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
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
Plant Sciences
Lisa Cangioli, Maria Salobehaj, Sara Del Duca, Camilla Fagorzi, Chiara Berardi, Ester Coppini, Donatella Fibbi, Renato Fani, Alberto Vassallo
Summary: This study characterized the bacterial communities associated with P. australis, soils, and permeates in an artificial wetland in Italy using next-generation sequencing. The results showed that P. australis has a specific microbiota that remains consistent across different plant tissues and over time. This ability allows P. australis to survive in the hostile environment of artificial wetlands.
Article
Environmental Studies
Fan Ye, Junhong Guo, Pengfu Hou, Yongjun Wang, Fengbin Song, Peng Zhang, Xiangnan Li
Summary: In this study, melatonin was added to constructed wetland systems to investigate its effects on plant physiology, microbial enzyme activity, and microbial community structure. The results showed that melatonin treatment improved the stress tolerance and nutrient content of Phragmites australis plants, and increased the removal efficiency of NH4+-N in the constructed wetlands. Melatonin also altered the microbial composition and functions, leading to improved purification effect of the constructed wetland.
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
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
Engineering, Environmental
Vivek Parashar, Surya Singh, Manju R. Purohit, Ashok J. Tamhankar, Dharmpal Singh, Madhanraj Kalyanasundaram, Cecilia Stalsby Lundborg, Vishal Diwan
Summary: Increasing generation and indiscriminate disposal of wastewater pose risks to human and animal health. Constructed wetlands, as a low-cost and easy-to-operate alternative treatment system, can effectively remove pollutants from wastewater. This study examined the use of constructed wetlands for treating hospital wastewater and found that Typha latifolia was particularly efficient in removing antibiotic resistant bacteria.
WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Shuang Luo, Zhi-Yuan Zhao, Ying Liu, Ran Liu, Wen-Zong Liu, Xiao-Chi Feng, Ai-Jie Wang, Hong-Cheng Wang
Summary: Recent advances in the integrated bioelectrochemical-constructed wetland systems (BES-CWs) for antibiotics removal have shown promise, providing a competitive and environmentally friendly alternative to physicochemical methods. Understanding the reaction features, operation manners, economic and ecological benefits of BES-CWs is crucial for further technological development. However, successful application of BES-CWs to antibiotics-containing wastewater remediation requires a thorough evaluation of its performance, mechanism, typical attributes, and a comprehensive potential assessment in terms of environmental and economic analysis.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jian Lu, Yuxuan Zhang, Jun Wu, Jianhua Wang
Summary: This study investigated the impact of antimicrobial peptide intervention on antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture by analyzing the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in various samples. The results showed that cecropin treatment significantly reduced the absolute abundance of ARGs, while antibiotic treatment had the opposite effect. Network analysis revealed that cecropin treatment could decrease the occurrence of multi-drug resistant bacteria and the correlation between genera and ARGs.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pingping Chen, Xiaofei Yu, Jingyao Zhang
Summary: This study combines photocatalytic technology with constructed wetlands to efficiently remove antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Results show that photocatalysis and constructed wetlands together increase the effectiveness of ARGs removal, with different mechanisms for intracellular and extracellular ARGs. The addition of nano-TiO2 alters the microorganisms in constructed wetlands, leading to an increase in the removal of potential hosts for target ARGs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valentina Carrillo, Cristobal Collins, Jacques Brisson, Gladys Vidal
Summary: The study evaluated long-term phosphorus retention efficiency in a pilot-scale constructed wetland system over nearly 8 years. Both Schoenoplectus californicus and Phragmites australis showed significant phosphorus removal efficiency, with factors such as phosphorus loading rate, hydraulic loading rate, and dissolved oxygen being correlated with long-term retention. Plant uptake of phosphorus increased with operational years, with warmer seasons showing higher efficiency in phosphorus uptake.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION
(2022)
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)
Article
Microbiology
Yiqi Wang, Pingping Chen, Xiaofei Yu, Jingyao Zhang
Summary: This study explored the removal efficiency and mechanism of various constructed wetlands microcosm systems on antibiotic wastewater, as well as the biological community response of microalgae and microorganisms. The combination of gravel matrix and algal-bacteria symbiosis had the most comprehensive treatment efficiency, but high-concentration antibiotics impaired the biological community and functions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wenjing Sun, Zheng Zheng
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of fluoroquinolones (FQs) by vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) under different hydraulic loads. The results showed that all VFCWs had high removal efficiencies of FQs under both high and low hydraulic loads. The ecotoxicity of FQs decreased significantly under low hydraulic load, and six degradation products were detected under high hydraulic load. Cytochrome P450 and enzymes with acetyl transfer activity played important roles in the degradation process, and Flavobacterium, Microbacterium, Dechloromonas were key microorganisms involved in the biological removal of FQs by VFCWs.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Moushumi Hazra, Himanshu Joshi, John B. Williams, Joy E. M. Watts
Summary: There is concern that the use and misuse of antibiotics can lead to an increase in antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in wastewater. Conventional wastewater treatment plants can release ARGs and antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) into natural water bodies. Constructed wetlands (CWs) offer a low-cost solution for wastewater treatment and have the potential to remove nutrients, pathogens, and ARB/ARGs.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Diogo A. M. Alexandrino, Ana P. Mucha, C. Marisa R. Almeida, Maria F. Carvalho
Summary: Fluorine-based agrochemicals have become the standard in pesticide development and are widely used in agriculture, leading to their presence in the environment with harmful and persistent effects. Microbial degradation may offer a solution to mitigate these impacts, although environmental microorganisms may struggle with the recalcitrance of these fluoroaromatics.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diogo A. M. Alexzandrino, C. Marisa R. Almeida, Ana P. Mucha, Maria F. Carvalho
Summary: Fluorinated pesticides have gained significant market share in the agrochemical sector due to the approval of new fluoroorganic ingredients in the past two decades. However, there is lack of a comprehensive scientific and regulatory framework to address their potential negative impacts. Further research and discussion are needed to differentiate between the safety and hazards associated with fluorinated pesticides.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana M. Gorito, Ana R. Lado Ribeiro, M. Fernando R. Pereira, C. Marisa R. Almeida, Adrian M. T. Silva
Summary: Aquaculture is the fastest growing animal food-producing sector, but it is crucial to protect water quality as aquaculture effluents may contribute to water deterioration. Advanced oxidation technologies and constructed wetlands are prospective strategies for treating aquacultural aqueous matrices.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ana M. Gorito, Ana R. Lado Ribeiro, Pedro Rodrigues, M. Fernando R. Pereira, Laura Guimaraes, C. Marisa R. Almeida, Adrian M. T. Silva
Summary: The study found that ozone can effectively remove multiple antibiotics from aquaculture effluents, especially oxytetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim. Experimental results showed that all tested antibiotics were significantly removed within 10 minutes under low-dose ozone treatment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Richard Mugani, Roseline Prisca Aba, Abdessamad Hejjaj, Fatima El Khalloufi, Naaila Ouazzani, C. Marisa R. Almeida, Pedro N. Carvalho, Vitor Vasconcelos, Alexandre Campos, Laila Mandi, Brahim Oudra
Summary: Eutrophication caused by toxic cyanobacteria can be remedied by eco-technologies like multi-soil-layering (MSL) systems. These systems have the advantages of small space requirement, simple maintenance, and high durability. They can effectively remove various contaminants from water, including cyanotoxins, although the mechanisms involved are not fully understood.
Correction
Microbiology
Maria Paola Tomasino, Mariana Aparicio, Ines Ribeiro, Filipa Santos, Miguel Caetano, C. Marisa R. Almeida, Maria de Fatima Carvalho, Ana P. Mucha
Article
Microbiology
Marisa Ribeiro-Almeida, Joana Mourao, Angela Novais, Sofia Pereira, Joana Freitas-Silva, Sofia Ribeiro, Paulo Martins da Costa, Luisa Peixe, Patricia Antunes
Summary: The spread of MCR-carrying bacteria, particularly driven by the increasing population of gulls in coastal cities, is a recognized public health problem. This study found multidrug-resistant E. coli carrying mcr-1 in gull colonies on a Portuguese beach. These strains showed diversity in genetic environments and were enriched with antibiotic resistance, virulence, and metal tolerance genes.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diogo M. Silva, C. Marisa R. Almeida, Francisco Guardiola, Sabrina M. Rodrigues, Sandra Ramos
Summary: This study aimed to develop a detailed methodology for processing seafood samples with different fat levels to extract and quantify microplastics. By testing various digestion and fat removal conditions, an optimized method was found to efficiently analyze complex seafood samples while maintaining the integrity of microplastics.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria L. Boto, Sofia M. Dias, Rute Duarte Crespo, Ana P. Mucha, C. Marisa R. Almeida
Summary: Reusing reclaimed wastewater is crucial for combating water scarcity and conserving water resources, but it is important to ensure the removal of hazardous substances before reuse. This study evaluated the potential of lab-scale constructed wetlands (CWs) in removing chemical and biological contaminants from livestock wastewater while maintaining nutrient levels for fertilization. The results showed that CWs effectively removed heavy metals, organic matter, and bacterial contamination from the wastewater, making it suitable for agricultural reuse. The microbial communities in the CWs demonstrated adaptation and removal potential, highlighting the potential of CWs in sustainable liquid waste treatment and promoting circular economy.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ruben Pereira, Sabrina M. Rodrigues, Diogo Silva, Vania Freitas, C. Marisa R. Almeida, Sandra Ramos
Summary: Fish samples collected from the southern Atlantic ocean during the 2020 Circumnavigation Expedition were found to be contaminated with microplastics. The study highlights the importance of understanding microplastic contamination in mesopelagic fishes used for human consumption and emphasizes the need for further research on microplastic contamination in top predatory species.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Veronica Baldasso, Neus Bonet-Garcia, Stephanie Sayen, Emmanuel Guillon, Luigi Frunzo, Carlos A. R. Gomes, Maria Joao Alves, Ricardo Castro, Ana Paula Mucha, C. Marisa R. Almeida
Summary: This study investigated the fate of trace metals in anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste (MSW) digestate-amended soil and the influence of pharmaceutical compounds on their behavior. The results showed that trace metals initially present in the digestate were transferred from the amended soil layer to the underlying soil layer over time, but no transfer was detected to deeper soil layers. Trace metals in soil were mostly in immobile and less bioavailable forms, while in the digestate-amended soil they were in more bioavailable forms. The presence of the antidiabetic drug metformin had no influence on trace metal behavior.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Teodor Stoichev, Ana P. Mucha, Ana Bernabeu, C. Marisa R. Almeida
Summary: This study tested a bioremediation approach with tide stimulation to degrade buried and surface oil contamination, focusing on two, three, and four rings polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Linear models showed degradation constants of individual PAHs as a simple additive function of their initial concentrations (C0), hydrophobicity, sampling layer, and treatment conditions. Oil degradation in buried layers was faster than at the surface for all PAHs and treatment conditions. Naturally-occurring microorganisms were efficient in bioremediating PAHs and were stimulated by fertilizer addition (biostimulation, BS). Bio-augmentation (BA) with a slurry of pre-stimulated native oil-degrading consortium did not enhance PAH degradation compared to BS. Degradation was more rapid for PAHs with low initial concentrations and intermediate hydrophobicity. Bioremediation of beach sand with either surface or buried crude oil is a cost-effective strategy for cleaning up various hydrocarbon families, including persistent ones like PAHs.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Marisa R. Almeida, Iraide Saez-Zamacona, Diogo M. M. Silva, Sabrina M. M. Rodrigues, Ruben Pereira, Sandra Ramos
Summary: Concerns about plastic pollution, especially microplastics, have increased due to their presence in various environmental areas. The present study aims to investigate the role of saltmarshes in trapping microplastics by comparing microplastic concentrations in vegetated and non-vegetated sediments. Microplastics were detected in all sediment samples, with fibres being the most common type. Vegetated sediments, especially those of saltmarsh species Juncus maritimus, contained a higher number of plastic items. These findings suggest that saltmarshes play a significant role in the transport and accumulation of microplastics in estuarine areas.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Flores, C. Marisa R. Almeida, Carlos R. Gomes, Salete S. Balula, Carlos M. Granadeiro
Summary: The adsorption performance of mesoporous silica-based materials for inorganic and organic water pollutants was investigated. Different properties of the materials were tailored and characterized, and their influence on the removal of metal ions and organic dyes from aqueous solutions was explored. The results show that nanosized mesoporous silica nanoparticles with high surface area have a favorable adsorptive capacity for both types of water pollutants.
