Review
Environmental Sciences
Prateek Gururani, Pooja Bhatnagar, Vinod Kumar, Mikhail S. Vlaskin, Anatoly Grigorenko
Summary: Urbanization, industrialization and other human-related activities contribute to the discharge of toxic substances into the environment. The use of algae in wastewater treatment has been widely studied and it has been found that algae consortium systems are more effective than monocultures. Microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi in wastewater can form symbiotic relationships with algae, aiding in the removal of pollutants. This review explores the symbiotic relationships between algae and other microorganisms and their applications in wastewater treatment.
Review
Environmental Sciences
A. Saravanan, P. Senthil Kumar, Sunita Varjani, S. Jeevanantham, P. R. Yaashikaa, P. Thamarai, B. Abirami, Cynthia Susan George
Summary: Industrialization and urbanization lead to water contamination, and utilizing the symbiotic relationship between algae and bacteria can efficiently remove toxic contaminants and improve wastewater treatment efficiency.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xinjuan Hu, Yulie E. Meneses, Ashraf Aly Hassan, Jayne Stratton, Shuhao Huo
Summary: Microalgae immobilization co-immobilized with sludge bacteria in alginate beads were studied for treating real food industrial wastewater, with an annular photobioreactor designed for efficient light transmission. Results showed that increased alginate mixture improved beads stability, and a 20% beads-to-wastewater ratio had an effect on algal growth. The improved annular photobioreactor showed increased algal growth and improved removal of COD, TN, and PO43- compared to suspended photobioreactor.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Francesca Casagli, Fabrice Beline, Elena Ficara, Olivier Bernard
Summary: This study explores and quantifies the advantage of adding a solid/liquid separation system to uncouple Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) and Solid Retention Time (SRT) in High Rate Algal/Bacterial Ponds (HRABP). The results show that by uncoupling HRT and SRT and adapting the liquid depth and alkalinity content, the productivity of algae can be increased. Simulations indicate that maximizing algae productivity and the fraction of nitrogen recovered in the algae biomass are conflicting goals achieved under different operating conditions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jeeraporn Pekkoh, Chatchawan Chaichana, Theera Thurakit, Kittiya Phinyo, Sureeporn Lomakool, Khomsan Ruangrit, Kritsana Duangjan, Nakarin Suwannarach, Jaturong Kumla, Benjamas Cheirsilp, Sirasit Srinuanpan
Summary: This study evaluates the formation and distribution of algal-bacterial bioflocs in aquaculture wastewater with the addition of agricultural waste. It discovers that the dual bioaugmentation strategy using bacteria and microalgae shows the best performance in terms of biofloc structure, settleability, and particle diameter. Furthermore, the supplementation of molasses and rice bran stimulates the formation of bioflocs and improves the water quality of the system.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Kathryn J. Coyne, Yanfei Wang, Gretchen Johnson
Summary: This review article discusses the complex and dynamic interactions between bacteria and phytoplankton in aquatic ecosystems, with a focus on algicidal interactions. Bacteria can control algal growth through physical association or the production of algicidal compounds. The article highlights the specificity of bacterial control, mechanisms for activity, and chemical and biochemical analysis of these interactions. It also reviews the development of environmentally friendly or sustainable methods using algicidal bacteria or compounds derived from bacteria to control harmful algal blooms. The article concludes with potential avenues for future research and the further development and application of bacterial algicides.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yongtao Cheng, Hongyu Wang, Zhikang Deng, Jiping Wang, Zhe Liu, Yulin Chen, Yongfei Ma, Bolin Li, Lie Yang, Zulin Zhang, Li Wu
Summary: A novel algae-bacteria biofilm reactor (ABBR) was constructed to remove neonicotinoid pesticide IMI from municipal wastewater. The ABBR showed a higher removal efficiency of IMI compared to a photobioreactor without biofilm or under lower light conditions. The ABBR also improved the removal of other pollutants such as total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) and soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD).
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cristian A. Sepulveda-Munoz, Gorka Hontiyuelo, Saul Blanco, Andres F. Torres-Franco, Raul Munoz
Summary: Photosynthetic processes can be used to treat wastewater and convert nutrients into biomass. In this study, a combination of purple phototrophic bacteria photobioreactor and microalgae-bacteria photobioreactor was used to treat piggery wastewater, achieving efficient removal of carbon and nitrogen contaminants.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shahla Radmehr, Mari Kallioinen-Manttari, Mika Manttari
Summary: Algal membrane bioreactors and advanced hybrid biocarrier algal membrane bioreactors have been investigated to improve the performance of conventional MBRs. The hybrid algae-MBR showed lower membrane fouling and higher levels of nitrification, as well as significant improvements in ammonium biomass uptake.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jun Qian, Ting Wan, Yuxin Ye, Jingjing Li, Tatsuki Toda, Hongwu Li, Mutsumi Sekine, Yoshiki Takayama, Shinichi Koga, Shengxi Shao, Liangliang Fan, Peilun Xu, Wenguang Zhou
Summary: Microalgal-biofilm-based wastewater treatment involves the use of microalgae-dominated biofilm communities in nonaxenic systems, where co-existing bacteria and microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) play a crucial role in biofilm formation. However, the mechanism of algae-bacteria consortium biofilm formation in wastewaters such as soy sauce wastewater (SW) has not been well studied. This study cultivated algal biofilms in raw SW (RSW) and sterilized SW (SSW), and analyzed the characteristics of the biofilms and their EPS in these two treatments. The results showed that co-existing bacteria significantly enhanced biomass attachment and nutrient removal in the algal biofilm system with RSW compared to SSW without bacteria. This enhancement was likely due to EPS excreted by dominant Proteobacteria species such as Acinetobacter and Comamonas in the bacterial community. The algal biofilm in RSW produced relatively high levels of tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS) and its proteins (TB-PN), which contributed to biofilm formation. The increased TB-EPS content was related to soluble microbial by-product-like substances, mainly proteins, and the high TB-PN content was mainly caused by an increase in hydrophobic glycine and serine content, promoting stable biofilm formation. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of algal biofilm formation mechanisms in SW treatment, providing a theoretical basis for algae-bacteria synergism in biofilm formation.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Saswat Mahapatra, Kundan Samal, Rajesh Roshan Dash
Summary: Waste stabilization pond (WSP) is a natural technology for the treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater, septage, and sludge. It is highly efficient, cost-effective, and easy to operate. However, the separation and removal of algal species remain a major challenge.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shengnan Li, Pau Loke Show, Huu Hao Ngo, Shih-Hsin Ho
Summary: This review critically summarizes the important role of algae-based technologies in antibiotic wastewater treatment. It discusses in detail the mechanisms of algae removal, the integration of algae with other microorganisms, and various techniques to enhance antibiotic removal.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Zhengxin Wang, Xinggan Peng, Ao Xia, Akeel A. Shah, Yun Huang, Xianqing Zhu, Xun Zhu, Qiang Liao
Summary: The development and application of bioenergy and biofuels conversion technology are crucial for producing renewable and sustainable energy sources in the future. However, due to the complexity of bioenergy systems and human limitations in understanding, machine learning provides new opportunities. The latest advances in machine learning assisted bioenergy technology show great potential in driving the development of a new generation of bioenergy and biofuels conversion technologies in the future.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiale Wang, Yangfan Deng, Wei Chen, Hongjiao Song, Feixiang Zan, XiaoHui Wu, Yongzheng Ren
Summary: This study comprehensively explored the characteristics, treatment performance, and microbial pathways of algae enhanced bacteria consortia (AEBC) process for municipal wastewater treatment. The results showed that AEBC had better settling performance, more extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and excellent pollutant removal rates. However, the synergistic effect between algae and bacteria dramatically altered the abundance of denitrifying bacteria. Trebouxiophyceae were the dominant eukaryotic algae and Amt, NirBD, and 6.3.1.2 enzymes were involved in nitrogen metabolism.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Amlan Roy, Nirmali Gogoi, Farishta Yasmin, Mohammad Farooq
Summary: Algae, a group of organisms that can perform photosynthesis and are found ubiquitously, have been extensively studied for their potential in addressing environmental crises. They are effective in biomonitoring water pollution, bioremediation, and the production of eco-friendly energy sources. Industries like food and pharmaceuticals are utilizing algae for the production of value-added products. Additionally, algae have significant benefits in agriculture and climate change mitigation. The ease and cost-effectiveness of sampling and culturing algae have contributed to their popularity. This review paper discusses the sustainable applications of algae in pollution control, energy production, agriculture, and fighting climate change, highlighting recent trends and advancements in algal technologies and indicating future prospects.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. B. Farhangi, Z. Ghasemzadeh, N. Ghorbanzadeh, M. Khalilirad, A. Unc
Summary: The study showed that bioreduction of Fe(III) was more extensive in the presence of nontronite compared to hematite, leading to better removal of phosphate from leachate. Phosphate was initially precipitated as struvite in the experiment, with subsequent removal being proportional to biological Fe(II) generation. Overall, phosphate removal in suspensions containing hematite or nontronite was 83% and 86%, respectively.
JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Amana Jemal Kedir, Judith Nyiraneza, Lakshman Galagedara, Mumtaz Cheema, Kelly Anne Hawboldt, David Bruce McKenzie, Adrian Unc
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the phosphorus adsorption characteristics of Podzols soils in forested and managed fields in eastern and central Newfoundland, Canada. Results showed that the organic LFH and long-term managed Ap horizons had the highest P retention capacities, while newly converted soils or soils used as tree nurseries had lower P adsorption capacities.
SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Joinal Abedin, Adrian Unc
Summary: Adding biochar to agricultural soils in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay region has been found to improve soil fertility indicators, but its effects diminish over time.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Louis-Pierre Comeau, Kyle MacKinley, Adrian Unc, Jeremiah Vallotton
Summary: This study analyzed and compared three different ex situ soil respiration methods and found that drying and sieving soil can produce cautiously reliable results, although there is disturbance compared to the microcosm method. Additionally, there is low correlation between soil physico-chemical parameters and respiration.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Erika H. Young, Jeremiah D. Vallotton, Amana J. Kedir, Ayodeji O. Medaiyese, Claudia Goyer, Louis-Pierre Comeau, Adrian Unc
Summary: Conversion to agriculture has a greater impact on soil quality than recent rock pulverization. Nematode community and soil respiration are mainly influenced by soil organic matter and pH, with distinct relationships observed between mineral and Organic soils.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Amana Jemal Kedir, David Bruce McKenzie, Noura Ziadi, Adrian Unc
Summary: This study explores various methods of extracting soil phosphorus (P) in order to improve management of Podzol soils in Newfoundland.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
T. Kloffel, E. H. Young, N. Borchard, J. D. Vallotton, E. Nurmi, N. J. Shurpali, F. Urbano Tenorio, X. Liu, G. H. F. Young, A. Unc
Summary: Accelerated global warming in the cold-climate boreal and Arctic regions has both positive and negative impacts on agriculture. Consistent policies and efficient use of existing agricultural lands are necessary to ensure environmental sustainability and meet local food needs.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2022)
Review
Soil Science
Erika Helen Young, Adrian Unc
Summary: Food webs and soil functional status in boreal regions are influenced by microbial carbon and nitrogen fluxes determined by ecosystem type and management. Expanding and intensifying agriculture in these regions leads to changes in biodiversity, carbon, and nitrogen losses, affecting soil functionality. Monitoring the status of northern soils requires standardized methods applicable across land uses and scales. Free-living nematodes, sensitive indicators of soil environment changes, can be utilized to monitor the functional state of natural systems and inform sustainable agricultural management decisions. However, little research has focused on nematodes in boreal or Arctic agricultural systems, highlighting the need for future investigation on their impacts.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Richard Tingskou, Adrian Unc
Summary: This study examined the effects of adding mineral or organic fertilizer to different soil layers on nutrient uptake and crop productivity. The findings suggest that soil depth plays a significant role in carbon cycling and nutrient acquisition, and site-specific considerations are needed when farming podzols after land-use conversion.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tahtamouni Mohammad Emad, Khresat Sa'eb, Lucero Mary, Sigala Jesus, Unc Adrian
Summary: The recovery of soil health provides insights into the mechanisms that stabilize remediated ecosystems. Substrate induced respiration (SIR), which assesses enzymatic activity potential, is commonly used to evaluate changes in soil microbial activity profiles and their links to environmental and management factors. This study employed community level physiological profiling (CLPP) to assess the impact of time on the remediation of surface coal mine soil. Compared to a control site, analysis of CLPP parameters offers useful insights and potential tools for assessing soil health following mining and remediation activities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINING RECLAMATION AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Joinal Abedin, Adrian Unc
Summary: The application of biochar has a positive effect on beet yields and nutrient uptake on northern Podzols, but its effectiveness declines over time.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Erika Helen Young, Joinal Abedin, Adrian Unc
Summary: This study assessed the effects of biochar addition on soil nematodes in recently converted agricultural land. It was found that biochar improved soil quality and fertility, mainly by increasing pH. Additionally, biochar promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria and omnivorous nematodes.
Article
Soil Science
Gil Eshel, Adrian Unc, Roey Egozi, Efrat Shakartchy, Tirza Doniger, Yosef Steinberger
Summary: Orchard floor management practices significantly impact soil free-living nematode communities and trophic diversity, with an increase in soil moisture, organic matter, and water-holding capacity under plant cover. Changes in nematode feeding group structure suggest shifts in soil carbon pool type and availability.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Adrian Unc, Daniel Altdorff, Evgeny Abakumov, Sina Adl, Snorri Baldursson, Michel Bechtold, Douglas J. Cattani, Les G. Firbank, Stephanie Grand, Maria Gudjonsdottir, Cynthia Kallenbach, Amana J. Kedir, Pengfei Li, David B. McKenzie, Debasmita Misra, Hirohiko Nagano, Deborah A. Neher, Jyrki Niemi, Maren Oelbermann, Jesper Overgard Lehmann, David Parsons, Sylvie Quideau, Anarmaa Sharkhuu, Bozena Smreczak, Jaana Sorvali, Jeremiah D. Vallotton, Joann K. Whalen, Erika H. Young, Mingchu Zhang, Nils Borchard
Summary: Agriculture in the boreal and Arctic regions has untapped potential but faces challenges from climate change. Sustainable development requires localized policies and a transdisciplinary, long-term knowledge development and dissemination program.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Adrian Unc, Gil Eshel, George A. Unc, Tirza Doniger, Chen Sherman, Mark Leikin, Yosef Steinberger
Summary: Conventional, sustainable, or organic farming practices have distinct effects on soil fertility and health, with organic and conventional vineyard management showing the most significant impact on abiotic parameters, bacterial and fungal communities. Sustainable management leads to soil microbial communities most similar to natural conditions, and fungal diversity is better than bacterial diversity at discriminating between different management types.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sung-Yeoul Kim, Vikash Chandra Roy, Jin-Seok Park, Byung-Soo Chun
Summary: This study aims to extract functional substances from Undaria pinnatiida sporophyll using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and subcritical water extraction (SWE). The results showed that the consecutive green extraction method can yield extracts rich in fucoxanthin and beta-carotene, and the sporophyll of Undaria pinnatiida contains health-beneficial fatty acids. Additionally, SWE can extract substances with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antihypertensive activities.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2024)
