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To more greenly and efficiently utilize the abundant lignite resources and explore the microbial degradation and transformation potential of lignite for its environmentally friendly and resourceful utilization, Shengli lignite from the Hulunbuir region of Inner Mongolia, China, was selected as the research subject. Through the dilution plating method and streaking method, 31 native microorganisms were successfully isolated from the Shengli lignite, including 16 bacteria and 15 fungi. After microbial coal dissolution experiments, it was found that certain microorganisms have a significant dissolving effect on lignite, with some bacterial and fungal strains showing strong dissolution capabilities. In particular, the bacterium SH10 Lysinibacillus fusiformis and the fungus L1W Paecilomyces lilacinus demonstrated the best coal-dissolving abilities, with dissolution rates both reaching 60%. The products of microbial dissolution of lignite were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technology, identifying a variety of small molecular organic compounds, including alkanes, alcohols, esters, and phenols. The results of this study provide a new perspective on the biodegradation of lignite and lay the foundation for the development of new lignite treatment and utilization technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from southern Brazil's wines and investigate their potential as starter cultures for malolactic fermentation (MLF) in Merlot (ME) and Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) wines through the fermentative capacity. The LAB were isolated from CS, ME, and Pinot Noir (PN) wines in the 2016 and 2017 harvests and evaluated for morphological (color and shape of the colonies), genetic, fermentative (increase in pH, acidity reduction, preservation of anthocyanins, decarboxylation of L-malic acid, yield of L-lactic acid, and content of reduced sugars), and sensory characteristics. Four strains were identified as Oenococcus oeni [CS(16)3B1, ME(16)1A1, ME(17)26, and PN(17)65], one as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum [PN(17)75], and one as Paucilactobacillus suebicus [CS(17)5]. Isolates were evaluated in the MLF and compared to a commercial strain (O. oeni), as well as a control (without inoculation and spontaneous MLF), and standard (without MLF). CS(16)3B1 and ME(17)26 isolates finished the MLF for CS and ME wines, respectively, after 35 days, similar to the commercial strain, and CS(17)5 and ME(16)1A1 isolates ended the MLF in 45 days. In the sensory analysis, ME wines with isolated strains received better scores for flavor and overall quality than the control. Compared to the commercial strain, CS(16)3B1 isolate obtained the highest scores for buttery flavor and taste persistence. CS(17)5 isolate received the higher scores for a fruity flavor and overall quality and the lowest for a buttery flavor. The native LAB displayed MLF potential, regardless of the year and grape species from which they were isolated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Innotec is the property of Laboratorio Tecnologico del Uruguay and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mango cv. ‘Tommy Atkins’ is a highly appreciated fruit for its organoleptic characteristics and its resistance to minimal processing. However, some operations as peeling and cutting can generate microbial contamination and loss of bioactive compounds. Ultraviolet short wave (UV-C) is an alternative technology for fresh-cut products that leads to microbial inactivation and the increase of beneficial compounds. The effect of a UV-C dose of 6 kJ/m2 was evaluated on quality attributes of fresh-cut 'Tommy Atkins' mango during days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 of storage (5°C, relative humidity: 85-90%), and compared with a positive control (conventional method by immersion in 10 mg/L sodium hypochlorite solution) and a negative control (without treatment). Physicochemical analysis (titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solid content, and firmness), superficial color evaluation, determinations of microbial counts, contents of total carotenoids, phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity assays were performed. The results showed that UV-C treatment allowed to preserve microbial safety and superficial color of stored fresh-cut mango, and to increase the content of total carotenoids, which was 19.34 and 26.50 mg β-carotene/100 g fresh weight (FW) for control and UV-C treated sample at day 12 of storage, respectively. The DPPH• scavenging activity of the UV-C treated mango was also higher (0.60 mM TE/g FW) compared to control (0.27 mM TE/g FW) at the end of storage. However, UV-C treatment caused loss of firmness. Some native microorganisms of mango adapted to the stress caused by the treatments and the storage.

Calcareous sand is a special soil formed by the accumulation of carbonate fragments. Its compressibility is caused by a high void ratio and breakable particles. Because of its high carbonate content and weak cementation, its load-bearing capacity is limited. In this study, the optimal stimulation solution was obtained with response surface methodology. Then, the effect of reinforcing calcareous sand was analysed with unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, calcium carbonate content tests, microscopy and microbial community analyses. The components and concentrations of the optimal stimulation solution were as follows: sodium acetate (38.00 mM), ammonium chloride (124.24 mM), yeast extract (0.46 g/L), urea (333 mM), and nickel chloride (0.01 mM), and the pH was 8.75. After the calcareous sand was treated with the optimal stimulation scheme, the urease activity was 6.1891 mM urea/min, the calcium carbonate production was 8.40%, and the UCS was 770 kPa, which constituted increases of 71.41%, 35.40%, and 83.33%, respectively, compared with the initial scheme. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses showed that calcium carbonate crystals were formed between the particles of the calcareous sand after the reaction, and the calcium carbonate crystals were mainly calcite. Urease-producing microorganisms became the dominant species in calcareous sand after treatment. This study showed that biostimulation-induced mineralization is feasible for reinforcing calcareous sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango cv. 'Tommy Atkins' is a highly appreciated fruit for its organoleptic characteristics and its resistance to minimal processing. However, some operations as peeling and cutting can generate microbial contamination and loss of bioactive compounds. Ultraviolet short wave (UV-C) is an alternative technology for fresh-cut products that leads to microbial inactivation and the increase of beneficial compounds. The effect of a UV-C dose of 6 kJ/m2 was evaluated on quality attributes of fresh-cut 'Tommy Atkins' mango during days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 of storage (5°C, relative humidity: 85-90%), and compared with a positive control (conventional method by immersion in 10 mg/L sodium hypochlorite solution) and a negative control (without treatment). Physicochemical analysis (titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solid content, and firmness), superficial color evaluation, determinations of microbial counts, contents of total carotenoids, phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity assays were performed. The results showed that UV-C treatment allowed to preserve microbial safety and superficial color of stored fresh-cut mango, and to increase the content of total carotenoids, which was 19.34 and 26.50 mg ß-carotene/100 g fresh weight (FW) for control and UV-C treated sample at day 12 of storage, respectively. The DPPH• scavenging activity of the UV-C treated mango was also higher (0.60 mM TE/g FW) compared to control (0.27 mM TE/g FW) at the end of storage. However, UV-C treatment caused loss of firmness. Some native microorganisms of mango adapted to the stress caused by the treatments and the storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Effluents from machined olive waters are highly polluting. These have high organic load values such as the biological demand of oxygen and the chemical demand of oxygen, salinity, and others, which far exceed current regulations. The objective of this work was to achieve, through bioremediation by native microorganisms, the reduction of effluent contamination.Method Bioremediation was achieved by supplementing the effluent with a source of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the approximate ratio 100: 5: 1, under aerobic conditions at room temperature (25 ± 1 °C) for a period of 7 to 14 days.Results The consortium of microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) was identified as: Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain Kasamber 11, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 1816, Klebsiella sp. strain DE004, Enterobacter sp. DKU NT 01, Pseudomonas sp. KC31, Bacillus sp. MG06, Candida thaimueangensis NWP2-1, Klebsiella sp. SI-AL-1B, Bacillus pumilus strain LX11, Bacillus sp. B9 (2015b), Bacillus pumilus strain Y7, Planomicrobium sp. strain MSSA-10 16S, Candida thaimueangensis strain S04-2.2 and one microorganism without identification. A reduction of approximately 40-80% of specific parameters and contamination indicators such as biological oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and electrical conductivity was achieved.Conclusion The microbial consortium achieved the reduction of the original contamination of the effluent from "mechanized olives" by biostimulation, transforming it into a less contaminated liquid that could be used for other uses or destinations.

The potential bioremediation of native microorganisms presents in lye waters, produced during the industrial debittering of green table olives was studied in this work. Two treatments, T1 and T2, as well as the corresponding control were carried out, whilst the biostimulation method was evaluated under aerobic conditions. The evolution of parameters such as BOD5, COD, electrical conductivity and reducing sugars were measured, whereas the growth of native microorganisms was monitored by total plate count. COD parameter showed a decrease of 100% for both treatments, although electrical conductivity decreased around 35-30% in treatment T1 and 17–30 % in the treatment T2. The initial BOD5 decreased consistently with the reduction in COD. The controls only had aeration, however in absence of biostimulation, similar results were observed in all treatments, due to the growth of microorganisms stimulated by the native source of organic matter. However, biostimulation accelerated the process, especially in the reduction of pH, transforming the alkaline effluent into a more neutral effluent.

Context: The use of biological inoculants or biofertilizers based on growth-promoting bacteria constitutes a sustainable biotechnological alternative to improve agricultural production. Knowledge gap: However, the environmental characteristics of agroecosystems can be very different between regions and these can have an effect on the growth and survival of such inoculants. Purpose: In this study, native microorganisms with plant growth-promoting capacity that can be used on crops in the Caribbean region of Colombia were isolated and characterized. Methodology: Rhizosphere bacteria were isolated from Capsicum sp. They were molecularly identified by 16S and their capacity to fix nitrogen in Ashby medium and to solubilize phosphate in NBRIP medium was determined. Inoculum of the identified bacteria were then applied to chili pepper plants and their effect on plant growth promotion was evaluated. Results and conclusions: The isolates were identified as Achromobacter sp., Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus sp., and Paenibacillus dendritiformis, and their application promoted plant growth, which was evidenced by the increase of at least one growth parameter, as well as nitrogen concentration in the tissues of chili pepper plants. Finally, Achromobacter sp. and B. mycoides were the inoculums with the best results, indicating their potential for use in agriculture in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offshore waters have a high incidence of oil pollution, which poses an elevated risk of ecological damage. The microbial community composition and metabolic mechanisms influenced by petroleum hydrocarbons vary across different marine regions. However, research on metabolic strategies for in-situ petroleum degradation and pollution adaptation remains in its nascent stages. This study combines metagenomic techniques with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The data show that the genera Pseudoalteromonas , Hellea , Lentisphaera , and Polaribacter exhibit significant oil-degradation capacity, and that the exertion of their degradation capacity is correlated with nutrient and oil pollution stimuli. Furthermore, tmoA , badA , phdF , nahAc , and fadA were found to be the key genes involved in the degradation of benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and their intermediates. Key genes (INSR , SLC2A1 , and ORC1) regulate microbial adaptation to oil-contaminated seawater, activating oil degradation processes. This process enhances the biological activity of microbial communities and accounts for the geographical variation in their compositional structure. Our results enrich the gene pool for oil pollution adaptation and degradation and provide an application basis for optimizing bioremediation intervention strategies. [Display omitted] • Bacteria that degrade benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were discovered. • The microbial community adaptation and degradation pathways of oil are modelled. • The adaptive metabolic strategies of microorganisms promote oil degradation. • Native microorganisms are more suitable for oil remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Effluents from machined olive waters are highly polluting. These have high organic load values such as the biological demand of oxygen and the chemical demand of oxygen, salinity, and others, which far exceed current regulations. The objective of this work was to achieve, through bioremediation by native microorganisms, the reduction of effluent contamination. Method Bioremediation was achieved by supplementing the effluent with a source of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the approximate ratio 100: 5: 1, under aerobic conditions at room temperature (25 ± 1 °C) for a period of 7 to 14 days. Results The consortium of microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) was identified as: Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain Kasamber 11, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 1816, Klebsiella sp. strain DE004, Enterobacter sp. DKU NT 01, Pseudomonas sp. KC31, Bacillus sp. MG06, Candida thaimueangensis NWP2-1, Klebsiella sp. SI-AL-1B, Bacillus pumilus strain LX11, Bacillus sp. B9 (2015b), Bacillus pumilus strain Y7, Planomicrobium sp. strain MSSA- 10 16S, Candida thaimueangensis strain S04-2.2 and one microorganism without identification. A reduction of approximately 40-80% of specific parameters and contamination indicators such as biological oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and electrical conductivity was achieved. Conclusion The microbial consortium achieved the reduction of the original contamination of the effluent from “mechanized olives” by biostimulation, transforming it into a less contaminated liquid that could be used for other uses or destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the bioremediation of wastewater from the textile industry with indigo dye content was carried out using combined bioaugmentation, bioventilation, and biostimulation techniques. Initially, the inoculum was prepared by isolating the microorganisms from the textile wastewater in a 2 L bioreactor. Then, the respirometry technique was implemented to determine the affinity of the microorganisms and the substrate by measuring CO 2 and allowed the formulation of an empirical mathematical model for the growth kinetics of the microorganism. Finally, the bioremediation was carried out in a 3 L bioreactor obtaining an indigo dye removal efficiency of 20.7 ± 1.2%, 24.0 ± 1.5%, and 29.7 ± 1.1% for equivalent wavelengths of 436 nm, 525 nm, and 620 nm. The chemical oxygen demand showed an average reduction of 88.9 ± 2.5%, going from 470.7 ± 15.6 to 52.3 ± 10.7 ppm after 30 days under constant agitation and aeration. A negative generalized exponential model was fitted to assess the affinity of the microorganism with the wastewater as a substrate by evaluating the production of CO 2 during the bioremediation. Bioremediation techniques improve water discharge parameters compared to chemical treatments implemented in the industry, reducing the use of substances that can generate secondary pollution. Bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and bioventing of the textile wastewater in this study demonstrate the potential of these combined techniques to serve as an efficient alternative for indigo-contaminated wastewater in the textile industry. [Display omitted] • Bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and bioventilation of dyes WW reduced COD by 88.9%. • Microorganisms' affinity was fitted using a negative generalized exponential model. • The presence of O 2 in the bioprocess allows the transformation of aromatic structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil spills are among the most catastrophic events to marine ecosystems and current remediation techniques are not suitable for ecological restoration. Bioremediation approaches can take advantage of the activity of microorganisms with biodegradation capacity thus helping to accelerate the recovery of contaminated environments. The use of native microorganisms can increase the bioremediation efficiency since they have higher potential to survive in the natural environment while preventing unpredictable ecological impacts associated with the introduction of non-native organisms. In order to know the geographical scale to which a native bioremediation consortium can be applied, we need to understand the spatial heterogeneity of the natural microbial communities with potential for hydrocarbon degradation. In the present study, we aim to describe the genetic diversity and the potential of native microbial communities to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons, at an early stage of bioremediation, along the NW Iberian Peninsula coast, an area particularly susceptible to oil spills. Seawater samples collected in 47 sites were exposed to crude oil for 2 weeks, in enrichment experiments. Seawater samples collected in situ, and samples collected after the enrichment with crude oil, were characterized for prokaryotic communities by using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and predictive functional profiling. Results showed a drastic decrease in richness and diversity of microbial communities after the enrichment with crude oil. Enriched microbial communities were mainly dominated by genera known to degrade hydrocarbons, namely Alcanivorax, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Rhodococcus, Flavobacterium, Oleibacter, Marinobacter, and Thalassospira, without significant differences between geographic areas and locations. Predictive functional profiling of the enriched microbial consortia showed a high potential to degrade the aromatic compounds aminobenzoate, benzoate, chlorocyclohexane, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, naphthalene, polycyclic aromatic compounds, styrene, toluene, and xylene. Only a few genera contributed for more than 50% of this genetic potential for aromatic compounds degradation in the enriched communities, namely Alcanivorax, Thalassospira, and Pseudomonas spp. This work is a starting point for the future development of prototype consortia of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria to mitigate oil spills in the Iberian NW coast.

Oil spills are among the most catastrophic events to marine ecosystems and current remediation techniques are not suitable for ecological restoration. Bioremediation approaches can take advantage of the activity of microorganisms with biodegradation capacity thus helping to accelerate the recovery of contaminated environments. The use of native microorganisms can increase the bioremediation efficiency since they have higher potential to survive in the natural environment while preventing unpredictable ecological impacts associated with the introduction of non-native organisms. In order to know the geographical scale to which a native bioremediation consortium can be applied, we need to understand the spatial heterogeneity of the natural microbial communities with potential for hydrocarbon degradation. In the present study, we aim to describe the genetic diversity and the potential of native microbial communities to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons, at an early stage of bioremediation, along the NW Iberian Peninsula coast, an area particularly susceptible to oil spills. Seawater samples collected in 47 sites were exposed to crude oil for 2 weeks, in enrichment experiments. Seawater samples collected in situ , and samples collected after the enrichment with crude oil, were characterized for prokaryotic communities by using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and predictive functional profiling. Results showed a drastic decrease in richness and diversity of microbial communities after the enrichment with crude oil. Enriched microbial communities were mainly dominated by genera known to degrade hydrocarbons, namely Alcanivorax , Pseudomonas , Acinetobacter , Rhodococcus , Flavobacterium , Oleibacter , Marinobacter , and Thalassospira , without significant differences between geographic areas and locations. Predictive functional profiling of the enriched microbial consortia showed a high potential to degrade the aromatic compounds aminobenzoate, benzoate, chlorocyclohexane, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, naphthalene, polycyclic aromatic compounds, styrene, toluene, and xylene. Only a few genera contributed for more than 50% of this genetic potential for aromatic compounds degradation in the enriched communities, namely Alcanivorax , Thalassospira , and Pseudomonas spp. This work is a starting point for the future development of prototype consortia of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria to mitigate oil spills in the Iberian NW coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advantages of microbial induced carbonate mineralization for soil-stabilization and building-material industries are under extensive investigation. The pH is one of the influential parameters on the desired calcium carbonate mineralization due to the resulting textures of this mineral. Moreover, the decrease in microbial growth under the extreme alkaline environment compatible with the sustainability of concrete has been the bottleneck for an effective application of Microbial Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) in the concrete industry. Microbial consortia have shown more robustness in their resistance to environmental fluctuations than pure cultures. In addition, microorganisms obtained from alkaline environments could facilitate their adaptation to extreme alkalinity. The aim of this study was to obtain urease producing bacteria (UPB) able to maintain a high MICP performance under extremely alkaline conditions compatible with concrete by adapting native microorganisms obtained from extreme environments. The growth performance, urease activity, strength of the generated biocement, and CaCO 3 mineralogy were compared with the best-performer urease-producing bacteria (UPB), S. pasteurii DSMZ 33. The native bacteria presented a similar performance in growth and urease activity than S. pasteurii under extreme alkaline conditions (pH 12.5). However, the generated biocement of native Sporosarcina sp. achieved 461 % more unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and 120 % more CaCO 3 content than the biocement generated by S. pasteurii DSMZ 33. The careful adaptation process performed in this study for native UPB and S. pasteurii DSMZ 33 is an interesting approach with promising and projectable results for future engineering and biotechnological applications. These results have important implications for the design of engineering solutions involving MICP. A consolidated and strong biocement was generated by a native species obtained from extreme ecosystems in an effort of bioprospecting to enhance the performance of biotechnological solutions for geotechnical applications in the concrete and soil-improvement industries. Biocement generated by the native species was stronger than the generated by one of the best-described biocementation performers. This native species was able to actively growing and do perform microbial-induced-carbonate-mineralization under extreme alkalinity conditions after a careful laboratory adaptation process. The native species presented unique and differentiating traits that gave it a better adaptability and biocementation performance. The same occurs with a priceless microbial diversity inhabiting little explored and unprotected extreme ecosystems. Extreme environments house a fascinating biodiversity with potential value for ecosystem services. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was carried out in an organoponic belonging to the University of Matanzas. With the aim to evaluate the biochemical and productivity responses of carrot (Daucus carota L.) after the application of native microorganisms four treatments were analyzed (control, native microorganism's biopreparations with doses of 4 mL m-2, 8 mL m-2 and 10 mL m-2, the ME were sprayed on 20, 40 and 60 days, respectively). The experimental design employed was a complete randomize block. The yield and its components as well as the biochemical parameters total soluble protein, carbohydrates and reducing sugar were measured. The obtained results suggested that the native microorganisms had a positive effect on the yield and its components in carrot plants, where 10 mL m-2 was the most effective dose, increased 0,72 kg m-2. The contents of soluble carbohydrates, reducing sugar and soluble proteins were also increased in a maxim value of 3.35 mg mL-1, 17.6 kg m-2 and 8.05 kg m-2 respectively, with the application of the studied bioproduct.

The experiment was done at the Credit and Services Cooperative (CCS) “Juan de Mata Reyes”, in Pedro Betancourt municipality, Matanzas. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of indigenous microorganisms (IMO) preparations on the growth of onion (Allium cepa L.), variety Texas Early Grano. Five treatments were studied (control, a 2 mL.m2 treatment before transplantion, a 4 mL.m2 treatment before transplantation, and both 2 and 4 mL.m2 treatments 20 days after transplantion). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design. The professional statistical pack STATISTICA, version 6.0 for WINDOWS was used for data processing. The results were statistically processed using simple analysis of variance and the Duncan´s multiple comparison Test for media with a level of significance of pd”0.05. The native microorganisms in the preparations were characterized. 60 days after transplantation, the parameters height of plant, number of leaves and diameter of the false stem were evaluated; and at harvest time, the total yield (t.ha-1) and the number of bulbs in diameter category were determined. The best results concerning the height of the plant (cm), diameter of false stem (mm) and total yield (t.ha-1).were obtained with the preparation of 2 mL.m2 at the moment of transplantion, and 20 days after the application.

Copyright of Bistua: Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Básicas is the property of Facultad de Ciencias Basicas de la Universidad de Pamplona and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Bistua: Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Básicas is the property of Facultad de Ciencias Basicas de la Universidad de Pamplona and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present research was carried out in an organoponic belonging to the University of Matanzas. With the aim to evaluate the biochemical and productivity responses of carrot (Daucus carota L.) after the application of native microorganisms four treatments were analyzed (control, native microorganism's bio-preparations with doses of 4 mL m-2, 8 mL m-2 and 10 mL m-2, the ME were sprayed on 20, 40 and 60 days, respectively). The experimental design employed was a complete randomize block. The yield and its components as well as the biochemical parameters total soluble protein, carbohydrates and reducing sugar were measured. The obtained results suggested that the native microorganisms had a positive effect on the yield and its components in carrot plants, where 10 mL m-2 was the most effective dose, increased 0,72 kg m-2. The contents of soluble carbohydrates, reducing sugar and soluble proteins were also increased in a maxim value of 3.35 mg mL-1, 17.6 kg m-2 and 8.05 kg m-2 respectively, with the application of the studied bioproduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Los lodos contaminados con residuos de aceites lubricantes usados generan gran impacto ambiental negativo al no ser manejados adecuadamente. Se propuso la biorremediación para disminuir la concentración de dichos contaminantes. Los ensayos fueron realizados en las instalaciones de la planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales (PTAR) de Río Frío (Girón, Santander, Colombia), donde se evaluaron consorcios microbianos nativos, que posteriormente se adicionaron a las biopilas conformadas por lodos deshidratados provenientes del tratamiento primario de aguas residuales domésticas (usados como fuente de materia orgánica), lodos provenientes de lavaderos de carros y lodos de alcantarillado de la zona industrial de la ciudad de Bucaramanga (Colombia). Se aislaron, identificaron y conservaron cepas microbianas con capacidad degradadora de hidrocarburos totales de petróleo (TPH) como Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter spp., Bacillus brevis, Micrococcus spp y Nocardia spp. Se hizo una serie de pruebas piloto donde se inoculó cada montaje con un consorcio bacteriano a una concentración de 3x108 UFC/ml de bacterias y microorganismos fúngicos como Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Trichoderma spp., a una concentración de 1x106 esporas/ml; se monitorearon parámetros de temperatura, pH, humedad y oxigenación. Se realizaron dos ensayos para verificar el comportamiento de dichos tratamientos; se analizó la variable continua TPH en ppm mediante el método de modelos mixtos lineares en bloques aleatorios completos, que revelaron diferencias significativas entre la biopila control y las biopilas bajo prueba; se obtuvieron porcentajes de remoción hasta de 94% de TPH en 120 días y 84% en 40 días, lo que reflejó un efecto positivo en la utilización de los consorcios de microorganismos bajo prueba en la descontaminación de lodos de alcantarillado industrial y lodos de lavaderos de carros. Palabras clave: biorremediación, biopilas, aceites usados, hidrocarburos totales del petróleo, microorganismos nativos. ABSTRACT: The sludge contaminated with residues of used lubricating oils produce large negative environmental impact by not being handled properly. We proposed Biorremediation to decreasethe concentration of these polltants. The trials were conducted on the waste water treatment plant (WWTP) Río Frío (Girón, Santander, Colombia) ,we evaluate native microbial associations, and subsequently they were added to biopiles, made up of dried sludge the waste water treatment (source of organic mater) sludge from washing cars and sewage sludge from the industrial area of the city Bucaramanga (Colombia). Several pilot test were completed and we isolated, identified and retained microbial atrains with ability to degrading total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) such as Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, Citrobacter spp., Bacillus brevis, Micrococcus spp., among others. We inoculated each pilot assembly with a bacterial concentration of 3x108 UFC/ml and fungal microorganisms like Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Trichoderma spp. in a concentration of 1x106 Spores/ml. Parameters such as temperature, pH, humidity, oxygenation were monitoring frequently. Two trials were completed to verify the behabior and results of treatment, we analized continuously the concentration of TPH using linear mixed models approach in a randomized complete blocks, which revealed significant differences between control biopile (without microorganism consortia) and biopiles under test, obtaining removal percentages to 94% of TPH in 120 days, and 84% in 40 days, reflecting a positive effect on the use of consortia of microorganisms under test in the decontamination of domestic sewage sludge and industrial sludge and sludge the car wash. Key words: Bioremediation, biopiles, used lubricating oils, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons, native microorganisms

The experiment was done at the Credit and Services Cooperative (CCS) “Juan de Mata Reyes", in Pedro Betancourt municipality, Matanzas. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of indigenous microorganisms (IMO) preparations on the growth of onion (Allium cepa L.), variety Texas Early Grano. Five treatments were studied (control, a 2 mL.m2 treatment before transplantion, a 4 mL.m2 treatment before transplantation, and both 2 and 4 mL.m2 treatments 20 days after transplantion). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design. The professional statistical pack STATISTICA, version 6.0 for WINDOWS was used for data processing. The results were statistically processed using simple analysis of variance and the Duncan´s multiple comparison Test for media with a level of significance of pd"0.05. The native microorganisms in the preparations were characterized. 60 days after transplantation, the parameters height of plant, number of leaves and diameter of the false stem were evaluated; and at harvest time, the total yield (t.ha-1) and the number of bulbs in diameter category were determined. The best results concerning the height of the plant (cm), diameter of false stem (mm) and total yield (t.ha-1).were obtained with the preparation of 2 mL.m2 at the moment of transplantion, and 20 days after the application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcareous sand is a special soil formed by the accumulation of carbonate fragments. Its compressibility is caused by a high void ratio and breakable particles. Because of its high carbonate content and weak cementation, its load-bearing capacity is limited. In this study, the optimal stimulation solution was obtained with response surface methodology. Then, the effect of reinforcing calcareous sand was analysed with unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, calcium carbonate content tests, microscopy and microbial community analyses. The components and concentrations of the optimal stimulation solution were as follows: sodium acetate (38.00 mM), ammonium chloride (124.24 mM), yeast extract (0.46 g/L), urea (333 mM), and nickel chloride (0.01 mM), and the pH was 8.75. After the calcareous sand was treated with the optimal stimulation scheme, the urease activity was 6.1891 mM urea/min, the calcium carbonate production was 8.40%, and the UCS was 770 kPa, which constituted increases of 71.41%, 35.40%, and 83.33%, respectively, compared with the initial scheme. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses showed that calcium carbonate crystals were formed between the particles of the calcareous sand after the reaction, and the calcium carbonate crystals were mainly calcite. Urease-producing microorganisms became the dominant species in calcareous sand after treatment. This study showed that biostimulation-induced mineralization is feasible for reinforcing calcareous sand.

Bordering on the edge of the Entrepeñas reservoir (Guadalajara, Spain), next to the village of Pareja, a small dam that allows a body of water to develop with a constant level has been built. Initiatives like this (which we have termed “limno-reservoirs”) are innovative in Spain and around the world. Earlier reservoirs such as this one were constructed to create a habitat for birds, but the Pareja limno-reservoir is the first to promote socio-economic development. In order to study this limno-reservoir, this research group set up an environmental observatory, analyzing, among other variables, microbiological water quality and nutrient content. After a year and a half of research, it was observed that the concentration of microorganisms is lower in the limno-reservoir than in the river that feeds it, possibly due to the nutrient depletion in the lentic ecosystem. In the limno-reservoir, the total coliforms and enterococci concentrations fall within the European Bathing Water Directive limits, but in the river these concentrations are sometimes higher. The nutrient load in the limno-reservoir is low, with nutrient variations influencing native microorganisms, but not for total coliforms and enterococci. However, the development of special conditions in the bottom has been observed in winter, facilitating coliforms and enterococci survival. This research is very interesting since the creation of limno-reservoirs is rising in Spain and no research is being done on their behaviour. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biodegradation of a mixture of PAHs was assessed in forest soil microcosms performed either without or with bioaugmentation using individual fungi and bacterial and a fungal consortia. Respiratory activity, metabolic intermediates and extent of PAH degradation were determined. In all microcosms the low molecular weight PAH’s naphthalene, phenanthrene and anthracene, showed a rapid initial rate of removal. However, bioaugmentation did not significantly affect the biodegradation efficiency for these compounds. Significantly slower degradation rates were demonstrated for the high molecular weight PAH’s pyrene, benz[a]anthracene and benz[a]pyrene. Bioaugmentation did not improve the rate or extent of PAH degradation, except in the case of Aspergillus sp. Respiratory activity was determined by CO2 evolution and correlated roughly with the rate and timing of PAH removal. This indicated that the PAHs were being used as an energy source. The native microbiota responded rapidly to the addition of the PAHs and demonstrated the ability to degrade all of the PAHs added to the soil, indicating their ability to remediate PAH-contaminated soils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hydrocarbon biodegradation in clayed and weathered polluted soils is a challenge; thus the aim of the present study was to determine the best experimental conditions that improve the hydrocarbon biodegradability in clayed and weathered polluted soils, modifying the nitrogen and phosphorous content considering the C:N:P ratio and the water content as a percentage of the water-holding capacity of the soil. Biodegradation tests were performed in microcosms containing 20g of dry soil at 30°C. A uniform-precision central composite design of second order with three levels was used to assess the effect of nutrient and water content adjustment on the hydrocarbon degradation rate, total carbon consumption, and microbial activity. The results showed that the water-holding capacity corresponding to 350% and a C:N:P ratio of 100:7.5:0.66 were the best experimental conditions for obtaining the highest hydrocarbon degradation rate (1145mg TPHkg−1 dry soilday−1), whereas the hydrocarbon degradation rate in a non-stimulated control was only 129mg TPHkg−1 dry soilday−1. Water content was the factor that showed the highest significant effect (p ≤0.05) on the hydrocarbon degradation rate. The results of the present study allowed the achievement of the best experimental conditions that enhance hydrocarbon biodegradability in clayed and weathered polluted soils. Also, these conditions are proposed for use as a biodegradability assay. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, we investigated the basic interactions between plant, rhizosphere microorganisms and Cd pollution. The effectiveness of the inoculation of an indigenous Cd-adapted arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) strain of Glomus mosseae and/or a Cd-adapted bacterium (Brevibacillus sp.), both isolated from Cd-contaminated soil, was assayed in Trifolium plants growing in Cd-polluted soil. The behavior of the Cd-adapted G. mosseae strain was compared with that of a collection G. mosseae isolate (BEG 119). Results showed the functional compatibility of autochthonous microorganisms, which resulted in a biomass increase of 545% (shoot) and 456% (roots) compared to non-mycorrhizal plants. Single AM fungi (autochthonous or reference strains) and bacterial inoculation also proved highly effective in increasing plant biomass and nutrition. G. mosseae (BEG 119, reference strain) was less efficient than Brevibacillus sp. in increasing shoot growth. Co-inoculation with both microorganisms increased to the highest extent root biomass and symbiotic structures (nodules and AM colonization), and this may be responsible for the beneficial effect found. While plant acquisition of N and P were consistently enhanced by the application of the Cd-adapted autochthonous Brevibacillus sp. plus AM fungus, the Cd uptake by Trifolium plants decreased in dual AM fungus–bacterium treatments. Thus, the combined microbial inoculation conferred tolerance to Cd by increasing nutrient status and rooting development, and by decreasing Cd availability and uptake by the plant. The indigenous bacterial isolate was able to growth at increasing Cd concentrations (from 25 to 100 μg g−1 Cd) while the growth of a reference, non-Cd-adapted, bacterial strain fell to zero in medium having 25 μg g−1 Cd, indicating the tolerance to Cd of the indigenous bacterium. The beneficial effect of inoculated microorganisms on symbiotic and nutritional plant values is relevant for the increased growth and nutrition of plants growing in Cd-contaminated soils. The inoculation of suitable symbiotic and saprophytic rhizosphere microorganisms isolated from Cd-polluted soils plays an important role in the development and metal tolerance by plants and in soil bioremediation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]