Abstract
We present results from in vitro flask and flume experiments using freshwater biofilms sourced and cultivated from a mine-impacted stream in North Yorkshire, UK. Flask experiments showed rapid uptake of Zn from the water column into biofilms. This uptake was not light dependant and suggests that chelation of Zn by negatively charged functional groups in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted within the biofilm are the key sink for Zn. Solid state analysis of the biofilm from the mesocosm system by scanning electron microscopy highlights the presence of calcite precipitates within the EPS, which may provide another sink for Zn. Long-term monitoring of flume systems showed area-adjusted removal rates of ≈0.2 g Zn m−2 day−1, which is consistent with many other biologically-mediated mine water treatment systems. Diel (24 h) fluctuations in pH and Zn were observed over a 96 h intensive sampling period in the flumes. Practical considerations for establishing and maintaining biofilms under controlled conditions are also highlighted; these include regulation of light intensity and maintenance of flowing, low nutrient status waters.
Zusammenfassung
Ergebnisse von Versuchen in Flaschen und Messrinnen mit Biofilmen werden vorgestellt, welche aus einem bergbaulich belasteten Bach in North Yorkshire, UK entnommen und kultiviert wurden. Die Flaschenversuche zeigten eine schnelle Aufnahme von Zink aus der Wassersäule in die Biofilme. Die Aufnahme war nicht lichtabhängig; dies deutet darauf hin, daß Chelation von Zn durch negativ geladene funktionale Gruppen stattfand und daß die Hauptsenke für Zn extrazelluläre polymerische Substanzen (EPS) waren, welche im Biofilm abgesondert wurden. Festkörperanalyse des Biofilms des Mesokosmossystems mittels Rasterelektronenmikroskopie zeigte im EPS ausgeschiedenen Kalzit, der als weitere Senke für Zn dienen könnte. Langzeitbeobachtung von Rinnensystemen ergab flächenbezogene Entzugsraten von ≈ 0.2 g Zn m−2 Tag−1, übereinstimmend mit vielen anderen biologisch vermittelten Bergbauwasseraufbereitungsanlagen. Schwankungen von pH und Zn im Tagesgang wurden während einer 96 h langen, intensiven Beprobungsperiode in den Rinnen beobachtet. Praktische Überlegungen für die Ansiedlung und Erhaltung von Biofilmen werden hervorgehoben; sie umfassen neben anderem die Regulierung der Lichtintensität und die Aufrechterhaltung von fließendem, nährstoffarmem Wasser.
Resumen
Se presentan resultados obtenidos de experimentos en frascos y en canales artificiales usando biofilms de agua fresco y cultivados desde una corriente impactada por la minería en North Yorkshire, UK. Los experimentos en frascos mostraron una rápida retención de Zn dentro de los biofilms. Esta retención no fue dependiente de la luz y sugiere la quelación de Zn por grupos funcionales cargados negativamente en sustancias poliméricas extracelulares (EPS) excretadas dentro del biofilm. El análisis del biofilm presente en el sistema mesocosmos mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido, mostró precipitados de calcita dentro del EPS, que podría proveer otro lugar para el depósito de Zn. El monitoreo a largo plazo de los experimentos en canales artificiales mostró velocidades de remoción de ≈ 0.2 g Zn m-2día-1, que es consistente con otros sistemas de tratamiento de aguas mediados por actividad biológica. Se observaron fluctuaciones diarias (24 h) en pH y Zn dentro de un período de muestreo intensivo de 96 h en los canales artificiales. Se resaltan consideraciones prácticas para el establecimiento y el mantenimiento de los biofilms; estas incluyen la regulación de la intensidad de la luz y el mantenimiento del flujo de aguas con bajos nutrientes.
摘要
淡水生物膜取自英国北约克郡受矿井影响的河流。本文进行了淡水生物膜体外培养瓶和水槽实验。实验结果表明,生物膜能够迅速吸收试验柱中的锌。该吸收吸不具光感特征,表明生物膜内分泌的胞外聚合物(EPS)的带负电官能团对锌具有螯合吸收作用,此处构成了锌吸收的重要汇点。同时,利用电子显微镜进行围隔实验的生物膜固态分析,观察到胞外聚合物(EPS)内方解石沉淀生成;该处成为锌吸收的另一个汇点。长期水槽监测实验表明,锌的面积校正去除率为0.2 g Zn m−2 day−1,与许多其它矿山废水生物处理效果一致。通过96小时水槽试验密集采样,分析了水槽pH值和锌浓度的昼夜(24小时)波动规律。生物膜维护需要格外关注光照强度和低养分水流流动性等实际因素。.
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Acknowledgments
We are grateful for a University of Hull Anniversary Scholarship for AJ. Chemical analyses were greatly assisted and facilitated by Bob Knight. Thanks to Mike Dennett for help with installation of the electrodes and data logging software. Thanks also to Mark Anderson and Kim Rosewell for laboratory assistance.
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Jones, A., Rogerson, M., Greenway, G. et al. Zinc Uptake from Circumneutral Mine Drainage in Freshwater Biofilms: New Insights from In Vitro Experiments. Mine Water Environ 34, 295–307 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-015-0325-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10230-015-0325-9