Search

Improvement of refractory nitrogen-containing organics biodegradation is crucial to meet discharged nitrogen standards and guarantee aquatic ecology safety. Although electrostimulation accelerates organic nitrogen pollutants amination, it remains uncertain how to strengthen ammonification of the amination products. This study demonstrated that ammonification was remarkably facilitated under micro-aerobic conditions through the degradation of aniline, an amination product of nitrobenzene, using an electrogenic respiration system. The microbial catabolism and ammonification were significantly enhanced by exposing the bioanode to air. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and GeoChip analysis, our results indicated that aerobic aniline degraders and electroactive bacteria were enriched in suspension and inner electrode biofilm, respectively. The suspension community had a significantly higher relative abundance of catechol dioxygenase genes contributing to aerobic aniline biodegradation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger genes to protect from oxygen toxicity. The inner biofilm community contained obviously higher cytochrome c genes responsible for extracellular electron transfer. Additionally, network analysis indicated the aniline degraders were positively associated with electroactive bacteria and could be the potential hosts for genes encoding for dioxygenase and cytochrome, respectively. This study provides a feasible strategy to enhance nitrogen-containing organics ammonification and offers new insights into the microbial interaction mechanisms of micro-aeration assisted with electrogenic respiration. [Display omitted] • Aniline (AN) could be degraded under micro-aerobic bioanode system. • Microbial functional differentiation occurred in suspension and electrode. • Functional genes were more sensitive than 16S rRNA genes to DO stimulation. • AN degraders in suspension positively correlated with electroactive bacteria. • AN degraders were potential hosts of dioxygenase catalyzing ammonification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high concentrations of salt and refractory toxic organics in industrial wastewater seriously restrict biological treatment efficiency and functional stability. However, how to construct a salt-tolerant biocatalytic community and realize the decarbonization coupled with detoxification toward green bio-enhanced treatment, has yet to be well elucidated. Here, acetoacetanilide (AAA), an important intermediate for many dyes and medicine synthesis, was used as the model amide pollutant to elucidate the directional enrichment of halotolerant degradative communities and the corresponding bacterial interaction mechanism. Combining microbial community composition and molecular ecological network analyses as well as the biodegradation efficiencies of AAA and its hydrolysis product aniline (AN) of pure strains, the core degradative bacteria were identified during the hypersaline AAA degradation process. A synthetic bacterial consortium composed of Paenarthrobacter , Rhizobium , Rhodococcus , Delftia and Nitratireductor was constructed based on the top-down strategy to treat AAA wastewater with different water quality characteristics. The synthetic halotolerant consortium showed promising treatment ability toward the simulated AAA wastewater (AAA 100–500 mg/L, 1–5% salinity) and actual AAA mother liquor. Additionally, the comprehensive toxicity of AAA mother liquor significantly reduced after biological treatment. This study provides a green biological approach for the treatment of hypersaline and high concentration of organics wastewater. [Display omitted] • A halotolerant acetoacetanilide (AAA)-mineralizing consortium was obtained. • Core AAA-degrading strains were identified and isolated from the consortium. • Interspecific interactions drive biodegradation of AAA upon hypersaline stress. • Synthetic communities with bioremediation and stress resistance functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoplastics are an emerging topic and have attracted increasing attention due to their widespread existence and potential toxicity on living organisms. The challenges of analytical methods for nanoplastics hinder the deeper understanding of toxicological effects and risk assessment of nanoplastics. In this work, a custom-built electromagnetic heating pyrolyzer was coupled to mass spectrometry for the rapid analysis of nanoplastics. Nanoplastics/microplastics were collected on the heat-resisting filter papers, then directly decomposed into gaseous products in the pyrolyzer and analyzed by mass spectrometry. The polystyrene nanoparticles were used to verify the performance of mass-traced quantification, and recoveries of 106–121% and precision of 9% were obtained. As a proof-of-principle experiment, the saline solution packed by polypropylene infusion bottles was aged for simulating indoor sunlight storage, where nanoplastics/microplastics were analyzed. The abundance models of nanoplastics/microplastics in the saline infusion bottle with aging time were assessed from both quality and quantity, for the first time. Results showed that nanoplastics/microplastics in medical infusion products could be generated under indoor sunlight exposure, which needs more attention due to the potential health risks. The proposed electromagnetic heating pyrolysis-mass spectrometry could be a promising method for assessing nanoplastics/microplastics. [Display omitted] • The Eh-Py-MS method was demonstrated for rapid analysis of nano/micro-plastics. • NanoPS was analyzed with Eh-Py-MS, which showed good quantitative performance. • Micro/nano-plastics could be generated in saline infusion bottles under UV exposure. • The quality and quantity of nano/micro-plastics in aged SIBs were assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complexly contaminated river sediment caused by reducible and oxidizable organic pollutants is a growing global concern due to the adverse influence on ecosystem safety and planetary health. How to strengthen indigenous microbial metabolic activity to enhance biodegradation and mineralization efficiency of refractory composite pollutants is critical but poorly understood in environmental biotechnology. Here, a synergetic biostimulation coupling electrode with zero-valent iron (ZVI) was investigated for the bioremediation of river sediments contaminated by 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBP, reducible pollutant) and hydrocarbons (oxidizable pollutants). The bioremediation efficiency of ZVI based biostimulation coupling electrode against TBP debromination and hydrocarbons degradation were 1.1–3 times higher than the electrode used solely, which was attributed to the shape of distinctive microbial communities and the enrichment of potential dehalogenators (like Desulfovibrio , Desulfomicrobium etc.). The sediment microbial communities were significantly positively correlated with the enhanced degradation efficiencies of TBP and hydrocarbons (P < 0.05). Moreover, the coupled system predominately increased positive microbial interactions in the ecological networks. The possible mutual relationship between microbes i.e., Thiobacillus (iron-oxidizing bacteria) and Desulfovibrio (dehalogenator) as well as Pseudomonas (electroactive bacteria) and Clostridium (hydrocarbons degraders) were revealed. This study proposed a promising approach for efficient bioremediation of complexly contaminated river sediments. [Display omitted] • A novel ZVI-electrode combined sediment bioremediation system was proposed. • The ZVI-electrode combined biostimulation enhanced bioremediation efficiency. • Functional microbes including dehalogenators were enriched under ZVI-electrode. • More positive microbial interactions contributed to the enhanced bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hydrogen bonded between diesel and bacteria are by molecular simulation analysis. • Community diversity has recovered tendency during the process of bioaugmentation. • Add diesel and bioaugmentation has bigger influence on bacteria community than sites. • The abundance of functional genes about oil degradation and metabolism increased. • Degradation rate of diesel by bioaugmentation on polluted-seawater was high than 70 %. Identification of microorganisms that contribute to the whole microbial community is important. In this study, dynamic changes in bioaugmentation process in diesel-polluted seawater collected from two different sites were assessed via simulation experiments. Ultraviolet spectrophotometry and analysis using the molecular operating environment software revealed that the degradation rate of diesel due to bioaugmentation was higher than 70 % after 45 days because of the formation of hydrogen bonds among biosurfactants and diesel components. Community structure and functional genes were analysed via high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that community diversity recovered during bioaugmentation. Principal coordinate analysis showed that the difference in microbial community between the two sites was considerably smaller than that when diesel was added and bioaugmentation was conducted. After bioaugmentation, the main families playing key roles in degradation that became dominant were Alcanivoracaceae, Rhodobiaceae, and Rhodospirillaceae. Moreover, the abundance of functional genes remarkably increased at two different sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanism of microbiome assembly and function driven by cathode potential in electro-stimulated microbial reductive dechlorination system remain poorly understood. Here, core microbiome structure, interaction, function and assembly regulating by cathode potential were investigated in a 2,4,6-trichlorophenol bio-dechlorination system. The highest dechlorination rate (24.30 μM/d) was observed under − 0.36 V with phenol as a major end metabolite, while, lower (−0.56 V) or higher (0.04 V or −0.16 V) potentials resulted in 1.3–3.8 times decreased of dechlorination kinetic constant. The lower the cathode potential, the higher the generated CH 4 , revealing cathode participated in hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. Taxonomic and functional structure of core microbiome significantly shifted within groups of − 0.36 V and − 0.56 V, with dechlorinators (Desulfitobacterium , Dehalobacter), fermenters (norank_f_Propionibacteriaceae , Dysgonomonas) and methanogen (Methanosarcina) highly enriched, and the more positive interactions between functional genera were found. The lowest number of nodes and links and the highest positive correlations were observed among constructed sub-networks classified by function, revealing simplified and strengthened cooperation of functional genera driven by group of − 0.36 V. Cathode potential plays one important driver controlling core microbiome assembly, and the low potentials drove the assembly of major dechlorinating, methanogenic and electro-active genera to be more deterministic, while, the major fermenting genera were mostly governed by stochastic processes. [Display omitted] • Cathode potential regulation lead to the differed dechlorination performance. • Low potential stimulated cathode participated hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. • Microbiome structure shifted and more positive interactions under low potential. • Simplified and strengthened microbial cooperation by cathode potential assembly. • Group of − 0.36 V drove assembly of major functional genera more deterministic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic biotechnology for wastewaters treatment can nowadays be considered as state of the art methods. Nonetheless, this technology exhibits certain inherent limitations when employed for industrial wastewater treatment, encompassing elevated substrate consumption, diminished electron transfer efficiency, and compromised system stability. To address the above issues, increasing interest is being given to the potential of using conductive non-biological materials, e,g., iron sulfide (FeS), as a readily accessible electron donor and electron shuttle in the biological decontamination process. In this study, Mackinawite nanoparticles (FeS NPs) were studied for their ability to serve as electron donors for p -chloronitrobenzene (p -CNB) anaerobic reduction within a coupled system. This coupled system achieved an impressive p -CNB removal efficiency of 78.3 ± 2.9% at a FeS NPs dosage of 1 mg/L, surpassing the efficiencies of 62.1 ± 1.5% of abiotic and 30.6 ± 1.6% of biotic control systems, respectively. Notably, the coupled system exhibited exclusive formation of aniline (AN), indicating the partial dechlorination of p -CNB. The improvements observed in the coupled system were attributed to the increased activity in the electron transport system (ETS), which enhanced the sludge conductivity and nitroaromatic reductases activity. The analysis of equivalent electron donors confirmed that the S2- ions dominated the anaerobic reduction of p -CNB in the coupled system. However, the anaerobic reduction of p -CNB would be adversely inhibited when the FeS NPs dosage exceeded 5 g/L. In a continuous operation, the p -CNB concentration and HRT were optimized as 125 mg/L and 40 h, respectively, resulting in an outstanding p -CNB removal efficiency exceeding 94.0% after 160 days. During the anaerobic reduction process, as contributed by the predominant bacterium of Thiobacillus with a 6.6% relative abundance, a mass of p -chloroaniline (p -CAN) and AN were generated. Additionally, Desulfomonile was emerged with abundances ranging from 0.3 to 0.7%, which was also beneficial for the reduction of p -CNB to AN. The long-term stable performance of the coupled system highlighted that anaerobic technology mediated by FeS NPs has a promising potential for the treatment of wastewater containing chlorinated nitroaromatic compounds, especially without the aid of organic co-substrates. [Display omitted] • FeS NPs as inorganic electron donor enables high p -CNB anaerobic reduction. • Interspecies mass and electron transfer was facilitated using FeS NPs as mediators. • The anaerobic sludge granular process was accelerated under FeS NPs stimulation. • The ability to resist environmental stress was enhanced in the coupled system. • Species related to reduction, Fe and S metabolism were enriched in coupled system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioelectrochemical technologies based on electroactive biofilms (EAB) are promising for petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) remediation as anode can serve as inexhaustible electron acceptor. However, the toxicity of PHs might inhibit the formation and function of EABs. Quorum sensing (QS) is ideal for boosting the performance of EABs, but its potential effects on reshaping microbial composition of EABs in treating PHs are poorly understood. Herein, two AHL signals, C4-HSL and C12-HSL, were employed to promote EABs for PHs degradation. The start-times of AHL-mediated EABs decreased by 18–26%, and maximum current densities increased by 28–63%. Meanwhile, the removal of total PHs increased to over 90%. AHLs facilitate thicker and more compact biofilm as well as higher viability. AHLs enhanced the electroactivity and direct electron transfer capability. The total abundance of PH-degrading bacteria increased from 52.05% to 75.33% and 72.02%, and the proportion of electroactive bacteria increased from 26.14% to 62.72% and 63.30% for MFC-C4 and MFC-C12. Microbial networks became more complex, aggregated, and stable with addition of AHLs. Furthermore, AHL-stimulated EABs showed higher abundance of genes related to PHs degradation. This work advanced our understanding of AHL-mediated QS in maintaining the stable function of microbial communities in the biodegradation process of petroleum hydrocarbons. [Display omitted] • AHLs boosted the current out and petroleum hydrocarbon (PH) removal of EABs • AHLs facilitate thicker and more compact biofilm as well as higher viability. • AHLs enhanced the direct electron transfer capability (EET) of EABs. • AHLs contributed to more complex, aggregated, and stable co-occurrence network. • AHLs promoted the abundance of genes related to EET and PH degradation in EABs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclocarban (TCC), one of the typical antimicrobial agents, is a contaminant of emerging concern commonly found in high concentration in water environments. However, the fate and toxicity of TCC in wastewater treatment systems remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated how TCC impacts chemical oxygen demand and inorganic nitrogen transformation in a hydrolytic anaerobic-anoxic/oxic process. In the anaerobic section, the transformation of TCC was dominated by reductive dechlorination and supplemented by two amid bonds hydrolysis. In the anoxic and oxic sections, the hydrolysis of amid bonds dominated. The toxicity was reduced after the treatment (IC 50 from 0.09 to 0.54). TCC inhibited NH 4 +-N removal in the anaerobic section and led to the NO 3 --N accumulation (2.84–4.13 mg/L) after treatment, with the abundance of N-removal bacteria decreased by 6%. Furthermore, the original ecological niche was gradually replaced by TCC-resistant/degradative bacteria, formating new microbial modules to resist the TCC stress. Importantly, fourteen genera including Methanosaeta , Longilinea , Dokdonella and Mycobacterium as potential bioindicators warning TCC and its intermediates were proposed. Overall, this study provides new insights into the fate of TCC in biological wastewater treatment systems and suggests a great importance for TCC control to ensure the health and resilience of ecosystems. [Display omitted] • TCC dechlorination and hydrolysis dominated in the HA and A/O sections respectively. • The toxicity of TCC was partially reduced after treatment, which has an IC 50 value from 0.09 to 0.54. • TCC decreased nitrifiers and denitrifiers abundances in activated sludge communities. • Methanosaeta , Mycobacterium and other 12 genera are potential TCC bioindicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]