Isolation and identification of anaerobic molybdenum(VI)-reducing bacteria in molybdenum mine sediments in Korea

Abstract

This study was conducted to isolate and identify anaerobic molybdenum(VI)-reducing bacteria from sediments and soils collected from molybdenum mine areas in Korea. Molybdenum, a trace element vital for biological systems, can pose environmental risks when present in high concentrations, particularly in mining areas. Soil and sediment samples were collected, and the physicochemical properties including pH and metal content were analyzed. Two bacterial strains, identified as Klebsiella aerogenes and Klebsiella oxytoca, were isolated and exhibited significant molybdenum(VI) reduction under anaerobic conditions, reducing over 90 % of the molybdenum within 72 h at an initial concentration of 15 mM. The study further explored the effects of alternative electron acceptors and donors, revealing that nitrate and sulfate did not inhibit Mo(VI) reduction, while acetate had little effect. The reduction likely occurred via fermentative processes rather than respiratory reduction, as evidenced by the absence of oxygen consumption, the preferential use of glucose as an electron donor, and the lack of competition from alternative electron acceptors such as nitrate and sulfate under anaerobic conditions. These findings suggest that microbial Mo(VI) reduction in mining environments could play a critical role in the geochemical cycling of molybdenum and provide a foundational basis for developing bioremediation strategies specifically tailored for mining-affected ecosystems.