The effect and interaction mechanism of different iron (hydr-) oxides on the degradation of benzo (a) pyrene by Paracoccus sp. HPD-2
摘要
Iron (hydr)oxides are key reactive components in soil, governing the fate and transport of organic pollutants. This study aims to elucidate how different iron (hydr)oxides affect microbial degradation.The impact of four iron (hydr-) oxides on the microbial degradation of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) by Paracoccus aminovorans HPD-2 was investigated. Interactions between the HPD-2 cells and minerals were probed using Extended-DLVO theory, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis. Notably, the addition of all four iron (hydr-) oxides markedly inhibited BaP degradation, compared to the control treatment (without added iron oxides, CK). The degree of inhibition followed the order: ferrihydrite > goethite > hematite > magnetite, with degradation efficiencies of 19.8%, 21.8%, 31.0%, and 47.1% over a 7-day period, respectively. These differential effects are primarily driven by the intrinsic properties of the iron oxides; higher zeta potential values correlated strongly with greater inhibition of HPD-2 cells. Furthermore, certain amorphous and secondary iron minerals exhibited higher catalytic activity and free radical production than their crystalline counterparts, which significantly hindered BaP degradation. These findings clarify the complex interactions between iron (hydr)oxides, bacteria, and organic pollutants during biodegradation. This work provides a foundation for enhancing the bioremediation of contaminated soils in field applications.