Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bhagya S. Yatipanthalawa, Muthupandian Ashokkumar, Peter J. Scales, Gregory J. O. Martin
Summary: This study investigates the use of ultrasonication to remove EPS from the diatom Navicula, and finds that EPS removal can improve the rheology and dewaterability of cell suspensions, as well as accelerate lipid extraction.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuan Gao, Kun Yang, Daohui Lin
Summary: The presence of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) affects the interfacial interaction between titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO(2)) and algae, promoting surface accumulation of nanoparticles on algal cells while limiting their internalization. The different endocytosis pathways for anatase nTiO(2) and rutile nTiO(2) entering algal cells may be attributed to their affinities to mediating receptors. EPS removal activates mediating pathways, facilitating more nanoparticle internalization.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muhammad Ahmar Siddiqui, Sumate Chaiprapat, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Guanghao Chen
Summary: A side-stream cross-flow anaerobic self-forming dynamic membrane bioreactor (AnSFDMBR) was used in the sulfate reduction, autotrophic denitrification, and nitrification integrated (SANI) process, replacing UASB and middle settling tank. The optimum condition for trans-membrane pressure (TMP)-based backwashing was investigated, and the AnSFDMBR operated continuously for 243 days with good effluent quality. EPS accumulation was minimal in the dynamic layer, indicating the suitability of TMP-based backwashing. TOS, mainly poly-sulfur generated in UASB reactor, played a critical role in fouling in saline wastewater treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianran Ye, Ao Yang, Yulai Wang, Na Song, Ping Wang, Huacheng Xu
Summary: This study investigates the response of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in Microcystis aeruginosa to microplastics (MPs). The results show that MPs can inhibit the growth of Microcystis, but enhance the secretion of EPS. The organic composition in EPS varies differently in response to MP exposure, leading to changes in the dominant components and potential ecotoxicological risk. These findings contribute to our understanding of the interaction between phytoplankton and MPs in aquatic environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ming Zhang, Caroline L. Peacock, Peng Cai, Ke-Qing Xiao, Chenchen Qu, Yichao Wu, Qiaoyun Huang
Summary: Recent research has shown that microbially-derived compounds, particularly extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), play a significant role in the soil organic matter pool. The interaction between EPS and soil minerals affects the sorption and selective retention of EPS constituents. The study investigates the EPS association pathways with ferrihydrite and their impact on the mobility and fate of microbially-derived organic matter in soil environments.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
You Ma, Tian -Yu Li, Han Meng, Guo-Xiang Wang, Li-Min Zhang, Guo-Zheng Jia, Jie Ma, Yan Xiao, Wei-Hua Li, Wen-Ming Xie
Summary: This study investigated the adsorption of the antibiotic trimethoprim (TMP) by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in anaerobic activated sludge. The results showed that loosely-bound EPS had a positive effect on TMP adsorption, while tightly-bound EPS had a negative effect.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lihua Yang, Qian Yang, Li Lin, Tiangang Luan, Nora F. Y. Tam
Summary: This study investigates the key factors shaping sediment biofilms in contaminated mangrove sediments. It reveals that the pennate diatom Navicula plays a crucial role in balancing the abundance of other diatoms and producing bound-polysaccharides. High nutrient concentrations and contaminants affect the composition and structure of biofilms.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qing-Long Fu, Chun-Jie Zhong, Ting Qing, Zi-Yan Du, Cheng-Cheng-Li, Jun-Jie Fei, Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg
Summary: The study found that the biological impacts of metallic Ag-NPs and silver sulfide nanparticles (Ag2S-NPs) depend on their form and are highly influenced by microbial EPS. Compared to Ag-NPs, Ag2S-NPs have less impact on plants, while Bacillus subtilis EPS significantly alleviates the phytotoxicity of Ag-NPs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoying Liu, Jie Liu, Dongkun Deng, Renjie Li, Chao Guo, Jinxia Ma, Ming Chen
Summary: The study revealed a positive correlation between EPS content and sludge granulation, with increased protein concentration facilitating microbial aggregation and sludge granulation. Environmental factors affect the properties of EPS, with different types of sludge generating varying levels of EPS and protein concentrations.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tao He, Jing-Qiu Hua, Rong-Ping Chen, Lei Yu
Summary: This study explored the adsorption capacity of Klebsiella oxytoca, a dye-degrading and EPS-producing strain, to methylene blue. The results showed that EPS played a significant role in the adsorption of MB dye.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Monika Priyadarshanee, Surajit Das, Vandana
Summary: Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are highly hydrated matrices produced by bacteria, containing various polymers such as polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and DNA. EPS contributes to physical stability and nutrition acquisition for bacteria. Specific glycosyltransferases, polymerase, and transporter proteins encoded by operons regulate the biosynthesis of different EPS in bacteria. EPS can interact with environmental pollutants through functional groups, such as carbonyl, hydroxyl, phosphoryl, and amide, and bind pollutants through hydrophobic interactions and coordinate bonds. EPS can enhance the degradation of organic compounds and bind heavy metals via complexation, surface adsorption, precipitation, and ion exchange mechanisms. The biodegradability and nontoxicity of EPS make it a promising biopolymer for environmental pollutant decontamination.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Pengfei Wan, Ying Liu, Quandi Zhang, Li Jiang, Heping Chen, Wenzhou Lv
Summary: Candida Tropicalis was used to improve the dewaterability of activated sludge (AS) by degrading EPS in AS, resulting in a decrease in protein, polysaccharide, and hydrophilic amino acids in EPS. The yeast degraded macromolecular organics into smaller molecular ones and direct addition of yeast to AS was more effective in EPS degradation. Addition of 0.75 g/L of wet yeast cells and 24 h of aeration enhanced the dewaterability of AS with a reduction in CST and MLSS. After 30 days of operation, lab-scale continuous SBRs reduced CST and MLSS of AS. FTIR spectroscopy showed a decrease in hydrophilic functional groups. This study presents a new approach for in-situ reduction of AS in wastewater treatment plants.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Melo, Joana Costa, Cristina Quintelas, Eugenio C. Ferreira, Daniela P. Mesquita
Summary: The study compared biomass stress-responses under long-term exposure to ibuprofen and found that IBU significantly reduced the removal efficiencies of COD and NH4+, while the composition of EPS also changed, with higher protein content in TBEPS during phases containing IBU.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
You Ma, Pei-Kun Yuan, Yu Wu, Han Meng, Guo-Xiang Wang, Wen-Ming Xie, Li-Min Zhang, Jie Ma, Yan Xiao
Summary: This study investigated the role of main components of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in antibiotic adsorption through enzymatic treatment of activated sludge. The results showed that proteinase K and alpha-amylase can efficiently hydrolyze the proteins and polysaccharides of EPS, significantly enhancing the adsorption capacity of activated sludge for antibiotics. A multivariable linear regression model was successfully developed to quantify the impact of EPS components on antibiotic adsorption.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yi Tong Cheah, Derek Juinn Chieh Chan
Summary: This review provides a well-refined analysis protocol on microalgal biofilms and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), addressing the pros and cons of various detection techniques and highlighting cutting-edge methods to study biofilm EPSs. It aims to assist novice researchers in making the right choices in their research studies on microalgal biofilms according to available technologies and needs.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Chen Xu, Peng Lin, Luni Sun, Hongmei Chen, Wei Xing, Manoj Kamalanathan, Patrick G. Hatcher, Maureen H. Conte, Antonietta Quigg, Peter H. Santschi
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Hernando P. Bacosa, Manoj Kamalanathan, Joshua Cullen, Dawei Shi, Chen Xu, Kathleen A. Schwehr, David Hala, Terry L. Wade, Anthony H. Knap, Peter H. Santschi, Antonietta Quigg
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gilbert T. Rowe, Harshica Fernando, Cornelis Elferink, G. A. Shakeel Ansari, John Sullivan, Thomas Heathman, Antonietta Quigg, Sharon Petronella Croisant, Terry L. Wade, Peter H. Santschi
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luni Sun, Chen Xu, Peng Lin, Antonietta Quigg, Wei-Chun Chin, Peter H. Santschi
Summary: Photo-oxidation experiments revealed that model proteins undergo cross-linking and aggregation, becoming more resistant to proteolysis with increased carbonyl content and higher molecular weight products. The addition of reactive oxygen species accelerated these transformations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chi-Shuo Chen, Ruei-Feng Shiu, Yu-Ying Hsieh, Chen Xu, Carlos Vazquez, Yujia Cui, Ian C. Hsu, Antonietta Quigg, Peter H. Santschi, Wei-Chun Chin
Summary: The dynamics of organic particles in the surface ocean are crucial for the marine carbon cycle. The stickiness of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from different microbes plays a significant role in the aggregation and sedimentation process of particles. Factors such as salinity and surface matrices can influence the stickiness of EPS, which in turn affects the fate of organic carbon and microbial interactions in the ocean.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Manoj Kamalanathan, Kathleen A. Schwehr, Jessica M. Labonte, Christian Taylor, Charles Bergen, Nicole Patterson, Noah Claflin, Peter H. Santschi, Antonietta Quigg
Summary: The study found that oil exposure negatively impacted microbial substrate uptake, particularly affecting prokaryotes more rapidly and significantly. Photosynthetic activity was severely affected by oil exposure, while eukaryotic uptake of heterotrophic exopolymeric substances was less affected.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Antonietta Quigg, Peter H. Santschi, Chen Xu, Kai Ziervogel, Manoj Kamalanathan, Wei-Chun Chin, Adrian B. Burd, Andrew Wozniak, Patrick G. Hatcher
Summary: Microbes in the ocean play a crucial role in the production of exopolymeric substances that contribute to the formation of marine snow, particularly after oil spill events. Recent experiments show rapid microbial assemblages forming on oil droplets and subsequent degradation of oil in the presence of dispersants. The protein to carbohydrate ratios of EPS serve as a chemical basis for stickiness in aggregation processes.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peng Lin, Chen Xu, Wei Xing, Peter H. Santschi
Summary: By utilizing molecular characterization techniques, it was revealed that there are differences in molecular structures of biopolymers derived from diatoms and coccolithophores, with diatom-derived biopolymers containing more heterogeneous elements, while coccolithophore-derived biopolymers are predominantly rich in CHO-type compounds. These distinctions in organic functional groups are crucial in understanding the behavior of 210Pb and 210Po in the oceanic ecosystem.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel Kaplan, Ralph Nichols, Chen Xu, Peng Lin, Chris Yeager, Peter H. Santschi
Summary: Recent studies in a riparian wetland in South Carolina, USA, showed strong seasonal fluctuations in groundwater radioiodine (I-129) concentrations, with higher concentrations in summer than in winter. These fluctuations were observed only in the wetlands and only with I-129, not with other contaminants. The study proposed a hypothesis that the fluctuations were a result of coupled processes involving hydrology, water temperature, microbiology, and chemistry. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the seasonal variations of contaminants for effective long-term monitoring programs in wetlands.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chen Xu, Peng Lin, Ravindranath Garimella, Dien Li, Wei Xing, Nicole E. Patterson, Daniel Kaplan, Chris M. Yeager, Patrick G. Hatcher, Peter H. Santschi
Summary: The complex behavior of iodine isotopes and their interaction with natural organic matter pose a challenge for transport models. This study investigates the iodination of humic and fulvic acid and shows how it chemically alters the behavior of these organic matter, potentially affecting their mobility in the environment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
W. Sanjaya Weerakkody, Ka Hin Ling, Hsueh-Han Hsieh, Vicente G. Abedneko, Jeng-Feng Shyu, Tse-Min Lee, Yung -Yen Shih, R. R. M. K. P. Ranatunga, Peter H. Santschi, Chin -Chang Hung
Summary: Rapid growth in the aquaculture industry and nutrient and organic carbon increases can cause eutrophication and greenhouse gas emissions. A novel wastewater treatment system using red macroalga, Sarcordia suae, was developed to capture CO2 in subtropical regions. Through solar powered cooling, the system efficiently removes nitrogen and phosphorus from aquaculture wastewater year-round under temperature controlled environments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tsang-Yuh Lin, Chung-Ling Chen, Yung-Yen Shih, Hsueh-Han Hsieh, Wei-Ji Huang, Peter H. Santschi, Chin-Chang Hung
Summary: The aquaculture industry in Taiwan has a annual revenue of over USD 1.1 billion, but it also causes environmental issues such as waste discharge and groundwater withdrawals. A study in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, tested small-scale mobile cage tanks for shrimp and grouper rearing nearshore, and the results showed that the shrimp and groupers reared in these tanks had higher levels of free amino acids and were more palatable. The proposed system not only reduces the risk of eutrophication, but also has the potential for recreational fishing activities to increase income for smallholders.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Gary E. Schultz, Peter H. Santschi
Summary: Free-living bacteria in marine environments are believed to be too sparse to use density-dependent quorum sensing systems. However, this study found that marine bacteria do respond to signal molecules, indicating the presence of quorum sensing in marine gels. This discovery is significant for marine and environmental sciences.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Antonietta Quigg, Peter H. Santschi, Adrian Burd, Wei-Chun Chin, Manoj Kamalanathan, Chen Xu, Kai Ziervogel
Summary: Marine gels and marine snow are important in regulating global and basin-scale ocean biogeochemical cycling. Exopolymeric substances, such as transparent exopolymer particles, are abundant in the ocean and support local microbial communities. Recent studies have enhanced our understanding of these materials, but the relationship between microbial polymers and marine snow remains unclear.
Review
Polymer Science
Peter H. Santschi, Wei-Chun Chin, Antonietta Quigg, Chen Xu, Manoj Kamalanathan, Peng Lin, Ruei-Feng Shiu
Summary: Microgels play critical roles in various ocean processes, with exopolymeric substances from marine microbes being a major source. Many types of pollutants, especially hydrophobic ones, have been found to preferentially associate with marine microgels, impacting their transport and fate in the ocean. This review focuses on the interactions between gel-forming EPS and pollutants in the ocean.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Morgane Leon, Pieter van Beek, Virginie Sanial, Marc Souhaut, Paul Henderson, Matthew A. Charette
Summary: The analysis of radium and actinium isotopes in seawater requires the collection of large volumes of water and the use of high sensitivity instruments. To concentrate these isotopes, filters impregnated with MnO2 are typically used. However, the extraction efficiency of these filters for the target isotopes needs to be determined.