Review
Environmental Sciences
Luzi Yuan, Kun Wang, Qingliang Zhao, Lin Yang, Guangzhi Wang, Miao Jiang, Lili Li
Summary: Groundwater, an important component of water resources, can be contaminated by the mixed pollutants comprising heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons from industrial activities. This study discussed the application of bioremediation and permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) for in situ remediation of complex contaminated groundwater, highlighting the media types, technology combinations, and factors for the PRBs. Insights and outlooks were presented for the in situ remediation of complex groundwater contaminated with heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Microbiology
Filippo Dell'Anno, Eugenio Rastelli, Emanuela Buschi, Giulio Barone, Francesca Beolchini, Antonio Dell'Anno
Summary: The study demonstrates that marine fungi are more effective in bioleaching heavy metals from contaminated marine sediments compared to acidophilic autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria, especially when used in combination with bacteria. Fungal addition significantly increases the bioleaching yields of metals, particularly for less mobile fractions such as Zn and Cd.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mukhtiar Ali, Xin Song, Da Ding, Qing Wang, Zhuanxia Zhang, Zhiwen Tang
Summary: This paper provides an in-depth review of the bioremediation of co-contaminated PAHs and heavy metals, examining their sources, transport, and the mechanisms and challenges of bioremediation under co-contaminated conditions. The paper also presents emerging strategies to overcome bioavailability problems and improve the effectiveness of bioremediation.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jinmei Li, Irfan Ali Phulpoto, Guilong Zhang, Zhisheng Yu
Summary: The study found that a co-contaminated environment with metals and antibiotics could significantly increase bacteria's resistance to antibiotics, especially at high sublethal concentrations. Whole-genome characterization results indicated variability in genotype and phenotype involved in antibiotic resistance. Evolved resistant strains displayed hereditary resistance even after multiple culture cycles.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Han-Sheng Zhu, Xiao Liang, Jun-Cheng Liu, Han-Yang Zhong, Yuan-Hang Yang, Wen-Peng Guan, Zong-Jun Du, Meng-Qi Ye
Summary: This study investigated the microbial community of marine sediments under Cu (II) and lincomycin stress, and identified a strain, ZC255, that exhibited high resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals. The strain showed superior removal efficiency of Cu (II) and lincomycin, making it a promising candidate for pollution bioremediation applications.
Article
Microbiology
Marina Robas Mora, Pedro Antonio Jimenez Gomez, Daniel Gonzalez Reguero, AgustinProbanza Lobo
Summary: Heavy metal contamination of soils is a significant environmental problem that poses potential risks to human health. The study shows that inoculation with plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) promotes the growth and development of Lupinus albus var. Orden Dorado seedlings under high mercury concentration. Certain PGPB strains also help maintain the antioxidant response of the plants.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Carla Cilliers, Olga Neveling, Shepherd M. Tichapondwa, Evans M. N. Chirwa, Hendrik G. Brink
Summary: This research aimed to improve the scalability and cleaner production of a lead bioremediation process by gaining a better understanding of its dominant mechanisms. The study found that the presence of different lead concentrations and complementary anions had significant effects on the composition and structure of the resulting precipitate.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Nathalia R. C. M. Castanho, Renan A. de Oliveira, Bruno L. Batista, Bruna M. Freire, Camila Lange, Andre M. Lopes, Angela F. Jozala, Denise Grotto
Summary: Agricultural waste products from mushroom farming, such as stalks and substrates, have shown promising efficiency in removing copper and lead contaminants. Mushroom residues, particularly champignon stalks, are low-cost and effective biosorbents for the remediation of aquatic environments contaminated with toxic heavy metals.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Manar K. K. Abd Elnabi, Nehal E. E. Elkaliny, Maha M. M. Elyazied, Shimaa H. H. Azab, Shawky A. A. Elkhalifa, Sohaila Elmasry, Moustafa S. S. Mouhamed, Ebrahim M. M. Shalamesh, Naira A. A. Alhorieny, Abeer E. E. Abd Elaty, Ibrahim M. M. Elgendy, Alaa E. E. Etman, Kholod E. E. Saad, Konstantina Tsigkou, Sameh S. S. Ali, Michael Kornaros, Yehia A. -G. Mahmoud
Summary: The accumulation of both natural and anthropogenic sources of metals in the ecosystem has led to increasing concerns over heavy metal (HM) pollution. Human exposure to HMs, such as mercury, arsenic, lead, chromium, and cadmium, has become a significant environmental and health issue. These HMs can cause acute or chronic poisoning through water, air, or food. Their bioaccumulation in the body leads to various toxic effects on organs and tissues, primarily through the production of reactive oxygen species, enzyme inactivation, and oxidative stress. Conventional techniques for HM removal are limited, especially when the HM concentration is low. Microbial bioremediation, utilizing organisms like fungi and bacteria, has emerged as a potential solution due to their superior biosorption and bioaccumulation capabilities. This review aims to provide insights into HM uptake, toxicity mechanisms, and the management of metal poisoning through the selection of microbial remediation technology.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tianhong Nie, Xing Yang, Hanbo Chen, Karin Muller, Sabry M. Shaheen, Joerg Rinklebe, Hocheol Song, Song Xu, Fengchang Wu, Hailong Wang
Summary: This study investigated the influence of aging on pig- and P. orientalis-derived biochars on the sorption capacity for Cd and Zn in biochar-treated soils. The sorption capacity increased with biochar application rates, and aging led to enhanced sorption capacity due to increased oxygen-containing functional groups. The presence of DEP enhanced sorption capacity in fresh biochar treatments, but not in aged treatments.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ericka Paloma Viana Maia, Kaio Graculo Vieira Garcia, Jose de Souza Oliveira Filho, Jose Israel Pinheiro, Paulo Furtado Mendes Filho
Summary: Our study analyzed the effects of co-inoculation of rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the initial growth of Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia and its tolerance to excessive manganese (Mn) in degraded mining soils. The results showed that co-inoculated plants exhibited higher tolerance to excessive Mn and a stimulated initial growth. Furthermore, co-inoculation regulated nutrient balance in plants, resulted in higher levels of Mn in roots and lower levels of Mn in shoots, and helped plants withstand excessive Mn in the soil.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Simone Cavazzoli, Ville Selonen, Anna-Lea Rantalainen, Aki Sinkkonen, Martin Romantschuk, Andrea Squartini
Summary: A laboratory test was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a biological treatment method for removing hydrocarbons from sandy soil samples taken from a former fueling station. The use of meat and bone meal and cyclodextrin showed promising results in enhancing the removal of hydrocarbons. However, the final concentrations of hydrocarbons were comparable to the control group. Additionally, meat and bone meal was found to sequester lead in the soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Katarina Balikova, Hana Vojtkova, Eva Duborska, Hyunjung Kim, Peter Matus, Martin Urik
Summary: Research on Pseudomonas biofilms, particularly the study of exopolysaccharides (ExPs), has shown their potential in solving environmental issues such as heavy metal contamination. These findings have practical applications in medical, agricultural, and environmental sciences, offering viable solutions to the imminent risk heavy metal contamination poses to the environment and human health. The research aims to provide comprehensive information on the biosynthesis of ExPs and their usage in remediation techniques, including wastewater treatment and soil remediation.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Peng Zhang, Mingjie Yang, Jingjing Lan, Yan Huang, Jinxi Zhang, Shuangshuang Huang, Yashi Yang, Junjie Ru
Summary: Water quality is affected by various physicochemical and biological parameters, and both natural and anthropogenic activities can lead to contamination with heavy metals. Contaminated water with heavy metal ions can cause various health issues in humans. Therefore, the evaluation and removal of heavy metal contamination in water is necessary. Biological methods offer an economical and eco-friendly solution for this issue.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiliang Song, Changjiang Li, Weifeng Chen
Summary: Soils contaminated with PAHs and Cd have significant impacts on the environment and human health. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the phytoremediation potential of Bermuda grass grown in co-contaminated soils. The results showed that Bermuda grass exhibited decreased growth and increased oxidative stress when grown in contaminated soils. However, it also showed a remarkable ability to degrade PAHs and accumulate Cd.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Meenakshi Tiwary, Ashok K. Dubey
JOURNAL OF SURFACTANTS AND DETERGENTS
(2018)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kim S. LeMessurier, Maneesha Palipane, Meenakshi Tiwary, Brian Gavin, Amali E. Samarasinghe
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2018)
Article
Cell Biology
Meenakshi Tiwary, Robert J. Rooney, Swantje Liedmann, Kim S. LeMessurier, Amali E. Samarasinghe
Summary: Eosinophils play an important role in providing immediate protection during early phase of influenza infection by neutralizing virus and promoting barrier responses to improve antiviral defenses in airway epithelial cells.
Review
Cell Biology
Meenakshi Tiwary, Amali E. Samarasinghe
Summary: Fungi are diverse and abundant eukaryotes that act as pervasive allergens affecting humans and mammals. Despite their significance in severe asthmatics, the immunologic parameters of fungal allergies remain unclear. This study focuses on fungal allergic asthma, using mouse models to replicate human disease characteristics and investigating leukocyte involvement in fungal allergy pathogenesis. The potential contribution of the endogenous mycobiome to fungal asthma is briefly discussed, as much remains to be discovered in this area.
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)