Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hejie Qin, Tanjie Zha, Kun Qian, Yuankui Sun, Xiaohong Guan, Chuncheng Chen
Summary: By embedding enzyme-like Co-N4 sites in a nitrogen-doped carbon support, we developed a Co-NC catalyst that combines the advantages of abiotic and biological dechlorination strategies. Co-NC exhibited excellent reactivity and stability for catalytic dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes. It could transform up to 94.8% of trichloroethene directly to acetylene without toxic intermediates and utilize electrons from dissolved Fe(II), making it a sustainable remediation strategy.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Mohammad Sufian Bin Hudari, Hans Richnow, Carsten Vogt, Ivonne Nijenhuis
Summary: This article summarizes the current knowledge on reductive dehalogenation activities of chlorinated ethenes at different temperatures, including the activity and dehalogenation extent in laboratory isolates and enrichment cultures at different temperatures. It also discusses the indirect effects on biotransformation and the impact of anthropogenic activities related to thermal heat management on groundwater temperature.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Edward J. O'Loughlin, David R. Burris
Summary: Chlorinated ethenes, commonly used as solvents and degreasers, have caused significant soil and groundwater contamination. This study found that green rust alone was ineffective in reducing chlorinated ethenes, but the presence of Ag(I) or Cu(II) improved the removal of these pollutants.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cui Li, Rong Chen, Hui Liu, Yao Huang, Jintao Yu, Weiwei Ouyang, Chen Xue
Summary: This study shows that the joint use of H-2 and O-2 can significantly promote the microbial transformation of chlorinated hydrocarbons. Illumina sequencing analyses revealed the formation of a specific microbial community in the H-2/O-2 microcosm, with certain microbes utilizing H-2 and O-2 as energy sources for chlorinated hydrocarbon conversion.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guofang Xu, Ning Zhang, Xuejie Zhao, Chen Chen, Chunfang Zhang, Jianzhong He
Summary: This study explores the potential for offshore marine microbiota to transform organohalide pollutants and finds that marine Dehalococcoidia have a versatile dehalogenation capacity. The study demonstrates dechlorination of diverse organohalides by offshore marine microbiota, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP). It also identifies the presence of Dehalococcoides and uncultivated Dehalococcoidia in initial sediment microcosms, with Dehalococcoides being dominant in all enrichment cultures.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marie Czinnerova, Vojtech Stejskal, Kristyna Markova, Jaroslav Nosek, Jakub Riha, Alena Sevcu
Summary: This study summarizes the outcomes of the long-term in-situ application of glycerol for the enhanced reductive dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes (CEs). Glycerol injection resulted in an increase in the abundance of fermentative Firmicutes, leading to the change of groundwater conditions suitable for the growth of organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB). The concentrations of pollutants decreased and the final degradation products were ethene and ethane.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuyan Wu, Shichao Cai, Fengyang Qin, Feng He, Tianxi Liu, Xiuping Yan, Zhenyu Wang
Summary: Ball milling is effective in activating and reducing the size of microscale zero valent iron (mZVI) and sulfidating mZVI mechanochemically. However, there are differences in the interaction between chlorinated ethenes (CEs) and ball milled mZVI (mZVIbm) and mechanochemically sulfidated mZVI (S-mZVIbm) that are not well understood. This study found that simple ball milling exposed active Fe0 sites, while mechanochemical sulfidation decreased Fe0 sites and increased S2 sites. The sulfidation process enhanced the reactivity of TCE dechlorination the most, followed by PCE and 1,1-DCE, but reduced the reactivity of trans-DCE, cis-DCE, and VC compared to simple ball milling. Sulfidation also improved the electron efficiency of CE dechlorination, except for cis-DCE and VC. The kSA of cis-DCE, VC, and trans-DCE dechlorination positively correlated with the sulfide content.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zheng-Tao Li, Si-Ying Yang, He -Ping Zhao
Summary: Inorganic arsenic and organochlorines often coexist in anoxic groundwater environments, posing challenges for bioremediation. This study investigated the dechlorination performance of a microbial consortium under different concentrations of arsenate or arsenite and found that the impact of arsenic on dechlorination differed between the two scenarios. The study also revealed that the vinyl chloride-to-ethene step was more susceptible to arsenic exposure and fermentative bacteria showed high potential for arsenic resistance. The findings provide insights for modifying bioremediation strategies at co-contaminated sites.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Srivatsan Mohana Rangan, Shefali Rao, Aide Robles, Aatikah Mouti, Laurie LaPat-Polasko, Gregory Lowry, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Anca G. Delgado
Summary: This study investigates the efficacy of coupling Fe0 with H2-utilizing organohalide-respiring bacteria (D. mccartyi) for the remediation of chlorinated solvents. By decoupling the application of Fe0 from organic substrates and D. mccartyi-containing cultures, the study demonstrates that reduced groundwater from Fe0 can support microbial reductive dechlorination and achieve high conversion rates of trichloroethene to ethene. The findings suggest that separating the application of Fe0 and biostimulation/bioaugmentation in space and time can enhance microbial trichloroethene reductive dechlorination, particularly in oxic conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ondrej Lhotsky, Jan Kukacka, Jan Slunsky, Kristyna Markova, Jan Nemecek, Vladislav Knytl, Tomas Cajthaml
Summary: A pilot-scale treatment of a low-permeability locality contaminated primarily by PCE with a complex microbial consortium capable of effective dechlorination processes was conducted via direct push pneumatic fracturing combined with the hydraulic delivery of a remediation suspension. Long-term monitoring revealed efficient abiotic reduction of PCE and trichloroethene, leading to a significant decrease in average chlorine number in the groundwater and an increase in ClE concentration due to accelerated mass-transfer caused by the treatment, which remained fully active for 2.5 years.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiuying Li, Yi Yang, Jingjing Wang, Huijuan Jin, Yaozhi Zhang, Yiru Cui, Yufang Song, Jun Yan
Summary: This study identified a anaerobic enrichment culture derived from contaminated river sediment that can mediate the reductive dechlorination of Diclofenac (DCF). It also discovered a new Dehalogenimonas population and highlighted the relevant roles of organohalide-respiring bacteria in the natural attenuation of halogenated contaminants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wei-Yu Chen, Jer-Horng Wu
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of different substrates on the reductive dechlorination of trichloroethene at contaminated sites, finding that the molasses-fed reactor exhibited superior performance. The results suggest a significant impact of the substrate on the growth of organohalide-respiring bacteria and the dechlorination process of trichloroethene.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jessica M. Ewald, Jerald L. Schnoor, Timothy E. Mattes
Summary: By studying the microbial communities containing Dehalococcoides, this research reveals the differential abundance of functional genes and provides support for the bioremediation of halogenated organic contaminants.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
W. H. Lin, C. C. Chien, C. W. Lu, Deyi Hou, Y. T. Sheu, S. C. Chen, C. M. Kao
Summary: Trichloroethene (TCE) dechlorination under anaerobic conditions is an effective method for cleaning up TCE-polluted groundwater. Supplementing organic substrates can enhance hydrogen production and improve the activity of dechlorinating bacteria, but the produced hydrogen may be consumed by methanogens, leading to decreased efficiency. Addition of methanogen inhibitors can effectively inhibit methanogens growth, resulting in enhanced TCE dechlorination efficiency.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gao Chen, Fadime Kara Murdoch, Yongchao Xie, Robert W. Murdoch, Yiru Cui, Yi Yang, Jun Yan, Trent A. Key, Frank E. Loffler
Summary: Researchers discovered a new anaerobic bacterium that can efficiently dechlorinate vinyl chloride (VC) to ethene. The bacterium utilizes formate and hydrogen as electron donors for reductive dechlorination, providing new opportunities for effective remediation of VC contamination in groundwater.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
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
Engineering, Environmental
Philipp R. Martin, Daniel Buchner, Maik A. Jochmann, Martin Elsner, Stefan B. Haderlein
Summary: The oxidation of aminopolyphosphonate chelating agents such as aminotrismethylene phosphonate (ATMP) by molecular oxygen catalyzed by Mn(II) is an important process in environmental fate. The potential roles of Mn(III)ATMP species in the transformation mechanisms are not fully understood. This study revealed two parallel ATMP transformation pathways, one involving the oxidation of ATMP in Mn(III)ATMP complexes and the other involving the oxidation of free ATMP by Mn(III)ATMP species. These findings highlight the significance of Mn-ATMP species in the overall ATMP oxidation and suggest that Mn(III)ATMP could also act as a potent oxidant for other reducible solutes in aqueous environments.
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)