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Wang H, Zhou Q. Bioelectrochemical anaerobic digestion mitigates microplastic pollution and promotes methane recovery of wastewater treatment in biofilm system. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134488. [PMID: 38703685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134488] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) offer significant potential for treating refractory waste and recovering bioenergy. However, their ability to mitigate microplastic pollution in wastewater remains unexplored. This study showed that BES facilitated the treatment of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Mix (PE+PVC) microplastic wastewater and the methane recovery (40.61%, 20.02%, 21.19%, respectively). The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), cytochrome c, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH/NAD+) ratios were elevated with electrical stimulation. Moreover, the applied voltage improved the polysaccharides content of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the PE-BES but decreased in PVC-BES, while the proteins showed the opposite trend. Metatranscriptomic sequencing showed that the abundance of fermentation bacteria, acetogens, electrogens, and methanogens was greatly enhanced by applying voltage, especially at the anode. Methane metabolism was dominated by the acetoclastic methanogenic pathway, with the applied voltage promoting the enrichment of Methanothrix, resulting in the direct conversion of acetate to acetyl-CoA via acetate-CoA ligase (EC: 6.2.1.1), and increased metabolic activity in the anode. Moreover, applied voltage greatly boosted the function genes expression level related to energy metabolism, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, electron transport, and transporters on the anode biofilm. Overall, these results demonstrate that BES can mitigate microplastic pollution during wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qixing Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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2
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Zhu Y, Guo M, Qi X, Li M, Guo M, Jia X. Enhanced degradation and methane production of food waste anaerobic digestate using an integrated system of anaerobic digestion and microbial electrolysis cells for long-term operation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:39637-39649. [PMID: 38829499 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33525-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The integrated system of anaerobic digestion and microbial electrolysis cells (AD-MEC) was a novel approach to enhance the degradation of food waste anaerobic digestate and recover methane. Through long-term operation, the start-up method, organic loading, and methane production mechanism of the digestate have been investigated. At an organic loading rate of 4000 mg/L, AD-MEC increased methane production by 3-4 times and soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) removal by 20.3% compared with anaerobic digestion (AD). The abundance of bacteria Fastidiosipila and Geobacter, which participated in the acid degradation and direct electron transfer in the AD-MEC, increased dramatically compared to that in the AD. The dominant methanogenic archaea in the AD-MEC and AD were Methanobacterium (44.4-56.3%) and Methanocalculus (70.05%), respectively. Geobacter and Methanobacterium were dominant in the AD-MEC by direct electron transfer of organic matter into synthetic methane intermediates. AD-MEC showed a perfect SCOD removal efficiency of the digestate, while methane as clean energy was obtained. Therefore, AD-MEC was a promising technology for deep energy transformation from digestate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusen Zhu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Meixin Guo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xuejiao Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Mingxiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Meng Guo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xuan Jia
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.
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3
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Amanze C, Wu X, Anaman R, Alhassan SI, Fosua BA, Chia RW, Yang K, Yunhui T, Xiao S, Cheng J, Zeng W. Elucidating the impacts of cobalt (II) ions on extracellular electron transfer and pollutant degradation by anodic biofilms in bioelectrochemical systems during industrial wastewater treatment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134007. [PMID: 38490150 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134007] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Electrogenic biofilms in bioelectrochemical systems (BES) are critical in wastewater treatment. Industrial effluents often contain cobalt (Co2+); however, its impact on biofilms is unknown. This study investigated how increasing Co2+ concentrations (0-30 mg/L) affect BES biofilm community dynamics, extracellular polymeric substances, microbial metabolism, electron transfer gene expression, and electrochemical performance. The research revealed that as Co2+ concentrations increased, power generation progressively declined, from 345.43 ± 4.07 mW/m2 at 0 mg/L to 160.51 ± 0.86 mW/m2 at 30 mg/L Co2+. However, 5 mg/L Co2+ had less effect. The Co2+ removal efficiency in the reactors fed with 5 and 10 mg/L concentrations exceeded 99% and 94%, respectively. However, at 20 and 30 mg/L, the removal efficiency decreased substantially, likely because of reduced biofilm viability. FTIR indicated the participation of biofilm functional groups in Co2+ uptake. XPS revealed Co2+ presence in biofilms as CoO and Co(OH)2, indicating precipitation also aided removal. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests revealed that 5 mg/L Co2+ had little impact on the electrocatalytic activity, while higher concentrations impaired it. Furthermore, at a concentration of 5 mg/L Co2+, there was an increase in the proportion of the genus Anaeromusa-Anaeroarcus, while the genus Geobacter declined at all tested Co2+ concentrations. Additionally, higher concentrations of Co2+ suppressed the expression of extracellular electron transfer genes but increased the expression of Co2+-resistance genes. Overall, this study establishes how Co2+ impacts electrogenic biofilm composition, function, and treatment efficacy, laying the groundwork for the optimized application of BES in remediating Co2+-contaminated wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Amanze
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- School of Resources Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Richmond Anaman
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Sikpaam Issaka Alhassan
- Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Bridget Ataa Fosua
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Rogers Wainkwa Chia
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, the Republic of Korea
| | - Kai Yang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Tang Yunhui
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Shanshan Xiao
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Jinju Cheng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Weimin Zeng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410083, China.
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4
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Yang FA, Hou YN, Cao C, Huang C, Shen S, Ren N, Wang AJ, Guo J, Wei W, Ni BJ. Electroactive properties of EABs in response to long-term exposure to polystyrene microplastics/nanoplastics and the underlying adaptive mechanisms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133438. [PMID: 38198865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133438] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Given widespread presence of polystyrene (PS) microplastics/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs), the electroactive responses and adaptation mechanisms of electroactive biofilms (EABs) exposed long-term to PS-containing aquatic environments remain unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the impacts of PS MPs/NPs on electroactivity of EABs. Results found that EABs exhibited delayed formation upon initially exposure but displayed an increased maximum current density (Imax) after subsequent exposure for up to 55 days. Notably, EABs exposure to NH2PS NPs (EAB-NH2PSNPs) demonstrated a 50% higher Imax than the control, along with a 17.84% increase in viability and a 58.10% increase in biomass. The cytochrome c (c-Cyts) content in EAB-NH2PSNPs rose by 178.35%, benefiting the extracellular electron transfer (EET) of EABs. Moreover, bacterial community assembly indicated the relative abundance of electroactive bacteria increased to 87.56% in EAB-NH2PSNPs. The adaptability mechanisms of EABs under prolonged exposure to PS MPs/NPs predominantly operate by adjusting viability, EET, and bacterial community assembly, which were further confirmed a positive correlation with Imax through structural equation model. These findings provide deeper insights into long-term effects and mechanisms of MPs/NPs on the electroactive properties of EABs and even functional microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Ai Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science and Technology, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China; National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Ya-Nan Hou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science and Technology, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China; National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Ce Cao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science and Technology, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China; National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Cong Huang
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.
| | - Shaoheng Shen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science and Technology, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China; National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Nanqi Ren
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ai-Jie Wang
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jianbo Guo
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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5
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Lu J, Hou R, Peng W, Guan F, Yuan Y. Responses of methane production and methanogenic pathways to polystyrene nanoplastics exposure in paddy soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133197. [PMID: 38113731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133197] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) have attracted increasing attention within terrestrial ecosystems. However, our understanding of their impacts on the intricate anaerobic methanogenesis processes occurring in paddy soils microbial communities remains limited with respect to nanoplastics shape, function, and metabolic effects. Herein, we explored the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) and microplastics (PS-MPs) on anaerobic methanogenesis in a typical paddy soil. The results show that PS-NPs delayed methane production and the time to reach peak acetate content in incubation process of paddy soils, and the methanogenic rate increased rapidly after 13 days, with a maximum increase of 87.97%. However, PS-MPs had no marked effect on CH4, CO2 and acetate production. In addition, PS-NPs affected soil physicochemical properties by reducing pH and increasing electrical conductivity. Acetoclastic methanogens were enriched and the relative abundance of the genes ackA, pta, ACSS, cdhC, cdhD and cdhE in the acetoclastic pathways were significantly increased under PS-NPs exposure. In addition, PS-MPs had significant effect on the microbial community structure but no effect on methanogenic pathways of the paddy soils. This study provides important insights into the response of key microorganisms, functional genes and methanogenesis pathways to NPs during anaerobic methanogenesis in paddy soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinrong Lu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Rui Hou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Weijie Peng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Fengyi Guan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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6
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Zakaria BS, Azizi SMM, Pramanik BK, Hai FI, Elbeshbishy E, Dhar BR. Responses of syntrophic microbial communities and their interactions with polystyrene nanoplastics in a microbial electrolysis cell. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166082. [PMID: 37544438 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Microbial electrochemical technologies are promising for simultaneous energy recovery and wastewater treatment. Although the inhibitory effects of emerging pollutants, particularly micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs), on conventional wastewater systems have been extensively studied, the current understanding of their impact on microbial electrochemical systems is still quite limited. Microplastics are plastic particles ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm. However, nanoplastics are smaller plastic particles ranging from 1 to 100 nm. Due to their smaller size and greater surface area, they can penetrate deeper into biofilm structures and cell membranes, potentially disrupting their integrity and leading to changes in biofilm composition and function. This study first reports the impact of polystyrene nanoplastics (PsNPs) on syntrophic anode microbial communities in a microbial electrolysis cell. Low concentrations of PsNPs (50 and 250 μg/L) had a minimal impact on current density and hydrogen production. However, 500 μg/L of PsNPs decreased the maximum current density and specific hydrogen production rate by ∼43 % and ∼48 %, respectively. Exposure to PsNPs increased extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) levels, with a higher ratio of carbohydrates to proteins, suggesting a potential defense mechanism through EPS secretion. The downregulation of genes associated with extracellular electron transfer was observed at 500 μg/L of PsNPs. Furthermore, the detrimental impact of 500 μg/L PsNPs on the microbiome was evident from the decrease in 16S rRNA gene copies, microbial diversity, richness, and relative abundances of key electroactive and fermentative bacteria. For the first time, this study presents the inhibitory threshold of any NPs on syntrophic electroactive biofilms within a microbial electrochemical system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basem S Zakaria
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Faisal I Hai
- Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Elsayed Elbeshbishy
- Civil Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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7
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Liu S, Su C, Lu Y, Xian Y, Chen Z, Wang Y, Deng X, Li X. Effects of microplastics on the properties of different types of sewage sludge and strategies to overcome the inhibition: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166033. [PMID: 37543332 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been identified as an emerging pollutant. When microplastics enter wastewater treatment plants, the plant traps most of the microplastics in the sludge during sewage treatment. Therefore, the effects of microplastics on sludge removal performance, and on the physical and chemical properties and microbial communities in sludge, have attracted extensive attention. This review mainly describes the presence of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants, and the effects of microplastics on the decontamination efficiency and physicochemical properties of activated sludge, aerobic granular sludge, anaerobic granular sludge and anaerobic ammonium oxidation sludge. Further, the review summarizes the effects of microplastics on microbial activity and microbial community dynamics in various sludges in terms of type, concentration, and contact time. The mechanisms used to strengthen the reduction of microplastics, such as biochar and hydrochar, are also discussed. This review summarizes the mechanism by which microplastics influence the performance of different types of sludge, and proposes effective strategies to mitigate the inhibitive effect of microplastics on sludge and discusses removal technologies of microplastics in sewage. Biochar and hydrochar are one of the effective measures to overcome the inhibition of microplastics on sludge. Meanwhile, constructed wetland may be one of the important choice for the future removal of microplastics from sewage. The goal is to provide theoretical support and insights for ensuring the stable operation of wastewater treatment plants and reducing the impact of microplastics on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengtao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Chengyuan Su
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China; College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China.
| | - Yiying Lu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Yunchuan Xian
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Zhengpeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Xue Deng
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Xinjuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, 15 Yucai Road, Guilin 541004, PR China
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8
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Zhao W, Hu T, Ma H, He S, Zhao Q, Jiang J, Wei L. Deciphering the role of polystyrene microplastics in waste activated sludge anaerobic digestion: Changes of organics transformation, microbial community and metabolic pathway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166551. [PMID: 37633377 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the natural environment, which inevitably affect the relevant biochemical process. Nevertheless, the knowledge about the impacts of microplastics on organics transformation and corresponding microbial metabolism response in anaerobic environment is limited. Here, polystyrene (PS) microplastics were selected as model microplastics to explore their potential impacts on organics transformation, microbial community and metabolic pathway during sludge anaerobic digestion system operation. The results indicated that the PS microplastics exhibited the dose-dependent effects on methane production, i.e., the additive of 20-40 particles/g TS of PS microplastics improved the maximum methane yield by 3.38 %-8.22 %, whereas 80-160 particles/g TS additive led to a 4.78 %-11.04 % declining. Overall, PS microplastics facilitated the solubilization and hydrolysis of sludge, but inhibited the acidogenesis process. Key functional enzyme activities were stimulated under low PS microplastics exposure, whereas were almost severely inhibited due to the increased oxidative stress induced from excess PS microplastics. Microbial community and further metabolic analysis indicated that low PS microplastics improved the acetotrophic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, while a high level of PS microplastics shifted methanogenesis from acetotrophic to hydrogenotrophic pathway. Further analysis showed that the reacted PS microplastics exhibited greater toxicity and ecological than the raw PS microplastics due to that they are more likely to adsorb contaminants. These findings revealed the dosage-dependent relationships between microplastics and organics transformation process in anaerobic environments, providing new insights for assessing the impact of PS microplastics on sludge anaerobic digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Tianyi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Hao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Shufei He
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Qingliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Junqiu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Liangliang Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China.
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9
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Pan Y, Yu SS, Xiao ZC, Min Y, Tian T, Zheng YM, Zhao QB, Yuan ZH, Yu HQ. Re-evaluation and modification of dehydrogenase activity tests in assessing microbial activity for wastewater treatment plant operation. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 246:120737. [PMID: 37857011 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120737] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Reliable and cost-effective methods for monitoring microbial activity are critical for process control in wastewater treatment plants. The dehydrogenase activity (DHA) test has been recognized as an efficient measure of biological activity due to its simplicity and broad applicability. Nevertheless, the existing DHA test methods suffer from imperfections and are difficult to implement as routine monitoring techniques. In this work, an accurate and cost-effective modified DHA approach was developed and the procedure for the DHA test was critically evaluated with respect to the standard construction, sample pretreatment, incubation and extraction conditions. The feasibility of the modified DHA test was demonstrated by comparison with the oxygen uptake rate and adenosine triphosphate in a sequencing batch reactor. The sensitivities of the two typical tetrazolium salts to toxicant inhibition by heavy metals and antibiotics were compared, revealing that 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) exhibited a higher sensitivity. Furthermore, the sensitivity mechanism of the two DHA tests was elucidated through electrochemical experiments, theoretical analysis and molecular simulations. Both tetrazolium salts were found to be effective artificial electron acceptors due to their low redox potentials. Molecular docking simulations revealed that TTC could outperform other tetrazolium salts in accepting electrons and hydrogens from dehydrogenase. Overall, the modified DHA approach presents an accurate and cost-effective way to measure microbial activity, making it a practical tool for wastewater treatment plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Pan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Sheng-Song Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Zhi-Chao Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yuan Min
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Tian Tian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yu-Ming Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Quan-Bao Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Han-Qing Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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10
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Shang Z, Wang R, Zhang X, Tu Y, Sheng C, Yuan H, Wen L, Li Y, Zhang J, Wang X, Yang G, Feng Y, Ren G. Differential effects of petroleum-based and bio-based microplastics on anaerobic digestion: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162674. [PMID: 36894074 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162674] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The number of plastics is increasing owing to the rapid development of the plastics industry. Microplastics (MPs) are formed during the use of both petroleum-based plastics and newly developed bio-based plastics. These MPs are inevitably released into the environment and are enriched in wastewater treatment plant sludge. Anaerobic digestion is a popular sludge stabilization method for wastewater treatment plants. Understanding the potential impacts of different MPs on anaerobic digestion is critical. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of petroleum-based MPs and bio-based MPs in anaerobic digestion methane production and compares their potential effects on biochemical pathways, key enzyme activities, and microbial communities. Finally, it identifies problems that must be solved in the future, proposes the focus of future research, and predicts the future development direction of the plastics industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zezhou Shang
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Circular Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Circular Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiyi Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Circular Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongle Tu
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chenjing Sheng
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Circular Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huan Yuan
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Circular Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Wen
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Circular Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yulu Li
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Circular Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Circular Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaojiao Wang
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Circular Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Gaihe Yang
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Circular Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongzhong Feng
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Circular Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guangxin Ren
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Circular Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
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Manu MK, Luo L, Kumar R, Johnravindar D, Li D, Varjani S, Zhao J, Wong J. A review on mechanistic understanding of microplastic pollution on the performance of anaerobic digestion. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 325:121426. [PMID: 36907239 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121426] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) has emerged as a promising technology for diverting the organic waste from the landfills along with the production of clean energy. AD is a microbial-driven biochemical process wherein the plethora of microbial communities participate in converting the putrescible organic matter into biogas. Nevertheless, the AD process is susceptible to the external environmental factors such as presence of physical (microplastics) and chemical (antibiotics, pesticides) pollutants. The microplastics (MPs) pollution has received recent attention due to the increasing plastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems. This review was aimed for holistic assessment of impact of MPs pollution on AD process to develop efficient treatment technology. First, the possible pathways of MPs entry into the AD systems were critically evaluated. Further, the recent literature on the experimental studies pertaining to the impact of different types of MPs at different concentrations on the AD process was reviewed. In addition, several mechanisms such as direct exposure of MPs on the microbial cells, indirect impact of MPs through the leaching of toxic chemicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation on AD process were elucidated. Besides, the risk possessed by the increase of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) after the AD process due to the MPs stress on microbial communities were discussed. Overall, this review deciphered the severity of MPs pollution on AD process at different levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Manu
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Liwen Luo
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Reeti Kumar
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Davidraj Johnravindar
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Dongyi Li
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Sunita Varjani
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248 007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jun Zhao
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Jonathan Wong
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Sino-Forest Applied Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Jie Ni
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Eun-Ju Kim
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea
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13
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Sun X, Tao R, Xu D, Qu M, Zheng M, Zhang M, Mei Y. Role of polyamide microplastic in altering microbial consortium and carbon and nitrogen cycles in a simulated agricultural soil microcosm. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137155. [PMID: 36372334 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are persistent organic pollutants globally, with a continuous increase in MP wastes near and away from the regions of human activities. Studies to date aimed to explore the impact of MPs on ecosystems, but the area of research could not go beyond environmental pollution caused by MPs. To address the menace of MPs, scientists need to pay enough attention to the biogeochemical cycles, microbial communities, and functional microorganisms. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of adding 0.3% (mass ratio) [low-concentration (LC) group] and 1% [high-concentration (HC) group] of polyamide (PA) MP to the soil microenvironment with regard to the aforementioned parameters. PA MP decreased the soil microbial diversity (Shannon and Simpson indices, P < 0.05). At the phylum level, PA MP increased the abundance of Acidobacteria, Firmicutes, and Crenarchaeota (P < 0.05); at the genus level, it enhanced that of Geobacter, Thiobacillus, Pseudomonas, and Bradyrhizobium (P < 0.01) while decreased that of Bacillus, Flavisolibacter, Geothrix, and Pseudarthrobacter (P < 0.05). PA MP affected the carbon (C) cycle. PA MP accelerated the soil C fixation by enhancing the abundance of the genes accA and pccA. The LC PA MP accelerated organic C degradation and methane metabolism by changing the abundance of mnp, chiA, mcrA, pmoA, and mmoX genes, while the HC PA MP inhibited them with increasing the experimental time. Regarding the effects of PA on the nitrogen (N) cycle, the PA MP promoted N assimilation and ammonification by increasing the abundance of the genes gdh and ureC, the impact of PA MP on N fixation and denitrification depended on its concentration and treating time. This study showed that PA MP impacted the microbial consortium, it also affected the C and N cycles and its effect depended on its concentration and the treating time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Sun
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China
| | - Ruidong Tao
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China
| | - Daoqing Xu
- Cotton Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Mengjie Qu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China
| | - Mingming Zheng
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China
| | - Yunjun Mei
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China.
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Liu Y, Li X, Zhou W, He R, Zhang Y, Zhao N. Electrical stimulation accelerated phenanthrene biodegradation coupling with nitrate reduction in groundwater. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.123019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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15
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Sun M, Xiao K, Zhu Y, Ou B, Yu W, Liang S, Hou H, Yuan S, Gan F, Mi R, Yang J. Deciphering the role of microplastic size on anaerobic sludge digestion: Changes of dissolved organic matter, leaching compounds and microbial community. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114032. [PMID: 35952741 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Here the role of microplastic size on dissolved organic matter, leaching compounds and microbial community during anaerobic sludge digestion was evaluated. Compared to that without the addition of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), during the 30 days' incubation, the anaerobic sludge digestion by adding PVC at the size of 75 μm and the concentration of 2.4 g/g volatile solids (VS) showed a 8.5% lower cumulative methane production, while a 17.9% higher cumulative methane production was noted by adding PVC at the size of 3000 μm and the concentration of 2.4 g/g VS. A long-term fed-batch laboratory-scale fermenter test for 147 days further testified, that higher removal efficiencies of total solids, volatile solids, and total chemical oxygen demand, and higher methane production were noted by adding PVC (2.4 g/g VS, 3000 μm) into the fermenter. More interestingly, higher concentrations of proteins, polysaccharides, volatile fatty acids, and soluble microbial by-products component were noted in the liquid phase of sludge drawn from the fermenter added with PVC since the biomass therein showed higher efficiencies of solubilization, hydrolysis, acidification, and methanogenesis. Moreover, as identified from the fermenter added with PVC, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) was the most predominant leaching phthalates compound, although the biomass therein showed a 93.4% anaerobic biodegradability of DBP. The leaching of DBP drove the predominance of microbial community towards Synergistota and Methanosaeta. More irregular elliptical shallow dimples were noted on the PVC surface after 147 days' incubation, accompanied with abundances of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexi, Methanosaeta and Methanobacterium. The results from this study showed that the size of microplastic was a crucial factor in evaluating its impact on anaerobic sludge digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Keke Xiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
| | - Yuwei Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Bei Ou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Wenbo Yu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Sha Liang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Huijie Hou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Shushan Yuan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Fangmao Gan
- Yangtze Ecology and Environment Co. Ltd., 96 Xudong Street, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Rongxi Mi
- Yangtze Ecology and Environment Co. Ltd., 96 Xudong Street, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Jiakuan Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
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