Colonization and bioweathering of monazite by Aspergillus niger: solubilization and precipitation of rare earth elements
Open Access
- 18 January 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Environmental Microbiology
- Vol. 23 (7), 3970-3986
- https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.15402
Abstract
Geoactive fungi play a significant role in bioweathering of rock and mineral substrates. Monazite is a phosphate mineral containing the rare earth elements (REE) cerium, lanthanum and neodymium. Little is known about geomicrobial transformations of REE‐bearing minerals which are also relevant to REE biorecovery from terrestrial and extra‐terrestrial reserves. The geoactive soil fungus Aspergillus niger colonized monazite in solid and liquid growth media without any apparent growth inhibition. In a glucose‐minerals salts medium, monazite enhanced growth and mycelium extensively covered rock particle surfaces, probably due to the provision of phosphate and essential trace metals. Teeth‐like and pagoda‐like etching patterns indicated monazite dissolution, with extensive precipitation of secondary oxalate minerals. Biomechanical forces ensued causing aggressive bioweathering effects by tunnelling, penetration and splitting of the ore particles. High amounts of oxalic acid ( ~46 mM) and moderate amounts of citric acid (~5 mM) were produced in liquid media containing 2% (w/v) monazite, and REE and phosphate were released. Correlation analysis suggested that citric acid was more effective than oxalic acid in REE mobilization, although the higher concentration of oxalic acid also implied complexant activity, as well as the prime role in REE‐oxalate precipitation.Funding Information
- China Scholarship Council (201606910077)
- Natural Environment Research Council (NE/M010910/1, NE/M011275/1)
This publication has 98 references indexed in Scilit:
- Rare earth elements as critical raw materials: Focus on international markets and future strategiesResources Policy, 2013
- Penetration capacity of the wood-decay fungus Physisporinus vitreusComplex Adaptive Systems Modeling, 2013
- Rare earth element release from phosphate minerals in the presence of organic acidsChemical Geology, 2010
- Rock Phosphate Solubilization by Two Isolates of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium sp. and their Promotion to Mung Bean PlantsResearch Journal of Microbiology, 2009
- Geomycology: biogeochemical transformations of rocks, minerals, metals and radionuclides by fungi, bioweathering and bioremediationMycological Research, 2007
- Solubilization of metal phosphates by Rhizoctonia solaniMycological Research, 2002
- Influence of nitrogen source on the solubilization of natural gypsum (CaSO4. 2H2O) and the formation of calcium oxalate by different oxalic and citric acid-producing fungiMycological Research, 1999
- Transformation and tolerance of tellurite by filamentous fungi: accumulation, reduction, and volatilizationMycological Research, 1999
- Influence of the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus source on the solubilization of insoluble metal compounds by Aspergillus nigerMycological Research, 1998
- Lanthanum citrate complexes in acid solutionsJournal of the Less Common Metals, 1970