Discover insights from thousands of peer-reviewed papers on microbial electrochemical systems
Vito Abbruzzese
· 2021
The long-term application of livestock slurry to intensive grassland soils may lead to positive effects, including an increase in soil organic matter and plant nutrient supply to soils. Further, there is increasing interest in the potential of biological slurry additives (mixtures of selected living or latent microorganisms added to slurry) to enhance soil fertility through mobilisation of key elements in slurry and soil. However, significant uncertainties remain surrounding the potential impacts of slurry amended with biological additives on carbon (C) partitioning within three pools: respired CO2, microbial biomass C (Cmic) and C retained in the soil, as well as composition of the microbial community in temperate grassland soils. We examined how slurry that has received a biological additive ultimately affects the partitioning of C within these pools and the composition of the soil microbial community, based on phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Four short-term incubations in which soil collected from a grassland field that has received livestock slurry treated with a commercial biological additive, alongside 14C-labelled carbohydrates of different complexity (14C-glucose, 14C-glucose 6-phosphate (G6P), and 14C-cellulose) were undertaken. Our results indicate that the addition of slurry to soil alongside carbohydrate compounds led to lower 14C biomass uptake and cumulative respiration of carbohydrate compounds, as well as greater residual 14C activities in soil, compared to the treatments in which slurry was not applied. A dominance of bacteria over fungi characterised soil microbial community composition in all treatments through time, with a prevalence of gram-negative over gram-positive bacteria. Our results also indicate that the addition of biological additives during slurry storage increased 14C biomass uptake following application of slurry to agricultural grasslands. Therefore, biological additives have the potential to create a favourable environment for maintaining and increasing soil fertility through modification of the microbial community associated with the slurry and influence of the soil microflora.
Laura A. Basile, Viviana C. Lepek
Microbial Biotechnology · 2021
Summary The specific interaction between rhizobia and legume roots leads to the development of a highly regulated process called nodulation, by which the atmospheric nitrogen is converted into an assimilable plant nutrient. This capacity is the basis for the use of bacterial inoculants for field crop cultivation. Legume plants have acquired tools that allow the entry of compatible bacteria. Likewise, plants can impose sanctions against the maintenance of nodules occupied by rhizobia with low nitrogen‐fixing capacity. At the same time, bacteria must overcome different obstacles posed first by the environment and then by the legume. The present review describes the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the entire legume–rhizobium symbiotic process and the strategies and tools of bacteria for reaching the nitrogen‐fixing state inside the nodule. Also, we revised different approaches to improve the nodulation process for a better crop yield.
DJ Walker, AR Egan, CJ Nader et al.
Australian Journal of Agricultural Research · 1975
Microbial protein synthesis in the rumen of mature sheep was measured by a technique dependent upon the incorporation of 35S from radioactive sulphate into microbial sulphur amino acids. In two separate experiments, sheep were fed on four dried forages and three fresh forages. Mean values and standard deviations for microbial protein synthesis per mole of volatile fatty acid produced in the rumen were 16.1 ? 3.4 g and 20.4? 2.3 g for dried and fresh forages respectively. Corresponding values for microbial protein synthesized per 100 g of organic matter digested in the rumen were 15.1 ? 3.6 g and 24.6 ? 4.9 g. Turnover constants for microbial protein were 1.06 ? 0.12 day-1 and 1.42 ? 0.10 day-1 when dried and fresh forages respectively were eaten, and it is suggested that efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was dependent on the rate of digesta flow through the rumen. Of the non-ammonia nitrogen (NAN) reaching the duodenum up to 41, 53 and 68% was non-microbial in origin when perennial ryegrass, Tama ryegrass and white clover respectively were eaten fresh-cut. When either subterranean clover hay, lucerne hay, wheaten hay or a mixture of wheaten hay plus wheat straw was eaten, up to 67, 57, 52 and 57% respectively of NAN at the duodenum was non-microbial in origin. In the latter two cases, the total flow of NAN was relatively low but the apparent digestibility of the non-microbial fraction in the intestines was still appreciable.
Dani Or, Shmulik Friedman, Jeanette Norton
· 2002
experimental methods for quantifying effects of water content and other dynamic environmental factors on bacterial growth in partially-saturated soils. Towards this end we reviewed critically the relevant scientific literature and performed theoretical and experimental studies of bacterial growth and activity in modeled, idealized and real unsaturated soils. The natural wetting-drying cycles common to agricultural soils affect water content and liquid organization resulting in fragmentation of aquatic habitats and limit hydraulic connections. Consequently, substrate diffusion pathways to soil microbial communities become limiting and reduce nutrient fluxes, microbial growth, and mobility. Key elements that govern the extent and manifestation of such ubiquitous interactions include characteristics of diffusion pathways and pore space, the timing, duration, and extent of environmental perturbations, the nature of microbiological adjustments (short-term and longterm), and spatial distribution and properties of EPS clusters (microcolonies). Of these key elements we have chosen to focus on a manageable subset namely on modeling microbial growth and coexistence on simple rough surfaces, and experiments on bacterial growth in variably saturated sand samples and columns. Our extensive review paper providing a definitive “snap-shot” of present scientific understanding of microbial behavior in unsaturated soils revealed a lack of modeling tools that are essential for enhanced predictability of microbial processes in soils. We therefore embarked on two pronged approach of development of simple microbial growth models based on diffusion-reaction principles to incorporate key controls for microbial activity in soils such as diffusion coefficients and temporal variations in soil water content (and related substrate diffusion rates), and development of new methodologies in support of experiments on microbial growth in simple and observable porous media under controlled water status conditions. Experimental efforts led to a series of microbial growth experiments in granular media under variable saturation and ambient conditions, and introduction of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) to study cell size, morphology and multi-cell arrangement at a high resolution from growth experiments in various porous media. The modeling efforts elucidated important links between unsaturated conditions and microbial coexistence which is believed to support the unparallel diversity found in soils. We examined the role of spatial and temporal variation in hydration conditions (such as exist in agricultural soils) on local growth rates and on interactions between two competing microbial species. Interestingly, the complexity of soil spaces and aquatic niches are necessary for supporting a rich microbial diversity and the wide array of microbial functions in unsaturated soils. This project supported collaboration between soil physicists and soil microbiologist that is absolutely essential for making progress in both disciplines. It provided a few basic tools (models, parameterization) for guiding future experiments and for gathering key information necessary for prediction of biological processes in agricultural soils. The project sparked a series of ongoing studies (at DTU and EPFL and in the ARO) into effects of soil hydration dynamics on microbial survival strategy under short term and prolonged desiccation (important for general scientific and agricultural applications).
Mark C. Trimmer
Burleigh Dodds Series in Agricultural Science · 2021
This chapter focuses on microbial bioprotectants and the marketplace. The chapter begins by first discussing the latest figure in terms of microbial bioprotectants global market value. It also highlights the different types and ways these bioprotectants can be used. The chapter also discusses the trends and drivers in the microbial market, focusing specifically on why microbials dominate and the factors that drive bioprotectant adoption. A section on the myths about the bioprotectant market is also included, which is then followed by a discussion of the limitations for using microbial bioprotectants. Future opportunities and threats for microbial bioprotectants are also highlighted.
Pimonpan Pakdee
· 2020
The diversity of soil microbial communities are the main factors in the biogeochemical cycles due to their ability to control underground activities, meanwhile the disturbed soils from agricultural practices often perturb microbial communities. This study aims to 1) investigate the microbial diversity in agricultural soils. 2) determine the relationships between the relative abundance of microbes and soil environmental factors such as pH, organic matter (OM) , electrical conductivity (EC), nitrogen (N) and available phosphorus (P) in the agricultural soil of Saraburi. Thirty soil samples at 15 cm depth were collected from agricultural soil in thirty sub-districts of Saraburi Province in August 2020. Three diversity indices indicated microbial diversity as follows: 1.77 for Shannon diversity index (H’), 0.74 for Simpson's diversity index, and 0.19 for Evenness index. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to observed the relationship between Shannon's diversity index of microbial communities and soil properties. Shannon's diversity index correlated with available P in a positive direction and negative correlation with pH, EC and OM. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) determined the relationship between soil microbial communities and soil properties. The phyla Firmicutes (26.9%), Proteobacteria (16.9%), Bacteroidetes (16.8%), Acidobacteria (11.5%), and Actinobacteria (8.3%) were abundant in all soil samples. Firmicutes was a positive correlation with soil pH, OM, and EC, this phylum also shows the negative correlation between N and available P. Proteobacteria were positive correlation with both nutrients. Bacteroidetes was positive significant correlation with EC and OM. Acidobacteria indicating that a strong positive correlation with available P and negative correlation with OM. Actinobacteria was negatively correlated with soil pH. The findings indicated that soil properties influence on the microbial community. The distribution of microbial communities and relationships with environmental factors could help farmers for balancing fertilizer application of soil improvement.
Alejandra Bravo, Mario Soberón
Microbial Biotechnology · 2023
Abstract Extensive use of chemical insecticides to control insect pests in agriculture has improved yields and production of high‐quality food products. However, chemical insecticides have been shown to be harmful also to beneficial insects and many other organisms like vertebrates. Thus, there is a need to replace those chemical insecticides by other control methods in order to protect the environment. Insect pest pathogens, like bacteria, viruses or fungi, are interesting alternatives for production of microbial‐based insecticides to replace the use of chemical products in agriculture. Organic farming, which does not use chemical pesticides for pest control, relies on integrated pest management techniques and in the use of microbial‐based insecticides for pest control. Microbial‐based insecticides require precise formulation and extensive monitoring of insect pests, since they are highly specific for certain insect pests and in general are more effective for larval young instars. Here, we analyse the possibility of using microbial‐based insecticides to replace chemical pesticides in agricultural production.
Tucker R. Burch, J. Stokdyk, A. Firnstahl et al.
Journal of Environmental Quality · 2022
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing public health problem that requires an integrated approach among human, agricultural, and environmental sectors. However, few studies address all three components simultaneously. We investigated the occurrence of five antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the class 1 integron gene (intI1) in private wells drawing water from a vulnerable aquifer influenced by residential septic systems and land-applied dairy manure. Samples (n = 138) were collected across four seasons from a randomized sample of private wells in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. Measurements of ARGs and intI1 were related to microbial source tracking (MST) markers specific to human and bovine feces; they were also related to 54 risk factors for contamination representing land use, rainfall, hydrogeology, and well construction. ARGs and intI1 occurred in 5-40% of samples depending on target. Detection frequencies for ARGs and intI1 were lowest in the absence of human and bovine MST markers (1-30%), highest when co-occurring with human and bovine markers together (11-78%), and intermediate when co-occurring with just one type of MST marker (4-46%). Gene targets were associated with septic system density more often than agricultural land, potentially because of the variable presence of manure on the landscape. Determining ARG prevalence in a rural setting with mixed land use allowed an assessment of the relative contribution of human and bovine fecal sources. Because fecal sources co-occurred with ARGs at similar rates, interventions intended to reduce ARG occurrence may be most effective if both sources are considered. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
J. Mori, R. Smith
Risk Analysis · 2022
The conservation of freshwater is of both global and national importance, and in the United States, agriculture is one of the largest consumers of this resource. Reduction of the strain farming puts on local surface or groundwater is vital for ensuring resilience in the face of climate change, and one possible option is to irrigate with a combination of freshwater and reclaimed water from municipal wastewater treatment facilities. However, this wastewater can contain pathogens that are harmful to human health, such as Legionella pneumophila, which is a bacterium that can survive aerosolization and airborne transportation and cause severe pneumonia when inhaled. To assess an individual adult's risk of infection with L. pneumophila from a single exposure to agricultural spray irrigation, a quantitative microbial risk assessment was conducted for a scenario of spray irrigation in central Illinois, for the growing seasons in 2017, 2018, and 2019. The assessment found that the mean risk of infection for a single exposure exceeded the safety threshold of 10–6 infections/exposure up to 1 km from a low‐pressure irrigator and up to 2 km from a high‐pressure irrigator, although no median risk exceeded the threshold for any distance or irrigator pressure. These findings suggest that spray irrigation with treated municipal wastewater could be a viable option for reducing freshwater consumption in Midwest farming, as long as irrigation on windy days is avoided and close proximity to the active irrigator is limited.
J. Pekkanen, P. Kirjavainen, M. Sulyok et al.
ISEE Conference Abstracts · 2013
Background:Toxic secondary microbial metabolites have been suggested to contribute to the adverse respiratory effects of mold and moisture damage. Aims: The aim of this study was to comprehensively...
P. Pollegioni, C. Mattioni, Martina Ristorini et al.
Atmosphere · 2022
Biogenic fraction of airborne PM10 which includes bacteria, viruses, fungi and pollens, has been proposed as one of the potential causes of the PM10 toxicity. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the microbial community variations associated to PM10, and their main local sources in the surrounding environment in three urban sites of Rome, characterized by differential pollution rate: green area, residential area and polluted area close to the traffic roads. We combined high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, with detailed chemical analysis of particulate matter sampled from air, paved road surfaces and leaf surfaces of Quercus ilex. Our results demonstrated that bacterial and fungal airborne communities were characterized by the highest alpha-diversity and grouped separately from epiphytic and road dust communities. The reconstruction of source-sink relationships revealed that the resuspension/deposition of road dust from traffic might contribute to the maximum magnitude of microbial exchanges. The relative abundance of extremotolerant microbes was found to be enhanced in epiphytic communities and was associated to a progressively increase of pollution levels as well as opportunistic human pathogenicity in fungal communities.
Yuwei Pan, Jiawei Xie, Weixing Yan et al.
SSRN Electronic Journal · 2022
Nutrients and heavy metals (HM) in the sediment have an impact on microbial diversity and community structure. In this study, the distribution characteristics of nutrients, HM, and microbial community in the sediments along the Longsha River, a tributary of the Pearl River (or Zhu Jiang), China were investigated by analyzing samples from 11 sites. On the basis of the HM-contamination level, the 11 sampling sites were divided into three groups to explore the changes in microbial communities at different ecological risk levels. Results indicated that nutrient concentrations were higher near farmlands and residential lands, while the ecological risk of HM at the 11 sampling sites was from high to low as S10 > S2 > S9 > S6 > S11 > S7 > S5 > S8 > S3 > S4 > S1. Among these HM, Cu, Cr, and Ni had intense ecological risks. In addition, the results of Variance Partitioning Analysis (VPA) revealed a higher contribution of HM (35.93%) to microbial community variation than nutrients (12.08%) and pH (4.08%). Furthermore, the HM-tolerant microbial taxa (Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Romboutsia, norank_o__Gaiellales, and etc.) were the dominant genera, and they were more dynamic around industrial lands, while microbes involved in the C, N, and S cycles (e.g., Smithella, Thiobacillus, Dechloromonas, Bacter oidetes_vadinHA17, and Syntrophorhabdus) were inhibited by HM, while their abundance was lower near industrial lands and highway but higher around residential lands. A three-unit monitoring program of land-use types, pollutants, and microbial communities was proposed. These results provide a new perspective on the control of riparian land-use types based on contaminants and microbes, and different microbial community response patterns may provide a reference for contaminant control in sediments with intensive industrial activities.
S. Vosloo, L. Huo, Umang Chauhan et al.
Environmental Science & Technology · 2023
COVID-19 pandemic-related building restrictions heightened drinking water microbiological safety concerns post-reopening due to the unprecedented nature of commercial building closures. Starting with phased reopening (i.e., June 2020), we sampled drinking water for 6 months from three commercial buildings with reduced water usage and four occupied residential households. Samples were analyzed using flow cytometry and full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing along with comprehensive water chemistry characterization. Prolonged building closures resulted in 10-fold higher microbial cell counts in the commercial buildings [(2.95 ± 3.67) × 105 cells mL–1] than in residential households [(1.11 ± 0.58) × 104 cells mL–1] with majority intact cells. While flushing reduced cell counts and increased disinfection residuals, microbial communities in commercial buildings remained distinct from those in residential households on the basis of flow cytometric fingerprinting [Bray–Curtis dissimilarity (dBC) = 0.33 ± 0.07] and 16S rRNA gene sequencing (dBC = 0.72 ± 0.20). An increase in water demand post-reopening resulted in gradual convergence in microbial communities in water samples collected from commercial buildings and residential households. Overall, we find that the gradual recovery of water demand played a key role in the recovery of building plumbing-associated microbial communities as compared to short-term flushing after extended periods of reduced water demand.
Vicente Gomez-Alvarez, Hodon Ryu, Min Tang et al.
Frontiers in Microbiology · 2023
Opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs) have been detected in buildings’ plumbing systems causing waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States. In this study, we monitored the occurrence of OPPPs along with free-living amoeba (FLA) and investigated the effects of residential activities in a simulated home plumbing system (HPS). Water samples were collected from various locations in the HPS and analyzed for three major OPPPs: Legionella pneumophila, nontuberculous mycobacterial species (e.g., Mycobacterium avium, M. intracellulare, and M. abscessus), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa along with two groups of amoebas (Acanthamoeba and Vermamoeba vermiformis). A metagenomic approach was also used to further characterize the microbial communities. Results show that the microbial community is highly diverse with evidence of spatial and temporal structuring influenced by environmental conditions. L. pneumophila was the most prevalent pathogen (86% of samples), followed by M. intracellulare (66%) and P. aeruginosa (21%). Interestingly, M. avium and M. abscessus were not detected in any samples. The data revealed a relatively low prevalence of Acanthamoeba spp. (4%), while V. vermiformis was widely detected (81%) across all the sampling locations within the HPS. Locations with a high concentration of L. pneumophila and M. intracellulare coincided with the highest detection of V. vermiformis, suggesting the potential growth of both populations within FLA and additional protection in drinking water. After a period of stagnation lasting at least 2-weeks, the concentrations of OPPPs and amoeba immediately increased and then decreased gradually back to the baseline. Furthermore, monitoring the microbial population after drainage of the hot water tank and partial drainage of the entire HPS demonstrated no significant mitigation of the selected OPPPs. This study demonstrates that these organisms can adjust to their environment during such events and may survive in biofilms and/or grow within FLA, protecting them from stressors in the supplied water.
Mohamed Shehata, Samir M Zaid, S. T. Al-Goul et al.
Scientific Reports · 2024
Groundwater is an excellent alternative to freshwater for drinking, irrigation, and developing arid regions. Agricultural, commercial, industrial, residential, and municipal activities may affect groundwater quantity and quality. Therefore, we aimed to use advanced methods/techniques to monitor the piezometric levels and collect groundwater samples to test their physicochemical and biological characteristics. Our results using software programs showed two main types of groundwater: the most prevalent was the Na–Cl type, which accounts for 94% of the groundwater samples, whereas the Mg–Cl type was found in 6% of samples only. In general, the hydraulic gradient values, ranging from medium to low, could be attributed to the slow movement of groundwater. Salinity distribution in groundwater maps varied between 238 and 1350 mg L−1. Although lower salinity values were observed in northwestern wells, higher values were recorded in southern ones. The collected seventeen water samples exhibited brackish characteristics and were subjected to microbial growth monitoring. Sample WD12 had the lowest total bacterial count (TBC) of 4.8 ± 0.9 colony forming unit (CFU mg L−1), while WD14 had the highest TBC (7.5 ± 0.5 CFU mg L−1). None of the tested water samples, however, contained pathogenic microorganisms. In conclusion, the current simulation models for groundwater drawdown of the Quaternary aquifer system predict a considerable drawdown of water levels over the next 10, 20, and 30 years with the continuous development of the region.
Mansi Bansal, Nidhi Seth, C. R. Babu et al.
Journal of Water and Health · 2024
Diverse bacterial assemblages were identified in a large, open stormwater drain (vernacular: nalah) built decades ago in a densely populated suburb of Delhi, India. Illumina-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 16S rRNA gene amplicons was conducted with metagenomic DNAs isolated from influent sewage water and sediment samples collected from Sahibabad drain, which now carries domestic and industrial wastes to downstream sewage treatment plants. Results are discussed with respect to diversity and adaptation to unique ecological niche(s) in these drains as well as the prevalence of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Recently, it has become a common practice to cover such drains with thick cement slabs to facilitate the construction of residential/commercial complexes. However, the impact of concrete covers on microbial communities that inhabit the Sahibabad drain is unknown. Results indicated that open drains with better aeration and exposure to sunlight contained microbes that likely enhance biodegradation in sewage water. The deposition of sediments along the course of the drain was dominated by methanogenic and sulphidogenic bacteria. Covering of the drain may have contributed to an increased abundance of anaerobic pathogens which settled in sediments and/or resuspended into sewage water. Such findings are important as the microbes active in sewage can impact public health and drain infrastructure.
K. Nkongolo, John B Mukalay, Antoine K. Lubobo et al.
Microorganisms · 2024
The mining industry in the copper belt region of Africa was initiated in the early 1900s, with copper being the main ore extracted to date. The main objectives of the present study are (1) to characterize the microbial structure, abundance, and diversity in different ecological conditions in the cupriferous city of Lubumbashi and (2) to assess the metal phytoextraction potential of Leucaena leucocephala, a main plant species used in tailing. Four ecologically different sites were selected. They include a residential area (site 1), an agricultural dry field (site 2), and an agricultural wetland (site 3), all located within the vicinity of a copper/cobalt mining plant. A remediated tailing was also added as a highly stressed area (site 4). As expected, the highest levels of copper and cobalt among the sites studied were found at the remediated tailing, with 9447 mg/kg and 2228 mg/kg for copper and cobalt, respectively. The levels of these metals at the other sites were low, varying from 41 mg/kg to 579 mg/kg for copper and from 4 mg/kg to 110 mg/kg for cobalt. Interestingly, this study revealed that the Leucaena leucocephala grown on the remediated sites is a copper/cobalt excluder species as it accumulates soil bioavailable metals from the rhizosphere in its roots. Amplicon sequence analysis showed significant differences among the sites in bacterial and fungal composition and abundance. Site-specific genera were identified. Acidibacter was the most abundant bacterial genus in the residential and remediated tailing sites, with 11.1% and 4.4%, respectively. Bacillus was predominant in both dry (19.3%) and wet agricultural lands (4.8%). For fungi, Fusarium exhibited the highest proportion of the fungal genera at all the sites, with a relative abundance ranging from 15.6% to 20.3%. Shannon diversity entropy indices were high and similar, ranging from 8.3 to 9 for bacteria and 7.0 and 7.4 for fungi. Β diversity analysis confirmed the closeness of the four sites regardless of the environmental conditions. This lack of differences in the microbial community diversity and structures among the sites suggests microbial resilience and physiological adaptations.
Helen Y. Buse, Jatin H. Mistry
PLOS Water · 2024
A strategy for nitrification control within chloraminated drinking water systems (CDWSs) is to temporarily switch from chloramine secondary disinfection to free chlorine, also known as a free chlorine conversion (FCC). However, the long-term and beneficial effects of FCCs are unclear, especially regarding opportunistic pathogen occurrence. In this study, the impacts to microbial and physicochemical parameters were monitored throughout a CDWS implementing a FCC. Water samples were collected weekly for 4–6 weeks before, during, and after a FCC at eight locations: four distribution system and four residential sites. Monochloramine residual (mean±standard deviation) before and after the FCC averaged 1.8±0.9 and 1.6±1.0 parts per million (ppm) for all sites, respectively. Free chlorine levels averaged 2.3±0.9 ppm. There were no significant differences in turbidity and hardness at each location during the three time periods, but some were noted for pH, temperature, and orthophosphate levels across various sites and sampling periods. For all locations, heterotrophic plate count levels were lower during the FCC compared to the periods before and after. All samples from one residence were culture positive for P. aeruginosa which exhibited high levels before the FCC, decreasing levels during, and steadily increasing levels after. Additionally, one week prior to the FCC, sediment samples from two elevated storage tanks, ET-1 and ET-2, were analyzed with ET-1 displaying higher levels of culturable heterotrophic bacteria and molecularly detected total bacteria, Legionella spp., and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), as well as presence of culturable P. aeruginosa and total coliforms compared to ET-2. Fourteen P. aeruginosa and total coliform isolates were whole genome sequenced with genetic differences observed depending on the sampling location and timepoint. Collectively, the observed differences in chemical and microbial parameters advocates for a better understanding of the effects associated with implementing FCCs to determine both their effectiveness and potential risks/rewards to water quality.
C. Medriano, Amabel Chan, R. De Sotto et al.
SSRN Electronic Journal · 2023
Anthropogenic activities have led to unexpected changes in microbial community composition and structure, resulting in an interruption of soil ecological roles in urban environments. We questioned the impact of the different land use (e.g., agricultural, industrial, recreational, coastal, and residential areas) on the distribution of nitrifying bacteria and microbial interaction in a tropical soil. The dominant nitrifying bacteria were ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in tropical soils up to 107 copies/g of soil, while the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) was significantly higher in agricultural soil only. Comammox (CMX) was ubiquitous up to 105 copies/g of tropical soil, indicating that CMX might share ecological niches with AOA and considerably contribute to nitrification in urban areas. The most abundant phylum is Actinobacteria, accounting for 27-34 % relative abundance among most land-use types, but Proteobacteria was observed as the most prevalent phylum in agricultural soil. The physicochemical properties (e.g., soil pH and nutrient contents) of different types of land use influenced microbial richness and diversities associated with nitrogen cycling. Multivariate analysis disclosed that agricultural soils were distinct from other land uses because of the concentrations of nutrient and heavy metal and the abundance of microorganisms associated with nitrogen cycles. Also, the microbial co-occurrence network revealed that agricultural soils were a highly interconnected network of the microbial community. In this study, C: N ratio might have a significant impact on ecological networks and the abundance of nitrogen-related taxa, which could influence microbial interactions and complexity in tropical soils. Thus, the impact of anthropogenic land use induced the changes in microbial composition and diversity, co-occurrence network, and nitrifying bacteria, leading to potential transformation in ecological services of tropical soils and nitrogen cycling in urban environments.
Xianqin Yang, C. Narváez‐Bravo, Peipei Zhang
Frontiers in Microbiology · 2024
Meat production is a complex system, continually receiving animals, water, air, and workers, all of which serve as carriers of bacteria. Selective pressures involved in different meat processing stages such as antimicrobial interventions and low temperatures, may promote the accumulation of certain residential microbiota in meat cutting facilities. Bacteria including human pathogens from all these sources can contaminate meat surfaces. While significant advancements have been made in enhancing hygienic standards and pathogen control measures in meat plants, resulting in a notable reduction in STEC recalls and clinical cases, STEC still stands as a predominant contributor to foodborne illnesses associated with beef and occasionally with pork. The second-and third-generation sequencing technology has become popular in microbiota related studies and provided a better image of the microbial community in the meat processing environments. In this article, we reviewed the potential factors influencing the microbial ecology in commercial meat processing facilities and conducted a meta-analysis on the microbiota data published in the last 10 years. In addition, the mechanisms by which bacteria persist in meat production environments have been discussed with a focus on the significant human pathogen E. coli O157:H7 and generic E. coli, an indicator often used for the hygienic condition in food production.
Yi-Dan Zhang, S. Fan, Zhengfang Zhang et al.
Environmental Health Perspectives · 2023
Background: Greenness, referring to a measurement of the density of vegetated land (e.g., gardens, parks, grasslands), has been linked with many human health outcomes. However, the evidence on greenness exposure and human microbiota remains limited, inconclusive, drawn from specific regions, and based on only modest sample size. Objectives: We aimed to study the association between greenness exposure and human microbial diversity and composition in a large sample across 34 countries and regions. Methods: We explored associations between residential greenness and human microbial alpha-diversity, composition, and genus abundance using data from 34 countries. Greenness exposure was assessed using the normalized difference vegetation index and the enhanced vegetation index mean values in the month before sampling. We used linear regression models to estimate the association between greenness and microbial alpha-diversity and tested the effect modification of age, sex, climate zone, and pet ownership of participants. Differences in microbial composition were tested by permutational multivariate analysis of variance based on Bray–Curtis distance and differential taxa were detected using the DESeq2 R package between two greenness exposure groups split by median values of greenness. Results: We found that higher greenness was significantly associated with greater richness levels in the palm and gut microbiota but decreased evenness in the gut microbiota. Pet ownership and climate zone modified some associations between greenness and alpha-diversity. Palm and gut microbial composition at the genus level also varied by greenness. Higher abundances of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and lower abundances of the genera Anaerotruncus and Streptococcus, were observed in people with higher greenness levels. Discussion: These findings suggest that residential greenness was associated with microbial richness and composition in the human skin and gut samples, collected across different geographic contexts. Future studies may validate the observed associations and determine whether they correspond to improvements in human health. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12186
Ruomei Xu, Grace C. McLoughlin, Mark P. Nicol et al.
Microorganisms · 2024
The existence of the human milk microbiome has been widely recognized for almost two decades, with many studies examining its composition and relationship to maternal and infant health. However, the richness and viability of the human milk microbiota is surprisingly low. Given that the lactating mammary gland houses a warm and nutrient-rich environment and is in contact with the external environment, it may be expected that the lactating mammary gland would contain a high biomass microbiome. This discrepancy raises the question of whether the bacteria in milk come from true microbial colonization in the mammary gland (“residents”) or are merely the result of constant influx from other bacterial sources (“tourists”). By drawing together data from animal, in vitro, and human studies, this review will examine the question of whether the lactating mammary gland is colonized by a residential microbiome.
Myrna M. T. de Rooij, G. Hoek, H. Schmitt et al.
Environmental Science & Technology · 2019
Microbial air pollution from livestock farms has raised concerns regarding public health. Little is known about airborne livestock-related microbial levels in residential areas. We aimed to increase insights into this issue. Air measurements were performed in 2014 and 2015 at 61 residential sites in The Netherlands. Quantitative-PCR was used to assess DNA concentrations of selected bacteria (commensals: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp.; a zoonotic pathogen: Campylobacter jejuni) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes (tetW, mecA) in airborne dust. Mixed models were used to explore spatial associations (temporal adjusted) with livestock-related characteristics of the surroundings. DNA from commensals and AMR genes was detectable even at sites furthest away from farms (1200 m), albeit at lower levels. Concentrations, distinctly different between sites, were strongly associated with the density of farms in the surroundings especially with poultry and pigs. C. jejuni DNA was less prevalent (42% of samples positive). Presence of C. jejuni was solely associated with poultry (OR: 4.7 (95% CI: 1.7–14), high versus low poultry density). Residential exposure to livestock-related bacteria and AMR genes was demonstrated. Identified associations suggest contribution of livestock farms to microbial air pollution in general and attribution differences between farm types. This supports the plausibility of recent studies showing health effects in relation to residential proximity to farms.
A. K. Olesen, R. Pinilla-Redondo, M. F. Hansen et al.
Molecular Ecology · 2021
Horizontal gene transfer via plasmids is important for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes among medically relevant pathogens. Specifically, the transfer of IncHI1A plasmids is believed to facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance genes, such as carbapenemases, within the clinically important family Enterobacteriaceae. The microbial community of urban wastewater treatment plants has been shown to be highly permissive towards conjugal transfer of IncP1 plasmids. Here, we tracked the transfer of the P1 plasmid pB10 and the clinically relevant HI1A plasmid R27 in the microbial communities present in urban residential sewage entering full‐scale wastewater treatment plants. We found that both plasmids readily transferred to these communities and that strains in the sewage were able to further disseminate them. Furthermore, R27 has a broad potential host range, but a low host divergence. Interestingly, although the majority of R27 transfer events were to members of Enterobacteriaceae, we found a subset of transfer events to other families, even other phyla. This indicates that HI1A plasmids facilitate horizontal gene transfer both within Enterobacteriaceae, but also across families of, in particular, Gammaproteobacteria, such as Moraxellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae and Shewanellaceae. pB10 displayed a similar potential host range to R27. In contrast to R27, pB10 had a high host divergence. By culture enrichment of the transconjugant communities, we show that sewage strains of Enterobacteriaceae and Aeromonadaceae can stably maintain R27 and pB10, respectively. Our results suggest that dissemination in the urban residual water system of HI1A plasmids may result in an accelerated acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes among pathogens.
Akechai Kongprajug, T. Denpetkul, Natcha Chyerochana et al.
Frontiers in Microbiology · 2021
Rapid economic development has caused industrial expansion into residential communities, leading to higher fecal pollution loads that could be discharged into aquatic environments. However, little is known regarding the potential microbial impact on human health. This study investigated microbial contamination from coastal industrial–residential community areas in nine sampling sites in waterways during three dry events. A general microbial source tracking (MST) marker, GenBac3, was detected in all samples from all three events, indicating continuing fecal pollution in the area, mostly from human sewage contamination. This was shown by the human-specific genetic marker crAssphage (88.9%) and human polyomavirus (HPyVs; 92.6%) detection. Enteric human adenovirus (HAdV40/41) showed three positive results only from residential sites in the first event. No spatial difference was observed for MST markers and traditional fecal indicators (total coliforms and Escherichia coli) in each event. Still, a significantly lower abundance of GenBac3, HPyVs, and total coliforms in the first sampling event was detected. Spearman’s rho analysis indicated a strong correlation among certain pairs of microbial parameters. Multivariate analysis revealed two clusters of samples separated by land use type (industrial vs. residential). According to factor analysis of mixed data, the land use parameter was more associated with physicochemical parameters (i.e., salinity, conductivity, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen). A Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) was then conducted to estimate the annual infection risks of HAdV40/41 for non-potable water reuse purposes using predicted concentrations from crAssphage and HPyVs. The highest risks (95th percentiles) were ranked by food crop irrigation, aquaculture, and toilet flushing, at 10–1, 10–2, and 10–3 per person per year (pppy). Required treatment levels to achieve a 10–4 pppy annual infection risk were estimated. QMRA-based water treatment scenarios were suggested, including chlorination for toilet flushing reuse and depth filtration prior to chlorination for aquaculture and food crop irrigation. Microbial monitoring combined with a QMRA could provide better insights into fecal pollution patterns and the associated risks, facilitating effective water quality management and appropriate prior treatments for water reuse.
Pradeep Kumar, A. Singh, Rajeev Singh
Aerobiologia · 2021
Exposure of microbial agents in the air of indoor dwellings is associated with effects on respiratory and general health. The current study was conducted in the urban area of Delhi Metropolis for the seasonal quantitative assessment of viable microbial indoor air quality. Bioaerosol measurement was conducted by using Anderson six stage impactor with cut-off diameters of 7.0, 4.7, 3.3, 2.1, 1.1, and 0.65 µm) throughout the all the seasons (April 2019 to March 2020). Meteorological parameters such as temperature and relative humidity were measured to check their effect on microbial survival. Air quality index data of the sampling area were recorded by DPCC air quality monitoring system, Ashok Vihar, Delhi. The highest (1654 ± 876.87 CFU/m3) and lowest (738 ± 443.59 CFU/m3) mean bacterial concentration in houses was recorded in August and December, respectively. Similarly, the highest fungal concentration (1275 ± 645.22 CFU/m3) was found in August and the lowest in (776 ± 462.46 CFU/m3) in January. Bacterial respirable fraction shows an irregular pattern in different seasons. In the case of fungi, the respirable fraction of 2.1 and 1.1 contributes more than 60% of total culturable bioaerosols in all seasons. Bacterial genera including Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, and Streptobacillus were most dominant, and Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria were the most dominant fungal genera observed indoors. The results of this study suggest that higher respirable fungal fraction might penetrate deeper into the lungs and cause various health effects. A higher concentration of bioaerosols in outdoor areas than indoor shows that the source of indoor bioaerosols is outdoor air.
Saraswati Awasthi, Vikas M Hiremath, Sonam Nain et al.
Environmental Microbiome · 2025
Background Urban dwellings serve as complex and diverse microbial community niches. Interactions and impact of house microbiome on the health of the inhabitants need to be clearly defined. Therefore, it is critical to understand the diversity of the house microbiota, the presence and abundance of potential pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance. Results Shotgun metagenomics was used to analyze the samples collected from 9 locations in 10 houses in New Delhi, India. The microbiota includes more than 1409 bacterial, 5 fungal, and 474 viral species en masse. The most prevalent bacterial species were Moraxella osloensis, Paracoccus marcusii, Microbacterium aurum, Qipengyuania sp YIMB01966, and Paracoccus sphaerophysae, which were detected in at least 80 samples. The location was the primary factor influencing the microbiome diversity in the Indian houses. The overall diversity of different houses did not differ significantly from each other. The surface type influenced the microbial community, but the microbial diversity on the cemented and tiled floors did not vary significantly. A substantial fraction of the bacterial species were potentially pathogenic or opportunistic pathogens, including the ESKAPE pathogens. Escherichia coli was relatively more abundant in bedroom, foyer, and drawing room locations. Analysis of the house microbiome antimicrobial resistome revealed 669 subtypes representing 22 categories of antimicrobial resistance genes, with multidrug resistance genes being the most abundant, followed by aminoglycoside genes. Conclusions This study provides the first insight into the microbiomes of houses in New Delhi, showing that these houses have diverse microbiomes and that the location within the house significantly influences the microbiota. The presence of potential pathogens and a repertoire of antimicrobial resistance genes reflect possible health risks, as these could lead to infectious disease transmission. This study builds a framework for understanding the microbial diversity of houses in terms of geographical location, environment, building design, cleaning habits, and impact on the health of occupants. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40793-025-00684-8.
Xueyun Geng, Changliang Nie, Lina Wang et al.
Environment & Health · 2023
Air conditioning is a crucial participant in indoor air circulation and harmful microorganism transmission. To elucidate microbial contamination in air conditioning systems, bacteria, fungi, and pollens in residential air conditioning (AC) filters in Shanghai were revealed. The concentrations of fungal ITS (1,972,037 ± 5,025,505 copies/cm2) in most filter samples were considerably higher than the 16S rRNA gene (21,587 ± 21,461 copies/cm2). The multitudinous bacteria determined a higher richness, whereas the trend was not in line with fungi, owing to Aspergillus flourishing, with an average of 43.75%. Numerous bacteria that may often be prevalent in human skin, mucous membranes, and intestines, such as Enhydrobacter, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus, were also discovered in AC filters. The pollens were affiliated with Streptophyta at phylum, and Humulus was the most abundant genus (mean value 67.84%), raising the possibility of allergic responses. This study provides a better understanding of the microbial characteristics of AC filters, enables more rational approaches for microbe contaminant control, and ultimately improves human health in megacities.
Mary Bull
Nursing and Residential Care · 2001
The prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers is a major concern for staff in nursing and residential care homes. Selection of appropriate equipment can prove difficult, with numerous systems available. Tempur-Med provides a simple, cost-effective solution with a range of products ensuring continuity of care throughout the nursing home.
Kirsty Armstrong
Nursing and Residential Care · 2016
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem that can cause major distress for those living in care and can be a difficult condition to manage. In this article, Kirsty Armstrong describes the identification and treatment of UTIs in the care home
Ojasvi Mehta, Leeberk Raja Inbaraj, Stuart Astbury et al.
Frontiers in Nutrition · 2021
Undernutrition is a leading contributor to disease and disability in people of all ages. Several studies have reported significant association between nutritional status and gut microbiome composition but other factors such as demographic settings may also influence the adult microbiome. The relationship between undernourishment and gut microbiome in adults has not been described to date. In this study, we compared the gut microbiome in fecal samples of 48 individuals, from two demographic settings (rural and urban slum) in Karnataka, India using 16S rRNA sequencing. Nutritional status was assessed based on BMI, with a BMI of < 18.5 kg/m 2 classified as undernourished, and a BMI in the range 18.5–25 kg/m 2 as nourished. We analyzed 25 individuals from rural settings (12 undernourished and 13 nourished) and 23 individuals from urban slum settings (11 undernourished and 12 nourished). We found no significant difference in overall gut microbial diversity (Shannon and Unweighted UniFrac) between undernourished and nourished individuals in either geographical settings, however, microbial taxa at the phylum level (i.e., Firmicutes and Proteobacteria) and beta diversity (unweighted UniFrac) differed significantly between the rural and urban slum settings. By predicting microbial function from 16S data profiling we found significant differences in metabolic pathways present in the gut microbiota from people residing in different settings; specifically, those related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The weighted sum of the KEGG Orthologs associated with carbohydrate metabolism (Spearman's correlation coefficient, ρ = −0.707, p < 0.001), lipid metabolism (Spearman's correlation coefficient, ρ = −0.330, p < 0.022) and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (Spearman's correlation coefficient, ρ = −0.507, p < 0.001) were decreased in the urban slum group compared to the rural group. In conclusion, we report that the geographical location of residence is associated with differences in gut microbiome composition in adults. We found no significant differences in microbiome composition between nourished and undernourished adults from urban slum or rural settings in India.
Mytien Nguyen, Eric C. Holmes, Largus T. Angenent
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2020
Abstract Weatherization of residential homes is a popular retrofit procedure to improve the energy efficiency of older homes by reducing building leakage. It is a vital tool in the fight against climate change. Several studies have evaluated the effect of weatherization on indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and radon, but few studies have evaluated the effect of weatherization on indoor particulates and microbial exposure. In this study, we compared the effect of change in building leakage on indoor pollutants and bacterial communities in weatherized compared to non-weatherized single-family residential homes in New York State. Nine weatherized and eleven non-weatherized single-family homes in Tompkins County, New York were sampled twice: before and after the weatherization procedures for case homes, and at least 3 months apart for control homes that were not weatherized. We found a significant increase in both indoor-outdoor temperature ratio and living-area- and basement-radon levels of weatherized homes compared to control homes. The indoor-outdoor relative humidity ratio significantly decreased in weatherized compared to control homes. The indoor microbiome also became less similar to the outdoor community after weatherization. Compared to the changes in ventilation rate, temperature, relative humidity, and occupancy, the change in season was a more predictive measure of indoor bacterial concentration. Ventilation rate reduction from weatherization procedures led to an increase in indoor radon levels, as well as a warmer and less humid indoor environment. However, it did not affect indoor particulate mass concentration or indoor airborne bacteria load, and did only marginally affect the microbiome composition of residential homes. Finally, we found that changes in airborne bacterial load are more sensitive to shifts in season, whereas radon levels are more sensitive to ventilation rate.
Norhani Jusoh, Firdausi Razali
Jurnal Teknologi · 2012
Kajian ini bertujuan menilai potensi penggunaan konsortium mikrob dari air sisa buangan kediaman untuk penguraian fenol, pencemar umum daripada industri. Konsortium tersebut diuji dengan muatan mengejut dan kepekatan fenol yang berbeza di dalam kultur selanjar. Dalam uji kaji muatan mengejut, 1000 bahagian per juta (bpj) fenol disuap ke dalam 1.5 liter isipadu kerja bioreaktor. Kultur yang teradaptasi menunjukkan afiniti terhadap fenol 17 kali ganda lebih tinggi (Ks = 173 bpj) dan mengandakan kadar pertumbuhan (μmaks=Dc=0.04 j-1) berbanding kultur yang tidak teradaptasi. Pengurangan fenol untuk kedua-dua kes adalah hampir sama iaitu lebih kurang 60%. Penguraian oleh pelbagai jenis bakteria yang terdapat di dalam kultur yang tidak teradaptasi adalah setanding dengan yang teradaptasi walaupun dengan bilangan jenis bakteria yang lebih rendah. Kesan dua kepekatan masukan iaitu 200 bpj and 1000 bpj telah dikaji pada kadar pencairan malar 0.02 j-1. Suapan pada kepekatan 200 bpj memberikan pengurangan sebanyak 97% berbanding hanya 57% untuk kepekatan 1000 bpj. Keputusan ini telah menyokong keputusan kesan rencatan pada kepekatan yang melebihi 500 bpj seperti yang diperolehi dalam kultur kelompok sebelum ini. Kajian ini telah berjaya mengenal pasti parameter yang penting untuk penguraian fenol dan amat berguna untuk skala yang lebih besar pada masa depan dan juga sebagai percubaan di tapak industri. Kata kunci: Adaptasi, air sisa buangan kediaman, fenol, penguraian, selanjar The study aimed at evaluating the potential of employing microbial consortia from residential wastewater to degrade phenol, a common industrial pollutant. The consortia was subjected to high shock loads and different levels of phenol in continuous cultures. In the shock load study with 1000 ppm phenol in a 1.5 litre working volume chemostat, the culture with prior acclimatization to phenol demonstrated 17 times higher affinity towards phenol (i.e. Ks = 173 ppm). This resulted in double growth rate (μmax=Dc=0.04 h-1) compared to non-acclimatized culture. However, the levels of phenol reduction in both cases were almost identical, approximately 60%. This indicated that the performance of different types of bacteria present in the non-acclimatized culture which was comparable to the acclimatized culture although with less number of microbe types. The effects of two loading concentrations, namely 200 ppm and 1000 ppm were examined at constant dilution rate of 0.02 h-1. The feeding of 200 ppm exhibited 97% of phenol reduction in comparison to only 57% of 1000 ppm. This result reconfirmed the inhibitory effect of phenol reduction at concentration above 500 ppm as previously determined in batch culture. The study has successfully established key operating parameters and provided a useful guideline for future up-scaling studies and site trials. Key words: Acclimatization, continuous, degradation, phenol, residential wastewater
Samantha Westgate, Keith Cutting
Nursing and Residential Care · 2011
Biofilm-infected wounds are difficult to diagnose, do not respond to usual antimicrobial treatments and can be painful and chronic. The authors describe the signs and treatments for biofilms.
Cristiane Ottoni, Patrícia Vidigal, Maria Manuela Abreu et al.
· 2021
<p>The presence of As in soil and water can be considered a global threat that can potentially contaminate the food chain. Thus, the remediation of these resources and the decrease of As concentration is a major research goal, especially in rice that tends to accumulate As in the grain. Arsenic uptake by plant species depends on As concentration in the available fraction of the soil and speciation. Several agronomic strategies have been tested to decrease As concentration in rice grain. These include water management, nutrient management and biological approaches among others. In this context, microalgae is known to be effective in the uptake and metabolize of potentially toxic elements like As, which is a cost-effective approach compared to other agronomic strategies. However, in the view of the the current global panorama of growing respect for environmental preservation and focus on energy generation from renewable resources (including domestic and industrial waste products), the use of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) has been gaining increased attention. The MFCs have enormous potential as they simultaneously promote the treatment of different types of waste and generate electricity. This is possible due to the conversion of the chemical energy available in the biodegradable substrates directly into electricity, through the catalytic action of electrogenic bacteria attached to the anodic electrode. We aim to develop and establish a protocol for biodegradation of As, captured by microalgae grown in paddy rice fields, in compounds less harmful to the environment and at the same time generating electricity in a continuous process. For this purpose, a selection will be made of cathodic-algae, different electrodes and membrane materials, as well as the operating conditions of MFC. The results monitored are chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, phosphorus, pH, and production of electricity. At the end, we will be able to evaluate the possibility of decreasing rice As uptake by microalgae that will serve as a raw material for the production of electricity. This will contribute both to help achieve the new European Green Deal policy framework linked with the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, by promoting a resource-efficient and competitive agri-economy while guarantying the health and well-being of citizens from environment-related risks and impacts, covering the “farm to fork” food value chain.</p>
Edwin Hualpa-Cutipa, Ingrid Maldonado-Jimenez, Evelin Yana-Neyra et al.
Resource Recovery from Industrial Wastewater through Microbial Electrochemical Technologies · 2024
Currently, environmental pollution is on the rise because of industrial growth to fulfill the demands of a society that is undergoing rapid demographic growth. This population change triggers the use of more resources and the release of pollutants into the environment. From the range of pollutants generated, new hazardous pollutants are being released, these are known as emerging pollutants. Several efforts have been made to address the management, treatment, disposal, and elimination of industrial effluents containing high levels of persistent contaminants, but these efforts have not been effective. A few approaches and/or techniques have been developed to treat these pollutants to mitigate their negative effects. Among these methods, technologies based on microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have proven to be an effective and suitable strategy for treating industrial wastewater containing recalcitrant pollutants (pharmaceuticals, hormones, pesticides, personal care products, etc.). In an MFC system, bacteria have an electroactive role, both in the degradation of these compounds and the donation of electrons for the generation of electricity in the process, this in turn accelerates the removal rate. In addition, emerging contaminants are organic compounds, that is, their composition contains carbon bonds, which can be used as a carbon source by bacteria and can also be degraded by electrochemical redox reaction processes. The aim of this chapter was to discuss the characteristics and properties of MFCs about their application in the treatment of wastewater rich in emerging pollutants that are resistant to spontaneous biodegradation. Finally, the prospects and future challenges of MFCs for applications in large-scale systems will be presented because studies are still being carried out at the laboratory level.
Kalpana Sharma, Anusha Vempaty, Barun Kumar et al.
Industrial Applications of Polymer Composites · 2023
Energy production is a demanded process in today’s world. Some processes might generate pollutants and other undesirable particulates and toxic chemicals. One such eco-friendly and efficient method for generating electricity and energy can be through fuel cells with the utilization of microbes (bacteria). Such a method can be termed Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). It is a bio-electrochemical system. It uses bacteria and their biochemical processes for generating an electric current, along with oxygen which is a high-energy oxidant. MFCs imitate the bacterial interactions that are found in the nature. Being a cell, it requires electrodes, substrates, and electrolytic solutions. To improve the efficiency of the MFC, we need to separate the anode and cathode into two compartments and the respective reactions taking place. Membranes play a crucial role in achieving it. A membrane not only divides the anode from the cathode but also prevents the entry of oxygen into the anode chamber. The most important function of a membrane is to allow the selective transfer of ions across the two electrode chambers. Membranes can be diaphragms or separators. Porous membranes are commercially used ones usually made of different effective polymer materials. Other important membranes can be semi-permeable and ion-exchange membranes. This chapter mainly reviews the various membranes and the materials used in their structures that have the potential to increase the MFC performance. It also focuses on the different transport processes across the membranes, along with a brief of advances in this technology and future scope.
Dolores Hidalgo, Jesús M. Martín-Marroquín, Francisco Corona
Recent Trends in Management and Utilization of Industrial Sludge · 2024
Abstract Utilizing industrial wastewater sludge as a primary resource for microbial fuel cells (MFCs) has demonstrated significant promise in achieving both energy recovery and sustainable wastewater treatment. With ongoing research and development, MFCs using industrial wastewater sludge as a source material may become a practical and economically viable technology in the future. This chapter provides an overview of the recent trends and developments on this topic. MFCs are a promising technology for sustainable electricity generation by harnessing microbial metabolic activity to convert organic matter into electrical energy. Industrial wastewater sludge, a byproduct of wastewater treatment plants, is a rich source of organic matter that can be used as a feedstock for MFCs. The chapter also discusses the various methods for producing MFC materials from industrial wastewater sludge, including pretreatment, microbial inoculation, and electrode modification. Additionally, the current state of research on the optimization of MFC materials production is reviewed, focusing on factors such as sludge type, electrode material, and operating conditions. Finally, future research directions in the field are highlighted, emphasizing the need for sustainable and cost-effective MFC material production methods for industrial wastewater treatment. Overall, this chapter provides valuable insights into the potential of industrial wastewater sludge as a feedstock for MFCs, and the advancements in MFC material production technology for sustainable energy generation and wastewater treatment.
Srinithya Ravinuthala, S. Saravanan, Saprativ P. Das
Microbial Bioremediation and Multiomics Technologies for Sustainable Development · 2024
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are technologies that break down complex organic compounds to simpler ones, while simultaneously producing electricity. This feature of MFCs allows their substantial application in wastewater bioremediation. Although MFCs have been researched for more than a century, most studies are limited to lab-scale units due to technical and economical constraints. In spite of these challenges, these technologies have greatly progressed and are being implemented in the real world to treat wastewater at industrial scales. This chapter discusses in detail the various designs and materials that are employed in such large-scale industrial systems. Over the years, there has been an exponential growth in the research and development sector for feasible and cost-effective materials leading to the development of carbon-based modified electrodes and ceramic membranes. However, there are challenges faced by these systems, especially in up-scaled systems, like internal resistances and maintenance required for low-term operations. These challenges and their possible solutions, like integration of power management systems, as well as future prospects are discussed in detail in this book chapter.
Jendri Mamangkey
International Journal Of Science, Technology & Management · 2020
The present study was conducted aiming to isolate and characterize endophytic bacterial isolates with antibacterial ability, phosphate solubilization, and proteolytic activity from rhizomes of the Zingiberaceae family (Etlingera sp., Globba patens, Globba pendula, and Zingiber multibracteata). Nineteen bacterial isolates were obtained from Zingiberaceae rhizomes with isolate codes of EZS27, EZS18, EZS19, EZS25, EZS16, EZS08, EZS09, EZS13, EZS20, EZS14, EZS10, EZS11, EZS03, EZS05, EZS06, EZS43, EZS45, EZS47, and EZS28. The screening of the endophytes for antibacterial activity was done through the paper disc method. Four bacterial isolates presented antibacterial activities. EZS06 isolate inhibited the growth of EPEC (11 mm), P. vulgaris ATCC 13315 (10 mm), and L. monocytogenes BTCC B693 (9 mm). Also, EZS20 isolate inhibited the growth of S. aureus ATCC 29213 (17 mm), EZS28 isolate inhibited MRSA ATCC 43300 (8.6 mm), and EZS45 isolate inhibited S. Epidermidis ATCC 12228 (9 mm). The EZS19, EZS03, and EZS16 isolates dissolved the phosphate most effectively. Eight isolates (EZS19, EZS47, EZS27, EZS25, EZS09, EZS20, EZS45, and EZS06) showed the best protease activity. In general, our results showed that the endophytic bacterial strains can be used as a new and useful antibacterial agent since it showed antibacterial activity and chemical diversity. Furthermore, it also has the potential for exploitation in a wide variety of medical, agricultural, and industrial areas.