Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guofang Xu, Xuejie Zhao, Siyan Zhao, Jianzhong He
Summary: Sewage sludge amendment enhances the dechlorination of PCBs in soil by providing nutrients, PCB-dechlorinating bacteria, and stimulating the growth of beneficial microorganisms such as fermenters. Additionally, the amendment changes the dechlorination pathways of PCBs and poses low potential ecological risks in soil.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gao Chen, Fadime Kara Murdoch, Yongchao Xie, Robert W. Murdoch, Yiru Cui, Yi Yang, Jun Yan, Trent A. Key, Frank E. Loffler
Summary: Researchers discovered a new anaerobic bacterium that can efficiently dechlorinate vinyl chloride (VC) to ethene. The bacterium utilizes formate and hydrogen as electron donors for reductive dechlorination, providing new opportunities for effective remediation of VC contamination in groundwater.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lisi Jiang, Yi Yang, Huijuan Jin, Hongyan Wang, Cynthia M. Swift, Yongchao Xie, Torsten Schubert, Frank E. Loffler, Jun Yan
Summary: Chlorinated ethanes can be transformed into harmless substances through the actions of specific microbial strains, such as Geobacter and Dehalococcoides. The presence of different strains in different reaction processes provides insights into the detoxification mechanism of organohalide compounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Guofang Xu, Xuejie Zhao, Siyan Zhao, Matthew J. Rogers, Jianzhong He
Summary: Organohalide pollutants are commonly found in coastal regions and pose threats to public health and ecosystems. This study investigates the effects of salinity on microbial dechlorination of PCE and PCBs in freshwater and marine sediments. The findings suggest that marine-derived microcosms exhibit higher halotolerance and a halotolerant dechlorinating culture was enriched. The study also reveals that salinity influences microbial community composition and dechlorination capabilities. These insights contribute to understanding the fate and bioremediation of organohalide pollutants in changing salinity environments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
David Megson, Thomas Brown, Gareth Rhys Jones, Mathew Robson, Glenn W. Johnson, Guuske P. Tiktak, Courtney D. Sandau, Eric J. Reiner
Summary: PCBs play a crucial role in understanding the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of POPs in marine mammals. This study found that the concentrations of PCBs in most samples exceeded toxic thresholds for marine mammals, indicating the health risk they face from PCB exposure. A novel PCB signature was identified in a sei whale, highlighting the importance of considering atmospheric deposition as a significant source of exposure.
Article
Agronomy
Valeria Ancona, Ida Rascio, Giorgia Aimola, Claudia Campanale, Paola Grenni, Martina Di Lenola, Gian Luigi Garbini, Vito Felice Uricchio, Anna Barra Caracciolo
Summary: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of using a Monviso clone of poplar trees to promote the degradation of PCBs and heavy metals in a historically contaminated soil in Southern Italy. After 900 days, PCBs and most heavy metals were found to be decreased below legal limits, along with an increase in organic carbon content and microbial abundance. The results suggest that poplar-based bioremediation technology can be a successful nature-based solution for soil quality improvement and contaminant removal.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Clara Reino, Chang Ding, Lorenz Adrian
Summary: Dehalococcoides mccartyi strain CBDB1, a strictly anaerobic organohalide-respiring bacterium, was successfully cultivated in a continuous stirring tank reactor (CSTR) using acetate, hydrogen, and the brominated amino acid D-or L-3,5-dibromotyrosine as substrates. The cultivation in the CSTR led to high cell densities and dominance of strain CBDB1, demonstrating its potential for biomass production and remediation of halogenated aromatic-contaminated environments. Proteomics analyses revealed the high expression of the reductive dehalogenase CbdbA238 with D-and L-3,5-dibromotyrosine, suggesting their promising role in biomass production.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xinru Zhou, Shusheng Zhang, Rui Wang, Zijing An, Faqian Sun, Chaofeng Shen, Hongjun Lin, Xiaomei Su
Summary: The study found that Rpf of Micrococcus luteus can resuscitate and stimulate the growth of PCB-degrading bacterial populations, thereby improving the bioremediation efficiency of PCBs. Soil microcosms amended with Rpf and LS1 degraded PCBs 1.1-3.2 times faster than control microcosms. The degradation process mainly occurred through the HOPDA-benzoate-catechol/protocatechuate pathways. These results suggest that Rpf and resuscitated strains serve as effective additives and bio-inoculants for enhanced bioremediation, providing new approaches for large-scale applications of in situ bioremediation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiuying Li, Yi Yang, Jingjing Wang, Huijuan Jin, Yaozhi Zhang, Yiru Cui, Yufang Song, Jun Yan
Summary: This study identified a anaerobic enrichment culture derived from contaminated river sediment that can mediate the reductive dechlorination of Diclofenac (DCF). It also discovered a new Dehalogenimonas population and highlighted the relevant roles of organohalide-respiring bacteria in the natural attenuation of halogenated contaminants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jale Akgol, Mine Kanat Pektas
Summary: Occupational and environmental chemical exposure is linked to spontaneous abortion. This study examines the relationship between blood pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels and spontaneous abortion. The findings suggest that there is a higher exposure to pesticides and PCBs in women with spontaneous abortion.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Edwina Brennan, Alexandra E. Butler, Daniel S. Drage, Thozhukat Sathyapalan, Stephen L. Atkin
Summary: This study found a correlation between PCBs and certain circulating miRNAs, but not with metabolic parameters. In the healthy control group, these miRNAs were associated with menstrual cycle factors, while the correlation was weaker in the PCOS group. This suggests that PCBs may affect fertility through their impact on the hypothalamo-ovarian axis.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Martina Bertolini, Sarah Zecchin, Giovanni Pietro Beretta, Patrizia De Nisi, Laura Ferrari, Lucia Cavalca
Summary: The study evaluated a bioremediation approach for decontaminating an aquifer affected by organohalides from an industrial landfill. Results showed that the addition of a reducing substrate could stimulate natural organohalide respiration, leading to degradation of the contaminants. Field tests demonstrated a decrease in chloroethenes concentration, suggesting the potential for further improvement of the approach.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Christian M. Bako, Andres Martinez, Jessica M. Ewald, Jason B. X. Hua, David J. Ramotowski, Qin Dong, Jerald L. Schnoor, Timothy E. Mattes
Summary: In this study, we found that bioaugmentation with aerobic, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) degrading microorganisms can effectively reduce PCB emissions from contaminated sediment to air. Through synthetic samples and qPCR analysis, it was observed that the total PCB mass in the bioaugmented treatment decreased by 57% on average, with a preferential biodegradation of lower-chlorinated PCBs. The use of the phytogenic biosurfactant, saponin, was also found to enhance the abundance of the degrading microorganisms and promote the biodegradation process. These findings demonstrate that bioaugmentation can be an effective approach to reduce PCB emissions and minimize exposure risks in surrounding communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Wahab Yasir, Muhammad Bashir Ahmed Siddique, Zunera Shabbir, Habib Ullah, Luqman Riaz, Waqar-Un- Nisa, Shafeeq-ur-rahman, Anis Ali Shah
Summary: The co-existence of PCBs and Cr(VI) in the environment due to industrial effluent has worsened pollution issues, impacting aquatic and terrestrial life. Strategies for simultaneous removal of these contaminants have not been sufficiently explored, and co-contamination may hinder bacteria's bioremediation efficiency. Bioaugmentation with metal-resistant bacteria and utilization of sorbents/biosurfactants are potential solutions for the detoxification of Cr(VI) and PCBs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. Germain, M. Raveton, M. N. Binet, B. Mouhamadou
Summary: The study shows that native fungal strains isolated from PCB contaminated sites have significant biodegradation and detoxification capabilities, with only a few strains able to reduce the toxicity associated with PCBs and their metabolites. The enzymatic activities induced by PCBs vary among strains.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Staci L. Capozzi, Coline Bodenreider, Ana Prieto, Rayford B. Payne, Kevin R. Sowers, Birthe Veno Kjellerup
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haider S. Almnehlawi, Rachel K. Dean, Staci L. Capozzi, Lisa A. Rodenburg, Gerben J. Zylstra, Donna E. Fennell
Summary: Novel aerobic bacterial strains capable of aerobically degrading the products of dechlorination were identified in surficial Passaic River sediments, potentially enabling an in situ treatment process that completely removes all CDDs from the sediment.
BIOREMEDIATION JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Muhammad Wahab Yasir, Staci L. Capozzi, Birthe Veno Kjellerup, Shahid Mahmood, Tariq Mahmood, Azeem Khalid
Summary: The study isolated and characterized bacterial strains capable of simultaneously reducing Cr(VI) and degrading PCBs, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia identified as the most efficient strains. These strains showed significant potential for the treatment of Cr(VI) and PCBs in water bodies.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Lin, Staci L. Capozzi, Li Lin, Lisa A. Rodenburg
Summary: The study identified five sources of PFAS in fish from the Great Lakes using PMF analysis, including emissions from primary and secondary sources, PVDF manufacture or processing, hot spots near air force bases, and metabolism of precursors. The spatial variations of these sources showed unexpected low values near urbanized areas, potentially due to unique wastewater and stormwater infrastructure or atmospheric transport of precursors. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of PMF in source apportionment of PFAS in fish despite ADME processes potentially altering fingerprints in fish compared to their surrounding environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alisha Yee Chan, Ji-Young Son, Michelle Lee Bell
Summary: Studies indicate that stormwater control measures (SCMs) may result in the displacement of Black residents in Washington, DC, with a decrease in their percentage after SCM installation. Areas with higher SCM installation density tend to have a higher percentage of Black and Hispanic/Latino residents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alisha Yee Chan, Honghyok Kim, Michelle L. Bell
Summary: Mosquito borne diseases are becoming more problematic due to climate change. The study found that stormwater control measures may reduce the increase of Culex mosquitoes after heavy rainfall.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chen Chen, Alisha Chan, Francesca Dominici, Roger D. Peng, Ben Sabath, Qian Di, Joel Schwartz, Michelle L. Bell
Summary: This study analyzed the association between short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and hospitalization risk in 968 counties in the continental U.S. The results showed a positive association between PM2.5 exposure and circulatory and respiratory hospitalizations, with higher effect estimates towards the end of the study period. Disparities in this association were identified by race, socioeconomic status, and urbanicity. The study highlights the importance of considering environmental justice issues and the temporal changes in PM2.5-related health impacts.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alisha Yee Chan, Honghyok Kim, Michelle L. Bell
Summary: Combined sewer systems (CSS) are associated with higher incidences of COVID-19 cases, particularly in areas with heavy precipitation and high percentages of impervious surfaces, potentially due to increased frequency and severity of combined sewer overflows (CSOs). This finding suggests links between climate change, urbanization, and COVID-19.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maksat Babayev, Staci L. Capozzi, Pamela Miller, Kelly R. McLaughlin, Samarys Seguinot Medina, Samuel Byrne, Guomao Zheng, Amina Salamova
Summary: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are attracting rigorous scientific research due to their widespread presence and adverse health effects. This study focuses on PFAS exposure in Gustavus, Alaska, and reveals the presence of a major PFAS source near Gustavus from airport operations and fire training sites. High levels of PFAS were detected in both residential drinking water and serum samples, with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) being the most abundant PFAS compounds. The study highlights the importance of addressing PFAS contamination in remote locations and contaminated drinking water sources.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Kelvin C. Fong, Seulkee Heo, Chris C. Lim, Honghyok Kim, Alisha Chan, Whanhee Lee, Rory Stewart, Hayon Michelle Choi, Ji-Young Son, Michelle L. Bell
Summary: This study summarizes the disparities in environmental exposures and health effects between immigrants and non-immigrants. The findings suggest that immigrants may experience higher exposures compared to non-immigrants, with differences observed based on the country of origin and time since immigration. However, further research is needed, especially outside of North America, to understand the environmental health disparities of immigrants.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alisha Yee Chan, Kate Burrows, Michelle L. Bell
Summary: This study reveals the reasons why some people choose to stay in the flood zone after experiencing flash flooding in Ellicott City, Maryland, while others choose to leave. Through in-depth interviews, the data shows that the reasons for staying include community impact, historical significance, and financial burden, while the reasons for leaving include emotional exhaustion and frustration, fear/anxiety, and financial burden. The results of the study indicate that the decision to stay or leave is influenced by factors such as community/historical, environmental, emotional, and economic.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Staci L. Capozzi, Kelly L. Francisco, Briana L. Stahl, Mohson Al Hello, Marcia S. Meixler, Lisa A. Rodenburg
Summary: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are the dominant contaminant in the Upper Hudson River (UHR), and in 2017, it was found that about 2% of the PCBs in the sediment came from sources other than General Electric (GE). The analysis of fish PCB data showed that about 13% of the PCBs in the fish also came from non-GE sources. The non-GE PCBs had an average concentration of 240 ppb in the fish, exceeding the remedial goals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Staci L. Capozzi, Daniel C. Lehman, Marta Venier
Summary: The levels of flame retardants in the air near the North American Great Lakes were analyzed from 2005 to 2019, revealing spatial and temporal trends. The levels of flame retardants were found to be higher in urban sites compared to rural and remote sites, except for a few specific compounds. Decreasing levels of one compound, sigma DP, were observed in New York. The levels of total PBDEs remained unchanged near Lakes Michigan and Superior, but declined near Lakes Erie and Ontario, with estimated half-lives of 7 to 14 years.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Seulkee Heo, Alisha Yee Chan, Pedro Diaz Peralta, Lan Jin, Claudia Ribeiro Pereira Nunes, Michelle L. Bell
Summary: COVID-19 pandemic has had adverse impacts on the work and productivity of scientists, causing delays and restrictions in research activities and increased caregiving responsibilities. Female scientists who are parents faced unequal divisions of caregiving compared to male scientists, resulting in increased burdens. The pandemic also led to various physical and mental health issues. However, some scientists reported advantages during this time, including the efficiency of online teaching and increased funding for research.
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)