Genome-resolved metagenomics of an autotrophic thiocyanate-remediating microbial bioreactor consortium

Watts, M. P., Spurr, L. P., Lê Cao, K.-A., Wick, R., Banfield, J. F. and Moreau, J. W. (2019) Genome-resolved metagenomics of an autotrophic thiocyanate-remediating microbial bioreactor consortium. Water Research, 158, pp. 106-117. (doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.02.058) (PMID:31022528)

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Abstract

Industrial thiocyanate (SCN−) waste streams from gold mining and coal coking have polluted environments worldwide. Modern SCN− bioremediation involves use of complex engineered heterotrophic microbiomes; little attention has been given to the ability of a simple environmental autotrophic microbiome to biodegrade SCN−. Here we present results from a bioreactor experiment inoculated with SCN− -loaded mine tailings, incubated autotrophically, and subjected to a range of environmentally relevant conditions. Genome-resolved metagenomics revealed that SCN− hydrolase-encoding, sulphur-oxidizing autotrophic bacteria mediated SCN− degradation. These microbes supported metabolically-dependent non-SCN--degrading sulphur-oxidizing autotrophs and non-sulphur oxidizing heterotrophs, and “niche” microbiomes developed spatially (planktonic versus sessile) and temporally (across changing environmental parameters). Bioreactor microbiome structures changed significantly with increasing temperature, shifting from Thiobacilli to a novel SCN− hydrolase-encoding gammaproteobacteria. Transformation of carbonyl sulphide (COS), a key intermediate in global biogeochemical sulphur cycling, was mediated by plasmid-hosted CS2 and COS hydrolase genes associated with Thiobacillus, revealing a potential for horizontal transfer of this function. Our work shows that simple native autotrophic microbiomes from mine tailings can be employed for SCN− bioremediation, thus improving the recycling of ore processing waters and reducing the hydrological footprint of mining.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This research was funded by Australian Research Council Linkage Project grant #LP160100866 to JWM, JFB and DC.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Moreau, Dr John
Authors: Watts, M. P., Spurr, L. P., Lê Cao, K.-A., Wick, R., Banfield, J. F., and Moreau, J. W.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences > Earth Sciences
Journal Name:Water Research
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0043-1354
ISSN (Online):1879-2448
Published Online:23 March 2019

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