Microscopic and spectroscopic insights into uranium(VI) association-reduction processes by a sulfate-reducing microorganism


Microscopic and spectroscopic insights into uranium(VI) association-reduction processes by a sulfate-reducing microorganism

Hilpmann, S.; Steudtner, R.; Roßberg, A.; Hübner, R.; Prieur, D.; Bauters, S.; Kvashnina, K.; Stumpf, T.; Cherkouk, A.

Clay rock represents a suitable host rock for the long-term storage of high-level radioactive waste with bentonite as backfill material. In the event of a worst-case scenario, water can enter the repository. It is possible that naturally occurring microorganisms can interact with the radionuclides and thereby change the chemical speciation or induce redox reactions.
Among different sulfate-reducing bacteria, Desulfosporosinus species represent important members of the microbial communities in both clay rock and bentonite.[1,2] Desulfosporosinus hippei DSM 8344T is a close phylogenetic relative to an isolated bacterium from bentonite.[3] Therefore, this strain was selected to get a more profound insight into the uranium(VI) interactions with naturally occurring microorganisms from deep geological layers.
Time-dependent experiments in artificial Opalinus Clay pore water[4] (100 µM uranium(VI), pH 5,5) showed a high removal of uranium from the supernatants within a short time range. UV/Vis studies of the dissolved cell pellets provided clear proof of a partial reduction of uranium(VI) to uranium(IV) in the samples, although bands of uranium(VI) were still observable. These findings propose a combined association-reduction process as an explanation for the ongoing interaction mechanism.
Uranium aggregates formed on the cell surface were visible in TEM images. Furthermore, cells released membrane vesicles as a possible defense mechanism against cell encrustation.
In addition, HERFD-XANES measurements confirmed the reduction of uranium(VI). But with these measurements also the presence of uranium(V) in the cell pellets could be demonstrated. This provides first evidence of the involvement of uranium(V) in uranium(VI) reduction by sulfate-reducing microorganisms. With the help of EXAFS measurements, different cell-related uranium species were detected.
This study helps to better understand the complexity of redox processes in the environment and contribute to a safety concept for a nuclear repository in clay rock. Moreover, new insights into the uranium(VI) reduction mechanisms of sulfate-reducing bacteria were presented.

References:

[1] Bagnoud et al. (2016) Nat. Commun 7, 1–10.
[2] Matschiavelli et al. (2019) Environ. Sci. Technol. 53, 10514–10524.
[3] Vatsurina et al. (2008) Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 58, 1228–1232.
[4] Wersin et al. (2011) Appl. Geochemistry 26, 931–953.

Keywords: Uranium(VI) reduction; Sulfate-reducing bacteria; Clay rock

Related publications

  • Lecture (Conference) (Online presentation)
    Goldschmidt 2022, 10.-15.07.2022, Hawaii, USA

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-34721
Publ.-Id: 34721