Nitrogen and sulfur for phosphorus: Lipidome adaptation of anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria in phosphorus-deprived conditions.

Understanding how microbial lipidomes adapt to environmental and nutrient stress is crucial for comprehending microbial survival and functionality. Certain anaerobic bacteria can synthesize glycerolipids with ether/ester bonds, yet the complexities of their lipidome remodeling under varying physicochemical and nutritional conditions remain largely unexplored. In this study, we thoroughly examined the lipidome adaptations of Desulfatibacillum alkenivorans strain PF2803T, a mesophilic anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacterium known for its high proportions of alkylglycerol ether lipids in its membrane, under various cultivation conditions including temperature, pH, salinity, and ammonium and phosphorous concentrations. Employing an extensive analytical and computational lipidomic methodology, we identified an assemblage of nearly 400 distinct lipids, including a range of glycerol ether/ester lipids with various polar head groups. Information theory-based analysis revealed that temperature fluctuations and phosphate scarcity profoundly influenced the lipidome's composition, leading to an enhanced diversity and specificity of novel lipids. Notably, phosphorous limitation led to the biosynthesis of novel glucuronosylglycerols and sulfur-containing aminolipids, termed butyramide cysteine glycerols, featuring various ether/ester bonds. This suggests a novel adaptive strategy for anaerobic heterotrophs to thrive under phosphorus-depleted conditions, characterized by a diverse array of nitrogen- and sulfur-containing polar head groups, moving beyond a reliance on conventional nonphospholipid types.

DsrMKJOP is the terminal reductase complex in anaerobic sulfate respiration.

Microbial dissimilatory sulfate reduction (DSR) is a key process in the Earth biogeochemical sulfur cycle. In spite of its importance to the sulfur and carbon cycles, industrial processes, and human health, it is still not clear how reduction of sulfate to sulfide is coupled to energy conservation. A central step in the pathway is the reduction of sulfite by the DsrAB dissimilatory sulfite reductase, which leads to the production of a DsrC-trisulfide. A membrane-bound complex, DsrMKJOP, is present in most organisms that have DsrAB and DsrC, and its involvement in energy conservation has been inferred from sequence analysis, but its precise function was so far not determined. Here, we present studies revealing that the DsrMKJOP complex of the sulfate reducer Archaeoglobus fulgidus works as a menadiol:DsrC-trisulfide oxidoreductase. Our results reveal a close interaction between the DsrC-trisulfide and the DsrMKJOP complex and show that electrons from the quinone pool reduce consecutively the DsrM hemes b, the DsrK noncubane [4Fe-4S]3+/2+ catalytic center, and finally the DsrC-trisulfide with concomitant release of sulfide. These results clarify the role of this widespread respiratory membrane complex and support the suggestion that DsrMKJOP contributes to energy conservation upon reduction of the DsrC-trisulfide in the last step of DSR.

The DsrD functional marker protein is an allosteric activator of the DsrAB dissimilatory sulfite reductase.

Dissimilatory sulfur metabolism was recently shown to be much more widespread among bacteria and archaea than previously believed. One of the key pathways involved is the dsr pathway that is responsible for sulfite reduction in sulfate-, sulfur-, thiosulfate-, and sulfite-reducing organisms, sulfur disproportionators and organosulfonate degraders, or for the production of sulfite in many photo- and chemotrophic sulfur-oxidizing prokaryotes. The key enzyme is DsrAB, the dissimilatory sulfite reductase, but a range of other Dsr proteins is involved, with different gene sets being present in organisms with a reductive or oxidative metabolism. The dsrD gene codes for a small protein of unknown function and has been widely used as a functional marker for reductive or disproportionating sulfur metabolism, although in some cases this has been disputed. Here, we present in vivo and in vitro studies showing that DsrD is a physiological partner of DsrAB and acts as an activator of its sulfite reduction activity. DsrD is expressed in respiratory but not in fermentative conditions and a ΔdsrD deletion strain could be obtained, indicating that its function is not essential. This strain grew less efficiently during sulfate and sulfite reduction. Organisms with the earliest forms of dsrAB lack the dsrD gene, revealing that its activating role arose later in evolution relative to dsrAB.

Algal-derived dissolved organic matter accelerates mercury methylation under cyanobacterial blooms in the sediment of eutrophic lakes.

Mercury (Hg), especially in the form of methylmercury (MeHg), poses a significant threat to both organisms and the environment due to its extreme toxicity. While methylation process of Hg in sediments has been extensively studied, recognition of its associated risks and mechanisms during cyanobacterial blooms remains limited. This study investigated the distribution characteristics of Hg and MeHg in sediments of Taihu Lake, China. The concentration of Hg and MeHg varied within the range of 96.0-212.0 ng g-1 and 0.1-0.5 ng g-1, respectively. Higher ecological risks of Hg were found in algal-dominated regions compared to macrophyte areas. The significant correlations observed between Hg, MeHg, and algal-derived dissolved organic matter (ADOM) components C1 and C2 in algal-dominated regions indicate a close association between ADOM components and the Hg methylation process. These components are involved in the absorption or complexation of Hg, participate in redox reactions, and modulate microbial activity. The dsrB gene in sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) was found to accelerate the metabolic pathways of Hg methylation. These findings indicate that ADOM could enhance the methylation process of Hg during cyanobacterial blooms, which warrants attention.

Bacterial adhesion and corrosion behavior of different pure metals induced by sulfate reducing bacteria.

The corrosion behaviors of four pure metals (Fe, Ni, Mo and Cr) in the presence of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) were investigated in enriched artificial seawater (EASW) after 14-day incubation. Metal Fe and metal Ni experienced weight losses of 1.96 mg cm-2 and 1.26 mg cm-2, respectively. In contrast, metal Mo and metal Cr exhibited minimal weight losses, with values of only 0.05 mg cm-2 and 0.03 mg cm-2, respectively. In comparison to Mo (2.2 × 106 cells cm-2) or Cr (1.4 × 106 cells cm-2) surface, the sessile cell counts on Fe (4.0 × 107 cells cm-2) or Ni (3.1 × 107 cells cm-2) surface was higher.

Mitigation of Desulfovibrio ferrophilus IS5 degradation of X80 carbon steel mechanical properties using a green biocide.

Most microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) studies focus on the threat of pinhole leaks caused by MIC pitting. However, microbes can also lead to structural failures. Tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS) biocide mitigated the microbial degradation of mechanical properties of X80 steel pipeline by Desulfovibrio ferrophilus (IS5 strain), a very corrosive sulfate reducing bacterium. It was found that 100 ppm (w/w) THPS added to the enriched artificial seawater (EASW) culture medium before incubation resulted in 2.8-log reduction in sessile cell count after a 7-d incubation at 28 °C under anaerobic conditions, leading to 94% uniform corrosion rate reduction (from 1.3 to 0.07 mm/a), and 84% pitting corrosion rate reduction (from 0.70 to 0.11 mm/a). The X80 dogbone coupon incubated with 100 ppm THPS for 7 d suffered 3% loss in ultimate tensile strain and 0% loss in ultimate tensile strength compared with the abiotic control in EASW. In comparison, the no-treatment X80 dogbone coupon suffered losses of 13% in ultimate tensile strain and 6% in ultimate tensile stress, demonstrating very good THPS efficacy.

Comparative study of the removal of sulfate by UASB in light and dark environment.

At present, the application of sewage treatment technologies is restricted by high sulfate concentrations. In the present work, the sulfate removal was biologically treated using an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) in the absence/presence of light. First, the start-up of UASB for the sulfate removal was studied in terms of COD degradation, sulfate removal, and effluent pH. Second, the impacts of different operation parameters (i.e., COD/SO42- ratio, temperature and illumination time) on the UASB performance were explored. Third, the properties of sludge derived from the UASB at different time were analyzed. Results show that after 28 days of start-up, the COD removal efficiencies in both the photoreactor and non-photoreactor could reach a range of 85-90% while such reactors could achieve > 90% of sulfate being removed. Besides, higher illumination time could facilitate the removal of pollutants in the photoreactor. To sum up, the present study can provide technical support for the clean removal of sulfate from wastewater using photoreactors.

New insights into long-lasting Cr(VI) removal from groundwater using in situ biosulfidated zero-valent iron with sulfate-reducing bacteria.

Sulfidation enhances the reactivity of zero-valent iron (ZVI) for Cr(VI) removal from groundwater. Current sulfidation methods mainly focus on chemical and mechanical sulfidation, and there has been little research on biosulfidation using sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and its performance in Cr(VI) removal. Herein, the ability of the SRB-biosulfidated ZVI (SRB-ZVI) system was evaluated and compared with that of the Na2S-sulfidated ZVI system. The SRB-ZVI system forms a thicker and more porous FeSx layer than the Na2S-sulfidated ZVI system, resulting in more sufficient sulfidation of ZVI and a 2.5-times higher Cr(VI) removal rate than that of the Na2S-sulfidated ZVI system. The biosulfidated-ZVI granules and FeSx suspension are the major components of the SRB-ZVI system. The SRB-ZVI system exhibits a long-lasting (11 cycles) Cr(VI) removal performance owing to the regeneration of FeSx. However, the Na2S-sulfidated ZVI system can perform only two Cr(VI) removal cycles. SRB attached to biosulfidated-ZVI can survive in the presence of Cr(VI) because of the protection of the biogenic porous structure, whereas SRB in the suspension is inhibited. After Cr(VI) removal, SRB repopulates in the suspension from biosulfidated-ZVI and produce FeSx, thus providing conditions for subsequent Cr(VI) removal cycles. Overall, the synergistic effect of SRB and ZVI provides a more powerful and environmentally friendly sulfidation method, which has more advantageous for Cr(VI) removal than those of chemical sulfidation. This study provides a visionary in situ remediation strategy for groundwater contamination using ZVI-based technologies.

Preparation and Screening of SRB Gel Particles Used for Deep Purification of Acid Mine Drainage.

The progressive decline of the coal industry necessitates the development of effective treatment solutions for acid mine drainage (AMD), which is characterized by high acidity and elevated concentrations of heavy metals. This study proposes an innovative approach leveraging sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) acclimated to contaminated anaerobic environments. The research focused on elucidating the physiological characteristics and optimal growth conditions of SRB, particularly in relation to the pH level and temperature. The experimental findings reveal that the SRB exhibited a sulfate removal rate of 88.86% at an optimal temperature of 30 °C. Additionally, SRB gel particles were formulated using sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and their performance was assessed under specific conditions (pH = 6, C/S = 1.5, T = 30 °C, CMC = 4.5%, BSNa = 0.4 mol/L, and cross-linking time = 9 h). Under these conditions, the SRB gel particles demonstrated an enhanced sulfate removal efficiency of 91.6%. Thermal analysis via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) provided further insights into the stability and properties of the SRB gel spheres. The findings underscore the potential of SRB-based bioremediation as a sustainable and efficient method for AMD treatment, offering a novel and environmentally friendly solution to mitigating the adverse effects of environmental contamination.

Study on the changes and transformation characteristics of intermediate liquid products in hydrogen sulfide production from lignite degraded by sulfate-reducing bacteria.

The changes and transformation laws of intermediate liquid-phase products during the anaerobic degradation of lignite by sulfate-reducing bacteria in the formation of hydrogen sulfide play an important role in supplementing and improving the existing theories on the genesis of hydrogen sulfide gas in coal mines. In this paper, H2S gas and key intermediate liquid-phase products produced during the anaerobic degradation of lignite by sulfate-reducing bacteria were detected and analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that the process of hydrogen sulfide production from lignite degradation by sulfate-reducing bacteria can be roughly divided into four stages: slow production phase, rapid growth phase, steady production phase, and slight decline phase. In this reaction system, the SO42- concentration showed a decreasing trend, the pH value showed an increasing trend, and the ORP value decreased and then slightly increased with time. Ten volatile component types were detected during the experiment: straight-chain alkanes, branched-chain alkanes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, olefins, amines, lipids, acids and phenols. The key components in the intermediate liquid phase products were straight chain alkanes, straight chain alkanes, acids, alcohols, phenols and amines. PAHs, alkanes, and phenols are closely related to H2S production, while amides stimulate nitrogen production. The process is divided into three stages: hydrolysis stage, H2S gas production stage, and decay stage. Liquid-phase intermediates play an important role in the formation process of coal mine BSR hydrogen sulfide and the mechanism of coal mine H2S genesis.

Superwettable surfaces and factors impacting microbial adherence in microbiologically-influenced corrosion: a review.

Microbiologically-influenced corrosion (MIC) is a common operational hazard to many industrial processes. The focus of this review lies on microbial corrosion in the maritime industry. Microbial metal attachment and colonization are the critical steps in MIC initiation. We have outlined the crucial factors influencing corrosion caused by microorganism sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), where its adherence on the metal surface leads to Direct Electron Transfer (DET)-MIC. This review thus aims to summarize the recent progress and the lacunae in mitigation of MIC. We further highlight the susceptibility of stainless steel grades to SRB pitting corrosion and have included recent developments in understanding the quorum sensing mechanisms in SRB, which governs the proliferation process of the microbial community. There is a paucity of literature on the utilization of anti-quorum sensing molecules against SRB, indicating that the area of study is in its nascent stage of development. Furthermore, microbial adherence to metal is significantly impacted by surface chemistry and topography. Thus, we have reviewed the application of super wettable surfaces such as superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic, and slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces as "anti-corrosion coatings" in preventing adhesion of SRB, providing a potential avenue for the development of practical and feasible solutions in the prevention of MIC. The emerging field of super wettable surfaces holds significant potential for advancing efficient and practical MIC prevention techniques.

Diversity at single nucleotide to pangenome scales among sulfur cycling bacteria in salt marshes.

IMPORTANCE: Salt marshes are known for their significant carbon storage capacity, and sulfur cycling is closely linked with the ecosystem-scale carbon cycling in these ecosystems. Sulfate reducers are key for the decomposition of organic matter, and sulfur oxidizers remove toxic sulfide, supporting the productivity of marsh plants. To date, the complexity of coastal environments, heterogeneity of the rhizosphere, high microbial diversity, and uncultured majority hindered our understanding of the genomic diversity of sulfur-cycling microbes in salt marshes. Here, we use comparative genomics to overcome these challenges and provide an in-depth characterization of sulfur-cycling microbial diversity in salt marshes. We characterize communities across distinct sites and plant species and uncover extensive genomic diversity at the taxon level and specific genomic features present in MAGs affiliated with uncultivated sulfur-cycling lineages. Our work provides insights into the partnerships in salt marshes and a roadmap for multiscale analyses of diversity in complex biological systems.

A novel interdomain consortium from a Costa Rican oil well composed of Methanobacterium cahuitense sp. nov. and Desulfomicrobium aggregans sp. nov.

A novel interdomain consortium composed of a methanogenic Archaeon and a sulfate-reducing bacterium was isolated from a microbial biofilm in an oil well in Cahuita National Park, Costa Rica. Both organisms can be grown in pure culture or as stable co-culture. The methanogenic cells were non-motile rods producing CH4 exclusively from H2/CO2. Cells of the sulfate-reducing partner were motile rods forming cell aggregates. They utilized hydrogen, lactate, formate, and pyruvate as electron donors. Electron acceptors were sulfate, thiosulfate, and sulfite. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed 99% gene sequence similarity of strain CaP3V-M-L2AT to Methanobacterium subterraneum and 98.5% of strain CaP3V-S-L1AT to Desulfomicrobium baculatum. Both strains grew from 20 to 42 °C, pH 5.0-7.5, and 0-4% NaCl. Based on our data, type strains CaP3V-M-L2AT (= DSM 113354 T = JCM 39174 T) and CaP3V-S-L1AT (= DSM 113299 T = JCM 39179 T) represent novel species which we name Methanobacterium cahuitense sp. nov. and Desulfomicrobium aggregans sp. nov.

Desulfoferula mesophilus gen. nov. sp. nov., a mesophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium isolated from a brackish lake sediment.

A novel sulfate-reducing bacterium (strain 12FAKT) was isolated from sediment sampled from a brackish lake in Japan. Respiratory growth was observed with formate and pyruvate as an electron donor. Sulfate, thiosulfate, elemental sulfur and dimethyl sulfoxide were utilized as an electron acceptor. The isolate grew over a temperature range of 18-42 °C (optimum 35-37 °C), a NaCl concentration range of 50-450 mM (optimum 150-300 mM) and a pH range of 6.6-7.5. The 12FAKT genome consists of a circular chromosome with a length of 4.5 Mbp and G + C content of 63.6%. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the closest cultured relative was Desulfarculus baarsii 2st14T (92.2%). Genome-based phylogenetic analysis placed strain 12FAKT within the family Desulfarculaceae but did not affiliate the strain with any existing genus. Taken together, we propose a novel species of a novel genus, Desulfoferula mesophilus gen. nov. sp. nov. with the type strain 12FAKT (= DSM 115219T = JCM 39399T).

Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in oil reservoir and biological control of SRB: a review.

Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) inhabit oilfield production systems. Sulfur oxidation driven by SOB and dissimilatory sulfate reduction driven by SRB play important roles in sulfur cycle of oil reservoirs. More importantly, hydrogen sulfide produced by SRB is an acidic, flammable, and smelly toxic gas associated with reservoir souring, corrosion of oil-production facilities, and personnel safety. Effective control of SRB is urgently needed for the oil industry. This depends on an in-depth understanding of the microbial species that drive sulfur cycle and other related microorganisms in oil reservoir environments. Here, we identified SOB and SRB in produced brines of Qizhong block (Xinjiang Oilfield, China) from metagenome sequencing data based on reported SOB and SRB, reviewed metabolic pathways of sulfur oxidation and dissimilatory sulfate reduction, and ways for SRB control. The existing issues and future research of microbial sulfur cycle and SRB control are also discussed. Knowledge of the distribution of the microbial populations, their metabolic characteristics and interactions can help to develop an effective process to harness these microorganisms for oilfield production.

Bacterial diversity of an acid mine drainage beside the Xichú River (Mexico) accessed by culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches.

Xichú River is a Mexican river located in an environmental preservation area called Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve. Around it, there are tons of abandoned mine residues that represent a serious environmental issue. Sediment samples of Xichú River, visibly contaminated by flows of an acid mine drainage, were collected to study their prokaryotic diversity. The study was based on both cultural and non-cultural approaches. The analysis of total 16S rRNA gene by MiSEQ sequencing allowed to identify 182 Operational Taxonomic Units. The community was dominated by Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, "Desulfobacterota" and Acidobacteriota (27, 21, 19 and 16%, respectively). Different culture conditions were used focusing on the isolation of anaerobic bacteria, including sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and arsenate-reducing bacteria (ARB). Finally, 16 strains were isolated. Among them, 12 were phylogenetically identified, with two strains being SRB, belonging to the genus Solidesulfovibrio ("Desulfobacterota"), while ten are ARB belonging to the genera Azospira (Pseudomonadota), Peribacillus (Bacillota), Raineyella and Propionicimonas (Actinomycetota). The isolate representative of Raineyella genus probably corresponds to a new species, which, besides arsenate, also reduces nitrate, nitrite, and fumarate.

Anaerobic Degradation of Naphthalene and Pyrene by Sulfate-Reducing Cultures Enriched from Former Manufactured Gas Plant Soil.

Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) under completely anaerobic sulfate-reducing conditions is an energetically challenging process. To date, anaerobic degradations of only two-ringed naphthalene and three-ringed phenanthrene by sediment-free and enriched sulfate-reducing bacteria have been reported. In this study, sulfate-reducing enrichment cultures capable of degrading naphthalene and four-ringed PAH, pyrene, were enriched from a contaminated former gas plant site soil. Bacterial community composition analysis revealed that a naphthalene-degrading enrichment culture, MMNap, was dominated (84.90%) by a Gram-positive endospore-forming member of the genus Desulfotomaculum with minor contribution (8.60%) from a member of Clostridium. The pyrene-degrading enrichment, MMPyr, was dominated (97.40%) by a species of Desulfotomaculum. The sequences representing the Desulfotomaculum phylotypes shared 98.80% similarity to each other. After 150 days of incubation, MMNap degraded 195 µM naphthalene with simultaneous reduction of sulfate and accumulation of sulfide. Similarly, MMPyr degraded 114 µM pyrene during 180 days of incubation with nearly stochiometric sulfate consumption and sulfide accumulation. In both cases, the addition of sulfate reduction inhibitor, molybdate (20 mM), resulted in complete cessation of the substrate utilization and sulfate reduction that clearly indicated the major role of the sulfate-reducing Desulfotomaculum in biodegradation of the two PAHs. This study is the first report on anaerobic pyrene degradation by a matrix-free, strictly anaerobic, and sulfate-reducing enrichment culture.

Methanogens-Driven Arsenic Methylation Preceding Formation of Methylated Thioarsenates in Sulfide-Rich Hot Springs.

Hot springs represent a major source of arsenic release into the environment. Speciation is typically reported to be dominated by arsenite, arsenate, and inorganic thiolated arsenates. Much less is known about the relevance and formation of methylated thioarsenates, a group with species of high mobility and toxicity. In hot spring samples taken from the Tengchong volcanic region in China, methylated thioarsenates contributed up to 13% to total arsenic. Enrichment cultures were obtained from the corresponding sediment samples and incubated to assess their capability to convert arsenite into methylated thioarsenates over time and in the presence of different microbial inhibitors. In contrast to observations in other environmental systems (e.g., paddy soils), there was no solid evidence, supporting that the sulfate-reducing bacteria contributed to the arsenic methylation. Methanosarcina, the sole genus of methanogens detected in the enrichment cultures, as well as Methanosarcina thermophila TM-1, a pure strain within the genus, did methylate arsenic. We propose that methylated thioarsenates in a typical sulfide-rich hot spring environment like Tengchong form via a combination of biotic arsenic methylation driven by thermophilic methanogens and arsenic thiolation with either geogenic sulfide or sulfide produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria.

Uptake of Silver-Containing Nanoparticles in an Estuarine Plant: Speciation and Bioaccumulation.

Understanding the bioaccumulation of silver-containing nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) with different species, concentrations, and sizes in estuarine plants is critical to their related environmental risk. Herein, the distribution of Ag-NPs in tidewater, sediments, and plants (Scirpus triqueter) of field-constructed mesocosm was investigated, where tidewater was exposed to Ag0-NPs and Ag+ at environmentally relevant concentrations. Particle number concentrations (PNCs) and sizes of Ag-NPs with various species were analyzed using a multistep selective dissolution method followed by the single-particle- inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique. After 30 days of exposure, more than half of Ag0-NPs were dissolved to Ag+ and about 1/4 of Ag+ were transformed into Ag0-/AgCl-NPs in tidewater. Ag-NPs in stems exposed to Ag0-NPs were found to be dominated by metallic Ag, while Ag+ exposure led to more Ag2S-NPs in stems. In roots, 71% and 51% of Ag-NPs were found as Ag2S-NPs for Ag0-NPs and Ag+ treatment groups, respectively. Plant stems had a significantly higher enrichment of Ag-NPs than roots. Based on both random forests and structure equation models, it is suggested that salinity of tidewater can regulate Ag0-NPs in tidewater indirectly by influencing AgCl-NPs in tidewater and further affect the total PNCs of Ag-NPs in plant stems. Moreover, elevated sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) result in more Ag2S-NPs in rhizosphere sediments, thereby enhancing the bioaccumulation of Ag-NPs by roots.

Performance Enhancement of Biogenetic Sulfidated Zero-Valent Iron for Trichloroethylene Degradation: Role of Extracellular Polymeric Substances.

Chemical sulfidation has been considered as an effective strategy to improve the reactivity of zero-valent iron (S-ZVI). However, sulfidation is a widespread biogeochemical process in nature, which inspired us to explore the biogenetic sulfidation of ZVI (BS-ZVI) with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). BS-ZVI could degrade 96.3% of trichloroethylene (TCE) to acetylene, ethene, ethane, and dichloroethene, comparable to S-ZVI (97.0%) with the same S/Fe ratio (i.e., 0.1). However, S-ZVI (0.21 d-1) exhibited a faster degradation rate than BS-ZVI (0.17 d-1) based on pseudo-first-order kinetic fitting due to extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) excreted from SRB. Organic components of EPSs, including polysaccharides, humic acid-like substances, and proteins in BS-ZVI, were detected with 3D-EEM spectroscopy and FT-IR analysis. The hemiacetal groups and redox-activated protein in EPS did not affect TCE degradation, while the acetylation degree of EPS increased with the concentration of ZVI and S/Fe, thus inhibiting the TCE degradation. A low concentration of HA-like substances attached to BS-ZVI materials promoted electron transport. However, EPS formed a protective layer on the surface of BS-ZVI materials, reducing its TCE reaction rate. Overall, this study showed a comparable performance enhancement of ZVI toward TCE degradation through biogenetic sulfidation and provided a new alternative method for the sulfidation of ZVI.