<i>Thermithiobacillus plumbiphilus</i> AAFK—Arsenic-Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Arsenopyrite Material
Autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria can play a key role in the metal bioleaching from low-grade sulfide-containing ores. The most commonly used bioleaching group is presented with acidophilic bacteria of the order <i>Acidithiobacillales</i>. We studied the diversity of bacteria in the...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Microbiology Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2036-7481/16/1/14 |
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| Summary: | Autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria can play a key role in the metal bioleaching from low-grade sulfide-containing ores. The most commonly used bioleaching group is presented with acidophilic bacteria of the order <i>Acidithiobacillales</i>. We studied the diversity of bacteria in the arsenopyrite gold-bearing ore and also discovered a wide distribution of neutrophilic non-thermophilic bacteria <i>Thermithiobacillus plumbiphilus</i> in this ore, as well as its drainage and flotation concentrate. For the first time, <i>T. plumbiphilus</i> was isolated from the natural arsenic-containing mineral material. The first description of complete genome for the species <i>T. plumbiphilus</i> was also carried out and discovered genes providing the As resistance. Culturing the isolated strain <i>T. plumbiphilus</i> AAFK confirmed the found bacterial resistance to arsenite and cocadylate during the effective thiosulfate oxidation. Experiments on the arsenopyrite bioleaching showed that <i>T. plumbiphilus</i> AAFK can be used as an auxiliary bacterial culture capable of oxidizing reduced / intermediate sulfur compounds. The genetic basis of the <i>T. plumbiphilus</i> AAFK resistance to the arsenic compounds is discussed; the mechanisms are similar with the ones known for acidophilic thiobacilli. The biofilm formation is shown for the first time for <i>T. plumbiphilus</i>; presumably, it could provide some protection and immobilization of the cells. Structures of the <i>T. plumbiphilus</i> AAFK cells and their production of outer membrane vesicles are described and discussed. |
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| ISSN: | 2036-7481 |