Al Cunningham

Influence of carbon sources and electron shuttles on ferric iron reduction by Cellulomonas sp. strain ES6.

Microbially reduced iron minerals can reductively transform a variety of contaminants including heavy metals, radionuclides, chlorinated aliphatics, and nitroaromatics. A number of Cellulomonas spp. strains, including strain ES6, isolated from aquifer samples obtained at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford site in Washington, have been shown to be capable of reducing Cr(VI), TNT, natural organic matter, and soluble ferric iron [Fe(III)]. This research investigated the ability of Cellulomonas sp. strain ES6 to reduce solid phase and dissolved Fe(III) utilizing different carbon sources and various electron shuttling compounds. Results suggest that Fe(III) reduction by and growth of strain ES6 was dependent upon the type of electron donor, the form of iron present, and the presence of synthetic or natural organic matter, such as anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) or humic substances. This research suggests that Cellulomonas sp. strain ES6 could play a significant role in metal reduction in the Hanford subsurface and that the choice of carbon source and organic matter addition can allow for independent control of growth and iron reduction activity.

Influence of microbial biofilms on reactive transport in porous media

Microbial biofilms form in natural and engineered systems and can significantly affect the hydrodynamics in porous media. Subsurface remediation, enhanced oil recovery, abatement of saltwater intrusion, filtration, deep-subsurface sequestration of supercritical carbon dioxide, and biofouling of injection or recovery wells are examples of proposed or implemented beneficial porous media biofilm applications. The thickness of the desired biofilm depends on a number of factors including desirable groundwater flow velocity and residence time of contaminated groundwater within the biofilm barrier as well as the prevailing hydraulic gradient. In order to better understand the influence of biofilms on reactive transport in porous media and ultimately improve biofilm-based porous media technologies, bench and mesoscale studies have been ongoing in our laboratories. This manuscript summarizes some of our past, current, and future efforts in this area and gives an outlook and overview of research and development needs.

Microbially enhanced carbonate mineralization and containment of CO2

Mitchell, A. C., Phillips, A. J., Kaszuba, J. P., Hollis, W. K., Cunningham, A. L. B., Gerlach, R. (2009). Microbially enhanced carbonate mineralization and containment of CO2. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 72 (12), A636.