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Nordio R, Belachqer-El Attar S, Clagnan E, Sánchez-Zurano A, Pichel N, Viviano E, Adani F, Guzmán JL, Acién G. Exploring microbial growth dynamics in a pilot-scale microalgae raceway fed with urban wastewater: Insights into the effect of operational variables. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 369:122385. [PMID: 39243421 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Microalgae-based wastewater treatment is a promising technology efficient for nutrient recycling and biomass production. Studies continuously optimize processes to reduce costs and increase productivity. However, changes in the operational conditions affect not only biomass productivity but the dynamics of the overall microbial community. This study characterizes a microalgae culture from an 80 m2 pilot-scale raceway reactor fed with untreated urban wastewater. Operational conditions such as pH, dissolved oxygen control strategies (On-off, PI, Event-based, no control), and culture height were varied to assess microbial population changes. Results demonstrate that increased culture height significantly promotes higher microalgal and bacterial diversity. pH, dissolved oxygen and culture height highly affects nitrifying bacteria activity and nitrogen accumulation. Furthermore, the system exhibited high disinfection capability with average Logarithmic Reduction Values (LRV) of 3.36 for E. coli and 2.57 for Clostridium perfringens. Finally, the fungi species detected included Chytridiomycota and Ascomycota, while purple photosynthetic bacteria were also found in significant abundance within the medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Nordio
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almeria, 04120, Almería, Spain; CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120, Almería, Spain.
| | - Solaima Belachqer-El Attar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almeria, 04120, Almería, Spain; CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Elisa Clagnan
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Natalia Pichel
- Department of Biology and Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, University Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emanuele Viviano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almeria, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo Ricicla Labs, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia (DiSAA), Università degli studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - José Luis Guzmán
- Department of Informatics, University of Almeria, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Gabriel Acién
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almeria, 04120, Almería, Spain; CIESOL Solar Energy Research Centre, Joint Centre University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120, Almería, Spain
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Bossa R, Di Colandrea M, Salbitani G, Carfagna S. Phosphorous Utilization in Microalgae: Physiological Aspects and Applied Implications. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:2127. [PMID: 39124245 PMCID: PMC11314164 DOI: 10.3390/plants13152127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is a fundamental element for life, playing an integral role in cellular metabolism including energy transfer, nucleic acid synthesis, and membrane structure. This nutrient is critical to the physiological ecology in all photosynthetic organisms including eukaryotic microalgae and cyanobacteria. The review, here presented, delves into the intricate mechanisms governing phosphorus acquisition from the environment, its utilization in plant metabolism, and regulation in these photosynthetic microorganisms. Furthermore, it comprehensively explores the strategies employed by microalgae to cope with phosphorus limitation, such as the activation of high-affinity phosphate transporters and the synthesis of phosphorus storage compounds. On the other hand, the ability to consume abundant phosphate makes microalgae exploitable organisms for environmental remediation processes. The knowledge synthesized in this review contributes to the broader understanding of microalgal physiology, offering insights into the ecological and biotechnological implications of phosphorus assimilation in these microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giovanna Salbitani
- Department of Biology, University Federico II of Naples, Complesso Universitario MSA, 80126 Naples, Italy; (R.B.); (M.D.C.); (S.C.)
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Bonito G. Ecology and evolution of algal-fungal symbioses. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 79:102452. [PMID: 38461593 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102452] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Ecological interactions and symbiosis between algae and fungi are ancient, widespread, and diverse with many independent origins. The heterotrophic constraint on fungal nutrition drives fungal interactions with autotrophic organisms, including algae. While ancestors of modern fungi may have evolved as parasites of algae, there remains a latent ability in algae to detect and respond to fungi through a range of symbioses that are witnessed today in the astounding diversity of lichens, associations with corticoid and polypore fungi, and endophytic associations with macroalgae. Research into algal-fungal interactions and biotechnological innovation have the potential to improve our understanding of their diversity and functions in natural systems, and to harness this knowledge to develop sustainable and novel approaches for producing food, energy, and bioproducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Bonito
- Plant Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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4
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Toda N, Inoue-Kashino N, Fujita H, Yoshida R, Nimura-Matsune K, Watanabe S, Kuroda A, Kashino Y, Hirota R. Cell morphology engineering enhances grazing resistance of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 for non-sterile large-scale cultivation. J Biosci Bioeng 2024; 137:245-253. [PMID: 38336581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
In the practical scale of cyanobacterial cultivation, the golden algae Poterioochromonas malhamensis is a well-known predator that causes devastating damage to the culture, referred to as pond crash. The establishment and maintenance of monoculture conditions are ideal for large-scale cultures. However, this is a difficult challenge because microbial contamination is unavoidable in practical-scale culture facilities. In the present study, we unexpectedly observed the pond crash phenomenon during the pilot-scale cultivation of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 using a 100-L photobioreactor. This was due to the contamination with P. malhamensis, which probably originated from residual fouling. Interestingly, we found that S.elongatus PCC 7942 can alter its morphological structure when subjected to continuous grazing pressure from predators, resulting in cells that were more than 100 times longer than those of the wild-type strain. These hyper-elongated S.elongatus PCC 7942 cells had mutations in the genes encoding FtsZ or Ftn2 which are involved in bacterial cell division. Importantly, the elongated phenotype remained stable during cultivation, enabling S.elongatus PCC 7942 to thrive and resist grazing. The cultivation of the elongated S.elongatus PCC 7942 mutant strain in a 100-L pilot-scale photobioreactor under non-sterile conditions resulted in increased cyanobacterial biomass without encountering pond crash. This study demonstrates an efficient strategy for cyanobacterial cell culture in practical-scale bioreactors without the need for extensive decontamination or sterilization of the growth medium and culture facility, which can contribute to economically viable cultivation and bioprocessing of microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narumi Toda
- Unit of Biotechnology, Division of Biological and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8530, Japan
| | - Natsuko Inoue-Kashino
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, 3-2-1 Koto, Kamigori, Ako-gun, Hyogo, 678-1297, Japan
| | - Hazaya Fujita
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, 3-2-1 Koto, Kamigori, Ako-gun, Hyogo, 678-1297, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Yoshida
- Unit of Biotechnology, Division of Biological and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8530, Japan
| | - Kaori Nimura-Matsune
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Satoru Watanabe
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8502, Japan
| | - Akio Kuroda
- Unit of Biotechnology, Division of Biological and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8530, Japan; Seto Inland Sea Carbon-neutral Research Center, Hiroshima University, 2445 Mukaishima-cho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0073, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kashino
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, 3-2-1 Koto, Kamigori, Ako-gun, Hyogo, 678-1297, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Hirota
- Unit of Biotechnology, Division of Biological and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8530, Japan; Seto Inland Sea Carbon-neutral Research Center, Hiroshima University, 2445 Mukaishima-cho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0073, Japan.
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AbuQamar SF, Abd El-Fattah HI, Nader MM, Zaghloul RA, Abd El-Mageed TA, Selim S, Omar BA, Mosa WF, Saad AM, El-Tarabily KA, El-Saadony MT. Exploiting fungi in bioremediation for cleaning-up emerging pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 190:106068. [PMID: 37421706 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106068] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic pollution negatively affects water bodies, marine ecosystems, public health, and economy. Restoration of contaminated habitats has attracted global interest since protecting the health of marine ecosystems is crucial. Bioremediation is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way of transforming hazardous, resistant contaminants into environmentally benign products using diverse biological treatments. Because of their robust morphology and broad metabolic capabilities, fungi play an important role in bioremediation. This review summarizes the features employed by aquatic fungi for detoxification and subsequent bioremediation of different toxic and recalcitrant compounds in aquatic ecosystems. It also details how mycoremediation may convert chemically-suspended matters, microbial, nutritional, and oxygen-depleting aquatic contaminants into ecologically less hazardous products using multiple modes of action. Mycoremediation can also be considered in future research studies on aquatic, including marine, ecosystems as a possible tool for sustainable management, providing a foundation for selecting and utilizing fungi either independently or in microbial consortia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Synan F AbuQamar
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 15551, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Hassan I Abd El-Fattah
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Maha M Nader
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Rashed A Zaghloul
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Moshtohor, Benha University, Benha, 13511, Egypt
| | - Taia A Abd El-Mageed
- Department of Soils and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, Fayoum, 63514, Egypt
| | - Samy Selim
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Belal A Omar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Walid F Mosa
- Plant Production Department (Horticulture-Pomology), Faculty of Agriculture Saba Basha, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21526, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Saad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Khaled A El-Tarabily
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 15551, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Mohamed T El-Saadony
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
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Salvatore MM, Carraturo F, Salbitani G, Rosati L, De Risi A, Andolfi A, Salvatore F, Guida M, Carfagna S. Biological and metabolic effects of the association between the microalga Galdieria sulphuraria and the fungus Penicillium citrinum. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1789. [PMID: 36720953 PMCID: PMC9889788 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27827-6] [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: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Contamination of microalgae cultures can reduce their productivity and affect the quality of biomass and valuable bioproducts. In this article, after having isolated and identified for the first time the filamentous fungus Penicillium citrinum from heterotrophic cultures of the red polyextremophilic microalga Galdieria sulphuraria, we investigated the biological and metabolic significance of this alga-fungus association. In the same medium, both organisms grow better in each other's presence than separately. Both cell density and cell size of G. sulphuraria increase in co-cultures compared to pure alga cultures. In co-cultures, despite very severe growth conditions, the load of P. citrinum increases compared to pure fungus cultures. Optical microscope images have shown physical contact between cells of P. citrinum hyphae and G. sulphuraria which, however, retain their morphology and cell wall intact. GC-MS-based metabolomics analysis of metabolites excreted in the culture medium shows that pure cultures of the fungus and alga and co-cultures of alga plus fungus can be easily differentiated based on their metabolic products. Indeed, a richer assortment of extracellular metabolites (comprising both products of primary and secondary metabolism) is a distinct feature of co-cultures compared to both pure alga and pure fungus cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Michela Salvatore
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Federica Carraturo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy. .,Hygiene Laboratory, Centro Servizi Metrologici e Tecnologici Avanzati (CeSMA), University of Naples Federico II, Corso Nicolangelo Protopisani, 80146, Napoli, NA, Italy.
| | | | - Luigi Rosati
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Arianna De Risi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Andolfi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,BAT Center - Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Francesco Salvatore
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Hygiene Laboratory, Centro Servizi Metrologici e Tecnologici Avanzati (CeSMA), University of Naples Federico II, Corso Nicolangelo Protopisani, 80146, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Simona Carfagna
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Civzele A, Mezule L. Microalgae Harvesting after Tertiary Wastewater Treatment with White-Rot Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1232. [PMID: 36422053 PMCID: PMC9697617 DOI: 10.3390/jof8111232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tertiary wastewater treatment with microalgae incorporates environmental sustainability with future technologies and high exploitation costs. Despite the apparent ecological benefits of microalgae-assisted wastewater treatment/biomass-based resource production, technological improvements are still essential to compete with other technologies. Bio-flocculation instead of mechanical harvesting has been demonstrated as an alternative cost-effective approach. So far, mostly filamentous fungi of genus Aspergillus have been used for this purpose. Within this study, we demonstrate a novel approach of using white-rot fungi, with especially high potential of algae-Irpex lacteus complex that demonstrates efficiency with various microalgae species at a broad range of temperatures (5-20 °C) and various pH levels. Harvesting of microalgae from primary and secondary wastewater resulted in 73-93% removal efficiencies within the first 24 h and up to 95% after 48 h. The apparent reuse potential of the algae-I. lacteus pellets further complements the reduced operating costs and environmental sustainability of bio-flocculation technology.
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