Article
Biology
Kimberly E. Roche, Johannes R. Bjork, Mauna R. Dasari, Laura Grieneisen, David Jansen, Trevor J. Gould, Laurence R. Gesquiere, Luis B. Barreiro, Susan C. Alberts, Ran Blekhman, Jack A. Gilbert, Jenny Tung, Sayan Mukherjee, Elizabeth A. Archie
Summary: The ecological relationships between bacteria play an important role in the gut microbiome's impact on host health. This study investigates the universality of these relationships across hosts and finds that most bacterial correlations are weak, negative, and universal. Hosts with similar correlation patterns also tend to have similar microbiome taxonomic compositions and genetic relations. The universality in baboons is similar to human infants and stronger than one data set from human adults.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olga Neveling, Thato M. C. Ncube, Ziyanda P. Ngxongo, Evans M. N. Chirwa, Hendrik G. Brink
Summary: This study aimed to determine the precipitation abilities of bacterial strains isolated from an industrially obtained Pb(II)-resistant microbial consortium. The results showed that Paraclostridium bifermentans and Klebsiella pneumoniae had different abilities to remove Pb(II) from solution, and they formed different precipitates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Die Dong, Haoyu Sun, Zhengliang Qi, Xinli Liu
Summary: This study investigated the use of purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) for the bioremediation of aquacultural wastewater, and proposed an effective strategy to remove ammonia and phosphate efficiently. The results demonstrated that, with optimized nutrient ratios, the bacteria were able to effectively reduce the levels of COD, TN, TP, and NH4+-N in the wastewater, suggesting a promising approach for improving bioremediation efficiency in various types of aquaculture wastewater.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Usama Saeed, Nazim Hussain, Aleena Sumrin, Areej Shahbaz, Saman Noor, Muhammad Bilal, Lotfi Aleya, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
Summary: The demand for innovative waste treatment techniques has increased due to strict waste discharge guidelines. Wastewater treatment is a significant process, requiring high activities and densities of microorganisms. Improperly treated waste from the pharmaceutical industry has harmful impacts on the environment and public health. Bioremediation utilizing microorganisms is a promising technology to remove heavy metals from polluted water and soil. Microorganisms play a crucial role in heavy metal bioremediation. The use of microorganisms in nanoparticle synthesis can reduce industry expenses and contribute to sustainable production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guofang Xu, Hung Liang Ng, Chen Chen, Siyan Zhao, Jianzhong He
Summary: This study demonstrates that bioaugmentation with Dehalococcoides can accelerate the remediation of pentabrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sediments, and the presence of tetrachloroethene (PCE) can improve the bioaugmentation performance. Ecological analysis shows that bioaugmentation leads to more deterministic microbial communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Elham Lashani, Mohammad Ali Amoozegar, Raymond J. Turner, Hamid Moghimi
Summary: Microorganisms play a crucial role in reducing metalloid contamination risks through their ability to tolerate and detoxify these elements.
Article
Ecology
Sandeep Venkataram, Huan-Yu Kuo, Erik F. Y. Hom, Sergey Kryazhimskiy
Summary: Species interactions drive evolution and evolution shapes these interactions. The diversity of adaptive mutations and its relationship with the ecological milieu are not well understood. In a study on yeast and alga community, we find that yeast has access to many adaptive mutations with diverse ecological consequences, and the presence of the alga shifts the selection to favor yeast mutants that enhance the mutualism between the two species. This demonstrates that ecological interactions not only alter the trajectory of evolution but also dictate its repeatability.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hai Lin, Yalu Tang, Yingbo Dong
Summary: In this study, two aerobic strains VCZ02 and VCZ09 were screened from the soil of Dexing copper mine, and used for the bioremediation of acid mine drainage (AMD). A microbial-plant coupled reactor was constructed using these two strains coupled with Sagittaria trifolia L.var.sinensis to treat AMD, achieving significant removal rates of heavy metals. This study provides a theoretical basis for the bioremediation of AMD and its practical application.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Francisco Massot, Nathalie Bernard, Lucas M. Martinez Alvarez, Maria M. Martorell, Walter P. Mac Cormack, Lucas A. M. Ruberto
Summary: Microbial associations play a significant role in biotechnological processes, particularly in bioremediation. However, there is a lack of consensus in the definition of these associations. This study aims to analyze the diversity of microbial consortia in the context of pollutant degradation and bioremediation, and proposes criteria for classification and definition.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Ksenia Guseva, Sean Darcy, Eva Simon, Lauren V. Alteio, Alicia Montesinos-Navarro, Christina Kaiser
Summary: This paper evaluates the challenges and potential value of applying network analysis to soil microbial ecology. The authors review common approaches in network construction and demonstrate how different methods can affect the resulting network structure. They also discuss specific questions that can be addressed in soil microbial ecology using network analysis.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ainoa Morillas-Espana, Tomas Lafarga, Ana Sanchez-Zurano, Francisco Gabriel Acien-Fernandez, Cynthia Gonzalez-Lopez
Summary: Microalgae based wastewater treatment is a viable strategy for recovering nutrients and producing clean water, with the added benefit of valuable biomass production. Promising results have been reported, but further research and scale-up are needed to enhance industrial relevance.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Indranil Chattopadhyay, Rajesh J. Banu, T. M. Mohamed Usman, Sunita Varjani
Summary: Biofilm formation on biotic or abiotic surfaces is a protective mechanism utilized by microbes to survive in stressful conditions. Quorum sensing plays a crucial role in biofilm growth and degradation of environmental pollutants. The use of biofilm-based reactors and electrodes coated with electro-active biofilm have shown promise in wastewater treatment and bioremediation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sovannlaksmy Sorn, Hiroe Hara-Yamamura, Sreyla Vet, Minhao Xiao, Eric M. V. Hoek, Ryo Honda
Summary: In this study, the biological treatment of PFOS using microbial capsules was proposed and the performance of polymeric membrane encapsulation technique was evaluated. The results showed that microbial capsules could significantly enhance the removal efficiency of PFOS, and microbial capsules coated with 10% polysulfone membrane demonstrated longer physical stability.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Carla Cilliers, Olga Neveling, Shepherd M. Tichapondwa, Evans M. N. Chirwa, Hendrik G. Brink
Summary: This research aimed to improve the scalability and cleaner production of a lead bioremediation process by gaining a better understanding of its dominant mechanisms. The study found that the presence of different lead concentrations and complementary anions had significant effects on the composition and structure of the resulting precipitate.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Patricia Mussali-Galante, Maria Luisa Castrejon-Godinez, Jose Antonio Diaz-Soto, Angela Patricia Vargas-Orozco, Hector Miguel Quiroz-Medina, Efrain Tovar-Sanchez, Alexis Rodriguez
Summary: Pesticides are widely used in crop fields to protect crops from pests, but their extensive use has been associated with environmental pollution. Biobeds are proposed as effective and low-cost alternatives to mitigate pesticide pollution, as they absorb pesticide residues and promote pesticide degradation through microorganisms.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
David T. Adamson, John T. Wilson, David L. Freedman, Angel Alejandro Ramos-Garcia, Carmen Lebron, Anthony Danko
Summary: The study investigated the biodegradation of 1,4-dioxane through field, lab, and modeling data, with a focus on using multiple lines of evidence to understand the prevalence of biodegradation and recommend its inclusion in long-term management decisions. The assessment of biodegradation was based on C-14 assays and stable isotope fractionation, which provided direct evidence of in situ biodegradation of 1,4-dioxane.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
David T. Adamson, John T. Wilson, Charles J. Newell, Brian A. Strasert, Phillip C. Blanc, David L. Freedman, Carmen Lebron, Anthony Danko
Summary: A series of quantitative decision frameworks were developed to evaluate the feasibility of monitored natural attenuation (MNA) as a remedy. By updating the existing MNA decision framework BioPIC and considering recent insights and data, the potential application of this technology for a wider range of contaminants is enhanced.
GROUND WATER MONITORING AND REMEDIATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Poonam R. Kulkarni, David T. Adamson, Jovan Popovic, Charles J. Newell
Summary: Matrix diffusion is an important process in the persistence of PFAS in groundwater, slowing the rate of plume expansion over time and leading to the majority of the contaminants being retained in low-permeability zones.
JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shahla K. Farhat, Charles J. Newell, Sophia A. Lee, Brian B. Looney, Ronald W. Falta
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of considering matrix diffusion in groundwater modeling for the attenuation of non-degrading compounds. It shows that matrix diffusion can significantly slow the expansion of groundwater plumes and reduce their concentrations. Furthermore, it suggests that sites with significant matrix diffusion may be amenable to a physical, retention-based, Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) paradigm.
JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Geological
Jonathan W. N. Smith, Greg B. Davis, George E. DeVaull, Sanjay Garg, Charles J. Newell, Michael O. Rivett
Summary: This paper describes the proceedings of a Special Session on Natural Source Zone Depletion (NSZD) research across Europe, the United States, and Australia. It highlights the key processes involved, such as aerobic biodegradation, fermentation, and methanogenesis of LNAPL constituents, and the monitoring approaches employed. The study emphasizes the importance and effectiveness of NSZD processes in reducing LNAPL mass and risk without human intervention.
QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Poonam R. Kulkarni, Stephen D. Richardson, Blossom N. Nzeribe, David T. Adamson, Shashank S. Kalra, Shaily Mahendra, Jens Blotevogel, Andrea Hanson, Greg Dooley, Sharyl Maraviov, Jovan Popovic
Summary: A mobile treatment system equipped with a custom-built sonolysis reactor was used to treat groundwater contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at a site in California. The sonolytic treatment achieved high removal rates of PFAS, with the degradation rates increasing with higher power density and temperature.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pia Ramos, Ryo Honda, Eric M. V. Hoek, Shaily Mahendra
Summary: The influence of carbon/nitrogen (C/N) molar ratios on biofilm characteristics and development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was examined. C/N = 9 had a unique effect on biofilm composition and quorum sensing pathways, with higher carbohydrates and proteins in the biofilm and upregulation of the QS gene lasI in planktonic cells. C/N ratio also affected organic compound utilization and the development of dual-species biofilms.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pia Ramos, Einat Chetrit, Nofar Yehuda, David Kogan, Yu Miao, Einat Nativ-Roth, Ariel Kushmaro, Ronen Berkovich, Shaily Mahendra, Moshe Gottlieb
Summary: Chitosan hydrogels are widely used in many industries for their versatility and antimicrobial properties. However, their limitations arise from poor mechanical properties and the need to use toxic compounds during fabrication. This study synthesized a soluble and antimicrobial chitosan derivative (HTCC) and compared different crosslinking agents' effects on hydrogel formation. The addition of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) improved the mechanical properties and the release of Ag ions effectively inhibited the growth of various bacteria.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nancy Merino, Ning Wang, Yifan Gao, Meng Wang, Shaily Mahendra
Summary: This study investigated the effects of growth substrates and nutrients on the biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Cellulolytic conditions with limited glucose were found to be suitable for high 5:3 FTCA yield, a key intermediate in the degradation of 6:2 FTOH. Sulfate and EDTA were also necessary for 5:3 FTCA production. In non-ligninolytic nutrient-rich medium, only a low yield of 5:3 FTCA was obtained.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Charles J. Newell, Emily B. Stockwell, Jessica Alanis, David T. Adamson, Kenneth L. Walker, R. Hunter Anderson
Summary: This article aims to summarize the concept of M-d as it applies to PFAS-impacted sites, present standardized terminology, and collate published literature on groundwater recharge for a practitioner-level summary of practical methods. Ultimately, a framework is presented for the assessment of PFAS-impacted source areas based on the concept of M-d.
VADOSE ZONE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yifan Gao, Benjamin Croze, Quinn T. Birch, Mallikarjuna N. Nadagouda, Shaily Mahendra
Summary: A solid substrate inoculated with Pleurotus ostreatus was proposed as an effective and environmentally friendly approach for catalyzing organic dye degradation. The inoculation of P. ostreatus on sorghum resulted in the highest enzyme activity and demonstrated the ability to degrade various dye compounds. The approach showed high stability, reusability, and potential for practical usage in treating wastewater streams containing synthetic organic dyes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Miao, Tianxiang Zhou, Xiaoru Zheng, Shaily Mahendra
Summary: This study described the dynamics of microbial ecology in laboratory microcosms contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and chlorinated solvents. Machine learning models were built using microbial taxa to predict the degradation process, with the ensemble regression model providing the most accurate predictions. The study demonstrates the application of machine learning in groundwater remediation and evaluation.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Maria J. Jimenez Vizcarra, Shaily Mahendra, Meng Wang
Summary: This study presents a novel approach to address the limitation of manganese peroxidase (MnP) in Mn2+-deficient systems by co-immobilizing MnP and Mn2+ in silica gels. The co-immobilized MnP exhibited higher activity and superior dye removal compared to MnP immobilized alone. This research enables a broader application of MnP enzymes in sustainable environmental remediation and industrial catalysis.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
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.
