Thermodynamic considerations on the combined effect of electron shuttles and iron(III)-bearing clay mineral on Cr(VI) reduction by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

Electron shuttles (ESs) and Fe-bearing clay minerals are commonly found in subsurface environments and have shown potential in enhancing the bioreduction of Cr(VI). However, the synergistic effect of ESs at different redox potentials and Fe-bearing clay minerals on Cr(VI) bioreduction, as well as the fundamental principles governing this process, remain unclear. In our study, we investigated the role of ESs and Fe(III) in Cr(VI) bioreduction. We found that the acceleration of ESs and Fe(III) are crucial factors in this process. Interestingly, the promotion of ESs on Cr(VI) and Fe(III) showed opposite trends. Electrochemical methods confirmed the limited steps are the extent of reduced ESs and the redox potential difference between ESs and Fe(III), separately. Furthermore, we investigated the combined effect of ESs and NAu-2 on Cr(VI) bioreduction. Our results revealed two segments: in the first segment, the ES (5-HNQ) and NAu-2 did not synergistically enhance Cr(VI) reduction. However, in the second segment, ESs and NAu-2 demonstrated a synergistic effect, significantly increasing Cr(VI) reduction by MR-1. These bioreduction processes all follow linear free energy relationships (LFERs). Overall, our study highlights the fundamental principles governing multivariate systems and presents a promising approach for the remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated sites. [Display omitted] •ESs can enhance the bioreduction of Cr(VI) and nontronite NAu-2.•ESs promote bioreduction of Cr(VI) and NAu-2 in opposite trends following LFERs.•The combination of ESs and NAu-2 can synergistically enhance Cr(VI) bioreduction.•The combined effect of ESs and NAu-2 on Cr(VI) bioreduction conforms to LFERs.•LFERs can predict reaction rates and screen ESs for use in remediation technologies.