Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shanshan Meng, Tao Peng, Hui Wang, Tongwang Huang, Ji-Dong Gu, Zhong Hu
Summary: This study investigated the distribution and abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, complete ammonia oxidizers, and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in mangrove ecosystems. The results showed that different primers had varying efficiency in detecting and characterizing specific bacterial groups in mangrove sediments. Additionally, diverse and abundant novel nitrifying bacteria were found in the mangrove sediments.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Clara Reino, Julian Carrera
Summary: The study focused on the performance of partial nitritation process under mainstream conditions, revealing that changes in SRT, DO concentration, and temperature have a significant impact on the development of nitrifying community, especially the dynamics of NOB population. Long-term exposure to low temperature and subsequent temperature variability influenced the competitiveness among nitrifiers and the growth of species previously undetected.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shuai Li, Jialin Li, Shenhua Yang, Qiong Zhang, Xiyao Li, Liang Zhang, Yongzhen Peng
Summary: This study developed a novel strategy to achieve partial nitrification by selectively enriching ammonium oxidizing bacteria without the need for additional chemical agents. By controlling aeration time, the study successfully eliminated AOB and NOB, while maintaining high nitrite accumulation rates in effluent suitable for mainstream wastewater anammox.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuan Gao, Kun Yang, Daohui Lin
Summary: The presence of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) affects the interfacial interaction between titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO(2)) and algae, promoting surface accumulation of nanoparticles on algal cells while limiting their internalization. The different endocytosis pathways for anatase nTiO(2) and rutile nTiO(2) entering algal cells may be attributed to their affinities to mediating receptors. EPS removal activates mediating pathways, facilitating more nanoparticle internalization.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianran Ye, Ao Yang, Yulai Wang, Na Song, Ping Wang, Huacheng Xu
Summary: This study investigates the response of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in Microcystis aeruginosa to microplastics (MPs). The results show that MPs can inhibit the growth of Microcystis, but enhance the secretion of EPS. The organic composition in EPS varies differently in response to MP exposure, leading to changes in the dominant components and potential ecotoxicological risk. These findings contribute to our understanding of the interaction between phytoplankton and MPs in aquatic environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ping Sun, Ziting Zhao, Pingshan Fan, Wei Chen, Yunze Ruan, Qing Wang
Summary: The combined application of biochar and NPK fertilizer has a positive effect on improving soil nitrification by affecting communities of AOB and NOB in rhizosphere soil. These new revelations, especially as they related to understudied NOB, can be used to increase efficiency of agricultural land and resource management.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
You Ma, Tian -Yu Li, Han Meng, Guo-Xiang Wang, Li-Min Zhang, Guo-Zheng Jia, Jie Ma, Yan Xiao, Wei-Hua Li, Wen-Ming Xie
Summary: This study investigated the adsorption of the antibiotic trimethoprim (TMP) by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in anaerobic activated sludge. The results showed that loosely-bound EPS had a positive effect on TMP adsorption, while tightly-bound EPS had a negative effect.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katarina Lydia Friedrich, Aline dos Reis Souza, Ronaldo Fia, Cintia Dutra Leal, Juliana Calabria de Araujo, Luciene Alves Batista Siniscalchi
Summary: The study evaluated nitratation under high dissolved oxygen concentrations in laboratory-scale bioreactors, showing that oxygen saturation improved the nitratation step and allowed detection of bacterial genera involved in the process.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qing-Long Fu, Chun-Jie Zhong, Ting Qing, Zi-Yan Du, Cheng-Cheng-Li, Jun-Jie Fei, Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg
Summary: The study found that the biological impacts of metallic Ag-NPs and silver sulfide nanparticles (Ag2S-NPs) depend on their form and are highly influenced by microbial EPS. Compared to Ag-NPs, Ag2S-NPs have less impact on plants, while Bacillus subtilis EPS significantly alleviates the phytotoxicity of Ag-NPs.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ming Zhang, Caroline L. Peacock, Peng Cai, Ke-Qing Xiao, Chenchen Qu, Yichao Wu, Qiaoyun Huang
Summary: Recent research has shown that microbially-derived compounds, particularly extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), play a significant role in the soil organic matter pool. The interaction between EPS and soil minerals affects the sorption and selective retention of EPS constituents. The study investigates the EPS association pathways with ferrihydrite and their impact on the mobility and fate of microbially-derived organic matter in soil environments.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Daehee Choi, Thanh Phuong To, Wonsang Yun, Dongjin Ju, Keugtae Kim, Jinyoung Jung
Summary: This study investigated the optimal conditions for partial nitritation in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) using real reject water. The hydraulic retention time (HRT) and influent alkalinity (HCO3-)/NH4+-N ratio were found to be the major factors influencing the partial nitritation efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoying Liu, Jie Liu, Dongkun Deng, Renjie Li, Chao Guo, Jinxia Ma, Ming Chen
Summary: The study revealed a positive correlation between EPS content and sludge granulation, with increased protein concentration facilitating microbial aggregation and sludge granulation. Environmental factors affect the properties of EPS, with different types of sludge generating varying levels of EPS and protein concentrations.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tao He, Jing-Qiu Hua, Rong-Ping Chen, Lei Yu
Summary: This study explored the adsorption capacity of Klebsiella oxytoca, a dye-degrading and EPS-producing strain, to methylene blue. The results showed that EPS played a significant role in the adsorption of MB dye.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Pengfei Wan, Ying Liu, Quandi Zhang, Li Jiang, Heping Chen, Wenzhou Lv
Summary: Candida Tropicalis was used to improve the dewaterability of activated sludge (AS) by degrading EPS in AS, resulting in a decrease in protein, polysaccharide, and hydrophilic amino acids in EPS. The yeast degraded macromolecular organics into smaller molecular ones and direct addition of yeast to AS was more effective in EPS degradation. Addition of 0.75 g/L of wet yeast cells and 24 h of aeration enhanced the dewaterability of AS with a reduction in CST and MLSS. After 30 days of operation, lab-scale continuous SBRs reduced CST and MLSS of AS. FTIR spectroscopy showed a decrease in hydrophilic functional groups. This study presents a new approach for in-situ reduction of AS in wastewater treatment plants.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Monika Priyadarshanee, Surajit Das, Vandana
Summary: Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are highly hydrated matrices produced by bacteria, containing various polymers such as polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and DNA. EPS contributes to physical stability and nutrition acquisition for bacteria. Specific glycosyltransferases, polymerase, and transporter proteins encoded by operons regulate the biosynthesis of different EPS in bacteria. EPS can interact with environmental pollutants through functional groups, such as carbonyl, hydroxyl, phosphoryl, and amide, and bind pollutants through hydrophobic interactions and coordinate bonds. EPS can enhance the degradation of organic compounds and bind heavy metals via complexation, surface adsorption, precipitation, and ion exchange mechanisms. The biodegradability and nontoxicity of EPS make it a promising biopolymer for environmental pollutant decontamination.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Anika B. Asha, Yi-Yang Peng, Qiuli Cheng, Kazuhiko Ishihara, Yang Liu, Ravin Narain
Summary: The rapid accumulation of dead bacteria or protein on a bactericidal surface can reduce its effectiveness and alter its biocidal activity. Therefore, developing a self-cleaning surface is crucial. In this project, a sugar-responsive self-cleaning coating has been developed, which can kill attached microbials and release dead cells and foulants.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yingdi Zhang, Bing Guo, Hongyu Dang, Lei Zhang, Huijuan Sun, Najiaowa Yu, Yao Tang, Yang Liu
Summary: The study found that adding granular activated carbon to the reactor can increase the total chemical oxygen demand removal rate when treating municipal sewage at ambient temperature. In addition to GAC addition, external engineering operational factors also play an important role in controlling microbial communities. When designing and using DIET-based AD reactors in the future, key engineering parameters should be considered comprehensively.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yun Zhou, Ran Li, Bing Guo, Siqing Xia, Yang Liu, Bruce E. Rittmann
Summary: The study found that a COD/TN ratio of 20 g COD/g N in the oxygen-based membrane biofilm reactor resulted in efficient removal of LAS, COD, NH4+ - N, and TN, as well as promoted the biodegradation of LAS and nitrogen by bacteria, protecting microbial physiological functions, and achieving stable and efficient simultaneous removal of organics and nitrogen.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xin Zou, Mengjiao Gao, Abdul Mohammed, Yang Liu
Summary: The role of different ammonia concentrations in an aerobic granular sludge reactor was investigated, focusing on nitrogen metabolic pathways, microbial community, and specific microbial activity. Heterotrophic ammonia oxidizing bacteria (HAOB) had higher ammonia oxidation rates (AORs) than autotrophic ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AAOB) under certain conditions. The study proposed that the inhibition of heterotrophic bacteria by free ammonia (FA) may contribute to the development of the autotrophic ammonia oxidation pathway and enrichment of AAOB.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yingdi Zhang, Najiaowa Yu, Bing Guo, Abdul Mohammed, Lei Zhang, Yang Liu
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility of municipal sewage treatment in laboratory-scale up-flow anaerobic sludge blankets. The results showed that the conductive-amended treatment was more effective in enhancing reactor performance compared to the non-conductive treatment. The enrichment of functional microbial communities and the positive impacts of biofilm on suspended sludge played key roles in improving biomethane recovery.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Anqi Mou, Najiaowa Yu, Huijuan Sun, Yang Liu
Summary: The impacts of granular activated carbon (GAC) spatial distributions in up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors treating wastewater with different solid contents were evaluated in this study. The results showed that the addition of self-floating GAC performed the best in treating high solid-content wastewater, while settled + self-floating GAC reactor achieved optimal results for medium and low solid-content wastewater. The spatial distribution of microbial communities varied in reactors with settled GAC and floating GAC.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinru Li, Xiaohan Zhang, Yanming Zhang, Yubin Su, Yangming Hu, Hai Huang, Yang Liu, Maochang Liu
Summary: The synthesis of nanosized polystyrene microspheres with good uniformity, strong absorptivity, and controllable size has been reported. The nanofluid can effectively reduce interfacial tension and alter wettability, making it favorable for chemical enhanced oil recovery. The fluidic properties of the nanofluid were investigated through core flooding experiments and NMR tests, showing the potential for deep fluid diversion and oil displacement by regulating its behavior.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Huijuan Sun, Xinya Yang, Lei Zhang, Yang Liu
Summary: This study investigated the effect of protein content on calcium phosphate precipitation and methane production in anaerobic digestion. Results showed that the degradation of amino acids led to pH increase and triggered the precipitation of calcium phosphate. Addition of 25% bovine serum albumin to the wastewater created a favorable microbial community, resulting in a methane production rate of 82.7%. The prevalence of Synergistetes and Methanosaeta indicated that methane was mainly produced through acetate utilization.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yingdi Zhang, Lei Zhang, Huijuan Sun, Yiyang Yuan, Yang Liu
Summary: Granular activated carbon (GAC) has been found to play a significant role in improving anaerobic digestion (AD) through its conductive properties and surface functional groups. The addition of GAC stimulates the biosynthesis of extracellular microbial secretions, which act as essential nutrients and enhance COD removal and methane production in AD. Furthermore, the GAC-stimulated microbial extracellular secretions improve methane production rate without causing a significant shift in microbial community.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongyu Dang, Najiaowa Yu, Yingdi Zhang, Lei Zhang, Yang Liu
Summary: Methane recovery in UASB reactors can be improved by adjusting operational factors such as temperature, organic loading rate, and the addition of GAC. This study analyzed data collected from seven UASB reactors and batch tests to understand the impacts of these factors on microbial communities. Temperature and reactor types were found to be the most important factors, with the addition of GAC also having a significant impact. The study identified potential functional communities for AD and demonstrated the relationship between operational configurations, reactor performance, and microbial community dynamics.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengjiao Gao, Hongyu Dang, Xin Zou, Najiaowa Yu, Hengbo Guo, Yiduo Yao, Yang Liu
Summary: The addition of granular activated carbon (GAC) in anammox reactors significantly shortened the enrichment time and improved the nitrogen removal efficiency. GAC likely enhanced the oxidation reaction, increased the concentration of signal molecules, and promoted the growth of microorganisms.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mostafa Khalil, Ahmed Alsayed, Yang Liu, Peter A. Vanrolleghem
Summary: This study develops a comprehensive approach for using machine learning to perform online process modeling of N2O emissions, providing operators with the insights needed for informed corrective actions. By employing feature selection and parametric multivariate outlier removal methods, the complexity and data collection cost of modeling are reduced without significant effect on accuracy. The highest performing models are kNN, AdaBoost, and DNN.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengjiao Gao, Xin Zou, Hongyu Dang, Abdul Nayeem Mohammed, Sen Yang, Yun Zhou, Yiduo Yao, Hengbo Guo, Yang Liu
Summary: Enriching anaerobic ammonium oxidation bacteria (anammox) in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) achieved a total nitrogen removal rate of 1.22 kg N/m3/ day over 280 days. Interactions between quorum sensing (QS) and microbial community development were observed, with Acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) detected in the MBR effluent. Adding 0.1 μM C8-HSL increased the specific anammox activity (SAA) of the biomass.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sandra Ukaigwe, Yingdi Zhang, Korris Lee, Yang Liu
Summary: Membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) technology has gained acceptance in wastewater treatment due to its operational advantages, but challenges in biofilm thickness control still persist. This study focused on managing biofilm thickness through intermittent membrane cleaning based on dissolved oxygen concentration, leading to stable performance over 185 days. MABR demonstrated high removal efficiencies for organic carbon and ammonia nitrogen in municipal wastewater treatment, with a protocol recommended for biofilm thickness management to prevent performance upsets commonly caused by biofilm detachment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xin Zou, Yun Zhou, Mengjiao Gao, Sen Yang, Abdul Mohammed, Yang Liu
Summary: This study effectively suppressed N2O emissions in the treatment of ammonia rich wastewater by altering the frequency of aerobic/anoxic phases. Increasing the number of aerobic phases resulted in a significant reduction of N2O emissions. Aerobic phases contributed more to the total N2O emissions compared to anoxic phases. Furthermore, N2O emissions were positively correlated with nitrite accumulation and negatively correlated with the nosZ/(nirK+nirS) gene ratio.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(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)
