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Bolan S, Kempton L, McCarthy T, Wijesekara H, Piyathilake U, Jasemizad T, Padhye LP, Zhang T, Rinklebe J, Wang H, Kirkham MB, Siddique KHM, Bolan N. Sustainable management of hazardous asbestos-containing materials: Containment, stabilization and inertization. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 881:163456. [PMID: 37062308 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Asbestos is a group of six major silicate minerals that belong to the serpentine and amphibole families, and include chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite. Weathering and human disturbance of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can lead to the emission of asbestos dust, and the inhalation of respirable asbestos fibrous dust can lead to 'mesothelioma' cancer and other diseases, including the progressive lung disease called 'asbestosis'. There is a considerable legacy of in-situ ACMs in the built environment, and it is not practically or economically possible to safely remove ACMs from the built environment. The aim of the review is to examine the three approaches used for the sustainable management of hazardous ACMs in the built environment: containment, stabilization, and inertization or destruction. Most of the asbestos remaining in the built environment can be contained in a physically secured form so that it does not present a significant health risk of emitting toxic airborne fibres. In settings where safe removal is not practically feasible, stabilization and encapsulation can provide a promising solution, especially in areas where ACMs are exposed to weathering or disturbance. Complete destruction and inertization of asbestos can be achieved by thermal decomposition using plasma and microwave radiation. Bioremediation and chemical treatment (e.g., ultrasound with oxalic acid) have been found to be effective in the inertization of ACMs. Technologies that achieve complete destruction of ACMs are found to be attractive because the treated products can be recycled or safely disposed of in landfills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Bolan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Australia
| | - Leela Kempton
- Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC), University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Timothy McCarthy
- Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC), University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Hasintha Wijesekara
- Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Tahereh Jasemizad
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Tao Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Hailong Wang
- Biochar Engineering Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, People's Republic of China
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Kadambot H M Siddique
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Australia.
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Choi JK, Vigliaturo R, Gieré R, Pérez-Rodríguez I. Microbe-Mineral Interactions between Asbestos and Thermophilic Chemolithoautotrophic Anaerobes. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0204822. [PMID: 37184266 PMCID: PMC10304897 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02048-22] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The Fe content and the morphometry of asbestos are two major factors linked to its toxicity. This study explored the use of microbe-mineral interactions between asbestos (and asbestos-like) minerals and thermophilic chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms as possible mineral dissolution treatments targeting their toxic properties. The removal of Fe from crocidolite was tested through chemolithoautotrophic Fe(III) reduction activities at 60°C. Chrysotile and tremolite-actinolite were tested for dissolution and potential release of elements like Si and Mg through biosilicification processes at 75°C. Our results show that chemolithoautotrophic Fe(III) reduction activities by Deferrisoma palaeochoriense were supported with crocidolite as the sole source of Fe(III) used as a terminal electron acceptor during respiration. Microbial Fe(III) reduction activities resulted in higher Fe release rates from crocidolite in comparison to previous studies on Fe leaching from crocidolite through Fe assimilation activities by soil fungi. Evidence of biosilicification in Thermovibrio ammonificans did not correspond with increased Si and Mg release from chrysotile or tremolite-actinolite dissolution. However, overall Si and Mg release from chrysotile into our experimental medium outmatched previously reported capabilities for Si and Mg release from chrysotile by fungi. Differences in the profiles of elements released from chrysotile and tremolite-actinolite during microbe-mineral experiments with T. ammonificans underscored the relevance of underlying crystallochemical differences in driving mineral dissolution and elemental bioavailability. Experimental studies targeting the interactions between chemolithoautotrophs and asbestos (or asbestos-like) minerals offer new access to the mechanisms behind crystallochemical mineral alterations and their role in the development of tailored asbestos treatments. IMPORTANCE We explored the potential of chemosynthetic microorganisms growing at high temperatures to induce the release of key elements (mainly iron, silicon, and magnesium) involved in the known toxic properties (iron content and fibrous mineral shapes) of asbestos minerals. We show for the first time that the microbial respiration of iron from amphibole asbestos releases some of the iron contained in the mineral while supporting microbial growth. Another microorganism imposed on the two main types of asbestos minerals (serpentines and amphiboles) resulted in distinct elemental release profiles for each type of asbestos during mineral dissolution. Despite evidence of microbially mediated dissolution in all minerals, none of the microorganisms tested disrupted the structure of the asbestos mineral fibers. Further constraints on the relationships between elemental release rates, amount of starting asbestos, reaction volumes, and incubation times will be required to better compare asbestos dissolution treatments studied to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K. Choi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ruggero Vigliaturo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Reto Gieré
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ileana Pérez-Rodríguez
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Doyle E, Blanchon D, Wells S, de Lange P, Lockhart P, Waipara N, Manefield M, Wallis S, Berry TA. Internal Transcribed Spacer and 16S Amplicon Sequencing Identifies Microbial Species Associated with Asbestos in New Zealand. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030729. [PMID: 36981000 PMCID: PMC10048439 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause lung inflammation and the later development of asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, and the use of asbestos is banned in many countries. In most countries, large amounts of asbestos exists within building stock, buried in landfills, and in contaminated soil. Mechanical, thermal, and chemical treatment options do exist, but these are expensive, and they are not effective for contaminated soil, where only small numbers of asbestos fibres may be present in a large volume of soil. Research has been underway for the last 20 years into the potential use of microbial action to remove iron and other metal cations from the surface of asbestos fibres to reduce their toxicity. To access sufficient iron for metabolism, many bacteria and fungi produce organic acids, or iron-chelating siderophores, and in a growing number of experiments these have been found to degrade asbestos fibres in vitro. This paper uses the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 16S amplicon sequencing to investigate the fungal and bacterial diversity found on naturally-occurring asbestos minerals, asbestos-containing building materials, and asbestos-contaminated soils with a view to later selectively culturing promising species, screening them for siderophore production, and testing them with asbestos fibres in vitro. After filtering, 895 ITS and 1265 16S amplicon sequencing variants (ASVs) were detected across the 38 samples, corresponding to a range of fungal, bacteria, cyanobacterial, and lichenized fungal species. Samples from Auckland (North Island, New Zealand) asbestos cement, Auckland asbestos-contaminated soils, and raw asbestos rocks from Kahurangi National Park (South Island, New Zealand) were comprised of very different microbial communities. Five of the fungal species detected in this study are known to produce siderophores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Doyle
- Applied Molecular Solutions Research Centre, Te Pūkenga–New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, Private Bag 92025, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (E.D.); (S.W.); (P.d.L.)
| | - Dan Blanchon
- Applied Molecular Solutions Research Centre, Te Pūkenga–New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, Private Bag 92025, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (E.D.); (S.W.); (P.d.L.)
- School of Environmental and Animal Sciences, Te Pūkenga–New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, Private Bag 92025, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
- Correspondence:
| | - Sarah Wells
- Applied Molecular Solutions Research Centre, Te Pūkenga–New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, Private Bag 92025, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (E.D.); (S.W.); (P.d.L.)
- School of Environmental and Animal Sciences, Te Pūkenga–New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, Private Bag 92025, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Peter de Lange
- Applied Molecular Solutions Research Centre, Te Pūkenga–New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, Private Bag 92025, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (E.D.); (S.W.); (P.d.L.)
- School of Environmental and Animal Sciences, Te Pūkenga–New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, Private Bag 92025, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Pete Lockhart
- Institute of Fundamental Sciences, College of Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
| | - Nick Waipara
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, Mt Albert, Auckland 1142, New Zealand;
| | - Michael Manefield
- Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Shannon Wallis
- Environmental Solutions Research Centre, Te Pūkenga–New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, Private Bag 92025, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (S.W.); (T.-A.B.)
| | - Terri-Ann Berry
- Environmental Solutions Research Centre, Te Pūkenga–New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, Private Bag 92025, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (S.W.); (T.-A.B.)
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Flórez Gutiérrez P, Cely-García MF, Larrahondo JM. Environmental management criteria, aimed at public policymaking, for the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing building materials in Colombia. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2023. [PMID: 36633018 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Asbestos is a carcinogenic mineral banned in Colombia since 1 January 2021; however, there is a considerable amount of asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM) installed across the country in products such as roof tiles, tanks, pipes, and downspouts. Installed ACBM represent an exposure risk when the mineral fibers are released into the air through deterioration, damage, or disturbance of the cement matrix within which the asbestos is contained. Due to potential detrimental impacts on human health, safe management and correct handling of ACBM is a matter of vital importance. This article proposes evidence-based environmental management guidelines, aimed at public policymaking, for the removal and final disposal of installed ACBM in Colombia. A descriptive study was carried out, with a qualitative approach, based on an integrative literature review of international practices applied in the removal and disposal of installed ACBM. Forty scientific publications were reviewed, as well as the regulations for removal, transport, and final disposal of installed asbestos-cement from Australia, the USA, Italy, Chile, the UK, and Canada. Guidelines for the removal and final disposal of installed ACBM are proposed, suggesting the following stages: (a) diagnosis and management plan of installed ACBM, (b) removal of installed ACBM, (c) transport of ACBM waste, and (d) final disposal of ACBM waste. Expert opinion was collected to assess the local feasibility of the proposed guidelines. These guidelines may help direct national and regional agencies to establish comprehensive strategies with clear, measurable, and achievable goals for future replacement of installed ACBM. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;00:1-10. © 2023 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Flórez Gutiérrez
- Facultad del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Joan M Larrahondo
- Departmento de Ingeniería Civil, Facultad de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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Maulida PT, Kim JW, Jung MC. Environmental Assessment of Friable Asbestos from Soil to Air Using the Releasable Asbestos Sampler (RAS). TOXICS 2022; 10:748. [PMID: 36548581 PMCID: PMC9782100 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10120748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study are to examine the feasibility of the releasable asbestos sampler (RAS) equipment for laboratory tests as an alternative to activity-based sampling (ABS), and to apply the equipment controlled by wind velocity and water contents in the field to asbestos-contaminated soils. Two asbestos-contaminated mines (the Jecheon mine and the Jongmin-ri mine) were selected. At each mine, 21 surface soils (0~15 cm) were sampled, the asbestos concentrations were analyzed, and then three representative sites, containing 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% of asbestos in soils, were chosen to evaluate the amount of releasable asbestos by the modified RAS with wind velocity and water contents. The results showed that the levels of releasable asbestos from soil to air increased with higher wind velocities and lower water content. In addition, the application of risk assessment of releasable asbestos in the soils as an alternative to the activity-based sampling (ABS) method was established at each site, and an estimation of the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was also calculated. According to the calculation, the estimated ELCR values did not exceed the threshold value (1 × 10-4) in the Jecheon mine for all the soils, while some samples from the Jongmin-ri mine exceeded the threshold value. Therefore, proper remediation work is needed to control friable asbestos from soils to air in the vicinity of the mines.
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Thives LP, Ghisi E, Thives Júnior JJ, Vieira AS. Is asbestos still a problem in the world? A current review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 319:115716. [PMID: 35863303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Asbestos has been used by automobile, construction, manufacturing, power, and chemical industries for many years due to its particular properties, i.e. high tensile strength, non-flammable, thermal and electrical resistance and stability, and chemical resistance. However, such a mineral causes harmful effects to human health, including different types of cancer (e.g., mesothelioma). As a result, the use of asbestos has been banned since the 1980s in many countries. Nonetheless, asbestos is still part of the daily life of the population as asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in many buildings constructed and renovated before the 1990s. This work aims to present a current literature review about asbestos. The literature review was composed mainly of research articles published in international journals from the medical and engineering disciplines to provide an overview of asbestos use effects reported in interdisciplinary areas. The literature review comprised asbestos characteristics and its relationship to the risks of human exposure, countries where asbestos use is permitted or banned, reducing asbestos in the built environment, and environmental impact due to use and disposal of asbestos. The main findings were that ACMs are still responsible for severe human diseases, particularly in areas where there is a lack of coordinated asbestos management plans, reduced awareness about asbestos health risks, or even a delay in the implementation of asbestos-ban. Such issues may be more prevailing in developing countries. The current research in many countries contemplates several methodologies and techniques to process ACMs into inert and recyclable materials. The identification and coordinated management of ACM hazardous waste is a significant challenge to be faced by countries, and its inadequate disposal causes severe risk of exposure to asbestos fibres. Based on this work, it was concluded that banning asbestos is indicated in all countries in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liseane P Thives
- Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina - UFSC, Brazil
| | - Enedir Ghisi
- Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina - UFSC, Brazil.
| | | | - Abel Silva Vieira
- Urban Analytics and Complex Systems (UACS) Consulting, Queensland, Australia; Griffith School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Australia
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Li X, He F, Wang Z, Xing B. Roadmap of environmental health research on emerging contaminants: Inspiration from the studies on engineered nanomaterials. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2022; 1:181-197. [PMID: 38075596 PMCID: PMC10702922 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Research on the environmental health of emerging contaminants is critical to understand their risks before causing severe harm. However, the low environmental concentrations, complex behaviors, and toxicology of emerging contaminants present enormous challenges for researchers. Here, we reviewed the research on the environmental health of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), one of the typical emerging contaminants, to enlighten pathways for future research on emerging contaminants at their initial exploratory stage. To date, some developed pretreatment methods and detection technologies have been established for the determination of ENMs in natural environments. The mechanisms underlying the transfer and transformation of ENMs have been systematically explored in laboratory studies. The mechanisms of ENMs-induced toxicity have also been preliminarily clarified at genetic, cellular, individual, and short food chain levels, providing not only a theoretical basis for revealing the risk change and environmental health effects of ENMs in natural environments but also a methodological guidance for studying environmental health of other emerging contaminants. Nonetheless, due to the interaction of multiple environmental factors and the high diversity of organisms in natural environments, health effects observed in laboratory studies likely differ from those in natural environments. We propose a holistic approach and mesocosmic model ecosystems to systematically carry out environmental health research on emerging contaminants, obtaining data that determine the objectivity and accuracy of risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Li
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Feng He
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Energy and Carbon Reduction Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
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Lemare M, Puja H, David SR, Mathieu S, Ihiawakrim D, Geoffroy VA, Rigouin C. Engineering siderophore production in Pseudomonas to improve asbestos weathering. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:2351-2363. [PMID: 35748120 PMCID: PMC9437886 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron plays a key role in microbial metabolism and bacteria have developed multiple siderophore-driven mechanisms due to its poor bioavailability for organisms in the environment. Iron-bearing minerals generally serve as a nutrient source to sustain bacterial growth after bioweathering. Siderophores are high-affinity ferric iron chelators, of which the biosynthesis is tightly regulated by the presence of iron. Pyoverdine-producing Pseudomonas have shown their ability to extract iron and magnesium from asbestos waste as nutrients. However, such bioweathering is rapidly limited due to repression of the pyoverdine pathway and the low bacterial requirement for iron. We developed a metabolically engineered strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa for which pyoverdine production was no longer repressed by iron as a proof of concept. We compared siderophore-promoted dissolution of flocking asbestos waste by this optimized strain to that by the wild-type strain. Interestingly, pyoverdine production by the optimized strain was seven times higher in the presence of asbestos waste and the dissolution of magnesium and iron from the chrysotile fibres contained in flocking asbestos waste was significantly enhanced. This innovative mineral weathering process contributes to remove toxic iron from the asbestos fibres and may contribute to the development of an eco-friendly method to manage asbestos waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Lemare
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS-UMR7242, BSC, ESBS, 300 Bld Sébastien Brant, 67413, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
| | - Hélène Puja
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS-UMR7242, BSC, ESBS, 300 Bld Sébastien Brant, 67413, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sébastien R David
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS-UMR7242, BSC, ESBS, 300 Bld Sébastien Brant, 67413, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sébastien Mathieu
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS-UMR7242, BSC, ESBS, 300 Bld Sébastien Brant, 67413, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
| | - Dris Ihiawakrim
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS-UMR7504, IPCMS, 23 Rue du Loess, BP, 43, 67034, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valérie A Geoffroy
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS-UMR7242, BSC, ESBS, 300 Bld Sébastien Brant, 67413, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
| | - Coraline Rigouin
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS-UMR7242, BSC, ESBS, 300 Bld Sébastien Brant, 67413, Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
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Berry TA, Belluso E, Vigliaturo R, Gieré R, Emmett EA, Testa JR, Steinhorn G, Wallis SL. Asbestos and Other Hazardous Fibrous Minerals: Potential Exposure Pathways and Associated Health Risks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:4031. [PMID: 35409711 PMCID: PMC8998304 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
There are six elongate mineral particles (EMPs) corresponding to specific dimensional and morphological criteria, known as asbestos. Responsible for health issues including asbestosis, and malignant mesothelioma, asbestos has been well researched. Despite this, significant exposure continues to occur throughout the world, potentially affecting 125 million people in the workplace and causing thousands of deaths annually from exposure in homes. However, there are other EMPS, such as fibrous/asbestiform erionite, that are classified as carcinogens and have been linked to cancers in areas where it has been incorporated into local building materials or released into the environment through earthmoving activities. Erionite is a more potent carcinogen than asbestos but as it is seldom used for commercial purposes, exposure pathways have been less well studied. Despite the apparent similarities between asbestos and fibrous erionite, their health risks and exposure pathways are quite different. This article examines the hazards presented by EMPs with a particular focus on fibrous erionite. It includes a discussion of the global locations of erionite and similar hazardous minerals, a comparison of the multiple exposure pathways for asbestos and fibrous erionite, a brief discussion of the confusing nomenclature associated with EMPs, and considerations of increasing global mesothelioma cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri-Ann Berry
- Environmental Solutions Research Centre, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland 1025, New Zealand; (T.-A.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Elena Belluso
- Department of Earth Sciences and Interdepartmental Centre for Studies on Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, 10124 Turin, Italy; (E.B.); (R.V.)
| | - Ruggero Vigliaturo
- Department of Earth Sciences and Interdepartmental Centre for Studies on Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, 10124 Turin, Italy; (E.B.); (R.V.)
| | - Reto Gieré
- Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Edward A. Emmett
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Joseph R. Testa
- Cancer Signaling and Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA;
| | - Gregor Steinhorn
- Environmental Solutions Research Centre, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland 1025, New Zealand; (T.-A.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Shannon L. Wallis
- Environmental Solutions Research Centre, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland 1025, New Zealand; (T.-A.B.); (G.S.)
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