BE/CBC: Biogeochemistry of Fe(III) and Sulfate Reduction in Extreme Acidic Environments

马萨诸塞大学阿姆赫斯特分校的Richard Yuretich教授及其同事得到了生物复杂性耦合生物地球化学循环项目的支持，研究酸性矿井排水（AMD）地点的微生物学、水文学和环境科学。该团队将通过实地研究、建模和实验室实验，在马萨诸塞州西部的AMD基地研究铁（III）和硫酸盐还原的过程，并将量化嗜酸和耐酸厌氧微生物的作用。将监测河流和地下水的水文和地球化学变化，作为与AMD源距离的函数。将对来自河流和周围含水层的沉积物进行厌氧微生物、铁和硫酸盐还原微生物以及这些物种的代谢潜力的检查。多种分子遗传探针和聚合酶链反应（PCR）将用于物种鉴定。额外的实验将涉及实验室的原位微观环境，将模拟以研究衰减。国际合作将使我们能够与英国的类似矿山进行比较。K12培训教师将担任研究助理，并将对教学风格的影响进行真正的教学工作。酸性矿井排水是溪流和浅层地下水中黄铁矿和其他硫化物矿物氧化的结果。许多研究都是为了了解这些条件的形成，然而，自然衰减的生物地球化学相对未知。在这里发现的生物可能对减少其他环境中的铁和硫酸盐具有全球意义。关于铁和硫的微生物循环的知识可以应用于其他生态系统。

Professor Richard Yuretich of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and coworkers are supported by the Biocomplexity-Coupled Biogeochemical Cycles program to study the microbiology, hydrology and environmental science of acid mine drainage (AMD) sites. The team will study the processes of Fe(III) and sulfate reduction in an AMD site in western Massachusetts through field studies, modeling and laboratory experiments, and will quantify the roles of acidophilic and acid-tolerant anaerobic microorganisms. Changes in hydrology and geochemistry of the stream and groundwater will be monitored as a function of distance from the AMD source. Sediment from the stream and surrounding aquifer will be examined for anaerobic microorganisms, for iron and sulfate reducing microorganisms and for the metabolic potential of these species. A variety of molecular genetic probes and polymerase chain reactions (PCR) will be used in the identification of species. Additional experiments will involve in situ microcosms in the laboratory that will be modeled in order to study attenuation. International collaboration will enable comparisons with similar mines in the United Kingdom. K12 teachers in training will act as research assistants, and real pedagogical work will be done on the effects of teaching style.Acid mine drainage results from the oxidation of pyrite and other sulfide minerals in streams and shallow groundwater. Much research has been directed toward understanding the formation of these conditions, however, the biogeochemistry of natural attenuation is relatively unknown. Organisms discovered here might have global significance in the reduction of iron and sulfate in other environments. Knowledge about microbial cycling of iron and sulfur can be applied to other ecosystems.