A transient peak in marine sulfate after the 635-Ma snowball Earth.

SignificanceEarth system's response to major perturbations is of paramount interest. On the basis of multiple isotope compositions for pyrite, carbonate-associated sulfate, carbonates, and organics within, we inferred that the much-debated, enigmatic, extremely 13C-depleted calcite cements in the ∼635-Ma cap carbonates in South China preserve geochemical evidence for marine microbial sulfate reduction coupled to anaerobic oxidation of methane. This interpretation implies the existence of a brief interval of modern-level marine sulfate. We determined that this interval coincides with the earliest Ediacaran 17O-depletion episode, and both likely occurred within ∼50 ky since the onset of the 635-Ma meltdown, revealing an astonishing pace of transformation of the Earth system in the aftermath of Earth's latest snowball glaciation.

Coupled CH4 production and oxidation support CO2 supersaturation in a tropical flood pulse lake (Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia).

Carbon dioxide (CO2) supersaturation in lakes and rivers worldwide is commonly attributed to terrestrial-aquatic transfers of organic and inorganic carbon (C) and subsequent, in situ aerobic respiration. Methane (CH4) production and oxidation also contribute CO2 to freshwaters, yet this remains largely unquantified. Flood pulse lakes and rivers in the tropics are hypothesized to receive large inputs of dissolved CO2 and CH4 from floodplains characterized by hypoxia and reducing conditions. We measured stable C isotopes of CO2 and CH4, aerobic respiration, and CH4 production and oxidation during two flood stages in Tonle Sap Lake (Cambodia) to determine whether dissolved CO2 in this tropical flood pulse ecosystem has a methanogenic origin. Mean CO2 supersaturation of 11,000 ± 9,000 µatm could not be explained by aerobic respiration alone. 13C depletion of dissolved CO2 relative to other sources of organic and inorganic C, together with corresponding 13C enrichment of CH4, suggested extensive CH4 oxidation. A stable isotope-mixing model shows that the oxidation of 13C depleted CH4 to CO2 contributes between 47 and 67% of dissolved CO2 in Tonle Sap Lake. 13C depletion of dissolved CO2 was correlated to independently measured rates of CH4 production and oxidation within the water column and underlying lake sediments. However, mass balance indicates that most of this CH4 production and oxidation occurs elsewhere, within inundated soils and other floodplain habitats. Seasonal inundation of floodplains is a common feature of tropical freshwaters, where high reported CO2 supersaturation and atmospheric emissions may be explained in part by coupled CH4 production and oxidation.

Boosting Reactive Oxygen Species Formation Over Pd and VOδ Co-Modified TiO2 for Methane Oxidation into Valuable Oxygenates.

Direct photocatalytic methane oxidation into value-added products provides a promising strategy for methane utilization. However, the inefficient generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) partly limits the activation of CH4. Herein, it is reported that Pd and VOδ co-modified TiO2 enables direct and selective methane oxidation into liquid oxygenates in the presence of O2 and H2. Due to the extra ROS production from the in situ formed H2O2, a highly improved yield rate of 5014 µmol g-1 h-1 for liquid oxygenates with a selectivity of 89.3% is achieved over the optimized Pd0.5V0.2-TiO2 catalyst at ambient temperature, which is much better than those (2682 µmol g-1 h-1, 77.8%) without H2. Detailed investigations also demonstrate the synergistic effect between Pd and VOδ species for enhancing the charge carrier separation and transfer, as well as improving the catalytic activity for O2 reduction and H2O2 production.

Partial Thermal Condensation Mediated Synthesis of High-Density Nickel Single Atom Sites on Carbon Nitride for Selective Photooxidation of Methane into Methanol.

Direct selective transformation of greenhouse methane (CH4) to liquid oxygenates (methanol) can substitute energy-intensive two-step (reforming/Fischer-Tropsch) synthesis while creating environmental benefits. The development of inexpensive, selective, and robust catalysts that enable room temperature conversion will decide the future of this technology. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) with isolated active centers embedded in support have displayed significant promises in catalysis to drive challenging reactions. Herein, high-density Ni single atoms are developed and stabilized on carbon nitride (NiCN) via thermal condensation of preorganized Ni-coordinated melem units. The physicochemical characterization of NiCN with various analytical techniques including HAADF-STEM and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) validate the successful formation of Ni single atoms coordinated to the heptazine-constituted CN network. The presence of uniform catalytic sites improved visible absorption and carrier separation in densely populated NiCN SAC resulting in 100% selective photoconversion of (CH4) to methanol using H2O2 as an oxidant. The superior catalytic activity can be attributed to the generation of high oxidation (NiIII═O) sites and selective C─H bond cleavage to generate •CH3 radicals on Ni centers, which can combine with •OH radicals to generate CH3OH.

Novel, active, and uncultured hydrocarbon-degrading microbes in the ocean.

Given the vast quantity of oil and gas input to the marine environment annually, hydrocarbon degradation by marine microorganisms is an essential ecosystem service. Linkages between taxonomy and hydrocarbon degradation capabilities are largely based on cultivation studies, leaving a knowledge gap regarding the intrinsic ability of uncultured marine microbes to degrade hydrocarbons. To address this knowledge gap, metagenomic sequence data from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill deep-sea plume was assembled to which metagenomic and metatranscriptomic reads were mapped. Assembly and binning produced new DWH metagenome-assembled genomes that were evaluated along with their close relatives, all of which are from the marine environment (38 total). These analyses revealed globally distributed hydrocarbon-degrading microbes with clade-specific substrate degradation potentials that have not been reported previously. For example, methane oxidation capabilities were identified in all Cycloclasticus. Furthermore, all Bermanella encoded and expressed genes for non-gaseous n-alkane degradation; however, DWH Bermanella encoded alkane hydroxylase, not alkane 1-monooxygenase. All but one previously unrecognized DWH plume member in the SAR324 and UBA11654 have the capacity for aromatic hydrocarbon degradation. In contrast, Colwellia were diverse in the hydrocarbon substrates they could degrade. All clades encoded nutrient acquisition strategies and response to cold temperatures, while sensory and acquisition capabilities were clade specific. These novel insights regarding hydrocarbon degradation by uncultured planktonic microbes provides missing data, allowing for better prediction of the fate of oil and gas when hydrocarbons are input to the ocean, leading to a greater understanding of the ecological consequences to the marine environment.IMPORTANCEMicrobial degradation of hydrocarbons is a critically important process promoting ecosystem health, yet much of what is known about this process is based on physiological experiments with a few hydrocarbon substrates and cultured microbes. Thus, the ability to degrade the diversity of hydrocarbons that comprise oil and gas by microbes in the environment, particularly in the ocean, is not well characterized. Therefore, this study aimed to utilize non-cultivation-based 'omics data to explore novel genomes of uncultured marine microbes involved in degradation of oil and gas. Analyses of newly assembled metagenomic data and previously existing genomes from other marine data sets, with metagenomic and metatranscriptomic read recruitment, revealed globally distributed hydrocarbon-degrading marine microbes with clade-specific substrate degradation potentials that have not been previously reported. This new understanding of oil and gas degradation by uncultured marine microbes suggested that the global ocean harbors a diversity of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, which can act as primary agents regulating ecosystem health.

The challenge of estimating global termite methane emissions.

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, more potent than carbon dioxide, and emitted from a variety of natural sources including wetlands, permafrost, mammalian guts and termites. As increases in global temperatures continue to break records, quantifying the magnitudes of key methane sources has never been more pertinent. Over the last 40 years, the contribution of termites to the global methane budget has been subject to much debate. The most recent estimates of termite emissions range between 9 and 15 Tg CH4 year-1, approximately 4% of emissions from natural sources (excluding wetlands). However, we argue that the current approach for estimating termite contributions to the global methane budget is flawed. Key parameters, namely termite methane emissions from soil, deadwood, living tree stems, epigeal mounds and arboreal nests, are largely ignored in global estimates. This omission occurs because data are lacking and research objectives, crucially, neglect variation in termite ecology. Furthermore, inconsistencies in data collection methods prohibit the pooling of data required to compute global estimates. Here, we summarise the advances made over the last 40 years and illustrate how different aspects of termite ecology can influence the termite contribution to global methane emissions. Additionally, we highlight technological advances that may help researchers investigate termite methane emissions on a larger scale. Finally, we consider dynamic feedback mechanisms of climate warming and land-use change on termite methane emissions. We conclude that ultimately the global contribution of termites to atmospheric methane remains unknown and thus present an alternative framework for estimating their emissions. To significantly improve estimates, we outline outstanding questions to guide future research efforts.

Size matters: Aerobic methane oxidation in sediments of shallow thermokarst lakes.

Shallow thermokarst lakes are important sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as methane (CH4 ) and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) resulting from continuous permafrost thawing due to global warming. Concentrations of GHGs dissolved in water typically increase with decreasing lake size due to coastal abrasion and organic matter delivery. We hypothesized that (i) CH4 oxidation depends on the natural oxygenation gradient in the lake water and sediments and increases with lake size because of stronger wind-induced water mixing; (ii) CO2 production increases with decreasing lake size, following the dissolved organic matter gradient; and (iii) both processes are more intensive in the upper than deeper sediments due to the in situ gradients of oxygen (O2 ) and bioavailable carbon. We estimated aerobic CH4 oxidation potentials and CO2 production based on the injection of 13 C-labeled CH4 in the 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm sediment depths of small (~300 m2 ), medium (~3000 m2 ), and large (~106 m2 ) shallow thermokarst lakes in the West Siberian Lowland. The CO2 production was 1.4-3.5 times stronger in the upper sediments than in the 10-20 cm depth and increased from large (158 ± 18 nmol CO2 g-1 sediment d.w. h-1 ) to medium and small (192 ± 17 nmol CO2 g-1 h-1 ) lakes. Methane oxidation in the upper sediments was similar in all lakes, while at depth, large lakes had 14- and 74-fold faster oxidation rates (5.1 ± 0.5 nmol CH4 -derived CO2 g-1 h-1 ) than small and medium lakes, respectively. This was attributed to the higher O2 concentration in large lakes due to the more intense wind-induced water turbulence and mixing than in smaller lakes. From a global perspective, the CH4 oxidation potential confirms the key role of thermokarst lakes as an important hotspot for GHG emissions, which increase with the decreasing lake size.

Mapping the Catalytic-Space for the Reactivity of Metal-free Boron Nitride with O2 for H2O-Mediated Conversion of Methane to HCHO and CO.

Transition-metal based catalysts have been widely employed to catalyze partial oxidation of light alkanes. Recently, metal-free hexagonal-boron nitride (h-BN) has emerged as a promising catalyst for the oxidation of CH4 to HCHO and CO; however, the intricate catalytic surface of h-BN at molecular and electronic levels remains inadequately understood. Key questions include how electron-deficient boron atoms in h-BN reduce O2, and whether the partial oxidation of methane over h-BN exhibits similarities to traditional transition-metal catalysts. In our study, we computationally-mapped in-detail the surface catalytic-space of h-BN for methane oxidation. We considered different structures of h-BN and show that these structures contain numerous sites for O2 binding and therefore various routes for methane oxidation are possible. The activation barriers for methane oxidation via various paths varies from ~83 to ~123 kcal mol-1. To comprehend the differences in activation barriers, we employed geometrical, orbital and distortion/interaction analysis (DIA). Orbital analysis reveals that methane activation over h-BN in presence of dioxygen follows a standard hydrogen atom transfer mechanism. It is also shown that water plays an intriguing role in reducing the barrier for HCHO and CO formation by acting as a bridge.

A Density Functional Theory Analysis of Electrochemical Oxidation of Methane to Alcohol over High-Entropy Oxide (CoCrFeMnNi)3O4 Catalysts.

The direct conversion of methane into alcohol is a promising approach for achieving a low-carbon future, yet it remains a major challenge. In this study, we utilize density functional theory to explore the potential of the (CoCrFeMnNi)3O4 (CCFMNO) high entropy oxide (HEO) for electrochemical oxidation of methane to methanol and ethanol, alongside their competition with CO2 production. Our primary focus in this study is on thermodynamics, enabling a prompt analysis of the catalyst's potential, with the calculation of electrochemical barriers falling beyond our scope. Among all potential active sites within CCFMNO HEO, we identify Co as the most active site for methane activation when using carbonate ions as oxidants. This results in methanol production with a limiting potential of 1.4 VCHE, and ethanol and CO2 productions with a limiting potential of 1.2 VCHE. Additionally, our findings suggest that the occupied p-band center of O* on CCFMNO HEO is a potential descriptor for identifying the most active site within CCFMNO HEO. Overall, our results indicate that CCFMNO HEO holds promise as catalysts for methane oxidation to alcohols, employing carbonate ions as oxidants.

Methylomonas defluvii sp. nov., a type I methane-oxidizing bacterium from a secondary sedimentation tank of a wastewater treatment plant.

An aerobic methanotroph was isolated from a secondary sedimentation tank of a wastewater treatment plant and designated strain OY6T. Cells of OY6T were Gram-stain-negative, pink-pigmented, motile rods and contained an intracytoplasmic membrane structure typical of type I methanotrophs. OY6T could grow at a pH range of 4.5-7.5 (optimum pH 6.5) and at temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 37 °C (optimum 30 °C). The major cellular fatty acids were C14 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c and C16 : 1ω5c; the predominant respiratory quinone was MQ-8. The genome size was 5.41 Mbp with a DNA G+C content of 51.7 mol%. OY6T represents a member of the family Methylococcaceae of the class Gammaproteobacteria and displayed 95.74-99.64 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of species of the genus Methylomonas. Whole-genome comparisons based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH) confirmed that OY6T should be classified as representing a novel species. The most closely related type strain was Methylomonas fluvii EbBT, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, ANI by blast (ANIb), ANI by MUMmer (ANIm) and dDDH values of 99.64, 90.46, 91.92 and 44.5 %, respectively. OY6T possessed genes encoding both the particulate methane monooxygenase enzyme and the soluble methane monooxygenase enzyme. It grew only on methane or methanol as carbon sources. On the basis of phenotypic, genetic and phylogenetic data, strain OY6T represents a novel species within the genus Methylomonas for which the name Methylomonas defluvii sp. nov. is proposed, with strain OY6T (=GDMCC 1.4114T=KCTC 8159T=LMG 33371T) as the type strain.

Methylomarinovum tepidoasis sp. nov., a moderately thermophilic methanotroph of the family Methylothermaceae isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal field.

A novel aerobic methanotrophic bacterium, designated as strain IN45T, was isolated from in situ colonisation systems deployed at the Iheya North deep-sea hydrothermal field in the mid-Okinawa Trough. IN45T was a moderately thermophilic obligate methanotroph that grew only on methane or methanol at temperatures between 25 and 56 °C (optimum 45-50 °C). It was an oval-shaped, Gram-reaction-negative, motile bacterium with a single polar flagellum and an intracytoplasmic membrane system. It required 1.5-4.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2-3 %) for growth. The major phospholipid fatty acids were C16 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed 99.1 % sequence identity with Methylomarinovum caldicuralii IT-9T, the only species of the genus Methylomarinovum with a validly published name within the family Methylothermaceae. The complete genome sequence of IN45T consisted of a 2.42-Mbp chromosome (DNA G+C content, 64.1 mol%) and a 20.5-kbp plasmid. The genome encodes genes for particulate methane monooxygenase and two types of methanol dehydrogenase (mxaFI and xoxF). Genes involved in the ribulose monophosphate pathway for carbon assimilation are encoded, but the transaldolase gene was not found. The genome indicated that IN45T performs partial denitrification of nitrate to N2O, and its occurrence was indirectly confirmed by N2O production in cultures grown with nitrate. Genomic relatedness indices between the complete genome sequences of IN45T and M. caldicuralii IT-9T, such as digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (51.2 %), average nucleotide identity (92.94 %) and average amino acid identity (93.21 %), indicated that these two methanotrophs should be separated at the species level. On the basis of these results, strain IN45T represents a novel species, for which we propose the name Methylomarinovum tepidoasis sp. nov. with IN45T (=JCM 35101T =DSM 113422T) as the type strain.

Structure and Functions of Endophytic Bacterial Communities Associated with Sphagnum Mosses and Their Drivers in Two Different Nutrient Types of Peatlands.

Sphagnum mosses are keystone plant species in the peatland ecosystems that play a crucial role in the formation of peat, which shelters a broad diversity of endophytic bacteria with important ecological functions. In particular, methanotrophic and nitrogen-fixing endophytic bacteria benefit Sphagnum moss hosts by providing both carbon and nitrogen. However, the composition and abundance of endophytic bacteria from different species of Sphagnum moss in peatlands of different nutrient statuses and their drivers remain unclear. This study used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to examine endophytic bacterial communities in Sphagnum mosses and measured the activity of methanotrophic microbial by the 13C-CH4 oxidation rate. According to the results, the endophytic bacterial community structure varied among Sphagnum moss species and Sphagnum capillifolium had the highest endophytic bacterial alpha diversity. Moreover, chlorophyll, phenol oxidase, carbon contents, and water retention capacity strongly shaped the communities of endophytic bacteria. Finally, Sphagnum palustre in Hani (SP) had a higher methane oxidation rate than S. palustre in Taishanmiao. This result is associated with the higher average relative abundance of Methyloferula an obligate methanotroph in SP. In summary, this work highlights the effects of Sphagnum moss characteristics on the endophytic bacteriome. The endophytic bacteriome is important for Sphagnum moss productivity, as well as for carbon and nitrogen cycles in Sphagnum moss peatlands.

Geogenic Phosphorus Enrichment in Groundwater due to Anaerobic Methane Oxidation-Coupled Fe(III) Oxide Reduction.

Accumulation of geogenic phosphorus (P) in groundwater is an emerging environmental concern, which is closely linked to coupled processes involving FeOOH and organic matter under methanogenic conditions. However, it remains unclear how P enrichment is associated with methane cycling, particularly the anaerobic methane oxidation (AMO). This study conducted a comprehensive investigation of carbon isotopes in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), CO2, and CH4, alongside Fe isotopes, microbial communities, and functions in quaternary aquifers of the central Yangtze River plain. The study found that P concentrations tended to increase with Fe(II) concentrations, δ56Fe, and δ13C-DIC, suggesting P accumulation due to the reductive dissolution of FeOOH under methanogenic conditions. The positive correlations of pmoA gene abundance versus δ13C-CH4 and Fe concentrations versus δ13C-CH4, and the prevalent presence of Candidatus_Methanoperedens, jointly demonstrated the potential significance of Fe(III)-mediated AMO process (Fe-AMO) alongside traditional methanogenesis. The increase of P concentration with δ13C-CH4 value, pmoA gene abundance, and Fe concentration suggested that the Fe-AMO process facilitated P enrichment in groundwater. Redundancy analysis confirmed this assertion, identifying P concentration as the primary determinant and the cooperative influence of Fe-AMO microorganisms such as Candidatus_Methanoperedens and Geobacter on P enrichment. Our work provided new insights into P dynamics in subsurface environments.

Methane-Driven Perchlorate Reduction by a Microbial Consortium.

The phenomenon of methane oxidation linked to perchlorate reduction has been reported in multiple studies; yet, the underlying microbial mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we enriched suspended cultures by performing methane-driven perchlorate reduction under oxygen-limiting conditions in a membrane bioreactor (MBR). Batch test results proved that perchlorate reduction was coupled to methane oxidation, in which acetate was predicted as the potential intermediate and oxygen played an essential role in activating methane. By combining DNA-based stable isotope probing incubation and high-throughput sequencing analyses of 16S rRNA gene and functional genes (pmoA, pcrA, and narG), we found that synergistic interactions between aerobic methanotrophs (Methylococcus and Methylocystis) and perchlorate-reducing bacteria (PRB; Denitratisoma and Dechloromonas) played active roles in mediating methane-driven perchlorate reduction. This partnership was further demonstrated by coculture experiments in which the aerobic methanotroph could produce acetate to support PRB to complete perchlorate reduction. Our findings advance the understanding of the methane-driven perchlorate reduction process and have implications for similar microbial consortia linking methane and chlorine biogeochemical cycles in natural environments.

Effects of Antibiotics on the DAMO Process and Microbes in Cattle Manure.

Denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation (DAMO) can mitigate methane emissions; however, this process has not been studied in cattle manure, an important source of methane emissions in animal agriculture. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of DAMO microbes in cattle manure and examine the impacts of veterinary antibiotics on the DAMO process in cattle manure. Results show that DAMO archaea and bacteria consistently occur at high concentrations in beef cattle manure. During the long-term operation of a sequencing batch reactor seeded with beef cattle manure, the DAMO activities intensified, and DAMO microbial biomass increased. Exposure to chlortetracycline at initial concentrations up to 5000 µg L-1 did not inhibit DAMO activities or affect the concentrations of the 16S rRNA gene and functional genes of DAMO microbes. In contrast, exposure to tylosin at initial concentrations of 50 and 500 µg L-1 increased the activities of the DAMO microbes. An initial concentration of 5000 µg L-1 TYL almost entirely halted DAMO activities and reduced the concentrations of DAMO microbes. These results show the occurrence of DAMO microbes in cattle manure and reveal that elevated concentrations of dissolved antibiotics could inhibit the DAMO process, potentially affecting net methane emissions from cattle manure.

Role of n-DAMO in Mitigating Methane Emissions from Intertidal Wetlands Is Regulated by Saltmarsh Vegetations.

Coastal wetlands are hotspots for methane (CH4) production, reducing their potential for global warming mitigation. Nitrite/nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-DAMO) plays a crucial role in bridging carbon and nitrogen cycles, contributing significantly to CH4 consumption. However, the role of n-DAMO in reducing CH4 emissions in coastal wetlands is poorly understood. Here, the ecological functions of the n-DAMO process in different saltmarsh vegetation habitats as well as bare mudflats were quantified, and the underlying microbial mechanisms were explored. Results showed that n-DAMO rates were significantly higher in vegetated habitats (Scirpus mariqueter and Spartina alterniflora) than those in bare mudflats (P < 0.05), leading to an enhanced contribution to CH4 consumption. Compared with other habitats, the contribution of n-DAMO to the total anaerobic CH4 oxidation was significantly lower in the Phragmites australis wetland (15.0%), where the anaerobic CH4 oxidation was primarily driven by ferric iron (Fe3+). Genetic and statistical analyses suggested that the different roles of n-DAMO in various saltmarsh wetlands may be related to divergent n-DAMO microbial communities as well as environmental parameters such as sediment pH and total organic carbon. This study provides an important scientific basis for a more accurate estimation of the role of coastal wetlands in mitigating climate change.

Impact of Concurrent aerobic-anaerobic Methanotrophy on Methane Emission from Marine Sediments in Gas Hydrate Area.

Microbial methane oxidation has a significant impact on the methane flux from marine gas hydrate areas. However, the environmental fate of methane remains poorly constrained. We quantified the relative contributions of aerobic and anaerobic methanotrophs to methane consumption in sediments of the gas hydrate-bearing Sakata Knoll, Japan, by in situ geochemical and microbiological analyses coupled with 13C-tracer incubation experiments. The anaerobic ANME-1 and ANME-2 species contributed to the oxidation of 33.2 and 1.4% methane fluxes at 0-10 and 10-22 cm below the seafloor (bsf), respectively. Although the aerobic Methylococcaceae species consumed only 0.9% methane flux in the oxygen depleted 0.0-0.5 cmbsf zone, their metabolic activity was sustained down to 6 cmbsf (based on rRNA and lipid biosyntheses), increasing their contribution to 10.3%. Our study emphasizes that the co-occurrence of aerobic and anaerobic methanotrophy at the redox transition zone is an important determinant of methane flux.

Deciphering the formation of granules by n-DAMO and Anammox microorganisms.

Nitrate/nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-DAMO) process is a promising wastewater treatment technology, but the slow microbial growth rate greatly hinders its practical application. Although high-level nitrogen removal and excellent biomass accumulation have been achieved in n-DAMO granule process, the formation mechanism of n-DAMO granules remains unresolved. To elucidate the role of functional microbes in granulation, this study attempted to cultivate granules dominated by n-DAMO microorganisms and granules coupling n-DAMO with anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox). After long-term operation, dense granules were developed in the two systems where both n-DAMO archaea and n-DAMO bacteria were enriched, whereas granulation did not occur in the other system dominated by n-DAMO bacteria. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) measurement indicated the critical role of EPS production in the granulation of n-DAMO process. Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses revealed that n-DAMO archaea and Anammox bacteria were active in EPS biosynthesis, while n-DAMO bacteria were inactive. Consequently, more EPS were produced in the systems containing n-DAMO archaea and Anammox bacteria, leading to the successful development of n-DAMO granules. Furthermore, EPS biosynthesis in n-DAMO systems is potentially regulated by acyl-homoserine lactones and c-di-GMP. These findings not only provide new insights into the mechanism of granule formation in n-DAMO systems, but also hint at potential strategies for management of the granule-based n-DAMO process.

Deep insights into the biofilm formation mechanism and nitrogen-transformation network in a nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation biofilm.

Nitrate/nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-DAMO) process offers a promising solution for simultaneously achieving methane emissions reduction and efficient nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment. Although nitrogen removal at a practical rate has been achieved by n-DAMO biofilm process, the mechanisms of biofilm formation and nitrogen transformation remain to be elucidated. In this study, n-DAMO biofilms were successfully developed in the membrane aerated moving bed biofilm reactor (MAMBBR) and removed nitrate at a rate of 159 mg NO3--N L-1 d-1. The obvious increase in the content of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) indicated that EPS production was important for biofilm development. n-DAMO microorganisms dominated the microbial community, and n-DAMO bacteria were the most abundant microorganisms. However, the expression of biosynthesis genes for proteins and polysaccharides encoded by n-DAMO archaea was significantly more active compared to other microorganisms, suggesting the central role of n-DAMO archaea in EPS production and biofilm formation. In addition to nitrate reduction, n-DAMO archaea were revealed to actively express dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium and nitrogen fixation. The produced ammonium was putatively converted to dinitrogen gas through the joint function of n-DAMO archaea and n-DAMO bacteria. This study revealed the biofilm formation mechanism and nitrogen-transformation network in n-DAMO biofilm systems, shedding new light on promoting the application of n-DAMO process.

Recent findings in methanotrophs: genetics, molecular ecology, and biopotential.

The potential consequences for mankind could be disastrous due to global warming, which arises from an increase in the average temperature on Earth. The elevation in temperature primarily stems from the escalation in the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as CO2, CH4, and N2O within the atmosphere. Among these gases, methane (CH4) is particularly significant in driving alterations to the worldwide climate. Methanotrophic bacteria possess the distinctive ability to employ methane as both as source of carbon and energy. These bacteria show great potential as exceptional biocatalysts in advancing C1 bioconversion technology. The present review describes recent findings in methanotrophs including aerobic and anaerobic methanotroph bacteria, phenotypic characteristics, biotechnological potential, their physiology, ecology, and native multi-carbon utilizing pathways, and their molecular biology. The existing understanding of methanogenesis and methanotrophy in soil, as well as anaerobic methane oxidation and methanotrophy in temperate and extreme environments, is also covered in this discussion. New types of methanogens and communities of methanotrophic bacteria have been identified from various ecosystems and thoroughly examined for a range of biotechnological uses. Grasping the processes of methanogenesis and methanotrophy holds significant importance in the development of innovative agricultural techniques and industrial procedures that contribute to a more favorable equilibrium of GHG. This current review centers on the diversity of emerging methanogen and methanotroph species and their effects on the environment. By amalgamating advanced genetic analysis with ecological insights, this study pioneers a holistic approach to unraveling the biopotential of methanotrophs, offering unprecedented avenues for biotechnological applications. KEY POINTS: • The physiology of methanotrophic bacteria is fundamentally determined. • Native multi-carbon utilizing pathways in methanotrophic bacteria are summarized. • The genes responsible for encoding methane monooxygenase are discussed.