Role of indigenous microbial communities in the mobilization of potentially toxic elements and rare-earth elements from alkaline mine waste.

This study aims to evaluate the role of indigenous microorganisms in the mobilization of potentially toxic elements (PTE) and rare-earth elements (REE), the influence of the bioavailability of carbon sources that might boost microbial leaching, and the generation of neutral/alkaline mine drainage from alkaline tailings. These tailings, with significant concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC), were mainly colonized by bacteria belonging to the genera Sphingomonas, Novosphingobium and Solirubrobacter, and fungi of the genera Alternaria, Sarocladium and Aspergillus. Functionality analysis suggests the capability of these microorganisms to leach PTE and REE.

British doctors' work-life balance and home-life satisfaction: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: To assess British doctors' work-life balance, home-life satisfaction and associated barriers.

Study Design: We designed an online survey using Google Forms and distributed this via a closed social media group with 7031 members, exclusively run for British doctors. No identifiable data were collected and all respondents provided consent for their responses to be used anonymously.

Bacterial communities shift and influence in an acid mine drainage treatment using barium carbonate disperse alkaline substrate system.

Chemical passive treatment systems used to remediate acid mine drainage has been evaluated based mainly on the reactivity of the chemical alkaline reagents, overlooking the activity of the microorganisms that proliferate in these artificial ecosystems. In this study, the bacterial communities of a unique passive treatment system known as BDAS (Barium carbonate Dispersed Alkaline Substrate) were investigated using 16S rRNA gene metagenomic sequencing combined with hydrochemical characterization of the AMD and phenotypic characterization of biogenic precipitates. According to the hydrochemical characterization, the water quality improved as the water progressed through the system, with a drastic increase in the pH (up to alkaline conditions) and total organic carbon, as well as the removal of main contaminants such as Ca, SO, Fe, Al, and Mn.