Microbial Interaction with Clay Minerals and Its Environmental and Biotechnological Implications

Abstract

Clay minerals are very common in nature and highly reactive minerals which are typical products of the weathering of the most abundant silicate minerals on the planet. Over recent decades there has been growing appreciation that the prime involvement of clay minerals in the geochemical cycling of elements and pedosphere genesis should take into account the biogeochemical activity of microorganisms. Microbial intimate interaction with clay minerals, that has taken place on Earth’s surface in a geological time-scale, represents a complex co-evolving system which is challenging to comprehend because of fragmented information and requires coordinated efforts from both clay scientists and microbiologists. This review covers some important aspects of the interactions of clay minerals with microorganisms at the different levels of complexity, starting from organic molecules, individual and aggregated microbial cells, fungal and bacterial symbioses with photosynthetic organisms, pedosphere, up to environmental and biotechnological implications. The review attempts to systematize our current general understanding of the processes of biogeochemical transformation of clay minerals by microorganisms. This paper also highlights some microbiological and biotechnological perspectives of the practical application of clay minerals–microbes interactions not only in microbial bioremediation and biodegradation of pollutants but also in areas related to agronomy and human and animal health.

Comparative assessment of the relationship between coliform bacteria and water geochemistry in surface and ground water systems

“…Coliform bacteria could be attached to clay through adsorption and sedimentation [ 22 , 23 ]. Metal colloids, organic materials and clay minerals such as montmorillonite could provide these protections by forming protective envelopes around them [ 24 ]. Precipitation of metals could contribute to total suspended solids and as such influence its relationship with faecal coliform.…”

The Abundance and Taxonomic Diversity of Filterable Forms of Bacteria during Succession in the Soils of Antarctica (Bunger Hills)

“…It is very common for subaerial bacteria and other microorganisms to form a biofilm with an abundant hydrated EPS matrix that helps to tolerate various extremes on the mineral surfaces. Incorporation of clay minerals into biofilm (formation of organo-mineral film) can provide additional protection and physical support, while clays, in general, have a tremendous effect on microbial growth, survival, nutrients acquisition, respiration, biosynthesis and antioxidant system [ 29 ]. Serving as a source of nutrients or a sink for the microbial waste products clay minerals may not only alter microbial metabolism but also promote the growth of taxonomically different bacteria [ 29 ].…”

Natural and Synthetic Nanomaterials in Microbial Biotechnologies for Crop Production

“…Minerals and microbes have coexisted for much of the Earth's history. The close interaction between microbes and clay minerals, which has been occurring on a geological time scale, is a complex, simultaneously developing system [37]. They interact on a microscopic scale, but their effects are macroscopic.…”