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Vendrell-Puigmitja L, Bertrans-Tubau L, Roca-Ayats M, Llenas L, Proia L, Abril M. Exposure and recovery: The effect of different dilution factors of treated and untreated metal mining effluent on freshwater biofilm function and structure. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 268:106843. [PMID: 38281390 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106843] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Abandoned mines generate effluents rich in heavy metals, and these contaminants are released uncontrolled into the nearby aquatic ecosystems, causing severe pollution. However, no real solution exists, leaving a legacy of global pollution. In this study, the efficiency of the treatment technologies in reducing the ecological impacts of mining effluents to freshwater ecosystems with different dilution capacities was tested using biofilm communities as biological indicators. The functional and structural recovery capacity of biofilm communities after 21 days of exposure was assessed. With this aim, we sampled aquatic biofilms from a pristine stream and exposed them to treated (T) and untreated (U) metal mining effluent from Frongoch abandoned mine (Mid Wales, UK). Additionally, we simulated two different flow conditions for the receiving stream: high dilution (HD) and low dilution (LD). After exposure, the artificial streams were filled with artificial water for 14 days to assess the biofilm recovery. Unexposed biofilm served as control for biofilm responses (functional and structural) measured throughout time. During the exposure, short term effects on biofilm functioning (photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient uptake) were observed in T-LD, U-HD, and U-LD, whereas long term effects (community composition, chl-a, and diatom metrics) were observed on the structure of all biofilms exposed to the treated and untreated mining effluent. On the other hand, metal accumulation occurred in biofilms exposed to the mining effluents. However, a functional recovery was observed for all treatments, except in the U-LD in which biofilm structure did not present a significant recovery after the exposure period. The results presented here highlight the need to consider the dilution capacity of the receiving stream to assess the real efficiency of treatment technologies applied to mining effluents to mitigate the ecological impact on freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Vendrell-Puigmitja
- BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Lluís Bertrans-Tubau
- BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Maria Roca-Ayats
- BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Laia Llenas
- BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Proia
- BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Meritxell Abril
- BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Ctra de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain.
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2
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Hellal J, Barthelmebs L, Bérard A, Cébron A, Cheloni G, Colas S, Cravo-Laureau C, De Clerck C, Gallois N, Hery M, Martin-Laurent F, Martins J, Morin S, Palacios C, Pesce S, Richaume A, Vuilleumier S. Unlocking secrets of microbial ecotoxicology: recent achievements and future challenges. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2023; 99:fiad102. [PMID: 37669892 PMCID: PMC10516372 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiad102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution is one of the main challenges faced by humanity. By their ubiquity and vast range of metabolic capabilities, microorganisms are affected by pollution with consequences on their host organisms and on the functioning of their environment. They also play key roles in the fate of pollutants through the degradation, transformation, and transfer of organic or inorganic compounds. Thus, they are crucial for the development of nature-based solutions to reduce pollution and of bio-based solutions for environmental risk assessment of chemicals. At the intersection between microbial ecology, toxicology, and biogeochemistry, microbial ecotoxicology is a fast-expanding research area aiming to decipher the interactions between pollutants and microorganisms. This perspective paper gives an overview of the main research challenges identified by the Ecotoxicomic network within the emerging One Health framework and in the light of ongoing interest in biological approaches to environmental remediation and of the current state of the art in microbial ecology. We highlight prevailing knowledge gaps and pitfalls in exploring complex interactions among microorganisms and their environment in the context of chemical pollution and pinpoint areas of research where future efforts are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lise Barthelmebs
- Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Biocapteurs – Analyse-Environnement, Perpignan, France
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Biotechnologies Microbiennes, USR 3579 Sorbonne Universités (UPMC) Paris 6 et CNRS Observatoire Océanologique, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Annette Bérard
- UMR EMMAH INRAE/AU – équipe SWIFT, 228, route de l'Aérodrome, 84914 Avignon Cedex 9, France
| | | | - Giulia Cheloni
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France
| | - Simon Colas
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Pau, France
| | | | - Caroline De Clerck
- AgricultureIsLife, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (Liege University), Passage des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | | | - Marina Hery
- HydroSciences Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Fabrice Martin-Laurent
- Institut Agro Dijon, INRAE, Université de Bourgogne, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Agroécologie, 21065 Dijon, France
| | - Jean Martins
- IGE, UMR 5001, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, G-INP, INRAE, IRD Grenoble, France
| | | | - Carmen Palacios
- Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, CEFREM, F-66860 Perpignan, France
- CNRS, CEFREM, UMR5110, F-66860 Perpignan, France
| | | | - Agnès Richaume
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5557, Ecologie Microbienne, Villeurbanne, France
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3
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Hafez T, Ortiz-Zarragoitia M, Cagnon C, Cravo-Laureau C, Duran R. Cold sediment microbial community shifts in response to crude oil water-accommodated fraction with or without dispersant: a microcosm study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:44640-44656. [PMID: 36694068 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25264-6] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In cold environments, the low temperature slows down microbial metabolisms, such as the biodegradation processes of hydrocarbons, which are often stimulated by the addition of dispersants in oil spill disasters. In this study, we investigated the effects of hydrocarbon water-accommodated fraction (WAF) prepared with and without dispersant on benthic microbial communities in a microcosm experiment in which hydrocarbon removal was observed. Both WAFs contained similar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content. The microcosm experiment, set up with either pristine or contaminated sediments, was conducted for 21 days at 4 °C under WAF and WAF + dispersant conditions. The behavior of bacterial communities in response to WAF and WAF + dispersant was examined at both DNA and RNA levels, revealing the effect of WAF and WAF + dispersant on the resident and active communities respectively. The contaminated sediment showed less taxa responsive to the addition of both WAF and WAF + dispersant than the pristine sediment, indicating the legacy effect by the presence hydrocarbon-degrading and dispersant-resistant taxa inhabiting the contaminated sediment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Hafez
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS IPREM, Pau, France
- CBET Research Group, Department of Zoology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Center for Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE-UPV/EHU), University of the Basque Country, Areatza Z/G, 48620, Plentzia (Bizkaia), Basque Country, Spain
| | - Maren Ortiz-Zarragoitia
- CBET Research Group, Department of Zoology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Center for Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE-UPV/EHU), University of the Basque Country, Areatza Z/G, 48620, Plentzia (Bizkaia), Basque Country, Spain
| | - Christine Cagnon
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS IPREM, Pau, France
| | | | - Robert Duran
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS IPREM, Pau, France.
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4
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Gill SP, Hunter WR, Coulson LE, Banat IM, Schelker J. Synthetic and biological surfactant effects on freshwater biofilm community composition and metabolic activity. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:6847-6859. [PMID: 36121483 PMCID: PMC9529700 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12179-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Surfactants are used to control microbial biofilms in industrial and medical settings. Their known toxicity on aquatic biota, and their longevity in the environment, has encouraged research on biodegradable alternatives such as rhamnolipids. While previous research has investigated the effects of biological surfactants on single species biofilms, there remains a lack of information regarding the effects of synthetic and biological surfactants in freshwater ecosystems. We conducted a mesocosm experiment to test how the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the biological surfactant rhamnolipid altered community composition and metabolic activity of freshwater biofilms. Biofilms were cultured in the flumes using lake water from Lake Lunz in Austria, under high (300 ppm) and low (150 ppm) concentrations of either surfactant over a four-week period. Our results show that both surfactants significantly affected microbial diversity. Up to 36% of microbial operational taxonomic units were lost after surfactant exposure. Rhamnolipid exposure also increased the production of the extracellular enzymes, leucine aminopeptidase, and glucosidase, while SDS exposure reduced leucine aminopeptidase and glucosidase. This study demonstrates that exposure of freshwater biofilms to chemical and biological surfactants caused a reduction of microbial diversity and changes in biofilm metabolism, exemplified by shifts in extracellular enzyme activities. Key points • Microbial biofilm diversity decreased significantly after surfactant exposure. • Exposure to either surfactant altered extracellular enzyme activity. • Overall metabolic activity was not altered, suggesting functional redundancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie P Gill
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, N. Ireland, UK.
| | - William R Hunter
- Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, N. Ireland, UK
| | - Laura E Coulson
- WasserCluster Lunz, Lunz am See, Austria.,Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ibrahim M Banat
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, N. Ireland, UK
| | - Jakob Schelker
- WasserCluster Lunz, Lunz am See, Austria.,Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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5
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Geng Y, Peng C, Zhou W, Huang S, Zhou P, Wang Z, Qin H, Li D. Gradient rise in seepage pollution levels in tailings ponds shapes closer linkages between phytoplankton and bacteria. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 437:129432. [PMID: 35753300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129432] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
A large number of tailings ponds formed by slag accumulation have become serious environmental hazards. Spatially high potential energy and long-term accumulation may result in gradient-changing seepage pollution. The assemblages of phytoplankton and bacteria are widely used as assessment indicators. In this study, we investigate the changes in phytoplankton and bacterial assemblages in tailing pollution. The results showed that there are temporal and spatial variabilities in seepage pollution. The abundance and diversity of phytoplankton and bacteria decreased with increasing pollution. However, Synedra acus (diatom) and Polynucleobacter (bacteria) were positively correlated with pollution levels (r = 0.37, P < 0.05; r = 0.24, P < 0.05). Heavy metals are the main contributors to bacterial changes (16.46%), while nutrients are for algae (13.24%). Tailings pond pollution reduced the number of phytoplankton and bacterial linkages. However, more pollution broke the originally independent modules of phytoplankton and bacteria, and they produced more positive correlations (79.39%; 87.68%). Microcystis sp. and Limnobacter were the key nodes of the co-occurrence network in the polluted areas. Exploring the interactions between bacteria and phytoplankton within different pollution levels could provide insights into biological interaction patterns and the bioremediation of tailings ponds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Geng
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chengrong Peng
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Weicheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Panpan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhicong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hongjie Qin
- Environmental Horticulture Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Key Lab of Comprehensive Innovative Utilization of Ornamental Plant Germplasm, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Dunhai Li
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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6
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Luo X, Yang Y, Xie S, Wang W, Li N, Wen C, Zhu S, Chen L. Drying and rewetting induce changes in biofilm characteristics and the subsequent release of metal ions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 433:128832. [PMID: 35390615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128832] [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: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Drying and rewetting can markedly influence the microbial structure and function of river biofilm communities and potentially result in the release of metal ions from biofilms containing metals. However, little information is available on the response of metal-enriched biofilms to drying and rewetting over time. In this study, natural biofilms were allowed to develop in four rotating annular bioreactors for 2-11 weeks, followed by drying for 5 days and rewetting for another 5 days. Subsequently, we assessed Zn, Cd, and As desorption from the biofilms and other related parameters (microbial community structure, biofilm morphology, enzyme activity, and surface components as well as characteristics). High-throughput sequencing of the 16 S rRNA gene and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that the biofilm architecture and bacterial communities were distinct in different growth phases and under drying and rewetting conditions (permutational multivariate analysis of variance; p = 0.001). Proteobacteria was the dominant bacterial phylum, accounting for 69.7-90.1% of the total content. Kinetic experiments revealed that the drying and rewetting process increased metal desorption from the biofilm matrix. The desorption of heavy metals was affected by the age of the biofilm, with the maximum amount of metal ions released from 2-week-old biofilms (one-way ANOVA, Zn: p < 0.001; Cd: p = 0.008; As: p < 0.001). The modifications in biofilm properties and decreased diversity of the bacterial community (paired t-test, p < 0.05) after drying and rewetting decreased the number of specific binding sites for metal ions. In addition, negatively charged arsenate and other anions in the liquid phase could compete with As ions for adsorption sites to promote the release of As(V) and/or reductive desorption of As(III). The results of this study and their interpretation are expected to help refine the behaviors of heavy metals in the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Luo
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-Security, Kunming 650500, China.
| | - Yuanhao Yang
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-Security, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shanshan Xie
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-Security, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-Security, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Nihong Li
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-Security, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Chen Wen
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-Security, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shijun Zhu
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-Security, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Liqiang Chen
- Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-Security, Kunming 650500, China.
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7
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Qin Z, Zhao Z, Xia L, Ohore OE. Research trends and hotspots of aquatic biofilms in freshwater environment during the last three decades: a critical review and bibliometric analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:47915-47930. [PMID: 35522418 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20238-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater periphytic biofilms (FPBs), existing widely in various aquatic environments, have attracted extensive attention for many years. In the present study, a bibliometric analysis based on Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was used to understand the research progress, trends, and hot topics of FPBs qualitatively and quantitatively. The results indicated that publications on FPBs have increased from 1991 to 2020 rapidly, and researchers have focused more on the areas of environmental sciences, microbiology, and marine freshwater biology. The most influential countries were mainly the USA, Spain, France, and Germany. Cooperation network analysis reflected that the USA and its affiliated institutions played crucial roles in the research of FPB cooperation, but the collaboration between core author groups still fell short. Based on the analysis of top 20 high-cited FPB documents over the last 30 years, research hotspots mainly included micro-observation and assembly mechanisms of FPBs; interactions of FPBs and pollutants including heavy metals, antibiotic resistance genes, pathogens, organic pollutants, and nanoparticles; and the role of FPBs for biogeochemical cycling, especially nitrogen cycling. Additionally, future research directions were proposed. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of FPBs, which is useful for research development and researchers who are interested in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirui Qin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development On Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Zhenhua Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development On Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Liling Xia
- Nanjing Institute of Industry Technology, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Okugbe Ebiotubo Ohore
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
- Organization of African Academic Doctors, Off Kamiti Road, P.O. Box 25305-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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8
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Espinosa C, Abril M, Bretxa È, Jutglar M, Ponsá S, Sellarès N, Vendrell-Puigmitjà L, Llenas L, Ordeix M, Proia L. Driving Factors of Geosmin Appearance in a Mediterranean River Basin: The Ter River Case. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:741750. [PMID: 34790181 PMCID: PMC8591308 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.741750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, human activity coupled with climate change has led to a deterioration in the quality of surface freshwater. This has been related to an increase in the appearance of algal blooms, which can produce organic compounds that can be toxic or can affect the organoleptic characteristics of the water, such as its taste and odor. Among these latter compounds is geosmin, a metabolite produced by certain cyanobacteria that confers an earthy taste to water and which can be detected by humans at very low concentrations (nanogram per liter). The difficulty and cost of both monitoring the presence of this compound and its treatment is a problem for drinking water treatment companies, as the appearance of geosmin affects consumer confidence in the quality of the drinking water they supply. In this field study, the evaluation of four sampling sites with different physicochemical conditions located in the upper part of the Ter River basin, a Mediterranean river located in Catalonia (NE Spain), has been carried out, with the aim of identifying the main triggers of geosmin episodes. The results, obtained from 1 year of sampling, have made it possible to find out that: (i) land uses with a higher percentage of agricultural and industrial activity are related to high nutrient conditions in river water, (ii) these higher nutrient concentrations favor the development of benthic cyanobacteria, (iii) in late winter-early spring, when these cyanobacteria are subjected to both an imbalance of the dissolved inorganic nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphorus ratio, guided by a phosphorus concentration increase, and to cold-mild temperatures close to 10°C, they produce and release geosmin, and (iv) 1-2 weeks after cyanobacteria reach a high relative presence in the whole biofilm, an increase in geosmin concentration in water is observed, probably associated with the cyanobacteria detachment from cobbles and consequent cell lysis. These results could serve as a guide for drinking water treatment companies, indicating under what conditions they can expect the appearance of geosmin episodes and implement the appropriate treatment before it reaches consumers' tap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Espinosa
- BETA Technological Center, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain.,CERM, Center for the Study of Mediterranean Rivers, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Manlleu, Spain
| | - Meritxell Abril
- BETA Technological Center, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Èlia Bretxa
- CERM, Center for the Study of Mediterranean Rivers, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Manlleu, Spain
| | - Marta Jutglar
- CERM, Center for the Study of Mediterranean Rivers, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Manlleu, Spain
| | - Sergio Ponsá
- BETA Technological Center, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Núria Sellarès
- CERM, Center for the Study of Mediterranean Rivers, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Manlleu, Spain
| | - Lídia Vendrell-Puigmitjà
- BETA Technological Center, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Laia Llenas
- BETA Technological Center, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Marc Ordeix
- CERM, Center for the Study of Mediterranean Rivers, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Manlleu, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Proia
- BETA Technological Center, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
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9
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Xiu W, Ke T, Lloyd JR, Shen J, Bassil NM, Song H, Polya DA, Zhao Y, Guo H. Understanding Microbial Arsenic-Mobilization in Multiple Aquifers: Insight from DNA and RNA Analyses. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:15181-15195. [PMID: 34706533 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biogeochemical processes critically control the groundwater arsenic (As) enrichment; however, the key active As-mobilizing biogeochemical processes and associated microbes in high dissolved As and sulfate aquifers are poorly understood. To address this issue, the groundwater-sediment geochemistry, total and active microbial communities, and their potential functions in the groundwater-sediment microbiota from the western Hetao basin were determined using 16S rRNA gene (rDNA) and associated 16S rRNA (rRNA) sequencing. The relative abundances of either sediment or groundwater total and active microbial communities were positively correlated. Interestingly, groundwater active microbial communities were mainly associated with ammonium and sulfide, while sediment active communities were highly related to water-extractable nitrate. Both sediment-sourced and groundwater-sourced active microorganisms (rRNA/rDNA ratios > 1) noted Fe(III)-reducers (induced by ammonium oxidation) and As(V)-reducers, emphasizing the As mobilization via Fe(III) and/or As(V) reduction. Moreover, active cryptic sulfur cycling between groundwater and sediments was implicated in affecting As mobilization. Sediment-sourced active microorganisms were potentially involved in anaerobic pyrite oxidation (driven by denitrification), while groundwater-sourced organisms were associated with sulfur disproportionation and sulfate reduction. This study provides an extended whole-picture concept model of active As-N-S-Fe biogeochemical processes affecting As mobilization in high dissolved As and sulfate aquifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xiu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
- Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, P.R. China
- School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Tiantian Ke
- School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Jonathan R Lloyd
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Jiaxing Shen
- School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Naji M Bassil
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Hokyung Song
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - David A Polya
- Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Zhao
- School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Huaming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
- School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, P.R. China
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Hagberg A, Gupta S, Rzhepishevska O, Fick J, Burmølle M, Ramstedt M. Do environmental pharmaceuticals affect the composition of bacterial communities in a freshwater stream? A case study of the Knivsta river in the south of Sweden. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:142991. [PMID: 33121787 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical substances present at low concentrations in the environment may cause effects on biological systems such as microbial consortia living on solid riverbed substrates. These consortia are an important part of the river ecosystem as they form part of the food chain. This case study aims to contribute to an increased understanding of how low levels of pharmaceuticals in freshwater streams may influence sessile bacterial consortia. An important point source for pharmaceutical release into the environment is treated household sewage water. In order to investigate what types of effects may occur, we collected water samples as well as riverbed substrates from a small stream in the south of Sweden, Knivstaån, upstream and downstream from a sewage treatment plant (STP). Data from these samples formed the base of this case study where we investigated both the presence of pharmaceuticals in the water and bacterial composition on riverbed substrates. In the water downstream from the STP, 19 different pharmaceuticals were detected at levels below 800 ng/dm3. The microbial composition was obtained from sequencing 16S rRNA genes directly from substrates as well as from cultivated isolates. The cultivated strains showed reduced species variability compared with the data obtained directly from the substrates. No systematic differences were observed following the sampling season. However, differences could be seen between samples upstream and downstream from the STP effluent. We further observed large similarities in bacterial composition on natural stones compared to sterile stones introduced into the river approximately two months prior to sampling, giving indications for future sampling methodology of biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Hagberg
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå Center for Microbial Research, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Shashank Gupta
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Olena Rzhepishevska
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå Center for Microbial Research, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jerker Fick
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå Center for Microbial Research, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mette Burmølle
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Madeleine Ramstedt
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå Center for Microbial Research, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
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Barral-Fraga L, Barral MT, MacNeill KL, Martiñá-Prieto D, Morin S, Rodríguez-Castro MC, Tuulaikhuu BA, Guasch H. Biotic and Abiotic Factors Influencing Arsenic Biogeochemistry and Toxicity in Fluvial Ecosystems: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17072331. [PMID: 32235625 PMCID: PMC7177459 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This review is focused on the biogeochemistry of arsenic in freshwaters and, especially, on the key role that benthic microalgae and prokaryotic communities from biofilms play together in through speciation, distribution, and cycling. These microorganisms incorporate the dominant iAs (inorganic arsenic) form and may transform it to other arsenic forms through metabolic or detoxifying processes. These transformations have a big impact on the environmental behavior of arsenic because different chemical forms exhibit differences in mobility and toxicity. Moreover, exposure to toxicants may alter the physiology and structure of biofilms, leading to changes in ecosystem function and trophic relations. In this review we also explain how microorganisms (i.e., biofilms) can influence the effects of arsenic exposure on other key constituents of aquatic ecosystems such as fish. At the end, we present two real cases of fluvial systems with different origins of arsenic exposure (natural vs. anthropogenic) that have improved our comprehension of arsenic biogeochemistry and toxicity in freshwaters, the Pampean streams (Argentina) and the Anllóns River (Galicia, Spain). We finish with a briefly discussion of what we consider as future research needs on this topic. This work especially contributes to the general understanding of biofilms influencing arsenic biogeochemistry and highlights the strong impact of nutrient availability on arsenic toxicity for freshwater (micro) organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Barral-Fraga
- Grup de recerca en Ecologia aquàtica continental (GRECO), Departament de Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Girona, 17071 Girona, Spain;
- LDAR24—Laboratoire Départemental d’Analyse et de Recherche du Département de la Dordogne, 24660 Coulounieix-Chamiers, Périgueux, France
- Correspondence:
| | - María Teresa Barral
- Instituto CRETUS, Departmento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Farmacia, Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.T.B.); (D.M.-P.)
| | - Keeley L. MacNeill
- Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;
| | - Diego Martiñá-Prieto
- Instituto CRETUS, Departmento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Farmacia, Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.T.B.); (D.M.-P.)
| | - Soizic Morin
- INRAE—Institut National de Recherche en Agriculture, Alimentation et Environnement, UR EABX—Equipe ECOVEA, 33612 Cestas Cedex, France;
| | - María Carolina Rodríguez-Castro
- INEDES—Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (UNLu-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Luján, 6700 Buenos Aires, Argentina;
- CONICET—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB CABA, Argentina
| | - Baigal-Amar Tuulaikhuu
- School of Agroecology, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Khoroo 11, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia;
| | - Helena Guasch
- Grup de recerca en Ecologia aquàtica continental (GRECO), Departament de Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Girona, 17071 Girona, Spain;
- CEAB—Centre d’Estudis Avançats de Blanes, CSIC, Blanes, 17300 Girona, Spain
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