Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kashif Bashir, Sara Khan, Ramzan Ali, Humaira Yasmin, Abdel-Rhman Z. Gaafar, Fazal E. Azeem Khilgee, Sadia Butt, Amin Ullah
Summary: Aquatic pollution caused by urbanization and industrialization has become a pressing issue. This study focuses on the remediation of industrial wastewater using a consortium of microorganisms, including Bacillus pakistanensis, Lysinibacillus composti, and Cladophora glomerata. The results demonstrate significant reductions in various pollutants, indicating the effectiveness of the algae-bacteria consortium for bioremediation.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiaoli Dai, Jing Lv, Wenxia Wei, Shaohui Guo
Summary: Laccase plays a significant role in enhancing the biodegradation of heavy oil, increasing efficiency and rate, especially for saturated hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons. The combination of bacterial consortia and laccase is an effective remediation technology for heavy oil pollution.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Daniel Gonzalez, Carlota Blanco, Agustin Probanza, Pedro A. Jimenez, Marina Robas
Summary: This study evaluated the plant growth-promoting ability of PGPR strains isolated from the Almaden mining district, in the presence of high concentrations of mercury. Results showed that strains B2 and B1, as well as their mixtures CS5 and CS3, significantly improved plant growth, making them good candidates for further in situ phyto-rhizoremediation tests of mercury-contaminated soils.
Article
Microbiology
Simone Cavazzoli, Andrea Squartini, Aki Sinkkonen, Martin Romantschuk, Anna -Lea Rantalainen, Ville Selonen, Marja I. Roslund
Summary: This study evaluated the improvement of soil quality and microbial diversity in contaminated soils using eco-friendly natural additives. The results showed that natural additives significantly increased the bacterial diversity in a time-dependent manner, with the greatest enhancement observed with Cdx. The two additives influenced the bacterial community succession patterns differently, with MBM enhancing the enrichment of specific genera and Cdx or Cdx MBM promoting a profound change in the bacterial community.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Khandaker Rayhan Mahbub, Caroline Chenard, Steven Batinovic, Steve Petrovski, Federico M. Lauro, Md Hafizur Rahman, Mallavarapu Megharaj, Ashley E. Franks, Maurizio Labbate
Summary: This study compared the genomes of three metal-resistant bacteria isolated from mercury-contaminated soil. Diverse and novel mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were found, with evidence of lateral gene transfer (LGT) events shaping the genomic structure and heavy metal resistance. The strains Sphingobium sp SA2 and Sphingopyxis sp SE2 were resistant to multiple metals, while Pseudoxanthomonas sp SE1 showed resistance to mercury only. Whole genome sequencing revealed that the Sphingobium and Sphingopyxis strains contained multiple chromosomes and plasmids, while the Pseudoxanthomonas strain had one circular chromosome. Metal resistance genes were associated with various MGEs, including genomic islands (GIs), integrative conjugative elements (ICEs), transposons, insertion sequences (IS), recombinase in trio (RIT) elements, and group II introns. The study highlights the importance of LGT in the evolution of metal resistance in bacteria.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ankita Datta, Nihal Gujre, Debaditya Gupta, Richa Agnihotri, Sudip Mitra
Summary: This study assessed the relationship between soil enzyme activities (SEAs) and heavy metals (HMs) in soils contaminated with municipal solid wastes (MSW) without any amendment. The results showed enhanced activities of some soil enzymes in different types of MSW-contaminated soils, indicating the impact of heavy metals on soil enzyme activities and physicochemical properties. The study emphasized the importance of further research on SEAs for their potential use as bioindicators in various soil bioremediation and quality management practices.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lichao Song, Xuguang Niu, Naiwen Zhang, Tianjiao Li
Summary: The use of biochar-immobilized bacterium can significantly enhance the removal efficiency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in saline soil, improve soil physicochemical properties, increase the abundance of Gram-positive PAH degraders, and promote the growth of Sphingomonas genus in bacterial communities.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rishil Gupta, Faryad Khan, Fatmah M. Alqahtani, Mohamed Hashem, Faheem Ahmad
Summary: Due to natural and human activities, heavy metal toxicity in soil is a significant threat to the environment and agriculture. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)-assisted bioremediation provides a promising and sustainable method for removing heavy metals from contaminated environments. PGPRs use various approaches such as efflux systems, siderophores and chelation, biotransformation, biosorption, bioaccumulation, precipitation, ACC deaminase activity, biodegradation, and biomineralization to clean up heavy metal-contaminated soil. They enhance plant tolerance to metal stress, improve nutrient availability, alter heavy metal pathways, and produce chemical compounds for bioremediation. Genetically modified PGPR strains can further enhance bioremediation efficiency. Overall, PGPRs play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agricultural soil systems through heavy metal bioremediation.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Zhanfei He, Jiaquan Shen, Qunqun Li, Yingli Yang, Daoyong Zhang, Xiangliang Pan
Summary: Bacteria have developed a wide range of metal(loid) resistance genes (MRGs) to protect their key components from toxic metal(loid)s. These MRGs have been applied in environmental fields, such as developing biosensors for monitoring environmental metal(loid)s and utilizing MRGs-carrying microorganisms for environmental remediation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hai Lin, Jingyun Shi, Yingbo Dong, Bing Li, Tingting Yin
Summary: In this study, a versatile bacterial community Ycp was screened from non-ferrous smelting slag field soil, with the ability to efficiently remove co-contaminants such as pyrene and cadmium. Through biodegradation and biomineralization mechanisms, Ycp can degrade pyrene into salicylic acid and phthalic acid, and mineralize cadmium into carbonate precipitation.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fatini Mat Arisah, Amirah Farhana Amir, Norhayati Ramli, Hidayah Ariffin, Toshinari Maeda, Mohd Ali Hassan, Mohd Zulkhairi Mohd Yusoff
Summary: The study indicates that Pseudomonas aeruginosa RW9 is capable of resisting high concentrations of Cr(VI) and has the potential for bioremediation of chromium hexavalent pollution. The strain demonstrates a complex mechanism for adapting to Cr(VI), with surface-bound, intracellularly accumulated, and extracellularly sequestered ions accounting for 85% of the removal efficiency. Additionally, the production of glycolipid biosurfactant rhamnolipid may contribute to extracellular sequestration.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Estefania Eras-Munoz, Abel Farre, Antoni Sanchez, Xavier Font, Teresa Gea
Summary: Microbial biosurfactants are highly valuable and chemically stable compounds that have been widely used in the resolution of environmental problems, particularly in the bioremediation of recalcitrant pollutants. These biosurfactants function by reducing surface tension and facilitating emulsification and solubilization of pollutants. Recent research has focused on producing biosurfactants using alternative substrates in a circular economy context.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Willian Garcia Birolli, Bianca Ferreira da Silva, Edson Rodrigues Filho
Summary: Pyrethroids, such as cypermethrin, are widely used in agriculture, leading to environmental pollution and the need for efficient decontamination methods. This study explored bacteria from orange crops for biodegradation of cypermethrin, identifying efficient strains and a consortium for enhanced degradation. The research also proposed an extended biodegradation pathway and demonstrated the effectiveness of bioaugmentation with selected bacterial strains for pyrethroid bioremediation.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Syed Zaghum Abbas, Mohd Rafatullah
Summary: Soil microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are cost-effective and eco-friendly technologies for soil remediation. They offer a clean and inexhaustible source of electron donors or acceptors, which can be easily controlled by adjusting parameters, attracting increasing interest in environmental remediation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amjad Ali, Di Guo, Yiman Li, Sabry M. Shaheen, Fazli Wahid, Vasileios Antoniadis, Hamada Abdelrahman, Samir G. Al-Solaimani, Ronghua Li, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Jorg Rinklebe, Zengqiang Zhang
Summary: The study assessed the potential impact of Streptomyces pactum (Act12) on wheat growth and metal phytoavailability in industrial and mining soils. Results showed that Act12 promoted wheat growth, increased metal uptake in plants, and decreased antioxidant activities in contaminated soils.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yongliang Chen, Masud Hassan, Md Nuruzzaman, Huiming Zhang, Ravi Naidu, Yanju Liu, Ling Wang
Summary: Adsorption is a promising remediation technology for separating organic and inorganic agrochemicals from contaminated soil and water. This study focuses on the use of iron-modified base-activated biochar (FeBBC) as a low-cost adsorbent for removing the insecticide imidacloprid from water. The FeBBC exhibits high adsorption capacity and both physical and chemical interactions contribute to the sorption process. The results demonstrate the potential of FeBBC as an effective adsorbent for removing organic contaminants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Solmaz Bidast, Ahmad Golchin, Ahmad Baybordi, Amir Mohseni, Ravi Naidu
Summary: The potential of bare and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) for stabilising lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) in contaminated soil was investigated. The results showed that CMC-coated FeONPs were more effective in decreasing the availability of potentially toxic elements in the soil. CMC-coated goethite was the most effective treatment for reducing Zn and Cd availability, while CMC-coated magnetite was the most effective for Pb stabilisation.
ARCHIVES OF AGRONOMY AND SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. A. A. Wijayawardena, K. Yan, Y. Liu, R. Naidu
Summary: Mouse models have been commonly used to predict the bioavailability of metals and chemicals in humans. In this study, the effectiveness of mouse models in predicting the bioavailability of lead in metal mixtures was confirmed, while their ability to predict the bioavailability of arsenic was found to be limited.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Ghavamifar, Ravi Naidu, Vahid Mozafari, Zhaohui Li
Summary: In this study, two sorbents, calcite and saponite, were used to investigate their capacity to sorb glyphosate. It was found that the morphology of calcite transformed and the zeta potential became positive in alkaline pH, contradicting previous research. The modified sorbents were added to soil samples to study their effects on glyphosate sorption.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunlong Luo, Ravi Naidu, Cheng Fang
Summary: This study investigates the surface functional group changes and release of microplastics and nanoplastics during the combustion process of an outdoor plastic chair. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman imaging techniques are used to characterize the fragments created when the plastic is burned and deposited on solid surfaces. Different algorithms, including logic-based, non-supervised PCA-based, algebra-based, and hybrid algorithms, are tested and optimized to extract key information for plastics characterization, particularly in distinguishing different degrees of burning. The findings estimate that tens of microplastics and nanoplastics are created per square micron during the combustion process.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthew Dietrich, Cynthia F. Barlow, Jane A. Entwistle, Diana Meza-Figueroa, Chenyin Dong, Peggy Gunkel-Grillon, Khadija Jabeen, Lindsay Bramwell, John T. Shukle, Leah R. Wood, Ravi Naidu, Kara Fry, Mark Patrick Taylor, Gabriel M. Filippelli
Summary: Lead (Pb) contamination continues to pose health risks in all countries, especially low-and middle-income countries. Predicting elevated household dust Pb levels and the potential impact of low-cost interventions has been a challenge. A global dataset of household dust samples was used to predict elevated dust Pb levels, with housing age being a significant predictor. The predictive accuracy of the model is lower for countries outside of England, the U.S., and Australia due to differences in regulations and data availability. Implementing simple household interventions in these countries could result in significant cost savings and reduced exposure to harmful Pb dust sources globally.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kartik Dhar, Anithadevi Kenday Sivaram, Logeshwaran Panneerselvan, Kadiyala Venkateswarlu, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: This study evaluated the biodegradation of dimethylformamide (DMF) and bioremediation of laboratory wastewater (LWW) co-contaminated with poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by a methylotrophic enrichment culture. The culture efficiently degraded high concentrations of DMF and removed DMF, phenanthrene, pyrene, and BaP in the LWW. The efficacy of bioremediation was further confirmed through genotoxicity assays and oxidative stress assays.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Islam Md Meftaul, Kadiyala Venkateswarlu, Aney Parven, Prasath Annamalai, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: This study investigated the potential health risks of pesticide residues in lettuce and spinach grown in urban backyard soils. The findings suggest that pesticide residues may pose potential acute and chronic health hazards to humans.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yantao Li, Rahat Shabir, Mehran Rezaei Rashti, Mallavarapu Megharaj, Chengrong Chen
Summary: This research explored the potential of four cow manure compost (CMC)-based products as a rhizobial carrier. The product with 50% gypsum showed better physicochemical characteristics and the highest strain survival rate in soil. This study demonstrated the great potential of CMC-based commercial products as alternative carrier materials for rapid commercial development of inoculants.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Li, Ziquan Wang, Haixia Tian, Mallavarapu Megharaj, Hanzhong Jia, Wenxiang He
Summary: This study investigated the effects of two typical lower-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), naphthalene (Nap) and anthracene (Ant), on the activity and kinetic characteristics of FDA hydrolases in six soils. The results showed that both Nap and Ant significantly inhibited the activity of FDA hydrolase, and the inhibition was influenced by soil organic matter.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
A. M. K. C. B. Aththanayake, I. V. N. Rathnayake, M. P. Deeyamulla, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: Deterioration of ecosystem quality caused by toxic metals, especially hexavalent chromium, is a global issue. In this study, a bacterium called Staphylococcus edaphicus KCB02A11 showed high efficiency in removing hexavalent chromium from water within 96 hours and a wide range of concentrations (0.025-8.5 mg/L). By incorporating the isolated strain with natural substrates like hay and wood husk, 100% removal of hexavalent chromium (at 8.5 mg/L) was achieved in less than 72 hours, indicating its potential for large-scale metal removal. This study provides the first report on hexavalent chromium tolerance and removal by Staphylococcus edaphicus KCB02A11.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ibha Suhani, Vaibhav Srivastava, Mallavarapu Megharaj, Surindra Suthar, Vinod Kumar Garg, Rajeev Pratap Singh
Summary: In the future, as the depletion of natural resources with good water quality increases, there will be more pressure to use saline water. To reduce stress on the soil plant system, it is crucial to understand the types of amendments and their integration with irrigational water quality in specific regions. Utilizing salt-affected lands effectively will ensure food security for the growing human population.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Balasubramanian Ramakrishnan, Naga Raju Maddela, Kadiyala Venkateswarlu, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: Microalgae, as integral members of the soil microbial community, have the potential to modify soil conditions and interact with other organisms, but their agronomic benefits and ecological functions in agriculture still require further research and application.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-ADVANCES
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Naga Raju Maddela, Dhatri Kakarla, Kadiyala Venkateswarlu, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: The steep rise in global plastic production and discharge of plastic waste pose a threat to the ecosystem and human health due to the generation of particulate plastics and release of toxic chemical additives. However, only a small percentage of plastic additives have been characterized for their ecological concern, and information on their ecotoxicity remains incomplete. This review aims to provide detailed insights into the ecological impacts of plastic additives, which are crucial for restricting their use, finding eco-friendly alternatives, and establishing or revising guidelines by global health and environmental agencies.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sudharsanam Abinandan, Kuppan Praveen, Kadiyala Venkateswarlu, Mallavarapu Megharaj
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) have significant ecological and bioeconomic implications at environmentally relevant concentrations, posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems and the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study found that the growth rate of microalgae was reduced by 10-15% in the presence of three types of MPs (PET, PVC, and PS), indicating an increased energy demand. The impacts on biochemical processes varied with concentration. Through a comprehensive analysis, it was revealed that MPs not only affect SDG 14 (Life Below Water), but also have direct and indirect influences on five other SDGs.
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)
