Blue Carbon Cycling in the Coastal Areas of Qatar

Research Background Global climate change, particularly global warming, has exerted immense pressure on the global carbon cycle. As a significant carbon sink, the ocean absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), leading to ocean acidification, which adversely affects marine organisms reliant on carbonate minerals. Coastal wetlands, such as inte...

GutBugDB: A Web Resource to Predict the Human Gut Microbiome-Mediated Biotransformation of Biotic and Xenobiotic Molecules

In recent years, the significant role of the human gut microbiota (HGM) in the metabolism of drugs and nutrients has gradually been recognized. The gut microbiota not only affects the bioavailability of orally administered drugs but also participates in the biotransformation of drugs and bioactive molecules through its metabolic enzymes, thereby in...

The Crucial and Versatile Roles of Bacteria in Global Biogeochemical Cycling of Iodine

Iodine (I) is a trace element of significant importance to human health and the environment. It is a major component of human thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), directly influencing thyroid function. However, approximately 1.9 billion people worldwide are affected by Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD), with symptoms i...

Speciation-Dependent Molecular Mechanism of Electron Transfer from the c-Type Cytochrome MtrC to U(VI)-Ligand Complexes

Uranium (U) is a radioactive element widely present in the environment, primarily existing in its hexavalent (U(VI)) and tetravalent (U(IV)) oxidation states. Under oxidizing conditions, U(VI) is the dominant stable form, while under reducing conditions, U(VI) can be reduced to U(IV). This reduction process can occur through abiotic pathways (e.g.,...

Formation of Amorphous Molybdenum Sulfide in Abiotic and Biotic Sulfidic Conditions: A Comparative Study on Molybdenum Sequestration Mechanisms

Molybdenum (Mo) is one of the most abundant trace metals in the ocean, and its distinct behavior under different redox conditions makes it an effective indicator of paleoceanographic redox conditions. Particularly in anoxic and sulfidic environments, the speciation and behavior of Mo differ significantly from those in oxic environments. However, th...

Factors Influencing the Efficacy of Microbial Remediation of Selenium in Groundwater Near a Coal-Fired Power Plant

Selenium (Selenium) is an essential trace element widely found in nature and involved in various biological metabolic processes. However, when selenium concentrations are too high, they can cause severe toxic effects on humans, animals, and the environment. Industrial activities, especially coal combustion in coal-fired power plants, are one of the...

Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in Soil: From Interfacial Behaviour to Ecological Multifunctionality

Soil is the product of terrestrial biogeochemical processes and an essential foundation for human survival. Microorganisms endow soil with life properties and drive the biogeochemical cycles within it. Microorganisms play a crucial role in improving soil structure, enhancing fertility, controlling pollution, and responding to global climate change....

Influence of Crystal Shape and Orientation on the Magnetic Microstructure of Bullet-Shaped Magnetosomes Synthesized by Magnetotactic Bacteria

Magnetotactic Bacteria (MTB) are a group of microorganisms capable of biomineralizing magnetosomes. Magnetosomes are membrane-bound magnetic nanocrystals primarily composed of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) or greigite (Fe₃S₄). These magnetosomes are arranged in chains or specific orientations within bacterial cells, endowing the bacteria with a magnetic dipole...

Magnetite Nanoparticles as Metastable Biogeobatteries in Consecutive Redox Cycles

Iron (Fe) is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, widely present in soils and sediments, and participates in global carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycles. The redox reactions of iron play a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles, particularly in the processes of iron oxidation and reduction. Iron minerals, especially mixed-valent iron minerals ...

Microbial Reduction of Fe(III)-Bearing Solids Recovered from Hydraulic Fracturing Flowback Water: Implications for Wastewater Treatment

Hydraulic fracturing is a technique used to extract natural gas from unconventional reservoirs, but it generates large volumes of flowback and produced water. These waters contain complex mixtures of organic and inorganic constituents, particularly the solids associated with these fluids, which are often rich in iron (Fe), toxic organics, heavy met...