Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yajing Wu, Huicong Yan, Xiaomin Zhu, Congcong Liu, Chiheng Chu, Xiaoying Zhu, Baoliang Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effects of biochar on the conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). It was found that biochar pyrolyzed at higher temperatures had a stronger inhibitory effect on the transfer of ARGs. This inhibition was primarily caused by down-regulation of plasmid transfer gene expression and decreased cell membrane permeability due to restricted ATP energy supply. On the other hand, coating biochar with fulvic acid weakened this inhibitory effect by providing more ATP and enhancing intracellular reactive oxygen species defense.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jing Fang, Liang Jin, Qingkang Meng, Shengdao Shan, Dengjun Wang, Daohui Lin
Summary: Biochar can significantly inhibit the transformation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) by dissolving and adsorbing plasmids, hindering their transfer into bacteria. This inhibitory effect is more pronounced at higher pyrolysis temperatures, with BC solids playing a key role in the process.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaomei Liu, Dan Wang, Lan Wang, Jingchun Tang
Summary: The addition of dissolved biochar effectively weakened or eliminated the Cu(II)-facilitated efficient transfer of ARGs. The transfer efficiency was entirely inhibited when the Cu(II) concentration exceeded 0.5 mg/L. Factors such as complex formation between Cu(II) and humic acidlike components and promotion of low molecule organic matters dominated the transfer efficiency.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nachiket P. Marathe, Didrik H. Grevskott, Francisco Salva-Serra, Priyank S. Nimje, Cecilie S. Svanevik, Bjorn Tore Lunestad, Edward R. B. Moore
Summary: This study found clinically-important multidrug-resistant conjugative plasmids in seawater samples from Bergen harbor. These plasmids carry various resistance genes and virulence factors, posing a potential risk of transmission to human microbiota. The results highlight the need for surveillance of antibiotic resistance, as suggested by the World Health Organization, even in low prevalence settings like Norway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongyu Shi, Xinyi Hu, Jiang Xu, Baolan Hu, Liping Ma, Liping Lou
Summary: Soil is the main reservoir of antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes. The impact of soil components on bacterial conjugative transfer and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaobo Yang, Yuanyuan Niu, Yutong Yang, Hongrui Zhou, Jing Li, Xinyue Fu, Zhiqiang Shen, Jingfeng Wang, Zhigang Qiu
Summary: Conjugative plasmids can be transferred horizontally in bacteria, contributing to the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes. This study reveals that the hormone estradiol can promote the transfer of plasmids in Enterococcus faecalis, increasing antibiotic resistance. It is suggested that estradiol activates the pheromone signaling cascade and directly binds to the pheromone receptor, enhancing plasmid transfer and antibiotic resistance.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yingying Zha, Ziwei Li, Zheng Zhong, Yiming Ruan, Lili Sun, Fangfang Zuo, Liangzhong Li, Sen Hou
Summary: In this study, the influence of polystyrene micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) on gene transfer was investigated. It was found that the effect of MNPs on gene transfer was dependent on their size, with small MNPs causing a fluctuation in gene transfer efficiency, moderate-sized MNPs increasing gene transfer efficiency, and large MNPs having minimal impact. Furthermore, the gene transfer efficiency could be further enhanced by optimizing mating time and ratio.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
An-Ni Zhang, Jeffry M. Gaston, Chengzhen L. Dai, Shijie Zhao, Mathilde Poyet, Mathieu Groussin, Xiaole Yin, Li-Guan Li, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Edward Topp, Michael R. Gillings, William P. Hanage, James M. Tiedje, Katya Moniz, Eric J. Alm, Tong Zhang
Summary: Antibiotic resistance genes are common among bacteria, but not all pose high risks to human health. Researchers have developed an omics-based framework to rank these genes by risk, taking into account their enrichment in human associated environments, gene mobility, and host pathogenicity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yi Xu, Jialin Liu, Guoxiang You, Zijun Yang, Lingzhan Miao, Jun Wu, Guang Yang, Jun Hou
Summary: This study developed dual-function tannin-based flocculants with enhanced flocculation-sterilization properties and examined their impacts on bacterial proliferation and transformation of antibiotic resistance genes during the flocculation-deposition process. The results showed that the tannin-based flocculants exhibited remarkable flocculation and sterilization capacities towards bacteria. The frequencies of antibiotic resistance genes transfer were increased in bacterial flocs, which was attributed to bacterial aggregation, enhanced cell membrane permeability, stress response, and up-regulated genes encoding plasmid transfer.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hu Li, Ruiying Song, Yangyang Wang, Rongwei Zhong, Ying Zhang, Jian Zhou, Tiecheng Wang, Hanzhong Jia, Lingyan Zhu
Summary: This study successfully inactivated ARB, eliminated ARGs, and inhibited the transfer of ARGs using surface plasma, with the addition of NO3-, Cu2+, and Fe2+ found to promote these processes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingbao Feng, Chengsong Ye, Shengqi Zhang, Virender K. Sharma, Kyriakos Manoli, Xin Yu
Summary: This study demonstrates that bisphenol S and bisphenol AF can accelerate the spread of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria, which may have implications for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the environment and in gut microbial communities of wildlife and human.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yihao Li, Huimin Wang, Pingxiao Wu, Lu Jiang, Zubair Ahmed, Bo Ruan, Shanshan Yang
Summary: The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) due to the overuse of antibiotics poses a serious threat to public health. Heavy metals, when present in higher concentrations than antibiotics in the environment, can exert long-term selection pressure on ARGs. The study found that montmorillonite (Mt) can mitigate the antibiotic resistance caused by heavy metals, highlighting its potential role in reducing ecological risks.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hu Li, Enli Jiang, Yangyang Wang, Rongwei Zhong, Jian Zhou, Tiecheng Wang, Hanzhong Jia, Lingyan Zhu
Summary: This study reveals the underlying mechanisms for promoting the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) by natural organic matter (NOM). Experimental exploration and model prediction demonstrate that NOM with a lower molecular weight and higher concentration can increase the conjugative transfer frequency and maintenance time of plasmids, thereby enhancing the transfer of ARG.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongrui Zhou, Xiaobo Yang, Yutong Yang, Yuanyuan Niu, Jing Li, Xinyue Fu, Shang Wang, Bin Xue, Chenyu Li, Chen Zhao, Xi Zhang, Zhiqiang Shen, Jingfeng Wang, Zhigang Qiu
Summary: In this study, the addition of 5 mu g/mL docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was found to significantly reduce the conjugative transfer of pCF10 plasmid in E. faecalis. DHA disrupted pheromone transport by inhibiting the mRNA levels of the prgZ gene, leading to the accumulation of iCF10 pheromone in donor bacteria and the formation of an inhibitory phase. This resulted in down-regulation of genes related to conjugative transfer, inhibiting biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion, thus inhibiting conjugative transfer. Overall, DHA showed an admirable inhibitory effect on the transfer of ARGs in E. faecalis. This study provided a technical option to control the transfer of ARGs.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hongna Zhang, Jingbo Liu, Lei Wang, Zhenzhen Zhai
Summary: Glyphosate has been found to accelerate the horizontal transfer of conjugative plasmids carrying antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria by regulating the expression levels of related genes through the over-production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. This study sheds new light on the biological effects of glyphosate on antibiotic resistance genes.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Attila Csaba Kondor, Anna Viktoria Vancsik, Laszlo Bauer, Lili Szabo, Zoltan Szalai, Gergely Jakab, Gabor Maasz, Marta Pedrosa, Maria Jose Sampaio, Ana Rita Lado Ribeiro
Summary: This review provides a critical overview of research on the removal efficiency of priority substances and compounds of emerging concern through bank filtration, discussing influencing factors and future challenges. The findings show that the efficiency of bank filtration is influenced by multiple factors and varies for different substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyan Wang, Shuai Zhang, Huihui Yan, Zhao Ma, Yunshan Zhang, Haining Luo, Xueli Yang
Summary: This study investigated the association between ambient PM2.5, O3 pollution, and ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged Chinese women. The results showed that increased exposure to PM2.5 and O3 was associated with decreased AMH levels, indicating reduced ovarian reserve. Notably, the effects of O3 exposure on ovarian reserve were different from those of PM2.5 exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Ma, Yanjuan Ding, Fengjiao Xu, Chen Zhang, Min Zhou, Ya Tang, Yanrong Chen, Yating Wen, Rufei Chen, Bin Tang, Shigui Wang
Summary: The dragonfly species Orthetrum albistylum can accumulate heavy metals, and its heat shock protein genes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for monitoring environmental pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naoto Ishiwaka, Koya Hashimoto, Masayoshi K. Hiraiwa, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, Taku Kadoya, Daisuke Hayasaka
Summary: Systemic insecticides and rising temperatures have combined effects on the abundance of Odonata nymphs in paddy fields. The standalone effect of insecticide exposure decreased the Odonata community, while nymphs decreased synergistically with temperature rise in paddy water. However, the impacts of each stressor alone varied among species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Vecchiato, Carlo Barbante, Elena Barbaro, Francois Burgay, Warren R. L. Cairns, Alice Callegaro, David Cappelletti, Federico Dallo, Marianna D'Amico, Matteo Feltracco, Jean-Charles Gallet, Andrea Gambaro, Catherine Larose, Niccolo Maffezzoli, Mauro Mazzola, Ivan Sartorato, Federico Scoto, Clara Turetta, Massimiliano Varde, Zhiyong Xie, Andrea Spolaor
Summary: The Arctic region is facing contamination from long-range pollution and local human activities. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are used as environmental indicators for emission, transport, and deposition processes. Research conducted in the Arctic surface snow in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard from October 2018 to May 2019 shows that long-range inputs of PAHs mainly occur in winter, while the most abundant analyte retene exhibits opposite seasonal trends.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
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
Shiyu Chen, Zhenzhen Shi, Qiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of diethyl phthalate (DEP) was developed to assess its toxicity. The model considers the distribution and metabolism of DEP and its active metabolite monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in different tissue compartments. Sensitivity analysis and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations were performed to evaluate the uncertainty and variability of the model parameters. The results suggest that dermal absorption is an important route of exposure to DEP in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bangguo Wang, Lijing Wang, Wenxi Cen, Tao Lyu, Peter Jarvis, Yang Zhang, Yuanxun Zhang, Yinghui Han, Lei Wang, Gang Pan, Kaili Zhang, Wei Fan
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility and mechanisms of a chemical-free nanobubble-based AOP for treating organic micropollutants in water. The results show that the oxygen nanobubble AOP has a significantly higher removal efficiency compared to air and nitrogen nanobubbles. The treatment performance is not affected by pH and the presence of ions. Higher initial concentrations of the micropollutant lead to slower treatment processes, but similar removal performance is achieved in the end. The presence of organic matter reduces the removal rate of the micropollutant. The results have practical feasibility for water and wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingmei Huang, Jicai Yi, Yao Huang, Songxiong Zhong, Bin Zhao, Jing Zhou, Yuxuan Wang, Yiwen Zhu, Yanhong Du, Fangbai Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of biochar on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in rice. The results show that biochar reduces MeHg levels in paddy soils by decreasing bioavailable Hg and microbial Hg methylation. Additionally, biochar decreases the uptake and translocation of MeHg in rice plants, resulting in a reduction of MeHg accumulation in rice grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nengde Zeng, Fei Huang, Jiani Du, Chenghao Huang, Qian Yang, Xinhua Zhan, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigates the protein targets and protein-ligand interactions related to PAH contamination in crop xylem sap using computational tools. The results show that phenanthrene has a more pronounced effect on the xylem sap proteins of maize and wheat, with maize DEPs associated with lipid biosynthesis and wheat DEPs exhibiting an increase in ABC transporters. This study provides insights into the regulation and movement of PAHs within plant xylem.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinwei Chen, Hao Ma, Run Wang, Man Wang, Binbin Zhu, Yanqing Cong, Xiayue Zhu, Guoqin Wang, Yi Zhang
Summary: Co3O4/TiO2-NRs electrodes with excellent photoresponse were prepared via plasma-assisted modification of Co3O4 on TiO2. The combination of Co3O4 and TiO2 improved the light utilization efficiency and showed potential for degradation of pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjing Ji, Liying Song, Jing Wang, Hongqing Song
Summary: This study conducted a life-cycle assessment to examine the correlation between natural gas consumption and carbon emissions in different end uses in China. The results showed that both natural gas consumption and life-cycle carbon emissions have been increasing since 2017. Significant variations in NG life-cycle carbon emissions were found across different provinces and sectors, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youyi Chen, Boxuan Zhang, Pojun Zhang, Guogui Shi, Hao Liang, Wu Cai, Jingyu Gao, Sumin Zhuang, Kaiyin Luo, Jiaqi Zhu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma, Jinrong Chen, Chun Hu, Xueci Xing
Summary: The synergistic effects of trace sulfadiazine and cast-iron corrosion scales on the formation of disinfection by-products in drinking water distribution systems were investigated. The presence of magnetite resulted in increased concentrations of DBPs due to the higher microbial activity and enhanced microbial extracellular electron transport pathway. The study highlights the importance of considering trace antibiotics pollution and corrosion scales in water sources for DBP control.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Bishwa Raj Pokharel, Vijay Sheri, Manoj Kumar, Zhiyong Zhang, Baohong Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the interactions, uptake, and transport of aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) in plants, highlighting their negative effects on plant growth and development, as well as their potential to alter plant defense systems and gene expression.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yonglu Wang, Fengsong Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao, Xiao Yang, Guixiang Zhang, Liyun Zhang, Chaojun Wei, Pengge Shi, Jiongxin Wen, Xiaorong Ju, Can Xu, Yang Liu, Ying Lan
Summary: This study aims to explore the effects of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole on soil microflora and the potential mitigation mechanisms to bacterial communities. It was found that increasing the application of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole resulted in increased stress on soil bacterial community structure and diversity. Increasing soil pH was recognized as a key factor in improving the diversity and structure of soil microflora. Supplemental use of nitrapyrin or modified attapulgite can increase soil pH and improve bacterial diversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)