Batch assays for biological sulfate-reduction: a review towards a standardized protocol

Antonio Serrano, Miriam Peces, Sergi Astals, Denys K. Villa-Gómez*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Biological sulfate reduction is an established method leading to new biotechnologies in wastewater treatment. Batch assays are a powerful tool to support sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) research and application; however, their methodology is far from been standardized. The present review critically analyses the experimental conditions used for SRB batch assays in literature, to propose a general experimental framework supporting a future standardized protocol. Batch assays using SRB biomass (SRB-test) were grouped in three different categories depending on their objective: (1) test assessing activity of a SRB culture, (2) test determining the reduction potential of an electron donor, and (3) test determining the feasibility of using different sulfate sources as electron acceptor. Considering the methodologies and results from the reviewed publications, set-up and monitoring conditions are recommended to enhance SRB-tests comparability and reproducibility. The recommendations include the use of lactate as electron donor and sodium sulfate as electron acceptor as controls in the SRB-tests. Finally, due to the difficulty to standardize the biomass source, the microbial characterization of the biomass is recommended.

Original languageEnglish
JournalCritical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology
Volume50
Issue number12
Pages (from-to)1195-1223
Number of pages29
ISSN1064-3389
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jun 2020

Keywords

  • acid mine drainage
  • Biological sulfate reduction
  • electron acceptor
  • electron donor
  • methodology
  • sulfate reducing barceria (SRB)

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