Article
Environmental Sciences
Marilia Cristina Oliveira Souza, Neus Gonzalez, Marta Herrero, Montse Marques, Joaquim Rovira, Marti Nadal, Fernando Barbosa, Jose Luis Domingo
Summary: This study investigated the concentrations of harmful substances in clothing sold in Brazil and Spain, finding higher levels in Brazil due to the lack of regulation. Some substances exceeded health thresholds. Continuous studies are recommended to determine the co-occurrence of carcinogenic substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ana Fernandes, Bruna Pinto, Lorenzo Bonardo, Beatriz Royo, M. Paula Robalo, Ligia O. Martins
Summary: An environmentally friendly enzymatic strategy was developed for the valorisation of dye-containing wastewaters, successfully converting azo dyes into valuable aromatic compounds through biocatalytic processes. The use of immobilised cells allowed for high product yields and reduced impurities in the final reaction mixtures, while a one-pot system utilizing both enzymes resulted in the highest phenoxazinone yields.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marilia Cristina Oliveira Souza, Neus Gonzalez, Marta Herrero, Montse Marques, Joaquim Rovira, Jose L. Domingo, Fernando Barbosa Jr, Marti Nadal
Summary: The presence of a large number of chemicals in clothing and their harmful effects on human health and the environment have gained global attention. Azo dyes, widely used in the textile industry, are now considered emerging pollutants of great concern due to their potential health hazards. This study evaluated the levels of non-regulated aromatic amines (AAs) in clothing items from Spain and Brazil and assessed the potential impact on the health of vulnerable populations. The results showed the presence of AAs in clothes from both countries, with some concentrations exceeding safety thresholds, indicating possible risks to human health.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qingyun Zhang, Xuehui Xie, Dayong Xu, Ran Hong, Jiajia Wu, Xiancheng Zeng, Na Liu, Jianshe Liu
Summary: Fructose as a promising co-substrate was found to enhance the biodegradation and detoxification of refractory dye RB5 by a novel isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain DDMZ1-2, leading to increased secretion and activity of extracellular azoreductase, production of more low molecular weight intermediates, and reduction of microbial toxicity and phytotoxicity in degradation metabolites.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maiko Tahara, Tsuyoshi Kawakami, Yoshiaki Ikarashi
Summary: In this study, the applicability of using hydrogen and nitrogen as alternative carrier gases in GC-MS analysis of azo compounds was examined. The results showed that both hydrogen and nitrogen can achieve sufficient peak separation of 26 primary aromatic amines under the same conditions as helium. The sensitivity of the methods using hydrogen and helium was comparable, while the sensitivity was lower when nitrogen was used. However, all carrier gases were able to quantify azo compounds below the standard value of harmful substances, indicating that hydrogen or nitrogen can be used as alternative carrier gases for GC-MS analysis of azo compounds.
JOURNAL OF AOAC INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Byeong Wook Kim, Hwa Lee, Gyochang Keum, B. Moon Kim
Summary: By substituting alkyl groups at specific positions on 2,7-diaminofluorene and 2,7-diaminocarbazole structures, mutagenicity issues can be effectively avoided in drug discovery.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aleksandra Goralczyk-Binkowska, Andrzej Dlugonski, Przemyslaw Bernat, Jerzy Dlugonski, Anna Jasinska
Summary: The study found that chemicals such as dyes, heavy metals and aromatic amines present in urban textile industry wastewater can promote the growth of fungal biomass, with the fungus N. pironii showing good degradation and adsorption capabilities for these compounds.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Paola Faraoni, Alessio Gnerucci, Serena Laschi, Francesco Ranaldi
Summary: The study of azo dyes degradation products and their harmfulness is crucial due to their serious environmental diffusion. This study investigated the reduction of four bis-azo dyes by pig liver microsomal fraction under anaerobic conditions. The results showed that certain azo dyes produced harmful aromatic amines during reduction, while others did not.
CLEAN-SOIL AIR WATER
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Suna Nicolai, Tewes Tralau, Andreas Luch, Ralph Pirow
Summary: Textiles, especially apparel, are essential in daily life and must be safe for consumers. Manufacturing processes rely on various chemicals, including dyes, but efforts are being made to reduce the release of dyestuffs. Toxicological risk assessments need to thoroughly evaluate the safety of released amounts based on substance characteristics and expected exposure levels to ensure consumer protection.
JOURNAL OF CONSUMER PROTECTION AND FOOD SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maria Belen Ceretta, Jose Matias Irazoqui, Maria Marta Persico, Debora Nercessian, Erika A. Wolski
Summary: Wastewater produced by textile industries is difficult to treat due to its large volume, toxicity, and variable composition. In this comprehensive study, two native bacterial consortia were found to degrade pure textile effluent without pre-treatment or the addition of nutritional sources, reducing TOC, COD, and pH. One consortium was more efficient in decolorization and COD reduction, while the other showed better performance in reducing toxicity. Diversity analysis revealed no significant loss of diversity during degradation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haobin Xia, Qiaomei Sun, Na Gan, Pu Ai, Hui Li, Yanfang Li
Summary: Methyl yellow (MY) is extensively used as a colorant in the food sector. Human serum albumin (HSA) plays a crucial role in the absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion of MY. Understanding the binding process and physiological interactions between HSA and MY at the molecular level is of great importance. Experimental results indicated that HSA and MY's quenching mechanisms were static, with a binding constant of approximately 10^4 M-1. Hydrophobic forces played a major role in the binding process, and MY was found to bind to site I on HSA. Other changes, such as alterations in alpha-helix content and amino acid microenvironment, were observed. The stability of the system was evaluated using molecular modeling. This study also revealed the inhibitory effects of MY on HSA's esterase-like activity and the influence of Ibf/Phz on the inhibition mechanism. These findings provide valuable insights into the structure, function, and safety evaluation of HSA and MY.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ayumu Wada, Erica T. Prates, Ryo Hirano, Allison Z. Werner, Naofumi Kamimura, Daniel A. Jacobson, Gregg T. Beckham, Eiji Masai
Summary: Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is a well-studied bacterium capable of utilizing lignin-related monomers for growth. This study reveals that PcaK and HcnK play a major role in the uptake of PCA/4HBA and FA/4CA, respectively, while VanK acts as a transporter for VA/PCA.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Joan Chebet, Ramesh S. Masarbo, T. B. Karegoudar, Anand S. Nayak, Sathisha J. Gonchigar, Rajeshwara Achur
Summary: In this study, a bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa JKAK, capable of decolorizing azo dyes was isolated and characterized. The strain exhibited high decolorization capacity under various conditions and was able to reduce the phytotoxicity of the dye. These findings suggest the potential application of this strain in the treatment of textile effluents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Menghui Song, Hongyan Zhou, Ganggang Wang, Ben Ma, Yajing Jiang, Jingya Yang, Congde Huo, Xi-Cun Wang
Summary: A new visible-light-promoted transfer hydrogenation of azobenzenes has been developed, with the reactions proceeding smoothly in methanol at ambient temperature in the presence of B(2)pin(2). Azobenzenes with diverse functional groups were reduced to hydrazobenzenes with a high yield of up to 96%. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the hydrogen atom comes from the solvent and the transformation occurs via a radical pathway.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Thaila de Mello Florencio, Leandro A. G. de Godoi, Vinicius Carvalho Rocha, Jean Maikon Santos Oliveira, Fabricio Motteran, Savia Gavazza, Karina Ferrazzoli Devienne Vicentine, Marcia Helena Rissato Zamariolli Damianovic
Summary: The study evaluated the performance of an AnSTBR reactor treating synthetic textile wastewater containing specific dye and sulfate ions, showing high removal efficiencies for dye, COD, and sulfate, but still exhibiting high toxicity to mammalian cells. Metagenomic data revealed a promising development of the inoculum in the AnSTB structure.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manel Chebbi, Asma Beltifa, Sana Alibi, Giuseppa Di Bella, Vincenzo Loturco, Olivier Sire, Hedi Ben Mansour, Veronique Le Tilly
Summary: For several years, the influence of endocrine disruptors on reproduction and development has been a concern. This study examined the estrogenic activity of five phthalates and two bisphenols in finished products using the Yeast Estrogen Screen system. Only short-chain phthalates and bisphenols showed estrogenic activity, regardless of the estrogen receptor. The risk of agro-food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products was also evaluated before and after aging, with only two cosmetics showing increased hazard with aging. The results were consistent with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, confirming the routine use of the YES system for evaluating estrogenic hazards in finished products.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sabrine Afsa, Madalena Vieira, Ana Filipa Nogueira, Hedi Ben Mansour, Bruno Nunes
Summary: Hospital wastewater (HWW) poses a potential threat to freshwater crustaceans, with findings suggesting that HWW can disrupt the antioxidant defense system and key pathways in Daphnia magna larvae at certain concentrations, without causing oxidative damage.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sami Zaafrane, Kaouthar Maatouk, Sana Alibi, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a gram-negative bacterium found worldwide in seawater and is a major cause of seafood gastroenteritis. A study in Tunisia investigated the presence of this bacterium in seawater samples and found that only a small number of samples were positive for V. parahaemolyticus. Two isolates were identified with specific toxin genes, indicating their potential virulence.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zaafrane Sami, Maatouk Kaouthar, Cherif Nadia, Ben Mansour Hedi
Summary: This study investigated the impact of sunlight and salinities on the survival of Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains. The results showed that sunlight exposure caused the strains to become non-culturable but viable. The tdh positive strains were more culturable than the non-virulent or trh positive strain. The survival time was longer at certain salinities and the non-pathogenic strain survived longer than the virulent ones. Resuscitation experiments did not revive the non-culturable bacteria. Microscope observations showed that the strains remained motile after losing their culturability.
WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Karima Bekir, Asma Beltifa, Ferdaws Maatouk, Nezar H. Khdary, Houcine Barhoumi, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: A DNA biosensor based on a modified gold electrode was developed for the ultratrace determination of genotoxicity antibiotics in hospital wastewater. The biosensor exhibited excellent performance and the level of genotoxicity was found to be proportional to the concentration of antibiotics detected. Comet assay was used to measure the DNA damage induced by xenobiotics, and Gabes hospital wastewater showed the highest genotoxic effect.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ambrogina Albergamo, Angela Giorgia Potorti, Giuseppa Di Bella, Nawres Ben Amor, Giovanna Lo Vecchio, Vincenzo Nava, Rossana Rando, Hedi Ben Mansour, Vincenzo Lo Turco
Summary: This study analyzed various dried by-products from the Tunisian O. ficus-indica and found that the peel and fruit of the cactus were abundant in fiber, while the seeds were high in protein and potentially a source of edible oil rich in linoleic acid. The cactus and peel had high levels of magnesium, potassium, manganese, and iron, while the fruit pulp mainly consisted of glucose and arabinose. The peel also contained a significant amount of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds. The findings suggest that the Tunisian prickly pear cactus has potential for sustainable production, waste management, and health benefits.
Article
Microbiology
Amel Jebara, Wafa Hassen, Amira Ousleti, Lotfi Mabrouk, Ahlem Jaziri, Giuseppa Di Bella, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: This study aimed to determine multidrug resistance patterns among isolated epi-endophytic bacterial strains in Posidonia oceanica seagrass from Mahdia coastal seawater. The analysis of bacterial community structure and diversity revealed site-specific bands and common bands across samples. The identified bacterial strains showed resistance to commonly used antibiotics in Tunisia, with strain S5-L13 exhibiting the highest multidrug resistance.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wafa Hassen, Ines Mehri, Asma Beltifa, Angela Giorgia Potorti, Nabila Khellaf, Ranya Amer, Joris Van Loco, Abdennaceur Hassen, Giuseppa Di Bella, Nezar H. Khdary, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: This study examined the physicochemical and microbiological quality of wastewater discharged along the Mediterranean Sea. The results showed that the quality of treated wastewater was better than raw wastewater, and it met the standard limits in all Mediterranean countries. The wastewater treatment process used in Italy was effective in reducing pollution parameters. The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the wastewater indicated the widespread circulation of antibiotic resistance due to the excessive use of antibiotics.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amel Jebara, Asma Beltifa, Guissepa Di Bella, Lotfi Mabrouk, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: DEHP has been found to have negative effects on the ovaries and thyroid of female rats, leading to decreased levels of ovarian hormones, decreased folliculogenesis and apoptosis of cells. Damage to liver cells and significant increases in biochemical parameters were also observed.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ferdaws Fenni, Adria Sunyer-Caldu, Hedi Ben Mansour, M. Silvia Diaz-Cruz
Summary: This study investigates the occurrence of UVFs and PBs in seawater and sediment impacted by tourism and sewage discharges along the coast of Mahdia, center East Tunisia. The results show that UVFs and PBs are present in the samples, with different concentrations and detection frequencies.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wiem Sdiri, Huda S. S. AlSalem, Soha T. T. Al-Goul, Mona S. S. Binkadem, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: This study investigated the effects of wastewater on soil physical and chemical properties using manual irrigation (MI) and surface drip irrigation (SDI) systems. Soil samples were collected from three depths before and after the 12-month experiment for analysis. The results showed that wastewater application maintained soil quality and promoted soil microbial activity and organic matter (OM) mineralization. The study also found that treated wastewater (TWW) fertilization had positive effects on nutrient levels in the topsoil, while SDI system blocked the translocation of metals to plants and their accumulation in soil.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Amira Oueslati, Samia Dabbou, Nosra Methneni, Giuseppe Montevecchi, Vincenzo Nava, Rossana Rando, Giovanni Bartolomeo, Andrea Antonelli, Giuseppa Di Bella, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of poultry meat industry wastewater on irrigating olive trees and its impact on pomological criteria and olive oil quality. The results showed that irrigating olive trees with diluted poultry wastewater can improve pomological criteria and obtain olive oil with higher oil content. Poultry wastewater irrigation also increases the content of polyphenols in the oil. However, heavy metals accumulation was observed in both fruits and olive oil when using poultry wastewater for irrigation. In conclusion, poultry wastewater is the best alternative to improve olive oil quality among the water qualities compared in this study.
Article
Agronomy
Rossella Vadala, Vincenzo Nava, Vincenzo Lo Turco, Angela Giorgia Potorti, Rosaria Costa, Rossana Rando, Hedi Ben Mansour, Nawres Ben Amor, Asma Beltifa, Antonello Santini, Giuseppa Di Bella
Summary: The reclaim of less-used plant sources is a sustainable alternative to meet the growing demand for healthy and eco-friendly foods. This study analyzed the phytochemical profile of several commercial edible oils and found that wheat germ oil had the highest nutritional impact, while pumpkin seed oil had high levels of squalene and is considered a valuable functional food. Nigella oil had the highest total polyphenolic content, justifying its stability and antioxidant properties. Daily consumption of bitter almond or souchet oil can contribute to alpha-tocopherol intake and provide beneficial effects on human health and nutrition.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Imene Fekih, Sana Hamila, Sarra Bchir, Hedi Ben Mansour
Summary: Freshwater scarcity is a major environmental problem, and water reuse is a possible solution to cope with the shortage of water for agriculture irrigation. This study evaluated the irrigation effect of treated effluent from a wastewater treatment plant in Tunisia on parsley and alfalfa. The results showed that wastewater with a 25% dilution and further treatment positively affected plant physiological parameters, while higher dilutions had negative effects. Tap water showed the best irrigation effects. A pot trial also showed that further treated wastewater was more suitable for irrigation compared to untreated wastewater. The findings suggest that treated wastewater can be used as a hydric alternative to resolve water deficit issues in semi-arid countries.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bouthaina Souaf, Nosra Methneni, Asma Beltifa, Vincenzo Lo Turco, Anthony Danioux, Federica Litrenta, Mouncef Sedrati, Hedi Ben Mansour, Giuseppa Di Bella
Summary: Plasticizers, commonly used in plastic manufacturing, tend to end up in the marine environment through the ageing of plastic products. The pollution caused by phthalate acid esters (PAEs) and their alternatives has become a serious concern due to their ubiquity in the environment and aquatic organisms. This study detected four PAEs (DEP, DiBP, DBP, DEHP) and one non-phthalate plasticizer (DEHT) in different marine compartments. The results revealed that DEHT was the most abundant and frequently detected congener, indicating its potential bioaccumulation in marine organisms through the food chain. Furthermore, the seasonal variations of plasticizers were greatly influenced by environmental factors such as industrial and urban discharges.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
