Enhancement of hexavalent chromium reduction by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in presence of copper nanoparticles via stimulating bacterial extracellular electron transfer and environmental adaptability

The bioreduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) depends highly on bacterial activity, while the release of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) poses threats to microorganisms in the environment. This work demonstrated that Cr(VI) reduction efficiency of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 was remarkably enhanced by 83.7% under 20 mg/L Cu NPs exposure. Cu NPs improved the electron migration capacity of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 by enhancing bioelectrochemical performance and flavin mononucleotide secretion. Moreover, key genes related to extracellular electron transfer pathways, including direct electron transfer through outer-membrane proteins, flavin-mediated electron transfer, and conductive flagella, were generally upregulated under Cu NPs exposure. In addition, environmental adaptability of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 was enhanced under Cu NPs exposure by improving environmental information processing and energy and reducing power production, promoting Cr(VI) reduction by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. This work indicated that Cu NPs could enhance Cr(VI) reduction by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 through regulating extracellular electron transfer and environmental adaptability.