Enhanced biodegradation of an endocrine disrupting micro-pollutant: Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate using biogenic self-assembled monolayer of silver nanoparticles

Nanomaterials in the environment and their pragmatic voyage at various trophic levels in an ecosystem

In the development of nanotechnology, nanomaterials (NMs) have a huge credential in advancing the existing follow-ups of analytical and diagnosis techniques, drug designing, agricultural science, electronics, cosmetics, sports, textiles and water purification. However, NMs have also grasped attention of researchers onto their toxicity. In the present review, initially the development of notable NMs such as metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles (NPs), magnetic NPs, carbon-based NMs and quantum dots intended to be commercialized along with their applications are discussed. This is followed by the current scenario of NMs in the environment to widen the outlook on the concentration of NPs in the environmental compartments and the frequency of organism exposed to NPs at varied trophic levels. In order to understand the physiochemical and morphological significance of NPs in exhibiting toxicity, fate of NPs in the environment is briefly deliberated. This is further geared-up to glance in-sightedly on the organisms starting from primary producer to primary consumer, secondary consumer, tertiary consumer and decomposers encountering NPs in their habitual niche. The state of NPs to which organisms are exposed, mechanism of NP uptake and toxicity, anomalies faced at each trophic level, concentration of NPs that is liable to cause toxicity and, biotransfer of NPs to the next generation and trophic level are detailed. Finally, the future prospects on bioaccumulation and biomagnification of NP-based products are conversed. Thus, the review would be noteworthy in unveiling the significance of NPs in forthcoming years combined with threat towards each organism in an ecosystem.

Study on the mechanism and degradation behavior of Encifer adhaerens DNM-S1 capturing dimethyl phthalate

The global concern surrounding pollution caused by phthalates is escalating, with dimethyl phthalate (DMP) emerging as one of the most prevalent contaminants within the phthalates (PAEs) category. Although the biodegradation of DMP is considered both safe and efficient, its underlying degradation mechanism is not yet fully elucidated, and the degradation performance can be somewhat inconsistent. To address this issue, our study isolated a DMP-degrading bacterium (DNM-S1) from a vegetable greenhouse. The resulting data revealed that DNM-S1 exhibited a remarkable degradation performance, successfully degrading 84.98% of a 2000 mg L-1 DMP solution within 72 h. Remarkably, it achieved complete degradation of a 50 mg L-1 DMP solution within just 3 h. DMP degradation by DNM-S1 was also found to be efficient even under low-temperature conditions (10 °C). Our research further indicates that DNM-S1 is capable of capturing DMP through the ester bond in the bacterium's cell wall fatty acids, forming hydrogen bonds through hydrophobic interactions. The DMP was then transported into the DNM-S1 protoplasm using an active transport mechanism. Interestingly, the secondary metabolites of DNM-S1 contained natural carotenoids, which could potentially counteract the damaging effects of PAEs on cell membrane permeability. In summary, these findings highlight the potential of DNM-S1 in addressing PAEs pollution and provide new insights into the metabolic mechanism of PAEs degradation.

Research and application of active species based on high-valent iron for the degradation of pollutants: A critical review

Fe(VI), as a new green treatment agent, has two indispensable processes in water treatment: coagulation and oxidation. Fe(VI) has a strong oxidation ability. The intermediate iron species (Fe(V) and Fe(IV)) and reactive radical species (H2O2, •OH, and O2•-) produced by decomposition and reduction reaction have strong oxidation ability, in addition, the hydrolyzed product formed in situ with core (γ-Fe2O3)-shell (γ-FeOOH) structure also has good coagulation effect. Because Fe(VI) is easy to decompose and challenging to preserve, it limits the application and sometimes significantly reduces the subsequent processing effect. How to make Fe(VI) more efficient use is a hot spot in current research. This article summarizes the distribution of active substances during the hydrolysis of Fe(VI), distinguish the differences mechanisms in the similar regulation methods, reviews the current preparation methods of Fe(VI), and finally reviews the applications of Fe(VI) in the field of environmental remediation.

Photocatalytic degradation of butyl benzyl phthalate by S-scheme Bi/Bi2O2CO3/Bi2S3 under simulated sunlight irradiation

As a kind of plasticizer, butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) presents a serious hazard to the ecosystem. Therefore, there is a strong need for an effective technique to eliminate the risk of BBP. In this work, a new photocatalyst of Bi/Bi2O2CO3/Bi2S3 with an S-scheme heterojunction was synthesized using Bi(NO3)3 as the Bi source, Na2S as the S source, and DMF as the carbon source and reductant. Numerous techniques have been used to characterize Bi/Bi2O2CO3/Bi2S3, such as scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The improved photoactivity of Bi/Bi2O2CO3/Bi2S3 was evaluated by photoelectrochemical response, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photoluminescence, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and electrochemical Mott Schottky spectroscopy. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of this composite for BBP degradation under simulated sunlight irradiation could be attributed to the surface plasmon resonance effect of Bi metal and the heterojunction structure of Bi2O2CO3 and Bi2S3. The degradation rate of Bi/Bi2O2CO3/Bi2S3 was 85%, which was 4.52 and 1.52 times that of Bi2O2CO3 and Bi2S3, respectively. The prepared photocatalyst possessed good stability and reproducibility in eliminating BBP. The improved photocatalytic activity of Bi/Bi2O2CO3/Bi2S3 was demonstrated with the formation of an S-scheme heterojunction, and the degradation mechanism was discussed with a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer.

Exposure and risk assessment of phthalates in environmental water using a three-template molecularly imprinted fiber array strategy

Phthalate is a kind of environmental estrogen having a reproductive toxicity effect on animals and plants in the environment, and its detection is prone to matrix interference. Nevertheless, the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) can resist matrix interference. A three-template MIP solid-phase microextraction fiber array technique with improved adsorption flux and extraction capacity was innovatively developed. Additionally, the three-template MIP fiber arrays were used to screen phthalates in environmental water. The result showed that the three-template MIP fiber array had great potential for monitoring and controlling phthalate in environmental water. Moreover, the enrichment factors of the three-template MIP fiber arrays were 1410.65, 2419.55, and 493.21 times those of PA, PDMS, and PDMS/DVB commercial fiber-constructed arrays, respectively. The risk assessment using risk quotient revealed that BBP and DPHP had a medium-high ecological risk, DMP had a medium-low ecological risk, while EP and BP had a minimal ecological risk. This strategy represents an effective, easily tailored, and reusable method to simultaneously enhance extraction capacity and adsorption flux. It is environmentally friendly and has great feasibility for specific recognition of phthalate from environmental water and ecological risk assessment.

A review on solution- and vapor-responsive sensors for the detection of phthalates

Phthalic acid esters, largely referred to as phthalates, are today acknowledged as important pollutants used in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based plastics, whose use extends to almost every aspect of modern life. The risk of exposure to phthalates is particularly relevant as high concentrations are regularly found in drinking water, food-contact materials and medical devices, motivating an immense body of research devoted to methods for their detection in liquid samples. Conversely, phthalate vapors have only recently been acknowledged as potentially important atmospheric pollutants and as early fire indicators; additionally, deposition of these vapors can pose significant problems to the proper functioning of spacecraft and diverse on-board devices, leading to major space agencies recognizing the need of developing vapor-responsive phthalate sensors. In this manuscript we present a literature survey on solution- and vapor-responsive sensors and analytical assays for the detection of phthalates, providing a detailed analysis of a vast array of analytical data to offer a clear idea on the analytical performance (limits of detection and quantification, linear range) and advantages provided by each class of sensor covered in this review (electrochemical, optical and vapor-responsive) in the context of their potential real-life applications; the manuscript also gives detailed fundamental information on the various physicochemical responses exploited by these sensors and assays that could potentially be harnessed by new researchers entering the field.

Full life cycle and sustainability transitions of phthalates in landfill: A review

Phthalates (PAEs) are added to various products as a plasticizer. As these products age and are disposed of, plastic waste containing PAEs enters the landfill. The landfill environment is complicated and can be regarded as a "black box". Also, PAEs do not bind with the polymer matrix. Therefore, when a series of physical chemistry and biological reactions occur during the stabilization of landfills, PAEs leach from waste and migrate to the surrounding environmental media, thereby contaminating the surrounding soil, water ecosystems, and atmosphere. Although research on PAEs has achieved progress over the years, they are mainly concentrated on a particular aspect of PAEs in the landfill; there are fewer inquiries on the life cycle of PAEs. In this study, we review the presence of PAEs in the landfill in the following aspects: (1) the main source of PAEs in landfills; (2) the impact of the landfill environment on PAE migration and conversion; (3) distribution and transmedia migration of PAEs in aquatic ecosystems, soils, and atmosphere; and (4) PAE management and control in the landfill and future research direction. The purpose is to track the life cycle of PAEs in landfills, provide scientific basis for in-depth understanding of the migration and transformation of PAEs and environmental pollution control in landfills, and new ideas for the sustainable utilization of landfills.

Phthalate esters: occurrence, toxicity, bioremediation, and advanced oxidation processes

Phthalic acid esters are emerging pollutants, commonly used as plasticizers that are categorized as hazardous endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). A rise in anthropogenic activities leads to an increase in phthalate concentration in the environment which leads to various adverse environmental effects and health issues in humans and other aquatic organisms. This paper gives an overview of the research related to phthalate ester contamination and degradation methods by conducting a bibliometric analysis with VOS Viewer. Ecotoxicity analysis requires an understanding of the current status of phthalate pollution, health impacts, exposure routes, and their sources. This review covers five toxic phthalates, occurrences in the aquatic environment, toxicity studies, biodegradation studies, and degradation pathways. It highlights the various advanced oxidation processes like photocatalysis, Fenton processes, ozonation, sonolysis, and modified AOPs used for phthalate removal from the environment.

Phthalates - A family of plasticizers, their health risks, phytotoxic effects, and microbial bioaugmentation approaches

Phthalates are a family of reprotoxicant compounds, predominantly used as a plasticizer to improve the flexibility and longevity of consumable plastic goods. After their use these plastic products find their way to the waste disposal sites where they leach out the hazardous phthalates present within them, into the surrounding environment, contaminating soil, groundwater resources, and the nearby water bodies. Subsequently, phthalates move into the living system through the food chain and exhibit the well-known phenomenon of biological magnification. Phthalates as a primary pollutant have been classified as 1B reprotoxicants and teratogens by different government authorities and they have thus imposed restrictions on their use. Nevertheless, the release of these compounds in the environment is unabated. Bioremediation has been suggested as one of the ways of mitigating this menace, but studies regarding the field applications of phthalate utilizing microbes for this purpose are limited. Through this review, we endeavor to make a deeper understanding of the cause and concern of the problem and to find out a possible solution to it. The review critically emphasizes the various aspects of phthalates toxicity, including their chemical nature, human health risks, phytoaccumulation and entry into the food chain, microbial role in phthalate degradation processes, and future challenges.

Impact of environmental phthalate on human health and their bioremediation strategies using fungal cell factory- A review

Phthalates are utilized as plasticizers in plastic products to enhance their durability, transparency, and elasticity. However, phthalates are not covalently bonded to the polymer matrix of the phthalate-containing products and can be gradually released into the environment through biogeochemical processes. Hence, phthalates are now pervasive in our environment, including our food. Reports suggested that phthalates exposure to the mammalian systems is linked to various health consequences. It has become vital to develop highly efficient strategies to reduce phthalates from the environment. In this context, the utilization of fungi for phthalate bioremediation (mycoremediation) is advantageous due to their highly effective enzyme secretory system. Extracellular and intracellular enzymes of fungi are believed to break down the phthalates by ester hydrolysis to produce phthalic acid and alcohol, and subsequent digestion of the benzene rings of phthalic acid and their metabolites. The present review scrutinizes and highlights the knowledge gap in phthalate prevalence, exposure to mammals, and associated human health challenges. Furthermore, discusses the role of fungi and their secretory enzymes in the biodegradation of phthalates and gives a perspective to better describe and tackle this continuous threat.

Rhodococcus strains as a good biotool for neutralizing pharmaceutical pollutants and obtaining therapeutically valuable products: Through the past into the future

Active pharmaceutical ingredients present a substantial risk when they reach the environment and drinking water sources. As a new type of dangerous pollutants with high chemical resistance and pronounced biological effects, they accumulate everywhere, often in significant concentrations (μg/L) in ecological environments, food chains, organs of farm animals and humans, and cause an intense response from the aquatic and soil microbiota. Rhodococcus spp. (Actinomycetia class), which occupy a dominant position in polluted ecosystems, stand out among other microorganisms with the greatest variety of degradable pollutants and participate in natural attenuation, are considered as active agents with high transforming and degrading impacts on pharmaceutical compounds. Many representatives of rhodococci are promising as unique sources of specific transforming enzymes, quorum quenching tools, natural products and novel antimicrobials, biosurfactants and nanostructures. The review presents the latest knowledge and current trends regarding the use of Rhodococcus spp. in the processes of pharmaceutical pollutants’ biodegradation, as well as in the fields of biocatalysis and biotechnology for the production of targeted pharmaceutical products. The current literature sources presented in the review can be helpful in future research programs aimed at promoting Rhodococcus spp. as potential biodegraders and biotransformers to control pharmaceutical pollution in the environment.

Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Application as Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents

The importance and need for eco-oriented technologies has increased worldwide, which leads to an enhanced development of methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles using biological agents. This review de-scribes the current approaches to the preparation of biogenic silver nanoparticles, using plant extracts and filtrates of fungi and microorganisms. The peculiarities of the synthesis of particles depending on the source of biocomponents are considered as well as physico-morphological, antibacterial and antifungal properties of the resulting nanoparticles which are compared with such properties of silver nanoparticles obtained by chemical synthesis. Special attention is paid to the process of self-assembly of biogenic silver nanoparticles.

Synergistic effects of silver nanoparticles and cisplatin in combating inflammation and hyperplasia of airway stents

Anti-inflammatory and antihyperplasia activities are essential requirements for the successful use of airway stents. In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and cisplatin (DDP) were combined in a synergistic modification strategy to improve the surface function of airway stents. Using polycaprolactone (PCL) as a drug carrier, a dual-functional PCL-AgNPs-DDP fiber film-coated airway stent was fabricated by electrospinning. The physicochemical and biological properties of the obtained fiber films were examined. The ATR-FTIR, XPS, SEM-EDS and TEM results suggested that AgNPs and DDP could be successfully immobilized onto the airway stent surface. The drug release and surface degradation results revealed that AgNPs and DDP can undergo sustained release from films for 30 d, and the weight loss was approximately 50% after 35 d. In addition, the dual-functional fiber film suppressed human embryonic lung fibroblast growth and exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the dual-functional fiber film-coated airway stent was evaluated by application to the trachea of New Zealand rabbits. The in vivo results indicated that PCL-AgNPs-DDP fiber film-coated airway stent can significantly inhibit granulation tissue formation and collagen deposition, reduced the expression of IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1α, PCNA, α-SMA and CD68, and ultimately achieved anti-inflammatory and antihyperplasia effects. Hence, this study provides a dual-functional surface-coated airway stent to address the clinical complications associated with respiratory tract inflammation and granulation tissue hyperplasia, thus inhibiting tracheal stenosis.

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This study provides a dual-functional PCL-AgNPs-DDP nanofiber film-coated airway stent.

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The airway stent processes antibacterial activity and suppress CCC-HPF-1 growth.

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The stent inhibits tracheal stenosis by antiinflammatory and antihyperplasia treatment.

High-efficiency degradation of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) by Pseudarthrobacter defluvii E5: Performance, degradative pathway, and key genes

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are a class of biologically accumulated carcinogenic and teratogenic toxic chemicals that exist widely in the environment. This study, Pseudarthrobacter defluvii E5 was isolated from agricultural soils and showed efficient PAEs-degradation and -mineralization abilities for five PAEs, and encouraging PAEs tolerance and bioavailable range for dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (0.25-1200 mg/L). The complete catalytic system in E5 genome enables PAEs to be degraded into monoester, phthalate (PA) and Protocatechuic acid (PCA), which eventually enter the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle). The preferred PAEs-metabolic pathway in soil by E5 is the metabolism induced by enzymes encoded by pehA, mehpH, pht Operon and pca Operon. For the first time, two para-homologous pht gene clusters were found to coexist on the plasmid and contribute to PAEs degradation. Further study showed that P. defluvii E5 has a broad application prospect in microplastics-contaminated environments.

Recent trends in microbial nanoparticle synthesis and potential application in environmental technology: a comprehensive review

Microbial technology comprising environment in various aspects of pollution monitoring, treatment of pollutants, and energy generation has been put forth by the researchers worldwide in an eco-friendly manner. During the past few decades, this revolution has pronounced microbial cells in green nanotechnology, extending the scope, efficiency, and investment capita at research institutes, industries, and global markets. In the present review, initially, the source for the microbial synthesis of nanoparticles will be discussed involving bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, microalgae, and viruses. Further, the mechanism and bio-components of microbial cells such as enzymes, proteins, peptides, amino-acids, exopolysaccharides, and others involved in the bio-reduction of metal ions to corresponding metal nanoparticles will be emphasized. The biosynthesized nanoparticles physicochemical properties and bio-reduction methods' advantages compared with synthetic methods will be detailed. To understand the suitability of biosynthesized nanoparticles in a wide range of applications, an overview of its blend of medicine, agriculture, and electronics will be discussed. This will be geared up with its applications specific to environmental aspects such as bioremediation, wastewater treatment, green-energy production, and pollution monitoring. Towards the end of the review, nano-waste management and limitations, i.e., void gaps that tend to impede the application of biosynthesized nanoparticles and microbial-based nanoparticles' prospects, will be deliberated. Thus, the review would claim to be worthy of unwrapping microorganisms sustainability in the emerging field of green nanotechnology.

Biotechnology-based microbial degradation of plastic additives

Plastic additives are agents responsible to the flame resistance, durability, microbial resistance, and flexibility of plastic products. High demand for production and use of plastic additives is associated with environmental accumulation and various health hazards. One of the suitable methods of depleting plastic additive in the environment is bioremediation as it offers cost-efficiency, convenience, and sustainability. Microbial activity is one of the effective ways of detoxifying various compounds as microorganisms can adapt in an environment with high prevalence of pollutants. The present review discusses the use and abundance of these plastic additives, their health-related risks, the microorganisms capable of degrading them, the proposed mechanism of biodegradation, and current innovations capable of improving the efficiency of bioremediation.

Rapidly degradation of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate by Z-scheme Bi2O3/TiO2@reduced graphene oxide driven by simulated solar radiation

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a priority environmental pollutant with carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic toxicity. Because it is widely used and ubiquitous in water, it is urgent to use a non-toxic, fast, and non-temperature dependent photocatalyst for degradation. Herein, a Z-scheme heterojunction composite catalyst consisting of Bi₂O₃ and TiO₂ with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a two-dimensional template was designed and characterized. Under simulated solar radiation, the catalyst doped with 4% rGO presented the best photocatalytic DEHP (10 mg L^-1) degradation at pH = 6, reaching 89% conversion in 90 min, and the degradation rate was 2.05 times higher than unmodified materials. The successful preparation of the Z-scheme junction enhanced the utilization of visible light region, thereby improving the DEHP's photocatalytic degradation performance. Subsequently, density functional theory (DFT) combined with GC-MS metabolite detection to propose a complete DEHP photocatalytic degradation mechanism. ·O₂^- and ·OH were detected as the primary reactive oxygen radicals involved in DEHP degradation, which easily attacked the O11 site with a high Fukui index (f⁰) through de-esterification, β-oxidation, and hydroxylation. While satisfying the rapid degradation, the highly repeatable catalyst cleaved the aromatic ring so that DEHP achieved mineralization during the degradation process. Therefore, its ability to completely degrade was very promising for environmental remediation, especially in water treatment. Besides, there were only a few studies on the degradation mechanism and reaction pathway of DEHP under visible light, which provided a theoretical basis for the aromatic compounds' photocatalysis research.

Detection of phthalate esters in PET bottled drinks and lake water using esterase/PANI/CNT/CuNP based electrochemical biosensor

Phthalate esters (PEs) are the most common plasticizers that tends to exhibit endocrine disruption. Since, these PEs are used in the manufacture of PET bottles and PVC products: point of exposure magnifies up on consumption of PET bottle and plastic container stored drinking water and beverages. Apart from human exposure to PEs, bioaccumulation of PEs and toxic effects among wildlife also seems to be divergent. In the present study, an enzyme-based biosensor for the detection of PEs was developed to overcome the tedious extraction procedures involving PE extraction and sophisticated instruments for the detection. Linear Sweep voltammetry analysis of Nafion (NF) surface modified glassy carbon electrode with esterase (EST) and nano-components was carried-out. Peak potential of individual PEs were in the range of -1.72 to -1.82 V at the concentration of 1 × 10^-5 mmol L^-1. Sensitivity of EST/PANI/CNT/CuNP-NF modified GCE was determined in terms of detection limit and was calibrated to be 0.03-0.08 nmol L^-1. Thus, the developed enzyme based electrochemical sensor could be successfully employed in determining PE exposure in humans and bioaccumulation among aquatic flora and fauna via., consumption of PET bottle stored drinks and industrial effluents discharged into the lakes.