1
|
Guo Y, Askari N, Smets I, Appels L. A review on co-metabolic degradation of organic micropollutants during anaerobic digestion: Linkages between functional groups and digestion stages. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 256:121598. [PMID: 38663209 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The emerging presence of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in water bodies produced by human activities is a source of growing concern due to their environmental and health issues. Biodegradation is a widely employed treatment method for OMPs in wastewater owing to its high efficiency and low operational cost. Compared to aerobic degradation, anaerobic degradation has numerous advantages, including energy efficiency and superior performance for certain recalcitrant compounds. Nonetheless, the low influent concentrations of OMPs in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and their toxicity make it difficult to support the growth of microorganisms. Therefore, co-metabolism is a promising mechanism for OMP biodegradation in which co-substrates are added as carbon and energy sources and stimulate increased metabolic activity. Functional microorganisms and enzymes exhibit significant variations at each stage of anaerobic digestion affecting the environment for the degradation of OMPs with different structural properties, as these factors substantially influence OMPs' biodegradability and transformation pathways. However, there is a paucity of literature reviews that explicate the correlations between OMPs' chemical structure and specific metabolic conditions. This study provides a comprehensive review of the co-metabolic processes which are favored by each stage of anaerobic digestion and attempts to link various functional groups to their favorable degradation pathways. Furthermore, potential co-metabolic processes and strategies that can enhance co-digestion are also identified, providing directions for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Guo
- KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Chemical and Biochemical Reactor Engineering and Safety (CREaS) Campus De Nayer, Jan Pieter De Nayerlaan 5, Sint-Katelijne-Waver 2860, Belgium
| | - Najmeh Askari
- KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Chemical and Biochemical Reactor Engineering and Safety (CREaS) Campus De Nayer, Jan Pieter De Nayerlaan 5, Sint-Katelijne-Waver 2860, Belgium
| | - Ilse Smets
- KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Chemical and Biochemical Reactor Engineering and Safety (CREaS), Celestijnenlaan 200F box 2424, Heverlee 3001, Belgium
| | - Lise Appels
- KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Chemical and Biochemical Reactor Engineering and Safety (CREaS) Campus De Nayer, Jan Pieter De Nayerlaan 5, Sint-Katelijne-Waver 2860, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van der Waals MJ, Thornton SF, Rolfe SA, Rock L, Smith JWN, Bosma TNP, Gerritse J. Potential of stable isotope analysis to deduce anaerobic biodegradation of ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) in groundwater: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:16150-16163. [PMID: 38319419 PMCID: PMC10894111 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32109-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Understanding anaerobic biodegradation of ether oxygenates beyond MTBE in groundwater is important, given that it is replaced by ETBE as a gasoline additive in several regions. The lack of studies demonstrating anaerobic biodegradation of ETBE, and its product TBA, reflects the relative resistance of ethers and alcohols with a tertiary carbon atom to enzymatic attack under anoxic conditions. Anaerobic ETBE- or TBA-degrading microorganisms have not been characterized. Only one field study suggested anaerobic ETBE biodegradation. Anaerobic (co)metabolism of ETBE or TBA was reported in anoxic microcosms, indicating their biodegradation potential in anoxic groundwater systems. Non-isotopic methods, such as the detection of contaminant loss, metabolites, or ETBE- and TBA-degrading bacteria are not sufficiently sensitive to track anaerobic biodegradation in situ. Compound- and position-specific stable isotope analysis provides a means to study MTBE biodegradation, but isotopic fractionation of ETBE has only been studied with a few aerobic bacteria (εC -0.7 to -1.7‰, εH -11 to -73‰) and at one anoxic field site (δ2H-ETBE +14‰). Similarly, stable carbon isotope enrichment (δ13C-TBA +6.5‰) indicated TBA biodegradation at an anoxic field site. CSIA and PSIA are promising methods to detect anaerobic ETBE and TBA biodegradation but need to be investigated further to assess their full potential at field scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelle J van der Waals
- Unit Subsurface and Groundwater Systems, Deltares, Daltonlaan 600, Utrecht, 3484 BK, The Netherlands
- Present address: KWR Water Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, 3433 PE, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Steven F Thornton
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin St, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Stephen A Rolfe
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Luc Rock
- Shell Global Solutions International BV, Carel van Bylandtlaan 30, The Hague, 2596 HR, The Netherlands
- Present address: Shell Global Solutions (Canada) Inc, 4000 - 500 Centre Street SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 1A6, Canada
| | - Jonathan W N Smith
- Shell Global Solutions (UK) Ltd, Shell Centre, York Road, London, SE1 7NA, UK
| | - Tom N P Bosma
- Unit Subsurface and Groundwater Systems, Deltares, Daltonlaan 600, Utrecht, 3484 BK, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Gerritse
- Unit Subsurface and Groundwater Systems, Deltares, Daltonlaan 600, Utrecht, 3484 BK, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nicholls HCG, Rolfe SA, Mallinson HEH, Hjort M, Spence MJ, Bonte M, Thornton SF. Distribution of ETBE-degrading microorganisms and functional capability in groundwater, and implications for characterising aquifer ETBE biodegradation potential. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:1223-1238. [PMID: 34350568 PMCID: PMC8724112 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15606-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microbes in aquifers are present suspended in groundwater or attached to the aquifer sediment. Groundwater is often sampled at gasoline ether oxygenate (GEO)-impacted sites to assess the potential biodegradation of organic constituents. However, the distribution of GEO-degrading microorganisms between the groundwater and aquifer sediment must be understood to interpret this potential. In this study, the distribution of ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE)-degrading organisms and ETBE biodegradation potential was investigated in laboratory microcosm studies and mixed groundwater-aquifer sediment samples obtained from pumped monitoring wells at ETBE-impacted sites. ETBE biodegradation potential (as determined by quantification of the ethB gene) was detected predominantly in the attached microbial communities and was below detection limit in the groundwater communities. The copy number of ethB genes varied with borehole purge volume at the field sites. Members of the Comamonadaceae and Gammaproteobacteria families were identified as responders for ETBE biodegradation. However, the detection of the ethB gene is a more appropriate function-based indicator of ETBE biodegradation potential than taxonomic analysis of the microbial community. The study shows that a mixed groundwater-aquifer sediment (slurry) sample collected from monitoring wells after minimal purging can be used to assess the aquifer ETBE biodegradation potential at ETBE-release sites using this function-based concept.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry C G Nicholls
- Groundwater Protection and Restoration Group, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, S1 3JD, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stephen A Rolfe
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, Alfred Denny Building, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN, Sheffield, UK
| | - Helen E H Mallinson
- Groundwater Protection and Restoration Group, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, S1 3JD, Sheffield, UK
| | - Markus Hjort
- Concawe, Boulevard du Souverain 165, 1160, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michael J Spence
- Concawe, Boulevard du Souverain 165, 1160, Brussels, Belgium
- British Geological Survey, Environmental Science Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Matthijs Bonte
- Concawe, Boulevard du Souverain 165, 1160, Brussels, Belgium
- Shell Global Solutions International B.V., Rijswijk, 2288GK, The Netherlands
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Steven F Thornton
- Groundwater Protection and Restoration Group, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, S1 3JD, Sheffield, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Leaky Gut and Autoimmunity: An Intricate Balance in Individuals Health and the Diseased State. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249770. [PMID: 33371435 PMCID: PMC7767453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Damage to the tissue and the ruining of functions characterize autoimmune syndromes. This review centers around leaky gut syndromes and how they stimulate autoimmune pathogenesis. Lymphoid tissue commonly associated with the gut, together with the neuroendocrine network, collaborates with the intestinal epithelial wall, with its paracellular tight junctions, to maintain the balance, tolerance, and resistance to foreign/neo-antigens. The physiological regulator of paracellular tight junctions plays a vital role in transferring macromolecules across the intestinal barrier and thereby maintains immune response equilibrium. A new paradigm has explained the intricacies of disease development and proposed that the processes can be prevented if the interaction between the genetic factor and environmental causes is barred by re-instituting the intestinal wall function. The latest clinical evidence and animal models reinforce this current thought and offer the basis for innovative methodologies to thwart and treat autoimmune syndromes.
Collapse
|
5
|
Thornton SF, Nicholls HCG, Rolfe SA, Mallinson HEH, Spence MJ. Biodegradation and fate of ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) in soil and groundwater: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 391:122046. [PMID: 32145642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This review summarises the current state of knowledge on the biodegradation and fate of the gasoline ether oxygenate ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) in soil and groundwater. Microorganisms have been identified in soil and groundwater with the ability to degrade ETBE aerobically as a carbon and energy source, or via cometabolism using alkanes as growth substrates. Aerobic biodegradation of ETBE initially occurs via hydroxylation of the ethoxy carbon by a monooxygenase enzyme, with subsequent formation of intermediates which include acetaldehyde, tert-butyl acetate (TBAc), tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propanol (MHP) and 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid (2-HIBA). Slow cell growth and low biomass yields on ETBE are believed to result from the ether structure and slow degradation kinetics, with potential limitations on ETBE metabolism. Genes known to facilitate transformation of ETBE include ethB (within the ethRABCD cluster), encoding a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, and alkB-encoding alkane hydroxylases. Other genes have been identified in microorganisms but their activity and specificity towards ETBE remains poorly characterised. Microorganisms and pathways supporting anaerobic biodegradation of ETBE have not been identified, although this potential has been demonstrated in limited field and laboratory studies. The presence of co-contaminants (other ether oxygenates, hydrocarbons and organic compounds) in soil and groundwater may limit aerobic biodegradation of ETBE by preferential metabolism and consumption of available dissolved oxygen or enhance ETBE biodegradation through cometabolism. Both ETBE-degrading microorganisms and alkane-oxidising bacteria have been characterised, with potential for use in bioaugmentation and biostimulation of ETBE degradation in groundwater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S F Thornton
- Groundwater Protection and Restoration Group, Dept of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - H C G Nicholls
- Groundwater Protection and Restoration Group, Dept of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - S A Rolfe
- Dept of Animal and Plant Sciences, Alfred Denny Building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - H E H Mallinson
- Groundwater Protection and Restoration Group, Dept of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - M J Spence
- Concawe, Environmental Science for European Refining, Boulevard du Souverain 165, 1160 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guo Y, Wen Z, Zhang C, Jakada H. Contamination and natural attenuation characteristics of petroleum hydrocarbons in a fractured karst aquifer, North China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:22780-22794. [PMID: 32323239 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08723-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A rare super-large fractured karst aquifer located in Zibo city, Shandong Province of Northern China was polluted by petroleum hydrocarbons from a petrochemical company. Over the last 30 years, it has been the focus of several remediation efforts. In this study, the contamination and natural attenuation characteristics of the petroleum hydrocarbons were elucidated using hydrogeochemical indicators (DO, DOC, Cl-, HCO3-, pH, NO3-, and SO42-), petroleum hydrocarbons elements and environmental isotopes (δ15NNO3, δ18ONO3, δ13CDIC, and δ13CDOC). With the aid of GIS, statistical analyses, as well as first-order decay model and electron-acceptor-limited kinetic model, the spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of the petroleum hydrocarbons were modeled. Results showed a positive natural attenuation trend over the last 3 decades where intrinsic biodegradation mechanism was found to be the most important factor driving the degradation of hydrocarbons in the aquifer system. The hydrogeochemical association between the indicators and petroleum hydrocarbons provided the evidences of biodegradation and also served as markers, highlighting the occurrence of anaerobic respiration without methanogenic activities within the heterogenous karst media. Furthermore, the mean natural attenuation rate of petroleum hydrocarbons was calculated to be 3.76 × 10-3/day whereby the current highest petroleum hydrocarbons concentration (361.13 μg/L) is estimated to be degraded completely in 6 years under the present hydrogeological and environmental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongli Guo
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, NO. 68 Jincheng Street, East Lake High-Tech Development Zone, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Karst Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences / Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics, MNR and GZAR, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang Wen
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, NO. 68 Jincheng Street, East Lake High-Tech Development Zone, Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China.
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Institute of Karst Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences / Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics, MNR and GZAR, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China
- International Research Center on Karst under the Auspices of UNESCO, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Hamza Jakada
- Department of Civil Engineering, Baze University Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nicholls HCG, Mallinson HEH, Rolfe SA, Hjort M, Spence MJ, Thornton SF. Influence of contaminant exposure on the development of aerobic ETBE biodegradation potential in microbial communities from a gasoline-impacted aquifer. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 388:122022. [PMID: 31962211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Aerobic biodegradation of ethyl tert butyl ether (ETBE) in a gasoline-impacted aquifer was investigated in laboratory microcosms containing groundwater and aquifer material from ETBE-impacted and non-impacted locations amended with either ETBE, or ETBE plus methyl tert butyl ether (MTBE). As sole substrate, ETBE was biodegraded (maximum rate of 0.54 day-1) without a lag in ETBE-impacted microcosms but with a lag of up to 66 days in non-impacted microcosms (maximum rate of 0.38 day-1). As co-substrate, ETBE was biodegraded preferentially (maximum rate of 0.25 and 0.99 day-1 in non-impacted and impacted microcosms, respectively) before MTBE (maximum rate of 0.24 and 0.36 day-1 in non-impacted and impacted microcosms, respectively). Further addition of ETBE and MTBE reduced lags and increased biodegradation rates. ethB gene copy numbers increased significantly (>100 fold) after exposure to ETBE, while overall cell numbers remained constant, suggesting that ethB-containing microorganisms come to dominate the microbial communities. Deep sequencing of 16S rRNA genes identified members of the Comamonadaceae family that increased in relative abundance upon exposure to ETBE. This study demonstrates the potential for ETBE biodegradation within the unsaturated and saturated zone, and that ETBE biodegrading capability is rapidly developed and maintained within the aquifer microbial community over extended timescales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H C G Nicholls
- Groundwater Protection and Restoration Group, Dept of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
| | - H E H Mallinson
- Groundwater Protection and Restoration Group, Dept of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
| | - S A Rolfe
- Dept of Animal and Plant Sciences, Alfred Denny Building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - M Hjort
- Concawe, Environmental Science for European Refining, Boulevard du Souverain 165, 1160 Brussels, Belgium
| | - M J Spence
- Concawe, Environmental Science for European Refining, Boulevard du Souverain 165, 1160 Brussels, Belgium
| | - S F Thornton
- Groundwater Protection and Restoration Group, Dept of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lian S, Nikolausz M, Nijenhuis I, da Rocha UN, Liu B, Corrêa FB, Saraiva JP, Richnow HH. Biotransformation of hexachlorocyclohexanes contaminated biomass for energetic utilization demonstrated in continuous anaerobic digestion system. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 384:121448. [PMID: 31668499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lindane, the γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomer, was among the most used pesticides worldwide. Although it was banned in 2009, residues of Lindane and other HCH-isomers are still found with high concentrations in contaminated fields. For clean-up, phytoremediation combined with anaerobic digestion (AD) of contaminated biomass to produce biogas and fertilizer could be a promising strategy and was tested in two 15 L laboratory-scale continuous stirred tank reactors. During operation over one year by adding HCH isomers (γ, α and β) consecutively, no negative influence on conventional reactor parameters was observed. The γ- and α-HCH isomers were transformed to chlorobenzene and benzene, and transformation became faster along with time, while β-HCH was not removed. Genus Methanosaeta and order Clostridiales, showing significant enhancement on abundance with HCH addition, may be used as bioindicators for HCH dehalogenation in AD process. The potential for HCH degradation in AD system was restricted to axial Cl atoms of HCH and it showed slight enantioselective preference towards transformation of (+) α-HCH. Moreover, metabolite benzene was mineralized to CO2 and methane, deducing from tracer experiments with benzene-13C6. Overall, AD appears to be a feasible option for treatment of γ and α-HCHs contaminated biomass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Lian
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Marcell Nikolausz
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Ivonne Nijenhuis
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Ulisses Nunes da Rocha
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Felipe Borim Corrêa
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - João Pedro Saraiva
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Hans Hermann Richnow
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Narain-Ford DM, Bartholomeus RP, Dekker SC, van Wezel AP. Natural Purification Through Soils: Risks and Opportunities of Sewage Effluent Reuse in Sub-surface Irrigation. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 250:85-117. [PMID: 32939618 DOI: 10.1007/398_2020_49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dominique M Narain-Ford
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- KWR Water Research Institute, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.
| | - Ruud P Bartholomeus
- KWR Water Research Institute, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
- Soil Physics and Land Management, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan C Dekker
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Science, Faculty of Management, Science and Technology, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie P van Wezel
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Distinct Bacterial Consortia Established in ETBE-Degrading Enrichments from a Polluted Aquifer. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9204247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) is a gasoline additive that became an important aquifer pollutant. The information about natural bacterial consortia with a capacity for complete ETBE degradation is limited. Here we assess the taxonomical composition of bacterial communities and diversity of the ethB gene (involved in ETBE biodegradation) in ETBE-enrichment cultures that were established from a gasoline-polluted aquifer, either from anoxic ETBE-polluted plume water (PW), or from an upstream non-polluted water (UW). We used a 16S rRNA microarray, and 16S rRNA and ethB gene sequencing. Despite the dissimilar initial chemical conditions and microbial composition, ETBE-degrading consortia were obtained from both PW and UW. The composition of ETBE-enrichment cultures was distinct from their initial water samples, reflecting the importance of the rare biosphere as a reservoir of potential ETBE degraders. No convergence was observed between the enrichment cultures originating from UW and PW, which were dominated by Mesorhizobium and Hydrogenophaga, respectively, indicating that distinct consortia with the same functional properties may be present at one site. Conserved ethB genes were evidenced in both PW and UW ETBE-enrichment cultures and in PW water. Our results suggest that the presence of ethB genes rather than the taxonomical composition of in situ bacterial communities indicate the potential for the ETBE degradation at a given site.
Collapse
|
11
|
Lee TH, Cao WZ, Tsang DCW, Sheu YT, Shia KF, Kao CM. Emulsified polycolloid substrate biobarrier for benzene and petroleum-hydrocarbon plume containment and migration control - A field-scale study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 666:839-848. [PMID: 30818208 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this field-scale study was to assess the effectiveness of applying an emulsified polycolloid substrate (EPS; containing cane molasses, soybean oil, and surfactants) biobarrier in the control and remediation of a petroleum-hydrocarbon plume in natural waters. An abandoned petrochemical manufacturing facility site was contaminated by benzene and other petroleum products due to a leakage from a storage tank. Because benzene is a petroleum hydrocarbon with a high migration ability, it was used as the target compound in the field-scale study. Batch partition and sorption experiment results indicated that the EPS to water partition coefficient for benzene was 232 mg/mg at 25 °C. This suggests that benzene had a higher sorption affinity to EPS, which decreased the benzene concentrations in groundwater. The EPS solution was pressure-injected into three remediation wells (RWs; 150 L EPS in 800 L groundwater). Groundwater samples were collected from an upgradient background well, two downgradient monitor wells (MWs), and the three RWs for analyses. EPS injection increased total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations (up to 786 mg/L) in groundwater, which also resulted in the formation of anaerobic conditions. An abrupt drop in benzene concentration (from 6.9 to below 0.04 mg/L) was observed after EPS supplementation in the RWs due to both sorption and biodegradation mechanisms. Results show that the EPS supplement increased total viable bacteria and enhanced bioremediation efficiency, which accounted for the observed decrease in benzene concentration. The first-order decay rate in RW1 increased from 0.003 to 0.023 d-1 after EPS application. Injection of EPS resulted in significant growth of indigenous bacteria, and 23 petroleum-hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial species were detected, which enhanced the in situ benzene biodegradation efficiency. Results demonstrate that the EPS biobarrier can effectively contain a petroleum-hydrocarbon plume and prevent its migration to downgradient areas, which reduces the immediate risk presented to downgradient receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T H Lee
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - W Z Cao
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - D C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Y T Sheu
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - K F Shia
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - C M Kao
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
van der Waals MJ, Plugge C, Meima-Franke M, de Waard P, Bodelier PLE, Smidt H, Gerritse J. Ethyl tert-butyl ether (EtBE) degradation by an algal-bacterial culture obtained from contaminated groundwater. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 148:314-323. [PMID: 30391860 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
EtBE is a fuel oxygenate that is synthesized from (bio)ethanol and fossil-based isobutylene, and replaces the fossil-based MtBE. Biodegradation of EtBE to harmless metabolites or end products can reduce the environmental and human health risks after accidental release. In this study, an algal-bacterial culture enriched from contaminated groundwater was used to (i) assess the potential for EtBE degradation, (ii) resolve the EtBE degradation pathway and (iii) characterize the phylogenetic composition of the bacterial community involved in EtBE degradation in contaminated groundwater. In an unamended microcosm, algal growth was observed after eight weeks when exposed to a day-night light cycle. In the fed-batch reactor, oxygen produced by the algae Scenedesmus and Chlorella was used by bacteria to degrade 50 μM EtBE replenishments with a cumulative total of 1250 μM in a day/night cycle (650 lux), over a period of 913 days. The microbial community in the fed-batch reactor degraded EtBE, using a P450 monooxygenase and 2-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA mutase, to tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), ethanol and CO2 as determined using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and gas chromatography. Stable isotope probing (SIP) with 13C6 labeled EtBE in a fed-batch vessel showed no significant difference in community profiles of the 13C and 12C enriched DNA fractions, with representatives of the families Halomonadaceae, Shewanellaceae, Rhodocyclaceae, Oxalobacteraceae, Comamonadaceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Hyphomicrobiaceae, Candidatus Moranbacteria, Omnitrophica, Anaerolineaceae, Nocardiaceae, and Blastocatellaceae. This is the first study describing micro-oxic degradation of EtBE by an algal-bacterial culture. This algal-bacterial culture has advantages compared with conventional aerobic treatments: (i) a lower risk of EtBE evaporation and (ii) no need for external oxygen supply in the presence of light. This study provides novel leads towards future possibilities to implement algal-bacterial consortia in field-scale groundwater or wastewater treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelle J van der Waals
- Deltares, Subsurface and Groundwater Systems, Daltonlaan 600, 3584 BK, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Wageningen University & Research, Laboratory of Microbiology, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Caroline Plugge
- Wageningen University & Research, Laboratory of Microbiology, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marion Meima-Franke
- The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Department of Microbial Ecology, Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter de Waard
- Wageningen University & Research, BioNanoTechnology, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6700 EK, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Paul L E Bodelier
- The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Department of Microbial Ecology, Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Wageningen University & Research, Laboratory of Microbiology, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Gerritse
- Deltares, Subsurface and Groundwater Systems, Daltonlaan 600, 3584 BK, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|