@article{AkimbekovDigelAbdievaetal.2021, author = {Akimbekov, Nuraly and Digel, Ilya and Abdieva, Gulzhamal and Ualieva, Perizat and Tastambek, Kuanysh}, title = {Lignite biosolubilization and bioconversion by Bacillus sp.: the collation of analytical data}, series = {Biofuels}, volume = {12}, journal = {Biofuels}, number = {3}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {London}, issn = {1759-7277}, pages = {247 -- 258}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The vast metabolic potential of microbes in brown coal (lignite) processing and utilization can greatly contribute to innovative approaches to sustainable production of high-value products from coal. In this study, the multi-faceted and complex coal biosolubilization process by Bacillus sp. RKB 7 isolate from the Kazakhstan coal-mining soil is reported, and the derived products are characterized. Lignite solubilization tests performed for surface and suspension cultures testify to the formation of numerous soluble lignite-derived substances. Almost 24\% of crude lignite (5\% w/v) was solubilized within 14 days under slightly alkaline conditions (pH 8.2). FTIR analysis revealed various functional groups in the obtained biosolubilization products. Analyses of the lignite-derived humic products by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrometry as well as elemental analysis yielded compatible results indicating the emerging products had a lower molecular weight and degree of aromaticity. Furthermore, XRD and SEM analyses were used to evaluate the biosolubilization processes from mineralogical and microscopic points of view. The findings not only contribute to a deeper understanding of microbe-mineral interactions in coal environments, but also contribute to knowledge of coal biosolubilization and bioconversion with regard to sustainable production of humic substances. The detailed and comprehensive analyses demonstrate the huge biotechnological potential of Bacillus sp. for agricultural productivity and environmental health.}, language = {en} } @article{AkimbekovDigelTastambeketal.2022, author = {Akimbekov, Nuraly S. and Digel, Ilya and Tastambek, Kuanysh T. and Marat, Adel K. and Turaliyeva, Moldir A. and Kaiyrmanova, Gulzhan K.}, title = {Biotechnology of Microorganisms from Coal Environments: From Environmental Remediation to Energy Production}, series = {Biology}, volume = {11}, journal = {Biology}, number = {9}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2079-7737}, doi = {10.3390/biology11091306}, pages = {47 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {It was generally believed that coal sources are not favorable as live-in habitats for microorganisms due to their recalcitrant chemical nature and negligible decomposition. However, accumulating evidence has revealed the presence of diverse microbial groups in coal environments and their significant metabolic role in coal biogeochemical dynamics and ecosystem functioning. The high oxygen content, organic fractions, and lignin-like structures of lower-rank coals may provide effective means for microbial attack, still representing a greatly unexplored frontier in microbiology. Coal degradation/conversion technology by native bacterial and fungal species has great potential in agricultural development, chemical industry production, and environmental rehabilitation. Furthermore, native microalgal species can offer a sustainable energy source and an excellent bioremediation strategy applicable to coal spill/seam waters. Additionally, the measures of the fate of the microbial community would serve as an indicator of restoration progress on post-coal-mining sites. This review puts forward a comprehensive vision of coal biodegradation and bioprocessing by microorganisms native to coal environments for determining their biotechnological potential and possible applications.}, language = {en} }