Article
Environmental Sciences
Nathan Stein, Aditi Podder, Jennifer Lee Weidhaas, Ramesh Goel
Summary: Cultivated fast-settling, anoxic sludge (FAS) was used to simultaneously reduce elevated levels of perchlorate and nitrate in an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (AnSBR). The study achieved high average removal efficiencies of perchlorate and nitrate, with specific reduction rates increasing as the hydraulic retention time (HRT) was decreased. Nitrous oxide (N2O) production was observed due to incomplete denitrification, with different bacterial species enriched at different HRT levels.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nathan Stein, Anjan Goswami, Ramesh Goel
Summary: An airtight, anoxic bubble-column sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was developed to cultivate perchlorate and nitrate reducing granular sludge. The reactor efficiently reduced ClO4- and NO3-, and recorded specific reduction rates of 5.77 ± 0.54 mg NO3- N/g VSS•h and 8.13 ± 0.74 mg ClO4-/g VSS•h, respectively, under steady-state conditions. The AxGS biomass cultivated in this study exhibited faster reduction rates compared to other biomass types and processes. This study adds to the understanding of anoxic granulation for the treatment of hazardous chemicals.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chun-Yu Lai, Mengxiong Wu, Xuanyu Lu, Yulu Wang, Zhiguo Yuan, Jianhua Guo
Summary: This study demonstrates that microbially reducing perchlorate in groundwater can be driven by ethane or propane under oxygen-limiting conditions, offering a cost-effective strategy for ex situ groundwater remediation. Analysis of transcript abundance and high-throughput sequencing revealed the key microorganisms involved in the process.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchun Yang, Zhongyi Lu, Mohammad Azari, Boran Kartal, Huan Du, Mingwei Cai, Craig W. Herbold, Xinghua Ding, Martin Denecke, Xiaoyan Li, Meng Li, Ji-Dong Gu
Summary: A new genus of anammox bacteria, Candidatus Loosdrechtia aerotolerans, has been discovered in a full-scale wastewater-treating biofilm system. This genus possesses unique enzymes involved in nitrate reduction and oxidative stress resistance. The discovery expands our understanding of the ecophysiology of anammox bacteria and provides valuable insights for anammox-based wastewater treatment systems operation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yulu Wang, Chun-Yu Lai, Mengxiong Wu, Xuanyu Lu, Shihu Hu, Zhiguo Yuan, Jianhua Guo
Summary: This study showed that increasing copper concentration significantly enhanced the perchlorate reduction rate in a methane-based membrane biofilm reactor, as well as promoted methane oxidation and perchlorate reduction rates through adjusting the abundance of functional genes. A higher copper concentration also increased microbial community diversity and facilitated the synergistic association between methanotrophs and perchlorate reducers.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jing Chen, Mengqi Gu, Yifang Zhou, Dongjin Wan, Qiaochong He, Yahui Shi, Yongde Liu
Summary: The novel Electro-dialysis ion-exchange membrane bioreactor (EDIMB) showed efficient removal of perchlorate and nitrate from aqueous solution by combining electrodialysis with bioreduction. The process of pollutant removal in water and bio compartments can be well simulated using the First-order kinetic model and Zero-Michaelis-Menten model. Microorganisms play a promoting role in facilitating pollutant migration in the biological reaction.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minmin Jiang, Yuanyuan Zhang, Jie Zhang, Xingru Dai, Haixiang Li, Xuehong Zhang, Zhichao Wu, Junjian Zheng
Summary: A multispecies model was developed in this study to mechanistically interpret the metabolism of bromate-reducing bacteria and denitrifying bacteria in the biofilm of the H-2-MBfR. The results demonstrate that the evolution of biofilm characteristics is dependent on the changing critical operating parameters of the H-2-MBfR.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weijie Zhu, Xiaoyi Zhang, Fen Yao, Runping Huang, Yue Chen, Chaolong Chen, Jiawei Fei, Yunqing Chen, Zhoucheng Wang, Hanfeng Liang
Summary: A electrochemical redox strategy is proposed for simultaneous decontamination of wastewater and generation of fuels and electricity at low cost. A hydrazine-nitrate flow battery (HNFB) is developed to efficiently purify wastewater and generate ammonia fuel and electricity. The battery delivers a peak power density of 12 mW cm(-2) and continuously operates for 20 h with an ammonia yield rate of ca. 0.38 mmol h(-1) cm(-2) under 100 mA cm(-2). The generated electricity can further drive a hydrazine electrolyzer to produce hydrogen fuel. This work provides an alternative pathway to purify wastewater and generate high value-added fuels at low cost.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Parsa Mohajeri, Carol M. S. Smith, Henry Wai Chau, Niklas Lehto
Summary: Nitrate contamination is a significant threat to water bodies, but low-cost materials like allophanic soil and carbon-based bio-wastes have shown potential in reducing nutrient concentrations. A new media called ALLODUST was evaluated for enhancing nitrate removal, with promising results in reducing both nitrate concentrations and nitrous oxide emissions. The study demonstrates the efficiency of the new operating approach in wastewater treatment and environmental protection.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Alejandro Cabrera-Wrooman, Silvestre Ortega-Pena, Rosa M. Salgado, Belinda Sandoval-Cuevas, Edgar Krotzsch
Summary: A controlled-flow electrolyzed acid solution (CFEAS) was found to have excellent antiseptic and antibiofilm properties. In vitro experiments showed that CFEAS can kill both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and inhibit biofilm formation for 24 hours. Cytotoxicity tests demonstrated that CFEAS has minimal toxic effects on macrophages and good tolerance in fibroblasts. Clinical trials showed that a 24-hour CFEAS treatment significantly reduced bacterial colonization and removed biofilms from wounds.
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Stefano Riva, Carolina Introini, Stefano Lorenzi, Antonio Cammi
Summary: Hybrid Data Assimilation (HDA) methods integrate Model Order Reduction (MOR) techniques into a Data Assimilation (DA) framework to combine mathematical models and experimental data. This paper focuses on the numerical formulation of HDA techniques and the impact of noisy data using the Generalised Empirical Interpolation Method (GEIM) and the Parameterised-Background Data-Weak (PBDW) formulation. Results show the effectiveness of both algorithms in reconstructing the system state and assessing the effect of noise on the available data.
ANNALS OF NUCLEAR ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wataru Kubota, Toru Utsunomiya, Takashi Ichii, Hiroyuki Sugimura
Summary: The use of graphene oxide (GO) sheets in the chemical etching of silicon has been shown to significantly increase the etching rate, up to 100 times faster than traditional systems. The presence of defects in the GO sheets enhances the catalytic activity, promoting a deeper etching in the areas covered by the sheets.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Li He, Qi Yang, Yu Zhong, Fubing Yao, Bo Wu, Kunjie Hou, Zhoujie Pi, Dongbo Wang, Xiaoming Li
Summary: The electro-assisted autohydrogenotrophic reduction of perchlorate was successfully achieved using a dual-chamber biofilm-electrode reactor, with controlled pH and in-situ hydrogen generation. High-throughput sequencing revealed changes in microbial community composition with increasing perchlorate concentration.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chongchong Liu, Peifang Wang, Yuhao Qiao, Gang Zhou
Summary: The study synthesized a Bi2SeO5/rGO/MIL-88A composite for the simultaneous removal of chloramphenicol and hexavalent chromium, enhancing efficiency by accelerating the separation of electrons and holes. The hybrid was found to facilitate nitrogen reduction.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yusuf Rahmatullah, Tsrong-Yi Wen
Summary: This paper proposes a novel numerical scheme for vapor chamber simulations, which takes into account flow compressibility and temperature variations within the vapor core. The scheme uses mass/energy source terms based on the Lee model at liquid-vapor interfaces, and does not require presetting the phase change behavior. The results show good agreement between simulations and experiments, demonstrating the numerical stability and applicability of the proposed scheme.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Daniel Gutierrez, Anthony Weinstock, Vijay C. Antharam, Haiwei Gu, Paniz Jasbi, Xiaojian Shi, Blake Dirks, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Juan Maldonado, Jack Guinan, Shankar Thangamani
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Boya Wang, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Chen Zhou, Yihao Luo, Bruce E. Rittmann, Youneng Tang
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yi-Hao Luo, Chen Zhou, Yuqiang Bi, Xiangxing Long, Boya Wang, Youneng Tang, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Bruce E. Rittmann
Summary: The study investigated the co-reduction of 1,1,1-TCA and TCE using PdNP catalysts deposited on H-2-transfer membranes, achieving high catalytic activity and stability with effective reduction of contaminant concentrations to non-toxic ethane as the main product.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Michael LaPelusa, Dorit Donoviel, Sergio E. Branzini, Paul E. Carlson, Stephanie Culler, Amrita K. Cheema, Rima Kaddurah-Daouk, Denise Kelly, Isabelle de Cremoux, Rob Knight, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Stephen L. Mayo, Sarkis K. Mazmanian, Emeran A. Mayer, Joseph F. Petrosino, Keith Garrison
Summary: The inaugural Microbiome for Mars virtual workshop gathered leaders in microbiome research and development to discuss their work and its potential relevance to long-duration human space travel. The conference focused on current microbiome research, future endeavors, and how this field could impact human health and space exploration on a broad scale.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Diana C. Calvo, Aura Ontiveros-Valencia, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Cesar Torres, Bruce E. Rittmann
Summary: Microbiological conversion of CO2 into biofuels and/or organic industrial feedstock using autotrophic anaerobic bacteria in membrane biofilm reactor has shown that controlling the ratio of H-2 to IC influences microbial chain elongation process and the types and quantities of products produced. Proper management of IC availability and H-2 supply allows control over community structure and function, affecting the chain length of the carboxylates and alcohols produced.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yi-Hao Luo, Xiangxing Long, Boya Wang, Chen Zhou, Youneng Tang, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Bruce E. Rittmann
Summary: The study utilized a synergistic platform technology to catalyze the reduction of 1,1,1-TCA and TCE in the H-2-MPfR, followed by aerobic biodegradation in the O-2-MBfR, achieving efficient removal of co-contaminants of 1,4-dioxane, 1,1,1-TCA, and TCE in groundwater.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yi-Hao Luo, YenJung Sean Lai, Chenwei Zheng, Zehra Esra Ilhan, Aura Ontiveros-Valencia, Xiangxing Long, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Bruce E. Rittmann
Summary: Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) are commonly used as surfactants and disinfectants, and may lead to proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) in bacteria. Stressful operating conditions, such as limited oxygen and nitrogen supply or high concentrations of QAC, can significantly increase ARG expression, particularly for genes conferring antibiotic-target protection. The study highlights the importance of considering the impacts of stressors, including QAC exposure and operating conditions, in mitigating the spread of ARG in microbial communities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jennifer Fouquier, Nancy Moreno Huizar, Jody Donnelly, Cody Glickman, Dae-Wook Kang, Juan Maldonado, Rachel A. Jones, Kimberly Johnson, James B. Adams, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Catherine Lozupone
Summary: Research shows that gut microbiome in individuals with ASD is influenced by study-site location and gastrointestinal symptoms, and longitudinal studies suggest a correlation between changes in gut microbiome composition and ASD behavioral severity.
Article
Physiology
E. A. Carnero, C. P. Bock, Y. Liu, K. Corbin, E. Wohlers-Kariesch, K. Ruud, J. Moon, A. Marcus, R. Krajmalnik-Brown, A. Muraviev, K. L. Vodopyanov, S. R. Smith
Summary: This study introduces a new whole room indirect calorimeter methodology for quantifying methane volume released from the human body, concurrently with energy expenditure and substrate utilization assessment. The system combines an established calorimeter with off-axis integrated-cavity output spectroscopy to measure methane concentration. The method allows for the measurement of 24-hour methane volume and its proportion to human energy intake.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Qiwen Cheng, Hannah Glesener, Gabriela Montenegro, Olga Torres, Ann C. Miller, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Peter Rohloff, Lee E. Voth-Gaeddert
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the impact of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure on child growth and investigate the regulatory role of the gut microbiome. The study plans to observe a cohort of 185 infants aged 6-9 months for 18 months, assessing AFB1 exposure levels, markers of gut and systemic inflammation, and fecal microbiome. Additionally, the study will explore the response of the gut microbiome to varying levels of AFB1 exposure using bioreactors and analyze metabolic pathways. Ultimately, path analysis will be used to summarize the effects of AFB1 exposure and the gut microbiome on child growth.
BMJ PAEDIATRICS OPEN
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Devin A. A. Bowes, Erin M. M. Driver, Sonja Savic, Qiwen Cheng, Corrie M. M. Whisner, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Rolf U. U. Halden
Summary: This study demonstrates that wastewater-based epidemiology can be used for near real-time population dietary assessments, providing a promising tool for actionable and cost-effective data collection to support public health nutrition at the population scale.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Taylor L. Davis, Blake Dirks, Elvis A. Carnero, Karen D. Corbin, Jonathon Krakoff, Shannon Parrington, Donghun Lee, Steven R. Smith, Bruce E. Rittmann, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Andrew K. Marcus
Summary: The study developed and validated a model to convert chemical oxygen demand (COD) to gross energy (E-g) for over 100 food items and ingredients. The model accurately converted between COD and E-g, enabling the analysis of human and microbial energetic processes using a single unit of measure in the food-nutrition-metabolism-microbiome field.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Srivatsan Mohana Rangan, Aatikah Mouti, Laurie LaPat-Polasko, Gregory Lowry, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Anca G. Delgado
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Karen D. Corbin, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Elvis A. Carnero, Christopher Bock, Rita Emerson, Bruce E. Rittmann, Andrew K. Marcus, Taylor Davis, Blake Dirks, Zehra Esra Ilhan, Catherine Champagne, Steven R. Smith
CONTEMPORARY CLINICAL TRIALS COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Megan Meinel, Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Cesar Torres
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2020)