1
|
Liu R, Xu H, Zhao S, Dong C, Li J, Wei G, Li G, Gong L, Yan P, Shao Z. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-degrading bacteria in the pelagic deep-sea sediments of the Pacific Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124131. [PMID: 38734049 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124131] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic pollution is widely found in deep-sea sediments. Despite being an international environmental issue, it remains unclear whether PET can be degraded through bioremediation in the deep sea. Pelagic sediments obtained from 19 sites across a wide geographic range in the Pacific Ocean were used to screen for bacteria with PET degrading potential. Bacterial consortia that could grow on PET as the sole carbon and energy source were found in 10 of the 19 sites. These bacterial consortia showed PET removal rate of 1.8%-16.2% within two months, which was further confirmed by the decrease of carbonyl and aliphatic hydrocarbon groups using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared analysis (ATR-FTIR). Analysis of microbial diversity revealed that Alcanivorax and Pseudomonas were predominant in all 10 PET degrading consortia. Meanwhile, Thalassospira, Nitratireductor, Nocardioides, Muricauda, and Owenweeksia were also found to possess PET degradation potential. Metabolomic analysis showed that Alcanivorax sp. A02-7 and Pseudomonas sp. A09-2 could turn PET into mono-(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) even in situ stimulation (40 MPa, 10 °C) conditions. These findings widen the currently knowledge of deep-sea PET biodegrading process with bacteria isolates and degrading mechanisms, and indicating that the marine environment is a source of biotechnologically promising bacterial isolates and enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renju Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Haiming Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Sufang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Chunming Dong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jianyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Guangshan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Linfeng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Peisheng Yan
- School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Zongze Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Giyahchi M, Moghimi H. Acceleration a yeast-based biodegradation process of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics by Tween 20: Efficiency, by-product analysis, and metabolic pathway Prediction. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124106. [PMID: 38705445 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124106] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate is a widely produced plastic polymer that exhibits considerable biodegradation resistance, making its derived microplastics ubiquitous environmental pollutants. In this study, a new yeast strain (Vanrija sp. SlgEBL5) was isolated and found to have lipase and esterase-positive capabilities for degrading polyethylene terephthalate microplastics. This isolate changed the microplastic surface charge from -19.3 to +31.0 mV and reduced more than 150 μm of its size in addition to reducing the intensity of the terephthalate, methylene, and ester bond functional groups of the polymer in 30 days. Tween 20 as a chemical auxiliary treatment combined with biodegradation increased the microplastic degradation rate from 10 to 16.6% and the thermal degradation rate from 85 to 89%. Releasing less potentially hazardous by-products like 1,2 diethyl-benzene despite the higher abundance of long-chain n-alkanes, including octadecane and tetracosane was also the result of the bio + chemical treatment. Altogether, the findings showed that Vanrija sp. SlgEBL5 has the potential as a biological treating agent for polyethylene terephthalate microplastics, and the simultaneous bio + chemical treatment enhanced the biodegradation rate and efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minoo Giyahchi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamid Moghimi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bocci V, Galafassi S, Levantesi C, Crognale S, Amalfitano S, Congestri R, Matturro B, Rossetti S, Di Pippo F. Freshwater plastisphere: a review on biodiversity, risks, and biodegradation potential with implications for the aquatic ecosystem health. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1395401. [PMID: 38699475 PMCID: PMC11064797 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1395401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The plastisphere, a unique microbial biofilm community colonizing plastic debris and microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments, has attracted increasing attention owing to its ecological and public health implications. This review consolidates current state of knowledge on freshwater plastisphere, focussing on its biodiversity, community assembly, and interactions with environmental factors. Current biomolecular approaches revealed a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic taxa associated with plastic surfaces. Despite their ecological importance, the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and mobile genetic elements (i.e., antibiotic resistance genes) raises concerns for ecosystem and human health. However, the extent of these risks and their implications remain unclear. Advanced sequencing technologies are promising for elucidating the functions of plastisphere, particularly in plastic biodegradation processes. Overall, this review emphasizes the need for comprehensive studies to understand plastisphere dynamics in freshwater and to support effective management strategies to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on freshwater resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Bocci
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Galafassi
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina Levantesi
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Crognale
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Amalfitano
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberta Congestri
- Laboratory of Biology of Algae, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruna Matturro
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Rossetti
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Pippo
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pawano O, Jenpuntarat N, Streit WR, Pérez-García P, Pongtharangkul T, Phinyocheep P, Thayanukul P, Euanorasetr J, Intra B. Exploring untapped bacterial communities and potential polypropylene-degrading enzymes from mangrove sediment through metagenomics analysis. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1347119. [PMID: 38638899 PMCID: PMC11024650 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1347119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The versatility of plastic has resulted in huge amounts being consumed annually. Mismanagement of post-consumption plastic material has led to plastic waste pollution. Biodegradation of plastic by microorganisms has emerged as a potential solution to this problem. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the microbial communities involved in the biodegradation of polypropylene (PP). Mangrove soil was enriched with virgin PP sheets or chemically pretreated PP comparing between 2 and 4 months enrichment to promote the growth of bacteria involved in PP biodegradation. The diversity of the resulting microbial communities was accessed through 16S metagenomic sequencing. The results indicated that Xanthomonadaceae, unclassified Gaiellales, and Nocardioidaceae were promoted during the enrichment. Additionally, shotgun metagenomics was used to investigate enzymes involved in plastic biodegradation. The results revealed the presence of various putative plastic-degrading enzymes in the mangrove soil, including alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, and alkane hydroxylase. The degradation of PP plastic was determined using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Water Contact Angle measurements. The FTIR spectra showed a reduced peak intensity of enriched and pretreated PP compared to the control. SEM images revealed the presence of bacterial biofilms as well as cracks on the PP surface. Corresponding to the FTIR and SEM analysis, the water contact angle measurement indicated a decrease in the hydrophobicity of PP and pretreated PP surface during the enrichment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Onnipa Pawano
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Mahidol University and Osaka Collaborative Research Center on Bioscience and Biotechnology, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nuttarin Jenpuntarat
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Mahidol University and Osaka Collaborative Research Center on Bioscience and Biotechnology, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wolfgang R. Streit
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Pablo Pérez-García
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Molecular Microbiology, Institute of General Microbiology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Pranee Phinyocheep
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Parinda Thayanukul
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Faculty of Science, Center of Excellence for Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases, Mahidol University at Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Jirayut Euanorasetr
- Laboratory of Biotechnological Research for Energy and Bioactive Compound (BREBC), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bungonsiri Intra
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Mahidol University and Osaka Collaborative Research Center on Bioscience and Biotechnology, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Yang H, Cui L, Qian H. Mining strategies for isolating plastic-degrading microorganisms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123572. [PMID: 38369095 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123572] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste is a growing global pollutant. Plastic degradation by microorganisms has captured attention as an earth-friendly tactic. Although the mechanisms of plastic degradation by bacteria, fungi, and algae have been explored over the past decade, a large knowledge gap still exists regarding the identification, sorting, and cultivation of efficient plastic degraders, primarily because of their uncultivability. Advances in sequencing techniques and bioinformatics have enabled the identification of microbial degraders and related enzymes and genes involved in plastic biodegradation. In this review, we provide an outline of the situation of plastic degradation and summarize the methods for effective microbial identification using multidisciplinary techniques such as multiomics, meta-analysis, and spectroscopy. This review introduces new strategies for controlling plastic pollution in an environmentally friendly manner. Using this information, highly efficient and colonizing plastic degraders can be mined via targeted sorting and cultivation. In addition, based on the recognized rules and plastic degraders, we can perform an in-depth analysis of the associated degradation mechanism, metabolic features, and interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, PR China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, PR China
| | - Huihui Yang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, PR China
| | - Li Cui
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China
| | - Haifeng Qian
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Thirumalaivasan N, Kanagaraj K, Logesh K, Chandrasekaran S, Kumar S, Subramanian R, Senthilkumar N, Kumar A, Angadi VJ, A Al-Kahtani A. Exploring luminescent carbon dots derived from syrup bottle waste and curcumin for potential antimicrobial and bioimaging applications. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 354:141592. [PMID: 38467196 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141592] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we utilized a navel hybrid material, prepared by fusing fluorescent Carbon Dots SyCDs, derived from syrup bottles, with curcumin. This innovative approach not only offers significant advancements in antimicrobial activity and bioimaging but also represents a stride in sustainable and eco-friendly nanotechnology. The core of our study is the development of an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious method for synthesizing SyCDs. This is achieved by repurposing waste syrup bottles, thus addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste. The incorporation of curcumin, renowned for its biological properties, enhances the luminescent characteristics of SyCDs and augments their functionality. This combination overcomes the inherent limitations of curcumin when used in isolation. The hybrid material exhibits enhanced antimicrobial properties and proves to be a potent alternative to conventional fluorescent dyes for bioimaging, marking a substantial leap in the field of sustainable nanomaterials. Our work not only demonstrates the versatile applications of luminescent SyCDs in health and environmental science but also underscores the potential of sustainable approaches in addressing global environmental challenges. This study, represents a significant contribution to the domain of sustainable nanotechnology, highlighting the transformative power of integrating waste management with advanced material science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natesan Thirumalaivasan
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Kuppusamy Kanagaraj
- Center for Supramolecular Chemistry & Catalysis and Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Kamaraj Logesh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sridhar Chandrasekaran
- School of Electronics Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Centre for Research Impact and Outcomes, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Raghunandhakumar Subramanian
- Cancer and Stem Cell Research Lab, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nangan Senthilkumar
- Department of Chemistry, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Bell Road, Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh,174103, India
| | | | - Abdullah A Al-Kahtani
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Singh P, Lau CSS, Siah SY, Chua KO, Ting ASY. Microbial degradation of low-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene by novel isolates from plastic-polluted environment. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:188. [PMID: 38519709 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03895-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradation is an eco-friendly measure to address plastic pollution. This study screened four bacterial isolates that were capable of degrading recalcitrant polymers, i.e., low-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene. The unique bacterial isolates were obtained from plastic polluted environment. Dermacoccus sp. MR5 (accession no. OP592184) and Corynebacterium sp. MR10 (accession no. OP536169) from Malaysian mangroves and Bacillus sp. BS5 (accession no. OP536168) and Priestia sp. TL1 (accession no. OP536170) from a sanitary landfill. The four isolates showed a gradual increase in the microbial count and the production of laccase and esterase enzymes after 4 weeks of incubation with the polymers (independent experiment set). Bacillus sp. BS5 produced the highest laccase 15.35 ± 0.19 U/mL and showed the highest weight loss i.e., 4.84 ± 0.6% for PS. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups as a result of oxidation reactions by enzymes. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed the oxidation of the polymers to small molecules (alcohol, ethers, and acids) assimilated by the microbes during the degradation. Field emission scanning electron microscopy showed bacterial colonization, biofilm formation, and surface erosion on the polymer surface. The result provided significant insight into enzyme activities and the potential of isolates to target more than one type of polymer for degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Singh
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Claudeen Sze Siang Lau
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sze Yin Siah
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kah Ooi Chua
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Adeline Su Yien Ting
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang Y, Cao Y, Chen B, Dong G, Zhao Y, Zhang B. Marine biodegradation of plastic films by Alcanivorax under various ambient temperatures: Bacterial enrichment, morphology alteration, and release of degradation products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170527. [PMID: 38286285 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170527] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The global ocean has been receiving massive amounts of plastic wastes. Marine biodegradation, influenced by global climate, naturally breaks down these wastes. In this study, we systematically compared the biodegradation performance of petroleum- and bio-based plastic films, i.e., low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) under three ambient temperatures (4, 15, and 22 °C). We deployed the our previously isolated cold-tolerant plastic-degrading Alcanivorax to simulate the accelerated marine biodegradation process and evaluated the alteration of bacterial growth, plastic films, and released degradation products. Notably, we found that marine biodegradation of PHA films enriched more bacterial amounts, induced more conspicuous morphological damage, and released more microplastics (MPs) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) under all temperatures compared to LDPE and PLA. Particularly, MPs were released from film edges and cracks with a mean size of 2.8 μm under all temperatures. In addition, the degradation products released by biodegradation of PHA under 22 °C induced the highest acute toxicity to Vibrio fischeri. Our results highlighted that: (1) marine biodegradation of plastics would release millions of MPs per cm2 exposed surface area even in cold environments within 60 days; (2) different marine biodegradation scenarios of these plastics may raise disparate impacts and mitigation-related studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanmei Zhang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Yiqi Cao
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
| | - Bing Chen
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Guihua Dong
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Yuanyuan Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Baiyu Zhang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Anusha JR, Citarasu T, Uma G, Vimal S, Kamaraj C, Kumar V, Muzammil K, Mani Sankar M. Recent advances in nanotechnology-based modifications of micro/nano PET plastics for green energy applications. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141417. [PMID: 38340992 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141417] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic is an omnipresent synthetic polymer in our lives, which causes negative impacts on the ecosystem. It is crucial to take mandatory action to control the usage and sustainable disposal of PET plastics. Recycling plastics using nanotechnology offers potential solutions to the challenges associated with traditional plastic recycling methods. Nano-based degradation techniques improve the degradation process through the influence of catalysts. It also plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling processes and modifying them into value-added products. The modified PET waste plastics can be utilized to manufacture batteries, supercapacitors, sensors, and so on. The waste PET modification methods have massive potential for research, which can play major role in removing post-consumer plastic waste. The present review discusses the effects of micro/nano plastics in terrestrial and marine ecosystems and its impacts on plants and animals. Briefly, the degradation and bio-degradation methods in recent research were explored. The depolymerization methods used for the production of monomers from PET waste plastics were discussed in detail. Carbon nanotubes, fullerene, and graphene nanosheets synthesized from PET waste plastics were delineated. The reuse of nanotechnologically modified PET waste plastics for potential green energy storage products, such as batteries, supercapacitors, and sensors were presented in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J R Anusha
- Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Rajakkamangalam, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, 629 502, India
| | - T Citarasu
- Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Rajakkamangalam, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, 629 502, India
| | - G Uma
- Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Rajakkamangalam, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, 629 502, India
| | - S Vimal
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Chinnaperumal Kamaraj
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM), Directorate of Research, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu - 603203, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Khursheed Muzammil
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushait Campus, King Khalid University, Abha, 62561, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Mani Sankar
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, Tamilnadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lamprea-Pineda PA, Demeestere K, González-Cortés JJ, Boon N, Devlieghere F, Van Langenhove H, Walgraeve C. Addition of (bio)surfactants in the biofiltration of hydrophobic volatile organic compounds in air. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 353:120132. [PMID: 38286067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120132] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air is of utmost importance to safeguard both environmental quality and human well-being. However, the low aqueous solubility of hydrophobic VOCs results in poor removal in waste gas biofilters (BFs). In this study, we evaluated the addition of (bio)surfactants in three BFs (BF1 and BF2 mixture of compost and wood chips (C + WC), and BF3 filled with expanded perlite) to enhance the removal of cyclohexane and hexane from a polluted gas stream. Experiments were carried out to select two (bio)surfactants (i.e., Tween 80 and saponin) out of five (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Tween 80, surfactin, rhamnolipid and saponin) from a physical-chemical (i.e., decreasing VOC gas-liquid partitioning) and biological (i.e., the ability of the microbial consortium to grow on the (bio)surfactants) point of view. The results show that adding Tween 80 at 1 critical micelle concentration (CMC) had a slight positive effect on the removal of both VOCs, in BF1 (e.g., 7.0 ± 0.6 g cyclohexane m-3 h-1, 85 ± 2% at 163 s; compared to 6.7 ± 0.4 g cyclohexane m-3 h-1, 76 ± 2% at 163 s and 0 CMC) and BF2 (e.g., 4.3 ± 0.4 g hexane m-3 h-1, 27 ± 2% at 82 s; compared to 3.1 ± 0.7 g hexane m-3 h-1, 16 ± 4% at 82 s and 0 CMC), but a negative effect in BF3 at either 1, 3 and 9 CMC (e.g., 2.4 ± 0.4 g hexane m-3 h-1, 30 ± 4% at 163 s and 1 CMC; compared to 4.6 ± 1.0 g hexane m-3 h-1, 43 ± 8% at 163 s and 0 CMC). In contrast, the performance of all BFs improved with the addition of saponin, particularly at 3 CMC. Notably, in BF3, the elimination capacity (EC) and removal efficiency (RE) doubled for both VOCs (i.e., 9.1 ± 0.6 g cyclohexane m-3 h-1, 49 ± 3%; 4.3 ± 0.3 g hexane m-3 h-1, 25 ± 3%) compared to no biosurfactant addition (i.e., 4.5 ± 0.4 g cyclohexane m-3 h-1, 23 ± 3%; hexane 2.2 ± 0.5 g m-3 h-1, 10 ± 2%) at 82 s. Moreover, the addition of the (bio)surfactants led to a shift in the microbial consortia, with a different response in BF1-BF2 compared to BF3. This study evaluates for the first time the use of saponin in BFs, it demonstrates that cyclohexane and hexane RE can be improved by (bio)surfactant addition, and it provides recommendations for future studies in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Alejandra Lamprea-Pineda
- Research Group Environmental Organic Chemistry and Technology (EnVOC), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent Belgium.
| | - Kristof Demeestere
- Research Group Environmental Organic Chemistry and Technology (EnVOC), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent Belgium.
| | - José Joaquín González-Cortés
- Research Group Environmental Organic Chemistry and Technology (EnVOC), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent Belgium; Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology, Vine and Agri-Food Research Institute (IVAGRO), University of Cadiz, Pol. Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real, 11510, Cadiz Spain.
| | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent Belgium.
| | - Frank Devlieghere
- Research Group Food Microbiology and Food Preservation (FMFP), Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent Belgium.
| | - Herman Van Langenhove
- Research Group Environmental Organic Chemistry and Technology (EnVOC), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent Belgium.
| | - Christophe Walgraeve
- Research Group Environmental Organic Chemistry and Technology (EnVOC), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Safdar A, Ismail F, Safdar M, Imran M. Eco-friendly approaches for mitigating plastic pollution: advancements and implications for a greener future. Biodegradation 2024:10.1007/s10532-023-10062-1. [PMID: 38310578 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-023-10062-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a global problem since the extensive use of plastic in industries such as packaging, electronics, manufacturing and construction, healthcare, transportation, and others. This has resulted in an environmental burden that is continually growing, which has inspired many scientists as well as environmentalists to come up with creative solutions to deal with this problem. Numerous studies have been reviewed to determine practical, affordable, and environmentally friendly solutions to regulate plastic waste by leveraging microbes' innate abilities to naturally decompose polymers. Enzymatic breakdown of plastics has been proposed to serve this goal since the discovery of enzymes from microbial sources that truly interact with plastic in its naturalistic environment and because it is a much faster and more effective method than others. The scope of diverse microbes and associated enzymes in polymer breakdown is highlighted in the current review. The use of co-cultures or microbial consortium-based techniques for the improved breakdown of plastic products and the generation of high-value end products that may be utilized as prototypes of bioenergy sources is highlighted. The review also offers a thorough overview of the developments in the microbiological and enzymatic biological degradation of plastics, as well as several elements that impact this process for the survival of our planet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Safdar
- Department of Biochemistry, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Punjab, Pakistan
- The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Ismail
- Department of Biochemistry, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Punjab, Pakistan.
- The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Punjab, Pakistan.
| | - Maryem Safdar
- University College of Conventional Medicine, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Punjab, Pakistan
- The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Institute of Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 5180600, Guangdong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lamprea Pineda PA, Demeestere K, González-Cortés JJ, Alvarado-Alvarado AA, Boon N, Devlieghere F, Van Langenhove H, Walgraeve C. Effect of inoculum type, packing material and operational conditions on the biofiltration of a mixture of hydrophobic volatile organic compounds in air. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:167326. [PMID: 37748600 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere causes negative environmental and health effects. Biofiltration is known to be an efficient and cost-effective treatment technology for the removal of VOCs in waste gas streams. However, little is known on the removal of VOC mixtures and the effect of operational conditions, particularly for hydrophobic VOCs, and on the microbial populations governing the biofiltration process. In this study, we evaluated the effect of inoculum type (acclimated activated sludge (A-AS) versus Rhodococcus erythropolis) and packing material (mixture of compost and wood chips (C + WC) versus expanded perlite) on the removal of a mixture of hydrophobic VOCs (toluene, cyclohexane and hexane) in three biofilters (BFs), i.e., BF1: C + WC and R. erythropolis; BF2: C + WC and A-AS; and BF3: expanded perlite and R. erythropolis. The BFs were operated for 374 days at varying inlet loads (ILs) and empty bed residence times (EBRTs). The results showed that the VOCs were removed in the following order: toluene > cyclohexane > hexane, which corresponds to their air-water partitioning coefficient and thus bioavailability of each VOC. Toluene is the most hydrophilic VOC, while hexane is the most hydrophobic. BF2 outperformed BF1 and BF3 in each operational phase, with average maximum elimination capacities (ECmax) of 21 ± 3 g toluene m-3 h-1 (removal efficiency (RE): 100 %; EBRT: 82 s), 11 ± 2 g cyclohexane m-3 h-1 (RE: 86 ± 6 %; EBRT: 163 s) and 6.2 ± 0.9 g hexane m-3 h-1 (RE: 96 ± 4 %; EBRT: 245 s). Microbial analysis showed that despite having different inocula, the genera Rhodococcus, Mycobacterium and/or Pseudonocardia dominated in all BFs but at different relative abundances. This study provides new insights into the removal of difficult-to-degrade VOC mixtures with limited research to date on biofiltration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Alejandra Lamprea Pineda
- Research group EnVOC, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kristof Demeestere
- Research group EnVOC, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - José Joaquín González-Cortés
- Research group EnVOC, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology, Vine and Agri-Food Research Institute (IVAGRO), University of Cadiz, Pol. Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real 11510, Cadiz, Spain.
| | - Allan A Alvarado-Alvarado
- Research group EnVOC, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology - CMET, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Frank Devlieghere
- Research group FMFP, Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Herman Van Langenhove
- Research group EnVOC, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Christophe Walgraeve
- Research group EnVOC, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Di Pippo F, Bocci V, Amalfitano S, Crognale S, Levantesi C, Pietrelli L, Di Lisio V, Martinelli A, Rossetti S. Microbial colonization patterns and biodegradation of petrochemical and biodegradable plastics in lake waters: insights from a field experiment. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1290441. [PMID: 38125574 PMCID: PMC10731271 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1290441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Once dispersed in water, plastic materials become promptly colonized by biofilm-forming microorganisms, commonly known as plastisphere. Methods By combining DNA sequencing and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), we investigated the plastisphere colonization patterns following exposure to natural lake waters (up to 77 days) of either petrochemical or biodegradable plastic materials (low density polyethylene - LDPE, polyethylene terephthalate - PET, polylactic acid - PLA, and the starch-based MaterBi® - Mb) in comparison to planktonic community composition. Chemical composition, water wettability, and morphology of plastic surfaces were evaluated, through Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and static contact angle analysis, to assess the possible effects of microbial colonization and biodegradation activity. Results and Discussion The phylogenetic composition of plastisphere and planktonic communities was notably different. Pioneering microbial colonisers, likely selected from lake waters, were found associated with all plastic materials, along with a core of more than 30 abundant bacterial families associated with all polymers. The different plastic materials, either derived from petrochemical hydrocarbons (i.e., LDPE and PET) or biodegradable (PLA and Mb), were used by opportunistic aquatic microorganisms as adhesion surfaces rather than carbon sources. The Mb-associated microorganisms (i.e. mostly members of the family Burkholderiaceae) were likely able to degrade the starch residues on the polymer surfaces, although the Mb matrix maintained its original chemical structure and morphology. Overall, our findings provide insights into the complex interactions between aquatic microorganisms and plastic materials found in lake waters, highlighting the importance of understanding the plastisphere dynamics to better manage the fate of plastic debris in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Di Pippo
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Bocci
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Amalfitano
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Crognale
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina Levantesi
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valerio Di Lisio
- Donostia International Physics Center, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal, San Sebastián, Spain
| | | | - Simona Rossetti
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhao S, Liu R, Wang J, Lv S, Zhang B, Dong C, Shao Z. Biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by diverse marine bacteria in deep-sea sediments. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2719-2731. [PMID: 37421171 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
PET plastic waste entering the oceans is supposed to take hundreds of years to degrade and tends to accumulate in the deep sea. However, we know little about the bacteria capable of plastic degradation therein. To determine whether PET-degrading bacteria are present in deep-sea sediment, we collected the samples from the eastern central Pacific Ocean and initiated microbial incubation with PET as the carbon source. After enrichment with PET for 2 years, we gained all 15 deep-sea sediment communities at five oceanic sampling sites. Bacterial isolation for pure culture and further growth tests confirmed that diverse bacteria possess degradation ability including Alcanivorax xenomutans BC02_1_A5, Marinobacter sediminum BC31_3_A1, Marinobacter gudaonensis BC06_2_A6, Thalassospira xiamenensis BC02_2_A1 and Nocardioides marinus BC14_2_R3. Furthermore, four strains were chosen as representatives to reconfirm the PET degradation capability by SEM, weight loss and UPLC-MS. The results showed that after 30-day incubation, 1.3%-1.8% of PET was lost. De-polymerization of PET by the four strains was confirmed by the occurrence of the PET monomer of MHET and TPA as the key degradation products. Bacterial consortia possessing PET-degrading potential are prevalent and diverse and might play a key role in the removal of PET pollutants in deep oceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sufang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Xiamen, China
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai, China
| | - Renju Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Xiamen, China
- School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Xiamen, China
| | - Shiwei Lv
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Xiamen, China
- School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Benjuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Xiamen, China
- School of Fisheries and Life, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunming Dong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Xiamen, China
| | - Zongze Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Xiamen, China
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai, China
- School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
- School of Fisheries and Life, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Qiu C, Zhou Y, Wang H, Chu Y, Zheng L, Chen Y, Song Y, Fang C. Microplastics enrichment characteristics of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens in landfill leachate. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:140100. [PMID: 37683946 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a pressing environmental issue for aquatic ecosystems. Landfill leachate is an important contributor of MPs and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs). However, there are few studies on the colonization of ARGs and pathogens on MPs in leachate. This study conducted incubation experiments with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) MPs in landfill leachate which were about 3-5 years old (PL) and 5-10 years old (AL). After incubation, the bacterial cells colonized and grew on the surface of MPs, inducing the increase of oxygenated oxygen functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl, carbonyl) on the MPs surface. Real-time PCR indicated that MPs selectively enriched ARGs, such as genes tetM, tetC, mcr-1, aac(6')-Ib-cr, blaTEM and blaSHV in leachate. The diversity of bacterial communities on MPs was significantly increased in AL leachate, but decreased in PL leachate. The differences in bacterial communities in MPs biofilms were related to the type of MPs. Compared with AL leachate, the abundance of Chloroflexi increased by 15.7% on the PET, and the abundance of Acidobacteriota increased by 6.23 fold on the PP. The abundance of Firmicutes increased from 20.7% in PL leachate to 65.8% and 60.7% on PET and PP, respectively. Additionally, pathogens were observed to be more abundant on MPs compared to leachate. In particular, pathogens (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterobacter and Rhodococcus) associated with sul1 and sul2 were generally present at higher levels on MPs than in the surrounding leachate. These results provide significant implications for understanding the health risk of MPs in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qiu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiwei Zhou
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua Wang
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-treatment of Waste Biomass of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yixuan Chu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongmin Chen
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-treatment of Waste Biomass of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yali Song
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-treatment of Waste Biomass of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengran Fang
- College of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kim JH, Lee SH, Lee BM, Son KH, Park HY. Biodegradation Potential of Polyethylene Terephthalate by the Two Insect Gut Symbionts Xanthomonas sp. HY-74 and Bacillus sp. HY-75. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3546. [PMID: 37688172 PMCID: PMC10489954 DOI: 10.3390/polym15173546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a plastic material that is widely used in beverage bottles, food packaging, and other consumer products, which is highly resistant to biodegradation. In this study, we investigated the effects of two insect gut symbionts, Xanthomonas sp. HY-74 and Bacillus sp. HY-75, during PET biodegradation. Both strains degraded PET-containing agar plates, and the sole nutrition source assay showed that HY-74 had different degradation rates depending on the presence of specific carbon and nitrogen sources, whereas HY-75 exhibited comparable degradation across all tested conditions. The two strains biodegraded the PET film with 1.57 ± 0.21% and 1.42 ± 0.46% weight loss after 6 weeks, respectively. Changes in the morphology and structure of the PET films, such as erosion, scratching, and surface roughening, were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further, the two strains biodegraded PET powder, broke it into its degradation products, and changed the surface functional groups. This is the first study to investigate the biodegradation of PET by Hymenoptera gut-derived microbes and offers promising insights into the potential applications of insect gut symbionts in PET waste management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ho-Yong Park
- Microbiome Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.K.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-M.L.); (K.-H.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Vogel AL, Thompson KJ, Straub D, App CB, Gutierrez T, Löffler FE, Kleindienst S. Substrate-independent expression of key functional genes in Cycloclasticus pugetii strain PS-1 limits their use as markers for PAH biodegradation. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1185619. [PMID: 37455737 PMCID: PMC10338962 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1185619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons is a crucial process for the clean-up of oil-contaminated environments. Cycloclasticus spp. are well-known polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) degraders that possess PAH-degradation marker genes including rhd3α, rhd2α, and pahE. However, it remains unknown if the expression of these genes can serve as an indicator for active PAH degradation. Here, we determined transcript-to-gene (TtG) ratios with (reverse transcription) qPCR in cultures of Cycloclasticus pugetii strain PS-1 grown with naphthalene, phenanthrene, a mixture of these PAHs, or alternate substrates (i.e., no PAHs). Mean TtG ratios of 1.99 × 10-2, 1.80 × 10-3, and 3.20 × 10-3 for rhd3α, rhd2α, and pahE, respectively, were measured in the presence or absence of PAHs. The TtG values suggested that marker-gene expression is independent of PAH degradation. Measurement of TtG ratios in Arctic seawater microcosms amended with water-accommodated crude oil fractions, and incubated under in situ temperature conditions (i.e., 1.5°C), only detected Cycloclasticus spp. rhd2α genes and transcripts (mean TtG ratio of 4.15 × 10-1). The other marker genes-rhd3α and pahE-were not detected, suggesting that not all Cycloclasticus spp. carry these genes and a broader yet-to-be-identified repertoire of PAH-degradation genes exists. The results indicate that the expression of PAH marker genes may not correlate with PAH-degradation activity, and transcription data should be interpreted cautiously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjela L. Vogel
- Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management (ISWA), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Katharine J. Thompson
- Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management (ISWA), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Daniel Straub
- Quantitative Biology Center (QBiC), Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence: EXC 2124: Controlling Microbes to Fight Infection, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Constantin B. App
- Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tony Gutierrez
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Frank E. Löffler
- Center for Environmental Biotechnology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Sara Kleindienst
- Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management (ISWA), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tang Y, Hardy TJ, Yoon JY. Receptor-based detection of microplastics and nanoplastics: Current and future. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 234:115361. [PMID: 37148803 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an emerging environmental concern, gaining significant attention worldwide. They are classified into microplastics (MP; defined from 1 μm to 5 mm) and smaller nanoplastics (NP; <1 μm). NPs may pose higher ecological risks than MPs. Various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques have been used to detect MPs, and the same methods have occasionally been used for NPs. However, they are not based on receptors, which provide high specificity in most biosensing applications. Receptor-based micro/nanoplastics (MNP) detection can provide high specificity, distinguishing MNPs from the environmental samples and, more importantly, identifying the plastic types. It can also offer a low limit of detection (LOD) required for environmental screening. Such receptors are expected to detect NPs specifically at the molecular level. This review categorizes the receptors into cells, proteins, peptides, fluorescent dyes, polymers, and micro/nanostructures. Detection techniques used with these receptors are also summarized and categorized. There is plenty of room for future research to test for broader classes of environmental samples and many plastic types, to lower the LOD, and to apply the current techniques for NPs. Portable and handheld MNP detection should also be demonstrated for field use since the current demonstrations primarily utilized laboratory instruments. Detection on microfluidic platforms will also be crucial in miniaturizing and automating the assay and, eventually, collecting an extensive database to support machine learning-based classification of MNP types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yisha Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Trinity J Hardy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Jeong-Yeol Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhai X, Zhang XH, Yu M. Microbial colonization and degradation of marine microplastics in the plastisphere: A review. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1127308. [PMID: 36876073 PMCID: PMC9981674 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1127308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine microplastic pollution is a growing problem for ecotoxicology that needs to be resolved. In particular, microplastics may be carriers of "dangerous hitchhikers," pathogenic microorganisms, i.e., Vibrio. Microplastics are colonized by bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, algae and protozoans, resulting in the biofilm referred to as the "plastisphere." The microbial community composition of the plastisphere differs significantly from those of surrounding environments. Early dominant pioneer communities of the plastisphere belong to primary producers, including diatoms, cyanobacteria, green algae and bacterial members of the Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria. With time, the plastisphere mature, and the diversity of microbial communities increases quickly to include more abundant Bacteroidetes and Alphaproteobacteria than natural biofilms. Factors driving the plastisphere composition include environmental conditions and polymers, with the former having a much larger influence on the microbial community composition than polymers. Microorganisms of the plastisphere may play key roles in degradation of plastic in the oceans. Up to now, many bacterial species, especially Bacillus and Pseudomonas as well as some polyethylene degrading biocatalysts, have been shown to be capable of degrading microplastics. However, more relevant enzymes and metabolisms need to be identified. Here, we elucidate the potential roles of quorum sensing on the plastic research for the first time. Quorum sensing may well become a new research area to understand the plastisphere and promote microplastics degradation in the ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zhai
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Min Yu
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhi Xiang JK, Bairoliya S, Cho ZT, Cao B. Plastic-microbe interaction in the marine environment: Research methods and opportunities. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107716. [PMID: 36587499 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 9 million metric tons of plastics enters the ocean annually, and once in the marine environment, plastic surfaces can be quickly colonised by marine microorganisms, forming a biofilm. Studies on plastic debris-biofilm associations, known as plastisphere, have increased exponentially within the last few years. In this review, we first briefly summarise methods and techniques used in exploring plastic-microbe interactions. Then we highlight research gaps and provide future research opportunities for marine plastisphere studies, especially, on plastic characterisation and standardised biodegradation tests, the fate of "environmentally friendly" plastics, and plastisphere of coastal habitats. Located in the tropics, Southeast Asian (SEA) countries are significant contributors to marine plastic debris. However, plastisphere studies in this region are lacking and therefore, we discuss how the unique environmental conditions in the SEA seas may affect plastic-microbe interaction and why there is an imperative need to conduct plastisphere studies in SEA marine environments. Finally, we also highlight the lack of understanding of the pathogenicity and ecotoxicological effects of plastisphere on marine ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Koh Zhi Xiang
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Sakcham Bairoliya
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Zin Thida Cho
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Bin Cao
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gomez NCF, Onda DFL. Potential of sediment bacterial communities from Manila Bay (Philippines) to degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Arch Microbiol 2022; 205:38. [PMID: 36565350 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03366-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The persistence of plastics and its effects in different environments where they accumulate, particularly in coastal areas, is of serious concern. These plastics exhibit signs of degradation, possibly mediated by microorganisms. In this study, we investigated the potential of sediment microbial communities from Manila Bay, Philippines, which has a severe plastics problem, to degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Plastics in selected sites were quantified and sediment samples from sites with the lowest and highest plastic accumulation were collected. These sediments were then introduced and incubated with LDPE in vitro for a period of 91 days. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy detected the appearance of carbonyl and vinyl products on the plastic surface, indicating structural surface modifications attributed to polymer degradation. Communities attached to the plastics were profiled using high-throughput sequencing of the V4-V5 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Members of the phylum Proteobacteria dominated the plastic surface throughout the experiment. Several bacterial taxa associated with hydrocarbon degradation were also enriched, with some taxa positively correlating with the biodegradation indices, suggesting potential active roles in the partial biodegradation of plastics. Other taxa were also present, which might be consuming by-products or providing nourishment for other groups, indicating synergy in utilizing the plastic as the main carbon source and creation of a microenvironment within the plastics biofilm. This study showed that sediment microbes from Manila Bay may have naturally occurring microbial groups potentially capable of partially degrading plastics, supporting previous studies that the biodegradation potential for plastics is ubiquitously present in marine microbial assemblages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norchel Corcia F Gomez
- Microbial Oceanography Laboratory, The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Velasquez St., 1101, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Deo Florence L Onda
- Microbial Oceanography Laboratory, The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Velasquez St., 1101, Quezon City, Philippines.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
de Villalobos NF, Costa MC, Marín-Beltrán I. A community of marine bacteria with potential to biodegrade petroleum-based and biobased microplastics. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114251. [PMID: 36330933 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The biodegradability conditions for both, petroleum-based plastics and bioplastics needs to be evaluated under environmentally realistic conditions. We assessed the biodegradability of low-density polyethylene and biobased polyethylene terephthalate microplastic films by a consortium of marine bacteria during 45 days. Bacterial growth and pH were higher in the samples inoculated with bacteria, compared to the controls. Fourier Infrared spectroscopy-Attenuated Total Reflectance and scanning electron microscopy indicated changes in the chemical functional groups, and the presence of fractures and biofilms in the surface of both plastics exposed to the bacterial community, respectively. The chemical oxygen demand further indicated signs of biodegradation of both polymers. Specific groups of bacteria showed preference for each type of microplastic. Overall, our results show signs of biodegradation, or at least biodeterioration and biofragmentation, of both types of plastics, when subjected to the selected bacterial community. Biobased PET was no more prone to biodegradation than conventional, petroleum-based LDPE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Fernández de Villalobos
- Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Building 7, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Maria Clara Costa
- Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Building 7, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Marín-Beltrán
- Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Building 7, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Microbial degradation of polyethylene terephthalate: a systematic review. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-022-05143-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractPlastic pollution levels have increased rapidly in recent years, due to the accumulation of plastic waste, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Both high production and the lack of efficient methods for disposal and recycling affect diverse aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems owing to the high accumulation rates of plastics. Traditional chemical and physical degradation techniques have caused adverse effects on the environment; hence, the use of microorganisms for plastic degradation has gained importance recently. This systematic review was conducted for evaluating the reported findings about PET degradation by wild and genetically modified microorganisms to make them available for future work and to contribute to the eventual implementation of an alternative, an effective, and environmentally friendly method for the management of plastic waste such as PET. Both wild and genetically modified microorganisms with the metabolic potential to degrade this polymer were identified, in addition to the enzymes and genes used for genetic modification. The most prevalent wild-type PET-degrading microorganisms were bacteria (56.3%, 36 genera), followed by fungi (32.4%, 30 genera), microalgae (1.4%; 1 genus, namely Spirulina sp.), and invertebrate associated microbiota (2.8%). Among fungi and bacteria, the most prevalent genera were Aspergillus sp. and Bacillus sp., respectively. About genetically modified microorganisms, 50 strains of Escherichia coli, most of them expressing PETase enzyme, have been used. We emphasize the pressing need for implementing biological techniques for PET waste management on a commercial scale, using consortia of microorganisms. We present this work in five sections: an Introduction that highlights the importance of PET biodegradation as an effective and sustainable alternative, a section on Materials and methods that summarizes how the search for articles and manuscripts in different databases was done, and another Results section where we present the works found on the subject, a final part of Discussion and analysis of the literature found and finally we present a Conclusion and prospects.
Collapse
|
24
|
Yang M, Zhang B, Xin X, Lee K, Chen B. Microplastic and oil pollution in oceans: Interactions and environmental impacts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156142. [PMID: 35609695 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been found in oil-polluted oceans, but studies on MPs and oil were still focused on their respective transport, biodegradation, and bioaccumulation. The interactions between MPs and oil in the marine environment remain unknown. MPs would incorporate with oil to form MP-oil agglomerate (MOA), the behaviors of MOA were thus discussed in this study. It was found that the MOA formation resulted in the decreased oil dispersion efficacy and affect marine oil spill response operations. Moreover, oil biodegradation rate would be changed when oil existed as the form of MOA. The slow vertical transport of MOA might lead to wider ocean contamination. MOA would cause much worse impacts on phytoplankton, zooplankton, and high trophic species in the marine environment than MPs or oil individually. MOA assembling with phytoplankton in oceans may reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) transport to deep seas. Exploring the interactions between MPs and oil in the marine environment opened a door for understanding MPs and oil as co-contaminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Yang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| | - Baiyu Zhang
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada.
| | - Xiaying Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (SKLMP), School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ecosystem Science, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E6, Canada
| | - Bing Chen
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollutant Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, St. John's, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wu X, Liu P, Zhao X, Wang J, Teng M, Gao S. Critical effect of biodegradation on long-term microplastic weathering in sediment environments: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 437:129287. [PMID: 35714544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution in global sediment has been intensely studied and recognized as the ultimate sink for residual MPs in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. During MP long-term retention in sediments, plastic-degrading bacteria (i.e., Flavobacteriaceae, Bacillus, Rhodobacteraceae, and Desulfobacteraceae) can utilize those MPs as their carbon and energy sources through enzyme (hydrolase and oxidoreductase) reactions, which further alter or transform high molecular weight MP polymers into lower molecular weight biodegradation byproducts (i.e., monomers and oligomers) and release toxic additives. In other words, MPs can act as durable substrates for plastic-degrading bacteria in sediments. However, to date, the biodegradation rates of MPs in sediment environments are still poorly understood due to their limited degradation efficiency. Herein, we review the enzyme-induced biodegradation processes of MPs in sediment environments, which is important for accessing the alteration of MP properties and their potential ecological risks after undergoing long-term weathering processes. In addition, the factors associated with the MP properties (polymer type, molecular weight, crystallinity, and hydrophobicity) and sediment conditions (sediment type, temperature, pH, salinity, and oxygen content) that influence plastic degradation processes are also reviewed. The mechanisms may relate to the MP properties and sediment conditions that can influence microbial abundance, enzyme concentrations, and enzyme activities, thus altering MP biodegradation ratios. We anticipate that the observations reviewed in this study will pose a new issue to better understand the formation process, fate, and potential ecological risks associated with aged MPs in sediment environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Miaomiao Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Crisafi F, Smedile F, Yakimov MM, Aulenta F, Fazi S, La Cono V, Martinelli A, Di Lisio V, Denaro R. Bacterial biofilms on medical masks disposed in the marine environment: a hotspot of biological and functional diversity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155731. [PMID: 35533867 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The present paper was aimed at investigating the role of disposable medical masks as a substrate for microbial biofilm growth and for the selection of specific microbial traits in highly impacted marine environments. In this view, we have immerged masks in a coastal area affected by a continuous input of artisanal fishery wastes and hydrocarbons pollution caused by intense maritime traffic. Masks maintained one month in the field were colonized by a bacterial community significantly different from that detected in the natural matrices from the same areas (seawater and sediments). The masks served as a viable substrate for the growth and enrichment of phototrophic microorganisms (Oxyphotobacteria), as well as Ruminococcaceae, Gracilibacteria, and Holophageae. In a follow-up investigation, masks previously colonized in the field were transferred in lab-scale microcosms which were supplemented with hydrocarbons and which contained also a piece of a virgin mask. After one month, a shift in the community composition, likely triggered by hydrocarbons addition, was observed in the previously colonized mask, with signatures characteristic of hydrocarbon-degrading microbial groups. Such hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were also found to colonize the virgin mask. Remarkably, SEM micrographs provided indications of the occurrence of morphological modifications of the surface components of the virgin masks colonized by hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria. Overall, for the first time, we have demonstrated the potential risk for human and animal health determined by the uncorrected disposal of masks which are suitable substrates for pathogens colonization, permanence and spreading. Moreover, we have herein strengthened the knowledge on the role of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in the colonization and modification of fossil-based plastics in marine environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Crisafi
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (ISP-CNR), Spianata San Raineri, 86, 98121 Messina, Italy
| | - F Smedile
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (ISP-CNR), Spianata San Raineri, 86, 98121 Messina, Italy
| | - M M Yakimov
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (ISP-CNR), Spianata San Raineri, 86, 98121 Messina, Italy
| | - F Aulenta
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council (IRSA-CNR), Via Salaria km 29, 300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - S Fazi
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council (IRSA-CNR), Via Salaria km 29, 300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - V La Cono
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (ISP-CNR), Spianata San Raineri, 86, 98121 Messina, Italy
| | - A Martinelli
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - V Di Lisio
- Donostia International Physics Center, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal, 4, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - R Denaro
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council (IRSA-CNR), Via Salaria km 29, 300, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Vaksmaa A, Egger M, Lüke C, Martins PD, Rosselli R, Asbun AA, Niemann H. Microbial communities on plastic particles in surface waters differ from subsurface waters of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:113949. [PMID: 35932724 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The long-term fate of plastics in the ocean and their interactions with marine microorganisms remain poorly understood. In particular, the role of sinking plastic particles as a transport vector for surface microbes towards the deep sea has not been investigated. Here, we present the first data on the composition of microbial communities on floating and suspended plastic particles recovered from the surface to the bathypelagic water column (0-2000 m water depth) of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Microbial community composition of suspended plastic particles differed from that of plastic particles afloat at the sea surface. However, in both compartments, a diversity of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria was identified. These findings indicate that microbial community members initially present on floating plastics are quickly replaced by microorganisms acquired from deeper water layers, thus suggesting a limited efficiency of sinking plastic particles to vertically transport microorganisms in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Vaksmaa
- Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 't Horntje, the Netherlands.
| | - Matthias Egger
- The Ocean Cleanup, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Egger Research and Consulting, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Lüke
- Radboud University, Department of Microbiology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Riccardo Rosselli
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, Spain; LABAQUA S.A.U, C/Dracma 16-18, Pol. Ind. Las Atalayas, 03114 Alicante, Spain
| | - Alejandro Abdala Asbun
- Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 't Horntje, the Netherlands
| | - Helge Niemann
- Department of Marine Microbiology & Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 't Horntje, the Netherlands; Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Barbato M, Palma E, Marzocchi U, Cruz Viggi C, Rossetti S, Aulenta F, Scoma A. Snorkels enhance alkanes respiration at ambient and increased hydrostatic pressure (10 MPa) by either supporting the TCA cycle or limiting alternative routes for acetyl-CoA metabolism. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 316:115244. [PMID: 35598451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115244] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The impact of piezosensitive microorganisms is generally underestimated in the ecology of underwater environments exposed to increasing hydrostatic pressure (HP), including the biodegradation of crude oil components. Yet, no isolated pressure-loving (piezophile) microorganism grows optimally on hydrocarbons, and no isolated piezophile at all has a HP optimum <10 MPa (e.g. 1000 m below sea water level). Piezosensitive heterotrophs are thus largely accountable for oil clean up < 10 MPa, however, they are affected by such a mild HP increase in ways which are not completely clear. In a first study, the application of a bioelectrochemical system (called "oil-spill snorkel") enhanced the alkane oxidation capacity in sediments collected at surface water but tested up to 10 MPa. Here, the fingerprint left on transcript abundance was studied to explore which metabolic routes are 1) supported by snorkels application and 2) negatively impacted by HP increase. Transcript abundance was comparable for beta-oxidation across all treatments (also at a taxonomical level), while the metabolism of acetyl-CoA was highly impacted: at either 0.1 or 10 MPa, snorkels supported acetyl-CoA oxidation within the TCA cycle, while in negative controls using non-conductive rods several alternative routes for acetyl-CoA were stimulated (including those leading to internal carbon reserves e.g. 2,3 butanediol and dihydroxyacetone). In general, increased HP had opposite effects as compared to snorkels, thus indicating that snorkels could enhance hydrocarbons oxidation by alleviating in part the stressing effects imposed by increased HP on the anaerobic, respiratory electron transport chain. 16S rRNA gene analysis of sediments and biofilms on snorkels suggest a crosstalk between oil-degrading, sulfate-reducing microorganisms and sulfur oxidizers. In fact, no sulfur was deposited on snorkels, however, iron, aluminum and phosphorous were found to preferentially deposit on snorkels at 10 MPa. This data indicates that a passive BES such as the oil-spill snorkel can mitigate the stress imposed by increased HP on piezosensitive microorganisms (up to 10 MPa) without being subjected to passivation. An improved setup applying these principles can further support this deep-sea bioremediation strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barbato
- Engineered Microbial Systems (EMS) Lab, Industrial Biotechnology Section, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Enza Palma
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Ugo Marzocchi
- Center for Electromicrobiology, Section for Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Center for Water Technology WATEC, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Carolina Cruz Viggi
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Simona Rossetti
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Federico Aulenta
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Italy.
| | - Alberto Scoma
- Engineered Microbial Systems (EMS) Lab, Industrial Biotechnology Section, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zadjelovic V, Erni-Cassola G, Obrador-Viel T, Lester D, Eley Y, Gibson MI, Dorador C, Golyshin PN, Black S, Wellington EMH, Christie-Oleza JA. A mechanistic understanding of polyethylene biodegradation by the marine bacterium Alcanivorax. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 436:129278. [PMID: 35739790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most recalcitrant carbon-based synthetic materials produced and, currently, the most ubiquitous plastic pollutant found in nature. Over time, combined abiotic and biotic processes are thought to eventually breakdown PE. Despite limited evidence of biological PE degradation and speculation that hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria found within the plastisphere is an indication of biodegradation, there is no clear mechanistic understanding of the process. Here, using high-throughput proteomics, we investigated the molecular processes that take place in the hydrocarbon-degrading marine bacterium Alcanivorax sp. 24 when grown in the presence of low density PE (LDPE). As well as efficiently utilising and assimilating the leachate of weathered LDPE, the bacterium was able to reduce the molecular weight distribution (Mw from 122 to 83 kg/mol) and overall mass of pristine LDPE films (0.9 % after 34 days of incubation). Most interestingly, Alcanivorax acquired the isotopic signature of the pristine plastic and induced an extensive array of metabolic pathways for aliphatic compound degradation. Presumably, the primary biodegradation of LDPE by Alcanivorax sp. 24 is possible via the production of extracellular reactive oxygen species as observed both by the material's surface oxidation and the measurement of superoxide in the culture with LDPE. Our findings confirm that hydrocarbon-biodegrading bacteria within the plastisphere may in fact have a role in degrading PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinko Zadjelovic
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Gabriel Erni-Cassola
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; Program Man-Society-Environment (MGU), University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Theo Obrador-Viel
- Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma 07122, Spain
| | - Daniel Lester
- Polymer Characterisation Research Technology Platform, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Yvette Eley
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, UK
| | - Matthew I Gibson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Cristina Dorador
- Laboratorio de Complejidad Microbiana y Ecología Funcional, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Chile; Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile; Centre for Biotechnology & Bioengineering (CeBiB) Santiago, Chile
| | - Peter N Golyshin
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Stuart Black
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, UK
| | | | - Joseph A Christie-Oleza
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma 07122, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jachimowicz P, Nosek D, Cydzik-Kwiatkowska A. Chemical and microbiological changes on the surface of microplastic after long term exposition to different concentrations of ammonium in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 830:154784. [PMID: 35346713 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The increasing production of plastic in the world has resulted in the widespread pollution of the environment with microplastics (MP). MP enter facilities such as wastewater treatment plants or landfills characterized by various ammonium concentrations. The aim of this study was to determine the structure of the microbial community on MP surfaces at various concentrations of ammonium nitrogen, and in particular, to identify microorganisms capable of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation. Moreover, changes in the chemical characteristics of the MP surface resulting from microbial activity were also investigated, and the potential of MP to serve as a vector for pollutants was determined. The tests were carried out in a reactor filled with PET for a period of 260 days. The experiment was carried out in 3 phases: in I and III phase, the concentration of N-NH4 was about 70 mg/L, while in II phase, it was about 430 mg/L. On the MP surface, biofilm-forming microorganisms from the genera Rhodococcus, Pseudomonas and Xantomonas were identified at the lower ammonium concentration. At this concentration, MP-degraders belonging to genera Acidovorax, Gordonia, Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, and Sphingopyxis were identified in the biofilm. At the higher N-NH4 concentration, the biomass was enriched with bacteria from genera Nitrosospira, Nitrosomonas and Terrimonas, and the number of microorganisms with the potential to degrade MP decreased. Analysis of the MP surface during the experiment has showed the loss of carbonyl groups and formation of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, which indicated the degradation of MP. Independent of the ammonium concentration in the environment, MP was a carrier of pathogenic microorganisms from the genera Mycobacterium, Enterobacter and Brevundimonas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Jachimowicz
- University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Geoengineering, Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Słoneczna 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Dawid Nosek
- University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Geoengineering, Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Słoneczna 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Cydzik-Kwiatkowska
- University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Geoengineering, Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Słoneczna 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hassan S, Sabreena, Khurshid Z, Bhat SA, Kumar V, Ameen F, Ganai BA. Marine Bacteria and Omic Approaches: A Novel and Potential Repository for Bioremediation Assessment. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:2299-2313. [PMID: 35818751 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Marine environments accommodating diverse assortments of life constitute a great pool of differentiated natural resources. The cumulative need to remedy unpropitious effects of anthropogenic activities on estuaries, and coastal marine ecosystems has propelled the development of effective bioremediation strategies. Marine bacteria producing biosurfactants are promising agents for bio-remediating oil pollution in marine environments, making them prospective candidates for enhancing oil recovery. Molecular omics technologies are considered an emerging field of research in ecological and diversity assessment owing to their utility in environmental surveillance and bioremediation of polluted sites. A thorough literature review was undertaken to understand the applicability of different omic techniques employed for bioremediation assessment using marine bacteria. This review further establishes that for bioremediation of environmental pollutants (i.e., heavy metals, hydrocarbons, xenobiotic and numerous recalcitrant compounds), organisms isolated from marine environments can be better utilized for their removal. The literature survey shows that omics approaches can provide exemplary knowledge about microbial communities and their role in the bioremediation of environmental pollutants. This review centres on applications of marine bacteria in enhanced bioremediation, utilizing the omics approaches that can be a vital biological contrivance in environmental monitoring to tackle environmental degradation. The paper aims to identify the gaps in investigations involving marine bacteria to help researchers, ecologists, and decision-makers to develop a holistic understanding regarding their utility in bioremediation assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahnawaz Hassan
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, India
| | - Sabreena
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, India
| | | | | | - Vineet Kumar
- Department of Botany, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh-495009, India
| | - Fuad Ameen
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
From Organic Wastes and Hydrocarbons Pollutants to Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Bioconversion by Terrestrial and Marine Bacteria. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of fossil-based plastics has become unsustainable because of the polluting production processes, difficulties for waste management sectors, and high environmental impact. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are bio-based biodegradable polymers derived from renewable resources and synthesized by bacteria as intracellular energy and carbon storage materials under nutrients or oxygen limitation and through the optimization of cultivation conditions with both pure and mixed culture systems. The PHA properties are affected by the same principles of oil-derived polyolefins, with a broad range of compositions, due to the incorporation of different monomers into the polymer matrix. As a consequence, the properties of such materials are represented by a broad range depending on tunable PHA composition. Producing waste-derived PHA is technically feasible with mixed microbial cultures (MMC), since no sterilization is required; this technology may represent a solution for waste treatment and valorization, and it has recently been developed at the pilot scale level with different process configurations where aerobic microorganisms are usually subjected to a dynamic feeding regime for their selection and to a high organic load for the intracellular accumulation of PHA. In this review, we report on studies on terrestrial and marine bacteria PHA-producers. The available knowledge on PHA production from the use of different kinds of organic wastes, and otherwise, petroleum-polluted natural matrices coupling bioremediation treatment has been explored. The advancements in these areas have been significant; they generally concern the terrestrial environment, where pilot and industrial processes are already established. Recently, marine bacteria have also offered interesting perspectives due to their advantageous effects on production practices, which they can relieve several constraints. Studies on the use of hydrocarbons as carbon sources offer evidence for the feasibility of the bioconversion of fossil-derived plastics into bioplastics.
Collapse
|
33
|
Barcoto MO, Rodrigues A. Lessons From Insect Fungiculture: From Microbial Ecology to Plastics Degradation. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:812143. [PMID: 35685924 PMCID: PMC9171207 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.812143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities have extensively transformed the biosphere by extracting and disposing of resources, crossing boundaries of planetary threat while causing a global crisis of waste overload. Despite fundamental differences regarding structure and recalcitrance, lignocellulose and plastic polymers share physical-chemical properties to some extent, that include carbon skeletons with similar chemical bonds, hydrophobic properties, amorphous and crystalline regions. Microbial strategies for metabolizing recalcitrant polymers have been selected and optimized through evolution, thus understanding natural processes for lignocellulose modification could aid the challenge of dealing with the recalcitrant human-made polymers spread worldwide. We propose to look for inspiration in the charismatic fungal-growing insects to understand multipartite degradation of plant polymers. Independently evolved in diverse insect lineages, fungiculture embraces passive or active fungal cultivation for food, protection, and structural purposes. We consider there is much to learn from these symbioses, in special from the community-level degradation of recalcitrant biomass and defensive metabolites. Microbial plant-degrading systems at the core of insect fungicultures could be promising candidates for degrading synthetic plastics. Here, we first compare the degradation of lignocellulose and plastic polymers, with emphasis in the overlapping microbial players and enzymatic activities between these processes. Second, we review the literature on diverse insect fungiculture systems, focusing on features that, while supporting insects' ecology and evolution, could also be applied in biotechnological processes. Third, taking lessons from these microbial communities, we suggest multidisciplinary strategies to identify microbial degraders, degrading enzymes and pathways, as well as microbial interactions and interdependencies. Spanning from multiomics to spectroscopy, microscopy, stable isotopes probing, enrichment microcosmos, and synthetic communities, these strategies would allow for a systemic understanding of the fungiculture ecology, driving to application possibilities. Detailing how the metabolic landscape is entangled to achieve ecological success could inspire sustainable efforts for mitigating the current environmental crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana O. Barcoto
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Andre Rodrigues
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhao S, Liu R, Lai Q, Shao Z. Muricauda aurea sp. nov. and Muricauda profundi sp. nov., two marine bacteria isolated from deep sea sediment of Pacific Ocean. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Two novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, carotenoid-pigmented and non-flagellated bacteria, designated BC31-1-A7T and BC31-3-A3T, were isolated from polyethylene-terephthalate-degrading bacterial consortia enriched from deep-sea sediment collected in the Pacific Ocean. Optimal growth of both strains was observed at 28–32 °C, at pH 7.5 and in the presence of 3–4% (w/v) NaCl. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strains BC31-1-A7T and BC31-3-A3T were closely related to
Muricauda aquimarina
JCM 11811T,
Muricauda lutimaris
KCTC 22173T,
Muricauda ruestringensis
DSM 13258T,
Muricauda zhangzhouensis
DSM 25030T,
Muricauda oceani
JCM 33902T and
Muricauda oceanensis
KCTC 72200T with 96.8–98.9% sequence similarity. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strains BC31-1-A7T and BC31-3-A3T was 97.5%. The genomic G+C contents of strains BC31-1-A7T and BC31-3-A3T were 42.1 and 41.6 mol%, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain BC31-3-A3T, strain BC31-1-A7T and their six closely related type strains were 77.6–84.3% and 20.5–27.9%, respectively. Menaquinone-6 was detected as the major isoprenoid quinone in all strains. Their major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G and iso-C17:0 3-OH. The major polar lipids of strains BC31-1-A7T and BC31-3-A3T were identified as one phosphatidylethanolamine, some unidentified polar lipids and one aminolipid. Based on their distinct taxonomic characteristics, strains BC31-1-A7T and BC31-3-A3T represent two novel species in the genus
Muricauda
. The names proposed to accommodate these two strains are Muricauda aurea sp. nov. and Muricauda profundi sp. nov., and the type strains are BC31-1-A7T (=MCCC M23246T=KCTC 82569T) and BC31-3-A3T (=MCCC M23216T=KCTC 82302T), respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sufang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, PR China
- School of Fisheries and life, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, PR China
| | - Renju Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, PR China
| | - Qiliang Lai
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, PR China
| | - Zongze Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, PR China
- School of Fisheries and life, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, PR China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Dhaka V, Singh S, Anil AG, Sunil Kumar Naik TS, Garg S, Samuel J, Kumar M, Ramamurthy PC, Singh J. Occurrence, toxicity and remediation of polyethylene terephthalate plastics. A review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 20:1777-1800. [PMID: 35039752 PMCID: PMC8755403 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate is a common plastic in many products such as viscose rayon for clothing, and packaging material in the food and beverage industries. Polyethylene terephthalate has beneficial properties such as light weight, high tensile strength, transparency and gas barrier. Nonetheless, there is actually increasing concern about plastic pollution and toxicity. Here we review the properties, occurrence, toxicity, remediation and analysis of polyethylene terephthalate as macroplastic, mesoplastic, microplastic and nanoplastic. Polyethylene terephthalate occurs in groundwater, drinking water, soils and sediments. Plastic uptake by humans induces diseases such as reducing migration and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells of bone marrow and endothelial progenitor cells. Polyethylene terephthalate can be degraded by physical, chemical and biological methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Dhaka
- Department of Microbiology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| | - Simranjeet Singh
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012 India
| | - Amith G. Anil
- Department of Material Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012 India
| | - T. S. Sunil Kumar Naik
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012 India
| | - Shashank Garg
- Department of Microbiology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| | - Jastin Samuel
- Waste Valorization Research Lab, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, Central University Jharkhand, Brambe, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835205 India
| | - Praveen C. Ramamurthy
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012 India
| | - Joginder Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411 India
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hadiyanto H, Muslihuddin M, Khoironi A, Pratiwi WZ, Fadlilah MN, Muhammad F, Afiati N, Dianratri I. The effect of salinity on the interaction between microplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and microalgae Spirulina sp. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:7877-7887. [PMID: 34480706 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16286-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of plastic over the last few decades has had an impact of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Plastic pollutions may be in the form of microplastics either from primary or secondary sources. These microplastics will indirectly affect human health through the food chain. This research was aimed at evaluating the interaction between microplastic and microalgae that are a source of food supplements. The experiment was conducted by investigating the impact of microplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) on microalga Spirulina sp. cultivated in fresh water and saline water (7 ppt salinity) for 14 days. The growth rate and morphology of Spirulina sp. and PET were evaluated. The result showed that the presence of PET and salinity decreased Spirulina sp. growth rate in cultivation by 0.174 day-1 and reduced nutrient removal rates. However, the salinity system on medium-added PET was indicated that there are influences of Spirulina sp. against PET, where PET can be degraded by Spirulina sp. in the state of water with a salinity 7 ppt. FTIR graphic seems if there is any peak declination within PET augmentation in media with 0 ppt salinization. Nonetheless, the peak augmentation happened within PET augmentation in media with 7 ppt salinity. This signifies if there is an augmentation of PET salinization can be degraded by Spirulina sp. as the polysaccharide sources. PET is resistant to degradation due to its aromatic group. Based on the results scanning electron microscope (SEM), Spirulina sp. which growth with PET had a more uneven shape compared with a control variable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadiyanto Hadiyanto
- Center of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE), Chemical Engineering Department, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia.
- Graduate Program of Environmental Sciences, School of Postgraduate Studies, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia.
| | - Muslihuddin Muslihuddin
- Center of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE), Chemical Engineering Department, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Adian Khoironi
- Center of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE), Chemical Engineering Department, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
- Study Program of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health, Dian Nuswantoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Wahyu Zuli Pratiwi
- Center of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE), Chemical Engineering Department, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Muthia'ah Nur Fadlilah
- Center of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE), Chemical Engineering Department, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Fuad Muhammad
- Graduate Program of Environmental Sciences, School of Postgraduate Studies, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Norma Afiati
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Inggar Dianratri
- Center of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE), Chemical Engineering Department, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Qi X, Yan W, Cao Z, Ding M, Yuan Y. Current Advances in the Biodegradation and Bioconversion of Polyethylene Terephthalate. Microorganisms 2021; 10:39. [PMID: 35056486 PMCID: PMC8779501 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely used plastic that is polymerized by terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). In recent years, PET biodegradation and bioconversion have become important in solving environmental plastic pollution. More and more PET hydrolases have been discovered and modified, which mainly act on and degrade the ester bond of PET. The monomers, TPA and EG, can be further utilized by microorganisms, entering the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) or being converted into high value chemicals, and finally realizing the biodegradation and bioconversion of PET. Based on synthetic biology and metabolic engineering strategies, this review summarizes the current advances in the modified PET hydrolases, engineered microbial chassis in degrading PET, bioconversion pathways of PET monomers, and artificial microbial consortia in PET biodegradation and bioconversion. Artificial microbial consortium provides novel ideas for the biodegradation and bioconversion of PET or other complex polymers. It is helpful to realize the one-step bioconversion of PET into high value chemicals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinhua Qi
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (X.Q.); (W.Y.); (Z.C.); (Y.Y.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wenlong Yan
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (X.Q.); (W.Y.); (Z.C.); (Y.Y.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zhibei Cao
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (X.Q.); (W.Y.); (Z.C.); (Y.Y.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Mingzhu Ding
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (X.Q.); (W.Y.); (Z.C.); (Y.Y.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yingjin Yuan
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (X.Q.); (W.Y.); (Z.C.); (Y.Y.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Calm and Frenzy: marine obligate hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria sustain ocean wellness. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 73:337-345. [PMID: 34768202 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
According to current estimates, the annual volume of crude oil entering the ocean due to both anthropogenic activities and naturally occurring seepages reaches approximately 8.3 million metric tons. Huge discharges from accidents have caused large-scale environmental disasters with extensive damage to the marine ecosystem. The natural clean-up of petroleum spills in marine environments is carried out primarily by naturally occurring obligate hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria (OHCB). The natural hosts of OHCB include a range of marine primary producers, unicellular photosynthetic eukaryotes and cyanobacteria, which have been documented as both, suppliers of hydrocarbon-like compounds that fuel the 'cryptic' hydrocarbon cycle and as a source of isolation of new OHCB. A very new body of evidence suggests that OHCB are not only the active early stage colonizers of plastics and hence the important component of the ocean's 'plastisphere' but also encode an array of enzymes experimentally proven to act on petrochemical and bio-based polymers.
Collapse
|
39
|
Muriel-Millán LF, Millán-López S, Pardo-López L. Biotechnological applications of marine bacteria in bioremediation of environments polluted with hydrocarbons and plastics. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:7171-7185. [PMID: 34515846 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11569-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Marine ecosystems are some of the most adverse environments on Earth and contain a considerable portion of the global bacterial population, and some of these bacterial species play pivotal roles in several biogeochemical cycles. Marine bacteria have developed different molecular mechanisms to address fluctuating environmental conditions, such as changes in nutrient availability, salinity, temperature, pH, and pressure, making them attractive for use in diverse biotechnology applications. Although more than 99% of marine bacteria cannot be cultivated with traditional microbiological techniques, several species have been successfully isolated and grown in the laboratory, facilitating investigations of their biotechnological potential. Some of these applications may contribute to addressing some current global problems, such as environmental contamination by hydrocarbons and synthetic plastics. In this review, we first summarize and analyze recently published information about marine bacterial diversity. Then, we discuss new literature regarding the isolation and characterization of marine bacterial strains able to degrade hydrocarbons and petroleum-based plastics, and species able to produce biosurfactants. We also describe some current limitations for the implementation of these biotechnological tools, but also we suggest some strategies that may contribute to overcoming them. KEY POINTS: • Marine bacteria have a great metabolic capacity to degrade hydrocarbons in harsh conditions. • Marine environments are an important source of new bacterial plastic-degrading enzymes. • Secondary metabolites from marine bacteria have diverse potential applications in biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Felipe Muriel-Millán
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Ciudad Universitaria, CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Sofía Millán-López
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Liliana Pardo-López
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Cappello S, Caruso G, Bergami E, Macrì A, Venuti V, Majolino D, Corsi I. New insights into the structure and function of the prokaryotic communities colonizing plastic debris collected in King George Island (Antarctica): Preliminary observations from two plastic fragments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 414:125586. [PMID: 34030422 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In Antarctic regions, the composition and metabolic activity of microbial assemblages associated with plastic debris ("plastisphere") are almost unknown. A macroplastic item from land (MaL, 30 cm) and a mesoplastic from the sea (MeS, 4 mm) were collected in Maxwell Bay (King George Island, South Shetland) and analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance geometry (FTIR-ATR), which confirmed a polystyrene foam and a composite high-density polyethylene composition for MaL and MeS, respectively. The structure and function of the two plastic-associated prokaryotic communities were studied by complementary 16S ribosomal RNA gene clone libraries, total bacterioplankton and culturable heterotrophic bacterial counts, enzymatic activities of the whole community and enzymatic profiles of bacterial isolates. Results showed that Gamma- and Betaproteobacteria (31% and 28%, respectively) dominated in MeS, while Beta- and Alphaproteobacteria (21% and 13%, respectively) in MaL. Sequences related to oil degrading bacteria (Alcanivorax,Marinobacter) confirmed the known anthropogenic pressure in King George Island. This investigation on plastic-associated prokaryotic structure and function represents the first attempt to characterize the ecological role of plastisphere in this Antarctic region and provides the necessary background for future research on the significance of polymer type, surface characteristics and environmental conditions in shaping the plastisphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cappello
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), National Research Council (CNR), Spianata San Raineri 86, Messina 98122, Italy
| | - Gabriella Caruso
- Institute of Polar Sciences (ISP), National Research Council (CNR), Spianata San Raineri 86, Messina 98122, Italy.
| | - Elisa Bergami
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Angela Macrì
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), National Research Council (CNR), Spianata San Raineri 86, Messina 98122, Italy; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy
| | - Valentina Venuti
- Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy
| | - Domenico Majolino
- Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Untapped Potential of Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors with Different Biocarrier Types for Bilge Water Treatment: A Laboratory-Scale Study. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13131810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Two labscale aerobic moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) systems, with a different type of biocarrier in each (K3 and Mutag BioChip), were operated in parallel for the treatment of real saline bilge water. During the operation, different stress conditions were applied in order to evaluate the performance of the systems: organic/hydraulic load shock (chemical oxygen demand (COD): 9 g L−1; hydraulic retention time (HRT): 48–72 h) and salinity shock (salinity: 40 ppt). At the same time, the microbiome in the biofilm and suspended biomass was monitored through 16S rRNA gene analysis in order to describe the changes in the microbial community. The dominant classes were Alphaproteobacteria (families Rhodospirillaceae and Rhodobacteraceae) and Bacteroidia (family Lentimicrobiaceae), being recorded at high relative abundance in all MBBRs. The structure of the biofilm was examined and visualized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Both systems exhibited competent performance, reaching up to 86% removal of COD under high organic loading conditions (COD: 9 g L−1). In the system in which K3 biocarriers were used, the attached and suspended biomass demonstrated a similar trend regarding the changes observed in the microbial communities. In the bioreactor filled with K3 biocarriers, higher concentration of biomass was observed. Biofilm developed on Mutag BioChip biocarriers presented lower biodiversity, while the few species identified in the raw wastewater were not dominant in the bioreactors. Through energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis of the biofilm, the presence of calcium carbonate was discovered, indicating that biomineralization occurred.
Collapse
|
42
|
Vaksmaa A, Knittel K, Abdala Asbun A, Goudriaan M, Ellrott A, Witte HJ, Vollmer I, Meirer F, Lott C, Weber M, Engelmann JC, Niemann H. Microbial Communities on Plastic Polymers in the Mediterranean Sea. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:673553. [PMID: 34220756 PMCID: PMC8243005 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.673553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastic particles in the ocean are typically covered with microbial biofilms, but it remains unclear whether distinct microbial communities colonize different polymer types. In this study, we analyzed microbial communities forming biofilms on floating microplastics in a bay of the island of Elba in the Mediterranean Sea. Raman spectroscopy revealed that the plastic particles mainly comprised polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) of which polyethylene and polypropylene particles were typically brittle and featured cracks. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and imaging by high-resolution microscopy revealed dense microbial biofilms on the polymer surfaces. Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed that the bacterial communities on all plastic types consisted mainly of the orders Flavobacteriales, Rhodobacterales, Cytophagales, Rickettsiales, Alteromonadales, Chitinophagales, and Oceanospirillales. We found significant differences in the biofilm community composition on PE compared with PP and PS (on OTU and order level), which shows that different microbial communities colonize specific polymer types. Furthermore, the sequencing data also revealed a higher relative abundance of archaeal sequences on PS in comparison with PE or PP. We furthermore found a high occurrence, up to 17% of all sequences, of different hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria on all investigated plastic types. However, their functioning in the plastic-associated biofilm and potential role in plastic degradation needs further assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Vaksmaa
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, Netherlands
| | - Katrin Knittel
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Alejandro Abdala Asbun
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, Netherlands
| | - Maaike Goudriaan
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, Netherlands
| | - Andreas Ellrott
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Harry J Witte
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, Netherlands
| | - Ina Vollmer
- Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Florian Meirer
- Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Julia C Engelmann
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, Netherlands
| | - Helge Niemann
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, Netherlands.,Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bajt O. From plastics to microplastics and organisms. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:954-966. [PMID: 33595903 PMCID: PMC8016121 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The amount of plastic waste and microplastics released into marine environments has increased rapidly in recent decades. The durability of plastic materials results in major problems following their release into the environment. This study provides an overview of recent findings on issues related to plastic degradation, the accumulation of microplastics in mussels and fishes, and the toxicological effects associated with the ingestion of microplastics. These findings confirm the serious problem of slowly degrading plastics (which rarely degrade fully) in natural marine environments. Microplastics have become widespread pollutants and have been detected in mussels and fish around the world. Microplastic particles, whether virgin or with adsorbed pollutants on their surfaces, pose a health problem after being ingested by marine organisms. This paper ends by highlighting the need for certain improvements in studies of these phenomena.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Bajt
- Marine Biology Station, National Institute of Biology, Piran, Slovenia.,Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|