MinOx · Geomicrobiology of Fe(II)-bearing Minerals and Nitrate-Reducing Iron-Oxidizing microbial cultures

Geomicrobiology of Fe(II)-bearing Minerals and Nitrate-Reducing Iron-Oxidizing microbial cultures

Nitrate pollution is one of the most widespread threats to groundwater quality in Europe and worldwide, largely driven by intensive agriculture and insufficient natural attenuation. In many aquifers, nitrate concentrations exceed safe limits, posing risks to drinking water supplies and ecosystem health. At the same time, subsurface environments often lack organic carbon, which limits the efficiency of conventional microbial nitrate removal processes. In this context, alternative pathways for nitrate attenuation are increasingly important. One such pathway involves microorganisms that can use iron minerals as an energy source to remove nitrate from water. These microorganisms, known as nitrate-reducing Fe(II)-oxidizing (NRFeOx) microbes, play a key role in linking the iron, nitrogen and carbon cycles in anoxic environments. However, despite their environmental relevance, the mechanisms that allow these microbial communities to function and remain active under natural conditions are still poorly understood. The MinOx project addresses this knowledge gap by investigating how NRFeOx microbial communities interact with iron-bearing minerals and how these interactions control mineral transformation and nutrient cycling in the subsurface. The project combines laboratory experiments, advanced microscopy and molecular biology techniques to identify which microorganisms are involved, how they grow on mineral surfaces, and how they influence the chemical reactivity of iron. Another key objective is to understand how these microorganisms compete with abiotic (non-biological) reactions and with other microbial processes, particularly under conditions where multiple energy sources are available. By clarifying these mechanisms, the project aims to provide a more complete picture of how iron and nitrate are transformed in natural environments. The expected impact of the project is to improve our understanding of microbially driven processes that contribute to nitrate removal in groundwater systems, especially under low-organic-carbon conditions. This knowledge can support the development of more accurate biogeochemical models and inform future strategies for sustainable groundwater management and pollution mitigation. In the longer term, the project contributes to broader environmental goals related to water quality, climate-relevant biogeochemical cycles, and the sustainable use of subsurface resources.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз