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Biogenic Iron Mineralization by a Novel Gram-Positive Bacterium: Impact on the Fate of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene

EMSL Project ID
3354
Award DOI
https://dx.doi.org/10.46936/genr.proj.2003.3354/60004064

Abstract

 Introduction
We are studying the impact of biogenically produced Fe(II) and humic acid analogs on the (bio)transformation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). The batch systems that we are investigating contain either HFO or Magnetite. The novel bacterium used is of the strain Cellulomonas spp. (isolated from the Hanford site) and sucrose is the main carbon source. The system is carbonate buffered to pH 7.

We have observed a significant production of Fe(II) (highest in the presence of AQDS) due to biomineralization of both HFO and Magnetite. TNT transformation is observed in all systems.

Hypothesis
One of our hypothesis is that the HFO is being reduced/dissolved with a consequently nucleation of e.g. Magnetite on the HFO surface (which is also the reason for using Magnetite in parallel TNT degradation experiments).

Objectives
1. To identify the formation of possible new mineral phases as a consequence of biogenic (Cellulomonas spp.) reduction of HFO.
2. To image nucleation of possible new crystal phases (e.g. Magnetite or Siderite).
3. To image possible cell-mineral contact
4. Maybe use complementary techniques for the verification of mineral phases

Samples (total of 5)
1. T(0 days) HFO control (1)
2. T(14 days) Samples before adding TNT: Cells + HFO ? AQDS (2)
3. T(~60 days) Samples after ended TNT degradation: Cells + HFO ? AQDS (2)

Suggestions for Method Approach
1. Use electron diffraction (ED) or selected area electron diffraction for identification of mineral phases on the particles from the batch experiments
2. Image mineral phases and cell-mineral interfaces by use of HR-TEM
3. Maybe use use energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for elemental mapping
4. Maybe use complementary techniques such as XRD or M?ssbauer for verification of mineral phases


Project Details

Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2003-02-10
End Date
2004-02-13
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
https://search.emsl.pnnl.gov/?project_id_search=3354

Team

Principal Investigator

Thomas Borch
Institution
Colorado State University

Team Members

William Inskeep
Institution
Montana State University

Related Publications

Biogenic Iron Mineralization by a Novel Gram-Positive Bacterium: Impact on the Fate of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene
Borch, T.; Camper, A. K.; Biederman, J. A.; Butterfield, P. W.; Gerlach, R.; Amonette, J. E., Evaluation of Characterization Techniques for Iron Pipe Corrosion Products and Iron Oxide Thin Films. Journal of Environmental Engineering 2008, 134, (10), 835-844.
Borch, T.; Camper, A. K.; Biederman, J. A.; Butterfield, P. W.; Gerlach, R.; Amonette, J. E., Evaluation of characterization techniques for iron pipe corrosion products and iron oxide thin films. Journal of Environmental Engineering 2008, In Press.
Borch, T.; Fendorf, S., Phosphate Interactions with Iron (Hydr)oxides: Mineralization Pathways and Phosphorus Retention Upon Bioreduction. In Adsorption of Metals by Geomedia II: Variables, Mechanisms, and Model Applications, 1 ed.; Barnett, M. O.; Kent, D. B., Eds. Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2008; Vol. 7, pp 321-348.