Review
Engineering, Environmental
Okugbe Ebiotubo Ohore, Zhirui Qin, Edmond Sanganyado, Yuwen Wang, Xiaoyang Jiao, Wenhua Liu, Zhen Wang
Summary: Constructed wetlands are effective for treating wastewater, but the use of antibiotics can have negative impacts on microbial communities in the wetlands, affecting the removal efficiency of various nutrients in wastewater.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Junwen Ma, Yubo Cui, Aimin Li, Xuejun Zou, Chengdong Ma, Zhaobo Chen
Summary: With the advancement of technology, antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have become significant pollutants in the environment. Constructed wetlands (CWs) have shown to be effective in removing antibiotics and ARGs from wastewater, with vertical-flow subsurface CWs showing the highest removal efficiency for antibiotics and CWs with plants and substrate materials demonstrating high efficiency in removing antibiotics as well as ARGs.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yajun Tian, Xiaohong Wang, Yifan Liang, Benhang Li, Yongze Liu, Li Feng, Jun Li, Liqiu Zhang
Summary: The extensive use of antibiotics leads to their frequent detection in the environment, posing potential threats to public health. This study evaluated the removal efficiency of antibiotics and the occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes in vertical down-up flow constructed wetlands (VDUF-CWs). The results showed that VDUF-CWs had high removal efficiency for oxytetracycline and sulfamethoxazole. Microbial degradation was the dominant removal pathway, but the occurrence of ARGs could pose a risk to public health.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
N. A. Sabri, H. Schmitt, B. M. van der Zaan, H. W. Gerritsen, H. H. M. Rijnaarts, A. A. M. Langenhoff
Summary: The study found that two constructed wetlands (CWs) showed significant removal of antibiotics, with some antibiotics having higher concentrations after treatment. In winter, five antibiotics had the highest concentrations, while ermB was more abundant in winter compared to summer. Other ARGs did not show significant seasonal changes, and the hydraulic retention time (HRT) did not affect the removal of antibiotics and ARGs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Enzong Xiao, Weimin Sun, Jinmei Deng, Li Shao, Zengping Ning, Tangfu Xiao
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) across the soil-plant interface using Sedum alfredii as a model plant. The results showed significant shifts in ARGs between rhizosphere and bulk soils, which were associated with variations in bacterial functions. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanism underlying the transmission of ARGs from bulk soils to rhizosphere soils.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Okugbe Ebiotubo Ohore, Songhe Zhang, Shaozhuang Guo, Felix Gyawu Addo, Benjamin Manirakiza, Wenjun Zhang
Summary: The study showed that Vallisneria spiralis has a strong adsorption capacity for CIP, and that CIP can have a prolonged impact on epiphytic biofilm microbial communities.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhen Bi, Ge Song, Xiaoming Sun
Summary: The responses of anammox consortia to antibiotics SDZ and CTC were evaluated in terms of general performance, microbial activity, diversity and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The results showed that the consortia had great resistance to SDZ but were heavily affected by CTC. The presence of ARGs, particularly in Ca. Brocadia bacteria, played a significant role in the resistance mechanism.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lili Zhang, Cheng Zhang, Keting Lian, Dongfang Ke, Ting Xie, Chongxuan Liu
Summary: While river restoration activities improved water quality indicators, such as total phosphorus content, the concentrations of antibiotics in river water increased after restoration, likely due to increased antibiotic usage for COVID-19 treatment in 2020. The spatial distributions of antibiotics were less varied after restoration, and the correlations between microbial communities, antibiotic resistant genes, and physicochemical changes were observed.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenxiong Zhao, Yuxuan Zhang, Ruizhi Liu, Liping Wang, Huitao Xu, Qingjia Meng, Xiu Gu, Li Tang
Summary: This study found that the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) was higher in summer and spring, ranging from 53.7-8.51 x 10^6 and 30.9-6.02 x 10^6 copies/mL, respectively. Seasonal variation significantly influenced the abundance and co-occurrence patterns of ARGs, MGEs, and bacteria. However, the environmental gradients from influent to effluent did not have a significant effect on the abundance of ARGs and MGEs. Furthermore, the ratios of pathogenic bacteria to ARG hosts and ARG risk index decreased along with the environmental gradients, indicating that constructed wetlands could act as barriers to the transfer of ARGs. Partial least squares-path modeling (PLSPM) revealed that temperature was the main driving factor for ARGs, followed by MGEs and stable and differential bacteria. This finding provides new insights into the evaluation and control of ARGs in constructed wetlands.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuntao Zhang, Jiang Li, Tianyu Wu, Kai Ma, Zhentao Cheng, Qianwen Yi, Yongheng Dai, Bin Wang, Yu Chen, Bin Wang, Xia Hu, Aijiang Yang, Qi Yang, Xiong Zhong
Summary: Wanfeng Lake in China has been heavily impacted by aquaculture and human activities, resulting in the accumulation of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study examined the presence of antibiotics, ARGs, mobile genetic elements, and microbial community structure in the lake. The results showed high concentrations of antibiotics in both surface water and sediments, with ofloxacin (OFX) and flumequine (FLU) being the most prevalent. The dominance of sulfonamide resistance genes in both water and sediments was observed. The study also identified the main microorganisms present in the sediment. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between antibiotics, ARGs, and both environmental factors and microorganisms. These findings highlight the potential threats posed by antibiotics and ARGs in Wanfeng Lake, providing a basis for future research.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Erping Cui, Zhenchao Zhou, Feng Gao, Hong Chen, Jianan Li
Summary: This paper reviews the mechanisms of antibiotic and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) removal in constructed wetlands (CWs) and the influence of different substrates. The study found that substrates primarily remove antibiotics and ARGs through adsorption, biodegradation, chemical oxidation, and filtration. Zeolite showed better removal performance than gravel for antibiotics and intracellular ARGs due to enhanced substrate adsorption, filtration, and biodegradation. Mn ore also demonstrated high capability for removing high concentrations of antibiotics. Furthermore, combined substrates of soil/sand/gravel and other substrates facilitate antibiotic removal. Future research should focus on exploring competitive adsorption, redox-controlled biodegradation, the role of Fe/Mn oxides in chemical oxidation, and evaluating extracellular ARG removal with different substrates in CWs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Pingping Chen, Xiaofei Yu, Jingyao Zhang, Yiqi Wang
Summary: Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are a new environmental contaminant that poses a major hazard to humans and the environment. This research discusses the methods and drawbacks of two ARG removal approaches, constructed wetlands (CWs) and photocatalysis. CWs primarily rely on the synergistic effects of substrate adsorption, plant uptake, and microbial processes to remove ARGs. The removal of ARGs can be influenced by wetland plants, substrate type, wetland type, and hydraulic conditions. The absolute abundance of ARGs in effluent decreased, but their relative abundance increased. Photocatalysis deactivates ARGs predominantly through reactive oxygen species, with removal effectiveness determined by catalyst type, radiation type, and radiation intensity. The drawback is that it exposes intracellular resistance genes, perhaps increasing the risk of ARG spread. To address the current shortcomings, this paper proposes the feasibility of combining a constructed wetland with photocatalysis technology, which provides a novel strategy for ARG removal.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xin Zhang, Chaoyu Li, Dongdong Yao, Xiaojin Hu, Huijun Xie, Zhen Hu, Shuang Liang, Jian Zhang
Summary: Constructed wetlands using Fe and Mn ores as substrates showed high removal rates of antibiotics SMX and TMP, but also had potential negative effects and varied environmental risks. Fe ore had the lowest abundance of ARGs, indicating a reduced transmission risk. Mn ore initially inhibited growth and then promoted it. These findings provide insights for wetland health assessment and substrate selection.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Renxin Zhao, Jie Feng, Jin Huang, Xiaoyan Li, Bing Li
Summary: The study found that high concentrations of antibiotics significantly reduced microbial diversity, altered microbial community structures, resulting in a substantial increase of ARGs and changes in ARG profiles, as well as evident enrichment of non-corresponding ARG types. Additionally, network analysis revealed obvious co-occurrence patterns among different ARG types, indicating the potential for resistance co-selection.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ying Feng, Yue Lu, Yongshan Chen, Jinghua Xu, Jinping Jiang
Summary: The aim of this investigation was to examine the microbial populations and their resistance patterns towards antibiotics, including the impact of nitrogen metabolism in response to the reintroduction of antibiotics, as well as the presence of resistance genes in sediments from shrimp ponds that have been utilized for extended periods of 5, 15, and over 30 years. Results showed that the sediments exhibited a high prevalence of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, Chloroflexi, and Oxyphotobacteria as the most abundant bacterial phyla, accounting for 70.35-77.43% of the total bacterial community. The five most abundant phyla of fungi detected in all sediments, namely Rozellomycota, Ascomycota, Aphelidiomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota, constituted 24.26-32.54% of the total fungal community. It was highly probable that the Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla serve as the primary reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in the sediment, which included various genera like Sulfurovum, Woeseia, Sulfurimonas, Desulfosarcina, and Robiginitalea.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jialu Zhang, Xiangfeng Huang, Yongjiao Xiong, Weiwei Zheng, Wanqi Liu, Mengfan He, Lexue Li, Jia Liu, Lijun Lu, Kaiming Peng
Summary: The study utilized bioinspired spider silk to construct a novel superhydrophilic electrospun nanofibrous membrane for highly efficient separation of nanoemulsions, achieving both high oil rejection and high permeate flux. The directional migration and coalescence of nano-sized oil droplets on spindle-knotted structures driven by Laplace force and the rejection of large oil droplets by the superhydrophilic nanofibrous membrane with negligible fouling were crucial in achieving the breakthrough results.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuang-Qiang Li, Gen-Dong Li, Kai-Ming Peng, Li-Heng Yang, Xiang-Feng Huang, Li-Jun Lu, Jia Liu
Summary: This study conducted a potting experiment to promote the colonization of Phragmites in Cd polluted, nutrient deprived, and structurally damaged soil using chemical and microbial modifiers. The co-application of Diversispora versiformis and sodium bentonite significantly improved the soil structure and phosphorus utilization of the plant, while reducing the content of cadmium bound by diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid. The results showed increased Phragmites height, tillers, and photosynthetic capacity, along with increased abundance of phosphorus-releasing microbial communities and regulation of phosphorus fixation by the plant.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lexue Li, Yuyan Zhang, Xiangfeng Huang, Mengfan He, Jia Liu, Lijun Lu, Chen Cai, Kaiming Peng
Summary: The production of microbial biomass, microbial cell properties, and biological function are significantly influenced by different hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs). This study investigated the metabolic responses in Dietzia natronolimnaea S-XJ-1, a biodemulsifier, when utilizing alkanes and fatty acid esters as HOCs. The transcriptomic analyses revealed the upregulation of ATP-binding cassette transporters and the downregulation of transporters for hydrophilic nutrients and cell division genes, which may explain the lower biomass production in liquid paraffin-cultured S-XJ-1. In addition, the upregulation of genes involved in surface protein biosynthesis, poly-L-glutamine layer, and mycolic acids enhanced the cell-surface hydrophobicity and biodemulsifying activity of liquid paraffin-cultured S-XJ-1. These findings can contribute to the design of more effective biodemulsifiers and deepen our understanding of complex metabolic responses induced by different HOCs.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yongjiao Xiong, Xiangfeng Huang, Lexue Li, Wanqi Liu, Jialu Zhang, Mengfan He, Jia Liu, Lijun Lu, Kaiming Peng
Summary: A new approach is proposed to deal with high concentration surfactant stabilized waste nanoemulsions, achieving efficient oil-water separation and wastewater treatment by manipulating the surface charge and morphology of magnetic nanoparticles.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chen Cai, Xiangfeng Huang, Xiaohu Dai
Summary: Centralized sludge treatment plants (CSTPs) are important hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes. The treatment process significantly affects the abundance of intracellular and extracellular ARGs, and there is no significant difference in composition between iARGs and eARGs in CSTPs. Additionally, there are relationships between certain resistance mechanisms and functional traits, suggesting that ARGs may be involved in the physiological process of microorganisms in sludge treatment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing-Cheng Xu, Li-Heng Yang, Jing-Xi Yuan, Shuang-Qiang Li, Kai-Ming Peng, Li-Jun Lu, Xiang-Feng Huang, Jia Liu
Summary: Coupling surfactants with in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) technology improves the desorption and solubilization efficiency of NAPL contaminants, but the complex interactions among surfactants, oxidation systems, and NAPLs have not been fully understood. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the effects of surfactants on oxidation systems and NAPL degradation behavior.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xia Zhao, Xiang-Feng Huang, Zhi Wang, Kai-Ming Peng, Li-Jun Lu, Jia Liu
Summary: Modified bentonite (MB) with carboxyl and hydroxyl groups on a coverage film was successfully prepared and used for the removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+. The adsorption mechanism of MB for Cd2+ and Pb2+ was determined by analyzing multiple kinetics and isotherms. Additionally, MB exhibited good permeability control in high-concentration heavy-metal solution.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Jia Liu, Wen-yan Li, Hong-xin Chen, Shuang-qiang Li, Li-heng Yang, Kai-ming Peng, Chen Cai, Xiang-feng Huang
Summary: This review discusses the stabilization mechanisms of nanoparticle-stabilized surfactant foam (NP-SF) and the effects of nanoparticle properties on foam stability. Different types of nanoparticles, such as SiO2 and nano zero-valent iron, have been used to stabilize foam for remediation of petroleum-contaminated soils. Additionally, the efficiency and recyclability of Al2O3/Fe3O4 nanoparticles in diesel and crude oil remediation can be enhanced by applying a magnetic field. This review provides a theoretical basis and practical guidelines for developing functional NP-SF for remediation of petroleum-contaminated soils.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuangqiang Li, Shanqing Chi, Caiqiang Lin, Chen Cai, Liheng Yang, Kaiming Peng, Xiangfeng Huang, Jia Liu
Summary: This study demonstrates that the combination of agricultural biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can promote the growth of Phragmites in structurally damaged and nutritionally imbalanced littoral zone soils. Biochar improves soil porosity and phosphorus availability, while the addition of fungi enhances the plant's photosynthetic rate and biomass. In addition, microbial co-occurrence network analysis reveals the significance of this combination in phosphorus utilization in the rhizosphere soil.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhangsong Jiang, Xiangfeng Huang, Qiaofeng Wu, Mi Li, Qili Xie, Zuwen Liu, Xiaoming Zou
Summary: In this study, the adsorption characteristics of 10 sulfonamide drugs on polyamide were analyzed, and significant structural effects were observed. The results revealed that the octanol-water partition coefficients and the valid adsorption energies between polyamide and sulfonamide drugs are vital in understanding the structural effects. Additionally, the density functional theory results demonstrated that different adsorption energies were engendered by varying configurations and interactions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Ni, Xiangfeng Huang, Ru Guo, Jinhui Wang, Kaiming Peng, Wei Zhang, Yuyu Zhu, Weilan Yang, Liya Wang, Chen Cai, Jia Liu, Erwu Liu
Summary: This study proposes a new approach to explore the water-energy-carbon (WEC) nexus of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using a Water-Energy-Carbon Coupling Index (WECCI) and a four-quadrant clustering (FQC) method. The analysis of operational data from a WWTP in southern China reveals that the WECCI increased after the first standard upgrade and decreased after the second standard upgrade, indicating unexpected changes in overall performance. The FQC method shows that a majority of the operation data are concentrated in the WEC best synergy zone after the first standard upgrade, while a significant percentage are concentrated in the low carbon trade-off zone after the second standard upgrade. These findings highlight the importance of WECCI and FQC as tools for quantitatively assessing the integrated performance of WWTPs and understanding the complex WEC mechanisms, facilitating the transition of WWTPs towards carbon neutrality.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Xiang-Feng Huang, Jing-Xi Yuan, Xia Zhao, Shuang-Qiang Li, Li-Heng Yang, Wen-Yan Li, Kai-Ming Peng, Chen Cai, Jia Liu
Summary: This review discusses the adsorption characteristics of carbocatalysts to persulfate (PS) and organics, and the influences of carbon adsorptive properties on PS activation pathways. The cycle of adsorption and oxidation on carbocatalysts increases the reaction stoichiometric efficiency (RSE) and kinetic rate (kobs) of PS-AOPs. The surface and structure characteristics of carbocatalysts are investigated, which are responsible for the behaviors of adsorption and activation. Optimization strategies of carbocatalysts are proposed to decrease the inhibition of co-existing organics and external substances in actual wastewater.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Xiangfeng Huang, Lincong Chen, Yichao Gao
Summary: The present study investigates the nonlinear random vibration of deep-water piers under horizontal seismic excitation. The stochastic dynamic model of the pier is formulated, and the equations for the amplitude envelope and the conditional reliability function are derived. Numerical discussions are conducted to analyze the effects of various factors on the system response and first-passage failure. The results show that increased excitation intensity, mass ratio, immersion ratio, and hydrodynamic effect amplify the response and reduce the reliability of the deep-water pier system. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for the optimal seismic design of deep-water piers.
PROBABILISTIC ENGINEERING MECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Weiwei Zheng, Jingcheng Xu, Liya Wang, Jialu Zhang, Wenhai Chu, Jia Liu, Lijun Lu, Chen Cai, Kaiming Peng, Xiangfeng Huang
Summary: This study successfully separated micro-/nano-paraffin in water emulsions stabilized by SDS using a electric field and superhydrophilic fibrous membranes, achieving improved flux and oil removal efficiency.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lexue Li, Mengfan He, Kaiming Peng, Jia Liu, Lijun Lu, Xiangfeng Huang
Summary: A novel magnetically oscillatory fluidized bed (MOFB) was developed for cost-effective and continuous emulsion separation, using reusable micron-sized magnetic particles (MMPs) and a low-energy electromagnetic field. The MOFB showed excellent separation efficiency and a higher treatment capacity for emulsified oil compared to conventional methods. The study provides insights into the design of a novel magnetic separator for continuous emulsion separation and promotes technological evolution toward economically competitive separation methods.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Alexander M. Cancelli, Frank A. P. C. Gobas
Summary: A mechanistic model was developed to assess the removal efficiency of pollutants in a wetland system, particularly in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). The model simulated wetland mechanisms of chemical removal and showed that sustained wetland treatment is feasible. It is a helpful tool to evaluate the feasibility of treatment systems and to assess trade-offs in wetland design and operation.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Prakash Singh Thapa, Hiromu Daimaru, Seiji Yanai
Summary: This study assessed the vegetation recovery and erosion condition in a landslide area in central Japan. The results show that the upper slope, where reforestation activities were implemented, has seen significant vegetation recovery and no significant erosion, while the lower slope lacks vegetation and has experienced continued erosion.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Mike Jerauld, Forrest Dierberg, Thomas DeBusk, Scott Jackson, Kevin Grace, John Juston
Summary: The Everglades Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) are constructed wetlands built to remove phosphorus (P) from agricultural and urban runoff in support of Everglades restoration. Research shows that the levels of calcium (Ca) and alkalinity (Alk) have an impact on phosphorus removal in these wetlands.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Kalindhi Larios, Stefan Gerber, Rafael Munoz-Carpena, Patrick Inglett, K. Ramesh Reddy, Michael Chimney
Summary: This study modeled the phosphorus biogeochemical dynamics in one of the best performing Everglades treatment wetlands and found that the complexity of the hydrological system significantly affected the simulated water column P concentration. The modeling tool developed in this study can guide future data collection and optimization efforts for treatment wetlands in the Everglades.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Jing Hu, Benjamin Baiser, R. Thomas James, K. Ramesh Reddy
Summary: This study examined the long-term phosphorus retention in Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) and identified the factors influencing their performance. The results showed that the operational performance of STAs improved over time. There were notable differences among individual STAs, with the co-precipitation of phosphorus with calcium playing a critical role in one of the STAs. This highlights the complexity of phosphorus removal in STAs and the need for site-specific management strategies.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Odi Villapando, K. R. Reddy, J. King
Summary: The biogeochemical response to different flow conditions within two parallel flow-ways in Everglades Stormwater Treatment Area (STA)-2 was studied. It was found that there was a gradual decrease in the total phosphorus (TP) concentration from inflow to outflow for both emergent aquatic vegetation (EAV) and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) dominated systems, with EAV showing a higher reduction rate. Significant increase in TP concentration was observed in the SAV system under no flow condition, possibly due to the production of particulate phosphorus (PP) through various mechanisms.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
