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Bergeson AR, Silvera AJ, Alper HS. Bottlenecks in biobased approaches to plastic degradation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4715. [PMID: 38830860 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49146-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic waste is an environmental challenge, but also presents a biotechnological opportunity as a unique carbon substrate. With modern biotechnological tools, it is possible to enable both recycling and upcycling. To realize a plastics bioeconomy, significant intrinsic barriers must be overcome using a combination of enzyme, strain, and process engineering. This article highlights advances, challenges, and opportunities for a variety of common plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia R Bergeson
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ashli J Silvera
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Hal S Alper
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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2
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Sun W, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Wu H, Liu Q, Yang F, Hou M, Qi Y, Zhang W. Exploitation of Enterobacter hormaechei for biodegradation of multiple plastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167708. [PMID: 37858813 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The escalating problem of environmental ecological pollution caused by plastics presents a significant challenge, which makes the management of plastic waste urgent nowadays. In this study, a bacterium named WX-2 was isolated and screened for its potential in polymer degradation. Through standard microbiological techniques and 16SrDNA gene sequencing, it was identified as Enterobacter hormaechei. To assess its biodegradability potential, various plastics including High density polyethylene, Polypropylene, Linear low density polyethylene, Poly (butyleneadipate-co-terephthalate) and Polyvinyl chloride were subjected to the study. The biodegradability of the plastics was evaluated using multiphase approaches involving techniques such as Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Mass loss, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Water contact angle, and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results indicated that WX-2 possesses the capability to utilize diverse plastic polymers as sole carbon sources, displaying distinct biodegradation capacities. Notably, PBAT exhibited heightened susceptibility to degradation by the screened bacterial population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory for Utility of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials and Biomass in University of Gansu Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China; Gansu Provincial Biomass Function Composites Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Yizhi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory for Utility of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials and Biomass in University of Gansu Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China; Gansu Provincial Biomass Function Composites Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China.
| | - Hui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory for Utility of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials and Biomass in University of Gansu Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China; Gansu Provincial Biomass Function Composites Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory for Utility of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials and Biomass in University of Gansu Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China; Gansu Provincial Biomass Function Composites Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory for Utility of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials and Biomass in University of Gansu Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China; Gansu Provincial Biomass Function Composites Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - MengZong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory for Utility of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials and Biomass in University of Gansu Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China; Gansu Provincial Biomass Function Composites Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Yanjiao Qi
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory for Utility of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials and Biomass in University of Gansu Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China.
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory for Utility of Environment-Friendly Composite Materials and Biomass in University of Gansu Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China; Gansu Provincial Biomass Function Composites Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China.
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Kudzin MH, Piwowarska D, Festinger N, Chruściel JJ. Risks Associated with the Presence of Polyvinyl Chloride in the Environment and Methods for Its Disposal and Utilization. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 17:173. [PMID: 38204025 PMCID: PMC10779931 DOI: 10.3390/ma17010173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Plastics have recently become an indispensable part of everyone's daily life due to their versatility, durability, light weight, and low production costs. The increasing production and use of plastics poses great environmental problems due to their incomplete utilization, a very long period of biodegradation, and a negative impact on living organisms. Decomposing plastics lead to the formation of microplastics, which accumulate in the environment and living organisms, becoming part of the food chain. The contamination of soils and water with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) seriously threatens ecosystems around the world. Their durability and low weight make microplastic particles easily transported through water or air, ending up in the soil. Thus, the problem of microplastic pollution affects the entire ecosystem. Since microplastics are commonly found in both drinking and bottled water, humans are also exposed to their harmful effects. Because of existing risks associated with the PVC microplastic contamination of the ecosystem, intensive research is underway to develop methods to clean and remove it from the environment. The pollution of the environment with plastic, and especially microplastic, results in the reduction of both water and soil resources used for agricultural and utility purposes. This review provides an overview of PVC's environmental impact and its disposal options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin H. Kudzin
- Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, 19/27 Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie Str., 90-570 Łódź, Poland; (M.H.K.); (D.P.); (N.F.)
- Circular Economy Center (BCG), Environmental Protection Engineering Research Group, Brzezińska 5/15, 92-103 Łódź, Poland
| | - Dominika Piwowarska
- Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, 19/27 Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie Str., 90-570 Łódź, Poland; (M.H.K.); (D.P.); (N.F.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Lodz, 21/23 Jana Matejki Str., 90-237 Łódź, Poland
- UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha Str., 90-232 Łódź, Poland
- European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Tylna Str., 90-364 Łódź, Poland
| | - Natalia Festinger
- Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, 19/27 Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie Str., 90-570 Łódź, Poland; (M.H.K.); (D.P.); (N.F.)
- Circular Economy Center (BCG), Environmental Protection Engineering Research Group, Brzezińska 5/15, 92-103 Łódź, Poland
| | - Jerzy J. Chruściel
- Łukasiewicz Research Network—Lodz Institute of Technology, 19/27 Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie Str., 90-570 Łódź, Poland; (M.H.K.); (D.P.); (N.F.)
- Circular Economy Center (BCG), Environmental Protection Engineering Research Group, Brzezińska 5/15, 92-103 Łódź, Poland
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Zhang Y, Tao J, Bai Y, Wang F, Xie B. Incomplete degradation of aromatic-aliphatic copolymer leads to proliferation of microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108291. [PMID: 37907056 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BDPs) have attracted extensive attention as an alternative to conventional plastics. BDPs could be mineralized by composting, while the quality of compost affected by the presence of BDPs and the residual microplastics (MPs) has not been well evaluated. This study aimed to explore the MPs release potential and environmental implications of commercial BDPs (aromatic-aliphatic copolymer) films in uncontrolled composting. Results showed that the molecular weight of BDPs decreased by >60% within 60 d. However, the non-extracted organic matter and wet-sieving measurements indicated that MPs continuously released and accumulated during regular composting. The average MPs release potential (0.1-5 mm) was 134.6 ± 18.1 particles/mg (BDPs), which resulted in 103-104 particles/g dw in compost. The plastisphere of MPs showed a significantly higher (0.95-16.76 times) abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which resulted in the rising (1.34-2.24 times) of ARGs in compost heaps, in comparison to the control groups. Overall, BDPs promote the spread of ARGs through the selective enrichment of bacteria and horizontal transfer from released MPs. These findings confirmed that BDPs could enhance the release potential of MPs and the dissemination of ARGs, which would promote the holistic understanding and environmental risk of BDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jianping Tao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yudan Bai
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Bing Xie
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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El-Dash HA, Yousef NE, Aboelazm AA, Awan ZA, Yahya G, El-Ganiny AM. Optimizing Eco-Friendly Degradation of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic Using Environmental Strains of Malassezia Species and Aspergillus fumigatus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15452. [PMID: 37895132 PMCID: PMC10607177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, huge amounts of plastics are being introduced into the ecosystem, causing environmental pollution. Generally, plastic biodegradation in the ecosystem takes hundreds of years. Hence, the isolation of plastic-biodegrading microorganisms and finding optimum conditions for their action is crucial. The aim of the current study is to isolate plastic-biodegrading fungi and explore optimum conditions for their action. Soil samples were gathered from landfill sites; 18 isolates were able to grow on SDA. Only 10 isolates were able to the degrade polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer. Four isolates displayed promising depolymerase activity. Molecular identification revealed that three isolates belong to genus Aspergillus, and one isolate was Malassezia sp. Three isolates showed superior PVC-biodegrading activity (Aspergillus-2, Aspergillus-3 and Malassezia) using weight reduction analysis and SEM. Two Aspergillus strains and Malassezia showed optimum growth at 40 °C, while the last strain grew better at 30 °C. Two Aspergillus isolates grew better at pH 8-9, and the other two isolates grow better at pH 4. Maximal depolymerase activity was monitored at 50 °C, and at slightly acidic pH in most isolates, FeCl3 significantly enhanced depolymerase activity in two Aspergillus isolates. In conclusion, the isolated fungi have promising potential to degrade PVC and can contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution in eco-friendly way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba A. El-Dash
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.A.E.-D.); (N.E.Y.); (G.Y.)
| | - Nehal E. Yousef
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.A.E.-D.); (N.E.Y.); (G.Y.)
| | - Abeer A. Aboelazm
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt;
| | - Zuhier A. Awan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Galal Yahya
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.A.E.-D.); (N.E.Y.); (G.Y.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Paul-Ehrlich Str. 24, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Amira M. El-Ganiny
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.A.E.-D.); (N.E.Y.); (G.Y.)
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Lamssali M, Luster-Teasley S, Deng D, Sirelkhatim N, Doan Y, Kabir MS, Zeng Q. Release efficiencies of potassium permanganate controlled-release biodegradable polymer (CRBP) pellets embedded in polyvinyl acetate (CRBP-PVAc) and polyethylene oxide (CRBP- PEO) for groundwater treatment. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20858. [PMID: 37867834 PMCID: PMC10585301 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) is a commonly used method for the remediation of environmental contaminants in groundwater systems. However, traditional ISCO methods are associated with several limitations, including safety and handling concerns, rebound of groundwater contaminants, and difficulty in reaching all areas of contamination. To overcome these limitations, novel Controlled-Release Biodegradable Polymer (CRBP) pellets containing the oxidant KMnO₄ were designed and tested. The CRBP pellets were encapsulated in Polyvinyl Acetate (CRBP-PVAc) and Polyethylene Oxide (CRBP-PEO) at different weight percentages, baking temperatures, and time. Their release efficiency was tested in water, soil, and water and soil mixture media. Results showed that CRBP-PVAc pellets with 60 % KMnO₄ and baked at 120 °C for 2 min had the highest release percentage and rate across different conditions tested. Natural organic matter was also found to be an important factor to consider for in-field applications due to its potential reducing effect with Mn O 4 - . Overall, the use of CRBP pellets offers an innovative and sustainable solution to remediate contaminated groundwater systems, with the potential to overcome traditional ISCO limitations. These findings suggest that CRBP pellets could provide sustained and controlled release of the oxidant, reducing the need for multiple injections and minimizing safety and handling concerns. This study represents an important step towards developing a new and effective approach for ISCO remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Lamssali
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, 27411, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Stephanie Luster-Teasley
- Provost and VC for Academic Affairs, North Carolina A&T State University, 27411, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Dongyang Deng
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, 27411, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Nafisa Sirelkhatim
- Dean's Office, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, 27401, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Yen Doan
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, 27411, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Mosarrat Samiha Kabir
- Department of Nanoengineering, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, 27401, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Qingan Zeng
- Department of Computer Systems Technology, North Carolina A&T State University, 27411, Greensboro, NC, United States
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