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Genome-Resolved Metagenomic Insights into Aquifer Microbiome Adaptations Following Two Decades of Neutral In-Situ Leaching
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  • Lian Guoxi,
  • Zhang Tianjing,
  • An Yifu,
  • Xu Huiying,
  • Sun Juan,
  • Yin Ran,
  • Shen Zhenyao,
  • Guo Huaming,
  • Till Bornemann,
  • Alexander Probst,
  • Wei Xiu
Lian Guoxi
Beijing Normal University
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Zhang Tianjing
China University of Geosciences
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An Yifu
Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center
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Xu Huiying
China University of Geosciences
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Sun Juan
Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center
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Yin Ran
Nuclear and Radiation Safety Center
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Shen Zhenyao
Beijing Normal University
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Guo Huaming
China University of Geosciences
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Till Bornemann
University Duisburg-Essen
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Alexander Probst
University Duisburg-Essen
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Wei Xiu
China University of Geosciences

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Neutral in-situ leaching (ISL) is a prominent technique for extracting uranium (U) from sandstone-type U deposits. However, the intricate biogeochemical processes and associated microbial communities in environments subjected to prolonged neutral in-situ U leaching remain insufficiently understood. Here, capitalizing on groundwater samples collected from an area subjected to two decades of ISL (Undergoing-ISL) and a background aquifer (Pre-ISL) at the Qianjiadian U mining site (the first CO2+O2 ISL site located in the Songliao Basin of northern China) we investigate the responses of aquifer microbiomes to CO2+O2 ISL using genome-resolved metagenomics resulting in a total of 315 good-quality bacterial metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and 5 archaeal genomes. Five putative keystone MAGs were identified based on their high connection degree and low betweenness centrality within the co-occurrence network of reconstructed MAGs, notably highlighting the prevalence of microorganisms involved in sulfur, ammonium, and Fe(Ⅱ) oxidation, which are integral to facilitating U(Ⅳ) oxidation during CO2+O2 ISL. In particular, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and Fe(Ⅱ)-oxidizing bacteria (Rhodoferax and SHZL01) played a key role in U mobilization during long-term neutral ISL. These findings enhance our understanding of subsurface microbial ecology and hold significant implications for bioremediation strategies and groundwater management in regions affected by mining.
08 Nov 2024Submitted to ESS Open Archive
13 Nov 2024Published in ESS Open Archive