Topic Area: 12a. Biotechnology for Sustainable Mining

Formatted Title:

Insights into Bacterial Bioremediation of Zinc Heavy Metal Employing a Bacterial Isolate from the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) Site

Background/Objectives:

Zinc (Zn), an essential trace element for living organisms, poses significant environmental risks when present in excessive amounts. Widely utilized in industrial processes, agriculture, and manufacturing, its environmental impact is primarily influenced by its concentration and bioavailability. Sources of zinc contamination include both natural origins—such as weathering of zinc-containing rocks, volcanic activity, and forest fires—and anthropogenic activities, including mining and smelting operations, industrial discharges (e.g., galvanization and battery production), agricultural runoff from zinc-containing fertilizers and pesticides, waste disposal, and fossil fuel combustion. Excessive zinc accumulation in soils, particularly near industrial areas or agricultural fields, disrupts microbial communities and reduces soil fertility. In acidic soils, zinc solubility increases, enhancing its bioavailability and toxicity to plants. While essential for plant growth in trace amounts, elevated zinc levels cause toxicity, manifesting as stunted growth, leaf discoloration, root damage, inhibited photosynthesis, disrupted enzymatic activity, and reduced nutrient uptake. Chronic exposure to high zinc levels similarly impacts animals, impairing reproduction, growth, and organ function. Additionally, elevated zinc levels alter soil and water microbial communities, negatively affecting nutrient cycling and ecosystem stability.

Approach/Activities:

Using a bacterial strain VMI-RSR-ORR-1 isolated from the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) site, a microbial bioremediation method aiming at zinc metal bioremediation was applied to carry out heavy metal bioremediation of zinc. Bacterial culture was grown overnight, then subjected to Zn and subsequently exposed to Zn concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 7.5, and 10 mM. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by incubating cultures at 28°C with continuous agitation at 120 RPM for five days.

Amaya Tyler

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(Group 2, Poster Board #45) Insights into Bacterial Bioremediation of Zinc Heavy Metal Employing a Bacterial Isolate from the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) Site