Article
Polymer Science
Angela M. Gutierrez, Thomas D. Dziubla, J. Zach Hilt
Summary: The environmental conditions of groundwater and surface water vary greatly depending on the location, which can affect the physical and chemical properties of nanocomposites and pollutants used in remediation. In this study, magnetic nanocomposite microparticle (MNM) gels were used as sorbents for remediating PCB 126 as a model organic contaminant. The effects of ionic strength, water hardness, and pH on the sorption efficiency of the MNMs for PCB 126 were studied. The results showed that ionic strength and water hardness had minimal effects on the sorption of PCB 126 by MNM gels, while an increased pH resulted in a decrease in binding, likely due to anion-pi interactions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cao Jianrong, Liu Yanjun, Yu Sujie
Summary: The occurrence of organic pollutants, specifically polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), was assessed in soil samples collected from two sub-regions in the Yellow River Delta, China. The concentrations of PAHs and PCBs varied in the soil samples, with higher concentrations found in the oil field area. The main source of PAHs was determined to be petroleum input, while low-chlorine congeners of PCBs were more prevalent in the oil field area. The study suggests that PCB emissions in the Yellow River Delta are influenced by both the Gudong oilfield and other industrial sources.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Tyler J. Hannah, David Megson, Courtney D. Sandau
Summary: There is an increasing awareness of paints and pigments as a source of by-product PCBs in the environment. This review identified the presence of 149 different PCBs in paint samples, which is more than what has been reported in commercial Aroclor formulations. The study also provides valuable information on the mechanisms of PCB formation in pigments, dyes, and paints, as well as additional classes of pigments that are expected to contain PCBs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qihua Lin, Jiayan Ding, Yingying Yang, Faqian Sun, Chaofeng Shen, Hongjun Lin, Xiaomei Su
Summary: The feasibility of utilizing an immobilization approach to enhance the PCBs degradation performance of a resuscitated strain Streptococcus sp. SPC0 was evaluated in this study. The results showed that the mixed matrix of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA) provided a porous microstructure for SPC0 colonization and proliferation, leading to enhanced removal of PCBs through simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation. Immobilized SPC0 demonstrated 1.0-7.1 times higher PCB removal than free cells, with higher concentrations achieving more effective removal. Moreover, the immobilized SPC0 showed excellent stability and reusability after four cycles of reuse.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Di-Hua Zhu, Fang-Hong Nie, Min Zhang, Wan Wei, Qing-Lang Song, Yao Hu, Dan-Ju Kang, Zhi-Bao Chen, Hong-Ying Lin, Jin-Jun Chen
Summary: This experiment evaluated the effects of PCB exposure on the intestines of zebrafish. The results showed that PCBs exposure led to intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress in zebrafish, while also disturbing intestinal metabolites and microbiota, highlighting the consequences of PCB exposure.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Na Liu, Fangjing Lin, Jie Chen, Zexi Shao, Xinru Zhang, Lizhong Zhu
Summary: In response to organic pollutants, rice plants activate defense systems including cytochrome P450s, glutathione S-transferases, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis to reallocate metabolites and improve adaptability. This novel strategy enhances crop outputs and quality in environments impacted by organic contaminants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Thibault Fiolet, Yahya Mahamat-Saleh, Pauline Frenoy, Marina Kvaskoff, Francesca Romana Mancini
Summary: The study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mortality risk in the general population, finding that background exposure to PCBs may increase the risk of cardiovascular-specific mortality.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rosalinda C. Montone, Mariana B. Alonso, Marcos Cesar O. Santos, Paula Mendez-Fernandez, Satie Taniguchi, Ana Paula M. Barbosa, Renato M. Goncalves, Janeide de Assis Padilha, Carolina Bertozzi, Josilene da Silva, Juliana Marigo, Antonio Derley S. Pereira, Rafael A. Lourenco
Summary: This study analyzed the concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Franciscana dolphins from three regions in Brazil. The results showed that PCBs and DDTs were the predominant pollutants, with the highest PCB concentrations observed in highly urbanized and industrial areas. The sex and maturity of the dolphins had significant effects on the POPs concentrations. Although the concentrations of POPs are declining, PCB levels remain high and pose adverse health effects on the dolphins.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuduan Mao, Shuren Liu, Yuting Zhou, Qi An, Xuji Zhou, Zhouying Mao, Yiting Wu, Weiping Liu
Summary: Recent studies have shown that unintentionally produced PCBs are major contributors to atmospheric PCBs and are controlling PCB burdens in agricultural soils across China. The dominant contributors to PCBs in Chinese agricultural soils are the legacy of historically produced and used commercial PCB mixtures, especially high-chlorinated congeners. Unintentional sources, such as pigment/paint, combustion-related sources, and polymer sealants, account for a significant portion of total PCBs in Chinese soils.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Business
Richard T. Melstrom
Summary: This paper examines the effect of removing pollutants on home prices in Great Lakes Areas of Concern. The results show that home prices near the water increased significantly and that remediation did not change pre-existing inequalities.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Angeline Andrew, Jie Zhou, Jiang Gui, Antoinette Harrison, Xun Shi, Meifang Li, Bart Guetti, Ramaa Nathan, Maeve Tischbein, Erik Pioro, Elijah Stommel, Walter Bradley
Summary: This study used geospatial estimation to assess the exposure of ALS patients to airborne contaminants and found that airborne lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may be associated with an increased risk of ALS. The main sources of these contaminants include small aircraft, power plants burning biomass, and industrial boilers. The association with a residential history of lead exposure was confirmed in two additional cohorts.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chelaliche Anibal Sebastian, Alvarenga Adriana Elizabet, Lopez Cinthya Alicia Marcela, Zapata Pedro Dario, Fonseca Maria Isabel
Summary: The study compared the proteomic profiles of Pleurotus pulmonarius LBM 105 in the presence and absence of a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls, revealing a significant impact on oxidative metabolism. Various oxidases and reductases were highly induced, indicating a complex response of fungal metabolism towards pollutants.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mandar Bokare, Nathalie Lombard, Samuel Magee, Dev Murali, Upal Ghosh
Summary: This study used passive samplers to measure the concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the air of Washington DC and quantified the air-water exchange by comparing it with measurements in the water phase. The results refute the long-standing understanding that air is a source of PCBs to the river, and the volatilization rate is lower than previously estimated.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jessica Palladini, Elisa Terzaghi, Renzo Bagnati, Alice Passoni, Enrico Davoli, Angelo Maspero, Giovanni Palmisano, Antonio Di Guardo
Summary: Two new classes of PCB metabolites, sulfonated-polychlorinated biphenyls (sulfonatedPCBs) and hydroxy-sulfonated-polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-sulfonated-PCBs), have been recently discovered. They are more polar than their parent compounds, but little is known about their chemical identity, ecotoxicity, or toxicity. This study provides the first evidence on the fate of these metabolites in the environment and presents results from various experiments to evaluate their soil partition coefficients, degradation after rhizoremediation, uptake by plants and earthworms, and an analytical method for extracting and concentrating these compounds from water.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
David Megson, Thomas Brown, Gareth Rhys Jones, Mathew Robson, Glenn W. Johnson, Guuske P. Tiktak, Courtney D. Sandau, Eric J. Reiner
Summary: PCBs play a crucial role in understanding the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of POPs in marine mammals. This study found that the concentrations of PCBs in most samples exceeded toxic thresholds for marine mammals, indicating the health risk they face from PCB exposure. A novel PCB signature was identified in a sei whale, highlighting the importance of considering atmospheric deposition as a significant source of exposure.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marzieh Farhadkhani, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Mahdi Hadi, Sahar Gholipour, Ghasem Yadegarfar
Article
Biology
Niloofar Hosseini, Yaghoub Hajizadeh, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Maryam Hatamzadeh
Summary: This study investigated the levels of airborne bacteria and fungi and their association with PM2.5 and meteorological parameters in Isfahan. Variations were observed in the levels of bacteria and fungi between different stations, with Gram-positive bacilli being the predominant bacteria, and Dematiaceous and Yeast being the main fungi. Air temperature and wind speed significantly impacted the concentration of airborne bacteria, while a positive association between PM2.5 and bioaerosols levels was noted.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sahar Gholipour, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Zahra Shamsizadeh, Atefeh Khazeni, Zohreh Sahbaei, Seyed Mohammad Mousavi, Mojtaba Ghobadian, Hossein Mirhendi
Summary: The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and the potential health risks from exposure to virus-contaminated aerosols were analyzed. The study found a relatively high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection for wastewater workers via exposure to viral aerosols, with an estimated annual infection risk higher than the WHO recommended level. Further research is needed to determine the role of wastewater in COVID-19 transmission.
Article
Virology
Hamed Fakhim, Elahe Nasri, Shima Aboutalebian, Sahar Gholipour, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Afsane Vaezi, Somayeh Mousavi, Sama Faramarzi, Armin Farhang, Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard, Mehrdad Salahi, Ali Darakhshandeh, Kazem Ahmadikia, Hossein Mirhendi
Summary: The study in Isfahan, Iran investigated the prevalence of COVID-19 among healthcare workers, revealing that a portion of them had a history of suspected infection with SARS-CoV2, with most being asymptomatic carriers. The use of reverse-transcriptase real-time-PCR is recommended for the diagnosis of infections.
Article
Immunology
Shima Aboutalebian, Kazem Ahmadikia, Hamed Fakhim, Javaher Chabavizadeh, Ahmadreza Okhovat, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Hossein Mirhendi
Summary: The stepwise PCR-based assay developed in this study proved to be more sensitive and rapid in detecting and identifying fungal and bacterial otitis externa, compared to traditional culture methods.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zahra Shamsizadeh, Mohammad Hassan Ehrampoush, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Mehdi Mokhtari, Mahsa Rahimi, Hossein Khanahmad, Farzaneh Mohammadi
Summary: The study found that agricultural reuse of treated wastewater may contribute to the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes in the environment, posing a potential risk to public health.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zahra Shamsizadeh, Mohammad Hassan Ehrampoush, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Mehdi Mokhtari, Willis Gwenzi, Hossein Khanahmad
Summary: The study found that wastewater irrigation did not significantly affect the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes and integrons in soil and crop samples. Climate conditions play a significant role in the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes and integrons in crops, with UV index, air temperature, humidity, and soil electrical conductivity being important factors.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Willis Gwenzi, Zahra Shamsizadeh, Sahar Gholipour, Mahnaz Nikaeen
Summary: Antibiotic resistance in the air-borne resistome poses a global human health risk, necessitating further research and assessment to understand its pathways, impacts, and human exposure risks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sahar Gholipour, Mona Hosseini, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Mahdi Hadi, Mahdieh Sarmadi, Horieh Saderi, Akbar Hassanzadeh
Summary: This study investigates the occurrence of human adenovirus (HAdV) in the irrigation water-soil-crop continuum and finds that wastewater-irrigated vegetables pose a higher risk to human health. Stricter management of wastewater reuse is necessary to ensure human health.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sahar Gholipour, Mohammad Rezvani Ghalhari, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Davarkhah Rabbani, Parichehr Pakzad, Mohammad Bagher Miranzadeh
Summary: Enteric viruses are of great concern in wastewater due to their low removal in treatment processes and potential risks to human health. The presence and concentration of viruses in sewage sludge vary depending on the treatment method, and land application of sludge may pose viral infection risks and contaminate water sources.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sepideh Sadeghi, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Amir Hossein Nafez, Sahar Gholipour, Zahra Shamsizadeh, Mahdi Hadi
Summary: Land application of MSW compost can improve soil fertility and productivity, but there are concerns about its chemical and microbial quality. Current microbial indicators may not accurately represent the presence of more resistant pathogens. This study evaluated the microbial characteristics of MSW compost and estimated health risks associated with exposure to potential pathogens. While recommended standards for fecal coliforms and Salmonella were generally met, detectable levels of microbial pathogens were present. Cryptosporidium posed the highest daily infection risk followed by Salmonella and Campylobacter. Infection risks decreased with time and were low for one-time exposure, but the median annual risk of cryptosporidiosis or gastroenteritis exceeded recommended values. Additional pathogen monitoring may be needed to assess potential risks.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marzieh Farhadkhani, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Mahdi Hadi, Hossein Nikaein, Absar Alum, Morteza Abbaszadegan
Summary: This study found the presence of Cryptosporidium in wastewater effluent but not in soil and vegetable samples. The consumption of lettuce was associated with a higher disease burden compared to spring onion. However, the overall burden was within the acceptable range according to WHO guidelines.
MICROBIAL RISK ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sepideh Sadeghi, Amir Hossein Nafez, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Davood Jafary Tady, Maryam Hatamzadeh
Summary: This study investigated the microbial quality and fate of microorganisms in municipal solid waste (MSW) compost. The results showed that a significant portion of the compost samples were immature and contained indicator bacteria exceeding recommended values. Climate condition played a significant role in reducing the indicator bacteria in the compost. Therefore, further monitoring of compost quality is necessary to prevent potential environmental and human health issues.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sahar Gholipour, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Davarkhah Rabbani, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Reza Mohammadi Manesh, Nayereh Besharatipour, Bijan Bina
Summary: The study evaluated microbial characteristics and health risks of coastal waters impacted by pollution. Fecal indicator bacteria were detected in large quantities. Pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms were found, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa having the highest frequency. The risks of gastrointestinal illness through water ingestion were estimated to be above WHO's benchmark value, with Cryptosporidium and Adenovirus showing higher risks than Salmonella.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shima Aboutalebian, Somaye Mirzaaghaei, Hamed Fakhim, Sama Faramarzi, Somayeh Mousavi, Safiyeh Ghafel, Sahar Gholipour, Armin Farhang, Hossein Mirhendi, Mahnaz Nikaeen
Summary: The study aimed to establish a SYBR Green-based PCR detection method for diagnosing COVID-19. The results showed that the method had slightly lower sensitivity compared to the reference probe-based PCR, but demonstrated good specificity. Further research is needed for improvement to make it an inexpensive and reliable tool for diagnosing COVID-19.
ADVANCED BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shaofeng Zhou, Wenwen An, Cuifen Gan, Meiying Xu
Summary: Bacteria generate and release extracellular reactive oxygen species (eROS), which significantly contribute to the natural ROS pool and play a crucial role in metabolic interactions of bacteria with their environment. Understanding the behavior of eROS-generating bacteria and its environmental implications is of great importance in the cycling of biogeochemical elements, transformation of organic matter, and regulation of antibiotic resistance genes.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ji-Dong Gu, Tim Ford, Bryce Mitton, Ralph Mitchell
Summary: Plastics and microplastics are widely present and accumulating in the environment, leading to increasing public attention. In addition to packaging plastics, materials from industries such as electronics, space and aviation are also accumulating, but receiving less attention. The production of degradable and biodegradable plastics is seen as a way to reduce environmental impacts, but enhancing the non-degradability of functional polymers is also a feasible option. Microbial colonization and deterioration pose significant challenges to these materials.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Justyna Bohacz, Michal Mozejko
Summary: This study evaluated the keratinolytic activity of 37 strains of Trichophyton ajelloi and found that pigmented strains isolated from loamy soil were more efficient in degrading native feather keratin, while non-pigmented strains isolated from chernozem showed better abilities. The keratinolytic activity increased over time, as evidenced by the increase in extracellular keratinase activity and release of soluble proteins and peptides. Protease activity peaked in the first 7 days and again on day 28 of culture. The release of ammonium and sulfate ions, associated with an increase in pH, reached its maximum on day 21. Three pigment-producing strains were among the most active in releasing large amounts of ammonium and sulfate ions. The biodegradation of feather waste by Trichophyton ajelloi strains can be used to produce fertilizers suitable for plants with high sulfur requirements.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joseph M. Suflita, Brenda J. Little
Summary: This article reviews the major achievements of the International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Society (IBBS) on its 50th anniversary and provides recommendations for addressing new challenges and developments based on personal experiences.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhenyan Lin, Tuo Jin, Xin Xu, Xiao Yin, Dan Zhang, Mengjiao Geng, Chunyu Pang, Gongwen Luo, Lizhi Xiong, Jianwei Peng, Jiangchi Fei
Summary: The incomplete recycle of residual mulch film (RMF) in recent years has led to an increase in plastic fragments in soil, posing a serious threat to the soil ecological environment. In this study, seven potential plastic-degrading microorganisms were screened and identified from film-mulched vegetable fields. The degradation ability experiments showed that both single strains and mixed strains demonstrated varying levels of degradation of RMF.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tiina Belt, Michael Altgen, Muhammad Awais, Martin Nopens, Lauri Rautkari
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of heat-treated wood by brown rot fungi and found that the decay increased the hygroscopicity of wood in the decaying state. Furthermore, it was observed that heat-treated samples were more susceptible to fungal decay compared to untreated samples, which may be related to the increase in moisture content.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marta Cicardi, Davide Bernasconi, Luca Martire, Linda Pastero, Giulia Caneva, Sergio E. Favero-Longo
Summary: This study investigated the phenomenon of Centimetric circular areas Uncolonized by Microbial Biofilms (CUMBs) on natural and heritage stone surfaces. The analysis revealed a compatibility in distribution and size between CUMBs and lichen thalli, suggesting a lichen origin for some CUMBs. Microscopic analysis also showed similar modifications in marble layers beneath CUMBs and lichens, indicating a possible alteration of stone properties by lichens.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
