Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tzu-Yu Lin, Wen-Tso Liu
Summary: This study further validated the ecological genomics (ecogenomics)-based mass balance (EGMB) models and demonstrated the feasibility of using metagenome-based EGMB model to reveal microbial activity and function. The results showed highly comparable community profiles in the mock community and the bioreactor, and also identified the contribution of uncultivated populations in degrading the feed biomass.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rafaely X. de S. Furtado, Carolina A. Sabatini, Isabel K. Sakamoto, Marcelo Zaiat, Eduardo B. Azevedo
Summary: Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is widely used in the textile industry as a surfactant and can be found in various products. This study investigated the degradation of PFOS in anaerobic conditions using simulated domestic sewage. After 10 days, a 24% degradation of PFOS was achieved. Biodegradation products were identified, including a new compound: C4F9CHO (2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoropentanal). The biodegradation products showed increased lipophilicities and ecotoxicities compared to PFOS.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Simon Mills, Thi Phi Yen Nguyen, Umer Zeeshan Ijaz, Piet N. L. Lens
Summary: In this study, the effects of long-term bioreactor (un)stability on resistance to shock loads were evaluated. The results showed that the reactor with stable operation performed better in terms of resistance to a sudden increase in organic loading rate, despite having lower microbial community diversity. The operation history of a reactor plays a crucial role in determining its ability to withstand environmental perturbations.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Liu Cao, Chris D. Cox, Qiang He
Summary: This study identified the important role of Syntrophobacter in syntrophic propionate conversion, while the methanogen partners lacked consistency. Propionate conversion was mainly achieved through the transformation of propionate into acetate and hydrogen.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Su In Kim, Chayanee Chairattanawat, Eunji Kim, Seokhwan Hwang
Summary: Anaerobic digestion of protein-rich wastes is challenging due to the production of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. The choice of inoculum significantly affects the maximum methane production rate.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Anna Christine Trego, B. Conall Holohan, Ciara Keating, Alison Graham, Sandra O'Connor, Michael Gerardo, Dermot Hughes, Umer Zeeshan Ijaz, Vincent O'Flaherty
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility of high-rate, direct treatment of low-strength municipal wastewater at low temperatures for the first time. Efficient removal of BOD from wastewater and the discovery of a highly adaptable core microbiome provide a foundation for next-generation municipal wastewater treatment.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Qiuxian Qi, Chen Sun, Chicaiza Cristhian, Tengyu Zhang, Jingxin Zhang, Hailin Tian, Yiliang He, Yen Wah Tong
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of different biochar-amended anaerobic digestion systems and found that biochar produced at high gasification temperature can promote methane production and improve digestion performance. The results indicate that the surface functional groups of biochar have a significant impact on anaerobic digestion performance at different temperatures.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Parvin Hasani Zadeh, Antonio Serrano, Gavin Collins, Fernando G. Fermoso
Summary: The relationships between extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), soluble microbial product production, metal solubility, and methanogenic activity were investigated. Cobalt was found to be less toxic to methanogens than nickel, and the combined effects of Ni and Co on methane production in the bimetal experiment was higher than the sum of the effects of each metal alone. The protein content of EPS decreased with increasing concentrations of total metals, while no significant change was observed for carbohydrate content. Decreasing protein content of EPS was accompanied by reduced methanogenic activity and an increase in the soluble metal fraction.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wen Li, Lirong Zhu, Baocun Wu, Yongli Liu, Jinze Li, Linji Xu, Xiaoliu Huangfu, Dezhi Shi, Li Gu, Cong Chen
Summary: This study adopted a side-stream thermophilic anaerobic digestion (STA) strategy to improve the efficiency and stability of a digestive system. The results showed that STA strategy not only increased methane production and system stability, but also optimized organic metabolism patterns and promoted methane production pathways through enhanced enzyme activity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Simon Mills, Anna Christine Trego, John Ward, Juan Castilla-Archilla, Johannes Hertel, Ines Thiele, Piet N. L. Lens, Umer Zeeshan Ijaz, Gavin Collins
Summary: This study utilized laboratory-scale bioreactors to investigate the formation, maturation, disintegration, and re-formation of new granules. The findings highlighted distinct morphological features of granule sizes and biofilm development stages, which are important for maximizing bioreactor performance.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hui Mu, Youheng Zhao, Chunhui Zhao
Summary: This study found that adding granular activated carbon (GAC) in ZnO nanoparticles-bearing wastewater anaerobic digestion system can significantly enhance methane yield. GAC weakens the contact between nanoparticles and microbes, adsorbs released toxic substances, and promotes the enrichment of specific microbial communities for methane production.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ying Li, Changrui Wang, Xinrui Xu, Yongming Sun, Tao Xing
Summary: Introducing propionate-degrading methanogenic cultures can enhance methane yield in anaerobic digesters under high ammonia levels, improving the performance of anaerobic digestion.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yafan Cai, Zehui Zheng, Lingxia Wei, Henglei Zhang, Xiaofen Wang
Summary: Anaerobic digestion of common rural wastes can achieve efficient resource recovery and utilization, while reducing the absolute concentration of pathogenic bacteria. Co-digestion of wastes can meet the energy demand of rural communities and provide sufficient nitrogen for lawn fertilization.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Miao Yan, Xinyu Zhu, Laura Treu, Giulia Ravenni, Stefano Campanaro, Estelle Maria Goonesekera, Rosa Ferrigno, Carsten S. Jacobsen, Athanasios Zervas, Irini Angelidaki, Ioannis A. Fotidis
Summary: Different strategies were attempted to recover ammonia-stressed AD reactors, with BioG, BioL, BW, and BS showing the most effective results in increasing methane production rates. BW may have acted as electrical conduits for Direct Electron Transfer, while BioG facilitated slow release of bioaugmentation inocula into the AD system. Microbial analysis showed increased abundance of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus with BioG, BioL, and BW, and selective raise of Methanosarcina thermophila with BS, leading to faster recovery of the AD process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
He Linsong, Li Lianhua, Li Ying, Wang Changrui, Sun Yongming
Summary: The study showed that bioaugmentation increased methane yield and shortened methane production time in batch reactors. Higher bioaugmentation doses did not significantly improve efficiency, with a recommended dosage of 0.27 g VSBS/g VSCM. Additionally, whole genome pyrosequencing revealed changes in the dominant methanogenic pathways with bioaugmentation, indicating enhanced metabolic activities in the digestor.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Corine Orline Nzeteu, Anna Christine Trego, Florence Abram, Vincent O'Flaherty
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS
(2018)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Christopher Finnegan, David Ryan, Anne-Marie Enright, Guiomar Garcia-Cabellos
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christopher Finnegan, David Ryan, Anne-Marie Enright, Guiomar Garcia-Cabellos
Article
Environmental Sciences
N. Bhatnagar, D. Ryan, R. Murphy, A. M. Enright
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lilit Tonoyan, Gerard T. A. Fleming, Ruairi Friel, Vincent O'Flaherty
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
John P. Dunbar, Neyaz A. Khan, Cathy L. Abberton, Pearce Brosnan, Jennifer Murphy, Sam Afoullouss, Vincent O'Flaherty, Michel M. Dugon, Aoife Boyd
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Microbiology
Anna Christine Trego, Paul G. McAteer, Corine Nzeteu, Therese Mahony, Florence Abram, Umer Zeeshan Ijaz, Vincent O'Flaherty
Summary: The study utilized null-model approaches to investigate community assembly mechanisms in the built environment, focusing on biological wastewater treatment. Significant differences in diversity were observed between floating and settled granules, with both stochastic and deterministic processes playing important roles in community assembly. Homogeneous selection was identified as the primary mechanism, with dispersal processes also contributing. The analysis highlighted changes in microbial community composition during process disturbances, emphasizing the importance of certain groups for process stability.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rajat Nag, Bryan K. Markey, Paul Whyte, Vincent O'Flaherty, Declan Bolton, Owen Fenton, Karl G. Richards, Enda Cummins
Summary: The study in Ireland collected data on prevalence estimates of various pathogens in different animal species, revealing the highest mean P for Cryptosporidium spp., MAP, and Campylobacter spp. in cattle. The study also calculated the initial concentration of pathogens in animal feces and slurry, providing a basis for future farm-to-fork risk assessment models.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rajat Nag, Ciaran Monahan, Paul Whyte, Bryan K. Markey, Vincent O'Flaherty, Declan Bolton, Owen Fenton, Karl G. Richards, Enda Cummins
Summary: This study developed a quantitative risk assessment model for Escherichia coli transmission through the air exposure route, predicting human exposure levels and emphasizing the importance of maintaining distance and waiting time to ensure occupational safety.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rajat Nag, Lauren Russell, Stephen Nolan, Agathe Auer, Bryan K. Markey, Paul Whyte, Vincent O'Flaherty, Declan Bolton, Owen Fenton, Karl G. Richards, Enda Cummins
Summary: Farmyard manure and slurry, as well as anaerobic digestate, are valuable soil conditioners providing essential nutrients for plant growth, but they may also pose microbial health risks to humans. A quantitative microbial risk assessment model was developed to investigate potential human exposure to pathogens post-application, revealing low risk probabilities in most scenarios.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rajat Nag, Agathe Auer, Stephen Nolan, Lauren Russell, Bryan K. Markey, Paul Whyte, Vincent O'Flaherty, Declan Bolton, Owen Fenton, Karl G. Richards, Enda Cummins
Summary: This study developed an exposure assessment model to predict the final microorganism count in digestate using a combination of primary laboratory data and secondary literature-based data. Results show that digestate can meet EU standards under certain temperature and retention time conditions; storage of digestate can decrease microorganism levels; the Irish pasteurisation process is more effective for certain pathogens.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
C. Deveautour, P. A. Rojas-Pinzon, M. Veloso, J. Rambaud, A. M. Duff, D. Wall, R. Carolan, L. Philippot, K. G. Richards, V O'Flaherty, F. Brennan
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of abiotic and biotic factors on potential denitrification and identified soil physico-chemical properties and prokaryotic community composition as key factors in predicting potential denitrification. Soil phosphorus content was equally important in predicting potential denitrification.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Lilit Tonoyan, Freddy Guiheneuf, Ruari Friel, Vincent O'Flaherty
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sinead Morris, Guiomar Garcia-Cabellos, David Ryan, Deirdre Enright, Anne-Marie Enright
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT
(2018)
Article
Microbiology
C. Keating, D. Hughes, T. Mahony, D. Cysneiros, U. Z. Ijaz, C. J. Smith, V. O'Flaherty
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2018)
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.
