Zero-valent iron-induced successive chemical transformation and biodegradation of lindane in historically contaminated soil: An isotope-informed metagenomic study

Zero-valent iron (ZVI) is widely used to mitigate environmental pollutants such as chlorinated pesticides through reductive reactions accompanied by extensive impacts on the soil microbial community. However, whether and how ZVI changes the biodegradation of target compounds remain poorly understood. Here, we monitor the fate of lindane using a C-14-labled tracer and evaluate the growth and functions of the bacterial community in ZVI-stressed conditions in a historically gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane)-contaminated soil using a combination of isotopic (O-18-H2O) and metagenomic methods. ZVI promoted the biomineralization of lindane in a dose-dependent manner. Soil bacteria were inhibited by amendment with ZVI during the initial stages of incubation (first three days) but recovered during the subsequent six weeks. Metagenomic study indicates that the todC1/bedC1 genes involved in the oxidation of dechlorinated lindane intermediates were upregulated in the O-18-labeled bacterial community but the presence of the lin genes responsible for lindane dechlorination was not confirmed. In addition, the benzoate biodegradation pathway that links to downstream catabolism of lindane was enhanced. These findings indicate successive chemical and biological degradation mechanisms underlying ZVI-enhanced lindane mineralization and provide a scientific basis for the inclusion of an extended bioremediation stage in the environmental application of ZVI materials.

Automated summary

The study found that zero-valent iron (ZVI) can promote the biomineralization of lindane, but it has a certain inhibitory effect on the growth and functions of soil bacterial community. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the genes involved in the degradation of lindane were upregulated, but the presence of genes responsible for lindane dechlorination was not confirmed. In addition, the benzoate biodegradation pathway linked to the downstream catabolism of lindane was enhanced.