Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Altynay Kaidarova, Nathan R. Geraldi, Rory P. Wilson, Juergen Kosel, Mark G. Meekan, Victor M. Eguiluz, Muhammad Mustafa Hussain, Atif Shamim, Hanguang Liao, Mani Srivastava, Swapnil Sayan Saha, Michael S. Strano, Xiangliang Zhang, Boon S. Ooi, Mark Holton, Lloyd W. Hopkins, Xiaojia Jin, Xun Gong, Flavio Quintana, Adylkhan Tovasarov, Assel Tasmagambetova, Carlos M. Duarte
Summary: Human societies rely on marine ecosystems, which are still experiencing degradation. This article discusses the adaptation of sensors and wearable technology developed for humans to improve marine monitoring. It highlights the barriers to transitioning this technology from land to sea, updates on sensor developments for ocean observation, and advocates for wider use of wearables on marine organisms. The authors propose that widespread use of wearables could contribute to an 'internet of marine life' and inform strategies for marine conservation and restoration.
NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Marine
Jacopo Fabrello, Valerio Matozzo
Summary: This review summarizes the concentrations of BPA analogs found in aquatic environments and their effects on marine species. Studies indicate that BPA analogs have similar effects to BPA, altering the neuroendocrine system and development in marine organisms.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Yujae Song, Huicheol Shin, Sungmin Koo, Seungjae Baek, Jungmin Seo, Hyoun Kang, Yongjae Kim
Summary: This article presents the development and implementation of an Internet of Maritime Things (IoMT) platform for remote and online marine water quality monitoring. The IoMT device and gateway are optimized for marine use and allow for long-range and high-rate communication. Additionally, an automatic beam adjustment system enables directional antennas to maintain communication even with sea undulation. Real sea experiments demonstrate that the proposed IoMT platform achieves significant performance improvements in terms of communication coverage compared to existing wireless networks.
IEEE INTERNET OF THINGS JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
M. Alejandro Valdes-Pena, Nicholas P. Massaro, You-Chen Lin, Joshua G. Pierce
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to human health and requires urgent action. Natural products present a valuable source for identifying antibiotics with the potential to combat resistance. Research efforts focused on marine natural products with activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens offer promising new therapeutic options.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Suxiang Liu, Rui Sun, Mengmeng Cai, Yue Kong, Yu Gao, Tonghuan Zhang, Xinfeng Xiao, Yanlu Qiao, Jianliang Xue, Guofu Huang
Summary: This study successfully isolated bacteria capable of efficiently degrading oil, established a diesel degrading bacterial consortium with good capability of degrading short chain alkanes, and found that oil pollution has a selective effect on marine microorganisms. Although oil degradation was promoted after the addition of SA, the recovery of microbial community structure took a longer time.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xu-Dan Yang, Bo Gong, Wei Chen, Chen Qian, Meng Du, Han-Qing Yu
Summary: Microplastics serve as a source of organic contaminants in aquatic environments, impacting their fate and toxicity. To assess the environmental risks associated with microplastics, a method for evaluating the dynamic uptake of organic contaminants onto suspended microplastics in water is necessary. In this study, a UV-vis spectroscopy-based approach was developed to monitor the uptake of organic contaminants onto suspended microplastics in real-time.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manasa Muralidharan, K. Veena Gayathri, P. Senthil Kumar, D. S. Preethi, R. Kavitha, Revathy Rajagopal, Gayathri Rangasamy
Summary: Accidents involving diesel oil spills are prevalent in sea-and coastal regions. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent contaminants with poor water solubility. Microbial degradation of PAHs has proven to be a beneficial and effective method for pollutant removal.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Melina Abdou, Carlos Eduardo Monteiro, Pedro Brito, Teresa Neuparth, Marlene Pinheiro, Miguel Santos, Miguel Caetano
Summary: Platinum Group Elements (PGEs) are pollutants of concern due to their increasing use and release. This study investigated PGE contamination in marine organisms, focusing on rhodium (Rh). Samples were collected from two urbanized estuarine systems and adjacent coastal areas in Portugal. PGE concentrations were quantified using stripping voltammetry and mass spectrometry. The results showed that PGE contamination was correlated with urban effluents and influenced by traffic emissions and various sources. Macroalgae and mussels were found to be good bioindicators of PGE contamination in estuarine/coastal systems, reflecting urban pressure and amplifying environmental signals.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alyssa Azaroff, Mathilde Monperrus, Carole Miossec, Claire Gassie, Remy Guyoneaud
Summary: This study investigated the degradation potential of synthetic musks, UV filters, and a pharmaceutical compound in marine sediment samples under laboratory conditions. The results showed different half-life times for the contaminants under biotic conditions, with limitations observed in degradation under anoxic conditions compared to oxic conditions. Novel aerobic bacteria capable of degrading these contaminants were successfully isolated, potentially aiding in remediation processes in marine environments.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Joyce Alvarez-Barragan, Cristiana Cravo-Laureau, Bijing Xiong, Lukas Y. Y. Wick, Robert Duran
Summary: This study advances our understanding of fungal-bacterial relationships, specifically the selection and dispersion of bacterial communities by fungi, which are essential for the organization and functioning of microbial communities in coastal PAH-contaminated sediments.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francisca Sousa-Cardoso, Rita Teixeira-Santos, Ana Francisca Campos, Marta Lima, Luciana C. Gomes, Olivia S. G. P. Soares, Filipe J. Mergulhao
Summary: Biofouling is a recognized concern in the marine sector due to its economic and ecological consequences. This study focused on the impact of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) on biofilm development by Cobetia marina bacteria and investigated the antibacterial mechanisms of action. The results showed that GNP inhibited biofilm development and had potential as a marine antifouling coating.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Francesca Glaviano, Roberta Esposito, Anna Di Cosmo, Francesco Esposito, Luca Gerevini, Andrea Ria, Mario Molinara, Paolo Bruschi, Maria Costantini, Valerio Zupo
Summary: Traditionally, monitoring of aquatic ecosystems has relied on direct and indirect methods. However, advancements in smart devices and the Internet of Things offer new opportunities for accurate and precise measurements. Smart buoy networks, autonomous underwater vehicles, and multi-sensor microsystems have the potential to autonomously monitor marine environments and send alarm messages, but their impact on marine management is yet to be fully realized.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rosa Bonaventura, Francesca Zito, Lorenzo Morroni, David Pellegrini, Francesco Regoli, Annalisa Pinsino
Summary: The management of dredged materials disposal is regulated by environmental normative requirements and supported by the integration of chemical data with ecotoxicological characterization. The reliability of a bioassay to assess toxicity of dredged sediments relies on the selection of quality criteria and the use of sea urchin embryo-toxicity bioassay is essential for evaluating sediment quality in harbour areas. The development and validation of Integrative Toxicity Indexes, particularly ITI 4.0, improves the causative relationship between sediment quality and sea urchin embryonic development.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andre Hendricks, Connor M. Mackie, Edward Luy, Colin Sonnichsen, James Smith, Iain Grundke, Mahtab Tavasoli, Arnold Furlong, Robert G. Beiko, Julie LaRoche, Vincent Sieben
Summary: Using environmental DNA (eDNA) to monitor biodiversity in aquatic environments is an efficient alternative to visual and acoustic identification. A new eDNA sampler, capable of self-cleaning and multi-sample capture, was tested alongside traditional collection methods and showed similar results. This sampler provides a robust alternative to manual sampling methods and enables persistent monitoring of remote sites.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
F. Crisafi, F. Smedile, M. M. Yakimov, F. Aulenta, S. Fazi, V. La Cono, A. Martinelli, V. Di Lisio, R. Denaro
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential risk for human and animal health caused by the improper disposal of disposable medical masks, which serve as suitable substrates for the colonization, persistence, and spreading of pathogens. The study also strengthens the understanding of the role of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in the colonization and modification of fossil-based plastics in the marine environment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Tom J. C. Huby, Dave R. Clark, Boyd A. McKew, Terry J. Mcgenity
Summary: The study found that halite-entombed archaeal communities are highly resilient to entombment durations of up to 21 weeks, suggesting it may be an effective survival strategy. Additionally, the dominance of certain 'halite specialists' observed in ancient halite likely requires years to develop, hinting at long-term successional dynamics in this environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Heidi K. Mod, Aline Buri, Erika Yashiro, Nicolas Guex, Lucie Malard, Eric Pinto-Figueroa, Marco Pagni, Helene Niculita-Hirzel, Jan Roelof van der Meer, Antoine Guisan
Summary: Soil bacteria are expected to be more strongly influenced by pH than other edaphic and climatic factors, with potential implications for nutrient cycling and vegetation. Future forecasts of soil bacteria are essential, as predictions suggest a stronger role of pH in governing bacterial distribution despite small anticipated changes in bacterial communities. It is important to consider both edaphic and climate changes in future assessments of soil bacteria.
Article
Microbiology
B. D. Ozel Duygan, S. Rey, S. Leocata, L. Baroux, M. Seyfried, J. R. van der Meer
Summary: This study utilized flow cytometry coupled with machine-learned microbial cell recognition to investigate the impact of various carbon dosages of compounds on freshwater microbial community growth, revealing significant differences in biomass growth and potential biodegradation capabilities. Flow cytometry cell counting coupled with deconvolution of communities into subgroups is suitable to infer biodegradability of organic chemicals, allowing for near-real-time assessment of relevant subgroup changes in microbial communities.
Article
Biology
Manupriyam Dubey, Noushin Hadadi, Serge Pelet, Nicolas Carraro, David R. Johnson, Jan R. van der Meer
Summary: The study investigated the effects of environmental connectivity on natural soil microbial communities and found that while overall community growth was similar in high and low connectivity environments, low connectivity led to reduced microbial diversity due to increased negative interspecific interactions. This suggests the importance of environmental connectivity for microbial community dynamics and has implications for future interventions and restoration efforts.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Gareth E. Thomas, Jan L. Brant, Pablo Campo, Dave R. Clark, Frederic Coulon, Benjamin H. Gregson, Terry J. McGenity, Boyd A. McKew
Summary: This study found that dispersants and biosurfactants can significantly reduce the interfacial surface tension between water and oil within 24 hours, promoting an increase in the abundance of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria and the rate of hydrocarbon biodegradation. Some dispersants or biosurfactants can selectively enhance specific bacterial genera, particularly rhamnolipid which shows compatibility with the Pseudomonas genus.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Diogo Tavares, Jan R. van der Meer
Summary: Periplasmic binding proteins are promising for designing sensor proteins with new recognition specificities, but computational design of new ligand-binding properties ignores the more general properties of these proteins. This study focused on the subcellular localization of ribose-binding protein (RbsB) in Escherichia coli and found that designed variants had defects in proper localization, which could impair sensor signaling.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Birge D. Ozel Duygan, Jan R. van der Meer
Summary: Dynamic analysis of microbial composition is crucial for understanding community functioning and detecting dysbiosis. Machine learning techniques, including unsupervised and supervised learning, can be used to analyze cell types and global changes in response to treatment in microbial communities.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Senka Causevic, Janko Tackmann, Vladimir Sentchilo, Christian von Mering, Jan Roelof van der Meer
Summary: This study examines the development of bacterial communities in soil microcosms and the factors that influence their complexity. The findings show that the starting complexity and environmental conditions play a role in shaping the trajectories and compositions of the communities. This research has implications for the controlled restoration of desertified land.
Article
Biology
Toungporn Uttarotai, Sawannee Sutheeworapong, Andrew T. Crombie, J. Colin Murrell, Wuttichai Mhuantong, Nuttapol Noirungsee, Sunanta Wangkarn, Sakunnee Bovonsombut, Terry J. McGenity, Thararat Chitov
Summary: This study discovered a soil bacterium, Alcaligenes sp. 13f, capable of degrading isoprene and proposed the possibility of a different metabolic pathway for isoprene degradation.
Article
Microbiology
Jia-Hui Wu, Terry J. McGenity, Petra Rettberg, Marta F. Simoes, Wen-Jun Li, Andre Antunes
Summary: This paper provides an overview of published data on astrobiology-linked exposure experiments performed with members of the Halobacteria, identifying clear knowledge gaps and research opportunities.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Daveri, Valentina Benigno, Jan Roelof van der Meer
Summary: This study characterizes the conjugation system of the ICEclc element in Pseudomonas putida UWC1, revealing the importance of 22 genes for ICE transfer. By studying fusion proteins, it was discovered that transfer-competent cells have multiple fluorescent foci, suggesting the presence of multiple conjugation complexes per cell.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Helena Todorov, Tania Miguel Trabajo, Jan Roelof van der Meer
Summary: Bacterial growth at the single cell level can be studied using time-lapse microscopy imaging. This paper presents STrack, a tool that tracks cells in time-lapse images in a fast and efficient way. Compared to other tracking tools, STrack shows higher consistency, returning over 80% correct cell lineages on average.
Article
Microbiology
Marian Morales, Vladimir Sentchilo, Nicolas Carraro, Senka Causevic, Dominique Vuarambon, Jan R. van der Meer
Summary: This study aimed to understand the genetic factors contributing to the successful establishment of strain inoculation in nonsterile polluted soils. By generating mutant libraries and analyzing gene insertion abundances, it was found that many genes are important for the growth of Pseudomonas veronii in both liquid medium and soil. However, these genes are not specific to soil growth, indicating that P. veronii is a generalist that can proliferate well in soil environments.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Terry J. Mcgenity, Pierre Philippe Laissue
Summary: Understanding the destiny of crude oil that enters the ocean is crucial in minimizing its negative impacts on the environment, economy, and society. Research has found that microbial degradation is a key process in removing hydrocarbons from oil, and turbulent seas and response measures can promote the growth of oil-degrading microorganisms. The discovery of bacteria attaching to oil droplets and reshaping them enhances our understanding of oil transport and biodegradation in ecologically sensitive areas.
Article
Microbiology
Valentina Benigno, Nicolas Carraro, Garance Sarton-Loheac, Sara Romano-Bertrand, Dominique S. Blanc, Jan Roelof van der Meer
Summary: This study aimed to understand the presence, distribution, and variation of ICEs related to ICEclc among P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. The results showed that most isolates carried one or more ICEclc-like elements with different degrees of conservation. Furthermore, the study also found evidence of clonal evolution and horizontal transfer of ICEs in the hospital environment.
