1
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Aarsen CV, Liguori A, Mattsson R, Sipponen MH, Hakkarainen M. Designed to Degrade: Tailoring Polyesters for Circularity. Chem Rev 2024. [PMID: 38936815 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
A powerful toolbox is needed to turn the linear plastic economy into circular. Development of materials designed for mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and/or biodegradation in targeted end-of-life environment are all necessary puzzle pieces in this process. Polyesters, with reversible ester bonds, are already forerunners in plastic circularity: poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is the most recycled plastic material suitable for mechanical and chemical recycling, while common aliphatic polyesters are biodegradable under favorable conditions, such as industrial compost. However, this circular design needs to be further tailored for different end-of-life options to enable chemical recycling under greener conditions and/or rapid enough biodegradation even under less favorable environmental conditions. Here, we discuss molecular design of the polyester chain targeting enhancement of circularity by incorporation of more easily hydrolyzable ester bonds, additional dynamic bonds, or degradation catalyzing functional groups as part of the polyester chain. The utilization of polyester circularity to design replacement materials for current volume plastics is also reviewed as well as embedment of green catalysts, such as enzymes in biodegradable polyester matrices to facilitate the degradation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine V Aarsen
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 58, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Liguori
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 58, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rebecca Mattsson
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 58, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mika H Sipponen
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Minna Hakkarainen
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 58, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
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2
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Song T, Liu J, Han S, Li Y, Xu T, Xi J, Hou L, Lin Y. Effect of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on the soil-soybean system: A perspective on rhizosphere microbial community and soil element cycling. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108781. [PMID: 38880060 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
As an exogenous carbon input, microplastics (MPs), especially biodegradable MPs, may significantly disrupt soil microbial communities and soil element cycling (CNPS cycling), but few studies have focused on this. Here, we focused on assessing the effects of conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE), biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and polylactic acid (PLA) MPs on rhizosphere microbial communities and CNPS cycling in a soil-soybean system. The results showed that PBAT-MPs and PLA-MPs were more detrimental to soybean growth than LDPE-MPs, resulting in a reduction in shoot nitrogen (14.05% and 11.84%) and shoot biomass (33.80% and 28.09%) at the podding stage. In addition, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) increased by 20.91% and 66.59%, while nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N) significantly decreased by 56.91% and 69.65% in soils treated with PBAT-MPs and PLA-MPs, respectively. PBAT-MPs and PLA-MPs mainly enhanced copiotrophic bacteria (Proteobacteria) and suppressed oligotrophic bacteria (Verrucomicrobiota, Gemmatimonadota, etc.), increasing the abundance of CNPS cycling-related functional genes. LDPE-MPs tended to enrich oligotrophic bacteria (Verrucomicrobiota, etc.) and decrease the abundance of CNPS cycling-related functional genes. Correlation analysis revealed that MPs with different degradation properties selectively affected the composition and function of the bacterial community, resulting in changes in the availability of soil nutrients (especially NO3--N). Redundancy analysis further indicated that NO3--N was the primary constraining factor for soybean growth. This study provides a new perspective for revealing the underlying ecological effects of MPs on soil-plant systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Song
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jiaxi Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Siqi Han
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Tengqi Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jiao Xi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Lijun Hou
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Yanbing Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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3
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Yang X, Chen Y, Liu T, Zhang L, Wang H, Chen M, He Q, Liu G, Ju F. Plastic particles affect N 2O release via altering core microbial metabolisms in constructed wetlands. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 255:121506. [PMID: 38552486 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been proven to effectively immobilize plastic particles. However, little is known about the differences in the impact of varying sized plastic particles on nitrous oxide (N2O) release, as well as the intervention mechanisms in CWs. Here, we built a lab-scale wetland model and introduced plastic particles of macro-, micro-, and nano-size at 100 μg/L for 370 days. The results showed that plastic particles of all sizes reduced N2O release in CWs, with the degrees being the strongest for the Nano group, followed by Micro and Macro groups. Meanwhile, 15N- and 18O-tracing experiment revealed that the ammoxidation process contributed the most N2O production, followed by denitrification. While for every N2O-releasing process, the contributing proportion of N2O in nitrification-coupled denitrification were most significantly cut down under exposing to macro-sized plastics and had an obvious increase in nitrifier denitrification in all groups, respectively. Finally, we revealed the three mechanism pathways of N2O release reduction with macro-, micro-, and nano-sized plastics by impacting carbon assimilation (RubisCO activity), ammonia oxidation (gene amo abundance and HAO activity), and N-ion transmembrane and reductase activities, respectively. Our findings thus provided novel insights into the potential effects of plastic particles in CWs as an eco-technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Campus B, 83 Shabeijie, Shapingba, Chongqing 400044, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Section of Sanitary Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft 2628 CN, the Netherlands; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Geological Engineering, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Campus B, 83 Shabeijie, Shapingba, Chongqing 400044, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
| | - Tao Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Campus B, 83 Shabeijie, Shapingba, Chongqing 400044, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China; Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China; Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Mengli Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Campus B, 83 Shabeijie, Shapingba, Chongqing 400044, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qiang He
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Campus B, 83 Shabeijie, Shapingba, Chongqing 400044, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Section of Sanitary Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft 2628 CN, the Netherlands
| | - Feng Ju
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China; Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, China.
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4
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Cheng C, Shi JX, Kang EH, Nelson TF, Sander M, McNeill K, Hartwig JF. Polymers from Plant Oils Linked by Siloxane Bonds for Programmed Depolymerization. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12645-12655. [PMID: 38651821 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The increased production of plastics is leading to the accumulation of plastic waste and depletion of limited fossil fuel resources. In this context, we report a strategy to create polymers that can undergo controlled depolymerization by linking renewable feedstocks with siloxane bonds. α,ω-Diesters and α,ω-diols containing siloxane bonds were synthesized from an alkenoic ester derived from castor oil and then polymerized with varied monomers, including related biobased monomers. In addition, cyclic monomers derived from this alkenoic ester and hydrosiloxanes were prepared and cyclized to form a 26-membered macrolactone containing a siloxane unit. Sequential ring-opening polymerization of this macrolactone and lactide afforded an ABA triblock copolymer. This set of polymers containing siloxanes underwent programmed depolymerization into monomers in protic solvents or with hexamethyldisiloxane and an acid catalyst. Monomers afforded by the depolymerization of polyesters containing siloxane linkages were repolymerized to demonstrate circularity in select polymers. Evaluation of the environmental stability of these polymers toward enzymatic degradation showed that they undergo enzymatic hydrolysis by a fungal cutinase from Fusarium solani. Evaluation of soil microbial metabolism of monomers selectively labeled with 13C revealed differential metabolism of the main chain and side chain organic groups by soil microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Jake X Shi
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Division of Chemical Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Eun-Hye Kang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Taylor F Nelson
- Institute for Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Sander
- Institute for Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kristopher McNeill
- Institute for Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John F Hartwig
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Division of Chemical Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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5
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Rahmati F, Sethi D, Shu W, Asgari Lajayer B, Mosaferi M, Thomson A, Price GW. Advances in microbial exoenzymes bioengineering for improvement of bioplastics degradation. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141749. [PMID: 38521099 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a major global concern, posing numerous challenges for the environment and wildlife. Most conventional ways of plastics degradation are inefficient and cause great damage to ecosystems. The development of biodegradable plastics offers a promising solution for waste management. These plastics are designed to break down under various conditions, opening up new possibilities to mitigate the negative impact of traditional plastics. Microbes, including bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in the degradation of bioplastics by producing and secreting extracellular enzymes, such as cutinase, lipases, and proteases. However, these microbial enzymes are sensitive to extreme environmental conditions, such as temperature and acidity, affecting their functions and stability. To address these challenges, scientists have employed protein engineering and immobilization techniques to enhance enzyme stability and predict protein structures. Strategies such as improving enzyme and substrate interaction, increasing enzyme thermostability, reinforcing the bonding between the active site of the enzyme and substrate, and refining enzyme activity are being utilized to boost enzyme immobilization and functionality. Recently, bioengineering through gene cloning and expression in potential microorganisms, has revolutionized the biodegradation of bioplastics. This review aimed to discuss the most recent protein engineering strategies for modifying bioplastic-degrading enzymes in terms of stability and functionality, including enzyme thermostability enhancement, reinforcing the substrate binding to the enzyme active site, refining with other enzymes, and improvement of enzyme surface and substrate action. Additionally, discovered bioplastic-degrading exoenzymes by metagenomics techniques were emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Rahmati
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Qom 37185364, Iran
| | - Debadatta Sethi
- Sugarcane Research Station, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Nayagarh, India
| | - Weixi Shu
- Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, B2N 5E3, Canada
| | | | - Mohammad Mosaferi
- Health and Environment Research Center, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Allan Thomson
- Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation., 173 Dr. Bernie MacDonald Dr., Bible Hill, Truro, NS, B6L 2H5, Canada
| | - G W Price
- Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, B2N 5E3, Canada.
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6
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Schwab S, Nelson TF, Mecking S. Chemically Recyclable and Biodegradable Vulcanized Rubber. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2024; 12:6281-6288. [PMID: 38665800 PMCID: PMC11041115 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c08435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The cross-linked nature of vulcanized rubbers as used in tire and many other applications prohibits an effective closed-loop mechanical or chemical recycling. Moreover, vulcanization significantly retards the material's biodegradation. Here, we report a recyclable and biodegradable rubber that is generated by the vulcanization of amorphous, unsaturated polyesters. The elastic material can be broken down via solvolysis into the underlying monomers. After removal of the vulcanized repeat units, the saturated monomers, constituting the major share of the material, can be recovered in overall recycling rates exceeding 90%. Respirometric biodegradation experiments by 13CO2 tracking under environmental conditions via the polyesters' diol monomer indicated depolymerization and partial mineralization of the vulcanized polyester rubbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon
T. Schwab
- Chair of Chemical Materials Science,
Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Taylor F. Nelson
- Chair of Chemical Materials Science,
Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Stefan Mecking
- Chair of Chemical Materials Science,
Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
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7
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Satchanska G, Davidova S, Petrov PD. Natural and Synthetic Polymers for Biomedical and Environmental Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1159. [PMID: 38675078 PMCID: PMC11055061 DOI: 10.3390/polym16081159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural and synthetic polymers are a versatile platform for developing biomaterials in the biomedical and environmental fields. Natural polymers are organic compounds that are found in nature. The most common natural polymers include polysaccharides, such as alginate, hyaluronic acid, and starch, proteins, e.g., collagen, silk, and fibrin, and bacterial polyesters. Natural polymers have already been applied in numerous sectors, such as carriers for drug delivery, tissue engineering, stem cell morphogenesis, wound healing, regenerative medicine, food packaging, etc. Various synthetic polymers, including poly(lactic acid), poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), polyethylene glycol, etc., are biocompatible and biodegradable; therefore, they are studied and applied in controlled drug release systems, nano-carriers, tissue engineering, dispersion of bacterial biofilms, gene delivery systems, bio-ink in 3D-printing, textiles in medicine, agriculture, heavy metals removal, and food packaging. In the following review, recent advancements in polymer chemistry, which enable the imparting of specific biomedical functions of polymers, will be discussed in detail, including antiviral, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. This work contains the authors' experimental contributions to biomedical and environmental polymer applications. This review is a vast overview of natural and synthetic polymers used in biomedical and environmental fields, polymer synthesis, and isolation methods, critically assessessing their advantages, limitations, and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Satchanska
- BioLaboratory, Department of Natural Sciences, New Bulgarian University, Montevideo Str. 21, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Slavena Davidova
- BioLaboratory, Department of Natural Sciences, New Bulgarian University, Montevideo Str. 21, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Petar D. Petrov
- Institute of Polymers, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Akad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl.103A, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
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8
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Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Yang H, Cui L, Qian H. Mining strategies for isolating plastic-degrading microorganisms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123572. [PMID: 38369095 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste is a growing global pollutant. Plastic degradation by microorganisms has captured attention as an earth-friendly tactic. Although the mechanisms of plastic degradation by bacteria, fungi, and algae have been explored over the past decade, a large knowledge gap still exists regarding the identification, sorting, and cultivation of efficient plastic degraders, primarily because of their uncultivability. Advances in sequencing techniques and bioinformatics have enabled the identification of microbial degraders and related enzymes and genes involved in plastic biodegradation. In this review, we provide an outline of the situation of plastic degradation and summarize the methods for effective microbial identification using multidisciplinary techniques such as multiomics, meta-analysis, and spectroscopy. This review introduces new strategies for controlling plastic pollution in an environmentally friendly manner. Using this information, highly efficient and colonizing plastic degraders can be mined via targeted sorting and cultivation. In addition, based on the recognized rules and plastic degraders, we can perform an in-depth analysis of the associated degradation mechanism, metabolic features, and interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, PR China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, PR China
| | - Huihui Yang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, PR China
| | - Li Cui
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China
| | - Haifeng Qian
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, PR China.
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9
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Eck M, Mecking S. Closed-Loop Recyclable and Nonpersistent Polyethylene-like Polyesters. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:971-980. [PMID: 38446139 PMCID: PMC10956388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
ConspectusAliphatic polyesters based on long-chain monomers were synthesized for the first time almost a century ago. In fact, Carothers' seminal observations that founded the entire field of synthetic polymer fibers were made on such a polyester sample. However, as materials, they have evolved only over the past decade. This is driven by the corresponding monomers becoming practically available from advanced catalytic conversions of plant oils, and future prospects comprise a possible generation from third-generation feedstocks, such as microalgae or waste. Long-chain polyesters such as polyester-18.18 can be considered to be polyethylene chains with a low density of potential breakpoints in the chain. These do not compromise the crystalline structure or the material properties, which resemble linear high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and the materials can also be melt processed by injection molding, film or fiber extrusion, and filament deposition in additive manufacturing. At the same time, they enable closed-loop chemical recycling via solvolysis, which is also possible in mixed waste streams containing polyolefins and even poly(ethylene terephthalate). Recovered monomers possess a quality that enables the generation of recycled polyesters with properties on par with those of the virgin material. The (bio)degradability varies enormously with the constituent monomers. Polyesters based on short-chain diols and long-chain dicarboxylates fully mineralize under industrial composting conditions, despite their HDPE-like crystallinity and hydrophobicity. Fundamental studies of the morphology and thermal behavior of these polymers revealed the location of the in-chain groups and their peculiar role in structure formation during crystallization as well as during melting. All of the concepts outlined were extended to, and elaborated on further, by analogous long-chain aliphatic polymers with other in-chain groups such as carbonates and acetals. The title materials are a potential solution for much needed circular closed-loop recyclable plastics that also as a backstop if lost to the environment will not be persistent for many decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Eck
- Chair of Chemical Materials
Science, Department of Chemistry, University
of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Stefan Mecking
- Chair of Chemical Materials
Science, Department of Chemistry, University
of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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10
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Zhang Q, Chen J, Guo X, Lei H, Zou R, Huo E, Kong X, Liu W, Wang M, Ma Z, Li B. Mussel-inspired polydopamine-modified biochar microsphere for reinforcing polylactic acid composite films: Emphasizing the achievement of excellent thermal and mechanical properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129567. [PMID: 38246462 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Having poor interfacial compatibility between biochar microsphere (BM) and polylactic acid (PLA) should be responsible for the unbalance of composite film strength and toughness. Elucidating the effect of polydopamine (PDA) on BM and BM/PLA composite films is the ultimate goal of this study based on the mussel bionic principle. It was found that the strong adhesion of PDA on the BM surface was achieved, which improved the surface roughness and thermal stability. Also, PDA modification can facilitate crystallization, increase thermal properties, improve interfacial compatibility, and enhance the tensile properties of BM/PLA composite films. Silane-based PDA modified BM/PLA composite film exhibited the best tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation at break with 77.95 MPa, 1.87 GPa, and 7.30%. These noteworthy findings, achieving a simultaneous improvement in PLA strength and toughness, hold promising implications for its sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfa Zhang
- School of Engineering, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Jianlong Chen
- School of Engineering, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xinyuan Guo
- School of Engineering, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Hanwu Lei
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Rongge Zou
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Erguang Huo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Heat Fluid Flow Technology and Energy Application, School of Physical Science and Technology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Xiao Kong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- School of Engineering, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Mingfeng Wang
- School of Engineering, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Zhong Ma
- School of Engineering, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Bin Li
- School of Engineering, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
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11
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Jiménez DJ, Sanchez A, Dini-Andreote F. Engineering microbiomes to transform plastics. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:265-268. [PMID: 37845169 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The design and study of active microbial consortia able to degrade plastics represent an exciting area of research toward the development of bio-based alternatives to efficiently transform plastic waste. This forum article discusses concepts and mechanisms to inform emerging strategies for engineering microbiomes to transform plastics under controlled settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Javier Jiménez
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Alvaro Sanchez
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología - CSIC, Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Dini-Andreote
- Department of Plant Science and Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA; The One Health Microbiome Center, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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12
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Tsuboi S, Hoshino YT, Yamamoto-Tamura K, Uenishi H, Omae N, Morita T, Sameshima-Yamashita Y, Kitamoto H, Kishimoto-Mo AW. Enhanced biodegradable polyester film degradation in soil by sequential cooperation of yeast-derived esterase and microbial community. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:13941-13953. [PMID: 38265596 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31994-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The degradation of biodegradable plastics poses a significant environmental challenge and requires effective solutions. In this study, an esterase derived from a phyllosphere yeast Pseudozyma antarctica (PaE) enhanced the degradation and mineralization of poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) film in soil. PaE was found to substitute for esterases from initial degraders and activate sequential esterase production from soil microbes. The PBSA film pretreated with PaE (PBSA-E) rapidly diminished and was mineralized in soil until day 55 with high CO2 production. Soil with PBSA-E maintained higher esterase activities with enhancement of microbial abundance, whereas soil with inactivated PaE-treated PBSA film (PBSA-inact E) showed gradual degradation and time-lagged esterase activity increases. The fungal genera Arthrobotrys and Tetracladium, as possible contributors to PBSA-film degradation, increased in abundance in soil with PBSA-inact E but were less abundant in soil with PBSA-E. The dominance of the fungal genus Fusarium and the bacterial genera Arthrobacter and Azotobacter in soil with PBSA-E further supported PBSA degradation. Our study highlights the potential of PaE in addressing concerns associated with biodegradable plastic persistence in agricultural and environmental contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Tsuboi
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8604, Japan
| | - Yuko Takada Hoshino
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8604, Japan.
| | - Kimiko Yamamoto-Tamura
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8604, Japan
| | - Hirohide Uenishi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8634, Japan
| | - Natsuki Omae
- Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan
| | - Tomotake Morita
- Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan
| | - Yuka Sameshima-Yamashita
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8604, Japan
| | - Hiroko Kitamoto
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8604, Japan
| | - Ayaka W Kishimoto-Mo
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8604, Japan
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13
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Rohrbach S, Gkoutselis G, Mauel A, Telli N, Senker J, Ho A, Rambold G, Horn MA. Setting new standards: Multiphasic analysis of microplastic mineralization by fungi. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:141025. [PMID: 38142885 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Plastic materials provide numerous benefits. However, properties such as durability and resistance to degradation that make plastic attractive for variable applications likewise foster accumulation in the environment. Fragmentation of plastics leads to the formation of potentially hazardous microplastic, of which a considerable amount derives from polystyrene. Here, we investigated the biodegradation of polystyrene by the tropical sooty mold fungus Capnodium coffeae in different experimental setups. Growth of C. coffeae was stimulated significantly when cultured in presence of plastic polymers rather than in its absence. Stable isotope tracing using 13C-enriched polystyrene particles combined with cavity ring-down spectroscopy showed that the fungus mineralized polystyrene traces. However, phospholipid fatty acid stable isotope probing indicated only marginal assimilation of polystyrene-13C by C. coffeae in liquid cultures. NMR spectroscopic analysis of residual styrene contents prior to and after incubation revealed negligible changes in concentration. Thus, this study suggests a plastiphilic life style of C. coffeae despite minor usage of plastic as a carbon source and the general capability of sooty mold fungi to stimulate polystyrene mineralization, and proposes new standards to identify and unambiguously demonstrate plastic degrading capabilities of microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Rohrbach
- Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz University Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Anika Mauel
- Inorganic Chemistry III and Northern Bavarian NMR Centre University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Nihal Telli
- Department of Mycology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Jürgen Senker
- Inorganic Chemistry III and Northern Bavarian NMR Centre University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Adrian Ho
- Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz University Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Gerhard Rambold
- Department of Mycology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Marcus A Horn
- Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz University Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany.
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14
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Zhang Z, Wang W, Liu J, Wu H. Discrepant responses of bacterial community and enzyme activities to conventional and biodegradable microplastics in paddy soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168513. [PMID: 37977392 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of microplastics in soil ecosystems has raised concerns about their potential effects on soil properties. As promising alternatives to conventional plastics, biodegradable plastics have been increasingly applied in agricultural activities, which may release microplastics into the soil due to incomplete degradation. Compared to conventional microplastics, biodegradable microplastics in soil may induce different impacts on soil microbial properties, which have yet to be well studied. Through a 41-day microcosm experiment, we evaluated the differential effects of conventional (polypropylene, PP) and biodegradable (polylactic acid, PLA) microplastics on the geochemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial community structure in paddy soil. Adding PLA or PP microplastics into soil significantly increased pH values and altered the contents of carbon and nitrogen nutrients. Exposure to microplastics significantly increased the activity of fluorescein diacetate hydrolase, but had varying effects on the activities of urease, sucrase, and alkaline phosphatase depending on microplastic types and doses. The addition of microplastics also influenced the structure of soil bacterial community, with Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Acidobacteriota being the dominant phyla. Significant differences in the genera of Pseudarthrobacter, Acidothermus, Bacillus, Aquisphaera, and Massilia were observed between treatments. Results of structural equation modeling (SEM) demonstrated that changes in soil carbon and nitrogen nutrients and pH values positively affected the bacterial community, while soil bacterial community as a whole exerted a negative impact on enzyme activities. FAPRPTAX analysis showed that the addition of microplastics altered the relative abundances of functional genes related to the metabolism of cellulose decomposition and ureolysis in paddy soil. Findings of this study clearly suggest that microplastic impacts on soil geochemical and microbial properties should be an integral part of future risk assessment and that to evaluate microplastic impacts, both the concentration and polymer type must be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Jilin Normal University, 1301 Haifeng Street, Siping 136000, China
| | - Wenfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Jiping Liu
- Jilin Normal University, 1301 Haifeng Street, Siping 136000, China
| | - Haitao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China.
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15
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Nelson TF, Rothauer D, Sander M, Mecking S. Degradable and Recyclable Polyesters from Multiple Chain Length Bio- and Waste-Sourceable Monomers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202310729. [PMID: 37675615 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202310729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Monomers sourced from waste or biomass are often mixtures of different chain lengths; e.g. catalytic oxidation of polyethylene waste yields mixtures of dicarboxylic acids (DCAs). Yet, polyesters synthesized from such monomer mixtures have rarely been studied. We report polyesters based on multiple linear aliphatic DCAs, present in chain length distributions that vary in their centers and ranges. We demonstrate that these materials can adopt high-density polyethylene-like solid state structures, and are ductile (e.g. Et 610 MPa), allowing for injection molding, or film and fiber extrusion. Melting and crystallization points of the polyesters show no odd-even effects as dipoles cannot favorably align in the crystal, similar to traditional odd carbon numbered, long-chain DCA polyesters. Biodegradation studies of 13 C-labelled polyesters in soil reveal rapid mineralization, and depolymerization by methanolysis indicates suitability for closed-loop recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor F Nelson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Dario Rothauer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Michael Sander
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Mecking
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
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16
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Huang F, Zhang Q, Wang L, Zhang C, Zhang Y. Are biodegradable mulch films a sustainable solution to microplastic mulch film pollution? A biogeochemical perspective. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132024. [PMID: 37572603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132024] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Mulch film residue contributes significantly to global plastic pollution, and consequently biodegradable mulch films (BDMs) are being adopted as a solution. BDMs decompose relatively quickly, but their complete biodegradation requires suitable conditions that are difficult to achieve in nature, causing biodegradable microplastics (bio-MPs) to be more likely to accumulate in soil than traditional microplastics (MPs). If BDMs are to be considered as a sustainable solution, long-term and in-depth studies to investigate the impact of bio-MPs on the biogeochemical processes are vital to agroecosystems operation and ecosystem services supply. Although bio-MP-derived carbon can potentially convert into biomass during decomposition, its contribution to soil carbon stocks is insignificant. Instead, given their biodegradability, bio-MPs can result in greater alterations of soil biodiversity and community composition. Their high carbon-nitrogen ratios may also significantly regulate various processes involved in the natural decomposition and transformation of soil organic matter, including the reduction of nutrient availability and increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Soil ecosystems are complex organic entities interconnected by disturbance-feedback mechanisms. Given the prevailing knowledge gaps regarding the impact of bio-MPs on soil biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem balance, this study emphasized the safety and sustainability assessment of bio-MPs and the prevailing comprehensive challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuxin Huang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Qiyu Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Congyu Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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17
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Fang C, He Y, Yang Y, Fu B, Pan S, Jiao F, Wang J, Yang H. Laboratory tidal microcosm deciphers responses of sediment archaeal and bacterial communities to microplastic exposure. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131813. [PMID: 37339576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131813] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are 1-5 mm plastic particles that are serious global contaminants distributed throughout marine ecosystems. However, their impact on intertidal sediment microbial communities is poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a 30-day laboratory tidal microcosm experiment to investigate the effects of MPs on microbial communities. Specifically, we used the biodegradable polymers polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS), as well as the conventional polymers polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), and polyethylene (PE). Treatments with different concentrations (1-5%, w/w) of PLA- and PE-MPs were also included. We analyzed taxonomic variations in archaeal and bacterial communities using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. PLA-MPs at concentrations of 1% (w/w) rapidly altered microbiome composition. Total organic carbon and nitrite nitrogen were the key physicochemical factors and urease was the major enzyme shaping MP-exposed sediment microbial communities. Stochastic processes predominated in microbial assembly and the addition of biodegradable MPs enhanced the contribution of ecological selections. The major keystone taxa of archaea and bacteria were Nitrososphaeria and Alphaproteobacteria, respectively. MPs exposure had less effect on archaeal functions while nitrogen cycling decreased in PLA-MPs treatments. These findings expanded the current understanding of the mechanism and pattern that MPs affect sediment microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Fang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Zhongshan Innovation Center of South China Agricultural University, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Yinglin He
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Zhongshan Innovation Center of South China Agricultural University, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Yuting Yang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Zhongshan Innovation Center of South China Agricultural University, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Bing Fu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Zhongshan Innovation Center of South China Agricultural University, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Sentao Pan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Zhongshan Innovation Center of South China Agricultural University, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Fang Jiao
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Zhongshan Innovation Center of South China Agricultural University, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Huirong Yang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Zhongshan Innovation Center of South China Agricultural University, Zhongshan 528400, China.
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18
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Shi J, Wang Z, Peng Y, Fan Z, Zhang Z, Wang X, Zhu K, Shang J, Wang J. Effects of Microplastics on Soil Carbon Mineralization: The Crucial Role of Oxygen Dynamics and Electron Transfer. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13588-13600. [PMID: 37647508 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Although our understanding of the effects of microplastics on the dynamics of soil organic matter (SOM) has considerably advanced in recent years, the fundamental mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we examine the effects of polyethylene and poly(lactic acid) microplastics on SOM processes via mineralization incubation. Accordingly, we evaluated the changes in carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) production. An O2 planar optical sensor was used to detect the temporal behavior of dissolved O2 during incubation to determine the microscale oxygen heterogeneity caused by microplastics. Additionally, the changes in soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) were evaluated using a combination of spectroscopic approaches and ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry. Microplastics increased cumulative CO2 emissions by 160-613%, whereas CH4 emissions dropped by 45-503%, which may be attributed to the oxygenated porous habitats surrounding microplastics. Conventional and biodegradable microplastics changed the quantities of soil dissolved organic carbon. In the microplastic treatments, DOM with more polar groups was detected, suggesting a higher level of electron transport. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the carbon concentration, electron-donating ability, and CO2 emission. These findings suggest that microplastics may facilitate the mineralization of SOM by modifying O2 microenvironments, DOM concentration, and DOM electron transport capability. Accordingly, this study provides new insights into the impact of microplastics on soil carbon dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Shi
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumei Peng
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongmin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianying Shang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
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19
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Wu J, Liu C, Wang R, Yan S, Chen B, Zhu X. Enhanced bacterial adhesion force by rifampicin resistance promotes microbial colonization on PE plastic compared to non-resistant biofilm formation. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120319. [PMID: 37441870 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120319] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The microbial biofilm formed on plastics, is ubiquitous in the environment. However, the effects of antibiotic resistance on the development of the biofilm on plastics, especially with regard to initial cell attachment, remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the initial bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm growth of a rifampin (Rif) resistant E. coli (RRE) and a normal gram-positive B. subtilis on a typical plastic (polyethylene, PE). The experiments were conducted in different antibiotic solutions, including Rif, sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and kanamycin (KM), with concentrations ranging from 1 to 1000 μg/L to simulate different aquatic environments. The AFM-based single-cell adhesion force determination revealed that Rif resistance strengthened the adhesion force of RRE to PE in the environment rich in Rif rather than SMX and KM. The enhanced adhesion force may be due to the higher secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), particularly proteins, by RRE in the presence of Rif compared to the other two antibiotics. In addition, the higher ATP level of RRE would facilitate the initial adhesion and subsequent biofilm growth. Transcriptome analysis of RRE separately cultured in Rif and SMX environments demonstrated a clear correlation between the expression of Rif resistance and the augmented bacterial adhesion and cellular activity. Biofilm biomass analysis confirmed the promotion effect of Rif resistance on biofilm growth when compared to non-resistant biofilms, establishing a novel association with the augmentation of microbial adhesion force. Our study highlights concerns related to the dissemination of antibiotic resistance during microbial colonization on plastic that may arise from antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Wu
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Congcong Liu
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Saitao Yan
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Baoliang Chen
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhu
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
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20
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Shi J, Wang Z, Peng Y, Zhang Z, Fan Z, Wang J, Wang X. Microbes drive metabolism, community diversity, and interactions in response to microplastic-induced nutrient imbalance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 877:162885. [PMID: 36934915 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The impact of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on soil nutrients (carbon and nitrogen) has been widely examined, and the alteration of nutrient conditions further influences microbial biosynthesis processes. Nonetheless, the influence of microplastic-induced nutrient imbalances on soil microorganisms (from metabolism to community interactions) is still not well understood. We hypothesized that conventional and biodegradable microplastic could alter soil nutrients and microbial processes. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted soil microcosms with polyethylene (PE, new and aged) and polylactic acid (PLA, new and aged) microplastics to evaluate their effects on the soil enzymatic stoichiometry, co-occurrence interactions, and success patterns of soil bacterial communities. New and aged PLA induced soil N immobilization, which decreased soil mineral N by 91-141 %. The biodegradation of PLA led to a higher bioavailable C and wider bioavailable C:N ratio, which further filtered out specific microbial species. Both new and aged PLA had a higher abundance of copiotrophic members (Proteobacteria, 35-51 % in PLA, 26-34 % in CK/PE treatments) and rrn copy number. The addition of PLA resulted in a lower alpha diversity and reduced network complexity. Conversely, because of the chemically stable hydrocarbon structure of PE polymers, the new and aged PE microplastics had a minor effect on soil mineral N, bacterial community composition, and network complexity, but led to microbial C limitation. Collectively, all microplastics increased soil C-, N-, and P -acquiring enzyme activities and reduced the number of keystone species and the robustness of the co-occurrence network. The PLA treatment enhanced nitrogen fixation and ureolysis, whereas the PE treatment increased the degradation of recalcitrant carbon. Overall, the alteration of soil nutrient conditions by microplastics affected the microbial metabolism and community interactions, although the effects of PE and PLA microplastics were distinct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Shi
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yumei Peng
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ziyun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhongmin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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