Article
Environmental Sciences
Laibin Huang, Guangliang Zhang, Junhong Bai, Zhijian Xia, Wei Wang, Jia Jia, Xin Wang, Xinhui Liu, Baoshan Cui
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of desalinization via freshwater restoration in coastal wetlands by analyzing microbial communities and activities. The results showed that freshwater input significantly increased soil organic carbon content and improved microbial diversity and functions in restored wetlands. The recovered microbial diversity and abundance of specific bacteria in restored wetlands were similar to those in original freshwater wetlands.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Theresa Lumpi, Xin Guo, Eva S. S. Lindstrom
Summary: When bacterial communities mix, the immigration history can have a fundamental impact on their composition due to priority effects. The strength of priority effects depends on the environmental conditions, with greater effects observed when the conditions favor the growth of the first arriver.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dagnew Mequanent, Minwyelet Mingist, Abebe Getahun, Wassie Anteneh, Banchiamlak Getnet, Solomon Birie
Summary: Understanding the composition, diversity, and abundance of the zooplankton community is crucial for better utilization of the Ribb Reservoir. This study conducted sampling and calculated diversity indices to assess the zooplankton community in different seasons. The results showed that most of the physicochemical parameters met the requirements for zooplankton.
Article
Ecology
Jessica Cote, Nicolas Poulet, Laurence Blanc, Gael Grenouillet
Summary: Evaluating the effects of anthropogenic pressures on biodiversity metrics can inform biodiversity loss management and monitoring. Different types of disturbances lead to different responses in different metrics. This study aimed to understand the effects of different anthropogenic disturbances on freshwater fish communities. The results showed significant responses of all diversity indices to both climatic conditions and anthropogenic disturbances, highlighting the importance of disentangling various types of disturbances when assessing human-induced ecological impacts.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yeting Sun, Xiaoyan Zhao, Yue Ma, Zhihong Ma, Zhaoying He, Wenting Zhao, Pan Wang, Shuang Zhao, Dan Wang
Summary: This study investigated the distribution of microbial community in lettuce during processing and storage. It found that the process of washing, cutting, disinfection and dewatering can alter the microbial community distribution and dominant bacteria in lettuce, resulting in better texture, morphology, aroma and color qualities. After storage, an increase in the total number of colonies, particularly Pseudomonas, led to deterioration of the sensory quality of lettuce. The study also emphasized the importance of controlling psychrotrophic Pseudomonas in lettuce.
Article
Ecology
Chuansong Liao, Jiacheng Wang, Shaowen Ye, Wei Li, Sandra Bibiana Correa, Tanglin Zhang, Jiashou Liu
Summary: Damming can have a significant impact on fish diversity, but the extent of the impact varies depending on the distance from the dam and the age of impoundment. Overall, dams have a positive effect on fish species richness and phylogenetic diversity, but have little effect on functional diversity. The study also observed an increase in non-indigenous fish species over time. Lotic fish species richness and phylogenetic diversity decrease from lotic to lentic zones, while functional and phylogenetic diversities decrease with impounding age.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jing Wei, Laurent Fontaine, Nicolas Valiente, Peter Dorsch, Dag O. Hessen, Alexander Eiler
Summary: Microbial responses to deglaciation and their impacts on climate are poorly understood. By studying genetic succession patterns, climate changes, and nutrient fertilization by birds in freshwater lakes upon glacial retreat, our findings show diverse microbial succession patterns and trajectories in carbon and nitrogen cycle processes, representing a positive feedback loop of deglaciation on climate warming.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pierre Barbera, Lucas Czech, Sarah Lutteropp, Alexandros Stamatakis
Summary: Microbial ecology research benefits from the decreasing cost of DNA sequencing and improved accuracy of data analysis methods. The tool scrapp, utilizing a molecular species delimitation algorithm, quantifies diversity distribution over a reference phylogeny based on phylogenetic placements of samples. Employing placement space clustering for dimensionality reduction, scrapp performs well on simulated and empirical data sets for classifying samples based on diversity features.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoan Zuo, Shanshan Sun, Shaokun Wang, Ping Yue, Ya Hu, Shengnlong Zhao, Xinxin Guo, Xiangyun Li, Min Chen, Xujun Ma, Hao Qu, Weigang Hu, Xueyong Zhao, Ginger R. H. Allington
Summary: Soil microbe diversity is influenced by altered precipitation and plant biodiversity attributes such as species richness and plant height, as well as soil properties like soil water content, in desert-shrub and steppe-grass communities. The effects of precipitation on soil bacterial and fungal richness are mediated differently by plant biodiversity attributes and soil properties along natural and experimental gradients. Long- and short-term precipitation changes have the potential to modify the relationship between plant and soil microbial diversity in water-limited areas.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bing Mao, Tingting Cui, Tongqing Su, Qiangsheng Xu, Feng Lu, Hongxin Su, Jianbing Zhang, Shuangshuang Xiao
Summary: Litter decomposition is a crucial process for nutrient cycling and carbon budgets in mixed forests. However, there is limited knowledge about the response of soil microbial processes to the mixed-litter decomposition of fresh leaf, semi-decomposed leaf, and fine root. In this study, a laboratory microcosm experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of mixed-litter decomposition on soil enzyme activity and microbial community in a karst forest in Southwest China. The results showed that the presence of fresh leaf litter had a significant influence on mixed-litter decomposition and soil enzyme activity. Furthermore, litter N concentration and the initial quality of litter played important roles in the decomposition process.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Xiaotian Zhou, Jay T. Lennon, Xiang Lu, Aidong Ruan
Summary: Dam construction has profound impacts on the structure, assembly, and stability of freshwater sediment microbiome, reflecting the ecological and biogeochemical ramifications of human-Earth system interactions. These findings are important for re-examining the formation of sediment microbial stratification.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jun Guo, Yuanyuan Zheng, Jinhao Teng, Xumin Wang, Jiaxiu Song
Summary: The study found differences in microbial diversity inside and outside reservoirs, with the main microbial populations including Cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae. As water flows into the reservoir, eutrophication worsens, and the growth of fungal populations may lead to deterioration in water quality.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Okugbe Ebiotubo Ohore, Yunjie Wei, Jinhui Wang, Yuwen Wang, Binessi Edouard Ifon, Wenhua Liu, Zhen Wang
Summary: Changes in aquatic environmental conditions can affect microbial community assemblages and genome repertoire. Increasing water depth leads to higher bacterial and eukaryotic diversity and composition. Different microbes show differential nestedness at different water depths. The bottom depth is the most ecologically stable area with more profound ecosystem services.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Suwash Kunwar, Li-Qiu Wang, Rajeev Chaudhary, Puspa Raj Joshi, Arshad Ali
Summary: The study revealed that high species richness and individual tree size variation can enhance aboveground biomass (AGB) in tropical forests, with evolutionary diversity playing a role dependent on the specific forest types. Phylogenetically close species were found to increase AGB across all forests, while both phylogenetically close and distant species contributed to higher AGB in certain forest types.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Jared Bernard, Christopher B. Wall, Maria S. Costantini, Randi L. Rollins, Melissa L. Atkins, Feresa P. Cabrera, Nicolas D. Cetraro, Christian K. J. Feliciano, Austin L. Greene, Philip K. Kitamura, Alejandro Olmedo-Velarde, Vithanage N. S. Sirimalwatta, Helen W. Sung, Leah P. M. Thompson, Huong T. Vu, Chad J. Wilhite, Anthony S. Amend
Summary: Plant microbiomes are influenced by environmental and host physiochemical factors, with fungal community composition changing at a different rate along spatial scales compared to bacterial composition. Microbes are compositionally nested within plants, with differences in microbial distribution between aboveground and belowground parts.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Phuong T. M. Tran, Max G. Adam, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: The study investigated the mitigation of indoor human exposure to outdoor PM2.5 during the smoke haze episode in Singapore, finding that indoor air cleaners were more effective in reducing health risks compared to air conditioning systems. The findings could be beneficial for public health interventions during major air pollution events.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Max G. Adam, Phuong T. M. Tran, Nanthi Bolan, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: This passage discusses the impacts of smoke haze episodes caused by uncontrolled biomass burning in Southeast Asia, focusing on airborne particulate matter (PM). It reviews recent research on the environmental and health effects of BB-induced PM from 2010 to 2020, providing insights into the physical, chemical, toxicological, and radiative properties of BB-derived PM. Additionally, it outlines future research priorities and emphasizes the need for policies to prevent future BB events in the SEA region.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kuppusamy Vijayaraghavan, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: The study demonstrated that biochar produced from pinewood at 600°C exhibited high adsorption capacity for nitrate and phosphate, with optimal performance observed at pH 2. In both single solute and mixed solute systems, biochar showed a higher affinity towards phosphate, indicating a strong preference for phosphate over nitrate removal.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Basanta Kumar Biswal, Kuppusamy Vijayaraghavan, Max Gerrit Adam, Daryl Lee Tsen-Tieng, Allen P. Davis, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: Bioretention systems are effective low-impact development technologies that can manage high runoff volumes and reduce nitrogen pollutants through various mechanisms. Denitrification is the major pathway of permanent nitrogen removal and factors like multilayer biofilter media and wet storm events can significantly improve nitrogen removal efficiency.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alexandre Milovanoff, Laura Minet, Lynette Cheah, I. Daniel Posen, Heather L. MacLean, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: The CURTAIL model outlines mitigation pathways for urban passenger land transport to meet ambitious climate targets, emphasizing the need for strong commitments from the transport and electricity sectors. Focusing on multiple mitigation strategies is essential to achieve the 1.5 degrees C global warming target.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Kuppusamy Vijayaraghavan, Basanta Kumar Biswal, Max Gerrit Adam, Soon Hong Soh, Daryl Lee Tsen-Tieng, Allen P. Davis, Soon Hoe Chew, Puay Yok Tan, Vladan Babovic, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: Bioretention is a popular stormwater management strategy used in urban environments to combat water quality and hydrological impacts of stormwater. Most research contributions come from a few countries and research groups, leading to operational failures in diverse geographical locations. Future research needs to consider bioretention design in different climates and address current technical challenges.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bei Zhang, Yiqun Jiang, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: This study presents a novel method for producing carbon foam from biowaste through modified hydrothermal carbonization and pyrolysis processes, resulting in foam and multi-porous structures. The characterization results show that the biowaste-derived carbon foam possesses hierarchical micropore, mesopore, and macropore structures. The potential application of this material for CO2 capture is demonstrated.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Basanta Kumar Biswal, Nanthi Bolan, Yong-Guan Zhu, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: In recent years, there has been increasing focus on the use of Nature-based systems (NbS) to mitigate environmental pollution in cities. NbS, including bioretention systems, green roofs, and constructed wetlands, are widely adopted for stormwater management and reducing air pollution. However, there is a lack of holistic understanding about the range of ecosystem services, multi-functionality, and contribution to urban circularity of NbS. Laboratory studies, numerical simulations, and guidelines for effective use of NbS are needed to fully assess their potential in removing environmental pollutants and supporting sustainable urban development.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Phuong T. M. Tran, Mano Kalairasan, Peter F. R. Beshay, Yihan Qi, Lai Fern Ow, Vivek Govindasamy, Mohamed Lokman Mohd Yusof, Subhadip Ghosh, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness of different types of vegetation barriers planted along roadsides in a highly urbanized tropical Asian city-state to mitigate pedestrians' exposure to traffic-originated airborne particles. The findings showed that the three-layered hedges had the highest reduction in black carbon and ultrafine particles, with an average reduction of 60%, providing better health protection for pedestrians.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bei Zhang, Basanta Kumar Biswal, Jingjing Zhang, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: The hydrothermal process is an emerging technology that converts biomass feedstocks into solid, liquid, and gaseous products using hot compressed water. This review discusses the properties of biomass feedstocks, the transformation pathways, the role of hydrothermal process in biomass conversion, and the sustainability assessments of hydrothermal processes. It also offers perspectives for transitioning to a biobased society in the context of changing climate.
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. R. Deepak, Sooraj Mohan, P. Dinesha, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: For the first time, activated hydrochar was prepared from orange peel waste using KOH for potential environmental applications. The impact of hydrothermal carbonization temperature on the CO2 adsorption capacity of the activated hydrochar was investigated. The results showed that the activated hydrochar had high microporosity and various functional groups, making it suitable for effective adsorption. The highest CO2 uptake was observed for the hydrochar produced at a temperature of 220°C.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuyue Yan, Basanta Kumar Biswal, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: This study compared the adsorption characteristics of a common biodegradable microplastic (PLA) with three non-biodegradable plastics (PE, PP, and PVC) for six heavy metals (Cd2+, Cu2+, Cr3+, Ni2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+). The results showed that biodegradable microplastics contained more toxic heavy metals than some non-biodegradable plastics, with Cr3+ having the strongest adsorption capacity. Additionally, biodegradable microplastics released a higher percentage of heavy metals in a shorter time in an acidic environment. This study provides insights into the interactions and removal mechanisms of microplastics with heavy metals in aquatic environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Basanta Kumar Biswal, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: Adsorption technology, particularly using biochar as an adsorbent, has shown promising results in removing heavy metals from water and wastewater systems. The effectiveness of biochar-based adsorption relies on factors such as water chemistry, contact time, adsorbent dose, and environmental parameters. The key mechanisms behind heavy metal adsorption onto biochar include precipitation and ion exchange. This review highlights the sustainable nature of biochar-based adsorption and identifies areas for further research and improvement.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Bei Zhang, Yiqun Jiang, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: The transformation of biomass to carbonaceous materials has attracted increasing attention due to its high carbon content and renewable nature. Various applications of biomass-derived carbonaceous materials are being sought for their potential cost-effective production in an eco-friendly manner. Developing carbon nanomaterials from biomass shows attractive potential for biomass valorization, with discussions on the merits and limitations of various synthesis methods being prominent.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Phuong T. M. Tran, Max G. Adam, Kwok Wai Tham, Stefano Schiavon, Jovan Pantelic, Paul F. Linden, Eleni Sofianopoulou, S. Chandra Sekhar, David Kok Wai Cheong, Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Summary: The study assessed integrated personal exposure across diverse indoor and outdoor microenvironments over 24 hours, identifying strategies to improve urban air quality and mitigate health effects. Home, transport, and recreation areas were identified as pollution hotspots, with public transport and active modes of transport causing elevated air pollution levels.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2021)