Use of Walnut Shell Powder to Inhibit Expression of Fe 2+ -Oxidizing Genes of Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans

Yuhui Li, Yehao Liu, Huifang Tan, Yifeng Zhang and Mei Yue
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Yuhui Li: Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University, Hefei 230601, China
Yehao Liu: School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
Huifang Tan: Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University, Hefei 230601, China
Yifeng Zhang: Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University, Hefei 230601, China
Mei Yue: Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University, Hefei 230601, China

IJERPH, 2016, vol. 13, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a Gram-negative bacterium that obtains energy by oxidizing Fe 2+ or reduced sulfur compounds. This bacterium contributes to the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD). This study determined whether walnut shell powder inhibits the growth of A. ferrooxidans . First, the effects of walnut shell powder on Fe 2+ oxidization and H + production were evaluated. Second, the chemical constituents of walnut shell were isolated to determine the active ingredient(s). Third, the expression of Fe 2+ -oxidizing genes and rus operon genes was investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Finally, growth curves were plotted, and a bioleaching experiment was performed to confirm the active ingredient(s) in walnut shells. The results indicated that both walnut shell powder and the phenolic fraction exert high inhibitory effects on Fe 2+ oxidation and H + production by A. ferrooxidans cultured in standard 9K medium. The phenolic components exert their inhibitory effects by down-regulating the expression of Fe 2+ -oxidizing genes and rus operon genes, which significantly decreased the growth of A. ferrooxidans . This study revealed walnut shell powder to be a promising substance for controlling AMD.

Keywords: walnut shell powder; acid mine drainage; Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans; rus operon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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