Mechanisms of metabolic interactions in microbial communities harboring organohalide-respiring bacteria

Abstract:

Organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB) are key players involved in the bioremediation of the soil and groundwater contaminated with halogenated compounds. Substrate competition, growth inhibition, cross-feeding interaction (dynamic exchange of nutrients, such as carbon source, nitrogen source, amino acids, vitamins, nucleotides, electron donors, electron acceptors, and other growth factors), horizontal gene transfer, and other interaction mechanisms are contributing to the stability and balance of microbial community structure, which is critical to maintaining the optimal dechlorination efficiency of halogenated contaminants. This review summarized the interaction mechanisms (e.g., cross-feeding, competition, inhibition) in microbial communities harboring OHRB and non-dechlorinating populations. In addition, we highlighted and discussed key scientific questions arising from the current state of OHRB-driven microbial ecology. This review aimed to provide scientific theory and technical reference for enhanced bioremediation at halogenated compounds-contaminated sites.