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Abusallout I, Song M, Chan A, McKenna E, Van Buren J, Mccoy S, Ledvina Z, Jeffrey C, McCurry DL, Hanigan D. Bacterial dealkylation of benzalkonium chlorides in wastewater produces benzyldimethylamine, a potent N-nitrosodimethylamine precursor. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 260:121945. [PMID: 38908315 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a carcinogenic disinfection byproduct that forms during chloramine disinfection of municipal wastewater effluents which are increasingly used to augment drinking water supplies due to growing water scarcity. Knowledge of wastewater NDMA precursors is limited and the known pool of NDMA precursors has not closed the mass balance between precursor loading, precursor NDMA yield, and formed NDMA. Benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) are the most prevalent quaternary ammonium surfactants and have antimicrobial properties. The extensive utilization of BACs in household, commercial and industrial products has resulted in their detection in wastewater at elevated concentrations. We report the formation of a potent NDMA precursor, benzyldimethylamine (BDMA) from the biodegradation of BACs during activated sludge treatment. BDMA formation and NDMA formation potential (FP) were functions of BAC and mixed liquor suspended solids concentration at circumneutral pH, and the microbial community source. Sustained exposure to microorganisms reduced NDMA FP through successive dealkylation of BDMA to less potent precursors. BAC alkyl chain length (C8 - C16) had little impact on NDMA FP and BDMA formation because chain cleavage occurred at the C-N bond. Wastewater effluents collected from three facilities contained BDMA from 15 to 106 ng/L, accounting for an estimated 4 to 38 % of the NDMA precursor pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Abusallout
- Fraunhofer USA, Inc., Center Midwest, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; CDM Smith, 75 State Street, Suite 701, Boston, MA 02109, USA
| | - Mingrui Song
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, USA
| | - Aron Chan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, USA; Nevada Department of Transportation, Carson City, NV 89712, USA
| | - Elizabeth McKenna
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, USA; Brown and Caldwell, Lakewood, CO 80401, USA
| | - Jean Van Buren
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Seth Mccoy
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, USA
| | - Zachary Ledvina
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, USA
| | | | - Daniel L McCurry
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - David Hanigan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557-0258, USA.
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Xiao X, Li J, Wang X, Ding L, Shen S, Liu T, Ren Z, Luo X. Salinity-mediated enhancement of quaternary ammonium compounds resistance and removal in endophytic bacteria LSE01. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118688. [PMID: 38493855 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118688] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The widespread usage of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) as disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic poses significant environmental risks, such as toxicity to organisms and the emergence of superbugs. In this study, different inorganic salts (NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, MgCl2) were used to induce endophytes LSE01 isolated from hyperaccumulating plants. After five generations of cultivation under 80 g/L NaCl, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of LSE01 to QACs increased by about 3-fold, while its degradation extent increased from 8% to 84% for C12BDMA-Cl and 5%-89% for C14BDMA-Cl. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra indicated that the cells induced by high concentration of salt caused plasmolysis and secreted more bound extracellular polymeric substances (B-EPS); these changes are likely to be an important reason for the observed increased resistance and enhanced degradation extent of LSE01 to QACs. Our findings suggest that salt-induction could be an effective way to enhance the resistance and removal of toxic organic pollutants by functional microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Junjie Li
- The School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China; China National Gold Group Jiangxi Mining Co., Ltd, Shangrao 334213, PR China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Lin Ding
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China.
| | - Shengju Shen
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Ting Liu
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Zhong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Xubiao Luo
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China.
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Rolon ML, Voloshchuk O, Bartlett KV, LaBorde LF, Kovac J. Multi-species biofilms of environmental microbiota isolated from fruit packing facilities promoted tolerance of Listeria monocytogenes to benzalkonium chloride. Biofilm 2024; 7:100177. [PMID: 38304489 PMCID: PMC10832383 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100177] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes may survive and persist in food processing environments due to formation of complex multi-species biofilms of environmental microbiota that co-exists in these environments. This study aimed to determine the effect of selected environmental microbiota on biofilm formation and tolerance of L. monocytogenes to benzalkonium chloride in formed biofilms. The studied microbiota included bacterial families previously shown to co-occur with L. monocytogenes in tree fruit packing facilities, including Pseudomonadaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, Microbacteriaceae, and Flavobacteriaceae. Biofilm formation ability and the effect of formed biofilms on the tolerance of L. monocytogenes to benzalkonium chloride was measured in single- and multi-family assemblages. Biofilms were grown statically on polystyrene pegs submerged in a R2A broth. Biofilm formation was quantified using a crystal violet assay, spread-plating, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and its composition was assessed using amplicon sequencing. The concentration of L. monocytogenes in biofilms was determined using the most probable number method. Biofilms were exposed to the sanitizer benzalkonium chloride, and the death kinetics of L. monocytogenes were quantified using a most probable number method. A total of 8, 8, 6, and 3 strains of Pseudomonadaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, Microbacteriaceae, and Flavobacteriaceae, respectively, were isolated from the environmental microbiota of tree fruit packing facilities and were used in this study. Biofilms formed by Pseudomonadaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, and all multi-family assemblages had significantly higher concentration of bacteria, as well as L. monocytogenes, compared to biofilms formed by L. monocytogenes alone. Furthermore, multi-family assemblage biofilms increased the tolerance of L. monocytogenes to benzalkonium chloride compared to L. monocytogenes mono-species biofilms and planktonic multi-family assemblages. These findings suggest that L. monocytogenes control strategies should focus not only on assessing the efficacy of sanitizers against L. monocytogenes, but also against biofilm-forming microorganisms that reside in the food processing built environment, such as Pseudomonadaceae or Xanthomonadaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Laura Rolon
- Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- One Health Microbiome Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Olena Voloshchuk
- Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Katelyn V. Bartlett
- Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Luke F. LaBorde
- Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Jasna Kovac
- Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- One Health Microbiome Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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Ge Y, Chen J, Xue Y, Xing W, Zhang L, Lu X, Liu J, Li F, Yang Q. Elimination of inhibitory effects of dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride on microalgae in wastewater by cocultivation with a newly screened microbial consortium. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170676. [PMID: 38350567 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170676] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
As one of the most commonly used biocidal cationic surfactants, benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) have been an increasing concern as emerging contaminants. Wastewater has been claimed the main point for BACs to enter into the environment, but to date, it is still largely unknown how the BACs affect the microbes (especially microalgae) in the practical wastewater and how to cost-effectively remove them. In this study, the inhibitory effects of a typical BACs, dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC), on a green microalga Chlorella sp. in oxidation pond wastewater were investigated. The results showed that though a hermetic effect at the first 2 days was observed with the DDBAC at low concentration (<6 mg/L), the algal growth and photosynthesis were significantly inhibited by the DDBAC at all the tested concentrations (3 to 48 mg/L). Fortunately, a new microbial consortium (MC) capable of degrading DDBAC was screened through a gradient domestication method. The MC mainly composed of Wickerhamomyces sp., Purpureocillium sp., and Achromobacter sp., and its maximum removal efficiency and removal rate of DDBAC (48 mg/L) respectively reached 98.1 % and 46.32 mg/L/d. Interestingly, a microbial-microalgal system (MMS) was constructed using the MC and Chlorella sp., and a synergetic effect between the two kinds of microorganisms was proposed: microalga provided oxygen and extracellular polysaccharides as co-metabolic substrates to help the MC to degrade DDBAC, while the MC helped to eliminate the DDBAC-induced inhibition on the alga. Further, by observing the seven kinds of degradation products (mainly including CH5O3P, C6H5CH2-, and C8H11N), two possible chemical pathways of the DDBAC degradation were proposed. In addition, the metagenomic sequencing results showed that the main functional genes of the MMS included antibiotic-resistant genes, ABC transporter genes, quorum sensing genes, two-component regulatory system genes, etc. This study provided some theoretical and application findings for the cost-effective pollution prevention of BACs in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaming Ge
- National Engineering Research Center For Marine Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Juan Chen
- National Engineering Research Center For Marine Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Yu Xue
- National Engineering Research Center For Marine Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Wanchuan Xing
- Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Environmental Pollution Control, School of Petrochemical Engineering & Environment, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Xinye Lu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Environmental Pollution Control, School of Petrochemical Engineering & Environment, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Junzhi Liu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Environmental Pollution Control, School of Petrochemical Engineering & Environment, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China.
| | - Fushan Li
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Environmental Pollution Control, School of Petrochemical Engineering & Environment, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- ABI Group, Donghai Laboratory, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
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Tian K, Zhang Y, Chen R, Tan D, Zhong M, Yao D, Dong Y, Liu Y. Self-assembling a 1,4-dioxane-degrading consortium and identifying the key role of Shinella sp. through dilution-to-extinction and reculturing. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0178723. [PMID: 37882576 PMCID: PMC10714792 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01787-23] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Assembling a functional microbial consortium and identifying key degraders involved in the degradation of 1,4-dioxane are crucial for the design of synergistic consortia used in enhancing the bioremediation of 1,4-dioxane-contaminated sites. However, due to the vast diversity of microbes, assembling a functional consortium and identifying novel degraders through a simple method remain a challenge. In this study, we reassembled 1,4-dioxane-degrading microbial consortia using a simple and easy-to-operate method by combining dilution-to-extinction and reculture techniques. We combined differential analysis of community structure and metabolic function and confirmed that Shinella species have a stronger 1,4-dioxane degradation ability than Xanthobacter species in the enriched consortium. In addition, a new dioxane-degrading bacterium was isolated, Shinella yambaruensis, which verified our findings. These results demonstrate that DTE and reculture techniques can be used beyond diversity reduction to assemble functional microbial communities, particularly to identify key degraders in contaminant-degrading consortia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Tian
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruihuan Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ding Tan
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Dandan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanhua Dong
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
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6
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Liu Y, Wu B, Cui X, Ren Q, Ren T, Zhou Y. Distribution and dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes in a three-dimensional multifunctional biofilm during greywater treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 327:121533. [PMID: 36997145 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121533] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been identified as serious threats to public health. Despite the widespread in various systems, dynamics of ARGs in three-dimensional multifunctional biofilm (3D-MFB) treating greywater are largely undefined. This work tracked the distributions and dynamics of eight target genes (intI1, korB, sul1, sul2, tetM, ermB, blaCTX-M and qnrS) in a 3D-MFB during greywater treatment. Results showed that hydraulic retention times at 9.0 h achieved the highest linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and total nitrogen removal rates at 99.4% and 79.6%, respectively. ARGs presented significant liquid-solid distribution feature, but non-significant with biofilm position. Intracellular ARGs (predominant by intI1, korB, sul1 and sul2) at bottom biofilm were 210- to 4.2 × 104- fold higher than that in cell-free liquid. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)-attached LAS showed linear relationship with most of ARGs (R2 > 0.90, P < 0.05). Sphingobacteriales, Chlamydiales, Microthrixaceae, SB-1, Cryomorphaceae, Chitinophagaceae, Leadbetterella and Niabella were tightly bound up with target ARGs. Key is that EPS-attached LAS considerably determines the occurrence of ARGs, and microbial taxa play an important role in the dissemination of ARGs in the 3D-MFB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Beibei Wu
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xiaocai Cui
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Qingqing Ren
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Tian Ren
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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Wang X, Du G, Qiao Z, Yang Y, Shi H, Zhang D, Pan X. Environmental concentrations of surfactants as a trigger for climax of horizonal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17034. [PMID: 37484423 PMCID: PMC10361096 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17034] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitous antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is a significant global human health concern. Surfactants have been extensively used worldwide, and the consumption of surfactants containing hygiene, cleaning agents and disinfectants was multiplied during COVID-19 pandemic, which have caused significantly increased pollution of surfactants in aquatic environment. Whether such ever-increasing surfactant concentration boost dissemination risk of ARGs still remains unknown. Here the effects of three typical surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and benzalkonium chloride on the transformation of pUC19 plasmid (2686 bp)-borne ARGs to recipient bacteria E. coli DH5ɑ were investigated. It was found that these surfactants at environmental concentrations facilitated horizonal gene transfer (HGT) via transformation. The transformation triggering concentrations for the three surfactants were 0.25-0.34 mg/L with a maximum increased transformation frequency of 13.51-22.93-fold. The mechanisms involved in activated HGT of ARGs via transformation triggered by surfactants could be mainly attributed to the increased production of reactive oxygen species, which further enhanced cell membrane permeability. These findings provide new sights for understanding of ARG propagation and also imply that the drastic rise of surfactant concentration in aquatic environment may significantly increase the dissemination risk of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
- School of Environment Science and Spatial Information, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, China
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310015, China
- Shaoxing Research Institute of Zhejiang University of Technology, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Gaoquan Du
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Zhuang Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Yixuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Huimin Shi
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Daoyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
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Wei T, Wang Z, Yang Y, Xiang W, Liu Y, Wu B, Cui X, Guo B, Zhou Y. Microbial niches and dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes in a bio-enhanced granular-activated carbon biofilm treating greywater. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 331:138774. [PMID: 37100251 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation and transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in greywater treatment systems present risks for its reuse. In this study, a gravity flow self-supplying oxygen (O2) bio-enhanced granular activated carbon dynamic biofilm reactor (BhGAC-DBfR) was developed to treat greywater. Maximum removal efficiencies were achieved at saturated/unsaturated ratios (RSt/Ust) of 1:1.1 for chemical oxygen demand (97.6 ± 1.5%), linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) (99.2 ± 0.5%), NH4+-N (99.3 ± 0.7%) and total nitrogen (85.3 ± 3.2%). Microbial communities were significantly different at various RSt/Ust and reactor positions (P < 0.05). The unsaturated zone with low RSt/Ust showed more abundant microorganisms than the saturated zone with high RSt/Ust. The reactor-top community was predominant by aerobic nitrification (Nitrospira) and LAS biodegradation (Pseudomonas, Rhodobacter and Hydrogenophaga) related genera; but reactor-bottom community was predominant by anaerobic denitrification and organics removal related genera (Dechloromonas and Desulfovibrio). Most of the ARGs (e.g., intI-1, sul1, sul2 and korB) were accumulated in the biofilm, which were closely associated with microbial communities at reactor top and stratification. The saturated zone can achieve over 80% removal of the tested ARGs at all operation Phases. Results suggested that BhGAC-DBfR can provide assistance in blocking the environment dissemination of ARGs during greywater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wei
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ying Yang
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Wanchen Xiang
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ying Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Beibei Wu
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xiaocai Cui
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Bing Guo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Surrey, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom.
| | - Yun Zhou
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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Chen X, Ke Y, Zhu Y, Xu M, Chen C, Xie S. Enrichment of tetracycline-degrading bacterial consortia: Microbial community succession and degradation characteristics and mechanism. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130984. [PMID: 36860056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130984] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tetracycline (TC) is an antibiotic that is recently found as an emerging pollutant with low biodegradability. Biodegradation shows great potential for TC dissipation. In this study, two TC-degrading microbial consortia (named SL and SI) were respectively enriched from activated sludge and soil. Bacterial diversity decreased in these finally enriched consortia compared with the original microbiota. Moreover, most ARGs quantified during the acclimation process became less abundant in the finally enriched microbial consortia. Microbial compositions of the two consortia as revealed by 16 S rRNA sequencing were similar to some extent, and the dominant genera Pseudomonas, Sphingobacterium, and Achromobacter were identified as the potential TC degraders. In addition, consortia SL and SI were capable of biodegrading TC (initial 50 mg/L) by 82.92% and 86.83% within 7 days, respectively. They could retain high degradation capabilities under a wide pH range (4-10) and at moderate/high temperatures (25-40 °C). Peptone with concentrations of 4-10 g/L could serve as a desirable primary growth substrate for consortia to remove TC through co-metabolism. A total of 16 possible intermediates including a novel biodegradation product TP245 were detected during TC degradation. Peroxidase genes, tetX-like genes and the enriched genes related to aromatic compound degradation as revealed by metagenomic sequencing were likely responsible for TC biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yanchu Ke
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Mingbang Xu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chao Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuguang Xie
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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10
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Yang K, Chen ML, Zhu D. Exposure to benzalkonium chloride disinfectants promotes antibiotic resistance in sewage sludge microbiomes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161527. [PMID: 36638983 PMCID: PMC9830840 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Disinfectants are routinely used in human environments to control and prevent the transmission of microbial disease, and this is particularly true during the current COVID-19 crisis. However, it remains unclear whether the increased disinfectant loadings to wastewater treatment plants facilitate the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in sewage sludge microbiomes. Here, we investigated the impacts of benzalkonium chlorides (BACs), widely used disinfectants, on ARGs profiles and microbial community structures in sewage sludge by using high-throughput quantitative PCR and Illumina sequencing. A total of 147 unique ARGs and 39 mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were detected in all sewage sludge samples. Our results show that exposure to BACs disinfectants at environmentally relevant concentrations significantly promotes both the diversity and absolute abundance of ARGs in sludge microbiomes, indicating the co-selection of ARGs by BACs disinfectants. The enrichment of ARGs abundance varied from 2.15-fold to 3.63-fold compared to controls. In addition, BACs exposure significantly alters bacterial and protistan communities, resulting in dysbiosis of the sludge microbiota. The Mantel test and Procrustes analysis confirm that bacterial communities are significantly correlated with ARGs profiles under BACs treatments. The structural equation model explains 83.8 % of the total ARGs variation and further illustrates that the absolute abundance of MGEs exerts greater impacts on the variation of absolute abundance of ARGs than microbial communities under BACs exposure, suggesting BACs may promote antibiotic resistance by enhancing the horizontal gene transfer of ARGs across sludge microbiomes. Collectively, our results provide new insights into the proliferation of antibiotic resistance through disinfectant usage during the pandemic and highlight the necessity to minimize the environmental release of disinfectants into the non-target environment for combating antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Mo-Lian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315800, China
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11
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Moghadam AA, Shuai W, Hartmann EM. Anthropogenic antimicrobial micropollutants and their implications for agriculture. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 80:102902. [PMID: 36812745 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics and disinfectants have saved millions of human lives and cured uncountable animal diseases, but their activity is not limited to the site of application. Downstream, these chemicals become micropollutants, contaminating water at trace levels, resulting in adverse impacts on soil microbial communities and threatening crop health and productivity in agricultural settings and perpetuating the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Especially as resource scarcity drives increased reuse of water and other waste streams, considerable attention is needed to characterize the fate of antibiotics and disinfectants and to prevent or mitigate environmental and public health impacts. In this review, we hope to provide an overview of why increasing concentrations of micropollutants such as antibiotics are concerning in the environment, how they can pose health risks for humans, and how they can be countered using bioremediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahid A Moghadam
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, USA
| | - Weitao Shuai
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, USA
| | - Erica M Hartmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, USA.
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12
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Wang J, Li L, Chi B, Shan J, Yi X, Liu Y, Zhou H. Metagenomic insights into the effects of benzyl dodecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (BDAB) shock on bacteria-driven nitrogen removal in a moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR). CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 320:138098. [PMID: 36764616 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138098] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The use of disinfectants made from quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) has greatly increased since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. However, the effect of QACs on wastewater treatment performance is still unclear. In this study, a commonly used QAC, i.e., benzyl dodecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (BDAB), was added to a moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) to investigate BDAB's effect on nutrient removal. When the BDAB concentration was increased to 50 mg L-1, the ammonia removal efficiency (ARE) greatly decreased, as did the nitrate production rate constants (NPR). This inhibition was partly recovered by decreasing the BDAB concentration to 30 mg L-1. Metagenomic sequencing revealed the functional genera present during different stages of the control (Rc) and BDAB-added reactors (Re). The enriched genera (Rudaea, Nitrosospira, Sphingomonas, and Rhodanobacter) in Rc mainly related to the nitrogen metabolism, while the enriched genera in Re was BDAB-concentration dependent. Functional genes analysis suggested that a lack of ammonia oxidase-encoding genes (amoABC) may have caused a decrease in ARE in Re, while the efflux pump-encoding genes emrE, mdfA, and oprM and a gene encoding BAC oxygenase (oxyBAC) were responsible for BDAB resistance. The increase in the total abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in Re revealed a potential risk arising from BDAB. Overall, this study revealed the potential effect and ecological risks of BDAB introduction in WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Ling Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Baihui Chi
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Jiajia Shan
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Xianliang Yi
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China.
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13
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Ivanova B. Stochastic Dynamic Mass Spectrometric Quantitative and Structural Analyses of Pharmaceutics and Biocides in Biota and Sewage Sludge. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076306. [PMID: 37047279 PMCID: PMC10094044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mass spectrometric innovations in analytical instrumentation tend to be accompanied by the development of a data-processing methodology, expecting to gain molecular-level insights into real-life objects. Qualitative and semi-quantitative methods have been replaced routinely by precise, accurate, selective, and sensitive quantitative ones. Currently, mass spectrometric 3D molecular structural methods are attractive. As an attempt to establish a reliable link between quantitative and 3D structural analyses, there has been developed an innovative formula [DSD″,tot=∑inDSD″,i=∑in2.6388.10−17×Ii2¯−Ii¯2] capable of the exact determination of the analyte amount and its 3D structure. It processed, herein, ultra-high resolution mass spectrometric variables of paracetamol, atenolol, propranolol, and benzalkonium chlorides in biota, using mussel tissue and sewage sludge. Quantum chemistry and chemometrics were also used. Results: Data on mixtures of antibiotics and surfactants in biota and the linear dynamic range of concentrations 2–80 ng.(mL)−1 and collision energy CE = 5–60 V are provided. Quantitative analysis of surfactants in biota via calibration equation ln[D″SD] = f(conc.) yields the exact parameter |r| = 0.99991, examining the peaks of BAC-C12 at m/z 212.209 ± 0.1 and 211.75 ± 0.15 for tautomers of fragmentation ions. Exact parameter |r| = 1 has been obtained, correlating the theory and experiments in determining the 3D molecular structures of ions of paracetamol at m/z 152, 158, 174, 301, and 325 in biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojidarka Ivanova
- Lehrstuhl für Analytische Chemie, Institut für Umweltforschung, Fakultät für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Universität Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Straße 6, 44221 Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
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14
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Wu B, Ren Q, Xia L, Liu Y, Cui X, Dai A, Wei T, Zhou Y. pH-dependent microbial niches succession and antibiotic resistance genes distribution in an oxygen-based membrane biofilm reactor treating greywater. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114725. [PMID: 36343711 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114725] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
System pH is found to crucially affect biofilm growth and microorganisms' activity in the biofilm-based wastewater treatment system. This study investigated the pH-dependent pollutants removal, microbial niches succession and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) accumulation in an oxygen-based membrane biofilm reactor treating greywater. Results indicated that neutral conditions achieved the highest biofilm concentration and living cells, which enabled the highest pollutants removal rates; multifarious functional groups in biofilm enabled pollutants adsorption, which favored its continuous bio-removal. Microbial communities under acidic condition (pH = 5.0) were significantly different with that under other conditions (p < 0.05). The neutral and alkaline niches (pH = 7.0 and 9.0) were predominant by organics biodegradation and nitrogen reduction bacteria (e.g. Sphingobacteriales, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium and Phenylobacterium), but which were significantly dropped under acidic conditions, leading to the declined reactor performance. ARGs in biofilm (predominant by korB, intI-1, sul1 and sul2) were much higher than that in the cell-free liquid and the target ARGs accumulation (korB, intI-1, blaCTX-M, qnrS) had nearly linear positive relationships (R2 > 0.95, P < 0.01) with biofilm-attached linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS). LAS stimulate ARGs proliferation in functional microorganisms (korB, sul-1 and intI-1 were significantly associated with related microbial genus) and biofilm played a key role in ARGs dissemination. The relatively low ARGs in both biofilm and effluent under neutral conditions suggested that pH controlling can be an effective strategy to inhibit ARGs dissemination and proliferation in the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Wu
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Qingqing Ren
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Libo Xia
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ying Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xiaocai Cui
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Anqi Dai
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ting Wei
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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15
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Nowak-Lange M, Niedziałkowska K, Lisowska K. Cosmetic Preservatives: Hazardous Micropollutants in Need of Greater Attention? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214495. [PMID: 36430973 PMCID: PMC9692320 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, personal care products (PCPs) have surfaced as a novel class of pollutants due to their release into wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and receiving environments by sewage effluent and biosolid-augmentation soil, which poses potential risks to non-target organisms. Among PCPs, there are preservatives that are added to cosmetics for protection against microbial spoilage. This paper presents a review of the occurrence in different environmental matrices, toxicological effects, and mechanisms of microbial degradation of four selected preservatives (triclocarban, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone, and benzalkonium chloride). Due to the insufficient removal from WWTPs, cosmetic preservatives have been widely detected in aquatic environments and sewage sludge at concentrations mainly below tens of µg L-1. These compounds are toxic to aquatic organisms, such as fish, algae, daphnids, and rotifers, as well as terrestrial organisms. A summary of the mechanisms of preservative biodegradation by micro-organisms and analysis of emerging intermediates is also provided. Formed metabolites are often characterized by lower toxicity compared to the parent compounds. Further studies are needed for an evaluation of environmental concentrations of preservatives in diverse matrices and toxicity to more species of aquatic and terrestrial organisms, and for an understanding of the mechanisms of microbial degradation. The research should focus on chloroxylenol and methylisothiazolinone because these compounds are the least understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Nowak-Lange
- Correspondence: (M.N.-L.); (K.L.); Tel.: +48-42635-45-00 (M.N.-L.); +48-42635-44-68 (K.L.)
| | | | - Katarzyna Lisowska
- Correspondence: (M.N.-L.); (K.L.); Tel.: +48-42635-45-00 (M.N.-L.); +48-42635-44-68 (K.L.)
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16
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Zhou Y, Anwar MN, Guo B, Huang W, Liu Y. Response of antibiotic resistance genes and microbial niches to dissolved oxygen in an oxygen-based membrane biofilm reactor during greywater treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:155062. [PMID: 35395308 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155062] [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: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) in greywater (GW) will simulate antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) production in the biofilm-based system. Our study emphasizes the dissolved oxygen (DO)-dependent ARGs accumulation and microbial niches succession in an oxygen-based membrane biofilm reactor (O2-MBfR) treating GW, as well as revealing the key roles of EPS. Changing DO concentrations led to significant differences in ARGs production, EPS secretion and microbial communities, as well as the organics and nitrogen removal efficiency. Increasing DO concentration from 0.2 to 0.4 mg/L led to improved organics (> 90%) and nitrogen removal, as well as less EPS (especially for proteins and carbohydrates) and ARGs accumulation (e.g., intI-1, korB and sul-2) in the biofilm; the high-DO-concentration accumulated microbial niches, including Flavobacteriaceae and Cyanobacteria that revealed by LEfSe analysis, contributed to both nitrogen reduction and organics biodegradation. While, the inefficient electron acceptor at low DO conditions (0.2 mg/L) reduced the organics and nitrogen removal efficiency, as well as the improved accumulation of EPS in biofilm; high EPS enabled the capture of residual LAS from the liquid phase, which stimulated the production of ARGs by the distinct microbial community compositions. These findings suggested the DO-based ARGs reduction regulation strategy in the O2-MBfR treating GW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Mian Nabeel Anwar
- University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Bing Guo
- University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada; Centre for Environmental Health and Engineering (CEHE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Surrey GU2 7XH, United Kingdom.
| | - Wendy Huang
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Yang Liu
- University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada.
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17
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Belter B, McCarlie SJ, Boucher-van Jaarsveld CE, Bragg RR. Investigation into the Metabolism of Quaternary Ammonium Compound Disinfectants by Bacteria. Microb Drug Resist 2022; 28:841-848. [PMID: 35759372 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2022.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our reliance on disinfectants and sanitizers and the use thereof has grown. While this may protect human health, it may be selecting for antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, including those that are not only capable of growth in the presence of disinfectants but also thrive using this as an energy source. Furthermore, there is a growing concern in emerging nosocomial pathogens, which have shown resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants. This rise in resistance has led to the investigation of various mechanisms behind resistance, such as biofilms, efflux pumps, and mobile genetic elements. Although many resistance mechanisms have been identified, it was discovered that some potentially pathogenic microbes could metabolize these compounds, which remains an avenue for further investigation. Investigating alternative metabolic pathways in microorganisms capable of growth using disinfectants as their sole carbon and energy source may provide insight into the metabolism of quaternary ammonium compound (QAC)-based antimicrobials. Many of the metabolic reactions proposed include hydroxylation, N-dealkylation, N-demethylation, and β-oxidation of QACs. If clear metabolic pathways and reactions are elucidated, possible alternative approaches to QACs may be advised. Alternatively, this may provide opportunities for biodegradation of the compounds that adversely affect the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Belter
- Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Samantha J McCarlie
- Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Charlotte E Boucher-van Jaarsveld
- Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Robert R Bragg
- Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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18
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Cui X, Ren Q, Zhang J, Zhou Y. Removal kinetics of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate in a batch-operated oxygen based membrane biofilm reactor treating greywater: Quantitative differentiation of adsorption and biodegradation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150523. [PMID: 34844301 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen-based membrane biofilm reactor (O2-MBfR) is a unique technique for high linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS)-containing greywater (GW) treatment. Despite the efficient removal of LAS, the dynamics of how it is taken up and the quantitative differentiation of adsorption and biodegradation are largely undefined. In this study, we tracked the fate of LAS, chemical oxygen demand and nitrogen in various systems: GW, GW with inactivated sludge (InAS) and GW with activated sludge (AS). We determined the distribution of biodegraded-, free-, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)-attached LAS, and we also developed a model to simulate all the steps. Results showed that AS exhibited high live cells proportion and microbial activity, but the opposite trend for GW and InAS. Both of nitrogen and organics could be simultaneously and efficiently removed in the AS inoculated system. The two-step model for LAS uptake and biodegradation represented the experimental results well. EPS adsorption led to the fast LAS accumulation in biofilm, and biodegradation led to the continuous removal of LAS in the system. After operated for 24 h, biodegradation and EPS accumulation of LAS were 94% and 4%, respectively, and the residual soluble LAS was lower than 1%. This work lays the foundation for using O2-MBfR to treat GW and other types of wastewater, and understanding the key roles of EPS and the mathematical model of LAS removal in the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocai Cui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qingqing Ren
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Huizhou University, Huizhou, Guangdong 516007, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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19
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Chacón L, Arias-Andres M, Mena F, Rivera L, Hernández L, Achi R, Garcia F, Rojas-Jimenez K. Short-term exposure to benzalkonium chloride in bacteria from activated sludge alters the community diversity and the antibiotic resistance profile. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2021; 19:895-906. [PMID: 34874898 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The continuous introduction of cleaning products containing benzalkonium chloride (BAC) from household discharges can mold the microbial communities in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in a way still poorly understood. In this study, we performed an in vitro exposure of activated sludge from a WWTP in Costa Rica to BAC, quantified the changes in intI1, sul2, and qacE/qacEΔ1 gene profiles, and determined alterations in the bacterial community composition. The analysis of the qPCR data revealed elevated charges of antibiotic resistance genes in the microbial community; after BAC's exposure, a significant increase in the qacE/qacEΔ1 gene, which is related to ammonium quaternary resistance, was observed. The 16S rRNA gene sequences' analysis showed pronounced variations in the structure of the bacterial communities, including reduction of the alpha diversity values and an increase of the relative abundance of Alphaproteobacteria, particularly of Rhodospseudomonas and Rhodobacter. We confirmed that the microbial communities presented high resilience to BAC at the mg/mL concentration, probably due to constant exposure to this pollutant. They also presented antibiotic resistance-related genes with similar mechanisms to tolerate this substance. These mechanisms should be explored more thoroughly, especially in the context of high use of disinfectant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Chacón
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA), Universidad de Costa Rica, P.O. Box: 11501-20160, San José, Costa Rica E-mail:
| | - Maria Arias-Andres
- Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Campus Omar Dengo, P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Freylan Mena
- Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Campus Omar Dengo, P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Luis Rivera
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA), Universidad de Costa Rica, P.O. Box: 11501-20160, San José, Costa Rica E-mail:
| | - Lorena Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, P.O. Box: 11501-20160, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Rosario Achi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA), Universidad de Costa Rica, P.O. Box: 11501-20160, San José, Costa Rica E-mail:
| | - Fernando Garcia
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, P.O. Box: 11501-20160, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Keilor Rojas-Jimenez
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, P.O. Box: 11501-20160, San José, Costa Rica
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20
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Alexandrino DAM, Mucha AP, Almeida CMR, Carvalho MF. Atlas of the microbial degradation of fluorinated pesticides. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 42:991-1009. [PMID: 34615427 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1977234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Fluorine-based agrochemicals have been benchmarked as the golden standard in pesticide development, prompting their widespread use in agriculture. As a result, fluorinated pesticides can now be found in the environment, entailing serious ecological implications due to their harmfulness and persistence. Microbial degradation might be an option to mitigate these impacts, though environmental microorganisms are not expected to easily cope with these fluoroaromatics due to their recalcitrance. Here, we provide an outlook on the microbial metabolism of fluorinated pesticides by analyzing the degradation pathways and biochemical processes involved, while also highlighting the central role of enzymatic defluorination in their productive metabolism. Finally, the potential contribution of these microbial processes for the dissipation of fluorinated pesticides from the environment is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo A M Alexandrino
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, Matosinhos, Portugal.,School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana P Mucha
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, Matosinhos, Portugal.,Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - C Marisa R Almeida
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Maria F Carvalho
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, Matosinhos, Portugal.,School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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21
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Sakarya FK, Haznedaroglu BZ, Tezel U. Biological removal of benzalkonium chlorides from wastewater by immobilized cells of Pseudomonas sp. BIOMIG1 in an up-flow packed bed reactor. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 418:126210. [PMID: 34102365 PMCID: PMC9757925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are active ingredients of many disinfectants used against SARS-CoV-2 to control the transmission of the virus through human-contact surfaces. As a result, QAC consumption has increased more than twice during the pandemic. Consequently, the concentration of QACs in wastewater and receiving environments may increase. Due to their antimicrobial activity, high levels of QACs in wastewater may cause malfunctioning of biological treatment systems resulting in inadequate treatment of wastewater. In this study, a biocatalyst was produced by entrapping Pseudomonas sp. BIOMIG1 capable of degrading QACs in calcium alginate. Bioactive 3-mm alginate beads degraded benzalkonium chlorides (BACs), a group of QACs, with a rate of 0.47 µM-BACs/h in shake flasks. A bench-scale continuous up-flow reactor packed with BIOMIG1-beads was operated over one and a half months with either synthetic wastewater or secondary effluent containing 2-20 µM BACs at an empty bed contact time (EBCT) ranging between 0.6 and 4.7 h. Almost complete BAC removal was achieved from synthetic and real wastewater at and above 1.2 h EBCT without aeration and effluent recirculation. The microbial community in beads dominantly composed of BIOMIG1 with trace number of Achromobacter spp. after the operation of the reactor with the real wastewater, suggesting that BIOMIG1 over-competed native wastewater bacteria during the operation. This reactor system offers a low cost and robust treatment of QACs in wastewater. It can be integrated to conventional treatment systems for efficient removal of QACs from the wastewater, especially during the pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahri Koray Sakarya
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Bogazici University, Bebek, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Ulas Tezel
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Bogazici University, Bebek, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey.
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Emadian SM, Sefiloglu FO, Akmehmet Balcioglu I, Tezel U. Identification of core micropollutants of Ergene River and their categorization based on spatiotemporal distribution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143656. [PMID: 33261876 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Ergene River is heavily utilized for irrigation of fields to grow the main stocks of rice, wheat, and sunflower of Turkey also exported to Europe; therefore, monitoring the river's water quality is crucial for public health. Although the river quality is routinely monitored, the evaluation of pollution based on micropollutants is limited. In this study, we measured 222 organic micropollutants in 300 samples collected from 75 different locations on the Ergene River between August 2017 and May 2018 using direct injection liquid chromatography-tandem spectrometry with optimized scheduled multiple reaction monitoring. In total, 165 micropollutants were detected at a range of concentrations between 1.90 ng/L and 1824.55 μg/L. Sixty-three chemical substances were recurrent micropollutants that were detected at least one location in all seasons. Among them, 41 chemical substances were identified as the core micropollutants of the Ergene River using data-driven clustering methods. Hexa(methoxymethyl)melamine, benzotriazoles, and benzalkonium chlorides were frequently detected core micropollutants with an industrial origin. Besides, diuron, carbendazim, and cadusafos were common pesticides in the river. Core micropollutants were further categorized based on their type of source and environmental behavior using Kurtosis of concentration and load data obtained for each micropollutant. As a result, the majority of the core micropollutants are recalcitrant chemicals either released from a specific source located upstream of the river or have urban and agricultural sources dispersed on the watershed. In this study, we assessed the current state of pollution in the Ergene River at the micropollutant level with a very high spatial resolution and developed a statistical approach to categorize micropollutants that can be used to monitor the extent of pollution and track pollution sources in the river.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mehdi Emadian
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - F Oyku Sefiloglu
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Ulas Tezel
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Bogazici University, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey.
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Acharya SM, Chakraborty R, Tringe SG. Emerging Trends in Biological Treatment of Wastewater From Unconventional Oil and Gas Extraction. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:569019. [PMID: 33013800 PMCID: PMC7509137 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.569019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas exploration generates an enormous quantity of wastewater, commonly referred to as flowback and produced water (FPW). Limited freshwater resources and stringent disposal regulations have provided impetus for FPW reuse. Organic and inorganic compounds released from the shale/brine formation, microbial activity, and residual chemicals added during hydraulic fracturing bestow a unique as well as temporally varying chemical composition to this wastewater. Studies indicate that many of the compounds found in FPW are amenable to biological degradation, indicating biological treatment may be a viable option for FPW processing and reuse. This review discusses commonly characterized contaminants and current knowledge on their biodegradability, including the enzymes and organisms involved. Further, a perspective on recent novel hybrid biological treatments and application of knowledge gained from omics studies in improving these treatments is explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shwetha M Acharya
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Romy Chakraborty
- Department of Ecology, Earth and Environmental Sciences Area, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Susannah G Tringe
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
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Hora PI, Arnold WA. Photochemical fate of quaternary ammonium compounds in river water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:1368-1381. [PMID: 32406464 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00086h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are not completely removed during wastewater treatment and are frequently detected in surface waters and sediments. The photochemical transformation of QACs has not been thoroughly investigated as a potential degradation pathway affecting their fate in the environment. Kinetic studies of common QACs with and without aromatic groups under simulated and natural sunlight conditions were performed with model sensitizers and dissolved organic matter to estimate photochemical half-lives in the aquatic environment. All QACs investigated react with hydroxyl radicals at diffusion-controlled rates (∼2.9 × 109 to 1.2 × 1010 M-1 s-1). Benzethonium reacted via direct photolysis (ΦBZT,outdoor = 1.7 × 10-2 (mol Ei-1)). Benzethonium also reacted with the triplet excited state model sensitizer 2-acetylnaphthalene, but evidence suggests this reaction pathway is unimportant in natural waters due to faster quenching of the triplet 2-acetylnapthalene by oxygen. Reactivity with singlet oxygen for the QACs was minimal. Overall, reactions with hydroxyl radicals will dominate over direct photolysis due to limited spectral overlap of sunlight emission and QAC absorbance. Photolysis half-lives are predicted to be 12 to 94 days, indicating slow abiotic degradation in surface water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya I Hora
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
| | - William A Arnold
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
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Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas sp. Strain BIOMIG1 BAC, Which Mineralizes Benzalkonium Chloride Disinfectants. Microbiol Resour Announc 2020; 9:9/20/e00309-20. [PMID: 32409540 PMCID: PMC7225539 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00309-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas sp. strain BIOMIG1BAC is an antibiotic-resistant gammaproteobacterium that can completely mineralize different homologs of benzalkonium chloride disinfectants. Here, we report the annotated complete genome sequence of this microorganism, which includes one circular chromosome with a length of 7,675,262 bp. Pseudomonas sp. strain BIOMIG1BAC is an antibiotic-resistant gammaproteobacterium that can completely mineralize different homologs of benzalkonium chloride disinfectants. Here, we report the annotated complete genome sequence of this microorganism, which includes one circular chromosome with a length of 7,675,262 bp.
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Decision-Making Tools to Manage the Microbiology of Drinking Water Distribution Systems. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12051247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper uses a two-fold multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach applied for the first time to the field of microbial management of drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). Specifically, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) was applied removing the need for reliance on expert judgement, and analysed interdependencies among water quality parameters and microbiological characteristics of DWDS composed of different pipe materials. In addition, the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) ranked the most common bacteria identified during trials in a DWDS according to their relative abundance while managing vagueness affecting the measurements. The novel integrated approach presented and proven here for an initial real world data set provides new insights in the interdependence of environmental conditions and microbial populations. Specifically, the application shows as the bacteria having associated the most significant microbial impact may not be the most abundant. This offers the potential for integrated management strategies to promote favourable microbial conditions to help safeguard drinking water quality.
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Timmer N, Gore D, Sanders D, Gouin T, Droge STJ. Application of seven different clay types in sorbent-modified biodegradability studies with cationic biocides. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 245:125643. [PMID: 31877460 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The cationic surfactants cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) can exert inhibitory effects on micro-organisms responsible for their biodegradation. However, under environmentally relevant exposure scenarios the presence of and sorption to organic and inorganic matter can lead to significant reduction of inhibitory effects. In our studies we investigated silica gel and seven clays as inert sorbents to mitigate these inhibitory effects in a 28 day manometric respirometry biodegradation test. CTAB was not inhibitory to the used inoculum, but we did observe that seven out of eight sorbents increased maximum attainable biodegradation, and four out of eight decreased the lag phase. The strongly inhibitory effect of CPC was successfully mitigated by most sorbents, with five out of eight allowing >50% biodegradation within 28 days. Results further indicate that bioaccessibility of the sorbed fractions in the stirred manometric test systems was higher than in calmly shaken headspace test systems. Bioaccessibility might also be limited depending on characteristics of test chemical and sorbent type, with montmorillonite and bentonite apparently providing the lowest level of bioaccessibility with CPC. Clay sorbents can thus be used as environmentally relevant sorbents to mitigate potential inhibitory effects of test chemicals, but factors that impede bioaccessibility should be considered. In addition to apparently increased bioaccessibility due to stirring, the automated manometric respirometry test systems give valuable and highly cost-effective insights into lag phase and biodegradation kinetics; information that is especially relevant for test chemicals of gradual biodegradability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Timmer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508 TD, the Netherlands; Department Discovery and Environmental Sciences, Charles River Laboratories Den Bosch BV, 's-Hertogenbosch, 5231 DD, the Netherlands
| | - David Gore
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, MK44 1LQ, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - David Sanders
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, MK44 1LQ, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - Todd Gouin
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, MK44 1LQ, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - Steven T J Droge
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508 TD, the Netherlands; Department Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94248, 1090 GE, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Muter O, Khroustalyova G, Rimkus A, Kalderis D, Ruchala J, Sibirny A, Rapoport A. Evaluation of the enhanced resistance of Ogataea (Hansenula) polymorpha to benzalkonium chloride as a resource for bioremediation technologies. Process Biochem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2019.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Ferro P, Vaz-Moreira I, Manaia CM. Betaproteobacteria are predominant in drinking water: are there reasons for concern? Crit Rev Microbiol 2019; 45:649-667. [PMID: 31686572 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2019.1680602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Betaproteobacteria include some of the most abundant and ubiquitous bacterial genera that can be found in drinking water, including mineral water. The combination of physiology and ecology traits place some Betaproteobacteria in the list of potential, yet sometimes neglected, opportunistic pathogens that can be transmitted by water or aqueous solutions. Indeed, some drinking water Betaproteobacteria with intrinsic and sometimes acquired antibiotic resistance, harbouring virulence factors and often found in biofilm structures, can persist after water disinfection and reach the consumer. This literature review summarises and discusses the current knowledge about the occurrence and implications of Betaproteobacteria in drinking water. Although the sparse knowledge on the ecology and physiology of Betaproteobacteria thriving in tap or bottled natural mineral/spring drinking water (DW) is an evidence of this review, it is demonstrated that DW holds a high diversity of Betaproteobacteria, whose presence may not be innocuous. Frequently belonging to genera also found in humans, DW Betaproteobacteria are ubiquitous in different habitats, have the potential to resist antibiotics either due to intrinsic or acquired mechanisms, and hold different virulence factors. The combination of these factors places DW Betaproteobacteria in the list of candidates of emerging opportunistic pathogens. Improved bacterial identification of clinical isolates associated with opportunistic infections and additional genomic and physiological studies may contribute to elucidate the potential impact of these bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pompeyo Ferro
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ivone Vaz-Moreira
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Porto, Portugal
| | - Célia M Manaia
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Porto, Portugal
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Timmer N, Gore D, Sanders D, Gouin T, Droge STJ. Sorbent-modified biodegradation studies of the biocidal cationic surfactant cetylpyridinium chloride. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 182:109417. [PMID: 31302333 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradability studies for the cationic surfactant cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) are hampered by inhibitory effects on inoculum at prescribed test concentrations (10-20 mg organic carbon/L). In this study, we used 14C labeled CPC in the 28 d Headspace Test (OECD 310) and demonstrated that CPC was readily biodegradable (10->60% mineralization within a 10 day window) at test concentrations 0.006-0.3 mg/L with CPC as single substrate. Biodegradation efficiency was comparable over this concentration range. CPC inhibited degradation at 1 mg/L and completely suppressed inoculum activity at 3 mg/L. In an extensive sorbent modified biodegradation study we evaluated the balance between CPC bioaccessibility and toxicity. A non-inhibitory concentration of 0.1 mg/L CPC was readily biodegradable with 83% sorbed to SiO2, while biodegradation was slower when 96% was sorbed. SiO2 mitigated inhibitory effects of 1 mg/L CPC, reaching >60% biodegradation within 28 d; inhibitory effects were also mitigated by addition of commercial clay powder (illite) but this was primarily reflected by a reduced lag phase. At 10 mg/L CPC SiO2 was still able to mitigate inhibitory effects, but bioaccessibility seemed limited as only 20% biodegradation was reached. Illite limited bioaccessibility more strongly and was not able to sustain biodegradation at 10 mg/L CPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Timmer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508, TD, the Netherlands
| | - David Gore
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, MK44 1LQ. Bedfordshire, UK
| | - David Sanders
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, MK44 1LQ. Bedfordshire, UK
| | - Todd Gouin
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, MK44 1LQ. Bedfordshire, UK
| | - Steven T J Droge
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508, TD, the Netherlands; Department Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94248, 1090 GE Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Benzalkonium Chlorides: Uses, Regulatory Status, and Microbial Resistance. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:AEM.00377-19. [PMID: 31028024 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00377-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) are chemicals with widespread applications due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This review provides an overview of the market for BACs, as well as regulatory measures and available data on safety, toxicity, and environmental contamination. We focus on the effect of frequent exposure of microbial communities to BACs and the potential for cross-resistant phenotypes to emerge. Toward this goal, we review BAC concentrations in consumer products, their correlation with the emergence of tolerance in microbial populations, and the associated risk potential. Our analysis suggests that the ubiquitous and frequent use of BACs in commercial products can generate selective environments that favor microbial phenotypes potentially cross-resistant to a variety of compounds. An analysis of benefits versus risks should be the guidepost for regulatory actions regarding compounds such as BACs.
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Widely Used Benzalkonium Chloride Disinfectants Can Promote Antibiotic Resistance. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.01201-18. [PMID: 29959242 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01201-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
While the misuse of antibiotics has clearly contributed to the emergence and proliferation of resistant bacterial pathogens, with major health consequences, it remains less clear if the widespread use of disinfectants, such as benzalkonium chlorides (BAC), a different class of biocides than antibiotics, has contributed to this problem. Here, we provide evidence that exposure to BAC coselects for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and describe the underlying genetic mechanisms. After inoculation with river sediment, BAC-fed bioreactors selected for several bacterial taxa, including the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, that were more resistant to several antibiotics than their counterparts in a control (no BAC) bioreactor. A metagenomic analysis of the bioreactor microbial communities, confirmed by gene cloning experiments with the derived isolates, suggested that integrative and conjugative elements encoding a BAC efflux pump together with antibiotic resistance genes were responsible for these results. Furthermore, the exposure of the P. aeruginosa isolates to increasing concentrations of BAC selected for mutations in pmrB (polymyxin resistance) and physiological adaptations that contributed to a higher tolerance to polymyxin B and other antibiotics. The physiological adaptations included the overexpression of mexCD-oprJ multidrug efflux pump genes when BAC was added in the growth medium at subinhibitory concentrations. Collectively, our results demonstrated that disinfectants promote antibiotic resistance via several mechanisms and highlight the need to remediate (degrade) disinfectants in nontarget environments to further restrain the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.IMPORTANCE Benzalkonium chlorides (BAC) are biocides broadly used in disinfectant solutions. Disinfectants are widely used in food processing lines, domestic households, and pharmaceutical products and are typically designed to have a different mode of action than antibiotics to avoid interfering with the use of the latter. Whether exposure to BAC makes bacteria more resistant to antibiotics remains an unresolved issue of obvious practical consequences for public health. Using an integrated approach that combines metagenomics of natural microbial communities with gene cloning experiments with isolates and experimental evolution assays, we show that the widely used benzalkonium chloride disinfectants promote clinically relevant antibiotic resistance. Therefore, more attention should be given to the usage of these disinfectants, and their fate in nontarget environments should be monitored more tightly.
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Zhao Q, Xing Y, Liu Z, Ouyang J, Du C. Synthesis and Characterization of Modified BiOCl and Their Application in Adsorption of Low-Concentration Dyes from Aqueous Solution. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2018; 13:69. [PMID: 29492698 PMCID: PMC5834949 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-018-2480-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis and characterization of BiOCl and Fe3+-grafted BiOCl (Fe/BiOCl) is reported that are developed as efficient adsorbents for the removal of cationic dyes rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) as well as anionic dyes methyl orange (MO) and acid orange (AO) from aqueous solutions with low concentration of 0.01~0.04 mmol/L. Characterizations by various techniques indicate that Fe3+ grafting induced more open porous structure and higher specific surface area. Both BiOCl and Fe/BiOCl with negatively charged surfaces showed excellent adsorption efficiency toward cationic dyes, which could sharply reach 99.6 and nearly 100% within 3 min on BiOCl and 97.0 and 98.0% within 10 min on Fe/BiOCl for removing RhB and MB, respectively. However, Fe/BiOCl showed higher adsorption capacity than BiOCl toward ionic dyes. The influence of initial dye concentration, temperature, and pH value on the adsorption capacity is comprehensively studied. The adsorption process of RhB conforms to Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic feature. The excellent adsorption capacities of as-prepared adsorbents toward cationic dyes are rationalized on the basis of electrostatic attraction as well as open porous structure and high specific surface area. In comparison with Fe/BiOCl, BiOCl displays higher selective efficiency toward cationic dyes in mixed dye solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihang Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021 Inner Mongolia People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongxing Xing
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021 Inner Mongolia People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiliang Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021 Inner Mongolia People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Ouyang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Mineral Materials and Application, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunfang Du
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021 Inner Mongolia People’s Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Mineral Materials and Application, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 People’s Republic of China
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Lai YS, Ontiveros-Valencia A, Ilhan ZE, Zhou Y, Miranda E, Maldonado J, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Rittmann BE. Enhancing biodegradation of C16-alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds using an oxygen-based membrane biofilm reactor. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 123:825-833. [PMID: 28797964 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) (e.g., hexadecyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide, CTAB) are emerging contaminants with widespread use as surfactants and disinfectants. Because the initial step of QAC biodegradation is mono-oxygenation, QAC degraders require O2, but normal aeration leads to serious foaming. Here, we developed and tested an oxygen-based membrane biofilm reactor (O2-MBfR) that delivers O2 by diffusion through the walls of hollow-membranes to a biofilm accumulating on the outer surface of membranes. The O2-MBfR sustained QAC biodegradation even with high and toxic QAC input concentrations, up to 400 mg/L CTAB. Bubbleless O2 transfer completely eliminated foaming, and biofilm accumulation helped the QAC biodegraders resist toxicity. Pseudomonas, Achromobacter, Stenotrophomonas, and members of the Xanthomonadaceae family were dominant in the biofilm communities degrading CTAB, and their proportions depended on the O2-delivery capacity of the membranes. Bacteria capable of biodegrading QACs often harbor antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that help them avoid QAC toxicity. Gene copies of ARGs were detected in biofilms and liquid, but the levels of ARGs were 5- to 35-fold lower in the liquid than in the biofilm. In summary, the O2-MBfR achieved aerobic biodegradation of CTAB with neither foaming nor toxicity, and it also minimized the spread of ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- YenJung Sean Lai
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA.
| | - Aura Ontiveros-Valencia
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA; Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, N.L., 64849, Mexico; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 156 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46617, USA.
| | - Zehra Esra Ilhan
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA
| | - Yun Zhou
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Evelyn Miranda
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA
| | - Juan Maldonado
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA
| | - Bruce E Rittmann
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875701, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5701, USA
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Ertekin E, Konstantinidis KT, Tezel U. A Rieske-Type Oxygenase of Pseudomonas sp. BIOMIG1 Converts Benzalkonium Chlorides to Benzyldimethyl Amine. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:175-181. [PMID: 27792326 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b03705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Recently, an array of eight genes involved in the biotransformation of benzalkonium chlorides (BACs)-an active ingredient of many disinfectants-to benzyldimethyl amine (BDMA) was identified in the genome of Pseudomonas sp. BIOMIG1, which is a bacterium present in various environments and mineralizes BACs. In this study, we showed that heterologous expression of an oxygenase gene (oxyBAC) present in this gene array in E. coli resulted in formation of BDMA from BACs at a rate of 14 μM h-1. oxyBAC is phylogenetically classified as a Rieske-type oxygenase (RO) and belongs to a group which catalyzes the cleavage of C-N+ bond between either methyl or alkyl ester and a quaternary nitrogen (N) of natural quaternary ammonium compounds such as stachydrine, carnitine, and trimethylglycine. Insertion of two glycines into the Rieske domain and substitution of tyrosine with leucine in the mononuclear iron center differentiate oxyBAC from other ROs that cleave C-N+, and presumably facilitate the cleavage of saturated alkyl chain from quaternary N via N-dealkylation reaction. In addition, unlike other ROs, oxyBAC did not require a specific reductase to function. Our results demonstrate that oxyBAC represents a new member of RO associated with BAC degradation, and have applications for controlling the fate of BACs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Ertekin
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and ‡Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Bogazici University , Bebek 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and ∥School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0512, United States
| | - Konstantinos T Konstantinidis
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and ‡Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Bogazici University , Bebek 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and ∥School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0512, United States
| | - Ulas Tezel
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and ‡Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Bogazici University , Bebek 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and ∥School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0512, United States
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