Journal article

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

MP Watts, LP Spurr, KA Lê Cao, R Wick, JF Banfield, JW Moreau

Water Research | PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD | Published : 2019

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-..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Grants

Awarded by Australian Research Council


Funding Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge David Coe (DC), Will Wettenhall and Troy Cole, of Stawell Gold Mine, for their support of this project and access to mine tailings storage facilities. We also thank Kathryn Holt for her advice and support to this project. This research was funded by Australian Research Council Linkage Project grant #LP160100866 to JWM, JFB and DC.