1
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Peignot Q, Winkler G, Roy E, Giusti N, Forget-Leray J. First evidence of lithium toxicity in the cryptic species complex of the estuarine copepod Eurytemora affinis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 283:116813. [PMID: 39094456 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116813] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The development of renewable and low-carbon energy sources means that strategic elements such as lithium (Li) are increasingly being used. The data available on the effects of Li on aquatic organisms are relatively scarce. The copepod Eurytemora affinis, widely distributed in the brackish estuarine waters of the northern hemisphere, is a species of choice in ecotoxicology but in fact constitutes a cryptic species complex, composed of at least six cryptic species. Cryptic diversity can lead to misinterpretation and alter the reproducibility of routine ecotoxicological tests. In the present study, two cryptic species of the E. affinis complex from the Seine (European clade) and the St. Lawrence (North-Atlantic clade) estuaries were used to assess Li toxicity and to compare their differential sensitivity. Larvae were exposed to different concentrations of Li (0.4, 4.39, 35.36 and 80.83 mg L-1) under semi-static conditions for 96 h. Larval development stages were determined and log-logistic functions were fitted to evaluate mortality (LC50) and growth (EC50) parameters. After 96 h of exposure, the results showed that the European and North-Atlantic clades had LC50 values of 55.33 and 67.81 mg L-1 and EC50 values of 28.94 and 41.45 mg L-1, respectively. A moderate difference in sensitivity to Li between the European and North-Atlantic clades of the E. affinis complex was observed. Thus, the cryptic species diversity should be considered using E. affinis to avoid bias in the interpretation of the data. Despite environmental concentrations of Li are expected to increase over the next years, EC50 and LC50 found for E. affinis cryptic species are largely higher than Li environmental concentrations to provoke extreme effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Peignot
- Normandie Univ, ULHN, UMR-I 02 Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, Le Havre F-76600, France; Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski, Québec-Océan, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada.
| | - Gesche Winkler
- Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski, Québec-Océan, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada.
| | - Ellia Roy
- Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski, Québec-Océan, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada.
| | - Nathalie Giusti
- Normandie Univ, ULHN, UMR-I 02 Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, Le Havre F-76600, France.
| | - Joëlle Forget-Leray
- Normandie Univ, ULHN, UMR-I 02 Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), FR CNRS 3730 SCALE, Le Havre F-76600, France.
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2
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Innocenti A, Bresser D, Garche J, Passerini S. A critical discussion of the current availability of lithium and zinc for use in batteries. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4068. [PMID: 38744859 PMCID: PMC11094038 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48368-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Aqueous zinc batteries are currently being explored as potential alternatives to non-aqueous lithium-ion batteries. In this comment, the authors highlight zinc’s global supply chain resilience and lower material costs yet caution about its higher mass requirement for comparable charge storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Innocenti
- Helmholtz Institute Ulm (HIU), Helmholtzstrasse 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), P.O. Box 3640, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dominic Bresser
- Helmholtz Institute Ulm (HIU), Helmholtzstrasse 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), P.O. Box 3640, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jürgen Garche
- Institute for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Ulm, Oberberghof 7, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefano Passerini
- Helmholtz Institute Ulm (HIU), Helmholtzstrasse 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), P.O. Box 3640, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Zavahir S, Riyaz NS, Elmakki T, Tariq H, Ahmad Z, Chen Y, Park H, Ho YC, Shon HK, Han DS. Ion-imprinted membranes for lithium recovery: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 354:141674. [PMID: 38462186 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141674] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
This review critically examines the effectiveness of ion-imprinted membranes (IIMs) in selectively recovering lithium (Li) from challenging sources such as seawater and brine. These membranes feature customized binding sites that specifically target Li ions, enabling selective separation from other ions, thanks to cavities shaped with crown ether or calixarene for improved selectivity. The review thoroughly investigates the application of IIMs in Li extraction, covering extensive sections on 12-crown-4 ether (a fundamental crown ether for Li), its modifications, calixarenes, and other materials for creating imprinting sites. It evaluates these systems against several criteria, including the source solution's complexity, Li+ concentration, operational pH, selectivity, and membrane's ability for regeneration and repeated use. This evaluation places IIMs as a leading-edge technology for Li extraction, surpassing traditional methods like ion-sieves, particularly in high Mg2+/Li+ ratio brines. It also highlights the developmental challenges of IIMs, focusing on optimizing adsorption, maintaining selectivity across varied ionic solutions, and enhancing permselectivity. The review reveals that while the bulk of research is still exploratory, only a limited portion has progressed to detailed lab verification, indicating that the application of IIMs in Li+ recovery is still at an embryonic stage, with no instances of pilot-scale trials reported. This thorough review elucidates the potential of IIMs in Li recovery, cataloging advancements, pinpointing challenges, and suggesting directions for forthcoming research endeavors. This informative synthesis serves as a valuable resource for both the scientific community and industry professionals navigating this evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sifani Zavahir
- Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Tasneem Elmakki
- Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Haseeb Tariq
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zubair Ahmad
- Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QUYSC), Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Yuan Chen
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Hyunwoong Park
- School of Energy Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeek-Chia Ho
- Centre for Urban Resource Sustainability, Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Seri Iskandar 32610, Malaysia
| | - Ho Kyong Shon
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dong Suk Han
- Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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4
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Chen W, Zhang P, Ye L, Yao J, Wang Z, Liu J, Qin X, Wang Z. Concentration-dependent effects of lithium on Daphnia magna: Life-history profiles and integrated biomarker response implementation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169866. [PMID: 38190914 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169866] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The growing use of lithium (Li) in industrial and energy applications and increasing demand worldwide has inevitably resulted in its wide dispersal, representing a significant threat to aquatic systems. Unfortunately, as a ubiquitous emerging contaminant, the comprehensive toxicological information regarding Li at multifarious levels is limited. To diminish this gap, this work was focused to explore Li-induced cascading effects on Daphnia magna as a key species in freshwater ecosystems. Specifically, the organisms were chronically exposed to gradient Li concentrations with emphasis on characterizing life-history traits from individual to population scale, primarily as observed by a markedly concentration-dependent decrease along exposure gradients. In parallel, a robust set of biomarkers relating to energy reserves, antioxidant and biotransformation enzymes, cellular damage, ionoregulation and neurotoxicity were assayed for further understanding potential underlying mechanisms. As a result, biomarker alterations were characterized by significant decreases in energy storage and enzymatic profiles of antioxidant and biotransformation systems, not only triggering an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and elimination under Li exposure, but compromising the fecundity fitness of phenotypical costs. In contrast, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were remarkably enhanced as a consequence of inefficient antioxidant and biotransformation capacity leading to lipid peroxidation (LPO). Additionally, Li exerted a dose-dependent biphasic effect on the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), Na+,K+-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by interfering with inherent balance. In terms of responsive patterns and dose-effect trends, the integrated biomarker response indices (IBRv2) and star plots were consistent with the differences in biomarker profiles, not only presenting comprehensively biological effects in a visualized form, but signaling the importance of progressive induced changes in an integrative way. Overall, these findings highlighted the need for elucidating Li-produced impacts from a comprehensive perspective, providing valuable insights into better understanding the toxicity of Li in relation to aquatic ecosystem functioning and ecological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Chen
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control in Mining and Metallurgy, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; School of Resource and Environment Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Pengze Zhang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control in Mining and Metallurgy, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; School of Resource and Environment Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Li Ye
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control in Mining and Metallurgy, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; School of Resource and Environment Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Junqiang Yao
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control in Mining and Metallurgy, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; School of Resource and Environment Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Zaosheng Wang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control in Mining and Metallurgy, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; School of Resource and Environment Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China.
| | - Jun Liu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control in Mining and Metallurgy, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; School of Resource and Environment Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Xiaohai Qin
- School of Resource and Environment Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Zhaoru Wang
- School of Resource and Environment Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 156 Kejia Boulevard, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
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5
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Iordache AM, Voica C, Roba C, Nechita C. Lithium Content and Its Nutritional Beneficence, Dietary Intake, and Impact on Human Health in Edibles from the Romanian Market. Foods 2024; 13:592. [PMID: 38397569 PMCID: PMC10888284 DOI: 10.3390/foods13040592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lithium (Li) is present in human nutrition based on food intake, and several studies recommend it for treating mood disorders, even if the biological proprieties and biochemical mechanisms represent the basis for its use as an essential element. The Li content was evaluated using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique (ICP-MS) in 1071 food and beverage samples from the Romanian market. The results show that Li had a decreasing mean concentration in the food samples as follows: vegetables leafy > bulbous > fructose > leguminous > egg whites > root vegetables > milk products > egg yolks > meats. Approximately a quarter of all data from each dataset category was extreme values (range between the third quartile and maximum value), with only 10% below the detection limit. Mean Li concentration indicated higher values in red wine, white wines, beers, and fruit juice and lower in ciders and bottled waters. A particular interest was addressed to plants for teas and coffee seeds, which showed narrow amounts of Li. For both food and beverages, two similar matrices, including egg whites and yolks and white and red wines, were found to have significant differences, which explains the high variability of Li uptake in various matrices. For 99.65% of the analyzed samples, the estimated daily intake of Li was below the provisional subchronic and chronic reference dose (2 µg/kgbw/day) for adverse effects in several organs and systems. Even so, a risk occurs in consuming bulbous vegetables (Li > 13.47 mg/kg) and fructose solano vegetables (Li > 11.33 mg/kg). The present study's findings indicate that ingesting most of the analyzed beverages and food samples could be considered safe, even if future studies regarding Li content, nutritional aspects, and human cohort diseases must be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Maria Iordache
- National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies—ICSI Ramnicu Valcea, 4 Uzinei Street, 240050 Ramnicu Valcea, Romania;
| | - Cezara Voica
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat St., 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Carmen Roba
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, 30 Fântânele Street, 400294 400535 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Constantin Nechita
- National Research and Development Institute for Forestry “Marin Drăcea”—INCDS, 128 Boulvard Eroilor, 077190 Voluntari, Romania
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6
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Cunha M, Cruz I, Pinto J, Benito D, Ruiz P, Soares AMVM, Pereira E, Izagirre U, Freitas R. The influence of temperature on the effects of lead and lithium in Mytilus galloprovincialis through biochemical, cell and tissue levels: Comparison between mono and multi-element exposures. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:165786. [PMID: 37499837 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165786] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) and lithium (Li) are metals which have been detected in the environment and, at high concentrations, can induce toxic effects that disturb the growth, metabolism or reproduction of organisms along the entire trophic chain. The impacts of these metals have scarcely been investigated using marine bivalves, especially when acting as a mixture. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of temperature on the ecotoxicological effects caused by Pb and Li, acting alone and as a mixture, on the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis after 28 days of exposure. The impacts were evaluated under actual (17 °C) and projected (+4 °C) warming conditions, to understand the influence of temperature rise on the effects of the metals (both acting alone or as a mixture). The results obtained showed that the increased temperature did not influence the accumulation of metals. However, the biomarkers evaluated showed greater responses in mussels that are exposed to metals under increased temperature (21 °C). The IBR index showed that there is a comparable toxic effect of Li and Pb separately, while exposure to a mixture of both pollutants causes a significantly higher stress response. Overall, the results obtained revealed that temperature may cause extra stress on the mussels and exposure to the metal mixture caused the greatest impacts compared to each metal acting alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cunha
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Iara Cruz
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Pinto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Denis Benito
- BCTA Research Group, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Sarriena auzoa z/g, E-48940 Leioa-Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE-UPV/EHU), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza z/g, E-48620 Plentzia-Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Pamela Ruiz
- BCTA Research Group, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Sarriena auzoa z/g, E-48940 Leioa-Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE-UPV/EHU), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza z/g, E-48620 Plentzia-Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Urtzi Izagirre
- BCTA Research Group, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Sarriena auzoa z/g, E-48940 Leioa-Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE-UPV/EHU), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza z/g, E-48620 Plentzia-Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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7
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Mu X, Yuan S, Zhang D, Lai R, Liao C, Li G. Selective modulation of alkali metal ions on acetylcholinesterase. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:30308-30318. [PMID: 37934509 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp02887a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important hydrolase in cholinergic synapses and a candidate target in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The lithium treatment widely used in neurological disorders can alter the AChE activity, yet the underlying mechanism of how the ion species regulate the enzymatic activity remains unclear. In this work, we performed combined quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and well-tempered metadynamics to understand the modulation of human AChE (hAChE) activity using three alkali metal ions (Li+, Na+, and K+) in different concentrations. Our simulations show that the binding affinity and catalytic activity are affected by different ion species through allosteric ion coordination geometries on the hAChE complex and distant electrostatic screening effect. A Li+ cluster involving D330, E393, and D397 residues and three Li+ ions was found to be highly conserved and can be critical to the enzyme activity. Binding energy calculations indicate that the electrostatic screening from allosterically bound cations can affect the key residues at the catalytic site and active-site gorge, including E199. Furthermore, an increase in ion concentration can lead to lower reactivity, especially for Li+ ions, which exhibit more cation-hAChE contacts than Na+ and K+. The selective ion binding and their preferred modulation on hAChE are highly related to ion species. This work provides a molecular perspective on selective modulation by different ion species of the enzyme catalytic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.
| | - Shengwei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dinglin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.
| | - Rui Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.
| | - Chenyi Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.
| | - Guohui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.
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8
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Abdel Azim A, Vizzarro A, Bellini R, Bassani I, Baudino L, Pirri CF, Verga F, Lamberti A, Menin B. Perspective on the use of methanogens in lithium recovery from brines. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1233221. [PMID: 37601371 PMCID: PMC10434214 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1233221] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea stand out as multipurpose biocatalysts for different applications in wide-ranging industrial sectors due to their crucial role in the methane (CH4) cycle and ubiquity in natural environments. The increasing demand for raw materials required by the manufacturing sector (i.e., metals-, concrete-, chemicals-, plastic- and lubricants-based industries) represents a milestone for the global economy and one of the main sources of CO2 emissions. Recovery of critical raw materials (CRMs) from byproducts generated along their supply chain, rather than massive mining operations for mineral extraction and metal smelting, represents a sustainable choice. Demand for lithium (Li), included among CRMs in 2023, grew by 17.1% in the last decades, mostly due to its application in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. In addition to mineral deposits, the natural resources of Li comprise water, ranging from low Li concentrations (seawater and freshwater) to higher ones (salt lakes and artificial brines). Brines from water desalination can be high in Li content which can be recovered. However, biological brine treatment is not a popular methodology. The methanogenic community has already demonstrated its ability to recover several CRMs which are not essential to their metabolism. Here, we attempt to interconnect the well-established biomethanation process with Li recovery from brines, by analyzing the methanogenic species which may be suitable to grow in brine-like environments and the corresponding mechanism of recovery. Moreover, key factors which should be considered to establish the techno-economic feasibility of this process are here discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Abdel Azim
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy
| | - Arianna Vizzarro
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Ruggero Bellini
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bassani
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy
| | - Luisa Baudino
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Candido Fabrizio Pirri
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Verga
- Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Lamberti
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Menin
- Centre for Sustainable Future Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Turin, Italy
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
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9
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Campos S, Leite C, Pinto J, Henriques B, Soares AMVM, Conradi M, Pereira E, Freitas R. Behavioural and biochemical responses of the sea snail Tritia reticulata to lithium concentration gradient. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 261:106629. [PMID: 37459717 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106629] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Lithium (Li) is present in many modern technologies, most notably in rechargeable batteries. Inefficient recycling strategies for electronic waste containing this element may result in its release into aquatic systems, which may induce harmful effects on wildlife. The present study evaluated the effect of Li contamination on the gastropod Tritia reticulata exposed to different concentrations of Li (100, 200, 500 and 1000 µg L-1) for 21 days. Biochemical analyses showed that this species was not significantly affected by this contaminant at the cellular level, as no significant differences were observed in terms of metabolism, oxidative stress, and neurotoxicity. Results further revealed that snails attempted to avoid Li accumulation by burying in the sediment at a faster rate when exposed to the highest concentrations (500 and 1000 µg L-1). More research is needed to fully assess the response of T. reticulata to Li contamination, such as investigating longer exposure periods or other endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Campos
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carla Leite
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Pinto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Henriques
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mercedes Conradi
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Barbosa H, Leite C, Pinto J, Soares AMVM, Pereira E, Freitas R. Are Lithium batteries so eco-friendly? Ecotoxicological impacts of Lithium in estuarine bivalves. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023:104197. [PMID: 37356678 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Lithium (Li) is now widely used in green energies/clean technologies, although its inefficient recycling and treatment means it is an emerging contaminant in aquatic systems. Bivalves, such as clams, are considered good bioindicators of pollution, hence we evaluated the biochemical effects of Li in the clam Venerupis corrugata. Clams were exposed (14 days) to an increasing Li gradient (0, 200, 400, 800µg/L). Bioconcentration capacity tended to decrease with increasing Li exposure possibly due to efforts to eliminate Li from the cells, to avert damage. No influences on the clams' metabolic capacity and protein content were observed. Antioxidant and detoxification defences were activated, especially at 400 and 800µg/L of Li, avoiding lipid damage while protein injuries were observed at higher concentrations. Furthermore, a loss of redox balance was observed. This study highlights the importance of preventing and regulating Li discharges into the environment, avoiding adverse consequences to aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Barbosa
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carla Leite
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Pinto
- Department of Chemistry and REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Department of Chemistry and REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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Barbosa H, Soares AMVM, Pereira E, Freitas R. Are the consequences of lithium in marine clams enhanced by climate change? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 326:121416. [PMID: 36906057 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Coastal areas, such as estuaries and coastal lagoons, are among the most endangered aquatic ecosystems due to the intense anthropogenic activities occurring in their vicinity. These areas are highly threatened by climate change-related factors as well as pollution, especially due to their limited water exchange. Ocean warming and extreme weather events, such as marine heatwaves and rainy periods, are some of the consequences of climate change, inducing alterations in the abiotic parameters of seawater, namely temperature and salinity, which may affect the organisms as well as the behaviour of some pollutants present in water. Lithium (Li) is an element widely used in several industries, especially in the production of batteries for electronic gadgets and electric vehicles. The demand for its exploitation has been growing drastically and is predicted a large increase in the coming years. Inefficient recycling, treatment and disposal results in the release of Li into the aquatic systems, the consequences of which are poorly understood, especially in the context of climate change. Considering that a limited number of studies exist about the impacts of Li on marine species, the present study aimed to assess the effects of temperature rise and salinity changes on the impacts of Li in clams (Venerupis corrugata) collected from the Ria de Aveiro (coastal lagoon, Portugal). Clams were exposed for 14 days to 0 μg/L of Li and 200 μg/L of Li, both conditions under different climate scenarios: 3 different salinities (20, 30 and 40) at 17 °C (control temperature); and 2 different temperatures (17 and 21 °C) at salinity 30 (control salinity). Bioconcentration capacity and biochemical alterations regarding metabolism and oxidative stress were investigated. Salinity variations had a higher impact on biochemical responses than temperature increase, even when combined with Li. The combination of Li with low salinity (20) was the most stressful treatment, provoking increased metabolism and activation of detoxification defences, suggesting possible imbalances in coastal ecosystems in response to Li pollution under extreme weather events. These findings may ultimately contribute to implement environmentally protective actions to mitigate Li contamination and preserve marine life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Barbosa
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Department of Chemistry and REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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