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Zrimec J, Kokina M, Jonasson S, Zorrilla F, Zelezniak A. Plastic-Degrading Potential across the Global Microbiome Correlates with Recent Pollution Trends. mBio 2021; 12:e0215521. [PMID: 34700384 PMCID: PMC8546865 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02155-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodegradation is a plausible route toward sustainable management of the millions of tons of plastic waste that have accumulated in terrestrial and marine environments. However, the global diversity of plastic-degrading enzymes remains poorly understood. Taking advantage of global environmental DNA sampling projects, here we constructed hidden Markov models from experimentally verified enzymes and mined ocean and soil metagenomes to assess the global potential of microorganisms to degrade plastics. By controlling for false positives using gut microbiome data, we compiled a catalogue of over 30,000 nonredundant enzyme homologues with the potential to degrade 10 different plastic types. While differences between the ocean and soil microbiomes likely reflect the base compositions of these environments, we find that ocean enzyme abundance increases with depth as a response to plastic pollution and not merely taxonomic composition. By obtaining further pollution measurements, we observed that the abundance of the uncovered enzymes in both ocean and soil habitats significantly correlates with marine and country-specific plastic pollution trends. Our study thus uncovers the earth microbiome's potential to degrade plastics, providing evidence of a measurable effect of plastic pollution on the global microbial ecology as well as a useful resource for further applied research. IMPORTANCE Utilization of synthetic biology approaches to enhance current plastic degradation processes is of crucial importance, as natural plastic degradation processes are very slow. For instance, the predicted lifetime of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle under ambient conditions ranges from 16 to 48 years. Moreover, although there is still unexplored diversity in microbial communities, synergistic degradation of plastics by microorganisms holds great potential to revolutionize the management of global plastic waste. To this end, the methods and data on novel plastic-degrading enzymes presented here can help researchers by (i) providing further information about the taxonomic diversity of such enzymes as well as understanding of the mechanisms and steps involved in the biological breakdown of plastics, (ii) pointing toward the areas with increased availability of novel enzymes, and (iii) giving a basis for further application in industrial plastic waste biodegradation. Importantly, our findings provide evidence of a measurable effect of plastic pollution on the global microbial ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Zrimec
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mariia Kokina
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sara Jonasson
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Francisco Zorrilla
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksej Zelezniak
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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202
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Magalhães RP, Cunha JM, Sousa SF. Perspectives on the Role of Enzymatic Biocatalysis for the Degradation of Plastic PET. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11257. [PMID: 34681915 PMCID: PMC8540959 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastics are highly durable and widely used materials. Current methodologies of plastic degradation, elimination, and recycling are flawed. In recent years, biodegradation (the usage of microorganisms for material recycling) has grown as a valid alternative to previously used methods. The evolution of bioengineering techniques and the discovery of novel microorganisms and enzymes with degradation ability have been key. One of the most produced plastics is PET, a long chain polymer of terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG) repeating monomers. Many enzymes with PET degradation activity have been discovered, characterized, and engineered in the last few years. However, classification and integrated knowledge of these enzymes are not trivial. Therefore, in this work we present a summary of currently known PET degrading enzymes, focusing on their structural and activity characteristics, and summarizing engineering efforts to improve activity. Although several high potential enzymes have been discovered, further efforts to improve activity and thermal stability are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita P. Magalhães
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, BioSIM—Departamento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (R.P.M.); (J.M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge M. Cunha
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, BioSIM—Departamento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (R.P.M.); (J.M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio F. Sousa
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, BioSIM—Departamento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (R.P.M.); (J.M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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203
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Fernandes AC. Reductive Depolymerization of Plastic Waste Catalyzed by Zn(OAc) 2 ⋅ 2H 2 O. CHEMSUSCHEM 2021; 14:4228-4233. [PMID: 33667328 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202100130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest problems all over the world. Beyond change/awareness of consumer behavior, there is an urgent need to search for efficient, economical and environmentally friendly catalysts for the valorization of plastic waste to value-added compounds. This work describes the reductive depolymerization of several types of plastic waste into value-added compounds, including 1,6-hexanediol, 1,2-propanediol, p-xylene and tetrahydrofuran, in good yields using the eco-friendly, air-stable, commercially available and very cheap catalyst Zn(OAc)2 ⋅ 2H2 O. This is the first example of the reductive depolymerization of polyester waste catalyzed by a zinc catalyst. Moreover, the catalytic system silane/Zn(OAc)2 ⋅ 2H2 O was successfully applied to the reduction of polycaprolactone (PCL) on the gram scale with good yield and also to the selective reductive depolymerization of plastic mixtures. Finally, this work demonstrated that the catalyst Zn(OAc)2 ⋅ 2H2 O can be used in at least 7 cycles with good yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Fernandes
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
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204
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Coons AK, Busch K, Lenz M, Hentschel U, Borchert E. Biogeography rather than substrate type determines bacterial colonization dynamics of marine plastics. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12135. [PMID: 34603853 PMCID: PMC8445087 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the middle of the 20th century, plastics have been incorporated into our everyday lives at an exponential rate. In recent years, the negative impacts of plastics, especially as environmental pollutants, have become evident. Marine plastic debris represents a relatively new and increasingly abundant substrate for colonization by microbial organisms, although the full functional potential of these organisms is yet to be uncovered. In the present study, we investigated plastic type and incubation location as drivers of marine bacterial community structure development on plastics, i.e., the Plastisphere, via 16S rRNA amplicon analysis. Four distinct plastic types: high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyamide (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and glass-slide controls were incubated for five weeks in the coastal waters of four different biogeographic locations (Cape Verde, Chile, Japan, South Africa) during July and August of 2019. The primary driver of the coastal Plastisphere composition was identified as incubation location, i.e., biogeography, while substrate type did not have a significant effect on bacterial community composition. The bacterial communities were consistently dominated by the classes Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Bacteroidia, irrespective of sampling location or substrate type, however a core bacterial Plastisphere community was not observable at lower taxonomic levels. Overall, this study sheds light on the question of whether bacterial communities on plastic debris are shaped by the physicochemical properties of the substrate they grow on or by the marine environment in which the plastics are immersed. This study enhances the current understanding of biogeographic variability in the Plastisphere by including biofilms from plastics incubated in the previously uncharted Southern Hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley K Coons
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Kathrin Busch
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Mark Lenz
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Ute Hentschel
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.,Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Erik Borchert
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
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205
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Jönsson C, Wei R, Biundo A, Landberg J, Schwarz Bour L, Pezzotti F, Toca A, M. Jacques L, Bornscheuer UT, Syrén P. Biocatalysis in the Recycling Landscape for Synthetic Polymers and Plastics towards Circular Textiles. CHEMSUSCHEM 2021; 14:4028-4040. [PMID: 33497036 PMCID: PMC8518944 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202002666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Although recovery of fibers from used textiles with retained material quality is desired, separation of individual components from polymer blends used in today's complex textile materials is currently not available at viable scale. Biotechnology could provide a solution to this pressing problem by enabling selective depolymerization of recyclable fibers of natural and synthetic origin, to isolate constituents or even recover monomers. We compiled experimental data for biocatalytic polymer degradation with a focus on synthetic polymers with hydrolysable links and calculated conversion rates to explore this path The analysis emphasizes that we urgently need major research efforts: beyond cellulose-based fibers, biotechnological-assisted depolymerization of plastics so far only works for polyethylene terephthalate, with degradation of a few other relevant synthetic polymer chains being reported. In contrast, by analyzing market data and emerging trends for synthetic fibers in the textile industry, in combination with numbers from used garment collection and sorting plants, it was shown that the use of difficult-to-recycle blended materials is rapidly growing. If the lack of recycling technology and production trend for fiber blends remains, a volume of more than 3400 Mt of waste will have been accumulated by 2030. This work highlights the urgent need to transform the textile industry from a biocatalytic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Jönsson
- RISE Research Institutes of SwedenArgongatan 30, Box 104SE-431 22MölndalSweden
| | - Ren Wei
- Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme CatalysisInstitute of BiochemistryUniversity of GreifswaldFelix-Hausdorff-Strasse 417487GreifswaldGermany
| | - Antonino Biundo
- School of Engineering Sciences in ChemistryBiotechnology and HealthKTH Royal Institute of TechnologyScience for Life LaboratoryTomtebodavägen 23, Box 1031 171 21 SolnaStockholmSweden
- School of Engineering Sciences in ChemistryBiotechnology and HealthDepartment of Fibre and Polymer TechnologyKTH Royal Institute of TechnologyTeknikringen 56–58100 44StockholmSweden
- Present address: REWOW srlVia Cardinale Agostino Ciasca 9701 24BariItaly
| | - Johan Landberg
- RISE Research Institutes of SwedenArgongatan 30, Box 104SE-431 22MölndalSweden
| | - Lisa Schwarz Bour
- RISE Research Institutes of SwedenArgongatan 30, Box 104SE-431 22MölndalSweden
| | - Fabio Pezzotti
- RISE Research Institutes of SwedenArgongatan 30, Box 104SE-431 22MölndalSweden
| | - Andreea Toca
- Swedish StockingsTyskbagargatan 7114 43StockholmSweden
- Present address: Hyper IslandVirkesvägen 2120 30StockholmSweden
| | - Les M. Jacques
- The LYCRA Company UK Limited60, Clooney Road, MaydownLondonderry N.BT47 6THIreland
| | - Uwe T. Bornscheuer
- Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme CatalysisInstitute of BiochemistryUniversity of GreifswaldFelix-Hausdorff-Strasse 417487GreifswaldGermany
| | - Per‐Olof Syrén
- School of Engineering Sciences in ChemistryBiotechnology and HealthKTH Royal Institute of TechnologyScience for Life LaboratoryTomtebodavägen 23, Box 1031 171 21 SolnaStockholmSweden
- School of Engineering Sciences in ChemistryBiotechnology and HealthDepartment of Fibre and Polymer TechnologyKTH Royal Institute of TechnologyTeknikringen 56–58100 44StockholmSweden
- KTH Royal Institute of TechnologySchool of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health Wallenberg Wood Science CenterTeknikringen 56–58100 44StockholmSweden
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206
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Liang L, Veksha A, Mohamed Amrad MZB, Snyder SA, Lisak G. Upcycling of exhausted reverse osmosis membranes into value-added pyrolysis products and carbon dots. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 419:126472. [PMID: 34186428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are widely used worldwide for production of fresh water from various sources, primarily ocean desalination. However, with limited service life, exhausted RO membrane modules often end up as plastic wastes disposed of predominantly by landfilling. It is imperative to find a feasible way to upcycle end-of-life RO membrane modules into valuable products. In this paper, the feasibility of RO membrane recycling via pyrolysis and subsequent conversion of resulting char into carbon dots (CDs) through H2O2-assisted hydrothermal method was investigated. RO membrane module pyrolysis at 600 °C produced oil (28 wt%), non-condensable gas (17 wt%), and char (22 wt%). While oil and gas can serve as fuel and chemical feedstock due to rich hydrocarbon content, char was found a suitable precursor for the synthesis of functional CDs. The resulting CDs doped with N (4.8%) and S (1.8%) exhibited excellent water dispersibility, narrow size distribution of 1.3-6.8 nm, high stability, and strong blue fluorescence with a quantum yield of 6.24%. CDs demonstrated high selectivity and sensitivity towards Fe3+ in the range of 0-100 μM with the limit of detection of 2.97 μM and were capable of determining Fe3+ in real water samples (tap water and pond water).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Liang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore 637141; Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore 637141
| | - Andrei Veksha
- Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore 637141
| | | | - Shane Allen Snyder
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798; Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore 637141
| | - Grzegorz Lisak
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798; Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore 637141.
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207
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Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge as a Threat of Microplastic (MP) Spread in the Environment and the Role of Governance. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14196293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants is commonly used as a soil amendment on agricultural land. Unfortunately, more and more research indicates that large amounts of microplastic (MP) are re-introduced to soil with sludge. This study aims to present the impact MP has on soil ecosystems, global trends in agricultural sludge management resulting from a high concentration of micropollutants in sludge, and finally propose a high-level strategy for sustainable sludge management. This strategy is mostly dedicated to the European Union and involves multiple stakeholders and the links between each of them to achieve appropriate sludge management to avoid soil pollution with MP. Governance, Technology, Consumer Acceptance, and Economy and Commercial Viability is explored in depth. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper to discuss these topics in the context of a changing agricultural scene and identifies ways of which sewage sludge can limit MP pollution whilst still fitting into a circular economy. As total elimination of agriculturally used sludge is not a viable option, more stringent regulation on sludge quality before its use is necessary, especially on contaminant concentrations. This includes MPs limits, to improve sludge quality, in turn improving soil health. More alternative management options for sludge that does not meet land usage requirements are necessary and will be explored in this study. Overall, the combination of factors discussed will inevitably lead to more emphasis on sewage sludge management, therefore it can be expected that the information presented in this review will be of high demand and importance for sludge producers and serves as a comprehensive foundation for researchers to build off.
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208
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Krohn I, Bergmann L, Qi M, Indenbirken D, Han Y, Perez-Garcia P, Katzowitsch E, Hägele B, Lübcke T, Siry C, Riemann R, Alawi M, Streit WR. Deep (Meta)genomics and (Meta)transcriptome Analyses of Fungal and Bacteria Consortia From Aircraft Tanks and Kerosene Identify Key Genes in Fuel and Tank Corrosion. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:722259. [PMID: 34675897 PMCID: PMC8525681 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.722259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial contamination of fuels, associated with a wide variety of bacteria and fungi, leads to decreased product quality and can compromise equipment performance by biofouling or microbiologically influenced corrosion. Detection and quantification of microorganisms are critical in monitoring fuel systems for an early detection of microbial contaminations. To address these challenges, we have analyzed six metagenomes, one transcriptome, and more than 1,200 fluid and swab samples taken from fuel tanks or kerosene. Our deep metagenome sequencing and binning approaches in combination with RNA-seq data and qPCR methods implied a metabolic symbiosis between fungi and bacteria. The most abundant bacteria were affiliated with α-, β-, and γ-Proteobacteria and the filamentous fungi Amorphotheca. We identified a high number of genes, which are related to kerosene degradation and biofilm formation. Surprisingly, a large number of genes coded enzymes involved in polymer degradation and potential bio-corrosion processes. Thereby, the transcriptionally most active microorganisms were affiliated with the genera Methylobacteria, Pseudomonas, Kocuria, Amorpotheka, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. Many not yet cultured bacteria and fungi appeared to contribute to the biofilm transcriptional activities. The largest numbers of transcripts were observed for dehydrogenase, oxygenase, and exopolysaccharide production, attachment and pili/flagella-associated proteins, efflux pumps, and secretion systems as well as lipase and esterase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Krohn
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lutgardis Bergmann
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Minyue Qi
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Indenbirken
- Virus Genomics, Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yuchen Han
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Pablo Perez-Garcia
- Institute of General Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Elena Katzowitsch
- Faculty of Medicine, Core Unit Systems Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Tim Lübcke
- T/TQ-MN, Lufthansa Technik AG HAM, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Riemann
- T/TQ-MN, Lufthansa Technik AG HAM, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malik Alawi
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang R Streit
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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209
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Saygin H, Baysal A. Interaction of amino acids with nanoplastic traces and their effect on Staphylococcus aureus. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2021; 56:1253-1263. [PMID: 34550839 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2021.1980308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we reported the interaction between plastic traces and vital amino acids (L-homocysteine, L-valine, and L-lysine) in an aqueous system and characterized this interaction by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy studies. Bacterial activity and biofilm formation and their characteristics of non-treated and amino acid-treated plastic traces was tested against the Staphylococcus aureus bacterial pathogen. The surface results showed that the carbonyl groups and oxygen to carbon ratios were increased, and the attachment of nitrogen- and sulfur-related substances on the plastic surface occurred by the homocysteine over time. Plastic traces showed particle surface deformation using the main functional groups (e. g. alkyne-alkene, vinyl, secondary alcohols, alkane-methylene) with the increasing lysine treatment; however, decreased oxygen to carbon ratio showed particle anti-aging. The most common functional groups were primarily deformed with the longer exposure to valine. The bacterial activity results showed that the Staphylococcus aureus activities were not primarily changed by the amino acid treatment compared to the non-treated plastic traces. However, amino acid treated plastic traces induced the biofilm formation and its characteristic due to surface deformation of functional groups and alteration of new substances on plastic traces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Saygin
- Application and Research Center for Advanced Studies, T. C. Istanbul Aydin University, Sefakoy Kucukcekmece, 34295, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Asli Baysal
- Health Services Vocational School of Higher Education, T. C. Istanbul Aydin University, Sefakoy Kucukcekmece, 34295, Istanbul, Turkey
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210
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Ghodke VM, Punekar NS. Environmental role of aromatic carboxylesterases. Environ Microbiol 2021; 24:2657-2668. [PMID: 34528362 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The carboxylesterases (EC 3.1.1.x) are widely distributed and form an important yet diverse group of hydrolases catalysing the ester bond cleavage in a variety of substrates. Besides acting on plant cell wall components like cutin, tannin and feruloyl esters, they are often the first line of defence to metabolize drugs, xenobiotics, pesticides, insecticides and plastic. But for the promiscuity of some carboxylesterases and cutinases, very few enzymes act exclusively on aromatic carboxylic acid esters. Infrequent occurrence of aromatic carboxylesterases suggests that aromatic carboxylesters are inherently more difficult to hydrolyse than the regular carboxylesters because of both steric and polar effects. Naturally occurring aromatic carboxylesters were rare before the anthropogenic activity augmented their environmental presence and diversity. An appraisal of the literature shows that the hydrolysis of aromatic carboxylic esters is a uniquely difficult endeavour and hence deserves special attention. Enzymes to hydrolyse such esters are evolving rapidly in nature. Very few such enzymes are known and they often display much lower catalytic efficiencies. Obviously, the esters of aromatic carboxylic acids, including polyethylene terephthalate waste, pose an environmental challenge. In this review, we highlight the uniqueness of aromatic carboxylesters and then underscore the importance of relevant carboxylesterases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh M Ghodke
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
| | - Narayan S Punekar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
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211
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Zhang X, Li Y, Ouyang D, Lei J, Tan Q, Xie L, Li Z, Liu T, Xiao Y, Farooq TH, Wu X, Chen L, Yan W. Systematical review of interactions between microplastics and microorganisms in the soil environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 418:126288. [PMID: 34102358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial ecosystems are widely contaminated by microplastics due to extensive usage and poor handling of plastic materials, but the subsequent fate and remediate strategy of these pollutants are far from fully understood. In soil environments, microplastics pose a potential threat to the survival, growth, and reproduction of soil microbiota that in turn threaten the biodiversity, function, and services of terrestrial ecosystems. Meanwhile, microorganisms are sensitive to microplastics due to the adaptability to changes in substrates and soil properties. Through the metabolic and mineralization processes, microorganisms are also crucial participator to the plastic biodegradation. In this review, we present current knowledges and research results of interactions between microplastics and microorganisms (both fungi and bacteria) in soil environments and mainly discuss the following: (1) effects of microplastics on microbial habitats via changes in soil physical, chemical, and biological properties; (2) effects of microplastics on soil microbial communities and functions; and (3) soil microbial-mediated plastic degradation with the likely mechanisms and potential remediation strategies. We aim to analyze the mechanisms driving these interactions and subsequent ecological effects, propose future directives for the study of microplastic in soils, and provide valuable information on the plastic bioremediation in contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyuan Zhang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Yong Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha 410004, China; Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, Changsha 410004, China.
| | - Dan Ouyang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Junjie Lei
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Qianlong Tan
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Lingli Xie
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Ziqian Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Yunmu Xiao
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Taimoor Hassan Farooq
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha 410004, China; Bangor College China, a joint unit of Bangor University, Wales, UK and Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Xiaohong Wu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha 410004, China; Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha 410004, China; Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Wende Yan
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha 410004, China; Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, Changsha 410004, China.
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212
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Arpia AA, Chen WH, Ubando AT, Naqvi SR, Culaba AB. Microplastic degradation as a sustainable concurrent approach for producing biofuel and obliterating hazardous environmental effects: A state-of-the-art review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 418:126381. [PMID: 34329008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
As plastics have been omnipresent in society ever since their introduction in 1907, global plastic production has ballooned in the 20th century or the Plasticene Era (Plastic Age). After their useful life span, they deliberately or accidentally, are disposed of in the environment. Influenced by different factors, plastics undergo fragmentation into microplastics (MPs) and present hazardous risks in all life forms including humans. Obliterating MPs from the environment has been a global challenge for the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs). This review aims to present MP degradation routes with a great focus on the thermodegradation and biodegradation routes as sustainable routes of MP degradation. These routes can achieve the reduction and obliteration of MPs in the environment, thus reducing their hazardous effects. Moreover, the thermodegradation of MPs can produce fuels that help solve the dilemma of energy security. Overall, continued research and development are still needed, however, these novel approaches and the increased awareness of the microplastics' hazards give us hope that we can achieve sustainable development in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjay A Arpia
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsin Chen
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taichung 407, Taiwan; Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung 411, Taiwan.
| | - Aristotle T Ubando
- Mechanical Engineering Department, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 0922 Manila, Philippines
| | - Salman Raza Naqvi
- School of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, H-12 Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Alvin B Culaba
- Mechanical Engineering Department, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 0922 Manila, Philippines
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213
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The Terrestrial Plastisphere: Diversity and Polymer-Colonizing Potential of Plastic-Associated Microbial Communities in Soil. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091876. [PMID: 34576771 PMCID: PMC8465064 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of a 'plastisphere microbial community' arose from research on aquatic plastic debris, while the effect of plastics on microbial communities in soils remains poorly understood. Therefore, we examined the inhabiting microbial communities of two plastic debris ecosystems with regard to their diversity and composition relative to plastic-free soils from the same area using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Furthermore, we studied the plastic-colonizing potential of bacteria originating from both study sites as a measure of surface adhesion to UV-weathered polyethylene (PE) using high-magnification field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The high plastic content of the soils was associated with a reduced alpha diversity and a significantly different structure of the microbial communities. The presence of plastic debris in soils did not specifically enrich bacteria known to degrade plastic, as suggested by earlier studies, but rather shifted the microbial community towards highly abundant autotrophic bacteria potentially tolerant to hydrophobic environments and known to be important for biocrust formation. The bacterial inoculates from both sites formed dense biofilms on the surface and in micrometer-scale surface cracks of the UV-weathered PE chips after 100 days of in vitro incubation with visible threadlike EPS structures and cross-connections enabling surface adhesion. High-resolution FESEM imaging further indicates that the microbial colonization catalyzed some of the surface degradation of PE. In essence, this study suggests the concept of a 'terrestrial plastisphere' as a diverse consortium of microorganisms including autotrophs and other pioneering species paving the way for those members of the consortium that may eventually break down the plastic compounds.
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214
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Feng S, Hao Ngo H, Guo W, Woong Chang S, Duc Nguyen D, Cheng D, Varjani S, Lei Z, Liu Y. Roles and applications of enzymes for resistant pollutants removal in wastewater treatment. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 335:125278. [PMID: 34015565 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Resistant pollutants like oil, grease, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and plastics in wastewater are difficult to be degraded by traditional activated sludge methods. These pollutants are prevalent, posing a great threat to aquatic environments and organisms since they are toxic, resistant to natural biodegradation, and create other serious problems. As a high-efficiency biocatalyst, enzymes are proposed for the treatment of these resistant pollutants. This review focused on the roles and applications of enzymes in wastewater treatment. It discusses the influence of enzyme types and their sources, enzymatic processes in resistant pollutants remediation, identification and ecotoxicity assay of enzymatic transformation products, and typically employed enzymatic wastewater treatment systems. Perspectives on the major challenges and feasible future research directions of enzyme-based wastewater treatment are also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siran Feng
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NWS 2007, Australia
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NWS 2007, Australia; Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan.
| | - Wenshan Guo
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NWS 2007, Australia; Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Soon Woong Chang
- Department of Environmental Energy Engineering, Kyonggi University, 442-760, Republic of Korea
| | - Dinh Duc Nguyen
- Department of Environmental Energy Engineering, Kyonggi University, 442-760, Republic of Korea; Institution of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam
| | - Dongle Cheng
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NWS 2007, Australia
| | - Sunita Varjani
- Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gandhinagar-382 010, Gujarat, India
| | - Zhongfang Lei
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, 2205 Songhu Road, Shanghai 200438, China
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215
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Gao R, Sun C. A marine bacterial community capable of degrading poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polyethylene. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 416:125928. [PMID: 34489083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic wastes are becoming the most common form of marine debris and present a growing global pollution problem. Here, we used a screening approach on hundreds of plastic waste-associated samples and discovered a marine bacterial community capable of efficiently colonizing and degrading both poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polyethylene (PE). Using absolute quantitative 16S rRNA sequencing and cultivation methods, we obtained corresponding abundance and purified cultures of three bacterial strains that mediated plastic degradation. We further performed numerous techniques to characterize the efficient degradation of PET and PE by the reconstituted bacterial community containing these three bacteria. Additionally, we used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to further demonstrate the degradation of PET and PE films by the reconstituted bacterial community. We conducted transcriptomic methods to investigate the plastic degradation process and potential degradation mechanisms mediated by our reconstituted bacterial community. Lastly, we overexpressed PE degradation enzymes based on transcriptomic results and verified their significant degradation effects on the PE films. Overall, our study establishes a stable marine bacterial community that efficiently degrades PET and PE and provides insights into plastic degradation pathways and their associated biological and mechanistic processes-paving the way for developing microbial products against plastic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Gao
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology & Center of Deep Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China; College of Earth Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Center of Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Chaomin Sun
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology & Center of Deep Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China; Center of Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.
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216
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Akan OD, Udofia GE, Okeke ES, Mgbechidinma CL, Okoye CO, Zoclanclounon YAB, Atakpa EO, Adebanjo OO. Plastic waste: Status, degradation and microbial management options for Africa. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 292:112758. [PMID: 34030015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a review of synthetic polymer (notably plastic) wastes profiles in Africa, their current management status, and better options. Data revealed that of the approximated 86.14 million metric tonnes and 31.5 million metric tonnes of primary polymers and plastics, respectively, and an estimated 230 million metric tonnes of plastic components imported between 1990 and 2017, about 17 million metric tonnes are mismanaged. Leading African nations on the plastic wastes generator table in increasing order are Tunisia (6.9%), Morocco (9.6%), Algeria (11.2%), South Africa (11.6%), Nigeria (16.9%), and the chief is Egypt (18.4%). The volume of plastic wastes generated in Africa directly correlates with her increasing population status, however, the current treatment options have major drawbacks (high energy and technological input, high demand for space, and creation of obnoxious by-products). Ineffective regulations, poor monitoring, and slow adoption of veritable practices by governments are responsible for the steady increase in plastic volume in the African landscapes and environments. In Nigeria, only about 9% and 12% of the total generated wastes are recycled and incinerated. The remainder bulk is either discarded into waste dumps (and a few available landfills) or natural environments. There is a paucity of standard plastic biodegradative work by African scientists, and only a few works show detection of competent synthetic plastic degrading microbes globally. Asides from the ills of possible omission of core degraders, there is a need for researchers to follow standard degradation procedures to arrive at efficient, reproducible, and generally accepted outcomes utilizable on a larger scale. Thus, metagenomic search on the vast African urban and rural plastisphere is the best isolation option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otobong Donald Akan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, 41004, China; Microbiology Department, Faculty of Biological Science, Akwa-Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin LGA, Uyo P.M.B., 1167, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria.
| | - Godwin Evans Udofia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo, Uyo PMB, 1017, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001, Nigeria.
| | - Chiamaka Linda Mgbechidinma
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, Zhejiang, China; Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, 200243, Nigeria
| | - Charles Obinwanne Okoye
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China; Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001, Nigeria
| | - Yedomon Ange Bovys Zoclanclounon
- Department of Crop Science and Biotechnology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, South Korea; Department of Management of Environment, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 POB 2009, Cotonou, Benin
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217
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Abstract
Lignin is a biopolymer found in plant cell walls that accounts for 30% of the organic carbon in the biosphere. White-rot fungi (WRF) are considered the most efficient organisms at degrading lignin in nature. While lignin depolymerization by WRF has been extensively studied, the possibility that WRF are able to utilize lignin as a carbon source is still a matter of controversy. Here, we employ 13C-isotope labeling, systems biology approaches, and in vitro enzyme assays to demonstrate that two WRF, Trametes versicolor and Gelatoporia subvermispora, funnel carbon from lignin-derived aromatic compounds into central carbon metabolism via intracellular catabolic pathways. These results provide insights into global carbon cycling in soil ecosystems and furthermore establish a foundation for employing WRF in simultaneous lignin depolymerization and bioconversion to bioproducts-a key step toward enabling a sustainable bioeconomy.
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218
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Nag M, Lahiri D, Dutta B, Jadav G, Ray RR. Biodegradation of used polyethylene bags by a new marine strain of Alcaligenes faecalis LNDR-1. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:41365-41379. [PMID: 33786758 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13704-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Disposable plastic bags of two different chemical compositions and colors were remediated by the application of novel mesophilic group of bacteria isolated from the banks of sea water, using a 10 week soil burial method. The new strain, LNDR-1, was identified as Alcaligens faecalis by its morphological features and 16S rRNA sequencing. LNDR-1 was able to produce extracellular enzymes such as lipase, CMCase, xylanase, and protease, having PET surface degrading activity. It was found that LNDR-1 had a better decay rate of 15.25 ± 1% and 21.72 ± 2.1% for black and white plastic bags respectively in 10 weeks without prior oxidation as compared to S. marcescens. Polyethylene degradation was confirmed by substantial weight loss, alterations in surface topology, and hydrophobicity index and was found to be directly proportional to the ability to form biofilm on the plastic surface. FTIR results suggest presence of different metabolites in the bags treated with bacterial biofilm in comparison to the control setup inferring various types of metabolic pathways. Present study also reveals the ability of the strain to utilize the used polyethylene bag as the carbon source, without any prior treatment, and as per the literature survey, the working strain is with the capacity to biodegrade plastic at a considerably appreciable rate. This study suggests effectual method for the mechanism of biodegradation of plastic mediated by extracellular enzymes and formation of biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moupriya Nag
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Engineering & Management, Kolkata, Kolkata, India
| | - Dibyajit Lahiri
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Engineering & Management, Kolkata, Kolkata, India
| | - Bandita Dutta
- Department of Biotechnology, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal, India
| | - Gaurav Jadav
- Department of Biotechnology, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal, India
| | - Rina Rani Ray
- Department of Biotechnology, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal, India.
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219
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Kumar R, Pandit P, Kumar D, Patel Z, Pandya L, Kumar M, Joshi C, Joshi M. Landfill microbiome harbour plastic degrading genes: A metagenomic study of solid waste dumping site of Gujarat, India. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146184. [PMID: 33752005 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Globally, environmental pollution by plastic waste has become a severe ecological and social problem worldwide. The present study aimed to analyse the bacterial community structure and functional potential of the landfill site using high throughput shotgun metagenomic approach to understand plastic degrading capabilities present in the municipal solid waste (MSW) dumping site. In this study, soil, leachate and compost samples were collected from various locations (height and depth) of the Pirana landfill site in Ahmedabad city Gujarat, India. In total 30 phyla, 58 class, 125 order, 278 families, 793 genera, and 2468 species were predicted. The most dominant phyla detected were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria in the soil and compost samples. Whereas, in leachate samples, the predominant phyla belonged to Firmicutes (54.24%) followed by Actinobacteria (43.67%) and Proteobacteria (1.02%). The functional profiling revealed the presence of enzymatic groups and pathways involved in biodegradation of xenobiotics. The results also demonstrated the presence of potential genes that is associated with the biodegradation of different types of plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). Present study extablishes the relationship between microbial community structure and rich sources of gene pool, which are actively involved in biodegradation of plastic waste in landfill sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghawendra Kumar
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Priti Pandit
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Zarna Patel
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Labdhi Pandya
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Discipline of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India.
| | - Chaitanya Joshi
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Madhvi Joshi
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India.
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220
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Abstract
Plastic contamination of the environment is a global problem whose magnitude justifies the consideration of plastics as emergent geomaterials with chemistries not previously seen in Earth's history. At the elemental level, plastics are predominantly carbon. The comparison of plastic stocks and fluxes to those of carbon reveals that the quantities of plastics present in some ecosystems rival the quantity of natural organic carbon and suggests that geochemists should now consider plastics in their analyses. Acknowledging plastics as geomaterials and adopting geochemical insights and methods can expedite our understanding of plastics in the Earth system. Plastics also can be used as global-scale tracers to advance Earth system science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aron Stubbins
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA. .,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Samuel E Muñoz
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Thomas S Bianchi
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Lixin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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221
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Yeom SJ, Le TK, Yun CH. P450-driven plastic-degrading synthetic bacteria. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 40:166-179. [PMID: 34243985 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Plastic contamination currently threatens a wide variety of ecosystems and presents damaging repercussions and negative consequences for many wildlife species. Sustainable plastic waste management is an important approach to environmental protection and a necessity in the current life cycle of plastics in nature. Plastic biodegradation by microorganisms is a notable possible solution. This opinion article includes a proposal to use hypothetical P450 enzymes with an engineered active site as potent trigger biocatalysts to biodegrade polyethylene (PE) via in-chain hydroxylation into smaller products of linear aliphatic alcohols and alkanoic acids based on cascade enzymatic reactions. Furthermore, we propose the adoption of P450 into plastic-eating synthetic bacteria for PE biodegradation. This strategy can be applicable to other dense plastics, such as polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Jin Yeom
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
| | - Thien-Kim Le
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chul-Ho Yun
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
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222
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Sadler JC, Wallace S. Microbial synthesis of vanillin from waste poly(ethylene terephthalate). GREEN CHEMISTRY : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL AND GREEN CHEMISTRY RESOURCE : GC 2021; 23:4665-4672. [PMID: 34276250 PMCID: PMC8256426 DOI: 10.1039/d1gc00931a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is an abundant and extremely useful material, with widespread applications across society. However, there is an urgent need to develop technologies to valorise post-consumer PET waste to tackle plastic pollution and move towards a circular economy. Whilst PET degradation and recycling technologies have been reported, examples focus on repurposing the resultant monomers to produce more PET or other second-generation materials. Herein, we report a novel pathway in engineered Escherichia coli for the direct upcycling of PET derived monomer terephthalic acid into the value-added small molecule vanillin, a flavour compound ubiquitous in the food and cosmetic industries, and an important bulk chemical. After process optimisation, 79% conversion to vanillin from TA was achieved, a 157-fold improvement over our initial conditions. Parameters such as temperature, cell permeabilisation and in situ product removal were key to maximising vanillin titres. Finally, we demonstrate the conversion of post-consumer PET from a plastic bottle into vanillin by coupling the pathway with enzyme-catalysed PET hydrolysis. This work demonstrates the first biological upcycling of post-consumer plastic waste into vanillin using an engineered microorganism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna C Sadler
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh Roger Land Building Alexander Crum Brown Road King's Buildings Edinburgh EH9 3FF UK
| | - Stephen Wallace
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh Roger Land Building Alexander Crum Brown Road King's Buildings Edinburgh EH9 3FF UK
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223
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Cowan AR, Costanzo CM, Benham R, Loveridge EJ, Moody SC. Fungal bioremediation of polyethylene: Challenges and perspectives. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 132:78-89. [PMID: 34218487 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Plastics have become ubiquitous in both their adoption as materials and as environmental contaminants. Widespread pollution of these versatile, man-made and largely petroleum-derived polymers has resulted from their long-term mass production, inappropriate disposal and inadequate end of life management. Polyethylene (PE) is at the forefront of this problem, accounting for one-third of plastic demand in Europe in part due to its extensive use in packaging. Current recycling and incineration processes do not represent sustainable solutions to tackle plastic waste, especially once it becomes littered, and the development of new waste-management and remediation technologies are needed. Mycoremediation (fungal-based biodegradation) of PE has been the topic of several studies over the last two decades. The utility of these studies is limited by an inconclusive definition of biodegradation and a lack of knowledge regarding the biological systems responsible. This review highlights relevant features of fungi as potential bioremediation agents, before discussing the evidence for fungal biodegradation of both high- and low-density PE. An up-to-date perspective on mycoremediation as a future solution to PE waste is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Cowan
- Faculty of Sport, Health and Social Science, Solent University, Southampton, UK
| | - Chiara M Costanzo
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Robert Benham
- Faculty of Creative Industries, Architecture and Engineering, Solent University, Southampton, UK
| | - E Joel Loveridge
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Suzy C Moody
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, Kingston University, Kingston-Upon-Thames, UK
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224
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Quartinello F, Kremser K, Schoen H, Tesei D, Ploszczanski L, Nagler M, Podmirseg SM, Insam H, Piñar G, Sterflingler K, Ribitsch D, Guebitz GM. Together Is Better: The Rumen Microbial Community as Biological Toolbox for Degradation of Synthetic Polyesters. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.684459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Graphical AbstractIdentfication of plastics degradation and microbial community analysis of Rumen.
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225
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Wright RJ, Bosch R, Langille MGI, Gibson MI, Christie-Oleza JA. A multi-OMIC characterisation of biodegradation and microbial community succession within the PET plastisphere. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:141. [PMID: 34154652 PMCID: PMC8215760 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01054-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plastics now pollute marine environments across the globe. On entering these environments, plastics are rapidly colonised by a diverse community of microorganisms termed the plastisphere. Members of the plastisphere have a myriad of diverse functions typically found in any biofilm but, additionally, a number of marine plastisphere studies have claimed the presence of plastic-biodegrading organisms, although with little mechanistic verification. Here, we obtained a microbial community from marine plastic debris and analysed the community succession across 6 weeks of incubation with different polyethylene terephthalate (PET) products as the sole carbon source, and further characterised the mechanisms involved in PET degradation by two bacterial isolates from the plastisphere. RESULTS We found that all communities differed significantly from the inoculum and were dominated by Gammaproteobacteria, i.e. Alteromonadaceae and Thalassospiraceae at early time points, Alcanivoraceae at later time points and Vibrionaceae throughout. The large number of encoded enzymes involved in PET degradation found in predicted metagenomes and the observation of polymer oxidation by FTIR analyses both suggested PET degradation was occurring. However, we were unable to detect intermediates of PET hydrolysis with metabolomic analyses, which may be attributed to their rapid depletion by the complex community. To further confirm the PET biodegrading potential within the plastisphere of marine plastic debris, we used a combined proteogenomic and metabolomic approach to characterise amorphous PET degradation by two novel marine isolates, Thioclava sp. BHET1 and Bacillus sp. BHET2. The identification of PET hydrolytic intermediates by metabolomics confirmed that both isolates were able to degrade PET. High-throughput proteomics revealed that whilst Thioclava sp. BHET1 used the degradation pathway identified in terrestrial environment counterparts, these were absent in Bacillus sp. BHET2, indicating that either the enzymes used by this bacterium share little homology with those characterised previously, or that this bacterium uses a novel pathway for PET degradation. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the results of our multi-OMIC characterisation of PET degradation provide a significant step forwards in our understanding of marine plastic degradation by bacterial isolates and communities and evidences the biodegrading potential extant in the plastisphere of marine plastic debris. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn J. Wright
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Rafael Bosch
- University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Spain
| | - Morgan G. I. Langille
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Matthew I. Gibson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Joseph A. Christie-Oleza
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
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226
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Gan SKE, Phua SX, Yeo JY, Heng ZSL, Xing Z. Method for Zero-Waste Circular Economy Using Worms for Plastic Agriculture: Augmenting Polystyrene Consumption and Plant Growth. Methods Protoc 2021; 4:mps4020043. [PMID: 34205648 PMCID: PMC8293350 DOI: 10.3390/mps4020043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Polystyrene (PS) is one of the major plastics contributing to environmental pollution with its durability and resistance to natural biodegradation. Recent research showed that mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and superworms (Zophobas morio) are naturally able to consume PS as a carbon food source and degrade them without observable toxic effects. In this study, we explored the effects of possible food additives and use of worm frass as potential plant fertilizers. We found that small amounts of sucrose and bran increased PS consumption and that the worm frass alone could support dragon fruit cacti (Hylocereus undatus) growth, with superworm frass in particular, supporting better growth and rooting than mealworm frass and control media over a fortnight. As known fish and poultry feed, these findings present worms as a natural solution to simultaneously tackle both the global plastic problem and urban farming issue in a zero-waste sustainable bioremediation cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ken-En Gan
- APD SKEG Pte Ltd., Singapore 439444, Singapore
- Antibody & Product Development Lab, EDDC & BII, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore; (S.-X.P.); (J.Y.Y.); (Z.S.-L.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-81137725
| | - Ser-Xian Phua
- Antibody & Product Development Lab, EDDC & BII, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore; (S.-X.P.); (J.Y.Y.); (Z.S.-L.H.)
| | - Joshua Yi Yeo
- Antibody & Product Development Lab, EDDC & BII, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore; (S.-X.P.); (J.Y.Y.); (Z.S.-L.H.)
| | - Zealyn Shi-Lin Heng
- Antibody & Product Development Lab, EDDC & BII, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore; (S.-X.P.); (J.Y.Y.); (Z.S.-L.H.)
| | - Zhenxiang Xing
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR, 2 Fusionopolis Way, #08-03, Singapore 138634, Singapore;
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227
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Conte A, Chiaberge S, Pedron F, Barbafieri M, Petruzzelli G, Vocciante M, Franchi E, Pietrini I. Dealing with complex contamination: A novel approach with a combined bio-phytoremediation strategy and effective analytical techniques. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 288:112381. [PMID: 33823438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Phytoremediation is a sustainable technology capable of efficiently removing low or moderate contamination. However, complex pollution conditions can drastically reduce efficiency, as plants can show themselves sensitive to organic contaminants, growing slowly and thus impairing metals' absorption. In cases where the action of indigenous bacteria degrading hydrocarbons and promoting plant growth is not sufficient, more sophisticated strategies are necessary. This investigation aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a train of technologies that sees advanced phytoremediation in combination with other biological approaches to remediate soil from a disused industrial area contaminated by N-containing compounds, alkyl aromatic hydrocarbons, copper, and nickel. In particular, a stepwise procedure was used with a pre-treatment (landfarming and bioaugmentation), significantly affecting the soil's fertility, increasing germinability up to 85%, and allowing the plants to extract the metals adequately. Furthermore, with EDTA as a mobilizing agent, nickel absorption has increased up to 36% in Helianthus annuus and up to 88% in Zea mays. For copper, an increase of up to 262% in Helianthus annuus and up to 202% in Zea Mays was obtained. Analysis through Fourier-Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry highlighted the biodegradation of some of the N-containing compounds recording, after phytoremediation, a decrease of up to almost 90%. Metagenomic analysis of the soil showed a typical microbial population of oxidizing hydrocarbon strains with a prevalence of the Nocardiaceae family (43%). The results obtained appear to confirm the usefulness of the approach developed, and the employed cutting-edge analytical techniques allowed a top-notch characterization of the remediation scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Conte
- Eni S.p.A, Decarbonization and Environmental R&D, Via Maritano 26, 20097, S. Donato Milanese(MI), Italy
| | - Stefano Chiaberge
- Eni S.p.A., Renewable Energy and Environmental R&D, Via Fauser 4, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesca Pedron
- Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystem, National Council of Research, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Meri Barbafieri
- Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystem, National Council of Research, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianniantonio Petruzzelli
- Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystem, National Council of Research, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Vocciante
- DCCI, Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146, Genova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Franchi
- Eni S.p.A, Decarbonization and Environmental R&D, Via Maritano 26, 20097, S. Donato Milanese(MI), Italy
| | - Ilaria Pietrini
- Eni S.p.A, Decarbonization and Environmental R&D, Via Maritano 26, 20097, S. Donato Milanese(MI), Italy.
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228
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Wang J, Peng C, Li H, Zhang P, Liu X. The impact of microplastic-microbe interactions on animal health and biogeochemical cycles: A mini-review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 773:145697. [PMID: 33940764 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has attracted global attention due to the extensive use of plastic products. The hydrophobic MP surface provides a habitat for multiple microorganisms. Although there have been several studies on the impact of plastic particles on microbial communities, there are few reviews that have systematically summarized the interaction between MPs and microbes and their effects on human health and biochemical circulation. The discussions in this review will take place under the following topics: (1) MPs prompt colonization, biofilm generation, and transfer of environmental microbes; (2) the microbial communities can cause the morphological alterations and biodegradation of MPs; (3) MP-microbe combinations can induce the alteration of intestinal flora and hazard animal health; (4) the biogeochemical cycles affected by MP-microbe interactions. This review will highlight the close interactions between MPs and microorganisms, and provide suggestions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Chu Peng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Hongyu Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin 300384, PR China
| | - Xianhua Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China.
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229
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Sales JCS, Santos AG, de Castro AM, Coelho MAZ. A critical view on the technology readiness level (TRL) of microbial plastics biodegradation. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 37:116. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-021-03089-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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230
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Maity S, Banerjee S, Biswas C, Guchhait R, Chatterjee A, Pramanick K. Functional interplay between plastic polymers and microbes: a comprehensive review. Biodegradation 2021; 32:487-510. [PMID: 34086181 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-021-09954-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Escalated production of plastic, their worldwide distribution and persistent nature finally results into their environmental accumulation causing severe threats to the ecological environment and biotic health. Thus, development of suitable measurements for environmental remediation of plastic may be an urgent issue in this plastic age. Some recent reviews have categorized the microbial species able to degrade different plastic polymers and the different factors effecting bio-degradation of plastic are poorly understood. This review comprehensively discusses bio-degradation of traditional and biodegradable plastic polymers both in natural and biological environment (gut microbes and fungi) to understand different factors regulating their degradation, and also shows how degradation of plastic polymers under abiotic factors influence subsequent biological degradation. Different physicochemical modifications like - breaking large polymers into small fragments by pre-treatment, functional groups enrichment, identifying potent microbial species (consortia) and engineering microbial enzymes might be crucial for bio-degradations of plastic. Effects of micro/nanoplastic and other chemical intermediates, formed during the bio-degradation of plastic, on species composition, abundance, growth, metabolism and enzymatic systems of microbes involved in the bio-degradation of plastic should be determined in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhendu Maity
- Integrative Biology Research Unit (IBRU), Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - Sambuddha Banerjee
- Integrative Biology Research Unit (IBRU), Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - Chayan Biswas
- Integrative Biology Research Unit (IBRU), Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - Rajkumar Guchhait
- Integrative Biology Research Unit (IBRU), Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India.,Department of Zoology, Mahishadal Raj College, Purba Medinipur, India
| | - Ankit Chatterjee
- Integrative Biology Research Unit (IBRU), Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
| | - Kousik Pramanick
- Integrative Biology Research Unit (IBRU), Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India.
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231
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Ali SS, Elsamahy T, Koutra E, Kornaros M, El-Sheekh M, Abdelkarim EA, Zhu D, Sun J. Degradation of conventional plastic wastes in the environment: A review on current status of knowledge and future perspectives of disposal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 771:144719. [PMID: 33548729 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of plastic wastes has been recently recognized as one of the most critical environmental challenges, affecting all life forms, natural ecosystems and economy, worldwide. Under this threat, finding alternative environmentally-friendly solutions, such as biodegradation instead of traditional disposal, is of utmost importance. However, up to date, there is limited knowledge on plastic biodegradation mechanisms and efficiency. From this point of view, the purpose of this review is to highlight the negative effects of the accumulation of the most conventional plastic waste (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polyethylene terephthalate and polyurethane) on the environment and to present their degradability potential through abiotic and biotic processes. Furthermore, the ability of different microbial species for degradation of these polymers is thoroughly discussed. The present review also addresses the contribution of invertebrates, such as insects, in plastic degradation process, highlighting the vital role that they could play in the future. In total, a schematic pathway of an innovative approach to improve the disposal of plastic wastes is proposed, with view to establishing an effective and sustainable practice for plastic waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Samir Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Eleni Koutra
- Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering & Environmental Technology (LBEET), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 1 Karatheodori Str., University Campus, 26504 Patras, Greece; INVALOR: Research Infrastructure for Waste Valorization and Sustainable Management, University Campus, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Michael Kornaros
- Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering & Environmental Technology (LBEET), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 1 Karatheodori Str., University Campus, 26504 Patras, Greece; INVALOR: Research Infrastructure for Waste Valorization and Sustainable Management, University Campus, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Mostafa El-Sheekh
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Esraa A Abdelkarim
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Daochen Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
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232
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Domenech J, Marcos R. Pathways of human exposure to microplastics, and estimation of the total burden. Curr Opin Food Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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233
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Yan ZF, Wang L, Xia W, Liu ZZ, Gu LT, Wu J. Synergistic biodegradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) using Microbacterium oleivorans and Thermobifida fusca cutinase. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:4551-4560. [PMID: 34037842 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-11067-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a major source of plastic pollution. Biodegradation technologies are of paramount interest in reducing or recycling PET waste. In particular, a synergistic microbe-enzyme treatment may prove to be a promising approach. In this study, a synergistic system composed of Microbacterium oleivorans JWG-G2 and Thermobifida fusca cutinase (referred to as TfC) was employed to degrade bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) oligomers and a high crystalline PET film. A novel degradation product that was obtained by M. oleivorans JWG-G2 treatment alone was identified as ethylene glycol terephthalate (EGT). With the addition of TfC as a second biocatalyst, the highest synergy degrees for BHET oligomers and PET film degradation were 2.79 and 2.26, respectively. The largest amounts of terephthalic acid (TPA) and mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) (47 nM and 330 nM, respectively) were detected after combined treatment of PET film with M. oleivorans JWG-G2 at 5 × 103 μL/cm2 and TfC at 120 μg/cm2, and the degree of PET film surface destruction was more significant than those produced by each treatment alone. The presence of extracellular PET hydrolases in M. oleivorans JWG-G2, including three carboxylesterases, an esterase and a lipase, was predicted by whole genome sequencing analysis, and a predicted PET degradation pathway was proposed for the synergistic microbe-enzyme treatment. The results indicated that synergistic microbe-enzyme treatment may serve as a potentially promising tool for the future development of effective PET degradation. KEY POINTS: • An ecofriendly synergistic microbe-enzyme PET degradation system operating at room temperature was first introduced for degrading PET. • A novel product (EGT) was first identified during PET degradation. • Potential PET hydrolases in M. oleivorans JWG-G2 were predicted by whole genome sequencing analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Fei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
- International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
- International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Wei Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
- International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Zhan-Zhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
- International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Leng-Tao Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
- International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Jing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China.
- School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China.
- International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, China.
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234
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Atanasova N, Stoitsova S, Paunova-Krasteva T, Kambourova M. Plastic Degradation by Extremophilic Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115610. [PMID: 34070607 PMCID: PMC8198520 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Intensive exploitation, poor recycling, low repeatable use, and unusual resistance of plastics to environmental and microbiological action result in accumulation of huge waste amounts in terrestrial and marine environments, causing enormous hazard for human and animal life. In the last decades, much scientific interest has been focused on plastic biodegradation. Due to the comparatively short evolutionary period of their appearance in nature, sufficiently effective enzymes for their biodegradation are not available. Plastics are designed for use in conditions typical for human activity, and their physicochemical properties roughly change at extreme environmental parameters like low temperatures, salt, or low or high pH that are typical for the life of extremophilic microorganisms and the activity of their enzymes. This review represents a first attempt to summarize the extraordinarily limited information on biodegradation of conventional synthetic plastics by thermophilic, alkaliphilic, halophilic, and psychrophilic bacteria in natural environments and laboratory conditions. Most of the available data was reported in the last several years and concerns moderate extremophiles. Two main questions are highlighted in it: which extremophilic bacteria and their enzymes are reported to be involved in the degradation of different synthetic plastics, and what could be the impact of extremophiles in future technologies for resolving of pollution problems.
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235
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García-Depraect O, Bordel S, Lebrero R, Santos-Beneit F, Börner RA, Börner T, Muñoz R. Inspired by nature: Microbial production, degradation and valorization of biodegradable bioplastics for life-cycle-engineered products. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 53:107772. [PMID: 34015389 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The global environmental pollution by micro- and macro-plastics reveals the consequences of an extensive use of recalcitrant plastic products together with inappropriate waste management practices that fail to sufficiently recycle the broad types of conventional plastic waste. Biobased and biodegradable plastics are experiencing an uprising as their properties offer alternative waste management solutions for a more circular material economy. However, although the production of such bioplastics has advanced on scale, the end-of-life (EOL) (bio)technologies to promote circularity are lacking behind. While composting and biogas plants are the only managed EOL options today, advanced biotechnological recycling technologies for biodegradable bioplastics are still in an embryonic stage. Thus, developing efficient biotechnologies capable of transforming bioplastic waste into high-value chemical building blocks or into the constituents of the original polymer offers promising routes towards life-cycle-engineered products. This review aims at providing a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of microbial-based processes involved in the complete lifecycle of bioplastics. The current trends in the bioplastic market, the beginning and EOL scenarios of bioplastics, and a critical discussion on the key factors and mechanisms governing microbial degradation are systematically presented. Also, a critical evaluation of terminology and international standards to quantify polymer biodegradability is provided together with the latest biotechnological recycling strategies, including the use of different pre-treatments for (bio)plastic waste. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives for the development of life-cycle-engineered biobased and biodegradable plastic products are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio García-Depraect
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sergio Bordel
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raquel Lebrero
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Fernando Santos-Beneit
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosa Aragão Börner
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A, Route du Jorat 57, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tim Börner
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A, Route du Jorat 57, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.
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236
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Zhang S, Wang J, Yan P, Hao X, Xu B, Wang W, Aurangzeib M. Non-biodegradable microplastics in soils: A brief review and challenge. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 409:124525. [PMID: 33243642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Non-biodegradable microplastics (MPs) pollution long-termly existed in soils, and was only concerned in recent years. In order to better understand MP behavior in soils, the sources, migration, distribution, biological effects, degradation and analytical methodology of non-biodegradable MPs in soils were quantificationally summarized from 170 publications based on Web of Science in 1950-2020. From the publications, we found these studies were mainly carried out in the Asia (60.0%) and Europe (23.3%), and most were on agricultural soils (68.5%). Polyethylene-MP (78.8% of the studies), Polypropylene-MP (78.8%), and Polystyrene-MP (45.5%) were the MPs most frequently found in the soils, with a MP size of 20-5000 µm being most common. Of the soil samples 64.3% contained MP 1000-4000 items kg-1, and the colour frequency ranking is blue (66.7%) > white (61.1%) ≈ red ≈ black. MPs changed the soil microenvironment and microorganism activity, and caused the negative effects on both soil animals (100%) and plants (57.9%). MP degradation was influenced by the photooxidation reactions, microorganism activities, enzymatic effects, environmental conditions, and by the composition, size and morphology of the MPs. An optional analytical method was suggested in this study. At the end of paper, the urgent and important research work in the future was prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoliang Zhang
- Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Rd, Harbin 150030, PR China.
| | - Jiuqi Wang
- Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Rd, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Pengke Yan
- Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Rd, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Xinhua Hao
- Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Rd, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Bing Xu
- Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Rd, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Wan Wang
- Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Rd, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Muhammad Aurangzeib
- Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Rd, Harbin 150030, PR China
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237
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Heyde SAH, Arnling Bååth J, Westh P, Nørholm MHH, Jensen K. Surface display as a functional screening platform for detecting enzymes active on PET. Microb Cell Fact 2021; 20:93. [PMID: 33933097 PMCID: PMC8088578 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-021-01582-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is the world’s most abundant polyester plastic, and its ongoing accumulation in nature is causing a global environmental problem. Currently, the main recycling processes utilize thermomechanical or chemical means, resulting in the deterioration of the mechanical properties of PET. Consequently, polluting de novo synthesis remains preferred, creating the need for more efficient and bio-sustainable ways to hydrolyze the polymer. Recently, a PETase enzyme from the bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis was shown to facilitate PET biodegradation, albeit at slow rate. Engineering of more efficient PETases is required for industrial relevance, but progress is currently hampered by the dependency on intracellular expression in Escherichia coli. To create a more efficient screening platform in E. coli, we explore different surface display anchors for fast and easy assaying of PETase activity. We show that PETases can be functionally displayed on the bacterial cell surface, enabling screening of enzyme activity on PET microparticles – both while anchored to the cell and following solubilization of the enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia A H Heyde
- Novozymes A/S, Biologiens Vej 2, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet B220, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jenny Arnling Bååth
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Peter Westh
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten H H Nørholm
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet B220, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kenneth Jensen
- Novozymes A/S, Biologiens Vej 2, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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238
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Zhang L, Liu Z, Sun L, Xiao L, Guan Q, You Z. Simple Solvent-Free Strategy for Synthesizing Covalent Adaptable Networks from Commodity Vinyl Monomers. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c02766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luzhi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Belt and Road Joint Laboratory of Advanced Fiber and Low-dimension Materials (Donghua University), College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Zenghe Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Belt and Road Joint Laboratory of Advanced Fiber and Low-dimension Materials (Donghua University), College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Lijie Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Belt and Road Joint Laboratory of Advanced Fiber and Low-dimension Materials (Donghua University), College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Lijuan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Belt and Road Joint Laboratory of Advanced Fiber and Low-dimension Materials (Donghua University), College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Qingbao Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Belt and Road Joint Laboratory of Advanced Fiber and Low-dimension Materials (Donghua University), College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Zhengwei You
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Belt and Road Joint Laboratory of Advanced Fiber and Low-dimension Materials (Donghua University), College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
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239
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Vannini C, Rossi A, Vallerini F, Menicagli V, Seggiani M, Cinelli P, Lardicci C, Balestri E. Microbial communities of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based biodegradable composites plastisphere and of surrounding environmental matrix: a comparison between marine (seabed) and coastal sediments (dune sand) over a long-time scale. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 764:142814. [PMID: 33129544 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Most researches on the plastisphere in coastal environments deal with plastics floating in seawater. Comparatively smaller attention has been devoted to the plastisphere of plastics buried in marine sediments, and very little is known on that of plastics on coastal sand dunes. Yet, limited information is available on the impact of plastics, especially biodegradable plastics, on microbial organisms in their surroundings. Nevertheless, a large amount of plastics sink on the seabed or is deposited on beach-dune systems. We investigated the succession of plastisphere microbial community on two biodegradable composites based on poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and seagrass fibres (PHBV/PO), buried in seabed and dune sediments over a 27 months period in mesocosm. PHBV is regarded as a valuable alternative to conventional plastics and PHBV/PO has recently been designed for applications in coastal habitat restoration. We also examined the degradation rate and impact of these plastics on the microbial communities of surrounding sediments. Microbial communities of the surface of PHBV and PHBV/PO in seabed and dune sand differ from those of surrounding sediments, displaying a lower richness. Plastics colonization occurs largely from bacteria present in surrounding sediments, although the contribution from the water column bacterial pool could be not negligible for plastics in the seabed. No significant differences were detected between the communities of the two plastics and no significant impact of plastics on microbial community of the surrounding sediments was detected. The exceptional long duration of this study allowed to gain information on the succession of a plastisphere community over a previously unexplored time scale. Succession appears highly dynamic in dune sand even after two years, while the community structure in seabed seems to reach stability after one year. These findings highlight the importance of performing long-term studies when trying to characterize composition and dynamics of plastisphere bacterial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Vannini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa I-56126, Italy; CIME, Centro Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica, University of Pisa, Pisa I-56126, Italy.
| | - Alessia Rossi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa I-56126, Italy.
| | | | | | - Maurizia Seggiani
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa I-56126, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Cinelli
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa I-56126, Italy.
| | - Claudio Lardicci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa I-56126, Italy; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa I-56126, Italy.
| | - Elena Balestri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa I-56126, Italy.
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240
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Zhang K, Hamidian AH, Tubić A, Zhang Y, Fang JKH, Wu C, Lam PKS. Understanding plastic degradation and microplastic formation in the environment: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 274:116554. [PMID: 33529891 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 368] [Impact Index Per Article: 122.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste are introduced into the environment inevitably and their exposure in the environment causes deterioration in mechanical and physicochemical properties and leads to the formation of plastic fragments, which are considered as microplastics when their size is < 5 mm. In recent years, microplastic pollution has been reported in all kinds of environments worldwide and is considered a potential threat to the health of ecosystems and humans. However, knowledge on the environmental degradation of plastics and the formation of microplastics is still limited. In this review, potential hotspots for the accumulation of plastic waste were identified, major mechanisms and characterization methods of plastic degradation were summarized, and studies on the environmental degradation of plastics were evaluated. Future research works should further identify the key environmental parameters and properties of plastics affecting the degradation in order to predict the fate of plastics in different environments and facilitate the development of technologies for reducing plastic pollution. Formation and degradation of microplastics, including nanoplastics, should receive more research attention to assess their fate and ecological risks in the environment more comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Amir Hossein Hamidian
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Tehran, Karaj, 31587-77878, Iran; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Aleksandra Tubić
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, University of Novi Sad, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - James K H Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Paul K S Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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241
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Borchert E, Hammerschmidt K, Hentschel U, Deines P. Enhancing Microbial Pollutant Degradation by Integrating Eco-Evolutionary Principles with Environmental Biotechnology. Trends Microbiol 2021; 29:908-918. [PMID: 33812769 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Environmental accumulation of anthropogenic pollutants is a pressing global issue. The biodegradation of these pollutants by microbes is an emerging field but is hampered by inefficient degradation rates and a limited knowledge of potential enzymes and pathways. Here, we advocate the view that significant progress can be achieved by harnessing artificial community selection for a desired biological process, an approach that makes use of eco-evolutionary principles. The selected communities can either be directly used in bioremediation applications or further be analyzed and modified, for instance through a combination of systems biology, synthetic biology, and genetic engineering. This knowledge can then inform machine learning and enhance the discovery of novel biodegradation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Borchert
- RD3 Marine Symbioses, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Ute Hentschel
- RD3 Marine Symbioses, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany; University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Peter Deines
- RD3 Marine Symbioses, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
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242
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Janjua S, Hussain Z, Khan Z, Liaqat MA, Umer MA. Biopolymer blended films of poly(butylene succinate)/cyclic olefin copolymer with enhanced mechanical strength for packaging applications. J Appl Polym Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/app.50081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Janjua
- Department of Materials Engineering School of Chemical and Materials Engineering (SCME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad Pakistan
| | - Zakir Hussain
- Department of Materials Engineering School of Chemical and Materials Engineering (SCME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad Pakistan
| | - Zikriya Khan
- Department of Materials Engineering School of Chemical and Materials Engineering (SCME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Arman Liaqat
- Department of Materials Engineering School of Chemical and Materials Engineering (SCME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad Pakistan
| | - Malik Adeel Umer
- Department of Materials Engineering School of Chemical and Materials Engineering (SCME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad Pakistan
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243
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Amobonye A, Bhagwat P, Singh S, Pillai S. Plastic biodegradation: Frontline microbes and their enzymes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 759:143536. [PMID: 33190901 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Plastic polymers with different properties have been developed in the last 150 years to replace materials such as wood, glass and metals across various applications. Nevertheless, the distinct properties which make plastic desirable for our daily use also threaten our planet's sustainability. Plastics are resilient, non-reactive and most importantly, non-biodegradable. Hence, there has been an exponential increase in plastic waste generation, which has since been recognised as a global environmental threat. Plastic wastes have adversely affected life on earth, primarily through their undesirable accumulation in landfills, leaching into the soil, increased greenhouse gas emission, etc. Even more damaging is their impact on the aquatic ecosystems as they cause entanglement, ingestion and intestinal blockage in aquatic animals. Furthermore, plastics, especially in the microplastic form, have also been found to interfere with chemical interaction between marine organisms, to cause intrinsic toxicity by leaching, and by absorbing persistent organic contaminants as well as pathogens. The current methods for eliminating these wastes (incineration, landfilling, and recycling) come at massive costs, are unsustainable, and put more burden on our environment. Thus, recent focus has been placed more on the potential of biological systems to degrade synthetic plastics. In this regard, some insects, bacteria and fungi have been shown to ingest these polymers and convert them into environmentally friendly carbon compounds. Hence, in the light of recent literature, this review emphasises the multifaceted roles played by microorganisms in this process. The current understanding of the roles played by actinomycetes, algae, bacteria, fungi and their enzymes in enhancing the degradation of synthetic plastics are reviewed, with special focus on their modes of action and probable enzymatic mechanisms. Besides, key areas for further exploration, such as the manipulation of microorganisms through molecular cloning, modification of enzymatic characteristics and metabolic pathway design, are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji Amobonye
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa.
| | - Prashant Bhagwat
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa.
| | - Suren Singh
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa.
| | - Santhosh Pillai
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa.
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244
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Wayman C, Niemann H. The fate of plastic in the ocean environment - a minireview. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:198-212. [PMID: 33475108 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00446d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The presence of plastics in the marine environment poses a threat to ocean life and has received much scientific and public attention in recent years. Plastics were introduced to the market in the 1950s and since then, global production figures and ocean plastic littering have increased exponentially. Of the 359 million tonnes (Mt) produced in 2018, an estimated 14.5 Mt has entered the ocean. In particular smaller plastic particles can be ingested by marine biota causing hazardous effects. Plastic marine debris (PMD) is exposed to physical, chemical and biological stressors. These cause macro and microplastic to break down into smaller fragments, including sub micrometre sized nanoplastic particles, which may account for an important but so far unevaluated fraction of the ocean plastic budget. Physicochemical and biological deterioration of PMD also leads to the release of more volatile compounds and the terminal oxidation of PMD, which most likely accounts for an important but also unevaluated fraction in the ocean plastic budget. This minireview provides an overview on (1) the quantity of plastic production and waste, pathways for plastics to enter the marine realm, the inventory of PMD and the negative effects of PMD to ocean life. (2) We discuss plastic degradation mechanisms in the ocean, expanding on the processes of photodegradation and biodegradation. (3) This review also highlights the emerging topic of nanoplastics in the sea and provides an overview on their specific physical and chemical properties, potential harm to ocean life, and nanoplastic detection techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Wayman
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Helge Niemann
- Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 't Horntje, The Netherlands. and Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands and CAGE - Centre for Arctic Gas Hydrate, Environment and Climate, Department of Geosciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
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245
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Zhu B, Wang D, Wei N. Enzyme Discovery and Engineering for Sustainable Plastic Recycling. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 40:22-37. [PMID: 33676748 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The drastically increasing amount of plastic waste is causing an environmental crisis that requires innovative technologies for recycling post-consumer plastics to achieve waste valorization while meeting environmental quality goals. Biocatalytic depolymerization mediated by enzymes has emerged as an efficient and sustainable alternative for plastic treatment and recycling. A variety of plastic-degrading enzymes have been discovered from microbial sources. Meanwhile, protein engineering has been exploited to modify and optimize plastic-degrading enzymes. This review highlights the recent trends and up-to-date advances in mining novel plastic-degrading enzymes through state-of-the-art omics-based techniques and improving the enzyme catalytic efficiency and stability via various protein engineering strategies. Future research prospects and challenges are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baotong Zhu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 156 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Notre Dame, 156 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Na Wei
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 156 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA.
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246
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Liu Y, Cruz-Morales P, Zargar A, Belcher MS, Pang B, Englund E, Dan Q, Yin K, Keasling JD. Biofuels for a sustainable future. Cell 2021; 184:1636-1647. [PMID: 33639085 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Rapid increases of energy consumption and human dependency on fossil fuels have led to the accumulation of greenhouse gases and consequently, climate change. As such, major efforts have been taken to develop, test, and adopt clean renewable fuel alternatives. Production of bioethanol and biodiesel from crops is well developed, while other feedstock resources and processes have also shown high potential to provide efficient and cost-effective alternatives, such as landfill and plastic waste conversion, algal photosynthesis, as well as electrochemical carbon fixation. In addition, the downstream microbial fermentation can be further engineered to not only increase the product yield but also expand the chemical space of biofuels through the rational design and fine-tuning of biosynthetic pathways toward the realization of "designer fuels" and diverse future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhong Liu
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA; Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Pablo Cruz-Morales
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA; Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Amin Zargar
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA; Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Belcher
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA; Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Bo Pang
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA; Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Elias Englund
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA; Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Qingyun Dan
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA; Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Yin
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA; Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jay D Keasling
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Emeryville, CA, USA; Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University Denmark, Horsholm, Denmark; Center for Synthetic Biochemistry, Shenzhen Institutes for Advanced Technologies, Shenzhen, China.
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247
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Viljakainen VR, Hug LA. The phylogenetic and global distribution of bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoate bioplastic-degrading genes. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:1717-1731. [PMID: 33496062 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of microbially made polyesters commercialized as biodegradable plastics. PHA production rates are predicted to increase as concerns around environmental plastic contamination and limited fossil fuel resources have increased the importance of biodegradable and bio-based plastic alternatives. Microbially produced PHA depolymerases are the key enzymes mediating PHA biodegradation, but only a few PHA depolymerases have been well-characterized and screens employing metagenomic sequence data are lacking. Here, we used 3078 metagenomes to analyse the distribution of PHA depolymerases in microbial communities from diverse aquatic, terrestrial and waste management systems. We significantly expand the recognized diversity of this protein family by screening 1914 Gb of sequence data and identifying 13 869 putative PHA depolymerases in 1295 metagenomes. Our results indicate that PHA depolymerases are unevenly distributed across environments. We predicted the highest frequency of PHA depolymerases in wastewater systems and the lowest in marine and thermal springs. In tandem, we screened 5290 metagenome-assembled genomes to describe the phylogenetic distribution of PHA depolymerases, which is substantially broader compared with current cultured representatives. The Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota are key lineages encoding PHA depolymerases, but PHA depolymerases were predicted from members of the Bdellovibrionota, Methylomirabilota, Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, Spirochaetota, Desulfobacterota, Myxococcota and Planctomycetota.
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Affiliation(s)
- V R Viljakainen
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - L A Hug
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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248
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Bååth JA, Borch K, Jensen K, Brask J, Westh P. Comparative Biochemistry of Four Polyester (PET) Hydrolases*. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1627-1637. [PMID: 33351214 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The potential of bioprocessing in a circular plastic economy has strongly stimulated research into the enzymatic degradation of different synthetic polymers. Particular interest has been devoted to the commonly used polyester, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and a number of PET hydrolases have been described. However, a kinetic framework for comparisons of PET hydrolases (or other plastic-degrading enzymes) acting on the insoluble substrate has not been established. Herein, we propose such a framework, which we have tested against kinetic measurements for four PET hydrolases. The analysis provided values of kcat and KM , as well as an apparent specificity constant in the conventional units of M-1 s-1 . These parameters, together with experimental values for the number of enzyme attack sites on the PET surface, enabled comparative analyses. A variant of the PET hydrolase from Ideonella sakaiensis was the most efficient enzyme at ambient conditions; it relied on a high kcat rather than a low KM . Moreover, both soluble and insoluble PET fragments were consistently hydrolyzed much faster than intact PET. This suggests that interactions between polymer strands slow down PET degradation, whereas the chemical steps of catalysis and the low accessibility associated with solid substrate were less important for the overall rate. Finally, the investigated enzymes showed a remarkable substrate affinity, and reached half the saturation rate on PET when the concentration of attack sites in the suspension was only about 50 nM. We propose that this is linked to nonspecific adsorption, which promotes the nearness of enzyme and attack sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Arnling Bååth
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kim Borch
- Novozymes A/S, Biologiens Vej 2, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kenneth Jensen
- Novozymes A/S, Biologiens Vej 2, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jesper Brask
- Novozymes A/S, Biologiens Vej 2, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Peter Westh
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
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Schnitzler L, Zarzycki J, Gerhard M, Konde S, Rexer KH, Erb TJ, Maier UG, Koch M, Hofmann MR, Moog D. Lensless digital holographic microscopy as an efficient method to monitor enzymatic plastic degradation. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 163:111950. [PMID: 33444995 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A big challenge of the 21st century is to cope with the huge amounts of plastic waste on Earth. Especially the oceans are heavily polluted with plastics. To counteract this issue, biological (enzymatic) plastic decomposition is increasingly gaining attention. Recently it was shown that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be degraded in a saltwater-based environment using bacterial PETase produced by a marine diatom. At moderate temperatures, plastic biodegradation is slow and requires sensitive methods for detection, at least at initial stages. However, conventional methods for verifying the plastic degradation are either complex, expensive, time-consuming or they interfere with the degradation process. Here, we adapt lensless digital holographic microscopy (LDHM) as a new application for efficiently monitoring enzymatic degradation of a PET glycol copolymer (PETG). LDHM is a cost-effective, compact and sensitive optical method. We demonstrate enzymatic PETG degradation over a time course of 43 days employing numerical analysis of LDHM images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Schnitzler
- Photonics and Terahertz Technology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Jan Zarzycki
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Marina Gerhard
- Department of Physics and Material Sciences Center, University of Marburg, Renthof 5, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Srumika Konde
- Department of Physics and Material Sciences Center, University of Marburg, Renthof 5, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Rexer
- Department for Evolutionary Ecology of Plants, University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Tobias J Erb
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany; SYNMIKRO Research Center, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Uwe G Maier
- SYNMIKRO Research Center, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, 35043 Marburg, Germany; Laboratory for Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Martin Koch
- Department of Physics and Material Sciences Center, University of Marburg, Renthof 5, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Martin R Hofmann
- Photonics and Terahertz Technology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Moog
- SYNMIKRO Research Center, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, 35043 Marburg, Germany; Laboratory for Cell Biology, Department of Biology, University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
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