The adsorption capacity and genetic mechanism analysis of Yarrowia phangngaensis for multiple heavy metals

Bioremediation is a green approach to address heavy metal pollution in the environment. In this study, a type of yeast, Yarrowia phangngaensis X1, was screened near the factory, and its adsorption rates for copper, zinc, and cadmium reached 75.83%, 93.57%, and 62.09%, respectively. FTIR analysis revealed that functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amide groups are involved in the process of heavy metal adsorption by yeast. SEM-EDS analysis revealed that the yeast adsorbed heavy metal on the surface in the form of particulate matter. RNA-seq analysis showed that genes regulating Fe/Cu reductase, high-affinity Fe permease, cytochrome, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, and fatty acid-binding proteins in yeast cells were involved in the process of heavy metal adsorption. In this study, we identified a yeast with high tolerance and high adsorption capacity for a variety of heavy metals and analyzed its adsorption mechanism. This study offers a potential yeast strain and genetic insights for heavy metal bioremediation.

Environmental Implication

Heavy metal pollution is a major problem for the modern environment. Bioremediation is an efficient, low-cost and green method to remediate heavy metal pollution. In this study, we screened a yeast (Yarrowia phangngaensis) from a heavily heavy metal contaminated area. This yeast can tolerate a variety of heavy metals at high concentrations. In this study, we explored the factors affecting the ability of the yeast to adsorb heavy metals, and analyzed the mechanism of heavy metal adsorption by this yeast in various ways. This study provides strain resources for solving the problem of heavy metal pollution in the environment.