The use ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeimmobilized on activated alumina, and alumina silicate beads for the reduction of Aflatoxin M1in vitro

Biodegradation of Herbicide by the Immobilized Microbial Consortium SMC1 in Continuous Packed-Bed Biofilm Reactor

The present study aimed to investigate the treatment of butachlor and other commonly used herbicides by the synthetically formulated microbial consortium SMC1 immobilized on the ceramic raschig rings in a packed-bed bioreactor (PBBR). The PBBR was operated in continuous mode at various flow rates over a period of 70 days to determine the effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT) and initial butachlor concentration on the removal efficiency and elimination capability of the bioreactor. It was observed that the overall operation of the bioreactor changes from being controlled by the mass transfer limitations to the controlled bio-reaction , thus proposing the range of 270–325 mg/L/d to be the optimum operating range for the efficient removal of butachlor by the PBBR. The bioreactor can reduce up to 90% of the initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) value while treating the mixture of herbicides. The operating parameters were optimized using response surface methodology where the feed flow rate of 2.9 ml/min, initial herbicide concentration of 454.63 mg/L, and concentration of an additional nitrogen source at 1.41 g/L was found to yield maximal COD reduction. To date, a continuous study in the field of butachlor biodegradation is yet to be reported. Hence, the study could be used as a model to design a better herbicide biotreatment technology.

Decontamination of Aflatoxins by Lactic Acid Bacteria

Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolic products, which exert great hazards to human and animal health. Decontaminating aflatoxins from food ingredients to a threshold level is a prime concern for avoiding risks to the consumers. Biological decontamination processes of aflatoxins have received widespread attention due to their mild and environmental-friendly nature. Many reports have been published on the decontamination of aflatoxins by microorganisms, especially lactic acid bacteria (LAB), a well-explored probiotic and generally recognized as safe. The present review aims at updating the decontamination of produced aflatoxins using LAB, with an emphasis on the decontamination mechanism and influence factors for decontamination. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the binding mechanisms between LAB and aflatoxins, facilitating the theoretical and practical application of LAB for decontaminating hazardous substances in food and agriculture.