Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Julian N. Rosenberg, Nathaniel C. Cady
Summary: This review discusses novel approaches to discerning the metabolic, morphological, and mechanistic hallmarks of living systems, including the use of fluorescent probes, viability PCR, and label-free biosensors in the field of cell viability.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohaned Sousi, Sergio G. Salinas-Rodriguez, Gang Liu, Jos Dusseldorp, Antoine J. B. Kemperman, Jan C. Schippers, Walter G. J. Van der Meer, Maria D. Kennedy
Summary: The study compared the bacterial growth potential and cell yield of conventionally treated tap water and remineralised RO permeate, with findings indicating differences in nutrient limitation between the two water types.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ryan Cheswick, Andreas Nocker, Graeme Moore, Bruce Jefferson, Peter Jarvis
Summary: This study installed a pilot scale chlorine contact tank with flexible baffling at a water treatment plant and used flow cytometry for direct microbial monitoring. The influence of disinfection variables on efficacy were explored through tracer testing. The study highlights the importance of well-designed and operated chlorine contact tanks, and the potential of flow cytometry for improved process control.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weiying Li, Yue Li, Feng Wang, Sheng Chen, Jiping Chen
Summary: This study found that particles can have a protective effect on bacteria during chlorination and chloramination, and this protection is related to the combination form of particles and bacteria, regardless of the species and size of the particles. Additionally, a more significant resistance was shown during chloramination compared to chlorination.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ewelina Maslak, Wojciech Kupczyk, Viorica Railean, Pawel Pomastowski, Marek Jackowski, Boguslaw Buszewski
Summary: This study investigated the use of capillary electrophoresis (CE) to assess the physiological states of clinical bacterial strains exposed to different antibiotics. The results showed that CE has the potential to become a modern diagnostic method in clinical practice.
Article
Microbiology
Frances C. Pick, Katherine E. Fish, Stewart Husband, Joby B. Boxall
Summary: Biofilms are common in drinking water distribution systems and can pose risks to water quality. A novel biofilm monitoring device has been developed to assess biofouling rates, offering valuable data for improving management of drinking water systems.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qi Shi, Zhuo Chen, Fanqin Wei, Yu Mao, Qi Xu, Kuixiao Li, Yun Lu, Hong-Ying Hu
Summary: This study identifies TF, UV254, and cATP concentration as surrogates for predicting microbial inactivation during ozone disinfection, with empirical linear correlations developed for commonly used microbial indicators. TF is considered the most efficient surrogate due to its high sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability, while cATP concentration is an effective supplement for reflecting total microbial counts. The study provides a rapid and reliable approach for evaluating and predicting ozone disinfection efficiency.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emmanuelle I. Prest, Peter G. Schaap, Michael D. Besmer, Frederik Hammes
Summary: Spatial and short-term temporal changes in water quality in a drinking water distribution system were investigated, showing the combined effect of water age and fluctuating hydraulic conditions on microbiology and the impact of flow velocity on particle counts and turbidity. Hydraulic conditions had no detectable impact on suspended microbial cell concentration, but a weak correlation between flow velocity and ATP concentrations suggests incidental resuspension of particle-bound bacteria. The highly dynamic hydraulic conditions emphasize the value of online monitoring tools for describing short-term dynamics in drinking water distribution systems.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
S. Servain-Viel, M. -L. Aknin, S. Domenichini, G. Perlemuter, A. -M. Cassard, G. Schlecht-Louf, V. Lievin-Le Moal
Summary: Flow cytometry protocol for measuring bacterial viability under safer conditions was developed to minimize the risks of biological and chemical exposure. The protocol involves a viability labeling step before bacteria fixation and reduced use of harmful reagents, achieving reliable results in different conditions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guannan Mao, Yingying Wang, Frederik Hammes
Summary: The efficiency of chlorine in bacterial inactivation varies with organisms and environmental conditions. A novel 96-well plate FCM method was tested to monitor the effects of different chlorine concentrations and exposure times on bacterial communities and pure cultures, enabling efficient comparison of data under the same experimental conditions. Higher chlorine concentration with shorter contact time was found to be more effective in inactivating bacteria.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Raquel Marcos-Fernandez, Borja Sanchez, Lorena Ruiz, Abelardo Margolles
Summary: Flow cytometry is a powerful tool for analyzing cell populations, and in recent years, it has emerged as an important technique in microbiology for studying microbes and their interactions with host cells.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomas Malina, Katerina Polakova, Cordula Hirsch, Ladislav Svoboda, Radek Zboril
Summary: The application scope of carbon nanomaterials in various fields is expanding significantly, underscoring the importance of analyzing their potential harmful effects in vitro. Different types of carbon nanomaterials can cause various interferences in commonly used assays, highlighting the need for specific strategies to overcome such obstacles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Mathilde Lindivat, Gunnar Bratbak, Aud Larsen, Ole-Kristian Hess-Erga, Ingunn Alne Hoell
Summary: The study utilized BONCAT and FCM to investigate bacterial vitality after water disinfection treatment, revealing that bacteria maintained metabolic activity and membrane integrity despite UV irradiation and heat treatment. The methods provided a comprehensive assessment and comparison of bacterial vitality levels after the treatments.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Leen Lietaer, Kristel Demeyere, Stijn Heirbaut, Evelyne Meyer, Geert Opsomer, Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
Summary: This study isolated PMN from the postpartum uterus of dairy cows and found a highly dynamic range of viability and functionality in uterine PMN, with the ability to identify functional PMN capable of phagocytosis. The correlation between peripheral and endometrial PMN functionality was poor, underscoring the need for further research to understand the role of uterine PMN in bovine uterine health.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kejia Zhang, Xiaogang Wu, Tuqiao Zhang, Cheng Cen, Ruyin Mao, Renjie Pan
Summary: This study systematically investigates the biostability of drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) under water source switching. It found that biofilm release through aged pipe surfaces is a potential risk after water source switching, causing temporary instability. The abundance of chlorine-resistant bacteria in the biofilm increases after switching to quality-improved water. Moreover, the safety of the biofilm could improve after switching to quality-improved water, as indicated by the profiles of specific pathways related to human diseases, antibiotic resistance, and antibiotic biosynthesis.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Felix Goldschmidt, Roland R. Regoes, David R. Johnson
Article
Ecology
David R. Johnson, Felix Goldschmidt, Elin E. Lilja, Martin Ackermann
Article
Ecology
Felix Goldschmidt, Lea Caduff, David R. Johnson
Summary: Surface-attached microbial communities exhibit different patterns of spatial self-organization, known as pattern diversification, which is not influenced by initial environmental heterogeneity or genetic heterogeneity within populations. Instead, pattern diversification is caused by nongenetic heterogeneity within populations, specifically local differences in the initial spatial positionings of individuals. These different patterns also lead to varying community-level properties, such as expansion speeds.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Marie Marchal, Felix Goldschmidt, Selina N. Derksen-Muller, Sven Panke, Martin Ackermann, David R. Johnson
BMC EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2017)
Review
Microbiology
Jan Dolinsek, Felix Goldschmidt, David R. Johnson
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2016)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rong-Gui Zhu, Chang-Gui Pan, Feng-Jiao Peng, Chao-Yang Zhou, Jun-Jie Hu, Kefu Yu
Summary: This comprehensive survey investigated the occurrence, bioaccumulation, and trophic magnification of parabens and their metabolite 4-HB in a marine food web. Results showed that parabens were the predominant pollutants in marine organisms, with significant bioaccumulation from sediments. The estimated trophic magnification factor indicated biomagnification for MeP and trophic dilution for 4-HB. Overall, the risks for humans consuming marine organisms were found to be low.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Andres F. Torres-Franco, Deborah Leroy-Freitas, Cristina Martinez-Fraile, Elisa Rodriguez, Pedro A. Garcia-Encina, Raul Munoz
Summary: Anaerobic and microalgae-based technologies have emerged as sustainable alternatives for municipal wastewater treatment. However, the presence of viruses in the treated wastewater is a major concern for reuse applications. This study assessed the ability of these technologies to reduce viruses during secondary wastewater treatment. The results showed that all technologies were effective in reducing the concentration of viruses, with microalgae-based treatment exhibiting the highest potential for reducing the disinfection requirements of treated wastewater.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Young Gwang Kim, Sae Yun Kwon, Spencer J. Washburn, Scott C. Brooks, Ji Won Yoon, Lucien Besnard
Summary: The study uses Hg isotope ratios to identify the sources and exposure pathways of mercury in bivalves, finding that dissolved Hg phases in the water column are the primary source and exposure pathway to bivalves. This provides new insights into using bivalves as bioindicators for sediment quality monitoring.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hui Geng, Ying Xu, Rui Liu, Dianhai Yang, Xiaohu Dai
Summary: This study investigates the effect of cation exchange resin (CER) on the sequential recovery of hydrogen and methane from anaerobic digestion (AD) and the corresponding mechanisms. The results show that CER can simultaneously enhance the production of hydrogen and methane by promoting the solubilisation, hydrolysis, and acidification of organic matter. Additionally, CER facilitates effective contact between bacteria and organic particulates and reduces the energy barrier for mass transfer during methane production. The study also reveals changes in the microbial community structure and metagenomics during the AD process.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Lin, Zhan Jin, Shunfeng Jiang, Zhiquan Wang, Suqing Wu, Ke Bei, Min Zhao, Xiangyong Zheng
Summary: Dehumidification combined with addition of absorbent resin supplement (ARS) was used to achieve rapid evaporation of non-pretreated urine, resulting in high water evaporation efficiency and nutrient recovery.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yangli Che, Chaoran Lin, Shen Li, Jiao Liu, Longhai Zhu, Shilei Yu, Nan Wang, Haoshuai Li, Mutai Bao, Yang Zhou, Tonghao Si, Rui Bao
Summary: Hydrodynamic processes play a crucial role in the transmission of sediments, microbial assembly, and organic carbon redistribution in the ocean. Through experiments and analysis, we found that hydrodynamics shape the assembly of microbial communities and control the redistribution of different sourced organic carbon, thereby influencing microbial-mediated biogeochemical transformation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Chen, Yu Yang, Nigel J. D. Graham, Zhenyu Li, Xingtao Yang, Zhining Wang, Nadia Farhat, Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder, Li -an Hou
Summary: The fouling of seawater reverse osmosis membranes is a persistent challenge in desalination. This study monitored the operational performance of a desalination plant for 7 years and the fouling development in different areas of membrane modules. The findings showed that operational performance declined over time and fouling mainly occurred at the feed side of the modules, with the highest microbial diversity. Keystone species like Chloroflexi and Planctomycetes played an important role in maintaining community structure and biofilm maturation. Polysaccharides, soluble microbial products, marine humic acid-like substances, and inorganic substances contributed to fouling. Overall, biofouling had a significant impact on membrane fouling after 7 years of operation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dan Li, Jieyi Sun, Yibo Fu, Wentao Hong, Heli Wang, Qian Yang, Junhong Wu, Sen Yang, Jianhui Xu, Yunfei Zhang, Yirong Deng, Yin Zhong, Ping'an Peng
Summary: Sulfidation-oxidation treatment of magnetite (Fe3O4) enhances the production of dark center dot OH, which can efficiently degrade dissolved organic matter (DOM) and accelerate carbon cycling.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cheng Yu, Kaijun Wang, Kaiyuan Zhang, Ruiyang Liu, Pingping Zheng
Summary: This study implemented a microaerobic-aerobic configuration in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment facility and investigated the effects on sludge characteristics, pollutant removal, microbial community, and granulation mechanisms. The results showed successful transition from flocculent-activated sludge to well-defined AGS after two months of operation. The primary pathways for pollutant removal were simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus removal. Moreover, the incorporation of internal separators induced shifts in the flow pattern, which promoted granulation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhe Zhang, Shaoyang Hu, Guangrong Sun, Wei Wang
Summary: Halogenated aromatic disinfection byproducts (DBPs), such as halogenated phenols, have garnered widespread attention due to their high toxicity and prevalence. This study reports on the analysis, occurrence, and cytotoxicity of a group of emerging halogenated aromatic DBPs, known as halogenated polyhydroxyphenols (HPPs), in drinking water.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shengyue Chen, Jinliang Huang, Peng Wang, Xi Tang, Zhenyu Zhang
Summary: Accurate prediction of river water quality is crucial for sustainable water management. This study introduces wavelet analysis and transfer learning techniques to assist LSTM modeling, proposing a newly coupled modeling approach that improves short-term prediction of river water quality.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bang Du, Xinmin Zhan, Piet N. L. Lens, Yifeng Zhang, Guangxue Wu
Summary: Efficient anaerobic digestion relies on the cooperation of different microorganisms with different metabolic pathways. This study investigated the effects of different operational modes and the addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC) on ethanol metabolic pathways. The results showed that the SBR mode and the presence of CO2 facilitated ethanol metabolism towards propionate production, while the CFR mode with extended solids retention time enriched Geobacter. Adjusting operational modes and PAC addition can modulate anaerobic ethanol metabolism and enrich Geobacter.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wanfa Wang, Si-Liang Li, Jun Zhong, Yuanbi Yi, Fujun Yue, Zenglei Han, Qixin Wu, Ding He, Cong-Qiang Liu
Summary: This study compares the carbon biogeochemical processes in karst and non-karst regions within large thermal stratified river-reservoir systems. The results demonstrate that karst reservoirs have a reduced potential for carbon emissions and highlight the importance of considering geologic settings to improve accuracy in regional and global CO2 emission estimates.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chunxia Jiang, Zelong Zhao, Dong Zhu, Xiong Pan, Yuyi Yang
Summary: This study analyzed the occurrence and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in different environmental media of the Yangtze River using metagenomics. Core resistome dominated by multidrug resistance genes was found in all samples, while rare resistome dominated by various resistance genes was more prevalent in plasmids. Specific bacteria were identified as hosts for both core and rare resistomes, with high clinical concern ARGs found in the rare resistome. Particle-associated environment provided the most ideal conditions for resistome hosts. This study provided insights into the genetic locations of ARGs and the community assembly mechanisms of ARG hosts in freshwater environments.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yu Zhang, Yongtao He, Linchun Jia, Lei Xu, Zheng Wang, Yueling He, Ling Xiong, Xumeng Lin, Hong Chen, Gang Xue
Summary: By synergizing organic carbon source, thiosulfate, and zero-valent iron, efficient mixotrophic denitrification of oligotrophic secondary effluent can be achieved. Thiosulfate plays a vital role in promoting TN removal efficiency, while corrosion of Fe0 releases OH- to neutralize H+ from thiosulfate-driven denitrification, creating a suitable environment for denitrification. The coordination of thiosulfate and Fe0 maintains the dominance of Thiobacillus for denitrification.