Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ruilong Li, Longji Zhu, Yijin Wang, Yong-Guan Zhu
Summary: This study investigated the composition and environmental risk of microbiomes, antibiotic resistance genes, and virulence factors on microplastics at a watershed scale. The results showed that the microbial communities on microplastics varied along the watershed, with some regions having a higher presence of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors. The study also revealed that microplastics from urban areas posed a higher environmental risk and were largely derived from rural areas.
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. S. Stenger, O. G. Wikmark, C. C. Bezuidenhout, L. G. Molale-Tom
Summary: Microplastics pollution in marine environments is a growing concern, with microplastics persisting in the ocean and potentially influencing the ecosystem. The formation of biofilms on plastic surfaces may alter microbial communities and facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xinxin Yang, Yisu Zhou, Rong Xia, Jingqiu Liao, Jingqing Liu, Pingfeng Yu
Summary: This study reveals that plastic pipes exposed to different water quality and environmental conditions can accelerate the generation and chemical leaching of microplastics. These microplastics and chemical leachates pose potential risks to human health, including oxidative stress, destabilization of microbial communities, and increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuanze Sun, Na Cao, Chongxue Duan, Qian Wang, Changfeng Ding, Jie Wang
Summary: This study investigates the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) on both biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics in a coastal lagoon. The results show that while there were no significant differences in ARG abundance and diversity between the two types of plastics, non-biodegradable PET had a higher abundance of multidrug resistance genes. Host-tracking analysis revealed that different bacterial hosts were responsible for different types of resistance genes on the microplastics.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bo Yuan, Yanwen Ma, Jingyao Ren, Guochun Ding, Ningcong Zhou, Jinsong Liang, Ying Sun
Summary: In this study, metagenomics was used to analyze the environmental risk of sheep feces from three stocking modes. The results showed that captivity mode had a higher abundance of antibiotic resistance genes and offensive virulence factors in feces compared to half-pen stocking and grazing modes. Potential pathogenic antibiotic resistant bacteria were identified in sheep feces, suggesting a higher environmental risk. High stocking density was also found to cause increased harm to the environment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qiang Lin, Lingjuan Li, Xiaoyu Fang, Xiangzhen Li
Summary: This study investigated the dynamics of various pollutants and bacterial communities during the anaerobic digestion of swine manure. The results revealed differences in pollutant profiles and bacterial communities across different AD processes, but consistent dominance of certain pollutants and bacterial phyla. Additionally, reducing substrate complexity was found to decrease the prevalence and interplays of pollutants.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xi Yu, Zhen-Chao Zhou, Xin-yi Shuai, Ze-jun Lin, Zhe Liu, Jin-yu Zhou, Yan-han Lin, Guang-shu Zeng, Zi-ye Ge, Hong Chen
Summary: Microplastic pollution is a global environmental issue that is on the rise. Research has shown a significant correlation between microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), with chicken farms being potential hotspots for the co-spread of microplastics and ARGs. Experimental results indicate that microplastics enhance the transfer of ARGs between bacteria, potentially through the regulation of specific genes. These findings highlight the co-occurrence of microplastics and ARGs in the agricultural environment, and the role of microplastics in exacerbating the prevalence of ARGs.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yue Feng, Jia-Wen Sun, Wei-Wei Shi, Jian-Lu Duan, Xiao-Dong Sun, Li-Juan Feng, Qian Wang, Yu-Dong Gan, Xian-Zheng Yuan
Summary: Microplastics in wastewater treatment plants can serve as a substrate for the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, potentially posing a threat to the ecological environment and human health.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuan Cheng, Jiarui Lu, Shusen Fu, Shangjie Wang, Naomi Senehi, Qingbin Yuan
Summary: The study revealed that MPs significantly adsorbed ARGs, with eARGs showing better adsorption than iARGs. Exposure to MPs enhanced horizontal gene transfer of cells, emphasizing the need to address the propagation of ARGs through adsorption to MPs.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Xue Yu, Ying Zhang, Lu Tan, Chenglong Han, Haixiao Li, Lifang Zhai, Weiqi Ma, Chengtao Li, Xueqiang Lu
Summary: The study found that antibiotic resistance genes enriched on microplastics were more abundant than on inorganic substrates and natural water environments, but less abundant than on natural organic substrates. Microplastics in freshwater tended to have a higher degree of ARG enrichment than those in saline water and sewage.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuai Zhang, Xingxiang Liu, Pengxiang Qiu, Bin Chen, Chenmin Xu, Weiliang Dong, Tao Liu
Summary: This study investigates the selective capture of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) and bacterial assemblages by different materials and sizes of microplastics (MPs). The results show that MPs can selectively enrich intracellular and extracellular ARGs, as well as affect the formation of bacterial communities in wastewater.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jing Wu, Jun-Hua Zhou, Dong-Feng Liu, Jie Wu, Ru-Li He, Zhou-Hua Cheng, Hui-Hui Li, Wen-Wei Li
Summary: Previous studies focused on direct interactions of plastics with microorganisms, but ignored their ecotoxicity effects on the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study reveals that environmentally relevant concentrations of phthalates (PAEs) significantly enhance the transfer of ARGs among environmental microorganisms. The interaction between PAEs and cell membrane phospholipids lowers membrane fluidity and increases permeability, facilitating gene transfer. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species and overexpression of conjugation-associated genes under PAE stress also contribute to enhanced gene transfer. This study provides important insights into the environmental risks of plastics and the control of ARG spreading.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco Dionisio, Celia P. F. Domingues, Joao S. Rebelo, Francisca Monteiro, Teresa Nogueira
Summary: This review examines the fate of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes commonly found in microbiomes. The concept of R-0, which represents the average number of hosts colonized by one infected host, is crucial in epidemiology. If R-0 is above one, the pathogen can continue spreading through susceptible hosts, indicating its epidemic potential. Commensal bacteria can colonize hosts for prolonged periods, potentially carrying drug resistance and virulence genes. The spread of these genes is likely to be influenced by the diversity of microbiomes, contrary to common beliefs. Computational models and real data analysis support these predictions. The mechanisms and public health consequences are discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Dipak Kathayat, Dhanashree Lokesh, Sochina Ranjit, Gireesh Rajashekara
Summary: APEC is a pathogen that causes colibacillosis in avian species, potentially posing a foodborne zoonotic risk. In addition to known virulence factors, other factors contribute to APEC pathogenesis. APEC shows resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, highlighting the need for effective vaccines and alternative therapies.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qianzhi Zeng, Jinxun Xiang, Chunyu Yang, Jingxin Wu, Yuxin Li, Yanan Sun, Qiangwei Liu, Shengnan Shi, Zheng Gong
Summary: Microplastics have been found to have significant effects on sedimentary microbial ecosystems, particularly in coastal sediments, where they alter the structure, composition, and function of microbial communities and promote the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kai Yang, Fei Xu, Longji Zhu, Hongzhe Li, Qian Sun, Aixin Yan, Bin Ren, Yong-Guan Zhu, Li Cui
Summary: Understanding the evolution of antibiotic resistance is crucial for controlling its global spread. However, our ability to track heterogeneous and dynamic evolution in real-time is limited. In this study, a new single-cell approach combining D2O-labeled Raman spectroscopy, advanced multivariate analysis, and genotypic profiling is used to track the physiological evolution trajectory toward resistance. The platform captures physiological diversification of individual cells from a population under cyclic ampicillin treatment, and advanced multivariate analysis classifies cells into four subsets representing different resistance states. Genotypic analysis validates the phenotypic shift and provides insights into the genetic basis of resistance. This new platform advances our understanding and control of resistance evolution.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shu-Ting Xie, Long-Jun Ding, Fu-Yi Huang, Yi Zhao, Xin-Li An, Jian-Qiang Su, Guo-Xin Sun, Ya-Qiong Song, Yong-Guan Zhu
Summary: As zoonotic pathogens pose a global threat to public health, the quantification of virulence factor genes (VFGs) related to these pathogens in the environment is still undeveloped. In this study, we created a novel high-throughput qPCR chip called VFG-Chip, which can comprehensively quantify the abundance of targeted VFGs in the environment. The VFG-Chip demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity, allowing for the profiling of VFG distribution in a wastewater treatment system. This tool provides valuable information for assessing the health risks of zoonotic pathogens in the environment.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Shi-Lin Hu, Xiao-Chen Chen, Ying-Xin Xue, Li-Ying Zhi, Yu-Han Yang, Yong-Guan Zhu, Xi-Mei Xue
Summary: Aquatic products provide essential nutrients and alleviate environmental burdens, but their contamination with metal(loid)s poses health risks to humans. This study analyzed the concentrations, trophic magnification, and health risks of multiple metal(loid)s in various aquatic products. Results showed variation in metal(loid) concentrations across different types of marine foods, with seaweeds having the highest concentrations. Arsenolipids were detected in lower trophic organisms, suggesting a need for evaluation due to their potential toxicity.
EXPOSURE AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Xin-Li An, Jian-Xin Xu, Mei-Rong Xu, Cai-Xia Zhao, Hu Li, Yong-Guan Zhu, Jian-Qiang Su
Summary: Shopping malls are unique ecosystems for the transmission of microorganisms of public health concern. Despite extensive investigation of natural environmental microbiomes, there is little knowledge about the microbial ecology in malls. Characterizing microbial distribution and potential pathogens will help establish a baseline for monitoring and preventing public health threats in malls.
Article
Microbiology
Yue Yin, Yi-Fei Wang, Hui-Ling Cui, Rui Zhou, Lv Li, Gui-Lan Duan, Yong-Guan Zhu
Summary: Wild rice possesses enriched genetic diversity and valuable traits, making it a potential resource for sustainable agriculture. This study compared the phyllosphere microbial communities of wild rice and cultivated rice, identifying several potentially beneficial taxa for rice growth and health. The microbiota of wild rice showed a more complicated and stable community network compared to cultivated rice. These findings highlight the potential role of wild rice in recruiting specific microbiomes to enhance crop performance and promote sustainable food production.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Bing-Jie Jin, Xi-Peng Liu, Miao Zhang, Yan Hu, Cheng-Liang Sun, Gang Li, Yong-Guan Zhu, Xian-Yong Lin
Summary: This study found that earthworms can significantly accelerate soil nitrification and N2O emissions by stimulating microbial communities in the soil and their gut. The response of earthworm-mediated N transformation to nitrification inhibitors, such as DMPP, is mostly unknown. DMPP application can effectively inhibit nitrification in earthworm-treated soil and suppress the nitrification and denitrification functions of earthworm gut microbiota.
BIOLOGY AND FERTILITY OF SOILS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huiling Cui, Dong Zhu, Longjun Ding, Yifei Wang, Jianqiang Su, Guilan Duan, Yongguan Zhu
Summary: Paddy soils are potential hotspots for combined contamination with arsenic and antibiotics. This study investigated the dynamic response of As biotransformation genes (ABGs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in paddy soils. The results showed that As stress increased the abundance of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), posing a risk of antimicrobial resistance dissemination. Manure amendment increased the abundance of ABGs, enhancing As mobilization and methylation, and posing a risk to food safety.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ming-Kang Jin, Qi Zhang, Yu-Tian Yang, Cai-Xia Zhao, Jian Li, Hongjie Li, Haifeng Qian, Dong Zhu, Yong-Guan Zhu
Summary: Worldwide, the use of pyrethroids, such as cypermethrin, is widespread as insecticides, but their impact on the soil microbiome and non-target soil fauna is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of cypermethrin on the bacterial communities and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the soil and gut of Enchytraeus crypticus using genetic sequencing and qPCR. The results showed that cypermethrin exposure led to an increase in potential pathogens in the soil and gut microbiome of E. crypticus, disrupting the microbiome structure and immune system. The co-occurrence of potential pathogens, ARGs, and mobile genetic elements revealed an increased risk of pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that ARG dissemination was promoted by both mobile genetic elements and the ratio of core to non-core bacterial abundance. Overall, this study provides important insights into the environmental risk of cypermethrin on the dissemination of ARGs in the soil and non-target soil fauna.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Shu-Dan Xue, Xing-Yun Yi, Hui-Ling Cui, Meng Li, Jing-Jing Peng, Yong-Guan Zhu, Gui-Lan Duan
Summary: In this study, global soil sequencing data from 342 paddy soils were collected to investigate the distribution patterns and potential ecological functions of Bathyarchaeota. The results showed that Bathyarchaeota is the dominant archaeal lineage in paddy soils, with Bathy-6 being the most predominant subgroup. Mean annual precipitation and temperature were identified as significant factors influencing the abundance and composition of Bathyarchaeota in paddy soils. Bathyarchaeota in paddy soils were found to be associated with methanogens and ammonia-oxidizing archaea, indicating their potential involvement in carbon and nitrogen cycling.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yongyun Li, Yahui Chen, Yi Chen, Renwei Qing, Xinyu Cao, Peng Chen, Wei Liu, Yao Wang, Guangwu Zhou, Heng Xu, Likai Hao, Can Wang, Shun Li, Yongguan Zhu, Stefan Haderlein, Fei Xu
Summary: This paper presents the development of a dissolved oxygen biosensor based on DOMFC and Raspberry Pi microcomputer. The biosensor is low cost, readily available, and compact, and can accurately predict dissolved oxygen concentrations under challenging conditions. It shows excellent agreement in complex natural applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xin-Li An, Mei-Rong Xu, Xiao-Fang Pan, Guan-Jing Cai, Cai-Xia Zhao, Hu Li, Zhi-Long Ye, Yong-Guan Zhu, Jian-Qiang Su
Summary: Microbial communities on dustbin surfaces show distinct variations and potential health risks. The assembly of these communities is mainly driven by stochastic processes, and certain microbial species play a key role in the stability of microbial networks. These findings contribute to the understanding of the distribution and assembly of microbial communities on the dustbin surface, enabling predictive assessment of urban microbiomes and their impact on human health.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Chenshuo Lin, Wen-Jing Li, Li-Juan Li, Roy Neilson, Xin-Li An, Yong-Guan Zhu
Summary: Protists, including consumers, phototrophs, and parasites, play crucial roles in microbiomes in soil-plant systems. However, the factors influencing community structure, assembly mechanisms, co-occurrence patterns, and the associations with human pathogens and different protistan trophic groups are not well understood.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guang Yang, Jin-Man Cao, Hui-Ling Cui, Xin-Min Zhan, Guilan Duan, Yong-Guan Zhu
Summary: Artificial sweeteners in anaerobic digestion can have antibiotic-like impact on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigated the potential impact of acesulfame, a typical artificial sweetener, on ARGs in anaerobic digestion and found that acesulfame increased the abundance of ARGs and the potential for horizontal gene transfer. The increased spread of ARGs may be associated with the SOS response induced by ROS production and increased cellular membrane permeability.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Songlin Wu, Wei Fu, Matthias C. Rillig, Baodong D. Chen, Yong-Guan Zhu, Longbin Huang
Summary: AM fungi play a crucial role in the formation and stabilization of soil organic matter (SOM). Previous studies have focused on the organic compounds produced by AM fungi as binding agents for aggregate formation and SOM storage. However, this overlooks the various biogeochemical processes mediated by AM fungal activities, which drive SOM dynamics. We propose an updated conceptual framework to enhance the understanding of AM fungal role in SOM dynamics.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Yi Yang, Zhenong Jin, Nathaniel D. Mueller, Avery W. Driscoll, Rebecca R. Hernandez, Steven M. Grodsky, Lindsey L. Sloat, Mikhail V. Chester, Yong-Guan Zhu, David B. Lobell
Summary: This review highlights the impact of agricultural irrigation on greenhouse gas emissions and the influence of climate change on irrigation. It emphasizes the need for sustainable irrigation, especially in regions with strong positive feedbacks. The expansion of irrigation is expected to meet the increasing food demand and help agriculture adapt to climate change.
