Vanadium(V) is a redox-sensitive heavy-metal contaminant
whose
environmental mobility is strongly influenced by pyrrhotite, a widely
distributed iron sulfide mineral. However, relatively little is known
about microbially mediated vanadate [V(V)] reduction characteristics
driven by pyrrhotite and concomitant mineral dynamics in this process.
This study demonstrated efficient V(V) bioreduction during 210 d of
operation, with a lifespan about 10 times longer than abiotic control,
especially in a stable period when the V(V) removal efficiency reached
44.1 ± 13.8%. Pyrrhotite oxidation coupled to V(V) reduction
could be achieved by an enriched single autotroph (e.g., Thiobacillus and Thermomonas) independently. Autotrophs (e.g., Sulfurifustis) gained energy from pyrrhotite oxidation to
synthesize organic intermediates, which were utilized by the heterotrophic
V(V) reducing bacteria such as Anaerolinea, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas to sustain V(V)
reduction. V(V) was reduced to insoluble tetravalent V, while pyrrhotite
oxidation mainly produced Fe(III) and SO4
2–. Secondary minerals including mackinawite (FeS) and greigite (Fe3S4) were produced synchronously, resulting from
further transformations of Fe(III) and SO4
2– by sulfate reducing bacteria (e.g., Desulfatiglans) and magnetotactic bacteria (e.g., Nitrospira).
This study provides new insights into the biogeochemical behavior
of V under pyrrhotite effects and reveals the previously overlooked
mineralogical dynamics in V(V) reduction bioprocesses driven by Fe(II)-bearing
minerals.