Description
The demand for uranium (U) has surged due to its role in nuclear energy, agriculture, mining, and military defense. This widespread use leads to uranium entering aqueous environments, raising concerns about its impact on public health and wildlife. In the United States, the tolerance limit for U in drinking water is set at 30 ug/L, with ground water exhibiting the higher concentration of U, primarily in the U(VI) oxidation state. Microorganisms, particularly bacterial like Geobacter Sulfurreducens (GS), have demonstrated the ability to efficiently remove U(VI) due to functional groups in their outer membranes. Yet, it is still unknown how effectively this system can facilitate microbial U(VI) reduction and whether a whole-cell sensor can reliably track this process. This project aims to address these uncertainties by investigating the uranium oxidation states and assessing the feasibility of a whole-cell sensor for U(VI) reduction, contributing to the development of sustainable bioremediation strategies.