Microbially induced calcium precipitation based simultaneous removal of fluoride, nitrate, and calcium by Pseudomonas sp. WZ39: Mechanisms and nucleation pathways

A simultaneous denitrifying and mineralizing bacterium, Pseudomonas sp. WZ39 was isolated for fluoride (F − ), nitrate (NO 3 − -N), and calcium (Ca 2+ ) removal. Strain WZ39 exhibited a remarkable defluoridation efficiency of 87.49% under a pH of 6.90, F − and Ca 2+ concentration of 1.99 and 201.88 mg L −1 , respectively. EEM, SEM–EDS, XRD, and FTIR analyses elucidated the chemical adsorption and co-precipitation with calcium salt contributed to the removal of F − . The mechanisms of biomineralization were also investigated by determining the role of bound and unbound extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), cell wall, and calcium channel in nucleation. The results showed that bacteria can promote nucleation on the templates of cell walls or EPS through the electrostatic effect. The presence of the calcium channel blocker inhibited the transport of intracellular Ca 2+ to the extracellular environment. The outcome of the present research can provide a theoretical basis for the understanding of MICP phenomenon and the efficient treatment of F − containing groundwater.