Light-driven nitrous oxide production via autotrophic denitrification by self-photosensitized Thiobacillus denitrificans

Chen, M; Zhou, XF; Yu, YQ; Liu, X; Zeng, RJ; Zhou, SG; He, Z

HERO ID

5113732

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2019

Language

English

PMID

30954721

HERO ID 5113732
In Press No
Year 2019
Title Light-driven nitrous oxide production via autotrophic denitrification by self-photosensitized Thiobacillus denitrificans
Authors Chen, M; Zhou, XF; Yu, YQ; Liu, X; Zeng, RJ; Zhou, SG; He, Z
Journal Environment International
Volume 127
Page Numbers 353-360
Abstract N2O (Nitrous oxide, a booster oxidant in rockets) has attracted increasing interest as a means of enhancing energy production, and it can be produced by nitrate (NO3-) reduction in NO3--loading wastewater. However, conventional denitrification processes are often limited by the lack of bioavailable electron donors. In this study, we innovatively propose a self-photosensitized nonphototrophic Thiobacillus denitrificans (T. denitrificans-CdS) that is capable of NO3- reduction and N2O production driven by light. The system converted >72.1 ± 1.1% of the NO3--N input to N2ON, and the ratio of N2O-N in gaseous products was >96.4 ± 0.4%. The relative transcript abundance of the genes encoding the denitrifying proteins in T. denitrificans-CdS after irradiation was significantly upregulated. The photoexcited electrons acted as the dominant electron sources for NO3- reduction by T. denitrificans-CdS. This study provides the first proof of concept for sustainable and low-cost autotrophic denitrification to generate N2O driven by light. The findings also have strong implications for sustainable environmental management because the sunlight-triggered denitrification reaction driven by nonphototrophic microorganisms may widely occur in nature, particularly in a semiconductive mineral-enriched aqueous environment.
Doi 10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.045
Pmid 30954721
Wosid WOS:000467383500034
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English