucidate the mechanisms by which SRB sequester Mo from groundwater.

Results

Microbial diversity did not decrease in high-Mo wells compared to control wells, despite Mo inhibiting sulfate reduction. Burkholderiales were enriched in high-Mo areas. Desulfomicrobium escambiense was identified as the dominant SRB and activated a periplasmic detoxification mechanism involving heavy metal sensors and ATP synthase to sequester Mo-sulfur species intracellularly.

Conclusion

Mo-tolerant microbial communities exist at CCP sites and can sequester Mo through a periplasmic detoxification mechanism. These findings support the potential for developing geochemistry-informed bioremediation strategies for Mo-contaminated groundwater, though field-scale implementation requires further research on community interactions and sustainability.
  • Published in:Applied and Environmental Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Laboratory and field investigation with microcosm experiments,
  • Source: PMID: 41347789, DOI: 10.1128/aem.00988-25
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