Formation and degradation of solid-phase humic substances as electron mediator for pollutant-degrading microorganisms in geosphere

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26281040
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Modeling and technologies for environmental conservation and remediation
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: Katayama Arata 名古屋大学, 未来材料・システム研究所, 教授 (60185808)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 腐植物質 / 細胞外電子伝達 / 脱塩素菌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Because of the persistent characteristics of humic substances in the environment, they are not considered as active material in biological metabolic systems. However, humic substances are now understood as external electron mediators for microbes. This study aims to investigate the formation and degradation of humic substances as external electron mediators in natural environment. To examine the function of external electron mediator, we have used the humin-dependent anaerobic pentachlorophenol-dechlorinating culture. The results showed that the freeze-dried powder of some bacteria and fungi functioned as external electron mediators, and that some products of humic acids and metals showed the external electron mediators. These suggested the formation and degradation of external electron mediators in natural environment.

Free Research Field

環境工学