Antimicrobial effects of free nitrous acid on Desulfovibrio vulgaris: Implications for sulfide-induced corrosion of concrete

Gao, Shu-Hong, Yuan Ho, Jun, Fan, Lu, Richardson, David J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6847-1832, Yuan, Zhiguo and Bond, Philip L. (2016) Antimicrobial effects of free nitrous acid on Desulfovibrio vulgaris: Implications for sulfide-induced corrosion of concrete. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 82 (18). pp. 5563-5575. ISSN 0099-2240

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Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide produced by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) in sewers causes odor problems and asset deterioration due to the sulfide induced concrete corrosion. Free nitrous acid (FNA) was recently demonstrated as a promising antimicrobial agent to alleviate hydrogen sulfide production in sewers. However, knowledge of the antimicrobial mechanisms of FNA is largely unknown. Here we report the multiple-targeted antimicrobial effects of FNA on the SRB Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough by determining growth, physiological and gene expression responses to FNA exposure. The activities of growth, respiration and ATP generation were inhibited when exposed to FNA. These changes were reflected in transcript levels detected during exposure. Removal of FNA was evident by nitrite reduction that likely involved nitrite reductase and the poorly characterised hybrid cluster protein, and the genes coding for these proteins were highly expressed. During FNA exposure lowered ribosome activity and protein production were detected. Additionally, conditions within the cells were more oxidising and there was evidence of oxidative stress. Based on interpretation of the measured responses we present a model depicting the antimicrobial effects of FNA on D. vulgaris. These findings provide new insight for understanding the responses of D. vulgaris to FNA and will provide foundation for optimal application of this antimicrobial agent for improved control of sewer corrosion and odor management.

Item Type: Article
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Science > School of Biological Sciences
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Molecular Microbiology
Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Organisms and the Environment
Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Centre for Molecular and Structural Biochemistry
Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 05 Jul 2016 07:03
Last Modified: 12 May 2023 00:13
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/59655
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.01655-16

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