251
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Ren J, Zhu Z, Qiu Y, Yu F, Ma J, Zhao J. Magnetic field assisted adsorption of pollutants from an aqueous solution: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 408:124846. [PMID: 33387721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The magnetic field is a special substance that exists objectively and transmits the magnetic force between objects. Magnetic fields (MFs) are gradually attracting attention as a facile, universal adsorption enhancement method, especially under the condition of low concentration of pollutants. By adjusting the type and parameters of the magnetic field, enhancement of adsorption capacity, rate and selectivity can be targeted. Many studies have focused on the adsorbent separation based on magnetic properties under MF assistant, and no review have come up in recent years on the pollution enhanced-adsorption technique using MFs. The present review brings out a series of magnetic field and summarizes adsorption-assisted enhancement mechanism of MFs in different situations. This review article aimed at helping researchers obtain quick ideas of MFs and application for pollutant adsorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianran Ren
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Zhiliang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yanling Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Fei Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, PR China
| | - Jie Ma
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Jianfu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
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252
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Skariyachan S, Taskeen N, Kishore AP, Krishna BV, Naidu G. Novel consortia of enterobacter and pseudomonas formulated from cow dung exhibited enhanced biodegradation of polyethylene and polypropylene. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 284:112030. [PMID: 33529882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
This study prioritizes the biodegradation potential of novel bacterial consortia formulated from cow dung samples towards low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) in comparison with our previous studies. Ten possible consortia were formulated using 10 selected isolates with >10% weight reduction of LDPE and PP, these were pre-treated under UV for 1 h, and their biodegradation potential was studied for 160 days. The isolates present in prioritized consortia were characterized by standard microbiology and 16SrRNA gene sequencing methods. Out of 10 bacterial consortia formulated, potential consortium-CB3 showed greater percentage degradation (weight reduction) of 64.25 ± 2% and 63.00 ± 2% towards LDPE and PP films, respectively (p < 0.05) at 37 °C compared to other consortia. Significant structural variations due to the formation of bacterial biofilm were observed in CB3 treated LDPE and PP films. The three bacteria-IS1, IS2, and IS3-that constituted CB3 were found to be novel strains and designated to be Enterobacter sp nov. bt DSCE01, Enterobacter cloacae nov. bt DSCE02, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa nov. bt DSCE-CD03, respectively. This novel consortium can be scaled up for enhanced degradation of plastic polymers and probably design cost-effective bio-digester for industrial applications using CB3 as potential inoculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinosh Skariyachan
- Department of Microbiology, St. Pius X College Rajapuram, Kasaragod, Kerala, India.
| | - Neha Taskeen
- Department of Biotechnology, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Alice Preethi Kishore
- Department of Biotechnology, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhavya Venkata Krishna
- Department of Biotechnology, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Gautami Naidu
- Department of Biotechnology, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Spina F, Tummino ML, Poli A, Prigione V, Ilieva V, Cocconcelli P, Puglisi E, Bracco P, Zanetti M, Varese GC. Low density polyethylene degradation by filamentous fungi. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 274:116548. [PMID: 33540258 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116548] [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: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is the most abundant non-degradable plastic waste, posing a constant and serious threat to the whole ecosystem. In the present study, the fungal community of plastic wastes contaminating a landfill soil has been studied. After 6 months of enrichment, 95 fungi were isolated, mostly belonging to the Ascomycota phylum. They were screened under in vitro condition: most of fungi (97%) were capable of growing in the presence of PE powder (5-10 g L-1) as sole carbon source. Fusarium strains better tolerated high concentration of PE. Up to 13 strains were chosen for further degradation trails, where the process was monitored by respirometry tests and by observing changes in PE chemical and physical structure by FTIR analysis and SEM images. Major results were observed for Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium falciforme and Purpureocillum lilacinum, as they caused strong oxidation phenomena and changes in the PE film morphology. Results suggested that the initial oxidation mechanisms targeted first the methyl terminal groups. Changes in the infrared spectra were strongly strain-dependent, denoting the activation of different degradation pathways. Through the SEM analysis, the actual damages provoked by fungi were observed, including swellings, pits and furrows, bumps and partial exfoliations. Considering the rising concern about plastic disposal worldwide, the ability of these fungi to colonize PE and utilize it as carbon source is of great interest, as no pretreatments and pro-oxidant stimulants were needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Spina
- University of Turin, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, Viale P.A. Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Tummino
- University of Turin, Department of Chemistry, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125, Turin, Italy; Present Affiliation: Italian National Research Council, Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manifacturing, Corso Giuseppe Pella 16, 13900, Biella, Italy
| | - Anna Poli
- University of Turin, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, Viale P.A. Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Valeria Prigione
- University of Turin, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, Viale P.A. Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Viktoria Ilieva
- University of Turin, Department of Chemistry, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Piersandro Cocconcelli
- Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Department for Sustainable Food Process, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Edoardo Puglisi
- Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Department for Sustainable Food Process, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Pierangiola Bracco
- University of Turin, Department of Chemistry, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125, Turin, Italy.
| | - Marco Zanetti
- University of Turin, Department of Chemistry, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cristina Varese
- University of Turin, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Mycotheca Universitatis Taurinensis, Viale P.A. Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
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Momeni S, Rezvani Ghomi E, Shakiba M, Shafiei-Navid S, Abdouss M, Bigham A, Khosravi F, Ahmadi Z, Faraji M, Abdouss H, Ramakrishna S. The Effect of Poly (Ethylene glycol) Emulation on the Degradation of PLA/Starch Composites. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1019. [PMID: 33806074 PMCID: PMC8036416 DOI: 10.3390/polym13071019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As a hydrophilic renewable polymer, starch has been widely used in biocompatible plastics as a filler for more than two decades. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG), as a plasticizer, on the physicochemical properties of a hybrid composite-polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic starch (TPS). A solvent evaporation process was adopted to gelatinize the starch and disparate PEG contents ranging from 3 to 15 wt.% (with respect to the sample weight) were examined. It was revealed that the increase in the PEG content was accompanied by an increment in the starch gelatinization degree. Referring to the microstructural analyses, the TPS/PLA mixture yielded a ductile hybrid composite with a fine morphology and a uniform phase. Nevertheless, two different solvents, including acetone and ethanol, were used to assess if they had any effect on the hybrid's morphology, tensile strength and thermal properties. It was found that ethanol culminated in a porous hybrid composite with a finer morphology and better starch distribution in the PLA structure than acetone. As the result of PEG addition to the composite, the crystallinity and tensile strength were decreased, whereas the elongation increased. The hydrolytic degradation of samples was assessed under different pH and thermal conditions. Moreover, the microbial degradation of the PLA/TPS hybrid composite containing different PEG molar fractions was investigated in the soil for 45 days. The rate of degradation in both hydrolytic and biodegradation increased in the samples with a higher amount of PEG with ethanol solvent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarieh Momeni
- Department of Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran 15875-4413, Iran; (S.M.); (Z.A.)
| | - Erfan Rezvani Ghomi
- Center for Nanotechnology and Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117581, Singapore;
| | - Mohamadreza Shakiba
- Department of Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran 15875-4413, Iran; (S.M.); (Z.A.)
| | - Saied Shafiei-Navid
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar 47416-95447, Iran;
| | - Majid Abdouss
- Department of Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran 15875-4413, Iran; (S.M.); (Z.A.)
| | - Ashkan Bigham
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials—National Research Council (IPCB-CNR), Viale J.F. Kennedy 54—Mostra d’Oltremare pad. 20, 80125 Naples, Italy;
| | - Fatemeh Khosravi
- Center for Nanotechnology and Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117581, Singapore;
| | - Zahed Ahmadi
- Department of Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran 15875-4413, Iran; (S.M.); (Z.A.)
| | - Mehdi Faraji
- School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 14155-6455, Iran;
| | - Hamidreza Abdouss
- Department of Polymer, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran 15875-4413, Iran;
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Center for Nanotechnology and Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117581, Singapore;
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255
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Kniggendorf AK, Nogueira R, Lorey C, Roth B. Calcium carbonate deposits and microbial assemblages on microplastics in oligotrophic freshwaters. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 266:128942. [PMID: 33220990 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128942] [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: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are solid polymer particles with a wide variety of surface properties, found in most waterbodies, and known as carriers of distinct microbial communities affecting the fate of the particles in the environment. Little is known about the formation of mineral deposits on microplastics and how these deposits connect to microbial assemblages and affect the physicochemical properties of the particles. In addition, most of the available research on this topic is based on large microplastics with sizes between 100 μm and up to 5 mm, rather than the small microplastics often found in drinking water sources. To narrow this gap in our understanding of environmental effects on small microplastics, two types of small microplastics made of two distinct polymers, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) with sizes ranging from 15 to 150 μm, were incubated for six months in unprocessed and processed drinking water with increasing ionic concentration to allow for the formation of mineral deposits and microbial assemblages. Spatially resolved analysis with fluorescent in situ hybridization and confocal Raman microscopic imaging revealed deposits of calcium carbonates and scattered microbial assemblages on all microplastics, with structure, extend, and microbial association with the carbonates depending on the respective microplastic. Notably, PTFE floatation was overcome after three months in unprocessed drinking water but remained unchanged in processed drinking water, whereas PMMA appeared unaffected, indicating that the fate of microplastics in the environment may depend on polymer type and the encountered aquatic conditions forming mineral and microbial attachments to the particle surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Kniggendorf
- Hannover Centre for Optical Technologies, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, Nienburger Str. 17, 30167, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Regina Nogueira
- Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, Welfengarten 1, 30167, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Corinna Lorey
- Institute for Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, Welfengarten 1, 30167, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Roth
- Hannover Centre for Optical Technologies, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, Nienburger Str. 17, 30167, Hannover, Germany; Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, Welfengarten 1, 30167, Hannover, Germany.
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256
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Pham TH, Do HT, Phan Thi LA, Singh P, Raizada P, Chi-Sheng Wu J, Nguyen VH. Global challenges in microplastics: From fundamental understanding to advanced degradations toward sustainable strategies. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 267:129275. [PMID: 33338716 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the global production and usage of plastics have increased rapidly with the expansion of synthetic polymers. Since plastics' degradation processes are prolonged and thus microplastics (MPs) potentially persist for very long periods in the environment. To date, there is a need for knowledge on the relevance of different potential entry pathways and the number of MPs entering the environment via different routes. Despite the vast quantity of studies that have been undertaken, many unanswered issues remain about the environmental impacts of MPs. The real impacts on a population subjected to many MPs of different structure, dimensions, and shapes over a lifetime are still hard to elucidate. Significantly, MPs can accumulate toxic substances, such as persistent organic pollutants, on their material surface. Hence, it represents a potential concentrated source of environmental pollution or acts as a vector of toxic pollutants in the food chain's interconnection with some severe health implications. Herein, we mainly discussed the global challenges in MPs, including the current production and use status of plastics and their impact on the environment. Additionally, finding the degradation of tiny fragment plastics (MPs level) is essential to remove plastics altogether. Some of the approaches to methods, including biodegradation, physical degradation, physicochemical degradation, have been successfully reviewed. More importantly, the sustainable concepts of using microorganisms and photocatalysis for MPs' degradation have been successfully proposed and demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy-Hanh Pham
- Faculty of Environmental Science, VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Huu-Tuan Do
- Faculty of Environmental Science, VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| | - Lan-Anh Phan Thi
- VNU Key Laboratory of Analytical Technology for Environmental Quality and Food Safety Control (KLATEFOS), VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Center for Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development (CETASD), VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, 334 Nguyen Trai, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| | - Pardeep Singh
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan (Himachal Pradesh)-173212, India
| | - Pankaj Raizada
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan (Himachal Pradesh)-173212, India
| | - Jeffrey Chi-Sheng Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Van-Huy Nguyen
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Viet Nam.
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257
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Yee MSL, Hii LW, Looi CK, Lim WM, Wong SF, Kok YY, Tan BK, Wong CY, Leong CO. Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Human Health. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:496. [PMID: 33669327 PMCID: PMC7920297 DOI: 10.3390/nano11020496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have enormous impacts to every aspect of daily life including technology, medicine and treatments, and domestic appliances. Most of the used plastics are thrown away by consumers after a single use, which has become a huge environmental problem as they will end up in landfill, oceans and other waterways. These plastics are discarded in vast numbers each day, and the breaking down of the plastics from micro- to nano-sizes has led to worries about how toxic these plastics are to the environment and humans. While, there are several earlier studies reported the effects of micro- and nano-plastics have on the environment, there is scant research into their impact on the human body at subcellular or molecular levels. In particular, the potential of how nano-plastics move through the gut, lungs and skin epithelia in causing systemic exposure has not been examined thoroughly. This review explores thoroughly on how nanoplastics are created, how they behave/breakdown within the environment, levels of toxicity and pollution of these nanoplastics, and the possible health impacts on humans, as well as suggestions for additional research. This paper aims to inspire future studies into core elements of micro- and nano-plastics, the biological reactions caused by their specific and unusual qualities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxine Swee-Li Yee
- Centre of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, Semenyih 43500, Malaysia
| | - Ling-Wei Hii
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.K.L.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Chin King Looi
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.K.L.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Wei-Meng Lim
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.K.L.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Shew-Fung Wong
- Center for Environmental and Population Health, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (S.-F.W.); (Y.-Y.K.); (B.-K.T.); (C.-Y.W.)
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Yih-Yih Kok
- Center for Environmental and Population Health, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (S.-F.W.); (Y.-Y.K.); (B.-K.T.); (C.-Y.W.)
- School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Boon-Keat Tan
- Center for Environmental and Population Health, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (S.-F.W.); (Y.-Y.K.); (B.-K.T.); (C.-Y.W.)
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Chiew-Yen Wong
- Center for Environmental and Population Health, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (S.-F.W.); (Y.-Y.K.); (B.-K.T.); (C.-Y.W.)
- School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.-W.H.); (C.K.L.); (W.-M.L.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
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258
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Jia H, Zhang M, Weng Y, Li C. Degradation of polylactic acid/polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate by coculture of Pseudomonas mendocina and Actinomucor elegans. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 403:123679. [PMID: 33264878 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A cocultivation of the Pseudomonas mendocina with Actinomucor elegans was developed and investigated to improve the biodegradation of polylactic acid/polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PLA/PBAT). And the coculture system could produce an efficient PLA/PBAT-degrading enzymes system to degrade PLA/PBAT films. The results showed that the protease activity (11.50 U/mL) and lipase activity (40.46 U/mL) of the coculture exceeded that of the monoculture (P. mendocina of 7.31 U/mL, A. elegans of 32.47 U/mL). The degradation rate of PLA/PBAT films using the coculture system was 18.95 wt% within 5 days, which was considerably higher than that of P. mendocina (12.94 wt%) and A. elegans (9.27 wt%) individually, suggesting that P. mendocina and A. elegans had synergistic degradation. In addition, P. mendocina and A. elegans could secrete proteases and lipases, respectively, which could catalyze the ester bonds of PLA1 and PBAT in PLA/PBAT films, respectively, and hydrolyze them into different monomers and oligomers as nutrition sources. Therefore, the PLA/PBAT films could be completely degraded. In this study, the PLA/PBAT films were efficiently degraded in the coculture system for the first time, which significantly improved the biodegradation of PLA/PBAT films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jia
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, PR China.
| | - Yunxuan Weng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plastics Health and Safety Quality Evaluation Technology, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Chengtao Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, PR China
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259
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Venkataramana C, Botsa SM, Shyamala P, Muralikrishna R. Photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene plastics by NiAl 2O 4 spinels-synthesis and characterization. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 265:129021. [PMID: 33248731 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Over past twenty years, daily usage of Microplastics (MPs) and their pollution are gradually increasing. Especially, the polyethylene bags were used for food storage. So their productivity as well discarding after use are rapidly growing and shown their great impact on the environment. Hence, there is need to control the plastics from environment decomposition. For that, we have attempted that preparation of NiAl2O4 Spinels by two different methods such as co-precipitation and hydrothermal. The synthesized spinels were thoroughly studied by some instrumental techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and ultraviolet (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer). The photocatalytic experiment was adopted for the degradation of commercially available polyethylene bags using prepared spinels. The obtained results from FTIR after degradation process confirmed that the polyethylene sheet was degraded in 5 h with the help of prepared spinels and the weight loss is 12.5% obtained using hydrothermally prepared spinels. This study shows new path to develop more functional materials for the degradation of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Challarapu Venkataramana
- Department of Physical, Nuclear Chemistry and Chemical Oceanography, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, 530003, India
| | - Sathish Mohan Botsa
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Goa, 403804, India.
| | - P Shyamala
- Department of Physical, Nuclear Chemistry and Chemical Oceanography, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, 530003, India
| | - R Muralikrishna
- Department of Physical, Nuclear Chemistry and Chemical Oceanography, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, 530003, India
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260
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Hou L, Majumder ELW. Potential for and Distribution of Enzymatic Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Environmental Microorganisms. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:503. [PMID: 33494256 PMCID: PMC7864516 DOI: 10.3390/ma14030503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Polystyrene (PS) is one of the main polymer types of plastic wastes and is known to be resistant to biodegradation, resulting in PS waste persistence in the environment. Although previous studies have reported that some microorganisms can degrade PS, enzymes and mechanisms of microorganism PS biodegradation are still unknown. In this study, we summarized microbial species that have been identified to degrade PS. By screening the available genome information of microorganisms that have been reported to degrade PS for enzymes with functional potential to depolymerize PS, we predicted target PS-degrading enzymes. We found that cytochrome P4500s, alkane hydroxylases and monooxygenases ranked as the top potential enzyme classes that can degrade PS since they can break C-C bonds. Ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases may be able to break the side-chain of PS and oxidize the aromatic ring compounds generated from the decomposition of PS. These target enzymes were distributed in Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes, suggesting a broad potential for PS biodegradation in various earth environments and microbiomes. Our results provide insight into the enzymatic degradation of PS and suggestions for realizing the biodegradation of this recalcitrant plastic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erica L.-W. Majumder
- Department of Chemistry, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA;
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Ai J, Li K, Li J, Yu F, Ma J. Super flexible, fatigue resistant, self-healing PVA/xylan/borax hydrogel with dual-crosslinked network. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 172:66-73. [PMID: 33434549 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The high mechanical strength and self-healing properties of hydrogels are the focus of tissue engineering and biomedical research. Furthermore, the incompatibility between hydrogel toughness and self-healing has not been resolved. It is noteworthy that the double network (DN) hydrogels show great promise as a viable method for producing self-healing hydrogels with the above properties. The Xylan/PVA/Borax DN hydrogel was prepared by the one-pot method, shows various excellent performances, including strong strength (ca. 81 kPa), high toughness (ca.1652.42 kJ/m3), good self-recovery (ca. 79% recovery), and excellent self-healing properties (self-healing efficiency reached to 85.8% for 30 s). This study proposes a strategy to design high strength, high toughness, large extensibility, and self-healing properties hydrogels based on xylan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Ai
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Kai Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Jianbin Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China.
| | - Fei Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, PR China.
| | - Jie Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Research Center for Environmental Functional Materials, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China
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262
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Krause S, Baranov V, Nel HA, Drummond JD, Kukkola A, Hoellein T, Sambrook Smith GH, Lewandowski J, Bonet B, Packman AI, Sadler J, Inshyna V, Allen S, Allen D, Simon L, Mermillod-Blondin F, Lynch I. Gathering at the top? Environmental controls of microplastic uptake and biomagnification in freshwater food webs. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115750. [PMID: 33172701 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, with high concentrations being detected now also in river corridors and sediments globally. Whilst there has been increasing field evidence of microplastics accumulation in the guts and tissues of freshwater and marine aquatic species, the uptake mechanisms of microplastics into freshwater food webs, and the physical and geological controls on pathway-specific exposures to microplastics, are not well understood. This knowledge gap is hampering the assessment of exposure risks, and potential ecotoxicological and public health impacts from microplastics. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of key research challenges in analysing the environmental fate and transport of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems, including the identification of hydrological, sedimentological and particle property controls on microplastic accumulation in aquatic ecosystems. This mechanistic analysis outlines the dominant pathways for exposure to microplastics in freshwater ecosystems and identifies potentially critical uptake mechanisms and entry pathways for microplastics and associated contaminants into aquatic food webs as well as their risk to accumulate and biomagnify. We identify seven key research challenges that, if overcome, will permit the advancement beyond current conceptual limitations and provide the mechanistic process understanding required to assess microplastic exposure, uptake, hazard, and overall risk to aquatic systems and humans, and provide key insights into the priority impact pathways in freshwater ecosystems to support environmental management decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Krause
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023, Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés (LEHNA), 69622, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Viktor Baranov
- Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Holly A Nel
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer D Drummond
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Kukkola
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Hoellein
- Loyola University Chicago, Department of Biology, Chicago, United States
| | - Gregory H Sambrook Smith
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joerg Lewandowski
- Department of Ecohydrology, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany; Department of Geography, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Berta Bonet
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron I Packman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Chicago, United States
| | - Jon Sadler
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Valentyna Inshyna
- Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Steve Allen
- Strathclyde University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Laurent Simon
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023, Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés (LEHNA), 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Florian Mermillod-Blondin
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023, Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés (LEHNA), 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Iseult Lynch
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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263
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Du S, Zhu R, Cai Y, Xu N, Yap PS, Zhang Y, He Y, Zhang Y. Environmental fate and impacts of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems: a review. RSC Adv 2021; 11:15762-15784. [PMID: 35481192 PMCID: PMC9031200 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra00880c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Wide usage of plastic products leads to the global occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the aquatic environment. Due to the small size, they can be bio-ingested, which may cause certain health effects. The present review starts with summarizing the main sources of various types of MPs and their occurrences in the aquatic environment, as well as their transportation and degradation pathways. The analysis of migration of MPs in water environments shows that the ultimate fate of most MPs in water environments is cracked into small fragments and sinking into the bottom of the ocean. The advantages and disadvantages of existing methods for detection and analysis of MPs are summarized. In addition, based on recent researches, the present review discusses MPs as carriers of organic pollutants and microorganisms, and explores the specific effects of MPs on aquatic organisms in the case of single and combined pollutants. Finally, by analysing the causes and influencing factors of their trophic transfer, the impact of MPs on high-level trophic organisms is explored. The sources, fate and impacts of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Du
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
| | - Rongwen Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
| | - Yujie Cai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
| | - Ning Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
| | - Pow-Seng Yap
- Department of Civil Engineering
- Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
- Suzhou
- China
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
| | - Yide He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Nanjing Tech University
- P. R. China
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264
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Dey AS, Bose H, Mohapatra B, Sar P. Biodegradation of Unpretreated Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) by Stenotrophomonas sp. and Achromobacter sp., Isolated From Waste Dumpsite and Drilling Fluid. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:603210. [PMID: 33391224 PMCID: PMC7775675 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.603210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploring the catabolic repertoire of natural bacteria for biodegradation of plastics is one of the priority areas of biotechnology research. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is recalcitrant and poses serious threats to our environment. The present study explored the LDPE biodegradation potential of aerobic bacteria enriched from municipal waste dumpsite and bentonite based drilling fluids from a deep subsurface drilling operation. Considerable bacterial growth coupled with significant weight loss of the LDPE beads (∼8%), change in pH to acidic condition and biofilm cell growth around the beads (CFU count 105-106/cm2) were noted for two samples (P and DF2). The enriched microbial consortia thus obtained displayed high (65-90%) cell surface hydrophobicity, confirming their potential toward LDPE adhesion as well as biofilm formation. Two LDPE degrading bacterial strains affiliated to Stenotrophomonas sp. and Achromobacter sp. were isolated as pure culture from P and DF2 enrichments. 16S rRNA gene sequences of these isolates indicated their taxonomic novelty. Further biodegradation studies provided strong evidence toward the LDPE metabolizing ability of these two organisms. Atomic Fore Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed considerable damage (in terms of formation of cracks, grooves, etc.) on the micrometric surface of the LDPE film. Analysis of the average roughness (Ra), root mean square roughness (Rq), average height (Rz), maximum peak height (Rp), and maximum valley depth (Rv) (nano-roughness parameters) through AFM indicated 2-3 fold increase in nano-roughness of the LDPE film. FTIR analysis suggested incorporation of alkoxy (1000-1090 cm-1), acyl (1220 cm-1), nitro (1500-1600 cm-1), carbonyl (1720 cm-1) groups into the carbon backbone, formation of N-O stretching (1360 cm-1) and chain scission (905 cm-1) in the microbially treated LDPEs. Increase in carbonyl index (15-20 fold), double bond index (1.5-2 fold) and terminal double bond index (30-40 fold) confirmed that biodegraded LDPEs had undergone oxidation, vinylene formation and chain scission. The data suggested that oxidation and dehydrogenation could be the key steps allowing formation of low molecular weight products suitable for their further mineralization by the test bacteria. The study highlighted LDPE degrading ability of natural bacteria and provided the opportunity for their development in plastic remediation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindya Sundar Dey
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur,, India
| | - Himadri Bose
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur,, India
| | - Balaram Mohapatra
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur,, India
| | - Pinaki Sar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur,, India
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265
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Han YN, Wei M, Han F, Fang C, Wang D, Zhong YJ, Guo CL, Shi XY, Xie ZK, Li FM. Greater Biofilm Formation and Increased Biodegradation of Polyethylene Film by a Microbial Consortium of Arthrobacter sp. and Streptomyces sp. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121979. [PMID: 33322790 PMCID: PMC7764375 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The widespread use of polyethylene (PE) mulch films has led to a significant accumulation of plastic waste in agricultural soils. The biodegradation of plastic waste by microorganisms promises to provide a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative for mitigating soil plastic pollution. A large number of microorganisms capable of degrading PE have been reported, but degradation may be further enhanced by the cooperative activity of multiple microbial species. Here, two novel strains of Arthrobacter sp. and Streptomyces sp. were isolated from agricultural soils and shown to grow with PE film as a sole carbon source. Arthrobacter sp. mainly grew in the suspension phase of the culture, and Streptomyces sp. formed substantial biofilms on the surface of the PE film, indicating that these strains were of different metabolic types and occupied different microenvironments with contrasting nutritional access. Individual strains were able to degrade the PE film to some extent in a 90-day inoculation experiment, as indicated by decreased hydrophobicity, increased carbonyl index and CO2 evolution, and the formation of biofilms on the film surface. However, a consortium of both strains had a much greater effect on these degradation properties. Together, these results provide new insights into the mechanisms of PE biodegradation by a microbial consortium composed of different types of microbes with possible metabolic complementarities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 320 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou 730000, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Min Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
| | - Fang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
| | - Chao Fang
- Institute of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China;
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
| | - Yu-Jie Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
| | - Chao-Li Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
| | - Xiao-Yan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
| | - Zhong-Kui Xie
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 320 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou 730000, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Feng-Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
- Correspondence:
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266
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Plakunov VK, Gannesen AV, Mart’yanov SV, Zhurina MV. Biocorrosion of Synthetic Plastics: Degradation Mechanisms and Methods of Protection. Microbiology (Reading) 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026261720060144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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267
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Yu F, Li Y, Huang G, Yang C, Chen C, Zhou T, Zhao Y, Ma J. Adsorption behavior of the antibiotic levofloxacin on microplastics in the presence of different heavy metals in an aqueous solution. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 260:127650. [PMID: 32693263 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the composite pollution of microplastics with organic pollutants and heavy metal ions in the water environment, including their combined toxicity, has received increasing attention. However, the mechanism underlying the joint effect of antibiotics and heavy metals on the surface behavior of microplastics has not been reported. The primary purpose of this article was to analyze the adsorption of levofloxacin (OFL) onto polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in an aqueous solution. The adsorption behavior was studied using kinetics, thermodynamics, and isotherm models, and the effects of several environmental factors, such as ionic strength, fulvic acid, and heavy metals, were determined. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms models indicated that the whole adsorption process was controlled by both intraparticle and outer diffusion, as well as chemical adsorption, which was the dominant mechanism. Based on the results of the thermodynamic experiment, the adsorption process was a nonspontaneous and exothermic reaction process. Furthermore, the presence of Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cr3+ ions significantly promoted the adsorption of OFL, but the presence of Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions inhibited its adsorption. At the same time, the presence of the ionic strength and fulvic acid remarkably restricted the adsorption process. These findings confirmed that electrostatic interactions, ion exchange, intermolecular hydrogen bonds, and halogen bond cooperation were the main adsorption mechanisms. This paper mainly discusses the interaction between combinations of pollutants with microplastics, which provides theoretical guidance for the interface behavior, migration and transformation of marine microplastics in the actual environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, PR China.
| | - Ye Li
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, PR China.
| | - Guoqiong Huang
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, PR China.
| | - Changfu Yang
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, PR China.
| | - Chen Chen
- Shanghai Waterway Engineering Design and Consulting Co,. LTD., Shanghai, 200120, PR China.
| | - Tao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Youcai Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Jie Ma
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Research Center for Environmental Functional Materials, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
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268
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Mammo FK, Amoah ID, Gani KM, Pillay L, Ratha SK, Bux F, Kumari S. Microplastics in the environment: Interactions with microbes and chemical contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 743:140518. [PMID: 32653705 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants of emerging concern that have gained considerable attention during the last few decades due to their adverse impact on living organisms and the environment. Recent studies have shown their ubiquitous presence in the environment including the atmosphere, soil, and water. Though several reviews have focused on the occurrence of microplastics in different habitats, little attention has been paid to their interaction with biological and chemical pollutants in the environment. This review therefore presents the state of knowledge on the interaction of MPs with chemicals and microbes in different environments. The distribution of MPs, the association of toxic chemicals with MPs, microbial association with MPs and the microbial-induced fate of MPs in the environment are discussed. The biodegradation and bioaccumulation of MPs by and in microbes and its potential impact on the food chain are also reviewed. The mechanisms driving these interactions and how these, in turn, affect living organisms however are not yet fully understood and require further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- F K Mammo
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - I D Amoah
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - K M Gani
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - L Pillay
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - S K Ratha
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - F Bux
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - S Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa.
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269
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Samanta S, Datta D, Halder G. Biodegradation efficacy of soil inherent novel sp. Bacillus tropicus (MK318648) onto low density polyethylene matrix. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2020. [PMCID: PMC7532934 DOI: 10.1007/s10965-020-02296-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The biodegradation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) was studied by employing a microbial strain isolated from the dumping site soil. The bacterium strain was identified as Bacillus tropicus (Gen Bank Accession no: MK318648) by 16S rRNA sequencing. The growth of the strain was observed on virgin LDPE during the biodegradation process. The change in properties of LDPE films before and after bacterial strain incubation was observed by FTIR, SEM, AFM, contact angle, mechanical and optical testing. Loss in mechanical properties and changes in optical properties of the polymer matrix was observed. Weight reduction by 10.15% and fall in the value of tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength, Young’s Modulus, hardness and stiffness to 8.59 MPa, 10.85 mm, 69.18 N, 272.36, 37.6 Shor D and 10,672.21 N/m respectively were observed after 40 days of incubation. The transparency and haze percentage were also changed to 93.7% and 18.6% respectively after the study period. The pH of the media was measured during incubation to evaluate the change due to formation of different extracellular and intracellular enzymes excreted by the strain. Hence, Bacillus tropicus could be an efficient microorganism to degrade 10-micron thickness LDPE films, thereby preventing its harmful impacts in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sucharita Samanta
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Durgapur, West Bengal 713209 India
| | - Deepshikha Datta
- Department of Chemical Engineering, GMR Institute of Technology, Rajam, Andhra Pradesh 532127 India
| | - Gopinath Halder
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Durgapur, West Bengal 713209 India
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270
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Tiwari N, Santhiya D, Sharma JG. Microbial remediation of micro-nano plastics: Current knowledge and future trends. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:115044. [PMID: 32806397 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
An alarming rise of micro-nano plastics (MNPs) in environment is currently causing the biggest threat to biotic and abiotic components around the globe. These pollutants, apart from being formed through fragmentation of larger plastic pieces and are also manufactured for commercial usage. MNPs enter agro-ecosystem, wildlife, and human body through the food chain, ingestion or through inhalation, causing blockage in the blood-brain barrier, lower fertility, and behavioural abnormalities among other problems. Hence, it becomes essential to develop novel procedures for remediation of MNPs. Among the numerous existing methods, microbial remediation promises to degrade/recover MNPs via a green route. Since microbial remediation processes mostly depend upon biotic and abiotic factors such as (temperature, pH, oxidative stress, etc.), it becomes easy to influence changes in the plastic pollutants. Hence, with the help of recent technologies, a complete degradation/removal of MNPs can be expected by utilizing the respective carbon content as energy sources for growth of microorganisms. In this review, considering the urgent environmental need, the impact of micro-nano plastics on ecosystem along with its corresponding degradation mechanisms has been brought out. Also, importance of the various recent research approaches in MNPs remediation is highlighted. Finally, the role of enzyme and membrane technology, nanoparticle technology, and metagenomics in remediation of MNPs are discussed for the first time in detail to bring out a novel remedy for the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Tiwari
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India.
| | - Deenan Santhiya
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India.
| | - Jai Gopal Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India.
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271
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Xiong Y, Zhao J, Li L, Wang Y, Dai X, Yu F, Ma J. Interfacial interaction between micro/nanoplastics and typical PPCPs and nanoplastics removal via electrosorption from an aqueous solution. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 184:116100. [PMID: 32755733 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics have raised worldwide concern with extensive research on its transfer, toxicity and removal. However, the primary environmental process-adsorption of nanoplastics has not been uncovered since the discovery of nanosized plastics. Here, we synthesized nanoscale polystyrene (PS) particles with mean diameter of ∼40 nm to avoid unknown properties from purchased ones, and thoroughly investigated its adsorption towards two typical pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) with distinct characteristics, which are antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) and endocrine disruptor (bisphenol-A). Moreover, UV radiation is applied to simulate aging process in natural cases, and the carbonyl index derived from FTIR spectra increased clearly from 0.183 to 0.387. The adsorption capacity at equilibrium of CIP and BPA increased from 0.15 to 4.07 to 4.92 and 8.71 mg/g after weathering, respectively. Besides, the effect of environmental factors (pH, humic acid, salinity and cations) was also studied. Furthermore, electrosorption technology is applied to remove nanoplastics in solution for the first time, with the capacity of 0.707 g nano-polystyrene/g AC and 0.322 g aged-nano-polystyrene/g AC, suggesting that adsorption under electric field is presumably a feasible tertiary treatment method targeted at nanoplastics in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuecheng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Jinghua Zhao
- School of Metallurgical and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 34100, China
| | - Liqing Li
- School of Metallurgical and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 34100, China
| | - Yayi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Xiaohu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Fei Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, PR China; Research Center for Environmental Functional Materials, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Jie Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Research Center for Environmental Functional Materials, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
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272
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Sun Y, Yuan J, Zhou T, Zhao Y, Yu F, Ma J. Laboratory simulation of microplastics weathering and its adsorption behaviors in an aqueous environment: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114864. [PMID: 32505960 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a global environmental concern. MPs alone and in combination with pollutants can potentially cause significant harm to organisms and human beings. Weathering of MPs under various environmental stresses increases the uncertainty of their environmental fates. Compared with field surveys, laboratory simulation experiments are appropriate to simplify the research procedures and investigate the mechanisms. In this review, the effects of abrasion, solar radiation, chemical and thermal oxidation, microbial adhesion and colonization, and other environmental factors on the MPs and the relative laboratory simulation methods were summarized and discussed. Photo-oxidation and abrasion are the most appliable methods due to easy operation and adjustable weathering degree. Furthermore, the structural and components changes in weathering process and the applied characterization methods were generalized. In addition, one of important environmental behaviors, adsorption of the weathered MPs towards two typical pollutants was analyzed. Finally, three priorities for research were proposed. This paper conducts systematic summarized of the MPs weathering process and provides a reference for future studies to accurately determine the environmental risks of weathering MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Sun
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Jianhua Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, PR China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Youcai Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Fei Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, PR China; Research Center for Environmental Functional Materials, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Jie Ma
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Research Center for Environmental Functional Materials, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
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273
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Sarker A, Deepo DM, Nandi R, Rana J, Islam S, Rahman S, Hossain MN, Islam MS, Baroi A, Kim JE. A review of microplastics pollution in the soil and terrestrial ecosystems: A global and Bangladesh perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 733:139296. [PMID: 32473463 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are a persistent and silent threat to the environment and are already considered a significant problem in aquatic environments. However, the presence of MP in soils and terrestrial ecosystems has been largely unexplored. Recent research has identified the risk of MP transfer from terrestrial agriculture to the human food chain. Thus, MP should be treated as a future threat to food safety and sustainable agriculture. Several reviews have focused on MP effects within global environmental matrices. However, scant investigations on the disposition, ecological impact and remediation strategies of MP have been reported in case of unexplored soil ecosystems as compared to aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, this review focuses on the contemporary global MP research with respect to research opportunities and related challenges of MP for the soil and terrestrial ecosystem from a Bangladesh perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Sarker
- School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Department of Soil Science, EXIM Bank Agricultural University, Bangladesh (EBAUB), Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh
| | - Deen Mohammad Deepo
- Department of Horticulture, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Rakhi Nandi
- School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD), Kotbari, Cumilla, Bangladesh
| | - Juwel Rana
- Department of Nutrition & Food Engineering, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shaikhul Islam
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Ehime University, Japan
| | - Shahinoor Rahman
- Division of Agricultural Entomology, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
| | - Mohammad Nabil Hossain
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Artho Baroi
- Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Jang-Eok Kim
- School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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Faheem M, Shabbir S, Zhao J, G. Kerr P, Ali S, Sultana N, Jia Z. Multifunctional Periphytic Biofilms: Polyethylene Degradation and Cd 2+ and Pb 2+ Bioremediation under High Methane Scenario. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155331. [PMID: 32727088 PMCID: PMC7432609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Priority pollutants such as polyethylene (PE) microplastic, lead (Pb2+), and cadmium (Cd2+) have attracted the interest of environmentalists due to their ubiquitous nature and toxicity to all forms of life. In this study, periphytic biofilms (epiphyton and epixylon) were used to bioremediate heavy metals (HMs) and to biodegrade PE under high (120,000 ppm) methane (CH4) doses. Both periphytic biofilms were actively involved in methane oxidation, HMs accumulation and PE degradation. Epiphyton and epixylon both completely removed Pb2+ and Cd2+ at concentrations of 2 mg L−1 and 50 mg L−1, respectively, but only partially removed these HMs at a relatively higher concentration (100 mg L−1). Treatment containing 12% 13CH4 proved to be most effective for biodegradation of PE. A synergistic effect of HMs and PE drastically changed microbial biota and methanotrophic communities. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that Cyanobacteria was the most abundant class, followed by Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria in all high-methane-dose treatments. DNA stable-isotope probing was used to label 13C in a methanotrophic community. A biomarker for methane-oxidizing bacteria, pmoA gene sequence of a 13C-labeled fraction, revealed that Methylobacter was most abundant in all high-methane-dose treatments compared to near atmospheric methane (NAM) treatment, followed by Methylococcus. Methylomonas, Methylocystis, Methylosinus, and Methylocella were also found to be increased by high doses of methane compared to NAM treatment. Overall, Cd+2 had a more determinantal effect on methanotrophic activity than Pb2+. Epiphyton proved to be more effective than epixylon in HMs removal and PE biodegradation. The findings proved that both epiphyton and epixylon can be used to bioremediate HMs and biodegrade PE as an efficient ecofriendly technique under high methane concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Faheem
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; (M.F.); (J.Z.); (N.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Sadaf Shabbir
- College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing 210008, China;
| | - Jun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; (M.F.); (J.Z.); (N.S.)
| | - Philip G. Kerr
- School of biomedical Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia;
| | - Shafaqat Ali
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Nasrin Sultana
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; (M.F.); (J.Z.); (N.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Department of Agroforestry and Environmental Science, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Sher-e-Bangla nagar, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Zhongjun Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; (M.F.); (J.Z.); (N.S.)
- Correspondence:
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275
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Bartlett S, Wong ML. Defining Lyfe in the Universe: From Three Privileged Functions to Four Pillars. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E42. [PMID: 32316364 PMCID: PMC7235751 DOI: 10.3390/life10040042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Motivated by the need to paint a more general picture of what life is-and could be-with respect to the rest of the phenomena of the universe, we propose a new vocabulary for astrobiological research. Lyfe is defined as any system that fulfills all four processes of the living state, namely: dissipation, autocatalysis, homeostasis, and learning. Life is defined as the instance of lyfe that we are familiar with on Earth, one that uses a specific organometallic molecular toolbox to record information about its environment and achieve dynamical order by dissipating certain planetary disequilibria. This new classification system allows the astrobiological community to more clearly define the questions that propel their research-e.g., whether they are developing a historical narrative to explain the origin of life (on Earth), or a universal narrative for the emergence of lyfe, or whether they are seeking signs of life specifically, or lyfe at large across the universe. While the concept of "life as we don't know it" is not new, the four pillars of lyfe offer a novel perspective on the living state that is indifferent to the particular components that might produce it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Bartlett
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Michael L. Wong
- Department of Astronomy and Astrobiology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- NASA Nexus for Exoplanet System Science’s Virtual Planetary Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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