MIME

The Role of Microbial Metabolites in Pb-Calcite Surface Interactions

 Partecipanti

Mappa

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The behavior of metals, many of which are toxic even in trace quantities, is an important topic as population growth puts pressure on the world’s drinking water resources. Relatively little is yet known about the interdependencies between the biotic and abiotic aspects of metal sorption. The overall aim of my project is to define the processes by which microbial metabolites mediate Pb sorption on calcite. I will use a combination of surface sensitive techniques, including X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring (QCM-D) to extend current understanding of the biogeochemical controls on Pb behavior to the molecular scale. My study lies at the intersection of geoscience, surface physics and biointerface science and uses an interdisciplinary approach to answer questions at the crossover of environmental bio- and geochemistry, that are critical for society. The results will provide insights for the water industry, so treatment can be improved by providing criteria for selecting bacteria that can synthesize particular metabolites to immobilize specific toxic metals. Internal corrosion of Pb pipes in water distribution systems is currently an immediate, world-wide public health concern. A recent study estimated that 25% of houses in the EU have at least one Pb pipe, putting 120 million Europeans at risk. My background in drinking water treatment, the new expertise I will gain and the results from the MiMe project will address this concern. I bring my experience and motivation to the members of the Nano-Science Center, to exchange for the opportunity to learn new skills on a set of unique instruments that can “see” at the molecular-level. This new knowledge will form the base for my future research. Indeed, my host, Prof. Stipp’s expertise in the nano-scale processes on mineral surfaces is at the top of the field; I will benefit tremendously from my time at the University of Copenhagen'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Researchers have made progress towards removing toxic metals from drinking water using bacterial metabolites and mineral surfaces.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

It is estimated that a quarter of the houses in Europe have at least one lead (Pb) pipe. This is a public health concern of note, because if corrosion occurs, the toxic metal could come into contact with drinking water.

One potential solution would be to use bacteria that produce molecules that can facilitate the attachment of metal particles to calcite. Unfortunately, scientists lack a comprehensive understanding of how exactly this sorption process works.

The EU-funded 'The role of microbial metabolites in Pb-calcite surface interactions' (MIME) project shed some light on the matter, drawing on expertise in the fields of water treatment, geoscience, surface physics and biology.

Researchers used advanced analytical techniques to study the biogeochemistry behind the behaviour of Pb on a molecular scale, one variable at a time. This allowed them to map the processes through which organic materials mediate the attachment of Pb sulphide nanoparticles to mineral surfaces.

The insights gained can be used to inform criteria for the selection of bacteria that produce the right molecules for the sorption of toxic metals onto mineral surfaces. This information is thus particularly useful for improving the treatment of drinking water.