Differential utilization and speciation transformation of orthorhombic α-S_8 and amorphous μ-S by substrate-acclimated mesophilic Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

The utilization and speciation transformation of α-S8 and μ-S by the typical mesophilic acidophilic strain Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans ATCC 23270 were investigated.A.ferrooxidans cells first acclimated to the energy source α-S8 or μ-S,respectively.The results of cell growth and sulfur oxidation behavior showed that the strain grown on α-S8 entered slowly（about 1 d later） into the exponential phase,while grew faster in the exponential phase and attained higher maximal cell density and lower p H value than that on μ-S.After bio-corrosion,both of the two sulfur samples were evidently eroded and modified by A.ferrooxidans cells.After growth of A.ferrooxidans,the surface composition of amorphous μ-S became 63.1% μ-S and 36.9% α-S8,and that of orthorhombic α-S8 became 68.3% α-S8 and 31.7% μ-S,while the surface compositions of α-S8 and μ-S in sterile experiment were not changed,indicating that these two elemental sulfur species can be interconverted by A.ferrooxidans.

Fe/S oxidation-coupled arsenic speciation transformation mediated by AMD enrichment culture under different pH conditions

Arsenic(As)speciation transformation in acid mine drainage(AMD)is comprehensively affected by biological and abiotic factors,such as microbially mediated Fe/S redox reactions and changes in environmental conditions(pH and oxidation-reduction potential).However,their combined impacts on arsenic speciation transformation remain poorly studied.Therefore,we explored arsenic transformation and immobilization during pyrite dissolution mediated by AMD enrichment culture under different acidic pH conditions.The results for incubation and mineralogical transformation of solid residues show that in the presence of AMD enrichment culture,pH 2.0,2.5,and 3.0 are more conducive to the formation of jarosites and ferric arsenate,which could immobilize high quantities of dissolved arsenic by adsorption and coprecipitation.The pH conditions significantly affect the initial adsorption of microbial cells to the minerals and the evolution of microbial community structure,further infuencing the biodissolution of pyrite and the release and oxidation process of Fe/S.The results of Fe/S/As speciation transformation of the solid residues show that the transformation of Fe,S,and As in solution is mainly regulated by pH and potential values,which imposed significantly different effects on the formation of secondary minerals and thus arsenic oxidation and immobilization.The above results indicated that arsenic transformation is closely related to the Fe/S oxidation associated with pyrite bio-oxidation,and this correlation is critically regulated by the pH conditions of the system.

The Factors for Transformation between the Fractions of Speciation of Trace Metals in Lake Sediments

Objective Despite the fact that the bioavailability of trace metals indicated by their speciation has been an indispensable parameter in the assessment and treatment of the environmental pollution of trace metals, many studies have suggested that the bioavailability of trace metals may change according to the conditions of the environment, and the speciation of trace metals can also transform between some fractions. These transformations are related with these factors such as the compositions, microorganism, time, and other physical-chemical conditions of the system. Our work aims to systematically investigate and probe the factors to affect the transformation aside from analysis at certain time-place. The results of these understanding and investigations can be used for reasonably determining the allocation of financial and technical resources in natural and engineered processes, with bringing about inspirations from the evolution of the speciation of the trace metals on environmental impacts.