Capability for arsenic mobilization in groundwater is distributed across broad phylogenetic lineages

Despite the importance of microbial activity in mobilizing arsenic in groundwater aquifers, the phylogenetic distribution of contributing microbial metabolisms is understudied. Groundwater samples from Ohio aquifers were analyzed using metagenomic sequencing to identify functional potential that cou...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PloS one 2019-09, Vol.14 (9), p.e0221694-e0221694
Main Authors: Danczak, Robert E, Johnston, Michael D, Kenah, Chris, Slattery, Michael, Wilkins, Michael J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquifers
Arsenates
Arsenic
Arsenic - metabolism
Arsenic compounds
Arsenite
Bacteria
Bacteria - classification
Bacteria - genetics
Bacteria - metabolism
Biological activity
Biology and Life Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences
Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA
DNA sequencing
Ecosystems
Electrode potentials
Environmental protection
Genes
Genomes
Genomics
Groundwater
Groundwater - microbiology
Iron
Iron - metabolism
Membrane filters
Metagenomics
Microbial activity
Microbiota
Microorganisms
Oxidases
Periodicals
Phylogenetics
Phylogeny
Physical Sciences
Reduction
Research and Analysis Methods
Sulfate reduction
Sulfates
Sulfates - metabolism
Sulfur
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Summary:Despite the importance of microbial activity in mobilizing arsenic in groundwater aquifers, the phylogenetic distribution of contributing microbial metabolisms is understudied. Groundwater samples from Ohio aquifers were analyzed using metagenomic sequencing to identify functional potential that could drive arsenic cycling, and revealed mechanisms for direct (i.e., Ars system) and indirect (i.e., iron reduction) arsenic mobilization in all samples, despite differing geochemical conditions. Analyses of 194 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) revealed widespread functionality related to arsenic mobilization throughout the bacterial tree of life. While arsB and arsC genes (components of an arsenic resistance system) were found in diverse lineages with no apparent phylogenetic bias, putative aioA genes (aerobic arsenite oxidase) were predominantly identified in Methylocystaceae MAGs. Both previously described and undescribed respiratory arsenate reduction potential via arrA was detected in Betaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, and Nitrospirae MAGs, whereas sulfate reduction potential was primarily limited to members of the Deltaproteobacteria and Nitrospirae. Lastly, iron reduction potential was detected in the Ignavibacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, and Nitrospirae. These results expand the phylogenetic distribution of taxa that may play roles in arsenic mobilization in subsurface systems. Specifically, the Nitrospirae are a much more functionally diverse group than previously assumed and may play key biogeochemical roles in arsenic-contaminated ecosystems.
ISSN:1932-6203
1932-6203
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0221694