Selenium is a naturally occurring element found typically associated with phosphorus rocks, black shales, volcanic rocks, copper ores and coal in various parts of Earth. This element is a micronutrient that most living organisms need to survive, but after a certain concentration Se becomes toxic, causing serious biological damage. Natural Se pollution is observed due to weathering. Yet, hazardous Se concentrations are only observed when anthropogenic activities such as coal combustion, crude oil processing, metal refining and mining take place. Se toxicity is mainly caused by two oxidized forms of Se, selenite and selenate. These oxyanions can be reduced by various fungal species to less toxic phases such as elemental Se or volatile selenide compounds. However, the biological mechanisms involved in fungal Se reduction and the effect of environmental conditions on these mechanisms is unknown. This project uses batch laboratory experiments combined with geochemical assays and RNA sequencing transcriptomics to elucidate pathways and mechanisms involved in the reduction of selenite by <i>Paraconiothyrium sporulosum</i> AP3s5-JAC2a. We hypothesize that fungal Se tolerance, reduction rates, products, and metabolic pathways vary depending on: initial selenite concentration and environmental conditions (e.g., organic carbon source and concentrations). Understanding fungal Se reduction mechanisms will allow us to determine optimal conditions for the conversion of toxic Se oxyanions to less toxic elemental Se particles that can be recycled for various biotechnological applications such as fertilizers, glass, pigments, pesticides, semiconductors and sensors. Overall, treating Se-contaminated environments is important for ensuring healthy ecosystems around the world.

Environmental factors affecting selenite reduction by <i>Paraconiothyrium sporulosum</i>

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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Environmental factors affecting selenite reduction by Paraconiothyrium sporulosum