Bioweathering of Kupferschiefer black shale (Fore-Sudetic Monocline, SW Poland) by indigenous bacteria: implication for dissolution and precipitation of minerals in deep underground mine

Abstract

The Upper Permian polymetallic, organic-rich Kupferschiefer black shale in the Fore-Sudetic Monocline is acknowledged to be one of the largest Cu-Ag deposits in the world. Here we report the results of the first study of bioweathering of this sedimentary rock by indigenous heterotrophic bacteria. Experiments were performed under laboratory conditions, employing both petrological and microbiological methods, which permitted the monitoring and visualization of geomicrobiological processes. The results demonstrate that bacteria play a prominent role in the weathering of black shale and in the biogeochemical cycles of elements occurring in this rock. It was shown that bacteria directly interact with black shale organic matter to produce a widespread biofilm on the Kupferschiefer shale surface. As a result of bacterial activity, the formation of pits, bioweathering of ore and rock-forming minerals, the mobilization of elements and secondary mineral precipitation were observed. The chemistry of the secondary minerals unequivocally demonstrates the mobilization of elements from minerals comprising Kupferschiefer. The redistribution of P, Al, Si, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, S, Cu and Pb was confirmed. The presence of bacterial outer membrane vesicles on the surface of black shale was observed for the first time. Biomineralization reactions occurred in both the membrane vesicles and the bacterial cells.

Functional Advantages Conferred by Extracellular Prokaryotic Membrane Vesicles

“…In some extremophilic bacteria that live in harsh environments, biomineralization has been attributed to their OMVs (Matlakowska and Sklodowska, 2009). It was shown that OMVs were on the surface of black shale and it was proposed that they contributed to the bioweathering of black shale by bacteria (Matlakowska et al, 2012). These OMVs had the capability to adsorb P, Mg, Si, Al, and Ca from the black shale and were a major component of the bacterial biofilm generated on the surface of the black shale.…”

Reconstruction of the Metabolic Potential of Acidophilic Sideroxydans Strains from the Metagenome of an Microaerophilic Enrichment Culture of Acidophilic Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria from a Pilot Plant for the Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage Reveals Metabolic Versatility and Adaptation to Life at Low pH

“…This buffering capacity is achieved through the urease catalyzed hydrolysis of urea which results in bicarbonate and ammonia (Mobley and Hausinger, 1989) and has recently also been proposed for “ Ferrovum ” group 2 strains JA12 and PN-J185 (Ullrich et al, 2016a,b). Since the gene cluster also encodes an ABC transporter for urea, it should further be mentioned that degradative processes of fossil organic matter within lignite similar to those processes reported for bioweathering of organics within copper shale (Matlakowska and Skłodowska, 2011; Matlakowska et al, 2012) may provide (traces of) urea in AMD.…”

Microorganisms meet solid minerals: interactions and biotechnological applications

“…Similarly, biofilms of cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme and ascomycete Knufia petricola enhanced the leaching of Ca and Mg from carbonate and silicate minerals (Seiffert et al 2014). Biofilms of bacteria isolated from black shale enhanced the release of K, P, Cu and As from shale into the aqueous phase, which resulted in partial dissolution and changes to the shale surface, such as pitting (Matlakowska et al 2012). Matlakowska et al (2012) proposed that the mobilization of elements was facilitated by the production of siderophores as well as metabolites.…”

“…The interaction of microorganisms with solid minerals in subsurface environments is generally considered a key factor in shaping and altering the physicochemical characteristics of the minerals (Gadd 2010). Indigenous microbial communities associated with rocks, such as granite and black shale, have been found to be involved in the bioweathering of the minerals present in these rocks (Frey et al 2010;Gleeson et al 2005Gleeson et al , 2006Matlakowska et al 2010Matlakowska et al , 2012. Certain microorganisms interact with minerals to scavenge essential elements, which have low bioavailability (Ehrlich 1996).…”