Efficient and sustainable remediation of uranium-contaminated groundwater is critical for groundwater safety and the sustainable development of nuclear energy, particularly in the context of global carbon neutrality goals. This review explores the potential of microbial reduction processes that utilize extracellular electron transfer (EET) to convert soluble uranium (U(VI)) into its insoluble form (U(IV)), presenting a promising approach to groundwater remediation. The review first outlines the key processes and factors influencing the effectiveness of dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria (DMRB), such as Geobacter and Shewanella, during uranium bioremediation and recovery. The cutting-edge progress on the molecular mechanism of EET-driven U(VI) reduction mediated by c-type cytochromes, conductive pili, and electron mediators, is critically reviewed. Additionally, advanced strategies such as optimizing electron transfer, leveraging synthetic biology approach, and integration with machine learning are discussed to enhance the efficiency of EET-driven processes. The review also considers the integration of EET processes into practical engineering applications, highlighting the need for optimization and innovation in bioremediation technologies. By providing a comprehensive overview of current progress and challenges, this review aims to inspire novel research and practical advancements in the field of uranium-contaminated groundwater remediation.

中文翻译：

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铀污染地下水的细胞外电子转移依赖性生物修复：进展和挑战


对受铀污染的地下水进行高效和可持续的修复对于地下水安全和核能的可持续发展至关重要，尤其是在全球碳中和目标的背景下。本文探讨了利用细胞外电子转移 （EET） 将可溶性铀 （U（VI）） 转化为不溶性形式 （U（IV）） 的微生物还原过程的潜力，提出了一种有前途的地下水修复方法。该综述首先概述了在铀生物修复和回收过程中影响异化金属还原菌 （DMRB）（如 Geobacter 和 Shewanella）有效性的关键过程和因素。批判性地综述了由 c 型细胞色素、导电菌毛和电子介质介导的 EET 驱动的 U（VI） 还原的分子机制的前沿进展。此外，还讨论了优化电子转移、利用合成生物学方法以及与机器学习集成等高级策略，以提高 EET 驱动过程的效率。该综述还考虑了将 EET 过程集成到实际工程应用中，强调了生物修复技术优化和创新的必要性。通过对当前的进展和挑战进行全面概述，本综述旨在激发铀污染地下水修复领域的新研究和实践进展。