Abstract
Enhancing carbon fixation in the composting process was of great significance in the era of massive generation of organic solid waste. In this study, the experimental results showed that the contents of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the experimental group (CT) were 37.58% higher than those in the control group (CK). The CO2 emission peaked on day 5, and the value of CK was 1.34 times that of CT. Significant differences were observed between the contents of sulfur fractions in CT and CK. This phenomenon may be due to the suppression of sulfur-reducing gene expression in CT. On day 51 of composting, the abundance of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) Rhodobacter (5.33%), Rhodovulum (14.76%), and Thioclava (23.83%) in CT was higher than that in CK. In summary, the composting fermentation regulated by Fe2(SO4)3 increased the sulfate content, enhanced the expression of sulfur-oxidizing genes and SOB, and ultimately promoted carbon sequestration during composting.
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs11356-024-33417-4/MediaObjects/11356_2024_33417_Fig1_HTML.png)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs11356-024-33417-4/MediaObjects/11356_2024_33417_Fig2_HTML.png)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs11356-024-33417-4/MediaObjects/11356_2024_33417_Fig3_HTML.png)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs11356-024-33417-4/MediaObjects/11356_2024_33417_Fig4_HTML.png)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs11356-024-33417-4/MediaObjects/11356_2024_33417_Fig5_HTML.png)
![](http://media.springernature.com/m312/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs11356-024-33417-4/MediaObjects/11356_2024_33417_Fig6_HTML.png)
Similar content being viewed by others
Data availability
Not applicable.
References
Ai J, Li Y, Lv Y, Zhong X, Li J, Yang A (2022) Study on microbes and antibiotic resistance genes in karst primitive mountain marshes - a case study of Niangniang Mountain in Guizhou, China. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 247:114210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114210
Bao Y, Guan L, Zhou Q, Wang H, Yan L (2010) Various sulphur fractions changes during different manure composting. Bioresour Technol 101(20):7841–7848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2010.05.037
Bolten CJ, Schroder H, Dickschat J, Wittmann C (2010) Towards methionine overproduction in Corynebacterium glutamicum-methanethiol and dimethyldisulfide as reduced sulfur sources. J Microbiol Biotechnol 20(8):1196–1203. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.1002.02018
Chen L, Li W, Zhao Y, Zhang S, Meng L (2023) Mechanism of sulfur-oxidizing inoculants and nitrate on regulating sulfur functional genes and bacterial community at the thermophilic compost stage. J Environ Manage 326(Pt A):116733. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116733
Ci M, Yang W, Jin H, Hu L, Fang C, Shen D, Long Y (2022) Evolution of sulfate reduction behavior in leachate saturated zones in landfills. Waste Manag 141:52–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2022.01.031
Cordovez V, Schop S, Hordijk K, Dupré de Boulois H, Coppens F, Hanssen I, Carrión VJ (2018) Priming of plant growth promotion by volatiles of root-associated Microbacterium spp. Appl Environ Microbiol 84(22):e01865-e1918. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.01865-18
Deng Z, Geng X, Shi M, Chen X, Wei Z (2023) Effect of different moisture contents on hydrogen sulfide malodorous gas emission during composting. Bioresour Technol 380:129093. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129093
Füleky G, Benedek S (2010) Composting to recycle biowaste. Sociology. Organic Farming, Climate Change and Soil Science, pp 319–346. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3333-8_12
He X, Xi B, Wei Z, Guo X, Li M, An D, Liu H (2011a) Spectroscopic characterization of water extractable organic matter during composting of municipal solid waste. Chemosphere 82(4):541–548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.10.057
He XS, Xi BD, Wei ZM, Jiang YH, Geng CM, Yang Y, Yuan Y, Liu HL (2011b) Physicochemical and spectroscopic characteristics of dissolved organic matter extracted from municipal solid waste (MSW) and their influence on the landfill biological stability. Bioresour Technol 102(3):2322–2327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2010.10.085
Heitmann T, Blodau C (2006) Oxidation and incorporation of hydrogen sulfide by dissolved organic matter. Chem Geol 235(1–2):12–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2006.05.011
Heitmann T, Goldhammer T, Beer J, Blodau C (2007) Electron transfer of dissolved organic matter and its potential significance for anaerobic respiration in a northern bog. Glob Chang Biol 13(8):1771–1785. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2007.01382.x
Hollas CE, Rodrigues HC, Bolsan AC, Venturin B, Bortoli M, Antes FG, Steinmetz RLR, Kunz A (2023) Swine manure treatment technologies as drivers for circular economy in agribusiness: a techno-economic and life cycle assessment approach. Sci Total Environ 857(Pt 2):159494. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159494
Hou T, Zhou Y, Cao X, Li W, Zhang S, Zhao Y, Chen L, An Q, Meng L (2023) Effects of microbial inoculum on microbial community and enzyme activity involved in nitrogen-sulfur metabolism during sewage sludge composting. Sci Total Environ 858(Pt 2):159954. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159954
Hubalek V, Wu X, Eiler A, Buck M, Heim C, Dopson M, Bertilsson S, Ionescu D (2016) Connectivity to the surface determines diversity patterns in subsurface aquifers of the Fennoscandian shield. ISME J 10(10):2447–2458. https://doi.org/10.1038/ismej.2016.36
Jiang Z, Lu Y, Xu J, Li M, Shan G, Li Q (2019) Exploring the characteristics of dissolved organic matter and succession of bacterial community during composting. Bioresour Technol 292:121942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121942
Kaiyue H, Lishuai Z, Yongchen Z, Qiang H, Mingzhe G (2022) The relationship analysis and reaction mechanism of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus metabolism in sewage treatment in plateau habitat. Environ Monit Assess 194(7):520. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-022-10151-3
Kelly DP, Shergill JK, Lu WP, Wood AP (1997) Oxidative metabolism of inorganic sulfur compounds by bacteria. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 71(1–2):95–107. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1000135707181
La YH, Lee KS, Kim TW, Song JY (2022) A bacteria-based carbon sequestration and waste recycling system. Sci Rep 12(1):10236. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14239-1
Li J, Cai MH, Miao Y, Luo G, Li WT, Li Y, Li AM (2019) Bacterial community structure and predicted function in an acidogenic sulfate-reducing reactor: Effect of organic carbon to sulfate ratios. Bioresour Technol 293:122020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122020
Li J, Liang Y, Miao Y, Wang D, Jia S, Liu CH (2020) Metagenomic insights into aniline effects on microbial community and biological sulfate reduction pathways during anaerobic treatment of high-sulfate wastewater. Sci Total Environ 742:140537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140537
Li M, Fang A, Yu X, Zhang K, He Z, Wang C, Peng Y, Xiao F, Yang T, Zhang W, Zheng X, Zhong Q, Liu X, Yan Q (2021) Microbially-driven sulfur cycling microbial communities in different mangrove sediments. Chemosphere 273:128597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128597
Lin C, Cheruiyot NK, Bui XT, Ngo HH (2022) Composting and its application in bioremediation of organic contaminants. Bioengineered 13(1):1073–1089. https://doi.org/10.1080/21655979.2021.2017624
Liu T, Kumar Awasthi M, Kumar Awasthi S, Ren X, Liu X, Zhang Z (2020) Influence of fine coal gasification slag on greenhouse gases emission and volatile fatty acids during pig manure composting. Bioresour Technol 316:123915. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123915
Liu Y, Wang H, Zhang H, Tao Y, Chen R, Hang S, Ding X, Cheng M, Ding G, Wei Y, Xu T, Li J (2024) Synergistic effects of chemical additives and mature compost on reducing H2S emission during kitchen waste composting. J Environ Sci (china) 139:84–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2023.05.030
Ma L, Zhou Y, Wang A, Li Q (2023) A potential heavy metals detoxification system in composting: biotic and abiotic synergy mediated by shell powder. Bioresour Technol 386:129576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129576
Marie L, Pernet-Coudrier B, Waeles M, Gabon M, Riso R (2015) Dynamics and sources of reduced sulfur, humic substances and dissolved organic carbon in a temperate river system affected by agricultural practices. Sci Total Environ 537:23–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.07.089
Meena MD, Dotaniya ML, Meena MK, Meena BL, Meena KN, Doutaniya RK, Meena HS, Moharana PC, Rai PK (2021) Maturity indices as an index to evaluate the quality of sulphur enriched municipal solid waste compost using variable byproduct of sulphur. Waste Manag 126:180–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2021.03.004
Meng X, Niu G, Yang W, Cao X (2015) Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate biodegradation and denitrification by a Pseudoxanthomonas sp. strain. Bioresour Technol 180:356–359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2014.12.071
Meng L, Zuo R, Brusseau ML, Wang JS, Liu X, Du C, Zhai Y, Teng Y (2020) Groundwater pollution containing ammonium, iron and manganese in a riverbank filtration system: effects of dynamic geochemical conditions and microbial responses. Hydrol Process 34(22):4175–4189. https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.13856
Mugford SG, Lee BR, Koprivova A, Matthewman C, Kopriva S (2011) Control of sulfur partitioning between primary and secondary metabolism. Plant J 65(1):96–105. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2010.04410.x
Niu Q, Meng Q, Yang H, Wang Y, Li X, Li G, Li Q (2021) Humification process and mechanisms investigated by Fenton-like reaction and laccase functional expression during composting. Bioresour Technol 341:125906. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125906
Qian J, Zhang M, Jing R, Bai L, Zhou B, Zhao M, Pei X, Wei L, Chen GH (2019) Thiosulfate as the electron acceptor in sulfur bioconversion-associated process (SBAP) for sewage treatment. Water Res 163:114850. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.07.017
Qu F, Wu D, Li D, Zhao Y, Zhang R, Qi H, Chen X (2022) Effect of Fenton pretreatment combined with bacterial inoculation on humification characteristics of dissolved organic matter during rice straw composting. Bioresour Technol 344(Pt A):126198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126198
Said-Pullicino D, Gigliotti G (2007) Oxidative biodegradation of dissolved organic matter during composting. Chemosphere 68(6):1030–1040. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.02.012
Selesi D, Pattis I, Schmid M, Kandeler E, Hartmann A (2007) Quantification of bacterial RubisCO genes in soils by cbbL targeted real-time PCR. J Microbiol Methods 69(3):497–503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mimet.2007.03.002
Sorokin DY, Tourova TP, Spiridonova EM, Rainey FA, Muyzer G (2005) Thioclava pacifica gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel facultatively autotrophic, marine, sulfur-oxidizing bacterium from a near-shore sulfidic hydrothermal area. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 55(Pt3):1069–1075. https://doi.org/10.1099/ijs.0.63415-0
Sun R, Fu M, Ma L, Zhou Y, Li Q (2023) Iron reduction in composting environment synergized with quinone redox cycling drives humification and free radical production from humic substances. Bioresour Technol 384:129341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129341
Tamura T, Ishida Y, Otoguro M, Hatano K, Suzuki KI (2008) Classification of ‘Streptomyces tenebrarius’ Higgins and Kastner as Streptoalloteichus tenebrarius nom. rev., comb. nov., and emended description of the genus Streptoalloteichus. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 58(3):688–691. https://doi.org/10.1099/ijs.0.65272-0
Thabet OBD, Fardeau ML, Joulian C, Thomas P, Hamdi M, Garcia JL, Ollivier B (2004) Clostridium tunisiense sp. nov., a new proteolytic, sulfur-reducing bacterium isolated from an olive mill wastewater contaminated by phosphogypse. Anaerobe 10(3):185–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anaerobe.2004.04.002
Valenzuela EI, Cervantes FJ (2021) The role of humic substances in mitigating greenhouse gases emissions: current knowledge and research gaps. Sci Total Environ 750:141677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141677
Wang YN, Wang L, Tsang YF, Fu X, Hu J, Li H, Le Y (2016) Response of cbb gene transcription levels of four typical sulfur-oxidizing bacteria to the CO2 concentration and its effect on their carbon fixation efficiency during sulfur oxidation. Enzyme Microb Technol 92:31–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enzmictec.2016.06.015
Wang YN, Tsang YF, Wang L, Fu X, Hu J, Li H, Le Y (2018) Inhibitory effect of self-generated extracellular dissolved organic carbon on carbon dioxide fixation in sulfur-oxidizing bacteria during a chemoautotrophic cultivation process and its elimination. Bioresour Technol 252:44–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.089
Wang YN, Kai Y, Wang L, Tsang YF, Fu X, Hu J, Xie Y (2020) Key internal factors leading to the variability in CO2 fixation efficiency of different sulfur-oxidizing bacteria during autotrophic cultivation. J Environ Manage 271:110957. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110957
Wang S, Meng Q, Zhu Q, Niu Q, Yan H, Li K, Li G, Li X, Liu H, Liu Y, Li Q (2021) Efficient decomposition of lignocellulose and improved composting performances driven by thermally activated persulfate based on metagenomics analysis. Sci Total Environ 794:148530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148530
Wang, N., Huang, D., Bai, X., Lin, Y., Miao, Q., Shao, M., Xu, Q. 2022. Mechanism of digestate-derived biochar on odorous gas emissions and humification in composting of digestate from food waste. J. Hazard. Mater. 434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128878.
Xia Y, Lu C, Hou N, Xin Y, Liu J, Liu H, Xun L (2017) Sulfide production and oxidation by heterotrophic bacteria under aerobic conditions. ISME J 11(12):2754–2766. https://doi.org/10.1038/ismej.2017.125
Xiao K, Abbt-Braun G, Horn H (2020) Changes in the characteristics of dissolved organic matter during sludge treatment: a critical review. Water Res 187:116441. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.116441
Xin, Y., Zhang, H., Wu, Y., Sun, P., Xie, J., Zhao, R., Zhou, Y., Ding, N., Qu, X., Huang, Q., Liu, N., Qu, X. 2023. Salinization of coastal saline-alkali soil might enhance H2S release by affecting H2S-related bacterial communities. Appl Soil Ecol. 184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2022.104787.
Yan H, Yang H, Li K, Zhu P, Li X, Li Q (2023) Biochar addition modified carbon flux and related microbiota in cow manure composting. Waste and Biomass Valorization 14(3):847–858. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-022-01896-6
Yang H, Ma L, Fu M, Li K, Li Y, Li Q (2023) Mechanism analysis of humification coupling metabolic pathways based on cow dung composting with ionic liquids. J Environ Manage 325(Pt A):116426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116426
Yang, Y., Kumar Awasthi, M., Du, W., Ren, X., Lei, T., Lv, J. 2020. Compost supplementation with nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions during pig manure composting. Bioresour Technol. 297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122435.
Yu ZG, Peiffer S, Gottlicher J, Knorr KH (2015) Electron transfer budgets and kinetics of abiotic oxidation and incorporation of aqueous sulfide by dissolved organic matter. Environ Sci Technol 49(9):5441–5449. https://doi.org/10.1021/es505531u
Zhang, H., Wang, W., Li, Z., Yang, C., Liang, S., Wang, L. 2021. Planifilum fulgidum is the dominant functional microorganism in compost containing spent mushroom substrate. Sustainability. 13(18). https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810002.
Zou Y, Zhang S, Huo L, Sun G, Lu X, Jiang M, Yu X (2018) Wetland saturation with introduced Fe (III) reduces total carbon emissions and promotes the sequestration of DOC. Geoderma 325:141–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2018.03.031
Acknowledgements
The authors thank other members of the laboratory for their constructive advice and scientific assistance.
Funding
This work was funded by the Innovation Project of Guangxi Graduate Education (YCSW2023041).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
Ru Sun: conceptualization, methodology, investigation, writing—original draft. Qunliang Li: conceptualization, supervision, funding acquisition, writing—review and editing.
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Ethical approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.
Consent for publication
Not applicable.
Competing interests
The authors declare no competing interests.
Additional information
Responsible Editor: Diane Purchase
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Supplementary Information
Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Sun, R., Li, Q. Exogenous additive ferric sulfate regulates sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in cow manure composting to promote carbon fixation. Environ Sci Pollut Res 31, 32212–32224 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-33417-4
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-33417-4