Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Yang, Patricia Perez Calleja, Yiwen Liu, Hongxiang Chai, Robert Nerenberg
Summary: In this study, a model was developed to predict S0 formation and electron competition during thiosulfate-driven denitrification. The model revealed that continuous thiosulfate feeding strategy can alleviate the competition between thiosulfate reduction and denitrifying enzymes. Electron competition leads to nitrite accumulation, which can serve as a substrate for anammox.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaoli Su, Feiyun Sun, Jianjun Zhang, Dingyu Xing, Xiaoying Li, Zi Song, Liang Feng, Zhichao Huang, Ang Li
Summary: This study investigated the interaction between functional microbiota succession and different electron acceptors in the degradation of anaerobic sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The results showed that the presence of sulfate as an electron acceptor was more beneficial for SMX degradation and system stability. However, competition between autotrophic nitrate-reducing sulfate-oxidizing bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria resulted in ineffective SMX degradation. The study highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate electron acceptor for the removal of antibiotics in anaerobic degradation processes.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yingrui Liu, Yanying He, Feng Chen, Shuqi Ren, Tianhang Zhao, Tingting Zhu, Yiwen Liu
Summary: This study discovered the mechanism of electron competition affecting N2O reduction capacity in two denitrifying biofilm-based systems, and uncovered the role of flocs for mitigating N2O production with varying exogenous organic carbon levels. The results showed that substrate diffusion restriction of biofilms deteriorated electron donors availability, leading to fiercer electron competition in the single denitrifying biofilm system. In contrast, flocs from the denitrifying biofilm/flocs system efficiently reduced overall N2O accumulation by 32%.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yuan Gao, Magnus overlie Arntzen, Morten Kjos, Lars R. Bakken, Asa Frostegard
Summary: Rhizobia living as microsymbionts inside nodules have stable access to carbon substrates, while surviving as free-living bacteria in soil. Many rhizobia can denitrify and switch to anaerobic respiration under low oxygen tension. The cellular machinery regulating this transition is relatively well known, but more information is needed about the regulation in starved organisms. Rating: 8 out of 10.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rui Wan, Xiaoxiao Li, Lei Wang, Geng Yang, Xiong Zheng, Yunyi Zha, Yinguang Chen, Jing Meng
Summary: This study investigated the combined effect of TBBPA and Cu on model denitrifying bacteria, finding that Cu intensified the toxicity of TBBPA to denitrification by stimulating EPS secretion, blocking glucose transport, suppressing key enzyme activity, and down-regulating gene expression related to electron transport. These effects led to decreased bacterial growth, insufficient electron donor, and lower electron transport activity, causing a synergistic toxic effect of TBBPA and Cu on denitrification. Overall, this study provides new insights into the combined impact of BFRs and HMs on microorganisms.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haishuang Wang, Nan Chen, Chuanping Feng, Yang Deng, Jibo Qin
Summary: The co-contamination of NO3 and V(V) is a serious environmental issue, for which the understanding of degradation pathways and electron competition sequence is limited. This study found that vanadium leads to the accumulation of NO and N2O, while NO3 and NO2 promote vanadium activation. The carbon metabolism analysis revealed that glycolysis, pentose phosphate, and TCA cycle pathways provide sufficient energy for pollutants reduction.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianwei Li, Yongzhen Peng, Ruitao Gao, Lan Yang, Liyan Deng, Qi Zhao, Qiyu Liu, Xiyao Li, Qiong Zhang, Liang Zhang
Summary: This study proposes a novel strategy for stably enriching anammox in mainstream by utilizing competitive differences between anoxic biofilms and suspended sludge. Experimental results showed that anammox was significantly more abundant in anoxic-carrier biofilms compared to suspended sludge, and batch tests confirmed the effectiveness of anammox for nitrogen removal. Overall, this study demonstrates a promising and practical alternative for enriching anammox bacteria in municipal wastewater treatment plants.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Bo Hu, Jiyan Lu, Yuxiao Qin, Meng Zhou, Yue Tan, Pei Wu, Jianqiang Zhao
Summary: This review summarizes the history, distribution of microorganisms, and factors affecting the performance of heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification (HNAD) process. The metabolic pathways and mechanism of HNAD process are discussed, and future research directions are presented. Understanding the driven mechanism is crucial for the application of HNAD process.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hong-Tao Shi, Xiao-Chi Feng, Zi-Jie Xiao, Wen-Qian Wang, Yong-Mei Wang, Xin Zhang, Yu-Jie Xu, Nan-Qi Ren
Summary: The addition of beta-cyclodextrin was found to enhance nitrate reduction, reduce nitrite and nitrous oxide accumulation, up-regulate denitrification-related genes expression, and improve denitrification and electron transfer by promoting iron acquisition in Paracoccus denitrificans.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Jeffrey A. Rothschild, Andrew E. Kilding, Tom Stewart, Daniel J. Plews
Summary: This study investigates the factors influencing respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during continuous exercise. It identifies exercise duration, dietary intake, and sex as the most influential factors on RER. The study also suggests that current models cannot fully explain the variability in RER and calls for further research on older subjects, females, and other factors that could explain additional variability.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liang Feng, Fei-yun Sun, Jixian Yang, Di Cui, Zuo-hua Li, Shanshan Pi, He-Ping Zhao, Ang Li
Summary: This study quantitatively investigated the effect of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration on aerobic denitrification and revealed the mechanism of aerobic denitrification from the perspective of electron competition. The increase of DO inhibited the electron availability for aerobic denitrification and led to a decrease in NO3--N removal efficiency. The expression of nirS and nosZ genes was significantly affected by DO. These findings contribute to the understanding and practical application of aerobic denitrification for wastewater treatment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuyi Gu, Xiang Qi, Xufei Yang, Yong Jiang, Panpan Liu, Xiangchun Quan, Peng Liang
Summary: Microbial extracellular electron transfer (EET) is crucial for bioenergy production and wastewater resource recovery. This review summarizes the conductivity of nanowires, biofilms, and granular sludge, and discusses the factors that affect conductivity difference in detail. The high conductivity of nanowires does not necessarily result in efficient EET in microbial aggregates due to non-conductive substances and contact resistance. Improving the conductivity measurement of microbial aggregates is important for calculating EET flux and comparing it with mass transfer coefficients.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongtao Shi, Xiaochi Feng, Zijie Xiao, Chenyi Jiang, Wenqian Wang, Xin Zhang, Yujie Xu, Caipeng Wang, Wanqian Guo, Nanqi Ren
Summary: In this study, beta-cyclodextrin-functionalized biochar (BC@beta-CD) was used to enhance the denitrification performance of Paracoccus denitrificans under low C/N conditions. BC@beta-CD promoted metabolic pathways, activated enzyme activity, increased electron donor generation, accelerated electron transfer and ATP synthesis, raised intracellular iron level, and induced positive feedback, resulting in a 15.82% increase in denitrifying microbial utilization. This study reveals the great potential of BC@beta-CD for enhancing denitrification under low C/N conditions and illustrates a potential application approach for beta-CD in wastewater bioremediation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Yang, Xu Jing, Youpeng Shi, Yuchen Wu, Chunying Duan
Summary: This study reports a new microenvironment-shielding approach to induce an anodic shift in the redox potentials of hydrazine substrates similar to enzymatic activation. By encapsulating the hydrazines, the catalyst H1 triggers the catalytic reduction N-N bond cleavage when electrons are acquired. The confined microenvironment decreases the Gibbs free energy (up to -70 kJ mol-1) and exhibits a Michaelis-Menten mechanism.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yi Li, Yi Tan, Xiaogang You, Hongyang Cui, Pengting Li, Yinong Wang, Qifan You
Summary: The FGH4096 alloy was prepared by electron beam smelting, and the nitrogen content in the alloy can be effectively reduced through this process. The activity coefficients of nitrogen in the melt at different temperatures were obtained, and the nitrogen removal process is believed to be controlled by second-order, first-order, and 1.5th-order reactions under different smelting powers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhijie Chen, Wei Wei, Hong Chen, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: Realizing sustainable hydrogen fuel production through water electrolysis is crucial to achieving carbon neutrality. However, developing cost-effective electrocatalysts remains a challenge. Recently, eco-designed electrocatalysts derived from wastes and naturally abundant materials have gained attention. This article summarizes the recent advances in eco-designed electrocatalysts for water splitting and discusses the eco-design strategies and their correlation with catalyst properties and performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Xinyan Chen, Xueming Chen, Raymond Jianxiong Zeng, Wen-Bo Nie, Linyan Yang, Wei Wei, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: Recently, the nitrate/nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-DAMO) processes have gained significant attention in wastewater treatment. These processes not only reduce carbon emissions and enhance biological nitrogen removal but also face practical challenges due to the distinctive properties of nDAMO microorganisms and the limited availability of methane. This paper discusses the commonly-applied types of bioreactors for nDAMO-based biotechnologies and proposes key perspectives to inspire future investigation and practical applications of the n-DAMO processes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Lai Peng, Huiling Qiu, Shengjun Li, Yifeng Xu, Chuanzhou Liang, Ning Wang, Yiwen Liu, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: The potential of using endogenous free ammonia (FA) and free nitrous acid (FNA) as nitrous oxide (N2O) mitigators in wastewater treatment was investigated. It was found that 1.5 mg HNO2-N/L FNA could virtually abolish N2O emission from the partial-nitritation (PN) sludge, while 45 mg NH3-N/L FA and 0.015 mg HNO2-N/L FNA successfully mitigated N2O production from the full-nitrification (FN) sludge. FA treatment was more economically appealing.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hourui Zhang, Lu Zhang, Shuangshi Dong, Xiaoguang Duan, Dongyang Zhu, Bing-Jie Ni, Cong Lyu
Summary: Environmental contaminations have raised concerns about human health globally. It is urgent to develop metal-free photocatalysts, such as covalent organic frameworks (COFs), to address these issues. This work introduces electron-donating/withdrawing substituents on COFs-H to fine-tune the bandgap and photocatalytic performance. The study reveals that these substituents narrow the bandgap of COFs and enhance electron-hole separation efficiency, leading to improved photocatalytic remediation of organic contaminants and heavy metal ions.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhihao Liu, Gang Sun, Zhijie Chen, Yue Ma, Kui Qiu, Min Li, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This study synthesized functional polyacrylonitrile fibers with Cu-N coordination structure (PANFEDA-Cu) and demonstrated their remarkable adsorption capacity for H2S at ambient temperature, even in the presence of water vapor. The selective removal of H2S is attributed to the active Cu-N sites on the fiber surface and the strong interaction between Cu atoms and S. This work provides insights for the design of efficient and low-cost materials for gas separation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaonan Feng, Zhijie Chen, Shuai Wang, Ling Cen, Bing-Jie Ni, Qingyou Liu
Summary: Pyrite, the most common metal sulfide mineral, weathers easily and releases acidifying substances, resulting in heavy metal contamination in surrounding meadow and saline soils. This study investigates the weathering behaviors of pyrite in simulated saline and meadow soil solutions, and finds that saline soil and higher temperatures enhance pyrite weathering rates. Surface reactions and diffusion control the weathering kinetics, with different activation energies observed in the two soil solutions. The transformation of pyrite leads to the formation of iron (hydr)oxides, which contribute to the alkalinity and reduced bioavailability of heavy metals in alkaline soils.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiayi Chen, Derek Hao, Wei Chen, Yazi Liu, Zongyou Yin, Hsien-Yi Hsu, Bing-Jie Ni, Aixiang Wang, Simon W. Lewis, Guohua Jia
Summary: This article presents emerging engineering strategies for designing colloidal metal-semiconductor nanorod hybrid nanostructures for efficient photocatalytic applications, focusing on the type, size, dimension, and location of metal nanoparticles and semiconductors, co-catalyst, band gap structure, surface ligand, and hole scavenger.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maoshui Zhuo, Zhijie Chen, Xiaoqing Liu, Wei Wei, Yansong Shen, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This paper discusses the application of three catalytic processes (photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis) in the management of microplastic pollution, and introduces the efficiency and catalytic mechanisms of different catalysts. It also proposes the development prospects for sustainable management of microplastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yi-Lu Sun, Han-Lin Wang, Huu Hao Ngo, Wenshan Guo, Bing-Jie Ni, Xue-Ning Zhang, Wei Wei
Summary: In this study, a comprehensive methodology was developed to design and operate S0AD bioreactors, effectively managing fluctuations in nitrogen removal efficiency caused by seasonal temperature variations. By establishing a mathematical model and considering influence factors, a pilot-scale bioreactor was designed to maintain a stable effluent nitrate concentration throughout the year, resulting in a substantial reduction in excessive nitrate removal, sulfur consumption, and sulfate production.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tianyi Luo, Xiaohu Dai, Wei Wei, Qiuxiang Xu, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different dosages, polymer types, and branching extents of microplastics on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in anaerobic sludge digestion. The results showed that microplastics led to an increase in the relative abundance of ARGs in the sludge, and the dosage and polymer type played a role in this effect. Mechanism studies revealed that a specific polymer (LDPE) selectively enriched potential ARB and ARGs in the surface biofilm, promoting vertical and horizontal gene transfer. Therefore, microplastics can concurrently promote the vertical and horizontal transfer of ARGs in anaerobic sludge digestion.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qi-Su Huang, Chengcheng Chu, Qiuju Li, Qiong Liu, Xinru Liu, Jing Sun, Bing-Jie Ni, Shun Mao
Summary: The limited mass transfer of CO2 in water hinders the efficiency of CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) due to intense competition with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). To overcome this challenge, researchers decorated the photocatalyst surface with a hydrophobic carbonaceous cocatalyst to construct a three-phase interface. The decorated photocatalyst exhibited significantly improved CO2-to-CH4 activity and elevated CO2RR selectivity. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the hydrophobic microenvironment prevented hydrogen bond formation on the carbonaceous cocatalyst surface. Overall, this study provides a general method to alleviate the CO2 mass transfer limit for accelerated CO2RR in water.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhijie Chen, Renji Zheng, Teng Bao, Tianyi Ma, Wei Wei, Yansong Shen, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: Electro-upcycling of plastic waste into value-added chemicals/fuels is a sustainable approach. A high-performance nickel sulfide catalyst is designed using a cobalt and chloride co-doping strategy, demonstrating efficient and selective conversion of plastic waste into formate and hydrogen. This study provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for plastic waste management and energy-saving hydrogen production.
NANO-MICRO LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Shuting Zeng, Jing Sun, Xuyang Lue, Zitong Peng, Bin Dong, Xiaohu Dai, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This study investigated the impact of norfloxacin on sewage sludge anaerobic digestion and evaluated potential environmental risks. The results showed that norfloxacin at environmental relevant concentration ranges would not significantly affect methane production during the sludge anaerobic digestion. However, the individual methanogenesis process was enhanced with the increase of Methanosaeta abundances, and the norfloxacin concentration is found to be increased during the anaerobic digestion process.
RESULTS IN ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yufen Wang, Zixin Zhang, Xiaomin Wang, Haixiao Guo, Tingting Zhu, Bing-Jie Ni, Yiwen Liu
Summary: This study proposes a novel and green strategy, percarbonate-strengthened ferrate pretreatment, to enhance the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from sewage sludge. The combination of percarbonate and ferrate showed obvious synergistic effects on SCFAs accumulation and sludge reduction. Mechanism explorations demonstrated that the combination enhanced sludge solubilization, substrate biodegradability, and altered the physiochemical properties of sludge to favor organics fermentation. Further investigations revealed that the combination improved key enzyme activities associated with hydrolysis and SCFAs formation, while inhibiting SCFAs consumption. The combination also altered microbial structures and compositions, leading to the enrichment of key microbes that facilitate SCFAs accumulation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)