Harnessing the potential of the microbial sulfur cycle for environmental biotechnology

The sulfur cycle is a complex biogeochemical cycle characterized by the high variability in the oxidation states of sulfur. While sulfur is essential for life processes, certain sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, are toxic to all life forms. Micro-organisms facilitate the sulfur cycle, play...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current opinion in biotechnology 2024-08, Vol.88, p.103164, Article 103164
Main Authors: Gupta, Suyash, Plugge, Caroline M, Muyzer, Gerard, Sánchez-Andrea, Irene
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
acid mine drainage
Bacteria - metabolism
Biodegradation, Environmental
biogeochemical cycles
biotechnology
Biotechnology - methods
hydrogen sulfide
microorganisms
oxidation
Oxidation-Reduction
pollution
sulfur
Sulfur - metabolism
toxicity
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Summary:The sulfur cycle is a complex biogeochemical cycle characterized by the high variability in the oxidation states of sulfur. While sulfur is essential for life processes, certain sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, are toxic to all life forms. Micro-organisms facilitate the sulfur cycle, playing a prominent role even in extreme environments, such as soda lakes, acid mine drainage sites, hot springs, and other harsh habitats. The activity of these micro-organisms presents unique opportunities for mitigating sulfur-based pollution and enhancing the recovery of sulfur and metals. This review highlights the application of sulfur-oxidizing and -reducing micro-organisms in environmental biotechnology through three illustrative examples. Additionally, it discusses the challenges, recent trends, and prospects associated with these applications. [Display omitted] •Sulfur-related microbes mediate sulfur conversions in natural and man-made systems.•Biodesulfurization with sulfide-oxidizing microbes is eco-friendly and effective.•Bioleaching with iron/sulfur oxidizers efficiently extracts metals from sulfide ores.•Biosulfidogenesis offers selective precipitation of metals from contaminated waters.
ISSN:0958-1669
1879-0429
1879-0429
DOI:10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103164