Centimeter-Long Microbial Electron Transport for Bioremediation Applications

Microbial bioremediation based on nano- to micrometer-scale electron transport has been intensively studied during the past decade, but its application can be hindered by a deficiency of suitable electron acceptors or slow mass transportation at contaminated sites. Microbial long-distance electron transport (LDET), which can couple spatially separated redox reactions across distances in natural environments, has recently emerged at centimeter-length scales. LDET explains a range of globally important biogeochemical phenomena and overcomes the drawbacks of conventional bioremediation by directly linking distant electron donors and acceptors. Here, we highlight recent research outcomes in examining, characterizing, and engineering LDET, and describe how LDET can be exploited to develop advanced technologies for the bioremediation of soils and sediments. Long-distance electron transport (LDET) over a centimeter length has been discovered in natural environments worldwide.Unique geochemical fingerprints and electric signatures can be used to demonstrate the occurrence of LDET in sediments.Inspired by LDET in nature, artificial LDET with conductive materials can be created in soils and sediments.LDET in soils and sediments offers a great opportunity for developing advanced bioremediation techniques.