Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xiaocheng Hu, Roz Davies, Karyn Morrissey, Richard Smith, Lora E. Fleming, Maria Sharmina, Rebecca St Clair, Peter Hopkinson
Summary: In this study, we investigated the use of single-use plastics in a UK NHS Trust during the COVID-19 pandemic and discussed the barriers and opportunities to tackle plastic issues in the post-pandemic era. Although the use of single-use plastics increased during the pandemic, the Trust did not change its long-term measures to reduce single-use plastics.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
John R. Casey, Rene M. Boiteau, Martin K. M. Engqvist, Zoe Finkel, Gang Li, Justin Liefer, Christian L. Muller, Nathalie Munoz, Michael J. Follows
Summary: Prochlorococcus, the most abundant marine cyanobacterium, has extensive microdiversity. We developed a modeling framework to predict variations in growth rate, metabolic configuration, and physiological state of different strains. The predicted results correlated with observed ecotype abundances, confirming their significance as a measure of fitness.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Colleen E. Yancey, Derek J. Smith, Paul A. Den Uyl, Osama G. Mohamed, Fengan Yu, Steven A. Ruberg, Justin D. Chaffin, Kelly D. Goodwin, Ashootosh Tripathi, David H. Sherman, Gregory J. Dick
Summary: This study characterizes the variant composition of mcy genes in Microcystis blooms and reveals the dynamic shifts in their abundance and expression. The results show that natural Microcystis populations contain several cooccurring mcy genotypes that likely influence the production of microcystin congeners.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chase C. James, Andrew D. Barton, Lisa Zeigler Allen, Robert H. Lampe, Ariel Rabines, Anne Schulberg, Hong Zheng, Ralf Goericke, Kelly D. Goodwin, Andrew E. Allen
Summary: This study examines the ecological and oceanographic processes that drive the response of pelagic ocean microbiomes to environmental changes in coastal upwelling ecosystems. The authors find that nitracline depth is a robust predictor of spatial microbial community structure and biodiversity in the Southern California Current region. Furthermore, they observe striking ecological changes associated with the transition from warm anomaly to cooler upwelling conditions. The study highlights the importance of nutrient supply in explaining marine microbial community structure and diversity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shen Jean Lim, Luke R. Thompson, Craig M. Young, Terry Gaasterland, Kelly D. Goodwin
Summary: Methane hydrates are significant natural gas reserves with implications for global carbon cycling and climate change. This study provides the first analysis of metagenomes associated with the methane ice worm, a polychaete species that colonizes methane hydrates. The study reveals the metabolic capabilities and microbial community composition of this elusive marine polychaete.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paul A. Den A. Uyl, Luke R. Thompson, Reagan M. Errera, James M. Birch, Christina M. Preston, Colleen Yancey, William E. Ussler III, Subba Rao Chaganti, Steven A. Ruberg, Gregory J. Doucette, Gregory J. Dick, Christopher A. Scholin, Kelly D. Goodwin
Summary: This study demonstrated the importance of using a third-generation Environmental Sample Processor (3G ESP) integrated with a long-range autonomous underwater vehicle (LRAUV) for autonomous sampling during cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in western Lake Erie. Results showed equivalency between autonomous and manual methods, as well as additional sampling capacity and revealed differences between field seasons.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Afeefa A. Abdool-Ghany, Peter J. Sahwell, James Klaus, Maribeth L. Gidley, Christopher D. Sinigalliano, Helena M. Solo-Gabriele
Summary: This study evaluated seaweed as a potential source of bacteria in beach waters and found that decomposing seaweed provides an additional substrate for enterococci to grow. The results indicate that enterococci with elevated levels of human fecal markers persist in seaweed and sediment, contributing to increased bacterial levels in nearshore waters.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Nastassia Virginia Patin, Kelly D. Goodwin
Summary: The increasing interest in marine microbiome and eDNA sequence data calls for standardized sample collection and preservation practices. This study provides guidelines based on published methods and field sampling experiences, covering environmental considerations, sample processing strategies, sample storage options, and eDNA extraction protocols. While universal recommendations are impossible due to the wide range of eDNA applications, information is provided to design fit-for-purpose protocols. Rigorous decontamination protocols, pilot studies for filtration volume determination, and prioritizing sample freezing are broadly recommended. An annotated list of studies testing these parameters is included.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
N. V. Patin, K. D. Goodwin
Summary: The study compared long- and short-read sequencing of marine metagenomes, finding a wide range of long-read metagenome qualities and minimal improvements to microbiome analyses. However, long reads were able to generate draft genomes of eukaryotic algal species and provide full-length marker gene sequences of zooplankton species. This suggests that long-read sequencing can provide greater genetic insight into the wide diversity of eukaryotic phyto- and zooplankton present in marine environments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shen Jean Lim, Luke R. R. Thompson, Kelly D. D. Goodwin
Summary: The methane ice worm Sirsoe methanicola has been found to colonize methane hydrates in cold seeps, but little is known about these organisms. Through metagenomic analysis, we have obtained more genetic information about S. methanicola, including its nuclear rRNA genes, mitochondrial genome, and other protein-coding genes. The protein-coding genes identified in the metagenomes are involved in various cellular processes, and we also found homologs of cytochrome P450 involved in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolism.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
Carya Maharja, Radisti A. Praptiwi, Bethany R. Roberts, Karyn Morrissey, Mathew P. White, Nuzulia M. Sari, Fauzan Cholifatullah, Jito Sugardjito, Lora E. Fleming
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, and activities such as swimming or snorkeling in natural environments can help mitigate this crisis. A study conducted in coastal villages in Indonesia found that sea swimming or snorkeling was associated with better mental well-being. This study contributes to the growing evidence base supporting the benefits of interactions with blue spaces for mental health, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic.
JOURNAL OF OUTDOOR RECREATION AND TOURISM-RESEARCH PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Christian Dewey, Daniel I. Kaplan, Scott Fendorf, Rene M. Boiteau
Summary: Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is crucial in controlling the solubility and reactivity of trace metals in the environment. However, understanding the mechanisms of metal-DOM complexation has been challenging due to the complex mixture of organic compounds in DOM. In this study, a quantitative method using liquid chromatography with online inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS) was developed to fractionate and detect organic-metal complexes. The method demonstrated high accuracy in quantifying the concentrations of organic-metal complexes and was used to investigate the effects of different stationary phases on the recovery and separation of trace metals in natural organic matter. It also revealed distinct metal-DOM speciation in oxidized and reduced soils. This method provides a valuable tool for advancing our understanding of metal-organic complexation in the environment.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Limnology
Carlos Miranda, Rene M. M. Boiteau, Amy M. M. McKenna, Angela N. N. Knapp
Summary: Marine dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen (DOC and DON) are important global carbon and nutrient reservoirs. An optimized analytical strategy was developed to recover marine DON for molecular characterization. Different solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbents showed varying retention efficiencies for DON, with C-18 recovering the highest amount (95%) compared to PPL (23%). The molecular composition of DON extracts differed between sorbents, with optimized methods capturing low molecular weight peptide-like compounds.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY-METHODS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sandra J. Geiger, Mathew P. White, Sophie M. C. Davison, Lei Zhang, Oonagh McMeel, Paula Kellett, Lora E. Fleming
Summary: This study used data from Europe and Australia to find that living near the coast and visiting it frequently are associated with better self-reported general health, which may be applicable across Europe and Australia. However, this relationship is not strongest among individuals with low incomes, challenging the assumption that coastal access can buffer income-related health disparities.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tytti P. Pasanen, Mathew P. White, Lewis R. Elliott, Matilda van den Bosch, N. Gregory, Ann Ojala, Kalevi Korpela, Lora E. Fleming
Summary: Rates of living alone are increasing in urban areas, leading to higher levels of loneliness and poorer mental health. Access to nature, such as parks and green spaces, can reduce these negative effects by promoting personal relationships and community activities. A study across 18 countries/territories found that visiting green spaces is associated with better mental well-being, mediated by relationship and community satisfaction. These associations are equally strong for individuals living alone and those living with a partner. Supporting both groups to access local greenspaces can help improve mental health through relational and collective restoration.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rong-Gui Zhu, Chang-Gui Pan, Feng-Jiao Peng, Chao-Yang Zhou, Jun-Jie Hu, Kefu Yu
Summary: This comprehensive survey investigated the occurrence, bioaccumulation, and trophic magnification of parabens and their metabolite 4-HB in a marine food web. Results showed that parabens were the predominant pollutants in marine organisms, with significant bioaccumulation from sediments. The estimated trophic magnification factor indicated biomagnification for MeP and trophic dilution for 4-HB. Overall, the risks for humans consuming marine organisms were found to be low.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Andres F. Torres-Franco, Deborah Leroy-Freitas, Cristina Martinez-Fraile, Elisa Rodriguez, Pedro A. Garcia-Encina, Raul Munoz
Summary: Anaerobic and microalgae-based technologies have emerged as sustainable alternatives for municipal wastewater treatment. However, the presence of viruses in the treated wastewater is a major concern for reuse applications. This study assessed the ability of these technologies to reduce viruses during secondary wastewater treatment. The results showed that all technologies were effective in reducing the concentration of viruses, with microalgae-based treatment exhibiting the highest potential for reducing the disinfection requirements of treated wastewater.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Young Gwang Kim, Sae Yun Kwon, Spencer J. Washburn, Scott C. Brooks, Ji Won Yoon, Lucien Besnard
Summary: The study uses Hg isotope ratios to identify the sources and exposure pathways of mercury in bivalves, finding that dissolved Hg phases in the water column are the primary source and exposure pathway to bivalves. This provides new insights into using bivalves as bioindicators for sediment quality monitoring.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hui Geng, Ying Xu, Rui Liu, Dianhai Yang, Xiaohu Dai
Summary: This study investigates the effect of cation exchange resin (CER) on the sequential recovery of hydrogen and methane from anaerobic digestion (AD) and the corresponding mechanisms. The results show that CER can simultaneously enhance the production of hydrogen and methane by promoting the solubilisation, hydrolysis, and acidification of organic matter. Additionally, CER facilitates effective contact between bacteria and organic particulates and reduces the energy barrier for mass transfer during methane production. The study also reveals changes in the microbial community structure and metagenomics during the AD process.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Lin, Zhan Jin, Shunfeng Jiang, Zhiquan Wang, Suqing Wu, Ke Bei, Min Zhao, Xiangyong Zheng
Summary: Dehumidification combined with addition of absorbent resin supplement (ARS) was used to achieve rapid evaporation of non-pretreated urine, resulting in high water evaporation efficiency and nutrient recovery.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yangli Che, Chaoran Lin, Shen Li, Jiao Liu, Longhai Zhu, Shilei Yu, Nan Wang, Haoshuai Li, Mutai Bao, Yang Zhou, Tonghao Si, Rui Bao
Summary: Hydrodynamic processes play a crucial role in the transmission of sediments, microbial assembly, and organic carbon redistribution in the ocean. Through experiments and analysis, we found that hydrodynamics shape the assembly of microbial communities and control the redistribution of different sourced organic carbon, thereby influencing microbial-mediated biogeochemical transformation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Chen, Yu Yang, Nigel J. D. Graham, Zhenyu Li, Xingtao Yang, Zhining Wang, Nadia Farhat, Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder, Li -an Hou
Summary: The fouling of seawater reverse osmosis membranes is a persistent challenge in desalination. This study monitored the operational performance of a desalination plant for 7 years and the fouling development in different areas of membrane modules. The findings showed that operational performance declined over time and fouling mainly occurred at the feed side of the modules, with the highest microbial diversity. Keystone species like Chloroflexi and Planctomycetes played an important role in maintaining community structure and biofilm maturation. Polysaccharides, soluble microbial products, marine humic acid-like substances, and inorganic substances contributed to fouling. Overall, biofouling had a significant impact on membrane fouling after 7 years of operation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dan Li, Jieyi Sun, Yibo Fu, Wentao Hong, Heli Wang, Qian Yang, Junhong Wu, Sen Yang, Jianhui Xu, Yunfei Zhang, Yirong Deng, Yin Zhong, Ping'an Peng
Summary: Sulfidation-oxidation treatment of magnetite (Fe3O4) enhances the production of dark center dot OH, which can efficiently degrade dissolved organic matter (DOM) and accelerate carbon cycling.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cheng Yu, Kaijun Wang, Kaiyuan Zhang, Ruiyang Liu, Pingping Zheng
Summary: This study implemented a microaerobic-aerobic configuration in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment facility and investigated the effects on sludge characteristics, pollutant removal, microbial community, and granulation mechanisms. The results showed successful transition from flocculent-activated sludge to well-defined AGS after two months of operation. The primary pathways for pollutant removal were simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus removal. Moreover, the incorporation of internal separators induced shifts in the flow pattern, which promoted granulation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhe Zhang, Shaoyang Hu, Guangrong Sun, Wei Wang
Summary: Halogenated aromatic disinfection byproducts (DBPs), such as halogenated phenols, have garnered widespread attention due to their high toxicity and prevalence. This study reports on the analysis, occurrence, and cytotoxicity of a group of emerging halogenated aromatic DBPs, known as halogenated polyhydroxyphenols (HPPs), in drinking water.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shengyue Chen, Jinliang Huang, Peng Wang, Xi Tang, Zhenyu Zhang
Summary: Accurate prediction of river water quality is crucial for sustainable water management. This study introduces wavelet analysis and transfer learning techniques to assist LSTM modeling, proposing a newly coupled modeling approach that improves short-term prediction of river water quality.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bang Du, Xinmin Zhan, Piet N. L. Lens, Yifeng Zhang, Guangxue Wu
Summary: Efficient anaerobic digestion relies on the cooperation of different microorganisms with different metabolic pathways. This study investigated the effects of different operational modes and the addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC) on ethanol metabolic pathways. The results showed that the SBR mode and the presence of CO2 facilitated ethanol metabolism towards propionate production, while the CFR mode with extended solids retention time enriched Geobacter. Adjusting operational modes and PAC addition can modulate anaerobic ethanol metabolism and enrich Geobacter.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wanfa Wang, Si-Liang Li, Jun Zhong, Yuanbi Yi, Fujun Yue, Zenglei Han, Qixin Wu, Ding He, Cong-Qiang Liu
Summary: This study compares the carbon biogeochemical processes in karst and non-karst regions within large thermal stratified river-reservoir systems. The results demonstrate that karst reservoirs have a reduced potential for carbon emissions and highlight the importance of considering geologic settings to improve accuracy in regional and global CO2 emission estimates.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chunxia Jiang, Zelong Zhao, Dong Zhu, Xiong Pan, Yuyi Yang
Summary: This study analyzed the occurrence and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in different environmental media of the Yangtze River using metagenomics. Core resistome dominated by multidrug resistance genes was found in all samples, while rare resistome dominated by various resistance genes was more prevalent in plasmids. Specific bacteria were identified as hosts for both core and rare resistomes, with high clinical concern ARGs found in the rare resistome. Particle-associated environment provided the most ideal conditions for resistome hosts. This study provided insights into the genetic locations of ARGs and the community assembly mechanisms of ARG hosts in freshwater environments.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yu Zhang, Yongtao He, Linchun Jia, Lei Xu, Zheng Wang, Yueling He, Ling Xiong, Xumeng Lin, Hong Chen, Gang Xue
Summary: By synergizing organic carbon source, thiosulfate, and zero-valent iron, efficient mixotrophic denitrification of oligotrophic secondary effluent can be achieved. Thiosulfate plays a vital role in promoting TN removal efficiency, while corrosion of Fe0 releases OH- to neutralize H+ from thiosulfate-driven denitrification, creating a suitable environment for denitrification. The coordination of thiosulfate and Fe0 maintains the dominance of Thiobacillus for denitrification.