Article
Environmental Sciences
German Tortosa, Antonio J. Fernandez-Gonzalez, Ana V. Lasa, Elisabet Aranda, Fernando Torralbo, Carmen Gonzalez-Murua, Manuel Fernandez-Lopez, Emilio Benitez, Eulogio J. Bedmar
Summary: RNA-based high-throughput sequencing was used to study the implication of metabolically active bacteria in alperujo composting, revealing the thermophilic phase as the most active stage. The main phyla in composts were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. Some genera decreased throughout the process while others proliferated only at thermophilic or maturation phase.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Marcos V. Caiafa, Amelia R. Nelson, Thomas Borch, Holly K. Roth, Timothy S. Fegel, Charles C. Rhoades, Michael J. Wilkins, Sydney I. Glassman
Summary: Lodgepole pine forests are facing threats from increasing severity and frequency of wildfires and tree mortality from insect outbreaks. Soil microbial communities, which are essential for the survival and regeneration of these forests, are influenced by fire severity and soil depth, and their recovery over time is not yet fully understood.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Fang Tian, CaiE Wu, Xiaohong Kou, Gongjian Fan, Tingting Li
Summary: The high-quality sequences of stored and harvested Ginkgo biloba seed samples were obtained using Illumina sequencing technology, showing that the fungal communities in stored samples are richer and more diverse, with a higher potential risk of seed mold and decay.
Article
Agronomy
Wenying Yang, Mengjie Zhang, Fengbin Song, Shengqun Liu, Xiangnan Li, Xiancan Zhu
Summary: The black soil region of northeast China serves as a crucial production base for commercial grain. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were found to vary in diversity and composition between farmland and woodland in this region, with soil pH, invertase, nitrogen, phosphorus, and soil organic carbon (SOC) contents influencing their community composition. The study also showed a decrease in AMF diversity with higher levels of SOC and phosphorus in the soil.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Qi Zhao, Manrui Zhang, Zexuan Wu, Yinsheng Li, Jibao Jiang, Jiangping Qiu
Summary: This study aims to investigate the dynamics of earthworm gut microbiota during vermicomposting. The results showed that the dynamics of foregut and hindgut bacteria differed in terms of diversity, composition, and structure, which were related to changes in nutrient provision. Day 3 was a crucial turning point, with little overlap in abundant bacteria between the foregut and hindgut. At the end of vermicomposting, a stable bacterial structure appeared in the hindgut, while the foregut exhibited a more muddled structure. Understanding the dynamics of earthworm gut microbiota is essential for improving the efficiency of organic waste vermicomposting.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Kadri Runnel, Rein Drenkhan, Kalev Adamson, Piret Lohmus, Katrin Rosenvald, Raul Rosenvald, Elisabeth Rahn, Leho Tedersoo
Summary: Understanding the distribution of biodiversity in forest landscapes is key for conservation management planning. This study used DNA metabarcoding to assess wood-inhabiting fungi in high-productivity forests, finding that older stands had higher fungal diversity and emphasizing the importance of dead wood volume and landscape habitat connectivity for fungal diversity.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Yibin Yang, Jingjin Xia, Yongtao Liu, Jing Dong, Ning Xu, Qiuhong Yang, Shun Zhou, Xiaohui Ai
Summary: This study assessed the effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on the microbiota in tanks with various freshwater fish species. It was found that the addition of B. amyloliquefaciens reduced levels of certain pollutants in the water, but also altered the bacterial diversity in the tanks.
AQUACULTURE REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Feiyu An, Huijun Sun, Junrui Wu, Chunyan Zhao, Tong Li, Heting Huang, Qiang Fang, Endong Mu, Rina Wu
Summary: This study reveals the microbial diversity in pickles from Northeast China, showing differences in microbial communities in pickles from different sources, influenced by external conditions and manufacturing processes. The study provides insights into traditional fermented foods and potential guidance for isolating excellent fermented strains.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. Fabiola Pulido-Chavez, James W. J. Randolph, Cassandra Zalman, Loralee Larios, Peter M. M. Homyak, Sydney I. I. Glassman
Summary: The rise in wildfire frequency and severity has increased interest in secondary succession, especially the role of soil microbial communities. However, lack of immediate post-fire measurements and high temporal resolution has hindered our understanding of microbial secondary succession. To address this gap, this study sampled soils at different time points after a California wildfire and found that fire severely reduced bacterial and fungal biomass and richness. The burned microbial communities experienced rapid succession driven by fire-loving microbes, with implications for ecosystem function.
Article
Soil Science
Wenying Yang, Shuxin Li, Xiaoli Wang, Fulai Liu, Xiangnan Li, Xiancan Zhu
Summary: The study explored the distribution and diversity of AMF communities in the black land of northeast China, finding that diversity increased with latitude and was influenced by latitude, soil organic matter, soil pH, and nitrogen. Soil properties and geographic distance both played a role in shaping the structure of AMF communities in the region.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Marta Brygida Kujawska, Maria Rudawska, Robin Wilgan, Tomasz Leski
Summary: This study compared the soil fungal communities in protected and managed stands in European mixed forests dominated by Scots pine, focusing on different functional/trophic groups. Results showed that the transformation of fungal diversity after cessation of forest management is slow, and both managed forests and forest reserves help uphold fungal diversity.
Article
Microbiology
Xueying Wang, Guixiang Li, Yuxin Zhang, Keming Ma
Summary: The study found significant differences in soil fungal community composition above and below the treeline, with geographic distance and environmental factors influencing the composition. Soil temperature was identified as an important environmental predictor for soil fungal community composition. Species in the subalpine meadow soil fungal communities were more closely related to each other compared to those in the montane forest, with the latter showing greater stability. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how mountain ecological functions respond to global climate change.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Svenja Koepper, Shannon Kelley, Krishna Kumar Thakur, K. Fraser Clark
Summary: This study investigates the shell microbiome of native Atlantic rock crabs and invasive European green crabs, finding differences in microbial composition between different locations and host species. The differences between species at the same location are greater than between locations for the same species. These results suggest that crustaceans have an impact on their shell microbiome and may select beneficial microbes. This is the first study to reveal the connection between the crustacean shell microbiome and geographical and intrinsic factors specific to host species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Giorgia Pertile, Krzysztof Lamorski, Andrzej Bieganowski, Patrycja Boguta, Malgorzata Brzezinska, Cezary Polakowski, Kamil Skic, Zofia Sokolowska, Piotr Baranowski, Bartlomiej Gackiewicz, Agnieszka Rutkowska, Pawel Trzcinski, Lidia Sas-Paszt, Magdalena Frac
Summary: The addition of fungal strains to urea fertiliser improves the structure and function of soil microbial communities, mitigating the negative effects of urea on the environment. Fungi can protect or even enhance the state of soil macropores, which are crucial for microbial communication in the soil environment.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marija Kovacevic, Nikolina Stjepanovic, Salsabil Trigui, Davorka K. Hackenberger, Zeljka Loncaric, Olga Jovanovic Glavas, Amjad Kallel, Branimir K. Hackenberger
Summary: In recent years, there has been significant attention given to the environmental impact of olive mill waste. However, there is still limited knowledge about the effects of olive mill wastewater and contaminated soil on non-target soil organisms. This study investigated the effects of these wastes on the survival, reproduction, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and available energy of the springtail F. candida. The results showed that the contaminated soil had higher toxicity compared to the wastewater, affecting survival and reproduction. Additionally, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and changes in available energy were observed. These negative effects are likely due to the high phenol content in the wastes. The findings suggest that different biomarkers should be considered in the ecotoxicological assessment of various wastes to understand their mechanisms of action.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adrian Bozal-Leorri, Mario Corrochano-Monsalve, Luis M. Arregui, Pedro M. Aparicio-Tejo, Carmen Gonzalez-Murua
Summary: Agriculture has increased the release of reactive nitrogen in the environment. Practices like the use of stabilized-fertilisers and cover crops have been adopted to reduce nitrogen losses. The study found that sorghum cover crops may not be effective in mitigating nitrogen losses in the subsequent crop, while the addition of DMPP can prevent the growth of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and maintain N2O emissions at low levels in both rotations.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ines Terwayet Bayouli, Tatiana Robledo-Mahon, Erik Meers, Concepcion Calvo, Elisabet Aranda
Summary: This study assessed the uptake of heavy metals and metalloids by Lygeum spartum Loefl. ex L. and identified its associated microbiota for potential phytoremediation use. The results showed efficient uptake of As, Pb, and Zn by the plant and enhanced antioxidative response. Two bacterial species with potential bioremediation capability were identified among the bacterial isolates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Alejandro Ledezma-Villanueva, Tatiana Robledo-Mahon, Cinta Gomez-Silvan, Gabriela Angeles-De Paz, Clementina Pozo, Maximino Manzanera, Concepcion Calvo, Elisabet Aranda
Summary: Emerging and unregulated contaminants in soils can be treated through bioremediation using native microorganisms. Enrichment experiments have shown that certain fungi and bacteria have the capability to degrade pollutants, indicating their potential use in tailored bioremediation techniques.
Article
Agronomy
Fernando Torralbo, Dara Boardman, James H. Houx III, Felix B. Fritschi
Summary: Urea is commonly used as a nitrogen fertilizer, but its nitrogen can be easily lost through various processes. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) are designed to minimize nitrogen losses and maximize plant uptake. However, the effectiveness of EEFs varies depending on environmental conditions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gabriela Angeles-de Paz, Alejandro Ledezma-Villanueva, Tatiana Robledo-Mahon, Clementina Pozo, Concepcion Calvo, Elisabet Aranda, Jessica Purswani
Summary: The paper proposes a novel way to obtain an effective multi-domain coculture that can degrade multiple pharmaceutical compounds simultaneously. By investigating seven microorganisms isolated from sewage sludge and using the BSocial analysis web tool, artificial cocultures were established and ranked based on their degradation performance. The minimal active microbial consortia consisting of Penicillium spp., Cladosporium cladosporoides, and coexisting bacteria showed the highest performance (>80% degradation) in transforming the pharmaceutical active compounds to derivative molecules with low ecotoxicity.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Josefa M. Alamillo, Cristina M. Lopez, Felix J. Martinez Rivas, Fernando Torralbo, Mustafa Bulut, Saleh Alseekh
Summary: CRISPR/Cas gene editing is a powerful tool in crop genetic improvement. The combination of omics technologies allows for the identification of key genes, but the lack of efficient protocols for crop engineering remains a challenge. Hairy roots gene editing using CRISPR/Cas, coupled with omics analyses, provides a platform for rapid and precise functional analysis of genes. This article describes the requirements for efficient crop genome editing, focusing on recalcitrant legume transformation, and highlights the opportunities that gene editing in hairy roots offers for future crop improvement.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Cristina Ma Lopez, Saleh Alseekh, Fernando Torralbo, Felix J. Martinez Rivas, Alisdair R. Fernie, Francisco Amil-Ruiz, Josefa M. Alamillo
Summary: This study investigates the molecular response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), an important legume crop, to water deficit. The results show that plants grown under symbiotic nitrogen fixation exhibit better drought tolerance and higher levels of metabolites such as ureides, abscisic acid, proline, raffinose, amino acids, sphingolipids, and triacylglycerols compared to plants fertilized with nitrate. Additionally, nitrogen-fixing plants recover better from drought stress.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Pedro J. Pacheco, Eulogio J. Bedmar, Socorro Mesa, German Tortosa, Maria J. Delgado
Summary: This study investigated the denitrification genes in Ensifer meliloti and the nitrous oxide (N2O) production capacity of alfalfa root nodules. The results showed that alfalfa root nodules emit N2O during denitrification. Overexpression of a gene called Nap improved nodulation competitiveness and induced higher N2O emissions from nodules. Bacteroidal N2OR and NIR activities are regulated by copper and can be considered as effective targets for reducing N2O emissions from alfalfa crops.
Article
Agronomy
Adrian Bozal-Leorri, Luis Miguel Arregui, Fernando Torralbo, Ma Begona Gonzalez-Moro, Carmen Gonzalez-Murua, Pedro Aparicio-Tejo
Summary: Sorghum plants can exude allelochemicals with biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) capacity, which can reduce N pollution. However, the rate of BNI exudation may be modified by abiotic stresses such as drought.
Article
Microbiology
Neila Hkiri, Dario R. R. Olicon-Hernandez, Clementina Pozo, Chedly Chouchani, Nedra Asses, Elisabet Aranda
Summary: Multi-contamination of organic pollutants and toxic metals is a common issue in human and industrial environments. This study investigates the ability of five fungal strains previously isolated in Tunisia to simultaneously remove and detoxify phenanthrene (PHE) and benzo[a]anthracene (BAA), as well as heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag). The results show that the tested fungi can effectively degrade PHE and BAA, but the presence of heavy metals affects the degradation rate of BAA. The fungi also demonstrate high efficacy in removing Zn and Cu, and transmission electron microscopy confirms the involvement of bioaccumulation and biosorption processes in fungal heavy metal removal. Environmental toxicological assays indicate that simultaneous removal of PAHs and heavy metals results in detoxification. These findings suggest that the tested fungi can be applied in the remediation of sites contaminated with both PAHs and heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
G. Angeles-de Paz, R. Leon-Morcillo, S. Guzman, T. Robledo-Mahon, C. Pozo, C. Calvo, E. Aranda
Summary: Around 143,000 chemicals are present in wastewater treatment plants in the European Union, with low efficiency in their removal. A coupled biological technology using bioaugmentation and composting was successfully tested for the degradation of pharmaceutical active compounds and reduction of toxicity. This system showed better performance in degrading micropollutants and producing safer compost compared to traditional composting processes.
Article
Agronomy
Andres Perez-San Martin, German Tortosa, Aixa Gonzalez, Susana Cayunao, Gustavo Curaqueo
Summary: Circular economy approaches are needed for the generation of organic waste in aquaculture worldwide. The revalorization of wastes in the Chilean salmon industry has the potential to improve soil quality. Research on the thermo-drying process of salmon sludge shows that dried sludges have reduced salinity, ammonium content, and pathogens compared to wet sludges, while retaining the organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and humic and fulvic substances. However, the high salinity in dried sludges inhibits seed germination, suggesting caution in their use.
ARCHIVES OF AGRONOMY AND SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Rachel Porter, Anja Cernosa, Paola Fernandez-Sanmartin, Antonio Martinez Cortizas, Elisabet Aranda, Yonglun Luo, Polona Zalar, Matejka Podlogar, Nina Gunde-Cimerman, Cene Gostincar
Summary: This study reports the isolation and characterization of two fungal strains with the potential to degrade pure polypropylene (PP). The selected fungi, Coniochaeta hoffmannii and Pleurostoma richardsiae, showed activity against pure PP and exhibited distinct differences in the bonds targeted during degradation. Whole genome and transcriptome sequencing revealed potential adaptations of these strains to hydrocarbon-rich environments. This research provides a foundation for further investigation of PP degrading activity in C. hoffmannii and P. richardsiae.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yinping Xiang, Meiying Jia, Rui Xu, Jialu Xu, Lele He, Haihao Peng, Weimin Sun, Dongbo Wang, Weiping Xiong, Zhaohui Yang
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the non-antibiotic pharmaceutical carbamazepine on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during anaerobic digestion. The results showed that carbamazepine induced the enrichment of ARGs and increased the abundance of bacteria carrying these genes. It also facilitated microbial aggregation and intercellular communication, leading to an increased frequency of ARGs transmission. Moreover, carbamazepine promoted the acquisition of ARGs by pathogens and elevated their overall abundance.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Weixin Zhao, Tianyi Hu, Hao Ma, Dan Li, Qingliang Zhao, Junqiu Jiang, Liangliang Wei
Summary: This review summarizes the effects and potential mechanisms of biochar on microbial behavior in AD systems. The addition of biochar has been found to promote microbial colonization, alleviate stress, provide nutrients, and enhance enzyme activity. Future research directions include targeted design of biochar, in-depth study of microbial mechanisms, and improved models.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Christina Karmann, Anna Magrova, Pavel Jenicek, Jan Bartacek, Vojtech Kouba
Summary: This review assesses nitrogen removal technologies in reject water treatment, highlighting the differences in environmental impacts and economic benefits. Partial nitritation-anammox shows potential for economic benefits and positive environmental outcomes when operated and controlled properly.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wei-Hao Huang, Ying-Ju Chang, Duu-Jong Lee
Summary: This study modified pinecone biochar with layered double hydroxide (LDH) to enhance its adsorption capacity for heavy metal and phosphate ions. The LDH-biochar showed significantly improved adsorption capacities for Pb2+ and phosphate, and a slight increase for Cu2+ and Co2+. The LDH layer enhanced the adsorption through various mechanisms.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chao Song, Fanfan Cai, Shuang Yang, Ligong Wang, Guangqing Liu, Chang Chen
Summary: This paper developed a machine learning model to predict the biochemical methane potential during anaerobic digestion. Model analysis identified lignin content, organic loading, and nitrogen content as key attributes for methane production prediction. For feedstocks with high cellulose content, early methane production is lower but can be improved by prolonging digestion time. Moreover, lignin content exceeding a certain value significantly inhibits methane production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sang Min Lee, Ju Young Lee, Ji-Sook Hahn, Seung-Ho Baek
Summary: This study successfully developed an efficient platform strain using Yarrowia lipolytica for the bioconversion of renewable resources into adipic acid, achieving a remarkable increase in production level.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sefkan Kendir, Matthias Franzreb
Summary: This study presents a novel approach using magnetic separation to efficiently harvest freshwater microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris. By combining pH-induced calcium phosphate precipitation with cheap natural magnetite microparticles, harvesting efficiencies up to 98% were achieved in the model medium.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ishaq Kariim, Ji-Yeon Park, Wajahat Waheed Kazmi, Hulda Swai, In-Gu Lee, Thomas Kivevele
Summary: The impact of reaction temperature, residence time, and ethanol: acetone on the energy compositions and yield enhancement of biocrudes was investigated. The results showed that under appropriate conditions, biocrudes with high energy and low oxygen content can be obtained, indicating a high potential for utilization.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiyue Zhang, Xiyao Li, Liang Zhang, Yongzhen Peng
Summary: Intermittent aeration is an innovative approach to enhance nitrogen removal in low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio municipal sewage, providing an efficient strategy for the continuous plug-flow AOA process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xu Yang, Mahmoud Mazarji, Mengtong Li, Aohua Li, Ronghua Li, Zengqiang Zhang, Junting Pan
Summary: This study investigated the impact of magnetite on the nitrogen cycle of pig manure biostabilisation. The addition of magnetite increased N2O emissions and decreased NH3 emissions during composting. It also increased the total nitrogen content but should be considered for its significant increase in N2O emissions in engineering practice.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Ty Shitanaka, Haylee Fujioka, Muzammil Khan, Manpreet Kaur, Zhi-Yan Du, Samir Kumar Khanal
Summary: The market value of microalgae has exponentially increased in the past two decades, thanks to their applications in various industries. However, the supply of high-value microalgal bioproducts is limited due to several factors, and strategies are being explored to overcome these limitations and improve microalgae production, thus increasing the availability of algal-derived bioproducts in the market.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Martin Kerner, Thorsten Wolff, Torsten Brinkmann
Summary: The efficiency of using enriched CO2 from flue gas for large-scale production of green microalgae has been studied. The results show that the use of membrane devices and static mixers can effectively improve the CO2 recovery rate and maintain the suitable pH and temperature during cultivation, achieving a more economical and sustainable microalgae production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rui Ma, Ji Li, Rd Tyagi, Xiaolei Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the microorganisms capable of using CO2 and CH4 to produce PHAs, illustrating the production process, factors influencing it, and discussing optimization techniques. It identifies the challenges and future prospects for developing economically viable PHAs production using GHGs as a carbon source.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Bing Wang, Peng Zhang, Xu Guo, Xu Bao, Junjie Tian, Guomin Li, Jian Zhang
Summary: The addition of zeolite in the co-composting of chicken manure and straw significantly reduced the emissions of ammonia and N2O, and increased the nitrate content. Zeolite also promoted the abundance of nitrification genes and inhibited the expression of denitrification genes.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rohit Dey, Franziska Ortiz Tena, Song Wang, Josef Martin Messmann, Christian Steinweg, Claudia Thomsen, Clemens Posten, Stefan Leu, Matthias S. Ullrich, Laurenz Thomsen
Summary: This study investigated the operation of a 1000L microalgae-based membrane photobioreactor system for continuous secondary wastewater treatment. The research focused on a green microalgae strain called Desmodesmus sp. The study aimed to understand key trends and optimization strategies by conducting experiments in both summer and winter seasons. The findings showed that maintaining low cell concentrations during periods of light inhibition was beneficial for nutrient uptake rates. Effective strategies for enhancing algae-based wastewater treatment included cell mass recycling and adjusting dilution rates based on light availability.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
