Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Michaela Blessing, Nicole Baran
Summary: An increasing amount of organic micropollutants (OMPs) are being detected in aquatic environments worldwide, posing a severe threat to freshwater resources, ecosystems, and human health even at trace concentrations. Compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) is a key technique for identifying the origin and fate of environmental pollutants in aquifers and characterizing their transformation processes. However, the technique faces challenges in the context of diffuse pollution for other organic compounds.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fengchao Sun, Adrian Mellage, Mehdi Gharasoo, Aileen Melsbach, Xin Cao, Ralf Zimmermann, Christian Griebler, Martin Thullner, Olaf A. Cirpka, Martin Elsner
Summary: Research shows that isotope fractionation decreases significantly when organic pollutant concentrations fall below a certain level, indicating that membrane transfer is slow relative to enzyme turnover. By using a reactive transport model, it is possible to identify mass transfer limitations in biodegradation, especially at low concentrations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bohyung Choi, Kyung-Hoon Shin
Summary: The study found that mussels have higher trophic positions, requiring normalization of basal nitrogen isotope ratio. Spatial variations in nitrogen isotopic baselines in mussels reflect different nitrogen sources. Delta N-15 (base-bulk) and Delta N-15 (base-phe) are powerful tools for tracing nitrogen isotopic baselines.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hao Wu, Xiuwen Zhou, Haiquan Chen, Baohui Jin, Zhi Yan, Liqi Xie, Haichao Zhou, Karyne M. Rogers, Guanghui Lin
Summary: This study investigates the adulteration of NFC juice by analyzing the carbon and oxygen stable isotope ratios of different juice components. The results indicate that fruit pulp can qualitatively and quantitatively indicate the presence of added sugars, and stable isotope technology is a useful tool for detecting adulteration in-market NFC juice.
Article
Agronomy
Szilvia Kisvarga, Dora Hamar-Farkas, Katalin Horotan, Katalin Inotai, Maria Mortl, Andras Nemenyi, Andras Szekacs, Laszlo Orloci
Summary: Recent studies have found that glyphosate and its metabolite, AMPA, can accumulate in plants and have an impact on non-target plants. This study investigated the effects of indirectly spraying glyphosate on Helianthus annuus L. plants. The results showed that glyphosate caused morphological and histological damage to the plants, leading to reduced growth and biomass. Both glyphosate and AMPA were detected in all parts of the plants, indicating that glyphosate can be incorporated into plants even through indirect application.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hyuntae Choi, Bohyung Choi, Yoshito Chikaraishi, Yoshinori Takano, Haryun Kim, Kitack Lee, Dhongil Lim, Kyung-Hoon Shin
Summary: This study used compound-specific isotope analysis to investigate the variation of delta N-15 associated with microbial processes in marine sediment samples. The results showed that the decrease in amino acid concentrations in sediment was accompanied by an increase in delta N-15 values. Phenylalanine displayed a depth-dependent variation in microbial utilization, while glycine showed the highest relative molar contribution and delta N-15 increase in deep sediment. These findings provide an important basis for interpreting the delta N-15 values of amino acids in sediment.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Pedro de J. Bastidas-Bastidas, Rosina Cabrera, Ana Valenzuela-Quintanar, Claudia Olmeda-Rubio, Victor M. Gonzalez-Mendoza, Xiomara P. Perea-Dominguez, Luis C. Gonzalez-Marquez, Vilma del C. Salvatierra-Stamp, Jose B. Leyva-Morales
Summary: A method for determining glyphosate and its metabolites in water was developed. Despite concerns about the adverse effects of this herbicide on the environment and health, it is widely used in agricultural activities worldwide. The method involves direct extraction with phosphate buffer and subsequent derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate, followed by analysis using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method was validated through various parameters such as selectivity, detection and quantification limits, linearity, accuracy, precision, and uncertainty. The method was successfully applied to determine the target analytes in irrigation water samples, with some sampling sites showing concentrations of aminomethylphosphonic acid above the detection limit.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHIC SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yu Zhao, Ran Ma, Yaoting Qi, Rong He, Zhenyu Zhu, Bo Wang, Ying Wang, Qiulin Yan, Maxime Julien, Youping Zhou
Summary: The intramolecular carbon isotope profiles of mid- and long-chain saturated fatty acids can provide valuable information on fatty lipid biosynthesis. Researchers have developed a wet chemistry procedure to measure the carbon isotope ratios of fatty acids, and applied isotope mass balance to calculate the ratios of individual carbons. This method has significant implications for studying lipid metabolism and biogeochemistry.
ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anna M. Roehnelt, Philipp R. Martin, Daniel Buchner, Stefan B. Haderlein
Summary: MnO2-minerals are important candidates for the abiotic oxidation of recalcitrant aminopolyphosphonates. However, self-poisoning of the mineral surface and the formation of AMPA as a major transformation product call for further evaluation of the environmental implications of this transformation route.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Robert G. H. Marks, Sarah P. Rockel, Klaus Kerpen, Holger Somnitz, Philipp R. Martin, Maik A. Jochmann, Torsten C. Schmidt
Summary: This study investigated the pH-dependent photolysis of phosphonates in aqueous solutions and analyzed the transformation products. The results showed that the photolysis rate of phosphonates was influenced by pH and light conditions. Furthermore, the carbon kinetic isotope effects varied for different types of phosphonates.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Enhang Liang, Taobo Huang, Jie Li, Ting Wang
Summary: Current density has a significant impact on the degradation of pollutants through electrochemical oxidation, and different current densities contribute to cost-effective treatment of organic pollutants. This research combined compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) and boron doped diamond (BDD) to study atrazine (ATZ) degradation under different current densities, revealing the reaction contributions. The results showed that increasing current density had a positive effect on ATZ removal, with higher center dot OH contributions at higher current densities. The combination of CSIA and DFT calculations provided valuable insights into the pollutant degradation mechanism and demonstrated the possibility of conducting targeted bond cleavage by altering reaction conditions like current density.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Silviu-Laurentiu Badea, Violeta -Carolina Niculescu, Diana-Ionela Popescu (Stegarus), Elisabeta-Irina Geana, Corina-Teodora Ciucure, Oana-Romina Botoran, Roxana-Elena Ionete
Summary: Compound specific isotope analysis has been extensively used to study the environmental processes associated with the transformation of persistent halogenated organic pollutants. Recent advancements have expanded its application to larger molecules and multi-element analysis. However, the instrumental detection limit remains challenging, especially for δ13C analysis, and liquid chromatography-combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry methods face difficulties in complex mixture analysis. Alternative approaches, such as enantioselective stable isotope analysis, have been explored for chiral contaminants, but more research is needed. In order to analyze new emerging halogenated organic contaminants, there is a need to develop new GC and LC methods for non-target screening using high resolution mass spectrometry prior to compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) methods.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gauthier Emonds-Alt, Cedric Malherbe, Alice Kasemiire, Hermane T. Avohou, Philippe Hubert, Eric Ziemons, Jean-Christophe M. Monbaliu, Gauthier Eppe
Summary: In this study, a method based on surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and microfluidic system was developed for the detection of glyphosate and its main breakdown product, AMPA, in tap water. The method showed rapid, sensitive, and automated features and was validated in the experiment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jian Shi, Zheng Zhang, Ruilu Yang
Summary: Compound-Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) is a useful tool for studying the biodegradation of metalaxyl in soil and plants. Microbial degradation was found to have the most significant impact on the degradation of metalaxyl in soil. CSIA was used to investigate the biodegradation and isotope fractionation of metalaxyl in water spinach, showing that both absorption and degradation processes can cause shifts in delta C-13 values. Additionally, the relationship between carbon isotope ratios and residual concentration of metalaxyl was described by the Rayleigh equation, allowing for the calculation of the biodegradation rate of metalaxyl using CSIA.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Songsong Chen, Limin Ma, Guodong Yao, Yuncai Wang
Summary: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of using a mixed culture of atrazine-degrading bacteria to improve atrazine removal in constructed wetlands. The results showed that atrazine was primarily degraded through a hydrolysis pathway mediated by microorganisms. Stable isotope analysis supported the findings, showing that 90% of atrazine was removed biologically.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Julia Kluepfel, Sandra Passreiter, Nina Weidlein, Martin Knopp, Martin Ungerer, Ulrike Protzer, Percy Knolle, Oliver Hayden, Martin Elsner, Michael Seidel
Summary: Lateral-flow immunoassays and laboratory diagnostic tests have played a significant role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a need for alternative bioanalytical systems that can combine the advantages of these tests while overcoming their limitations. A flow-based chemiluminescence microarray immunoassay approach is proposed, which can detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with high sensitivity and specificity in a short time. This approach shows great potential for use in serological testing for various diseases.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kankana Kundu, Aileen Melsbach, Benjamin Heckel, Sarah Schneidemann, Dheeraj Kanapathi, Sviatlana Marozava, Juliane Merl-Pham, Martin Elsner
Summary: This study investigates the adaptation of bacteria to low concentrations of pollutants by studying the degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) by Arthrobacter chlorophenolicus A6. The researchers found that at lower concentrations, there was an increase in isotope fractionation of 4-CP, indicating a change in enzyme activity. Surprisingly, high concentrations were associated with increased cell wall permeability. These findings suggest that bacteria adapt to low concentrations through regulation of enzyme activity and provide insights into bacterial adaptation mechanisms at low concentrations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Benjamin Heckel, Martin Elsner
Summary: This study investigates the mechanisms of natural reductive dechlorination by microorganisms of chlorinated alkanes using cobamide as a cofactor. The findings demonstrate the involvement of chloroalkyl-cobalamin complexes and a nucleophilic substitution reaction. Isotope analysis of different enzymes (RDases) shows a diversity of biochemical reaction mechanisms. This study provides important information for understanding bacterial reductive dehalogenation and bioremediation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fengchao Sun, Adrian Mellage, Zhe Wang, Rani Bakkour, Christian Griebler, Martin Thullner, Olaf A. Cirpka, Martin Elsner
Summary: Compound-specific isotope analysis can be used to monitor the adaptive response of bacterial degradation to low contaminant concentrations and reveal mass-transfer limitations. This study improved biodegradation performance and capacity through priming and flow fluctuations. However, mass transfer limitations increased over time under stimulated conditions, and bacterial adaptation at low BAM levels further decreased activity. Isotope ratios, combined with residual substrate concentrations, helped identify underlying limitations of biodegradation in this stimulated system.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Philip M. M. Stanley, Alice Y. Y. Su, Vanessa Ramm, Pascal Fink, Ceren Kimna, Oliver Lieleg, Martin Elsner, Johannes A. A. Lercher, Bernhard Rieger, Julien Warnan, Roland A. A. Fischer
Summary: A light-harvesting metal-organic framework has been engineered as a catalyst carrier, achieving controllable photocatalytic synthesis of syngas. This study is a significant breakthrough for photocatalytic CO2 reduction and H2 evolution in sustainable energy cycles.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Julia Kluepfel, Sandra Passreiter, Melina Rumpf, Catharina Christa, Hans-Peter Holthoff, Martin Ungerer, Martin Lohse, Percy Knolle, Ulrike Protzer, Martin Elsner, Michael Seidel
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has emphasized the significance of rapid and comprehensive diagnostic tools. A competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay has been developed to detect neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within 7 minutes, providing a more efficient alternative to current time-consuming neutralization tests.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Lena Heining, Laura Welp, Achim Hugo, Martin Elsner, Michael Seidel
Summary: This study presents a culture-independent method for quantifying L. pneumophila in bioaerosols using immunomagnetic separation coupled with flow cytometry. The results demonstrate that this method provides comparable sensitivity and higher recovery rates compared to cultivation, making it a promising tool for field application.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Oliver Jacob, Alejandro Ramirez-Pinero, Martin Elsner, Natalia P. Ivleva
Summary: Accurate quantification of small microplastics in environmental and food samples is essential for studying their potential hazard. Raman microspectroscopy can identify particles as small as 1 μm in diameter. This study presents a new software, TUM-ParticleTyper 2, which allows for automated quantification of microplastics across the defined size range, using random window sampling and on-the-fly confidence interval estimation.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
David Gloeckler, Christopher Wabnitz, Martin Elsner, Rani Bakkour
Summary: The synthesis of cyclodextrin polymers as solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbents can increase extraction selectivity and reduce background interference. The use of β-CDP as an SPE sorbent can significantly reduce backgrounds, enhance sensitivity, and avoid isotopic fractionation.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jianrong Huang, Adrian Mellage, Julian Pavon Garcia, David Gloeckler, Susanne Mahler, Martin Elsner, Natalia Jakus, Muammar Mansor, Hongchen Jiang, Andreas Kappler
Summary: Autotrophic nitrate-reducing Fe(II)-oxidizing microorganisms play a crucial role in carbon, iron, and nitrogen cycles. The study showed that the distribution of electrons from Fe(II) oxidation to either CO2 fixation or nitrate reduction deviated from the theoretical value. N2O was the main denitrification product. Furthermore, the Fe/N ratios influenced the distribution of electrons and the degree of cell-mineral interactions.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohammad Arar, Rani Bakkour, Martin Elsner, Anat Bernstein
Summary: The degradation of atrazine in contaminated groundwater adjacent to its production plant was investigated. It was found that there is a high potential for microbial degradation of atrazine in groundwater enrichment cultures, even when atrazine served as the sole nitrogen source. In-situ degradation was reflected by a high percentage of metabolites in field samples.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Cajetan Neubauer, Kristyna Kantnerova, Alexis Lamothe, Joel Savarino, Andreas Hilkert, Dieter Juchelka, Kai-Uwe Hinrichs, Marcus Elvert, Verena Heuer, Martin Elsner, Rani Bakkour, Maxime Julien, Merve Oztoprak, Stefan Schouten, Shohei Hattori, Thorsten Dittmar
Summary: Recent studies have shown that electrospray-ionization Orbitraps and other mass spectrometers widely used in life sciences can be used for high-precision isotope ratio analysis. In this article, the authors introduce current topics in stable isotope research and discuss how soft-ionization mass spectrometry coupled with ultrahigh mass resolution can lead to significant progress. They highlight the potential of observing isotopes in intact polar compounds and speculate on future directions of research in the overlapping realms of biology, chemistry, and geology.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helge Oesinghaus, Daniel Wanken, Kilian Lupp, Martina Gastl, Martin Elsner, Karl Glas
Summary: Reverse osmosis (RO) is a widely used membrane technology for water production, but biofouling poses a significant challenge. This study introduces two methods for early detection of biofouling using optical fiber sensors and image analysis. The effectiveness of these methods was validated through accelerated biofouling experiments.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Karina Hemmer, Raphael Buehler, Martin Elsner, Mirza Cokoja, Roland A. Fischer
Summary: By studying the application of Rh-metalated porphyrin-based MOFs with different topologies as nanoreactors in the cyclopropanation of styrene and its derivatives, it was found that the porphyrin-based MOF scaffold can significantly enhance the selectivity for producing trans isomers. It was also observed that donor additives can increase the activity of the reaction without affecting the selectivity. This suggests that substrate coordination with the MOF framework may be the reason for the enhanced selectivity, providing conceptual principles for porous catalyst design.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Philip M. Stanley, Karina Hemmer, Markus Hegelmann, Annika Schulz, Mihyun Park, Martin Elsner, Mirza Cokoja, Julien Warnan
Summary: The optimized catalyst materials for visible light-driven fuel production in porous host-guest systems have been studied, revealing the significant impact of MOF topology on the selectivity of solar fuel production.
