A microcosm experiment on sediment remediation: microbial community assessment in sediment in presence of granulated coal ash

Coastal areas contain buildup of mixed organic and inorganic contaminants, which promote deterioration or sediment and impairment of benthic life. Hence, it is necessary to develop a method for sediment remediation and to promote the ecosystem. In this study, Granulated Coal Ash (GCA) was used as a covering material for the remediation of sediment. Our results indicate an increase in pH and oxidation-reduction potential, as well as a decrease in the concentrations of phosphate and hydrogen sulfide in the sediment and overlying water. The top three phyla observed based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes. Further, as a consequence of physicochemical changes in the sediments, we observed a significant change in the relative abundance of Deltaproteobacteria, Epsilonproteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria. In conclusion, GCA is a promising covering material for limiting contaminants in sediment and overlying water, and promoting the diversity of microbial populations for sediment remediation.

Automated summary

In this study, Granulated Coal Ash (GCA) was used as a covering material for sediment remediation. The results showed that GCA can increase the pH and oxidation-reduction potential, and decrease the concentrations of phosphate and hydrogen sulfide in the sediment and overlying water. The microbial community analysis revealed the presence of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes as the dominant phyla.