Bacterial consortium of Bacillus sp. MX3 and Ensifer adhaerens M1 for efficient degradation of perfluoroalkyl compounds
https://doi.org/10.21285/achb.1026
EDN: LMRWQY
Abstract
As persistent organic pollutants that are resistant to natural degradation, perfluoroalkyl compounds pose a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a microbial consortium consisting of Bacillus sp. MX3 and Ensifer adhaerens M1 for the degradation of perfluorooctanesulfonic (C8) and perfluorononanoic (C9) acids. The experiments were conducted in liquid medium and in a model soil system. Degradation was assessed based on fluoride ion accumulation (ion chromatography) and the decrease in pollutant concentrations (liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry). The genome of strain MX3 was sequenced to identify genes potentially involved in degradation. In liquid medium, the combined use of the strains resulted in a more intensive degradation compared to monocultures, reaching 8.6 mg/L (C8) and 8.7 mg/L (C9) of fluoride ions over 9 days. In soil, the highest degradation effectiveness was also observed with co-augmentation of M1 + MX3, resulting in a 74 and 64% reduction in C9 and C8 concentrations, respectively, over 60 days. The M1 monoculture reduced C9 and C8 levels by 34 and 33%, respectively, while MX3 achieved reductions of 42% and 52%. Sequencing of strain MX3 revealed genes involved in the metabolism of perfluorooctanesulfonic and perfluorononanoic acids, including dehH1 (haloacetate dehalogenase), CrcB (fluoride ion transporter), and SsuE (desulfonation). The combined activity of M1 and MX3 strains enhances degradation effectiveness through cooperative metabolic mechanisms. These strains demonstrate substantial potential for the bioremediation of contaminated soils and water.
Keywords
biodegradation,
bioaugmentation,
Ensifer adhaerens M1,
Bacillus sp. MX3,
remediation,
perfluoroalkyl compounds
Supporting agencies: The Russian Science Foundation financially supported this work (grant no. 23-24-00154).
About the Authors
S. N. Starikov
Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sergei N. Starikov, Junior Researcher
69, Oktyabrya Ave., Ufa, 450054
D. A. Sharipov
Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Danil A. Sharipov, Junior Researcher
69, Oktyabrya Ave., Ufa, 450054
S. P. Chetverikov
Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sergei P. Chetverikov, Dr. Sci. (Biology), Head of the Laboratory, Leading Researcher
69, Oktyabrya Ave., Ufa, 450054
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For citations:
Starikov S.N., Sharipov D.A., Chetverikov S.P. Bacterial consortium of Bacillus sp. MX3 and Ensifer adhaerens M1 for efficient degradation of perfluoroalkyl compounds. Proceedings of Universities. Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology. 2026;16(1):101-111. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21285/achb.1026. EDN: LMRWQY
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