Article
Fisheries
Md Emranul Ahsan, Seikh Razibul Islam, Muhammad Abdur Razzak, Md Lokman Ali, Mohammad Mahfujul Haque
Summary: Heavy metal levels in pangasius, tilapia, water, and sediments were studied in four commercial aquaculture regions of Bangladesh, and the related human consumption risk was estimated. Different accumulation patterns of heavy metals were observed in pangasius and tilapia.
AQUACULTURE INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhong-Li Huang, Zhan-Biao Yang, Xiao-Xun Xu, Yong-Jia Lei, Jin-Song He, Song Yang, Ming Hung Wong, Yu-Bon Man, Zhang Cheng
Summary: This study investigated the bioaccumulation of total and methylmercury by housefly maggots during the conversion of food waste, and assessed the human health risk of mercury through fish consumption. The results showed that maggots fed with vegetable and meat waste had higher methylmercury concentrations compared to other waste feed ratios. The mercury concentrations in tilapia fed with the converted maggots were within safe levels.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Salma Sultana, Mohammad Belal Hossain, Tasrina R. Choudhury, Jimmy Yu, Md. Sohel Rana, Mohammad Abu Noman, M. Mozammal Hosen, Bilal Ahamad Paray, Takaomi Arai
Summary: This study assessed the heavy metal contamination and associated human health risks in cultured shrimp and aquaculture sludge collected from three shrimp farms in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh. The results showed that the levels of lead and copper in shrimp samples exceeded the recommended limit, while the concentrations of other metals were within the permissible level. The sludge of all farms had higher concentrations of manganese, chromium, zinc, and copper than the recommended limit. The study suggested that lead and chromium may pose non-carcinogenic health effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang-Guang Gu, Xu-Nuo Wang, Zeng-Huan Wang, Hong-Hui Huang, Xiu-Yu Gong
Summary: This study investigated the bioconcentration, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of metals in the aquacultured fish species seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus). The research found that the gill and stomach contents of the fish had higher levels of metal bioconcentration. The bioaccumulation factor showed that the gill and backbone accumulated the highest levels of zinc, while the viscera accumulated the highest levels of copper. The study also revealed efficient bioaccumulation from commercial feed and the fish's habitat. Health risk assessment indicated no adverse effects from consuming seabass.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yun-Ru Ju, Chih-Feng Chen, Ming-Huang Wang, Chiu-Wen Chen, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: The levels and distribution of 16 USEPA PAHs in aquaculture farmed fish and shellfish in Taiwan were determined, with results indicating low cancer and non-cancer risks for consumers. Shellfish had higher total PAH concentrations compared to fish, with a predominance of low-molecular-weight PAHs. The seafood studied was deemed safe for consumption, but ongoing monitoring and control of PAH concentrations are needed, particularly for children and seniors.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Md Mohiuddin, Mohammad Belal Hossain, Mir Mohammad Ali, Md Kamal Hossain, Ahasan Habib, Sanjida Afrin Semme, Md Refat Jahan Rakib, Md Asrafur Rahman, Jimmy Yu, Mohammad Khalid Al-Sadoon, Aneela Gulnaz, Takaomi Arai
Summary: This investigation examined the levels of heavy metal concentrations in fish and shellfish from a tropical estuary and evaluated the associated human health risks. The results showed that some heavy metals exceeded the guideline values, but the risks were still within acceptable limits for both adults and children.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samiyah Tasleem, Samrah Masud, Syed Sikandar Habib, Saira Naz, Francesco Fazio, Muhammad Aslam, Mujeeb Ullah, Sobia Attaullah
Summary: Excessive use of fertilizers on agricultural lands and fish ponds can lead to serious pollution problems with heavy metals, causing severe health issues. A study investigated the presence of heavy metals in commonly used fertilizers and their association with heavy metals in vegetables, soil, fish species, and pond water. The research found significantly higher concentrations of heavy metals in fertilizer-applied sites compared to control groups, indicating potential health risks. Careful monitoring of fertilizer use is necessary to protect humans and animals from heavy metal exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nashwa A. Shaaban, Osman A. El-Rayis, Marwa S. Aboeleneen
Summary: The Lake Mariut Main Basin has been heavily polluted for about 50 years until a rehabilitation program was implemented in 2010, resulting in levels of heavy metals in fish and water similar to other basins of Lake Mariut and below permissible limits recommended by national and international standards. This indicates that the main basin is currently in good environmental condition and produces safe fish for human consumption.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Beatriz Rios-Fuster, Carme Alomar, Lucia Vinas, Juan Antonio Campillo, Begona Perez-Fernandez, Elvira Alvarez, Montserrat Compa, Salud Deudero
Summary: This study investigated the effects of exposure to OCPs, PCBs, and microplastics on juvenile gilthead seabream, finding higher concentrations of pollutants in the liver compared to muscle, with variability in muscle levels between treatments and sampling periods. Furthermore, microplastics were found to be correlated with certain pollutant concentrations in the liver.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lin Lin, Ciara Chun Chen, Xiaoshan Zhu, Ke Pan, Xiangrong Xu
Summary: Plastic equipment used in aquaculture gradually decomposes, releasing microplastics into the marine environment, leading to aquaculture-derived microplastics. The increase in aquaculture-derived microplastics results in various environmental consequences, affecting the risk of microplastic ingestion by aquatic products and aquatic food safety.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nashwa A. Shaaban, Samar Tawfik, Wael El-Tarras, Tamer El-Sayed Ali
Summary: The study evaluated the metal content in cultured fish in Egypt, indicating potential effects on fish tissues. However, the risk assessment concluded that the cultured fish produced in these fish farms can be safely consumed.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xingmei Liu, Shunbin Gu, Shiyan Yang, Jinsong Deng, Jianming Xu
Summary: The study found heavy metal pollution in local vegetable fields, posing potential health risks to residents consuming the vegetables; cabbage and cowpea, with low accumulation of heavy metals, are relatively safe. The research indicates the need to adjust planting structure and implement measures to mitigate the adverse effects of soil pollution.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Al-Zahraa Mamdouh, Eman Zahran, Fatma Mohamed, Viola Zaki
Summary: This study investigated the effects of mercury exposure on Nile tilapia, showing increases in bioaccumulation, changes in hematological indices, oxidative responses, and histopathological alterations. Supplementation with Nannochloropsis oculata helped stabilize these parameters and reduce the severity of histopathological changes, indicating a protective role against mercury-induced toxicity.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Iestyn Lloyd Penry-Williams, Ioanna Kalantzi, Eleni Tzempelikou, Manolis Tsapakis
Summary: This study investigates the spatial impact of commercial aquaculture on local meso-zooplankton communities and the bio-accumulation of aquaculturally-derived metals within zooplankton samples. The results show that aquaculture has an impact on zooplankton community composition and that metals are rapidly accumulated at lower trophic levels near aquaculture stations, and then dispersed to greater distances while ascending the trophic chain.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liuhuan Ai, Bing Ma, Shiwei Shao, Lei Zhang, Lei Zhang
Summary: This study reviewed the accumulation and distribution patterns of heavy metals in freshwater fish in nine basins of China from 2010 to 2020 and assessed their health risks. The results showed that the pollution level of heavy metals in Chinese freshwater fish is at an intermediate level internationally. The concentration of heavy metals in artificially farmed freshwater fish is higher than that in wild fish, and the noncarcinogenic risks are higher for children.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ming-Huang Wang, Chiu-Wen Chen, Chih-Feng Chen, Lin-Chi Wang, Ta-Kang Liu, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: This study investigated the concentrations and distribution of 16 US EPA polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants, and industrial water treatment plant sludge in Taiwan. The results revealed the presence of these compounds, with 2-4 ring PAHs being the predominant compounds. The study also assessed the contributions from different sources and evaluated the toxicity levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yee Cheng Lim, Chih-Feng Chen, Chiu-Wen Chen, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: This study developed an alternative method for disposing of dredged harbor sediments by co-sintering them with waste rice husk into lightweight aggregates (LWA). The addition of rice husk and sintering temperature were found to significantly impact the performance of the LWA. Results showed that LWA with 10-15% rice husk, sintered at 1150 degrees C, exhibited suitable properties for lightweight concrete applications. Co-treating waste rice husk and dredged harbor sediments into LWA can contribute to waste reduction, circular economy, and minimization of environmental impacts.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siti Nur Amirah Idris, Nora Jullok, Woei Jye Lau, Akmal Hadi Ma'Radzi, Hui Lin Ong, Muhammad Mahyidin Ramli, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: This study systematically investigated the effect of the molecular weight of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the performance of thin-film composite (TFC) flat sheet polysulfone membrane. It was found that the PSf membrane modified with PEG 600 had the optimum composition. The modified membrane showed high water permeability and good mechanical stability, indicating its great potential in future osmotically powered generation systems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ming-Huang Wang, Chih-Feng Chen, Frank Paolo Jay B. Albarico, Chiu-Wen Chen, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: This study analyzed the concentrations of phthalate esters (PAEs) and microplastics (MPs) in sludge samples collected from different wastewater treatment plants in Taiwan. The results showed that the highest PAE concentrations were found in sewage treatment plants, with DEHP being the main contributing substance. The abundance of microplastics in sludge varied among different samples, but showed no significant correlation with PAE concentrations. The estimated toxicological risks to exposed adults from DEHP and DnBP in contaminated sludge were found to be low.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Parushi Nargotra, Vishal Sharma, Yi-Chen Lee, Yung-Hsiang Tsai, Yung-Chuan Liu, Chwen-Jen Shieh, Mei-Ling Tsai, Cheng-Di Dong, Chia-Hung Kuo
Summary: The urgent demand for alternative energy sources is due to the burden on fossil fuels and resulting energy crisis and climate change. Lignocellulosic biomass is a renewable and alternative bioresource for energy generation. Different pretreatment strategies have been established to overcome biomass recalcitrance, and biological pretreatment using microbial enzymes is a promising method. Cellulases, hemicellulases, and ligninolytic enzymes have numerous industrial applications. This review provides a detailed description of these enzymes and their prospective applications in lignocellulosic biomass valorization. Solid state fermentation and enzyme immobilization strategies are discussed, along with future prospects.
Article
Ecology
Yee Cheng Lim, Frank Paolo Jay B. Albarico, Chih-Feng Chen, Chiu-Wen Chen, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: This study evaluated sediment metal pollution in Hsingda Harbor, a multi-functional harbor in southwestern Taiwan. The contamination level and ecological risks were determined using multiple sediment pollution indices based on total metal contents and their chemical partitioning fractions. The results identified fisheries-related activities and a nearby coal-fired power plant as the primary sources of potentially toxic metal pollution. The findings provide valuable information for environmental pollution control and mitigation during harbor development and management.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anusuiya Singh, Chiu-Wen Chen, Anil Kumar Patel, Cheng-Di Dong, Reeta Rani Singhania
Summary: The depletion of fossil fuels has led to an energy crisis, which has resulted in a shift towards alternative energy resources. Lignocellulosic biomass or agricultural residue can be used to produce bioethanol to address the energy crisis and reduce environmental pollution. Sorghum distillery residue (SDR) generated during Kaoliang liquor production can be utilized to produce bioethanol and solve environmental problems.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chih-Feng Chen, Yun-Ru Ju, Ming-Huang Wang, Frank Paolo Jay B. Albarico, Shu-Hui Lee, Chiu-Wen Chen, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: This study comprehensively assessed the occurrence and potential ecological risks of 12 endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in the surface sediments of seven major harbors in Taiwan. Phthalates (PAEs) and alkylphenols (APs) were found to be widely present and may pose risks to aquatic ecosystems. The concentrations of PAEs and APs in the sediments were correlated with their production, indicating the level of anthropogenic pollution. The estimated risk quotients suggest moderate to high potential risks for algae and low to moderate potential risks for crustaceans and fish.
SOIL & SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Henna Mohi ud din Wani, Chiu-Wen Chen, Chun-Yung Huang, Reeta Rani Singhania, Young Joon Sung, Cheng-Di Dong, Anil Kumar Patel
Summary: Bioactive peptides derived from proteinaceous red algae biomass have attracted significant attention for their varied structures and potential applications. However, there is a lack of research on feasible approaches for producing and purifying bioactive peptides. This article explores the latest trends in easily applicable approaches for extracting bioactive peptides for cutaneous applications. It also emphasizes the importance of peptide purity and bioactivity, and suggests future research directions to increase yield and improve separation methods, as well as conducting human clinical trials to validate their health benefits.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yee Cheng Lim, Chih-Feng Chen, Chiu-Wen Chen, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using harbor sediments and oyster shells for lightweight aggregate (LWA) production. It was found that the LWAs prepared with a 5-15% oyster shell content and sintered at 1125℃ were suitable for structural lightweight concrete, meeting the regulations for building materials in Taiwan.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ashutosh Tiwari, Chiu-Wen Chen, Dibyajyoti Haldar, Anil Kumar Patel, Cheng-Di Dong, Reeta Rani Singhania
Summary: Biorefinery is a promising alternative to petrorefinery for sustainable development, with lignocellulosic biomasses as the most important raw material. Enzymatic conversion of biomasses into bioethanol is considered the most sustainable method, but biomass recalcitrance presents a major challenge. Pretreatment targeting lignin, the main contributor to recalcitrance, is necessary to make cellulose and hemicellulose more accessible to enzymes. Laccase, a lignin-degrading enzyme, is a potential option for biological pretreatment, although its slow reaction rate is a limitation. This article provides insights into biorefinery and emphasizes the significance of laccase.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rhessa Grace Guanga Ortizo, Vishal Sharma, Mei-Ling Tsai, Jia-Xiang Wang, Pei-Pei Sun, Parushi Nargotra, Chia-Hung Kuo, Chiu-Wen Chen, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: Bioactive peptides derived from fish byproduct protein hydrolysate have vast potential as functional food ingredients. Enzymatic hydrolysis is the preferred method for the preparation of these peptides due to its high specificity, mild reaction conditions, and lack of residual organic solvents. However, the use of proteases and the availability of food-grade enzymes pose limitations. Current research focuses on the purification and identification of these peptides, as well as their bioactivities, including antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antiglycemic, antitumor, and antioxidative functions. The growing interest in proteomics and the utilization of marine and aquatic waste stems from the bioactivity and sustainability of these products.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Parushi Nargotra, Vishal Sharma, Mei-Ling Tsai, Shu-Ling Hsieh, Cheng-Di Dong, Hui-Min David Wang, Chia-Hung Kuo
Summary: The increasing concerns about climate change and the overexploitation of non-renewable resources have led to the need for alternative renewable and eco-friendly resources for the production of innovative materials, achieving the goals of bioeconomy. Lignocellulosic biomass (LB), derived from plant-based agro-industrial food waste and crop residues, can be utilized for the production of various value-added chemicals and bioproducts. Cellulose, derived from LB, is the most abundant natural and biodegradable organic polymer, with wide-ranging applications in lignocellulosic biorefineries and food industries. However, the extraction of cellulose from LB is challenging due to the recalcitrant nature of biomass. A suitable cellulose extraction method through LB fractionation is necessary to improve cellulose yield. Nanocellulose (NC) has great potential and researchers are interested in developing environmentally friendly cellulose extraction methods. Cellulose nanofibrils and nanocrystals have excellent mechanical properties, non-toxic characteristics, and biodegradability, making them suitable for diverse industrial sectors. This review emphasizes the potential role of cellulose extraction and NC production from agro-food waste, discusses different pretreatment methods for cellulose extraction from LB, and highlights the applications and future directions of cellulose and NC-based commercial products.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ajeet Singh Chauhan, Chiu-Wen Chen, Reeta Rani Singhania, Mansi Tiwari, Rijuta Ganesh Sartale, Cheng-Di Dong, Anil Kumar Patel
Summary: Municipal authorities in developing countries are facing serious challenges in managing marigold flower waste, primarily due to the lack of reuse of these flowers after prayers. The lutein industry is booming, with market demand expected to increase continuously by 2022, and marigolds being a major contributor globally.
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)
