Nanoscale Imaging of Microbial-Mineral Interactions (NIMMI)

Microbial processes mediate the redox state of many metals and radionuclides, which in turn controls their mobility in the environment and the stability of a wide range of mineral phases. Organics are also influenced by these processes, acting either as electron donors for metal/mineral reduction, or as competing electron acceptors, for example in the case of chlorinated solvents. Advances in molecular ecology, genomics and post-genomic technologies have given us significant insight into the diversity of the organisms responsible for these important processes, and the underpinning physiology, often at a genetic level. In parallel, developments in nano-scale imaging and spectroscopy now offer the potential to reveal how these biological processes impact on the geosphere at an atomic-scale. The aim of this project is to gain a deeper understanding of key microbial-mineral interactions at the nano-scale using a combination of new state of the art synchrotron imaging techniques, including STXM, alongside microbiological, microscopy, geochemical and modelling approaches. Three complementary and interlinked systems of major environmental importance are the foci of this investigation. First, we will address the microbial reduction of insoluble Fe(III) oxyhydroxides, which plays a major role in many coupled biogeochemical processes in subsurface environments, to identify the nano-scale processes controlling this ubiquitous form of anaerobic respiration. Next, we will focus on the reductive mobilisation of As(V) sorbed onto Fe(III) oxyhydroxides, to identify the mechanism of this bioprocess thought to be catalysed by Fe(III)-reducing bacteria, and threatening the lives of tens of millions worldwide. Finally, the bioreduction of U(VI) in Fe(III)-reducing systems, which potentially limits uranium solubility, will also be studied as it has considerable relevance to the management of our existing soil contamination and our legacy nuclear waste, but is poorly understood at a mechanistic level.
Through this programme, the applicants aim to obtain definitive evidence to help us understand the precise mechanisms of these important processes, which have been studied for more than a decade by many groups world-wide, but remain elusive. Impact will be across a broad scientific community, underpinning more robust conceptual and numerical models in very high profile areas including contaminant bioremediation, trace metal/metalloid biogeochemistry and the safe long-term stewardship of our legacy nuclear waste. Stakeholder engagement will be through strong links that already exist between Manchester and key centres involved in land and water quality and nuclear waste disposal, in the UK and worldwide. We will also enable the transfer of soft x-ray and STXM expertise from synchrotron facilities in North America and Europe to the UK Diamond synchrotron (beamline under construction), while training of key personal in the UK to make maximal use of these exciting and powerful new world-class facilities.

The work described in this proposal will provide underpinning science of the highest quality that will support international efforts in areas including those working on the bioremediation of organics and metals, predicting and mitigating arsenic pollution issues worldwide (especially in SE Asia), bioenergy production, the synthesis of Fe-based functional nanomaterials and in underpinning the safety case(s) for geological disposal of radioactive wastes. The following will benefit:
The Synchrotron Community especially the STXM community. The extensive research community that is investigating the causes and mitigation of arsenic pollution in groundwaters. The global contaminated land clean up market. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and NDA-Radioactive Waste Management Directorate as well as other nuclear stakeholders such as Sellafield Ltd. and National Nuclear Labs. In its broadest sense, society will benefit from this independent, underpinning research.

The communities listed will benefit as follows:
The arsenic-groundwater community will be able to use important new information on As-mobilisation processes to predict areas that will be at risk and also effective mitigation processes. The developments of techniques to monitor interfacial bioremediation processes will help generate robust data sets on the mechanisms of bioremediation of metals and organics, and the fate of the contaminants.
Sellafield Ltd. & other nuclear stakeholders will also benefit from the work, which will contribute to the remediation options for uranium-contaminated land. NDA RWMD is the organisation tasked with implementing geological disposal of UK radioactive wastes. This research will contribute significantly to underpinning the safety case for geological disposal. NNL is responsible for supporting the UK's strategic nuclear R&D and for preserving and developing specialised high level skills. The high profile publications that we hope to generate from this cutting edge work, will also raise public awareness of these significant environmental challenges. Strong, independent research will be crucial to inspiring public confidence in management of the nuclear legacy and management of the arsenic legacy in SE Asia.

Methods for disseminating data/knowledge/skills will include;
VC is on the UK DIAMOND Synchrotron STXM working group and will be involved in key decisions on the capabilities of the UK STXM. In 2014, we will hold a workshop for the UK environmental communities and request £7000 to cover accommodation, travel and food, logistics. JRL is Royal Society Industrial Fellow, between 2010-2014, working closely with NNL and nuclear stakeholders. This will deliver knowledge transfer in areas linked to and including the proposed work programme. RADP is head of Nuclear Education at the University of Manchester and will develop CPD programmes to inform industry of the latest research results from Manchester. Outreach activities through the extant SE Asia Links will be actively sustained by meetings with key stakeholders, web-based communications, including podcasts, media presentations and via publication in magazines. Through the unique Fe nanobiomineralogy research programme and we will transfer knowledge, data and expertise to collaborators and stakeholders in the area. Networking via VC's L'Oreal-UNESCO Fellowship will occur. Web-based Communication will use existing WRC and RCRD websites for detailing the grant activities and linking to wider members interests will be set up. The cost of the website will be £2000 per annum, £6000 total. The team will attend radioactive and media communications training courses to facilitate outreach to wider audiences. We will develop new materials for Gifted and Talented (G&T) activities, identify suitable students for work experience secondments over summer vacations and work with MOSI. Outreach cost is estimated at £2200.
Total requested impact costings are £15,500.