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Sabatino G, De Rosa G, D'Alessandro M, De Vittor C, Esposito V, Graziano M, Tripodo A, Volpi V, Di Bella M. Plastic pellet pollution in the Aeolian Islands UNESCO site (Italy, Western Mediterranean Sea): results of a comprehensive characterization and monitoring study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34796-4. [PMID: 39235756 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34796-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
The archipelago of the Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea is a globally important natural laboratory. The archipelago, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique geology and biodiversity, offers a unique opportunity to study plastic pollution. This study presents an initiative to assess the occurrence of plastic pellets on the beaches of five Aeolian Islands. It provides an insight into the polymer composition and the effects of degradation. Collected pellets were analyzed using stereomicroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) based on the results of the FTIR data has proved to be an effective statistical method in identifying different clusters corresponding to different degradation phases of the collected pellets. The infrared analysis identified polyethylene (80%) as the main polymer, with a small amount of polypropylene (20%). It was found that the surfaces of some pellets undergo changes during weathering that alter the polymer surfaces. By combining data on plastic pellets from the Aeolian Islands and surrounding coastal areas, we are gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the distribution patterns of microplastics. The results of the monitoring and characterization are expected to support the developing of waste management and remediation strategies for this environmentally sensitive region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Sabatino
- Istituto Nazionale Di Oceanografia E Di Geofisica Sperimentale - OGS, Borgo Grotta Gigante, 42/C - 34010, Sgonico, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Rosa
- Istituto Nazionale Di Oceanografia E Di Geofisica Sperimentale - OGS, Borgo Grotta Gigante, 42/C - 34010, Sgonico, Italy.
| | - Michela D'Alessandro
- Istituto Nazionale Di Oceanografia E Di Geofisica Sperimentale - OGS, Borgo Grotta Gigante, 42/C - 34010, Sgonico, Italy
| | - Cinzia De Vittor
- Istituto Nazionale Di Oceanografia E Di Geofisica Sperimentale - OGS, Borgo Grotta Gigante, 42/C - 34010, Sgonico, Italy
| | - Valentina Esposito
- Istituto Nazionale Di Oceanografia E Di Geofisica Sperimentale - OGS, Borgo Grotta Gigante, 42/C - 34010, Sgonico, Italy
| | - Marco Graziano
- Istituto Nazionale Di Oceanografia E Di Geofisica Sperimentale - OGS, Borgo Grotta Gigante, 42/C - 34010, Sgonico, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tripodo
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Matematiche E Informatiche, Scienze Fisiche E Scienze Della Terra - MIFT, Università Degli Studi Di Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d' Alcontres, 31 - 98158, Messina, Italy
| | - Valentina Volpi
- Istituto Nazionale Di Oceanografia E Di Geofisica Sperimentale - OGS, Borgo Grotta Gigante, 42/C - 34010, Sgonico, Italy
| | - Marcella Di Bella
- Istituto Nazionale Di Oceanografia E Di Geofisica Sperimentale - OGS, Borgo Grotta Gigante, 42/C - 34010, Sgonico, Italy
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Wróbel M, Deja-Sikora E, Hrynkiewicz K, Kowalkowski T, Szymańska S. Microbial Allies in Plastic Degradation: Specific bacterial genera as universal plastic-degraders in various environments. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142933. [PMID: 39067822 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Microbiological degradation of polymers offers a promising approach for mitigating environmental plastic pollution. This study (i) elucidated the diversity and structure of bacterial microbiomes from distinct environments (landfill soil, sewage sludge, and river water) characterized by specific physicochemical parameters, and (ii) utilized environment-derived microbial cultures enriched with microplastics (MPs) to investigate the degradation of polymers and identify culturable bacterial strains contributing to the plastisphere. We found that alpha diversity was notably higher in river water (∼20%) compared to landfill soil and sewage sludge. Dominant phyla included Pseudomonadota in sewage sludge (39.1%) and water (23.7%), while Actinomycetota prevailed in soil (38.5%). A multistage experiment, involving successive subcultures of environmental microbiomes exposed to polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), and polylactic acid (PLA), facilitated the assessment of MPs degradation processes. Analysis of carbonyl indices CIs and FTIR spectra revealed substantial structural changes in the treatment PVC-landfill soil, as well as in PLA- and PC-sludge enriched cultures. Further, using enriched cultures as a source of microorganisms, the study obtained 17 strains of plastic degraders from landfill soil, 14 from sewage sludge, and 6 from river water. Remarkably, similar bacterial genera were isolated across environmental microbiomes regardless of the MPs substrate used in enriched cultures. Among the 37 identified strains, Pseudomonadota predominated (64.86%) and were accompanied by Bacteroidota (16.22%), Actinomycetota (13.51%), and Bacillota (5.41%). This study highlights the complex relationship between microbiome diversity and the biodegradation efficiency of plastics, showing the potential for using microbial communities in the plastic pollution management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Wróbel
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland; Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalysis, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Gagarina 7, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
| | - Edyta Deja-Sikora
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Hrynkiewicz
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kowalkowski
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalysis, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Gagarina 7, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
| | - Sonia Szymańska
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland.
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Srivastava P, Saji J, Manickam N. Biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by Brucella intermedia IITR130 and its proposed metabolic pathway. Biodegradation 2024; 35:671-685. [PMID: 38459363 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-024-10070-9] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Accumulation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyester in ecosystems across the globe is a major pollution of concern. Microbial degradation recently generated novel insights into the biodegradation of varieties of plastics. In this study, a PET degrading bacterium Brucella intermedia IITR130 was isolated from a contaminated lake ecosystem at Pallikaranai, Chennai, India. Incubation of the bacterium along with the PET sheet (0.1 mm thickness) for 60 days resulted in 26.06% degradation, indicating a half-life of 137.8 days. Considerable changes in the surface morphology of the PET sheet were found as holes, pits, and cracks on incubation with strain IITR130, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After bacterial treatment of PET, the formation of new functional groups, most notably in the area of 3326 cm-1 suggestive of O-H stretch, leading to carboxylic acid and alcohol as products were suggested by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Monomethyl terephthalate (MMT) and terephthalic acid (TPA) were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis as PET degradation metabolites. Tributyrin clearance assay confirmed the presence of a lipase/esterase enzyme in the strain IITR130. In this study, a degradation pathway for PET by an isolated and identified bacterium Brucella intermedia IITR130 was characterized in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Srivastava
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Environmental Toxicology Group, FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31 Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Joel Saji
- Drug and Chemical Toxicology Group, FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31 Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226001, India
| | - Natesan Manickam
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Environmental Toxicology Group, FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31 Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226001, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India.
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da Silva MRF, Souza KS, Motteran F, de Araújo LCA, Singh R, Bhadouria R, de Oliveira MBM. Exploring biodegradative efficiency: a systematic review on the main microplastic-degrading bacteria. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1360844. [PMID: 38562477 PMCID: PMC10982435 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1360844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed in the environment, causing damage to biota and human health. Due to their physicochemical characteristics, they become resistant particles to environmental degradation, leading to their accumulation in large quantities in the terrestrial ecosystem. Thus, there is an urgent need for measures to mitigate such pollution, with biological degradation being a viable alternative, where bacteria play a crucial role, demonstrating high efficiency in degrading various types of MPs. Therefore, the study aimed to identify bacteria with the potential for MP biodegradation and the enzymes produced during the process. Methods The methodology used followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Results and Discussion The research yielded 68 eligible studies, highlighting bacteria from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Rhodococcus as the main organisms involved in MP biodegradation. Additionally, enzymes such as hydrolases and alkane hydroxylases were emphasized for their involvement in this process. Thus, the potential of bacterial biodegradation is emphasized as a promising pathway to mitigate the environmental impact of MPs, highlighting the relevance of identifying bacteria with biotechnological potential for large-scale applications in reducing MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karolayne Silva Souza
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Motteran
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Rishikesh Singh
- Amity School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Amity University Punjab (AUP), Mohali, India
| | - Rahul Bhadouria
- Department of Environmental Studies, Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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Lu C, Wijffels RH, Martins Dos Santos VAP, Weusthuis RA. Pseudomonas putida as a platform for medium-chain length α,ω-diol production: Opportunities and challenges. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14423. [PMID: 38528784 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Medium-chain-length α,ω-diols (mcl-diols) play an important role in polymer production, traditionally depending on energy-intensive chemical processes. Microbial cell factories offer an alternative, but conventional strains like Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae face challenges in mcl-diol production due to the toxicity of intermediates such as alcohols and acids. Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology enable the engineering of non-model strains for such purposes with P. putida emerging as a promising microbial platform. This study reviews the advancement in diol production using P. putida and proposes a four-module approach for the sustainable production of diols. Despite progress, challenges persist, and this study discusses current obstacles and future opportunities for leveraging P. putida as a microbial cell factory for mcl-diol production. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of using P. putida as an efficient chassis for diol synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzhe Lu
- Bioprocess Engineering, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rene H Wijffels
- Bioprocess Engineering, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Vitor A P Martins Dos Santos
- Bioprocess Engineering, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Lifeglimmer GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ruud A Weusthuis
- Bioprocess Engineering, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Meyer Cifuentes IE, Degenhardt J, Neumann-Schaal M, Jehmlich N, Ngugi DK, Öztürk B. Comparative biodegradation analysis of three compostable polyesters by a marine microbial community. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0106023. [PMID: 38014952 PMCID: PMC10734441 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01060-23] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Biodegradable plastics can be used in applications where the end product cannot be efficiently recycled due to high levels of contaminations, e.g., food or soil. Some of these plastics have a dedicated end of life, such as composting, but their degradation in the marine environment is poorly understood. In this study we showed that marine microbial communities can degrade a range of biodegradable polymers with different physical and chemical properties and use these as a sole carbon source for growth. We have also provided insights into the degradation mechanisms using a combined metagenomic and metaproteomic approach. In addition, we have identified three new enzymes that are capable of degrading both aliphatic polymers and aliphatic-aromatic copolymers, which can be used for biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid E. Meyer Cifuentes
- Junior Research Group Microbial Biotechnology, Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Julius Degenhardt
- Junior Research Group Microbial Biotechnology, Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Meina Neumann-Schaal
- Research Group Metabolomics, Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Nico Jehmlich
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - David Kamanda Ngugi
- Department of Microorganisms, Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Başak Öztürk
- Junior Research Group Microbial Biotechnology, Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
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Singleton SL, Davis EW, Arnold HK, Daniels AMY, Brander SM, Parsons RJ, Sharpton TJ, Giovannoni SJ. Identification of rare microbial colonizers of plastic materials incubated in a coral reef environment. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1259014. [PMID: 37869676 PMCID: PMC10585116 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1259014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic waste accumulation in marine environments has complex, unintended impacts on ecology that cross levels of community organization. To measure succession in polyolefin-colonizing marine bacterial communities, an in situ time-series experiment was conducted in the oligotrophic coastal waters of the Bermuda Platform. Our goals were to identify polyolefin colonizing taxa and isolate bacterial cultures for future studies of the biochemistry of microbe-plastic interactions. HDPE, LDPE, PP, and glass coupons were incubated in surface seawater for 11 weeks and sampled at two-week intervals. 16S rDNA sequencing and ATR-FTIR/HIM were used to assess biofilm community structure and chemical changes in polymer surfaces. The dominant colonizing taxa were previously reported cosmopolitan colonizers of surfaces in marine environments, which were highly similar among the different plastic types. However, significant differences in rare community composition were observed between plastic types, potentially indicating specific interactions based on surface chemistry. Unexpectedly, a major transition in community composition occurred in all material treatments between days 42 and 56 (p < 0.01). Before the transition, Alteromonadaceae, Marinomonadaceae, Saccharospirillaceae, Vibrionaceae, Thalassospiraceae, and Flavobacteriaceae were the dominant colonizers. Following the transition, the relative abundance of these taxa declined, while Hyphomonadaceae, Rhodobacteraceae and Saprospiraceae increased. Over the course of the incubation, 8,641 colonizing taxa were observed, of which 25 were significantly enriched on specific polyolefins. Seven enriched taxa from families known to include hydrocarbon degraders (Hyphomonadaceae, Parvularculaceae and Rhodobacteraceae) and one n-alkane degrader (Ketobacter sp.). The ASVs that exhibited associations with specific polyolefins are targets of ongoing investigations aimed at retrieving plastic-degrading microbes in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edward W. Davis
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Holly K. Arnold
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | | | - Susanne M. Brander
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, United States
| | | | - Thomas J. Sharpton
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
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Gupta KK, Sharma KK, Chandra H. Utilization of Bacillus cereus strain CGK5 associated with cow feces in the degradation of commercially available high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:101. [PMID: 36862211 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03448-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation and mismanagement of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste in the environment is a complex problem in the present scenario. Biodegradation of this thermoplastic polymer is a promising environmentally sustainable method that offers a significant opportunity to address plastic waste management with minimal negative repercussion on the environment. In this framework, HDPE-degrading bacterium strain CGK5 was isolated from the fecal matter of cow. The biodegradation efficiency of strain was assessed, including percentage reduction in HDPE weight, cell surface hydrophobicity, extracellular biosurfactant production, viability of surface adhered cells, as well as biomass in terms of protein content. Through molecular techniques, strain CGK5 was identified as Bacillus cereus. Significant weight loss of 1.83% was observed in the HDPE film treated with strain CGK5 for 90 days. The FE-SEM analysis revealed the profused bacterial growth which ultimately caused the distortions in HDPE films. Furthermore, EDX study indicated a significant decrease in percentage carbon content at atomic level, whereas FTIR analysis confirmed chemical groups' transformation as well as an increment in the carbonyl index supposedly caused by bacterial biofilm biodegradation. Our findings shed light on the ability of our strain B. cereus CGK5 to colonize and use HDPE as a sole carbon source, demonstrating its applicability for future eco-friendly biodegradation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartikey Kumar Gupta
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Uttarakhand, Haridwar, India
| | - Kamal Kant Sharma
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Uttarakhand, Haridwar, India.
| | - Harish Chandra
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Uttarakhand, Haridwar, India
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9
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Zhai X, Zhang XH, Yu M. Microbial colonization and degradation of marine microplastics in the plastisphere: A review. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1127308. [PMID: 36876073 PMCID: PMC9981674 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1127308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine microplastic pollution is a growing problem for ecotoxicology that needs to be resolved. In particular, microplastics may be carriers of "dangerous hitchhikers," pathogenic microorganisms, i.e., Vibrio. Microplastics are colonized by bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, algae and protozoans, resulting in the biofilm referred to as the "plastisphere." The microbial community composition of the plastisphere differs significantly from those of surrounding environments. Early dominant pioneer communities of the plastisphere belong to primary producers, including diatoms, cyanobacteria, green algae and bacterial members of the Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria. With time, the plastisphere mature, and the diversity of microbial communities increases quickly to include more abundant Bacteroidetes and Alphaproteobacteria than natural biofilms. Factors driving the plastisphere composition include environmental conditions and polymers, with the former having a much larger influence on the microbial community composition than polymers. Microorganisms of the plastisphere may play key roles in degradation of plastic in the oceans. Up to now, many bacterial species, especially Bacillus and Pseudomonas as well as some polyethylene degrading biocatalysts, have been shown to be capable of degrading microplastics. However, more relevant enzymes and metabolisms need to be identified. Here, we elucidate the potential roles of quorum sensing on the plastic research for the first time. Quorum sensing may well become a new research area to understand the plastisphere and promote microplastics degradation in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zhai
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Min Yu
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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10
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Zhang C, Mu Y, Li T, Jin FJ, Jin CZ, Oh HM, Lee HG, Jin L. Assembly strategies for polyethylene-degrading microbial consortia based on the combination of omics tools and the "Plastisphere". Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1181967. [PMID: 37138608 PMCID: PMC10150012 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1181967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous microorganisms and other invertebrates that are able to degrade polyethylene (PE) have been reported. However, studies on PE biodegradation are still limited due to its extreme stability and the lack of explicit insights into the mechanisms and efficient enzymes involved in its metabolism by microorganisms. In this review, current studies of PE biodegradation, including the fundamental stages, important microorganisms and enzymes, and functional microbial consortia, were examined. Considering the bottlenecks in the construction of PE-degrading consortia, a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches is proposed to identify the mechanisms and metabolites of PE degradation, related enzymes, and efficient synthetic microbial consortia. In addition, the exploration of the plastisphere based on omics tools is proposed as a future principal research direction for the construction of synthetic microbial consortia for PE degradation. Combining chemical and biological upcycling processes for PE waste could be widely applied in various fields to promote a sustainable environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxiao Zhang
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yulin Mu
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Taihua Li
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng-Jie Jin
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun-Zhi Jin
- Cell Factory Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Mock Oh
- Cell Factory Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Gwan Lee
- Cell Factory Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Hyung-Gwan Lee,
| | - Long Jin
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Long Jin,
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Gomez NCF, Onda DFL. Potential of sediment bacterial communities from Manila Bay (Philippines) to degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Arch Microbiol 2022; 205:38. [PMID: 36565350 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03366-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The persistence of plastics and its effects in different environments where they accumulate, particularly in coastal areas, is of serious concern. These plastics exhibit signs of degradation, possibly mediated by microorganisms. In this study, we investigated the potential of sediment microbial communities from Manila Bay, Philippines, which has a severe plastics problem, to degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Plastics in selected sites were quantified and sediment samples from sites with the lowest and highest plastic accumulation were collected. These sediments were then introduced and incubated with LDPE in vitro for a period of 91 days. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy detected the appearance of carbonyl and vinyl products on the plastic surface, indicating structural surface modifications attributed to polymer degradation. Communities attached to the plastics were profiled using high-throughput sequencing of the V4-V5 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Members of the phylum Proteobacteria dominated the plastic surface throughout the experiment. Several bacterial taxa associated with hydrocarbon degradation were also enriched, with some taxa positively correlating with the biodegradation indices, suggesting potential active roles in the partial biodegradation of plastics. Other taxa were also present, which might be consuming by-products or providing nourishment for other groups, indicating synergy in utilizing the plastic as the main carbon source and creation of a microenvironment within the plastics biofilm. This study showed that sediment microbes from Manila Bay may have naturally occurring microbial groups potentially capable of partially degrading plastics, supporting previous studies that the biodegradation potential for plastics is ubiquitously present in marine microbial assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norchel Corcia F Gomez
- Microbial Oceanography Laboratory, The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Velasquez St., 1101, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Deo Florence L Onda
- Microbial Oceanography Laboratory, The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Velasquez St., 1101, Quezon City, Philippines.
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12
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El-Sherif DM, Eloffy MG, Elmesery A, Abouzid M, Gad M, El-Seedi HR, Brinkmann M, Wang K, Al Naggar Y. Environmental risk, toxicity, and biodegradation of polyethylene: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:81166-81182. [PMID: 36205861 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23382-1] [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: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene is the second-most-commonly-used commercial polymer. It is used in various industries, including agricultural mulches, composite materials, and packaging. Since polyethylene is not biodegradable, it can persist for a long time in water and soil, strangling otherwise fruitful land. The ecological and toxicological consequences and the fate of polyethylene have only recently been revealed. As a result, the primary goal of this review is to shed light on the reported toxicity of polyethylene to the environment and living creatures and highlight recent research on its degradation process through bibliometric analysis. To do that, we searched Web of Science database literature up to August 2021 and performed the bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer. We found that relative research interest showed a positive trend, particularly in the last 5 years. China and the Chinese Academy of Sciences had the highest published papers. Methods for polyethylene biodegradation by invertebrates, bacteria, and fungi were also reported indicating the need for future research to investigate and develop new biodegradation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina M El-Sherif
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manal G Eloffy
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alaa Elmesery
- Industrial Biotechnology Unit, Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abouzid
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mohammed Gad
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Asyut, Egypt
| | - Hesham R El-Seedi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, 32512, Egypt
- Pharmacognosy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Box 591, 751 24, Uppsala, SE, Sweden
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Markus Brinkmann
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5C8, Canada
- Global Institute for Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, Canada
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Yahya Al Naggar
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
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13
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Micrococcus luteus strain CGK112 isolated from cow dung demonstrated efficient biofilm-forming ability and degradation potential toward high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:402. [PMID: 35718788 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03023-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Biodegradation is the most promising environmentally sustainable method that offers a significant opportunity with minimal negative environmental consequences while searching for solutions to this global problem of plastic pollution that has now spread to almost everywhere in the entire world. In the present work, HDPE-degrading bacterial strain CGK112 was isolated from the fecal matter of a cow. The bacterial strain was identified as Micrococcus luteus CGK112 by 16S rRNA sequence coding analysis. Significant weight loss, i.e., 3.85% was recorded in the HDPE film treated with strain CGK112 for 90 days. The surface micromorphology was examined using FE-SEM, which revealed spectacular bacterial colonization as well as structural deformation. Furthermore, the EDX study indicated a significant decrease in the atomic percentage of carbon content, whereas FTIR analysis confirmed functional groups alternation as well as an increase in the carbonyl index which can be attributed to the metabolic activity of biofilm. Our findings provide insight into the capacity of our strain CGK112 to colonize and utilize HDPE as a single carbon source, thus promoting its degradation.
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14
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Tabassum J, Luqman M, Hasan F, Arooj F, Kashif SUR, Yousafzai A. Efficacy of Cavern Isolates for Biodegradation of Synthetic Plastic. LETT ORG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1570178618666210602161857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
Synthetic plastic waste management is a tenacious environmental concern at global level.
Although all types of synthetic plastics are a nuisance to the environment, however, versatility and one
time use has made polyethylene (PE) a foremost environmental issue. Current study has investigated
cavern bacterial strains isolated from PE samples from San Giovanni cave, Sardinia, Italy for their
efficacy to biodegrade low density polyethylene (LDPE) film. It was an initial effort to use cavern
bacteria in plastic biodegradation studies. Chemical and physical changes in the composition of LDPE
were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) after incubation with the bacterial consortium for two months. Collected cavern PE plastic
samples were also studied for biodegradation after incubation in nutrient broth for two months. FTIR
revealed obvious signs of degradation with the appearance of two new peaks of functional groups,
nitriles (C≡N) and amines (N-H) in LDPE film, which are intermediate metabolites of β-oxidation
pathway. An increase in various existing peaks of several intermediate metabolites, including
aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and carboxylic acids, were also observed in experimental LDPE
compared to control. Peaks of alkanes decreased significantly owing to cavern bacterial activity. SEM
revealed biofilm formation on experimental LDPE surface with substantial mechanical damage.
Similar signs of degradation were observed in the cavern PE samples. Four bacterial strains in the
current consortium including Bacillus sonorensis, Bacillus subtilis, Aneurinibacillus spp., and
Alcaligenes faecalis are first time reported to be linked with biodegradation of plastics. The cavern
bacteria under study have the potential to biodegrade LDPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamila Tabassum
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, 44000, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Luqman
- Department of Environmental
Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54000, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Fariha Hasan
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-i-Azam University, 44000, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fariha Arooj
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54000, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Saif Ur Rehman Kashif
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54000, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asma Yousafzai
- Department of Biotechnology, BUITEMS, 87300, Quetta, Pakistan
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15
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Arunrattiyakorn P, Ponprateep S, Kaennonsang N, Charapok Y, Punphuet Y, Krajangsang S, Tangteerawatana P, Limtrakul A. Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Three Bacterial Strains Isolated from the Gut of Superworms (Zophobas atratus larvae). J Appl Microbiol 2022; 132:2823-2831. [PMID: 35119709 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To isolate polystyrene degrading bacteria from the gut of superworms and investigate their ability to degrade polystyrene (PS). METHODS AND RESULTS Three PS degrading bacteria identified as Pseudomonas sp. EDB1, Bacillus sp. EDA4, and Brevibacterium sp. EDX were successfully isolated from the gut of superworms (Zophobas atratus Larvae) that ingest PS. Incubating PS with each strain for 30-day led to the formation of biofilm on the PS film. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed considerable damage (in terms of pits formation) on the surface of the PS films. FTIR analysis suggested the incorporation of carbonyl group into the carbon backbone of PS. Decreasing of WCA of microbial treated PS film confirmed a chemical change from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity on the PS surface. Based on these results, we conclude that all isolates had the ability to degrade PS. CONCLUSIONS Brevibacterium sp. EDX (GenBank MZ32399) was isolated as the most efficient PS-degrading strain based on the most changing in both PS surface morphology (SEM and WCA analyses) and chemical modification (FTIR analysis) in its PS degradation process. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This was the first study to describe the PS degradation by Brevibacterium sp. EDX, and thus provided for its development in plastic remediation process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sirikwan Ponprateep
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nirawan Kaennonsang
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yoktip Charapok
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yotwadee Punphuet
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Anirut Limtrakul
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
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16
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Abstract
Major water-polluting microplastics (for example, polyethylene, polypropylene and others) have lower density than water. Therefore, they are concentrated in the neustonic layer near the water-air interface altogether with dissolved or colloidal natural organic matter, hydrophobic cells and spores of bacteria. This can cause environmental and public health problems because the floating micro- and nanoparticles of plastics could be coated with biofilm of hydrophobic and often putative pathogenic bacteria. Biofilm-coated microplastics are more attractive for consumption by aquatic animals than pure microplastics, and that increases the negative impacts of microplastics. So, impacts of even small quantities of microplastics in aquatic environments must be accounted for considering their accumulation in the micro-layer of water-air interphase and its interaction with bacterioneuston. Microorganisms attached to the surface of microplastic particles could interact with them, use them as substrates for growth, to change properties and biodegrade. The study of microbial life on the surface of microplastic particles is one of the key topics to understanding their role in the environment.
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17
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Borthakur D, Rani M, Das K, Shah MP, Sharma BK, Kumar A. Bioremediation: an alternative approach for detoxification of polymers from the contaminated environment. Lett Appl Microbiol 2021; 75:744-758. [PMID: 34825392 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13616] [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: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The industries and metropolitan wastes produced by anthropogenic activities are of great concern for nature as it causes soil contamination and deteriorate the environment. Plastic utilization is rapidly enhancing globally with passing days that last for a more extended period in the environment due to slow decomposition and natural degradation. Excessive use of polymer has risked the life of both marine, freshwater and terrestrial organisms. Lack of proper waste management and inappropriate disposal leads to environmental threats. Bioremediation processes involve microbes such as fungi, bacteria, etc. which contribute a crucial role in the breakdown of plastics. Extremophiles secrete extremozymes that are functionally active in extreme conditions and are highly crucial for polymer disaggregation in those conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Borthakur
- Department of Microbiology, Tripura University (A Central University), Agartala, Tripura, India.,Department of Life Sciences, Assam Don Bosco University, Tepesia, Assam, India
| | - M Rani
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - K Das
- Department of Microbiology, Tripura University (A Central University), Agartala, Tripura, India
| | - M P Shah
- Enviro Technology Ltd., Ankleshwar, Gujarat, India
| | - B K Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, Tripura University (A Central University), Agartala, Tripura, India
| | - A Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Tripura University (A Central University), Agartala, Tripura, India
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18
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Kumari A, Bano N, Bag SK, Chaudhary DR, Jha B. Transcriptome-Guided Insights Into Plastic Degradation by the Marine Bacterium. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:751571. [PMID: 34646260 PMCID: PMC8503683 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.751571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a common single-use plastic that accumulated in the environment because of its non-degradable characteristics. In recent years, microbes from different environments were found to degrade plastics and suggested their capability to degrade plastics under varying environmental conditions. However, complete degradation of plastics is still a void for large-scale implications using microbes because of the lack of knowledge about genes and pathways intricate in the biodegradation process. In the present study, the growth and adherence of marine Bacillus species AIIW2 on PET surface instigating structural deterioration were confirmed through weight loss and hydrophobicity reduction, as well as analyzing the change in bond indexes. The genome-wide comparative transcriptomic analysis of strain AIIW2 was completed to reveal the genes during PET utilization. The expression level of mRNA in the strain AIIW2 was indexed based on the log-fold change between the presence and absence of PET in the culture medium. The genes represent carbon metabolism, and the cell transport system was up-regulated in cells growing with PET, whereas sporulation genes expressed highly in the absence of PET. This indicates that the strain AIIW2 hydrolyzes PET and assimilated via cellular carbon metabolism. A protein-protein interaction network was built to obtain the interaction between genes during PET utilization. The genes traced to degrade PET were confirmed by detecting the hydrolytic product of PET, and genes were cloned to improve PET utilization by microbial system as an eco-friendly solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alka Kumari
- Plant Omics Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute, Bhavnagar, India
| | - Nasreen Bano
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR, Ghaziabad, India.,Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Sumit Kumar Bag
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR, Ghaziabad, India.,Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Doongar R Chaudhary
- Plant Omics Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute, Bhavnagar, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Bhavanath Jha
- Plant Omics Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute, Bhavnagar, India
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19
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Basit A, Shah ST, Ullah I, Muntha ST, Mohamed HI. Microbe-assisted phytoremediation of environmental pollutants and energy recycling in sustainable agriculture. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:5859-5885. [PMID: 34545411 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02576-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The perception of phytoremediation is efficiently utilized as an eco-friendly practice of green plants combating and cleaning up the stressed environment without harming it. The industrial revolution was followed by the green revolution which fulfilled the food demands of the growing population caused an increase in yield per unit area in crop production, but it also increased the use of synthetic fertilizers in agriculture. Globally, the intensive use of inorganic fertilizers in agriculture has led to serious health problems and irreversible environmental damage. Biofertilizers improve the growth of the plant and can be applied as an alternative to chemical/synthetic fertilizers. Cyanobacteria, bacteria, and fungi are known as some of the principal microbe groups used to produce biofertilizers that form symbiotic associations with plants. Microorganisms perform a key role in phosphate solubilization and mobilization, nitrogen fixation, nutrient management, biotic elicitors and probiotics, and pollution management (biodegradation agents), specifically bacteria which also help in atmospheric nitrogen fixation and are thus available for the growth of the plant. Management or biodegradation of hazardous chemical residues and heavy metals produced by a huge number of large-scale industries should be given primary importance to be transformed by various bacterial strains, fungi, algae. Currently, modern omics technologies such as metagenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic are being used to develop strategies for studying the ecology of microorganisms, as well as their use in environmental monitoring and bioremediation. This review briefly discusses some of the major groups of microorganisms that can perform different functions responsible for plant health, crop production, phytoremediation and also focus on the omics techniques reportedly used in environmental monitoring to tackle the pollution load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Basit
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Crop Production, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
| | - Syed Tanveer Shah
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Crop Production, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
| | - Izhar Ullah
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Crop Production, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Tul Muntha
- Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Vegetable Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Heba I Mohamed
- Department of Biological and Geological Sciences, Faculty of Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
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20
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Muriel-Millán LF, Millán-López S, Pardo-López L. Biotechnological applications of marine bacteria in bioremediation of environments polluted with hydrocarbons and plastics. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:7171-7185. [PMID: 34515846 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11569-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Marine ecosystems are some of the most adverse environments on Earth and contain a considerable portion of the global bacterial population, and some of these bacterial species play pivotal roles in several biogeochemical cycles. Marine bacteria have developed different molecular mechanisms to address fluctuating environmental conditions, such as changes in nutrient availability, salinity, temperature, pH, and pressure, making them attractive for use in diverse biotechnology applications. Although more than 99% of marine bacteria cannot be cultivated with traditional microbiological techniques, several species have been successfully isolated and grown in the laboratory, facilitating investigations of their biotechnological potential. Some of these applications may contribute to addressing some current global problems, such as environmental contamination by hydrocarbons and synthetic plastics. In this review, we first summarize and analyze recently published information about marine bacterial diversity. Then, we discuss new literature regarding the isolation and characterization of marine bacterial strains able to degrade hydrocarbons and petroleum-based plastics, and species able to produce biosurfactants. We also describe some current limitations for the implementation of these biotechnological tools, but also we suggest some strategies that may contribute to overcoming them. KEY POINTS: • Marine bacteria have a great metabolic capacity to degrade hydrocarbons in harsh conditions. • Marine environments are an important source of new bacterial plastic-degrading enzymes. • Secondary metabolites from marine bacteria have diverse potential applications in biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Felipe Muriel-Millán
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Ciudad Universitaria, CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Sofía Millán-López
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Liliana Pardo-López
- Departamento de Microbiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
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21
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Kumar R, Pandit P, Kumar D, Patel Z, Pandya L, Kumar M, Joshi C, Joshi M. Landfill microbiome harbour plastic degrading genes: A metagenomic study of solid waste dumping site of Gujarat, India. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146184. [PMID: 33752005 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Globally, environmental pollution by plastic waste has become a severe ecological and social problem worldwide. The present study aimed to analyse the bacterial community structure and functional potential of the landfill site using high throughput shotgun metagenomic approach to understand plastic degrading capabilities present in the municipal solid waste (MSW) dumping site. In this study, soil, leachate and compost samples were collected from various locations (height and depth) of the Pirana landfill site in Ahmedabad city Gujarat, India. In total 30 phyla, 58 class, 125 order, 278 families, 793 genera, and 2468 species were predicted. The most dominant phyla detected were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria in the soil and compost samples. Whereas, in leachate samples, the predominant phyla belonged to Firmicutes (54.24%) followed by Actinobacteria (43.67%) and Proteobacteria (1.02%). The functional profiling revealed the presence of enzymatic groups and pathways involved in biodegradation of xenobiotics. The results also demonstrated the presence of potential genes that is associated with the biodegradation of different types of plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). Present study extablishes the relationship between microbial community structure and rich sources of gene pool, which are actively involved in biodegradation of plastic waste in landfill sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghawendra Kumar
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Priti Pandit
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Zarna Patel
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Labdhi Pandya
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Discipline of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India.
| | - Chaitanya Joshi
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India
| | - Madhvi Joshi
- Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382011, India.
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22
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Exploration of Strategies for the Enhanced Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) by A Soil Bacterium Enterobacter Cloacae AKS7. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.15.3.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of sustainable bioremediation of Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), in this study, several strategies were explored to enhance the LDPE degradation by the bacterium Enterobacter cloacae AKS7. Initially, Mineral oil and Tween 80 were used to test whether they could modulate microbial colonization and polymer degradation by AKS7. Results indicated Mineral oil could increase microbial colonization and LDPE degradation whereas Tween 80 compromised the same. Since LDPE holds hydrophobic characteristics, the organism showing higher cell-surface hydrophobicity could adhere efficiently to the polymer. Thus, the organism AKS7 was grown in media with different concentrations of glucose and ammonium sulphate to exhibit differences in cell-surface hydrophobicity. We noticed that with increasing cell-surface hydrophobicity, the microbial colonization and LDPE degradation got enhanced considerably. The observations indicated that cell-surface hydrophobicity promoted microbial colonization to LDPE that increased the degree of biodegradation. Besides, LDPE films were photo-oxidized before microbial exposure which showed that AKS7 could degrade ultra-violet (UV) treated LDPE more proficiently compared to the UV-untreated polymer. Moreover, AKS7 could colonize more effectively to the UV-treated LDPE in contrast to the untreated LDPE. Furthermore, it was observed that UV exposure increased the carbonyl bond index of the polymer which got utilized by the organism efficiently thereby increasing the polymer degradation. Hence, the observations indicated that effective microbial colonization to UV-treated LDPE films exhibited a promising metabolic activity that could show an enhanced degradation of LDPE. Therefore, AKS7 warrants to be considered as a promising organism for enhanced degradation of LDPE.
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23
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Assessment of polyethylene degradation by biosurfactant producing ligninolytic bacterium. Biodegradation 2021; 32:531-549. [PMID: 34031794 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-021-09949-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of plastic waste has become an environmental threat and a global problem. In this research, polyethylene degrading ligninolytic bacteria were isolated from plastic waste polluted soil. Two bacterial isolates, namely PE2 and PE3 have been obtained from the soil samples. Polyethylene degrading ability of the isolates has been assessed individually in a synthetic media containing polyethylene as a carbon source. The results indicated that maximum weight reduction of polyethylene (6.68%) was found in PE3 inoculated media after thirty days of incubation. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic results showed the appearance of carbonyl peaks. 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies revealed that the potential isolate PE3 belongs to the genus Bacillus and it was named Bacillus sp. strain PE3. From the scanning electron microscopic results, it is inferred that Bacillus sp. strain PE3 could colonize on the polyethylene surface and form a biofilm. Besides, the viable Bacillus sp. strain PE3 on polyethylene surface was confirmed by fluorescence microscopic analysis. Alkanes and fatty acids were identified in the degraded products by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis. From the results of native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the activities of laccase and lignin peroxidase were noticed. Furthermore, extracellular production of biosurfactant has been observed in the Bacillus sp. strain PE3 inoculated mineral salt media and synthetic media with glucose and polyethylene as the carbon source respectively. The characterization studies of crude biosurfactant have confirmed that lipopeptide nature biosurfactant. The present study demonstrates that the ligninolytic enzymes laccase, lignin peroxidase, and lipopeptide type biosurfactant are produced by Bacillus sp. strain PE3 in the media with polyethylene as a carbon source.
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24
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Yang H, Chen G, Wang J. Microplastics in the Marine Environment: Sources, Fates, Impacts and Microbial Degradation. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9020041. [PMID: 33671786 PMCID: PMC7927104 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9020041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The serious global microplastic pollution has attracted public concern in recent years. Microplastics are widely distributed in various environments and their pollution is already ubiquitous in the ocean system, which contributes to exponential concern in the past decade and different research areas. Due to their tiny size coupled with the various microbial communities in aquatic habitats capable of accumulating organic pollutants, abundant literature is available for assessing the negative impact of MPs on the physiology of marine organisms and eventually on the human health. This study summarizes the current literature on MPs in the marine environment to obtain a better knowledge about MP contamination. This review contains three sections: (1) sources and fates of MPs in the marine environment, (2) impacts of MPs on marine organisms, and (3) bacteria for the degradation of marine MPs. Some measures and efforts must be taken to solve the environmental problems caused by microplastics. The knowledge in this review will provide background information for marine microplastics studies and management strategies in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huirong Yang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Y.); (G.C.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Guanglong Chen
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Y.); (G.C.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Y.); (G.C.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-20-8757-1321
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Khandare SD, Chaudhary DR, Jha B. Marine bacterial biodegradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic. Biodegradation 2021; 32:127-143. [PMID: 33544248 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-021-09927-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Polyethylene has considered as non-degradable for decades, and their degradation through marine bacteria has rarely studied. However, LDPE found a significant source of pollution in the marine environment. In the present study, four bacterial strains capable of biodegradation of LDPE were isolated from the marine environment. These bacterial isolates H-237, H-255, H-256 and H-265 were revealed close similarity with Cobetia sp., Halomonas sp., Exigobacterium sp. and Alcanivorax sp., respectively based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing method. These bacterial isolates were individually incubated for 90 days supplied with LDPE films as a carbon source using the Bushnell-Haas medium. During the biodegradation assay, bacterial isolates were formed the viable biofilm on the LDPE surface, which decreased the thermal stability of the films. At the end of the incubation study, a maximum weight loss of 1.72% of LDPE film was observed by the bacterial isolate H-255. The bacterial attachment on the film changed the physical structure (surface erosion, roughness and degradation) which were confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The changes in the chemical structure of the LDPE film were analyzed by Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). This ATR-FTIR showed the shifting of peaks of C-H stretch and C=C bond stretching and the new peaks formation of C-O and -C=C- bonds in comparison to control LDPE film. Further, biodegradation of LDPE film was also confirmed by remineralization of carbon and enzymatic activities. This study revealed that the active biodegradation of LDPE film by marine bacteria and these bacteria could reduce plastic pollution in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrikant D Khandare
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR, New Delhi, India
- Division of Biotechnology and Phycology, CSIR - Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B., Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364 002, India
| | - Doongar R Chaudhary
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR, New Delhi, India.
- Division of Biotechnology and Phycology, CSIR - Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B., Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364 002, India.
| | - Bhavanath Jha
- Division of Biotechnology and Phycology, CSIR - Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B., Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364 002, India
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Kelly JJ, London MG, McCormick AR, Rojas M, Scott JW, Hoellein TJ. Wastewater treatment alters microbial colonization of microplastics. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244443. [PMID: 33406095 PMCID: PMC7787475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous contaminants in aquatic habitats globally, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are point sources of microplastics. Within aquatic habitats microplastics are colonized by microbial biofilms, which can include pathogenic taxa and taxa associated with plastic breakdown. Microplastics enter WWTPs in sewage and exit in sludge or effluent, but the role that WWTPs play in establishing or modifying microplastic bacterial assemblages is unknown. We analyzed microplastics and associated biofilms in raw sewage, effluent water, and sludge from two WWTPs. Both plants retained >99% of influent microplastics in sludge, and sludge microplastics showed higher bacterial species richness and higher abundance of taxa associated with bioflocculation (e.g. Xanthomonas) than influent microplastics, suggesting that colonization of microplastics within the WWTP may play a role in retention. Microplastics in WWTP effluent included significantly lower abundances of some potentially pathogenic bacterial taxa (e.g. Campylobacteraceae) compared to influent microplastics; however, other potentially pathogenic taxa (e.g. Acinetobacter) remained abundant on effluent microplastics, and several taxa linked to plastic breakdown (e.g. Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Sphingomonas) were significantly more abundant on effluent compared to influent microplastics. These results indicate that diverse bacterial assemblages colonize microplastics within sewage and that WWTPs can play a significant role in modifying the microplastic-associated assemblages, which may affect the fate of microplastics within the WWTPs and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J. Kelly
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Maxwell G. London
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Amanda R. McCormick
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Miguel Rojas
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - John W. Scott
- Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, Prairie Research Institute, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. Hoellein
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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Han YN, Wei M, Han F, Fang C, Wang D, Zhong YJ, Guo CL, Shi XY, Xie ZK, Li FM. Greater Biofilm Formation and Increased Biodegradation of Polyethylene Film by a Microbial Consortium of Arthrobacter sp. and Streptomyces sp. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121979. [PMID: 33322790 PMCID: PMC7764375 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The widespread use of polyethylene (PE) mulch films has led to a significant accumulation of plastic waste in agricultural soils. The biodegradation of plastic waste by microorganisms promises to provide a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative for mitigating soil plastic pollution. A large number of microorganisms capable of degrading PE have been reported, but degradation may be further enhanced by the cooperative activity of multiple microbial species. Here, two novel strains of Arthrobacter sp. and Streptomyces sp. were isolated from agricultural soils and shown to grow with PE film as a sole carbon source. Arthrobacter sp. mainly grew in the suspension phase of the culture, and Streptomyces sp. formed substantial biofilms on the surface of the PE film, indicating that these strains were of different metabolic types and occupied different microenvironments with contrasting nutritional access. Individual strains were able to degrade the PE film to some extent in a 90-day inoculation experiment, as indicated by decreased hydrophobicity, increased carbonyl index and CO2 evolution, and the formation of biofilms on the film surface. However, a consortium of both strains had a much greater effect on these degradation properties. Together, these results provide new insights into the mechanisms of PE biodegradation by a microbial consortium composed of different types of microbes with possible metabolic complementarities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 320 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou 730000, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Min Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
| | - Fang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
| | - Chao Fang
- Institute of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China;
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
| | - Yu-Jie Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
| | - Chao-Li Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
| | - Xiao-Yan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
| | - Zhong-Kui Xie
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 320 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou 730000, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Feng-Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (Y.-N.H.); (M.W.); (F.H.); (D.W.); (Y.-J.Z.); (C.-L.G.); (X.-Y.S.)
- Correspondence:
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28
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Effects of Tensile Stress and Soil Burial on Mechanical and Chemical Degradation Potential of Agricultural Plastic Films. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12197985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Plastic film mulching is widely practiced in arid and semiarid farming systems, but the accumulation of plastic residues in soils can negatively affect soil properties. Therefore, efficient means of plastic film degradation are urgently needed to mitigate its unfriendly environmental impacts for sustainable land use. Here, we characterized the effects of tensile stress (TS) and soil burial (SB) on potential degradation properties of three film types: Polyethylene film (PEF), oxo-biodegradable film (OBDF), and biodegradable film (BDF). Weight loss, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, functional groups, and crystallinity were recorded after TS and SB treatments. The results indicated that: (1) Weight loss of plastic films was associated with SB, although the extent of weight loss depended on film type and was highest in BDF, (2) application of TS before SB weakened the mechanical properties of the films and increased their hydrophilicity, creating favorable conditions for the settlement of microorganisms on the film surface, (3) PEF treated with TS and SB had higher functional group indices and lower crystallinity. Our results highlighted that the combination of TS and SB has the potential to accelerate plastic film degradation.
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Kim HR, Lee HM, Yu HC, Jeon E, Lee S, Li J, Kim DH. Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Pseudomonas sp. Isolated from the Gut of Superworms (Larvae of Zophobas atratus). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:6987-6996. [PMID: 32374590 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Recently, various attempts have been made to solve plastic waste problems, such as development of biodegradation without producing pollution. Polystyrene (PS) is the fifth most used plastic in many industries; therefore, degrading PS becomes a critical global issue. Here, we reported Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain DSM 50071, initially isolated from the gut of the superworms, Zophobas atratus, and the PS degradation by Pseudomonas sp. DSM 50071. We examined PS degradation using electronic microscopy and measured changes in atomic composition and contact angles with water droplets on the PS surface that represents a chemical change from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity. We have further examined chemical structural changes using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to confirm the formation of carbonyl groups (C═O) in the oxidation pathway during PS biodegradation. In reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, the gene expression level of serine hydrolase (SH) in Pseudomonas sp. DSM 50071 was highly increased during PS degradation, and the enzyme-mediated biodegradation of PS was further confirmed by the SH inhibitor treatment test. Thus, the significance of these findings goes beyond the discovery of a novel function of Pseudomonas sp. DSM 50071 in the gut of superworms, highlighting a potential solution for PS biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Rae Kim
- School of Undergraduate Studies, College of Transdisciplinary Studies, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Min Lee
- School of Undergraduate Studies, College of Transdisciplinary Studies, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Cheol Yu
- School of Undergraduate Studies, College of Transdisciplinary Studies, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunbeen Jeon
- School of Undergraduate Studies, College of Transdisciplinary Studies, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukkyoo Lee
- School of Undergraduate Studies, College of Transdisciplinary Studies, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Graduate School, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiaojie Li
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hwan Kim
- School of Undergraduate Studies, College of Transdisciplinary Studies, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
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Ru J, Huo Y, Yang Y. Microbial Degradation and Valorization of Plastic Wastes. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:442. [PMID: 32373075 PMCID: PMC7186362 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing accumulation of plastic wastes has become a severe environmental and social issue. It is urgent to develop innovative approaches for the disposal of plastic wastes. In recent years, reports on biodegradation of synthetic plastics by microorganisms or enzymes have sprung up, and these offer a possibility to develop biological treatment technology for plastic wastes. In this review, we have comprehensively summarized the microorganisms and enzymes that are able to degrade a variety of generally used synthetic plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In addition, we have highlighted the microbial metabolic pathways for plastic depolymerization products and the current attempts toward utilization of such products as feedstocks for microbial production of chemicals with high value. Taken together, these findings will contribute to building a conception of bio-upcycling plastic wastes by connecting the biodegradation of plastic wastes to the biosynthesis of valuable chemicals in microorganisms. Last, but not least, we have discussed the challenges toward microbial degradation and valorization of plastic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiakang Ru
- Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yixin Huo
- Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
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31
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Bardají DKR, Moretto JAS, Furlan JPR, Stehling EG. A mini-review: current advances in polyethylene biodegradation. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 36:32. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-020-2808-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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32
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Amaral-Zettler LA, Zettler ER, Mincer TJ. Ecology of the plastisphere. Nat Rev Microbiol 2020; 18:139-151. [PMID: 31937947 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-019-0308-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 516] [Impact Index Per Article: 129.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The plastisphere, which comprises the microbial community on plastic debris, rivals that of the built environment in spanning multiple biomes on Earth. Although human-derived debris has been entering the ocean for thousands of years, microplastics now numerically dominate marine debris and are primarily colonized by microbial and other microscopic life. The realization that this novel substrate in the marine environment can facilitate microbial dispersal and affect all aquatic ecosystems has intensified interest in the microbial ecology and evolution of this biotope. Whether a 'core' plastisphere community exists that is specific to plastic is currently a topic of intense investigation. This Review provides an overview of the microbial ecology of the plastisphere in the context of its diversity and function, as well as suggesting areas for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Amaral-Zettler
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University, Den Burg, The Netherlands. .,The University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Erik R Zettler
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University, Den Burg, The Netherlands
| | - Tracy J Mincer
- Wilkes Honors College and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
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Roager L, Sonnenschein EC. Bacterial Candidates for Colonization and Degradation of Marine Plastic Debris. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:11636-11643. [PMID: 31557003 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b02212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
With the rising plastic pollution in the oceans, research on the plastisphere-the microorganisms interacting with marine plastic debris-has emerged. Microbial communities colonizing plastic have been characterized from several ocean regions and they are distinct from the communities of the surrounding waters, and a few plastic-degrading microorganisms have been isolated from other environments. Therefore, we propose that marine microorganisms have adapted to plastic as a surface for colonization and potentially degradation. When comparing the taxonomic patterns of plastic-associated, marine bacteria, recurring groups and families such as the families Erythrobacteraceae and Rhodobacteraceae (Alphaproteobacteria), Flavobacteriaceae (Bacteriodetes), and the phylum of cyanobacteria (such as the Phormidium genus) can be identified. Thereby, we provide a perspective on which bacterial candidates could play a role in the colonization and possible degradation of plastic in the oceans due to their occurrence on marine plastic debris. We emphasize the need for extended and reproducible collection of data to assess the existence of a core microbiome or core functionalities of the plastisphere and confirm the capability of these bacterial candidates for biodegradation of plastic. Furthermore, we suggest the next steps in research to elucidate the level of natural bioremediation and the exploitation of bacterial degradative mechanisms of plastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Roager
- Technical University of Denmark , Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine , Søltofts Plads 221 , 2800 Kgs. Lyngby , Denmark
| | - Eva C Sonnenschein
- Technical University of Denmark , Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine , Søltofts Plads 221 , 2800 Kgs. Lyngby , Denmark
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Li W, Zhang Y, Wu N, Zhao Z, Xu W, Ma Y, Niu Z. Colonization Characteristics of Bacterial Communities on Plastic Debris Influenced by Environmental Factors and Polymer Types in the Haihe Estuary of Bohai Bay, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:10763-10773. [PMID: 31441645 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b03659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The colonization characteristics of bacterial communities on microplastics or plastic debris (PD) have generated great concern in recent years. However, the influence of environmental factors and polymer types on the formation of bacterial communities on PD in estuarine areas is less studied. To gain additional insights, five types of PD (polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyurethane) were exposed for three-time periods (two weeks, four weeks, and six weeks) in the Haihe Estuary. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to identify the bacterial communities on PD, in seawater, and in sediment samples. The results indicate that the average growth rate of a biofilm is affected by nutrients (total nitrogen and total phosphorus) and salinity. Furthermore, salinity is the primary factor affecting bacterial diversity of the colonies on PD. In addition, genera of bacteria show selectivity toward the PD polymer type and tend to colonize their preferred substrate. Compared with seawater and sediment, PD could be carriers for enrichment of Vibrio in the estuarine environment with salinity ≥26 (± 2‰), which might increase the ecological risk of PD in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Li
- School of Marine Science and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , China
| | - Ying Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300350 , China
| | - Nan Wu
- School of Marine Science and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , China
| | - Ze Zhao
- School of Marine Science and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , China
| | - Wei'an Xu
- School of Marine Science and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , China
| | - Yongzheng Ma
- School of Marine Science and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , China
| | - Zhiguang Niu
- School of Marine Science and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , China
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35
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Muthukrishnan T, Al Khaburi M, Abed RMM. Fouling Microbial Communities on Plastics Compared with Wood and Steel: Are They Substrate- or Location-Specific? MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2019; 78:361-374. [PMID: 30535914 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-018-1303-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Although marine biofouling has been widely studied on different substrates, information on biofouling on plastics in the Arabian Gulf is limited. Substrate- and location-specific effects were investigated by comparing the microbial communities developed on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE) with those on steel and wood, at two locations in the Sea of Oman. Total biomass was lower on PET and PE than on steel and wood. PET had the highest bacterial abundance at both locations, whereas chlorophyll a concentrations did not vary between substrates. MiSeq 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing revealed comparable operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness on all substrates at one location but lower numbers on PET and PE at the other location. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) showed distinct clusters of the bacterial communities based on substrate (analysis of similarity (ANOSIM), R = 0.45-0.97, p < 0.03) and location (ANOSIM, R = 0.56, p < 0.0001). The bacterial genera Microcystis and Hydrogenophaga and the diatoms Licmophora and Mastogloia were specifically detected on plastics. Desulfovibrio and Pseudomonas spp. exhibited their highest abundance on steel and Corynebacterium spp. on wood. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed fissure formation on PET and PE, indicating physical degradation. The presence of free radicals on PET and carbonyl bonds (C=O) on PE, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, indicated abiotic degradation while hydroxyl groups and spectral peaks for proteins and polysaccharides on PE indicated biotic degradation. We conclude that fouling microbial communities are not only substrate-specific but also location-specific and microbes developing on plastics could potentially contribute to their degradation in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thirumahal Muthukrishnan
- Biology Department, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 36, PC, 123, Al Khoud, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Maryam Al Khaburi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 36, PC, 123, Al Khoud, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Raeid M M Abed
- Biology Department, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 36, PC, 123, Al Khoud, Sultanate of Oman.
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Biodegradation of Polyethylene by Enterobacter sp. D1 from the Guts of Wax Moth Galleria mellonella. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16111941. [PMID: 31159351 PMCID: PMC6604253 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16111941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Plastic polymers are widely used in agriculture, industry, and our daily life because of their convenient and economic properties. However, pollution caused by plastic polymers, especially polyethylene (PE), affects both animal and human health when they aggregate in the environment, as they are not easily degraded under natural conditions. In this study, Enterobacter sp. D1 was isolated from the guts of wax moth (Galleria mellonella). Microbial colonies formed around a PE film after 14 days of cultivation with D1. Roughness, depressions, and cracks were detected on the surface of the PE film by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the presence of carbonyl functional groups and ether groups on the PE film that was treated with D1. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) also revealed that the contents of certain alcohols, esters, and acids were increased as a result of the D1 treatment, indicating that oxidation reaction occurred on the surface of the PE film treated with D1 bacteria. These observations confirmed that D1 bacteria has an ability to degrade PE.
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37
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Sangale MK, Shahnawaz M, Ade AB. Potential of fungi isolated from the dumping sites mangrove rhizosphere soil to degrade polythene. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5390. [PMID: 30926843 PMCID: PMC6440974 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41448-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Polythene is the most widely used plastic around the globe. Among the total plastic waste generated, polythene contributes the maximum share (64%). Various strategies/methods are being utilized to deal with the increasing rate of plastic waste, but among all the methods, bioremediation is regarded as the ecofriendly and widely accepted method. In the current investigation, we have attempted to discover the elite polythene deteriorating fungi (isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Avicennia marina). From 12 different eco-geographical locations along the West Coast of India, total 109 fungal isolates were recorded. The polythene deteriorating fungi were screened at varied pH (3.5, 7 and 9.5) based on changes in weight and tensile strength of the treated polythene at ambient temperature with continuous shaking for 60 days. BAYF5 isolate (pH 7) results in maximum reduction in weight (58.51 ± 8.14) whereas PNPF15 (pH 3.5) recorded highest reduction in tensile strength (94.44 ± 2.40). Surprisingly, we have also reported weight gain, with highest percent weight gain (28.41 ± 6.99) with MANGF13 at pH 9.5. To test the reproducibility of the results, the elite polythene degrading fungal isolates based on weight loss and reduction in tensile strength were only used for repetition experiment and the results based on the reduction in tensile strength were found only reproducible. Polythene biodegradation was further confirmed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The most efficient polythene deteriorating fungal isolates were identified as Aspergillus terreus strain MANGF1/WL and Aspergillus sydowii strain PNPF15/TS using both morphological keys and molecular tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha K Sangale
- Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, Maharashtra, India.,Department of Botany, S. M. Joshi College Hadapsar, Malwadi, Hadapsar, Pune, Maharashtra, 411028, India
| | - Mohd Shahnawaz
- Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, Maharashtra, India. .,Plant Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road Jammu, Jammu, 180001, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| | - Avinash B Ade
- Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, Maharashtra, India.
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Kumari A, Chaudhary DR, Jha B. Destabilization of polyethylene and polyvinylchloride structure by marine bacterial strain. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:1507-1516. [PMID: 30430447 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3465-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are recalcitrant and inert to degrade, and destabilization leads to accumulate in the terrestrial and marine ecosystems; need for the development of strategies for reducing these plastic wastes in a sustainable manner would be revolutionary. We studied the bacterial adherence, degradation and destabilization of polyvinylchloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) by marine bacterial strain AIIW2 by a series of analytical and microscopic observations over 3 months. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and the phylogenetic analysis of the strain AIIW2, it showed 97.39% similarity with Bacillus species. Degradation of plastics was determined by the weight loss after 90 days with bacterial strain which detected up to 0.26 ± 0.02, 0.96 ± 0.02, and 1.0 ± 0.01% for PVC, LDPE, and HDPE films, respectively over initial weights. The mineralization of plastic film was found to be maximum in LDPE followed by HDPE and PVC. Bacterial interaction had increased roughness and deteriorated the surface of plastics which is revealed by the scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. Bending vibrations of the alkane rock chain (-CH2 and -CH3) and carbonyl (-CO) regions in LDPE and HDPE films, while there was slight stretching in the hydroxyl (-OH) regions of carboxylic acid in PVC which is evidenced through Fourier transform infrared spectral studies, suggested the oxidative activities of the bacteria. Though, the bacterial activity was higher on the LDPE and HDPE than PVC film which may be due to the presence of chlorine atom in PVC structure making it more versatile. The results of the present study revealed the ability of marine bacterial strain for instigating their colonization over plastic films and deteriorating the polymeric structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alka Kumari
- Biotechnology and Phycology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, 364002, India
| | - Doongar R Chaudhary
- Biotechnology and Phycology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, 364002, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, India.
| | - Bhavanath Jha
- Biotechnology and Phycology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, 364002, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, India.
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Selection and evaluation of microorganisms for biodegradation of agricultural plastic film. 3 Biotech 2018; 8:308. [PMID: 30002997 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1329-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Three Bacillus amyloliquefaciens isolates (HK1, GSDM02, and GSDM15) were tested for effectiveness in biodegradation of plastic films. Isolates were screened by plate on carbon-free medium and by using the clear-zone formation test. Their biodegradation ability was analyzed based on: film weight reduction, pH change of the fluid medium, a soil microbial biomass carbon test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) clear-zone and film weight reduction results revealed that the strain with a bigger clear-zone had a better biodegradation effect, that PVA can be evenly distributed in the medium, and that PVA can be a substitution for polyethylene in screening the biodegradation of strains. SEM and FTIR revealed that HK1 can tear the film apart and make surface chemical changes within 30 days. HK1 exhibited a better biodegradation effect in all tests, indicating its potential for helping solve the plastic pollution problems.
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Microbial functional diversity plays an important role in the degradation of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) in soil. 3 Biotech 2018; 8:171. [PMID: 29556425 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1201-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Towards bioremediation of recalcitrant materials like synthetic polymer, soil has been recognized as a traditional site for disposal and subsequent degradation as some microorganisms in soil can degrade the polymer in a non-toxic, cost-effective, and environment friendly way. Microbial functional diversity is a constituent of biodiversity that includes wide range of metabolic activities that can influence numerous aspects of ecosystem functioning like ecosystem stability, nutrient availability, ecosystem dynamics, etc. Thus, in the current study, we assumed that microbial functional diversity could play an important role in polymer degradation in soil. To verify this hypothesis, we isolated soil from five different sites of landfill and examined several microbiological parameters wherein we observed a significant variation in heterotrophic microbial count as well as microbial activities among the soil microcosms tested. Multivariate analysis (principle component analysis) based on the carbon sources utilization pattern revealed that soil microcosms showed different metabolic patterns suggesting the variable distribution of microorganisms among the soil microcosms tested. Since microbial functional diversity depends on both microbial richness and evenness, Shannon diversity index was determined to measure microbial richness and Gini coefficient was determined to measure microbial evenness. The tested soil microcosms exhibited variation in both microbial richness and evenness suggesting the considerable difference in microbial functional diversity among the tested microcosms. We then measured polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) degradation in soil microcosms after desired period of incubation of PHB in soil wherein we found that soil microcosms having higher functional diversity showed enhanced PHB degradation and soil microcosms having lower functional diversity showed reduced PHB degradation. We also noticed that all the tested soil microcosms showed similar pattern in both microbial functional diversity and PHB degradation suggesting a strong positive correlation (r = 0.95) between microbial functional diversity and PHB degradation. Thus, the results demonstrate that microbial functional diversity plays an important role in PHB degradation in soil by exhibiting versatile microbial metabolic potentials that lead to the enhanced degradation of PHB.
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Awasthi S, Srivastava P, Singh P, Tiwary D, Mishra PK. Biodegradation of thermally treated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) by Klebsiella pneumoniae CH001. 3 Biotech 2017; 7:332. [PMID: 28955629 PMCID: PMC5603451 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0959-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodegradation of plastics, which are the potential source of environmental pollution, has received a great deal of attention in the recent years. We aim to screen, identify, and characterize a bacterial strain capable of degrading high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In the present study, we studied HDPE biodegradation using a laboratory isolate, which was identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae CH001 (Accession No MF399051). The HDPE film was characterized by Universal Tensile Machine (UTM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) before and after microbial incubation. We observed that this strain was capable of adhering strongly on HDPE surface and form a thick biofilm, when incubated in nutrient broth at 30 °C on 120 rpm for 60 days. UTM analysis showed a significant decrease in weight (18.4%) and reduction in tensile strength (60%) of HDPE film. Furthermore, SEM analysis showed the cracks on the HDPE surface, whereas AFM results showed an increase in surface roughness after bacterial incubation. Overall, these results indicate that K. pneumoniae CH001 can be used as potential candidate for HDPE degradation in eco-friendly and sustainable manner in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shraddha Awasthi
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, U.P. 221005 India
| | - Pratap Srivastava
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, U.P. 221005 India
| | - Pardeep Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, U.P. 221005 India
| | - D. Tiwary
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, U.P. 221005 India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Mishra
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, U.P. 221005 India
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Syranidou E, Karkanorachaki K, Amorotti F, Repouskou E, Kroll K, Kolvenbach B, Corvini PFX, Fava F, Kalogerakis N. Development of tailored indigenous marine consortia for the degradation of naturally weathered polyethylene films. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183984. [PMID: 28841722 PMCID: PMC5571942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the potential of bacterial-mediated polyethylene (PE) degradation in a two-phase microcosm experiment. During phase I, naturally weathered PE films were incubated for 6 months with the indigenous marine community alone as well as bioaugmented with strains able to grow in minimal medium with linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) as the sole carbon source. At the end of phase I the developed biofilm was harvested and re-inoculated with naturally weathered PE films. Bacteria from both treatments were able to establish an active population on the PE surfaces as the biofilm community developed in a time dependent way. Moreover, a convergence in the composition of these communities was observed towards an efficient PE degrading microbial network, comprising of indigenous species. In acclimated communities, genera affiliated with synthetic (PE) and natural (cellulose) polymer degraders as well as hydrocarbon degrading bacteria were enriched. The acclimated consortia (indigenous and bioaugmented) reduced more efficiently the weight of PE films in comparison to non-acclimated bacteria. The SEM images revealed a dense and compact biofilm layer and signs of bio-erosion on the surface of the films. Rheological results suggest that the polymers after microbial treatment had wider molecular mass distribution and a marginally smaller average molar mass suggesting biodegradation as opposed to abiotic degradation. Modifications on the surface chemistry were observed throughout phase II while the FTIR profiles of microbially treated films at month 6 were similar to the profiles of virgin PE. Taking into account the results, we can suggest that the tailored indigenous marine community represents an efficient consortium for degrading weathered PE plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evdokia Syranidou
- School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece
| | | | - Filippo Amorotti
- School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eftychia Repouskou
- School of Mineral Resources Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece
| | - Kevin Kroll
- Institute for Ecopreneurship, School of Life Sciences, FHNW, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Boris Kolvenbach
- Institute for Ecopreneurship, School of Life Sciences, FHNW, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Philippe F-X Corvini
- Institute for Ecopreneurship, School of Life Sciences, FHNW, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Fabio Fava
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicolas Kalogerakis
- School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece
- * E-mail:
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De Tender C, Devriese LI, Haegeman A, Maes S, Vangeyte J, Cattrijsse A, Dawyndt P, Ruttink T. Temporal Dynamics of Bacterial and Fungal Colonization on Plastic Debris in the North Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:7350-7360. [PMID: 28562015 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b00697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Despite growing evidence that biofilm formation on plastic debris in the marine environment may be essential for its biodegradation, the underlying processes have yet to be fully understood. Thus, far, bacterial biofilm formation had only been studied after short-term exposure or on floating plastic, yet a prominent share of plastic litter accumulates on the seafloor. In this study, we explored the taxonomic composition of bacterial and fungal communities on polyethylene plastic sheets and dolly ropes during long-term exposure on the seafloor, both at a harbor and an offshore location in the Belgian part of the North Sea. We reconstructed the sequence of events during biofilm formation on plastic in the harbor environment and identified a core bacteriome and subsets of bacterial indicator species for early, intermediate, and late stages of biofilm formation. Additionally, by implementing ITS2 metabarcoding on plastic debris, we identified and characterized for the first time fungal genera on plastic debris. Surprisingly, none of the plastics exposed to offshore conditions displayed the typical signature of a late stage biofilm, suggesting that biofilm formation is severely hampered in the natural environment where most plastic debris accumulates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline De Tender
- Institute of Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO) , Burgemeester Van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Ghent University , Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Sciences and Statistics, Krijgslaan 281 S9, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lisa I Devriese
- Institute of Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO) , Burgemeester Van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Haegeman
- Institute of Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO) , Burgemeester Van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sara Maes
- Institute of Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO) , Burgemeester Van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jürgen Vangeyte
- Institute of Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO) , Burgemeester Van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - André Cattrijsse
- Flanders Marine Institute , InnovOcean site, Wandelaarkaai 7, 8400 Oostende, Belgium
| | - Peter Dawyndt
- Ghent University , Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Sciences and Statistics, Krijgslaan 281 S9, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Ruttink
- Institute of Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO) , Burgemeester Van Gansberghelaan 92, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Awasthi S, Srivastava N, Singh T, Tiwary D, Mishra PK. Biodegradation of thermally treated low density polyethylene by fungus Rhizopus oryzae NS 5. 3 Biotech 2017; 7:73. [PMID: 28452021 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0699-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Polythene is considered as one of the important object used in daily life. Being versatile in nature and resistant to microbial attack, they effectively cause environmental pollution. In the present study, biodegradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) have been performed using fungal lab isolate Rhizopus oryzae NS5. Lab isolate fungal strain capable of adhering to LDPE surface was used for the biodegradation of LDPE. This strain was identified as Rhizopus oryzae NS5 (Accession No. KT160362). Fungal growth was observed on the surface of the polyethylene when cultured in potato dextrose broth at 30 °C and 120 rpm, for 1 month. LDPE film was characterized before and after incubation by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and universal tensile machine. About 8.4 ± 3% decrease (gravimetrically) in weight and 60% reduction in tensile strength of polyethylene was observed. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed hyphal penetration and degradation on the surface of polyethylene. Atomic force microscope analysis showed increased surface roughness after treatment with fungal isolate. A thick network of fungal hyphae forming a biofilm was also observed on the surface of the polyethylene pieces. Present study shows the potential of Rhizopus oryzae NS5 in polyethylene degradation in eco friendly and sustainable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shraddha Awasthi
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, U.P., 221005, India
| | - Neha Srivastava
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, U.P., 221005, India
| | - Tripti Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, 281406, India
| | - D Tiwary
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, U.P., 221005, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Mishra
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, U.P., 221005, India.
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McCormick AR, Hoellein TJ, London MG, Hittie J, Scott JW, Kelly JJ. Microplastic in surface waters of urban rivers: concentration, sources, and associated bacterial assemblages. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joshua Hittie
- Department of BiologyLoyola University Chicago Illinois 60660 USA
| | - John W. Scott
- Prairie Research InstituteIllinois Sustainable Technology Center Champaign Illinois 61820 USA
| | - John J. Kelly
- Department of BiologyLoyola University Chicago Illinois 60660 USA
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Mohan AJ, Sekhar VC, Bhaskar T, Nampoothiri KM. Microbial assisted High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) degradation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 213:204-207. [PMID: 26993201 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of newly isolated Pseudomonas and Bacillus strains to degrade brominated High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) was investigated. Viability of these cultures while using e-plastic as sole carbon source was validated through Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride (TTC). Four days incubation of HIPS emulsion with Bacillus spp. showed 94% reduction in turbidity and was 97% with Pseudomonas spp. Confirmation of degradation was concluded by HPLC, NMR, FTIR, TGA and weight loss analysis. NMR spectra of the degraded film revealed the formation of aliphatic carbon chain with bromine and its release. FTIR analysis of the samples showed a reduction in CH, CO and CN groups. Surface changes in the brominated HIPS film was visualized through SEM analysis. Degradation with Bacillus spp showed a weight loss of 23% (w/w) of HIPS film in 30days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arya J Mohan
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695 019, Kerala, India
| | - Vini C Sekhar
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695 019, Kerala, India
| | - Thallada Bhaskar
- Bio-Fuels Division (BFD), CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248005, India
| | - K Madhavan Nampoothiri
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Trivandrum 695 019, Kerala, India.
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Shahnawaz M, Sangale MK, Ade AB. Rhizosphere of Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. as a landmark for polythene degrading bacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:14621-14635. [PMID: 27072028 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6542-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Due to high durability, cheap cost, and ease of manufacture, 311 million tons of plastic-based products are manufactured around the globe per annum. The slow/least rate of plastic degradation leads to generation of million tons of plastic waste per annum, which is of great environmental concern. Of the total plastic waste generated, polythene shared about 64 %. Various methods are available in the literature to tackle with the plastic waste, and biodegradation is considered as the most accepted, eco-friendly, and cost-effective method of polythene waste disposal. In the present study, an attempt has been made to isolate, screen, and characterize the most efficient polythene degrading bacteria by using rhizosphere soil of Avicennia marina as a landmark. From 12 localities along the west coast of India, a total of 123 bacterial isolates were recorded. Maximum percent weight loss (% WL; 21.87 ± 6.37 %) was recorded with VASB14 at pH 3.5 after 2 months of shaking at room temperature. Maximum percent weight gain (13.87 ± 3.6 %) was reported with MANGB5 at pH 7. Maximum percent loss in tensile strength (% loss in TS; 87.50 ± 4.8 %) was documented with VASB1 at pH 9.5. The results based on the % loss in TS were only reproducible. Further, the level of degradation was confirmed by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. In SEM analysis, scions/crakes were found on the surface of the degraded polythene, and mass of bacterial cell was also recorded on the weight-gained polythene strips. Maximum reduction in carbonyl index (4.14 %) was recorded in untreated polythene strip with Lysinibacillus fusiformis strain VASB14/WL. Based on 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence homology, the most efficient polythene degrading bacteria were identified as L. fusiformis strainVASB14/WL and Bacillus cereus strain VASB1/TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Shahnawaz
- Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Manisha K Sangale
- Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, Maharashtra, India
| | - Avinash B Ade
- Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, Maharashtra, India
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Sharma BK, Saha A, Rahaman L, Bhattacharjee S, Tribedi P. Silver Inhibits the Biofilm Formation of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/aim.2015.510070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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49
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Eriksen M, Lebreton LCM, Carson HS, Thiel M, Moore CJ, Borerro JC, Galgani F, Ryan PG, Reisser J. Plastic Pollution in the World's Oceans: More than 5 Trillion Plastic Pieces Weighing over 250,000 Tons Afloat at Sea. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111913. [PMID: 25494041 PMCID: PMC4262196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1979] [Impact Index Per Article: 197.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is ubiquitous throughout the marine environment, yet estimates of the global abundance and weight of floating plastics have lacked data, particularly from the Southern Hemisphere and remote regions. Here we report an estimate of the total number of plastic particles and their weight floating in the world's oceans from 24 expeditions (2007–2013) across all five sub-tropical gyres, costal Australia, Bay of Bengal and the Mediterranean Sea conducting surface net tows (N = 680) and visual survey transects of large plastic debris (N = 891). Using an oceanographic model of floating debris dispersal calibrated by our data, and correcting for wind-driven vertical mixing, we estimate a minimum of 5.25 trillion particles weighing 268,940 tons. When comparing between four size classes, two microplastic <4.75 mm and meso- and macroplastic >4.75 mm, a tremendous loss of microplastics is observed from the sea surface compared to expected rates of fragmentation, suggesting there are mechanisms at play that remove <4.75 mm plastic particles from the ocean surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Eriksen
- Five Gyres Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Henry S. Carson
- Marine Science Department, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington, United States of America
| | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Charles J. Moore
- Algalita Marine Research and Education, Long Beach, California, United States of America
| | | | - Francois Galgani
- Departement Océanographie et Dynamique des Ecosystemes, Institut français de recherche pour l′exploitation de la mer (Ifremer), Bastia, Corsica, France
| | - Peter G. Ryan
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Julia Reisser
- School of Environmental Systems Engineering and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Australia
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50
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Reisser J, Shaw J, Hallegraeff G, Proietti M, Barnes DKA, Thums M, Wilcox C, Hardesty BD, Pattiaratchi C. Millimeter-sized marine plastics: a new pelagic habitat for microorganisms and invertebrates. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100289. [PMID: 24941218 PMCID: PMC4062529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Millimeter-sized plastics are abundant in most marine surface waters, and known to carry fouling organisms that potentially play key roles in the fate and ecological impacts of plastic pollution. In this study we used scanning electron microscopy to characterize biodiversity of organisms on the surface of 68 small floating plastics (length range = 1.7–24.3 mm, median = 3.2 mm) from Australia-wide coastal and oceanic, tropical to temperate sample collections. Diatoms were the most diverse group of plastic colonizers, represented by 14 genera. We also recorded ‘epiplastic’ coccolithophores (7 genera), bryozoans, barnacles (Lepas spp.), a dinoflagellate (Ceratium), an isopod (Asellota), a marine worm, marine insect eggs (Halobates sp.), as well as rounded, elongated, and spiral cells putatively identified as bacteria, cyanobacteria, and fungi. Furthermore, we observed a variety of plastic surface microtextures, including pits and grooves conforming to the shape of microorganisms, suggesting that biota may play an important role in plastic degradation. This study highlights how anthropogenic millimeter-sized polymers have created a new pelagic habitat for microorganisms and invertebrates. The ecological ramifications of this phenomenon for marine organism dispersal, ocean productivity, and biotransfer of plastic-associated pollutants, remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Reisser
- School of Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Wealth from Oceans Flagship, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Perth, Australia
| | - Jeremy Shaw
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Gustaaf Hallegraeff
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Maira Proietti
- Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - David K A Barnes
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Thums
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, The UWA Oceans Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - Chris Wilcox
- Wealth from Oceans Flagship, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Perth, Australia; Marine and Atmospheric Research, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Hobart, Australia
| | - Britta Denise Hardesty
- Wealth from Oceans Flagship, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Perth, Australia; Marine and Atmospheric Research, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Hobart, Australia
| | - Charitha Pattiaratchi
- School of Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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