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Bhagat K, Doussiemo DRB, Mushro N, Rajwade K, Kumar A, Apul O, Perreault F. Effect of Biofouling on the Sorption of Organic Contaminants by Microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:1973-1981. [PMID: 38924544 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics in the aquatic environment are susceptible to colonization by surrounding microorganisms, which form biofilms over the microplastic's surface. These biofilm-laden microplastics can then interact with a diverse array of contaminants. In the present study, biofilms were grown on microplastics in a laboratory setting using Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a model biofilm-forming bacterium for periods of 5 to 15 days. The sorption of three organic compounds representing different levels of hydrophobicity, namely methylene blue (MB), phenanthrol, and phenanthrene, was used to evaluate the effect of biofilm biomass on the adsorption of organic contaminants to microplastics. The sorption of MB and phenanthrol was found to increase with biofouling time, indicating affinity between these contaminants and the biofilm biomass on the particle. However, the presence of a biofilm did not influence the sorption of phenanthrene on the microplastics. These results suggest that the hydrophobicity of organic contaminants plays a major role in how biofouling of microplastics will influence contaminant sorption by microplastics. For some contaminants, biofilm can enhance the role of microplastics as contaminant vectors. These findings emphasize the need to understand the biomass load on environmental microplastics and the contaminants that associate with it for an accurate representation of the risk associated with microplastics in the environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1973-1981. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik Bhagat
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Noelle Mushro
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Kimya Rajwade
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Abhishek Kumar
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Onur Apul
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
| | - François Perreault
- Department of Chemistry, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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2
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Yu Z, Qiu D, Zhou T, Zeng L, Yan C. Biofilm enhances the interactive effects of microplastics and oxytetracycline on zebrafish intestine. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 270:106905. [PMID: 38569307 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106905] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The enhanced adsorption of pollutants on biofilm-developed microplastics has been proved in many studies, but the ecotoxicological effects of biofilm-developed microplastics on organisms are still unclear. In this study, adult zebrafish were exposed to original microplastics, biofilm-developed microplastics, original microplastics absorbed with oxytetracycline (OTC), and biofilm-developed microplastics absorbed with OTC for 30 days. The intestinal histological damage, intestinal biomarker response, gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) profile of zebrafish were measured to explore the roles of biofilm in the effects of microplastics. The results showed that biofilm-developed microplastics significantly increased the number of goblet cells in intestinal epithelium compared with the control group. The biofilm-developed microplastics also induced the oxidative response in the zebrafish intestines, and biofilm changed the response mode in the combined treatment with OTC. Additionally, the biofilm-developed microplastics caused intestinal microbiome dysbiosis, and induced the abundance of some pathogenic genera increasing by several times compared with the control group and the original microplastics treatments, regardless of OTC adsorption. Furthermore, the abundance of ARGs in biofilm-developed microplastics increased significantly compared with the control and the original microplastic treatments. This study emphasized the significant influence and unique role of biofilm in microplastic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Yu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Donghua Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liqing Zeng
- Department of Public Health and Medical Technology, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Changzhou Yan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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3
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Balu S, Bhunia S, Gachhui R, Mukherjee J. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon sequestration by intertidal phototrophic biofilms cultivated in hydrophobic and hydrophilic biofilm-promoting culture vessels. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 437:129318. [PMID: 35749894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129318] [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: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Phototrophic biofilms collected from intertidal sediments of the world's largest tidal mangrove forest were cultured in two sets of a biofilm-promoting culture vessel having hydrophilic glass surface and hydrophobic polymethyl methacrylate surface wherein 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were spiked. Biofilms from three locations of the forest were most active in sequestering 98-100% of the spiked pollutants. PAH challenge did not alter the biofilm phototrophic community composition; rather biofilm biomass production and synthesis of photosynthetic pigments and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were enhanced. Photosynthetic pigment and EPS synthesis were sensitive to vessel-surface property. The lowest mean residual amounts of PAHs in the liquid medium as well as inside the biofilm were recorded in the very biofilm cultivated in the hydrophobic flask where highest values of biofilm biomass, total chlorophyll, released polysaccharidic (RPS) carbohydrates, RPS uronic acids, capsular polysaccharidic (CPS) carbohydrates, CPS proteins, CPS uronic acids and EPS hydrophobicity were obtained. Ratios of released RPS proteins: polysaccharides increased during PAH sequestration whereas the ratios of CPS proteins: polysaccharides remained constant. Efficacious PAH removal by the overlying phototrophic biofilm will reduce the entry of these contaminants in the sediments underneath and this strategy could be a model for "monitored natural recovery".
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Affiliation(s)
- Saranya Balu
- School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India.
| | - Shantanu Bhunia
- School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India.
| | - Ratan Gachhui
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India.
| | - Joydeep Mukherjee
- School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India.
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4
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Stockbridge J, Jones AR, Gaylard SG, Nelson MJ, Gillanders BM. Evaluation of a popular spatial cumulative impact assessment method for marine systems: A seagrass case study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 780:146401. [PMID: 33774293 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Human activities put stress on our oceans and with a growing global population, the impact is increasing. Stressors rarely act in isolation, with the majority of marine areas being impacted by multiple, concurrent stressors. Marine spatial cumulative impact assessments attempt to estimate the collective impact of multiple stressors on marine environments. However, this is difficult given how stressors interact with one another, and the variable response of ecosystems. As a result, assumptions and generalisations are required when attempting to model cumulative impacts. One fundamental assumption of the most commonly applied, semi-quantitative cumulative impact assessment method is that a change in modelled cumulative impact is correlated with a change in ecosystem condition. However, this assumption has rarely been validated with empirical data. We tested this assumption using a case study of seagrass in a large, inverse estuary in South Australia (Spencer Gulf). We compared three different seagrass condition indices, based on survey data collected in the field, to scores from a spatial cumulative impact model for the study area. One condition index showed no relationship with cumulative impact, whilst the other two indices had very small, negative relationships with cumulative impact. These results suggest that one of the most commonly used methods for assessing cumulative impacts on marine systems is not robust enough to accurately reflect the effect of multiple stressors on seagrasses; possibly due to the number and generality of assumptions involved in the approach. Future methods should acknowledge the complex relationships between stressors, and the impact these relationships can have on ecosystems. This outcome highlights the need for greater evaluation of cumulative impact assessment outputs and the need for data-driven approaches. Our results are a caution for marine scientists and resource managers who may rely on spatial cumulative impact assessment outputs for informing policy and decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Stockbridge
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Alice R Jones
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Government of South Australia Department for Environment and Water, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
| | - Sam G Gaylard
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Environment Protection Authority, 211 Victoria Square, GPO Box 2607, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Matthew J Nelson
- Environment Protection Authority, 211 Victoria Square, GPO Box 2607, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Bronwyn M Gillanders
- School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
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5
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Bhagwat G, Tran TKA, Lamb D, Senathirajah K, Grainge I, O'Connor W, Juhasz A, Palanisami T. Biofilms Enhance the Adsorption of Toxic Contaminants on Plastic Microfibers under Environmentally Relevant Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:8877-8887. [PMID: 34152751 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) exposed to the natural environment provide an ideal surface for biofilm formation, which potentially acts as a reactive phase facilitating the sorption of hazardous contaminants. Until now, changes in the contaminant sorption capacity of MPs due to biofilm formation have not been quantified. This is the first study that compared the capacity of naturally aged, biofilm-covered microplastic fibers (BMFs) to adsorb perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and lead (Pb) at environmentally relevant concentrations. Changes in the surface properties and morphology of aged microplastic fibers (MF) were studied by surface area analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Results revealed that aged MFs exhibited higher surface areas because of biomass accumulation compared to virgin samples and followed the order polypropylene>polyethylene>nylon>polyester. The concentrations of adsorbed Pb and PFOS were 4-25% and 20-85% higher in aged MFs and varied among the polymer types. The increased contaminant adsorption was linked with the altered surface area and the hydrophobic/hydrophilic characteristics of the samples. Overall, the present study demonstrates that biofilms play a decisive role in contaminant-plastic interactions and significantly enhance the vector potential of MFs for toxic environmental contaminants. We anticipate that knowledge generated from this study will help refine the planetary risk assessment of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Bhagwat
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Thi Kim Anh Tran
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Dane Lamb
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Kala Senathirajah
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Ian Grainge
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Wayne O'Connor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, New South Wales 2316, Australia
| | - Albert Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5095 Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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6
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Bhagwat G, Carbery M, Anh Tran TK, Grainge I, O'Connor W, Palanisami T. Fingerprinting Plastic-Associated Inorganic and Organic Matter on Plastic Aged in the Marine Environment for a Decade. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:7407-7417. [PMID: 34009962 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The long-term aging of plastic leads to weathering and biofouling that can influence the behavior and fate of plastic in the marine environment. This is the first study to fingerprint the contaminant profiles and bacterial communities present in plastic-associated inorganic and organic matter (PIOM) isolated from 10 year-aged plastic. Plastic sleeves were sampled from an oyster aquaculture farm and the PIOM was isolated from the intertidal, subtidal, and sediment-buried segments to investigate the levels of metal(loid)s, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and explore the microbial community composition. Results indicated that the PIOM present on long-term aged high-density polyethylene plastic harbored high concentrations of metal(loid)s, PAHs, and PFAS. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the bacterial composition in the PIOM differed by habitat type, which consisted of potentially pathogenic taxa including Vibrio, Shewanella, and Psychrobacter. This study provides new insights into PIOM as a potential sink for hazardous environmental contaminants and its role in enhancing the vector potential of plastic. Therefore, we recommend the inclusion of PIOM analysis in current biomonitoring regimes and that plastics be used with caution in aquaculture settings to safeguard valuable food resources, particularly in areas of point-source contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Bhagwat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Maddison Carbery
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Thi Kim Anh Tran
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Ian Grainge
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Wayne O'Connor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Port Stephens, Taylors Beach 2316, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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7
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Bhagwat G, Zhu Q, O'Connor W, Subashchandrabose S, Grainge I, Knight R, Palanisami T. Exploring the Composition and Functions of Plastic Microbiome Using Whole-Genome Sequencing. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:4899-4913. [PMID: 33686859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Besides the ecotoxicological consequences of microplastics and associated chemicals, the association of microbes on plastics has greater environmental implications as microplastics may select for unique microbiome participating in environmentally significant functions. Despite this, the functional potential of the microbiome associated with different types of plastics is understudied. Here, we investigate the interaction between plastic and marine biofilm-forming microorganisms through a whole-genome sequencing approach on four types of microplastics incubated in the marine environment. Taxonomic analysis suggested that the microplastic surfaces exhibit unique microbial profiles and niche partitioning among the substrates. In particular, the abundance of Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio campbellii suggested that microplastic pollution may pose a potential risk to the marine food chain and negatively impact aquaculture industries. Microbial genera involved in xenobiotic compound degradation, carbon cycling, and genes associated with the type IV secretion system, conjugal transfer protein TraG, plant-pathogen interaction, CusA/CzcA family heavy metal efflux transfer proteins, and TolC family proteins were significantly enriched on all the substrates, indicating the variety of processes operated by the plastic-microbiome. The present study gives a detailed characterization of the rapidly altering microbial composition and gene pools on plastics and adds new knowledge surrounding the environmental ramifications of marine plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Bhagwat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Qiyun Zhu
- Biodesign Centre for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-1004, United States
| | - Wayne O'Connor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Port Stephens, Taylors Beach 2316, Australia
| | | | - Ian Grainge
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Rob Knight
- Centre for Microbiome Innovation, and Departments of Pediatrics, Bioengineering, and Computer Science & Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0021, California, United States
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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8
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Balu S, Bhunia S, Gachhui R, Mukherjee J. Assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination in the Sundarbans, the world's largest tidal mangrove forest and indigenous microbial mixed biofilm-based removal of the contaminants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115270. [PMID: 32798981 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surface water and sediments in five regions of the Indian Sundarbans was assessed. The capability of microbial biofilm communities to sequester PAHs in a biofilm-promoting vessel was evaluated. The total PAH concentration of water and sediments ranged from undetectable to 125 ng ml-1 and 4880 to 2 × 104 ng g-1 dry weight respectively. The total PAHs concentration of sediments exceeded the Effects Range-Low value and the recommended Effects Range-Median values, implying the PAHs might adversely affect the biota of the Sundarbans. Pyrogenic and petrogenic sources of PAH contamination were identified in most of the sampling sites. Indigenous biofilms were cultivated in a patented biofilm-promoting culture vessel containing liquid media spiked with 16 priority PAHs. Biofilm-mediated 97-100% removal efficiency of 16 PAHs was attained in all media. There was no significant difference between the mean residual PAH from the liquid media collected from hydrophobic and hydrophilic flasks. Residual amounts of acenaphthene (Ace), anthracene (Ant), benzo(b)fluoranthene [B(b)F], benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] and benzo(g,h,i)perylene [B(g,h,i)P] showed differences when cultivated in hydrophobic and hydrophilic flasks. The mean residual amounts of total PAHs extracted from biofilm biomasses were variable. A biofilm obtained from a specific sampling site cultured in the hydrophobic flask showed higher PAH sequestration when compared to the removal attained in the hydrophilic flask. Relative abundances of different microbial communities in PAH-sequestering biofilms revealed bacterial phyla including Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi and Planctomycetes as well as members of Ascomycota phylum of fungi. The dominance of Candida tropicalis, Clostridium butyricum, Sphingobacterium multivorum and Paecilomyces fulvus were established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saranya Balu
- School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India.
| | - Shantanu Bhunia
- School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India.
| | - Ratan Gachhui
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India.
| | - Joydeep Mukherjee
- School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India.
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9
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Ouyang W, Zhang Y, Gu X, Tysklind M, Lin C, Wang B, Xin M. Occurrence, transportation, and distribution difference of typical herbicides from estuary to bay. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104858. [PMID: 31212164 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In several watersheds, agricultural activities are the cause of pollution, mainly due to the discharge of herbicides. Often, these herbicide plumes are transported to the surrounding bays. Samples of water, suspended particulate sediments (SPSs), and sediments from 37 sites in the Jiaozhou Bay in the western Pacific Ocean were collected in April 2018. The total concentrations of atrazine and acetochlor in these samples were analyzed, that showed different patterns in each sampled area. Atrazine had 2-3 times higher concentrations in coastal areas and bays compared to the estuary, indicating that it had a higher residence time in the marine environment. In contrast, acetochlor concentration decreased with an increase in the depth of seawater. Both the spatial distributions and the vertical concentrations in water, SPS, and sediment proved that these two herbicides had different responses during transportation from the estuary to the bay. Despite the significant difference in concentration of the two herbicides in the water and sediment, their spatially averaged value in SPS was very close, indicating that the particles had saturated sorption capability. The organic carbon normalized partition coefficient (LogKoc) was used to explain the partitioning of the herbicides between water and sediment. The LogKoc difference between herbicides demonstrated that acetochlor was strongly phase partitioned in the coastal and the bay areas, thereby causing similar distributions of acetochlor in the three matrices. Atrazine had a higher LogKoc value in the estuary, which explained its higher concentration in the estuary SPS. The correlation and redundancy analyses both demonstrated that the concentrations of the herbicides in water were sensitive to dissolved organic carbon and dissolved oxygen. The current tides and bathymetry were the critical factors in determining the spatial distribution of herbicides in the water and sediment, resulting in a low herbicide load in the river mouth area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Mats Tysklind
- Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Chunye Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Baodong Wang
- The First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, 6 Xianxialing Road, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Ming Xin
- The First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, 6 Xianxialing Road, Qingdao 266061, China
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10
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Oberoi AS, Jia Y, Zhang H, Khanal SK, Lu H. Insights into the Fate and Removal of Antibiotics in Engineered Biological Treatment Systems: A Critical Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:7234-7264. [PMID: 31244081 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b01131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 378] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics, the most frequently prescribed drugs of modern medicine, are extensively used for both human and veterinary applications. Antibiotics from different wastewater sources (e.g., municipal, hospitals, animal production, and pharmaceutical industries) ultimately are discharged into wastewater treatment plants. Sorption and biodegradation are the two major removal pathways of antibiotics during biological wastewater treatment processes. This review provides the fundamental insights into sorption mechanisms and biodegradation pathways of different classes of antibiotics with diverse physical-chemical attributes. Important factors affecting sorption and biodegradation behavior of antibiotics are also highlighted. Furthermore, this review also sheds light on the critical role of extracellular polymeric substances on antibiotics adsorption and their removal in engineered biological wastewater treatment systems. Despite major advancements, engineered biological wastewater treatment systems are only moderately effective (48-77%) in the removal of antibiotics. In this review, we systematically summarize the behavior and removal of different antibiotics in various biological treatment systems with discussion on their removal efficiency, removal mechanisms, critical bioreactor operating conditions affecting antibiotics removal, and recent innovative advancements. Besides, relevant background information including antibiotics classification, physical-chemical properties, and their occurrence in the environment from different sources is also briefly covered. This review aims to advance our understanding of the fate of various classes of antibiotics in engineered biological wastewater treatment systems and outlines future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yanyan Jia
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Hong Kong
| | | | - Samir Kumar Khanal
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering , University of Hawaii at Ma̅noa , 1955 East-West Road , Honolulu , Hawaii 96822 , United States
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Alvarino T, Suarez S, Lema J, Omil F. Understanding the sorption and biotransformation of organic micropollutants in innovative biological wastewater treatment technologies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 615:297-306. [PMID: 28982079 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
New technologies for wastewater treatment have been developed in the last years based on the combination of biological reactors operating under different redox conditions. Their efficiency in the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs) has not been clearly assessed yet. This review paper is focussed on understanding the sorption and biotransformation of a selected group of 17 OMPs, including pharmaceuticals, hormones and personal care products, during biological wastewater treatment processes. Apart from considering the role of "classical" operational parameters, new factors such as biomass conformation and particle size, upward velocity applied or the addition of adsorbents have been considered. It has been found that the OMP removal by sorption not only depends on their physico-chemical characteristics and other parameters, such as the biomass conformation and particle size, or some operational conditions also relevant. Membrane biological reactors (MBR), have shown to enhance sorption and biotransformation of some OMPs. The same applies to technologies bases on direct addition of activated carbon in bioreactors. The OMP biotransformation degree and pathway is mainly driven by the redox potential and the primary substrate activity. The combination of different redox potentials in hybrid reactor systems can significantly enhance the overall OMP removal efficiency. Sorption and biotransformation can be synergistically promoted in biological reactors by the addition of activated carbon. The deeper knowledge of the main parameters influencing OMP removal provided by this review will allow optimizing the biological processes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Alvarino
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.
| | - S Suarez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - J Lema
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - F Omil
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
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Torresi E, Polesel F, Bester K, Christensson M, Smets BF, Trapp S, Andersen HR, Plósz BG. Diffusion and sorption of organic micropollutants in biofilms with varying thicknesses. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 123:388-400. [PMID: 28686941 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Solid-liquid partitioning is one of the main fate processes determining the removal of micropollutants in wastewater. Little is known on the sorption of micropollutants in biofilms, where molecular diffusion may significantly influence partitioning kinetics. In this study, the diffusion and the sorption of 23 micropollutants were investigated in novel moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) carriers with controlled biofilm thickness (50, 200 and 500 μm) using targeted batch experiments (initial concentration = 1 μg L-1, for X-ray contrast media 15 μg L-1) and mathematical modelling. We assessed the influence of biofilm thickness and density on the dimensionless effective diffusivity coefficient f (equal to the biofilm-to-aqueous diffusivity ratio) and the distribution coefficient Kd,eq (L g-1). Sorption was significant only for eight positively charged micropollutants (atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, citalopram, venlafaxine, erythromycin, clarithromycin and roxithromycin), revealing the importance of electrostatic interactions with solids. Sorption equilibria were likely not reached within the duration of batch experiments (4 h), particularly for the thickest biofilm, requiring the calculation of the distribution coefficient Kd,eq based on the approximation of the asymptotic equilibrium concentration (t > 4 h). Kd,eq values increased with increasing biofilm thickness for all sorptive micropollutants (except atenolol), possibly due to higher porosity and accessible surface area in the thickest biofilm. Positive correlations between Kd,eq and micropollutant properties (polarity and molecular size descriptors) were identified but not for all biofilm thicknesses, thus confirming the challenge of improving predictive sorption models for positively charged compounds. A diffusion-sorption model was developed and calibrated against experimental data, and estimated f values also increased with increasing biofilm thickness. This indicates that diffusion in thin biofilms may be strongly limited (f ≪ 0.1) by the high biomass density (reduced porosity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Torresi
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet B115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; Veolia Water Technologies AB, AnoxKaldnes, Klosterängsvägen 11A, SE-226 47 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Fabio Polesel
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet B115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kai Bester
- Department of Environmental Science, Århus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Magnus Christensson
- Veolia Water Technologies AB, AnoxKaldnes, Klosterängsvägen 11A, SE-226 47 Lund, Sweden
| | - Barth F Smets
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet B115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Stefan Trapp
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet B115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Henrik R Andersen
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet B115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Benedek Gy Plósz
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet B115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
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Ramin P, Brock AL, Causanilles A, Valverde-Pérez B, Emke E, de Voogt P, Polesel F, Plósz BG. Transformation and Sorption of Illicit Drug Biomarkers in Sewer Biofilms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:10572-10584. [PMID: 28673083 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b06277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In-sewer transformation of drug biomarkers (excreted parent drugs and metabolites) can be influenced by the presence of biomass in suspended form as well as attached to sewer walls (biofilms). Biofilms are likely the most abundant and biologically active biomass fraction in sewers. In this study, 16 drug biomarkers were selected, including the parent forms and the major human metabolites of mephedrone, methadone, cocaine, heroin, codeine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Transformation and sorption of these substances were assessed in targeted batch experiments using laboratory-scale biofilm reactors operated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. A one-dimensional model was developed to simulate diffusive transport, abiotic and biotic transformation, and partitioning of drug biomarkers. Model calibration to experimental results allowed estimating biotransformation rate constants in sewer biofilms, which were compared to those obtained for suspended biomass. Our results suggest that sewer biofilms can enhance the biotransformation kinetics of most selected compounds. Through scenario simulations, we demonstrated that the estimation of biotransformation rate constants in biofilm can be significantly biased if the boundary layer thickness is not accurately estimated. This study complements our previous investigation on the transformation and sorption of drug biomarkers in the presence of only suspended biomass in untreated sewage. A better understanding of the role of sewer biofilms-also relative to the in-sewer suspended solids-and improved prediction of associated fate processes can result in more accurate estimation of daily drug consumption in urban areas in wastewater-based epidemiological assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedram Ramin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU) , Bygningstorvet, Bygning 115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Process and Systems Engineering Center (PROSYS), Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark , Building 229, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas Libonati Brock
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU) , Bygningstorvet, Bygning 115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ana Causanilles
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute , P.O. Box 1072, 3430 BB Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Borja Valverde-Pérez
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU) , Bygningstorvet, Bygning 115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Erik Emke
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute , P.O. Box 1072, 3430 BB Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Pim de Voogt
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute , P.O. Box 1072, 3430 BB Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam , P.O. Box 94248, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fabio Polesel
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU) , Bygningstorvet, Bygning 115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Benedek Gy Plósz
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU) , Bygningstorvet, Bygning 115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath , Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
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14
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Zha D, Li Y, Wang L, Yang C, Lu G. Occurrence and attenuation of pharmaceuticals and their transformation products in rivers impacted by sewage treatment plants. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra06852b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals and transformation products were attenuated in the wastewater-impacted river, and environment conditions influenced the attenuation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoping Zha
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes
- Ministry of Education
- College of Environment
- HoHai University
- Nanjing
| | - Ying Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes
- Ministry of Education
- College of Environment
- HoHai University
- Nanjing
| | - Li Wang
- Jiangsu Province Hydrology and Water Resources Investigation Bureau
- Nanjing
- China
| | - Cunman Yang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes
- Ministry of Education
- College of Environment
- HoHai University
- Nanjing
| | - Guanghua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes
- Ministry of Education
- College of Environment
- HoHai University
- Nanjing
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15
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Bertini G. Memory Effect of Aquatic Biofilms in the Partitioning of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Water Streams. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.18178/ijesd.2016.7.12.905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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16
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Ding H, Li Y, Hou J, Wang Q, Wu Y. Sorption behavior and modeling of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on natural sediments: role of biofilm covered on surface. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:1380-1388. [PMID: 25146118 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3449-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The surfaces of natural sediments are ubiquitously coated by biofilms that increase the content of organic matter in sediments. However, it is less understood whether the biofilms act as a sorbent or a barrier of mass transfer from water column to sediment phase. This study focused on the role of biofilms coverage on sediments in the sorption of bisphenol A (BPA), 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2), and 4-nonylphenols (4-NP) as model compounds for endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The OC-normalized distribution coefficients (k OC) for BPA, EE2 and 4-NP ranged from 10(1.87) to 10(3.09) l/kg, the k OC of EE2 was slightly higher (10(2.23) l/kg) for sediment after H2O2 oxidation than before (10(1.93) l/kg). A two-stage model with a fast section and slow section was employed to describe the sorption process (r (2) > 0.95). The model results showed that the fast sorption section played a main role in the sorption process, while the slow section determined the extent of the reaction (the second-phase partition coefficient (k p2) ranged from 11.7 to 118.9 l/kg). The ratios of the mass transfer rate constant of the two stages for the natural sediment ranged from 6.0 to 7.2, which were somewhat lower than those for soil samples. These results indicated that the biofilm coverage on sediment may act as a barrier in mass transfer from water to sediment and scarcely increased the sorption capacity of sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Ding
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Xikang Road #1, Nanjing, 210098, People's Republic of China
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Artigas J, Pascault N, Bouchez A, Chastain J, Debroas D, Humbert JF, Leloup J, Tadonleke RD, ter Halle A, Pesce S. Comparative sensitivity to the fungicide tebuconazole of biofilm and plankton microbial communities in freshwater ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 468-469:326-336. [PMID: 24048021 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.08.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Stream and lake ecosystems in agricultural watersheds are exposed to fungicide inputs that can threaten the structure and functioning of aquatic microbial communities. This research analyzes the impact of the triazole fungicide tebuconazole (TBZ) on natural biofilm and plankton microbial communities from sites presenting different degrees of agricultural contamination. Biofilm and plankton communities from less-polluted (LP) and polluted (P) sites were exposed to nominal concentrations of 0 (control), 2 and 20 μg TBZ L(-1) in 3-week microcosm experiments. Descriptors of microbial community structure (bacterial density and chlorophyll-a concentration) and function (bacterial respiration and production and photosynthesis) were analyzed to chart the effects of TBZ and the kinetics of TBZ attenuation in water during the experiments. The results showed TBZ-induced effects on biofilm function (inhibition of substrate-induced respiration and photosynthetic activity), especially in LP-site communities, whereas plankton communities experienced a transitory stimulation of bacterial densities in communities from both LP and P sites. TBZ attenuation was stronger in biofilm (60-75%) than plankton (15-18%) experiments, probably due to greater adsorption on biofilms. The differences between biofilm and plankton responses to TBZ were likely explained by differences in community structure (presence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) matrix) and microbial composition. Biofilm communities also exhibited different sensitivity levels according to their in-field pre-exposure to fungicide, with P-site communities demonstrating adaptation capacities to TBZ. This study indicates that TBZ toxicity to non-targeted aquatic microbial communities essentially composed by microalgae and bacteria was moderate, and that its effects varied between stream and lake microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Artigas
- Irstea, UR MALY, 3 bis quai Chauveau, CP 220, 69336 Lyon, France; Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", BP 10448, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; CNRS, UMR 6023, LMGE, 63177 Aubière, France.
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18
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Enhanced biotransformation of fluoranthene by intertidally derived Cunninghamella elegans under biofilm-based and niche-mimicking conditions. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:7922-30. [PMID: 24038685 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02129-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of the investigation were to ascertain if surface attachment of Cunninghamella elegans and niche intertidal conditions provided in a bioreactor influenced biotransformation of fluoranthene by C. elegans. A newly designed polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) conico-cylindrical flask (CCF) holding eight equidistantly spaced rectangular strips mounted radially on a circular disc allowed comparison of fluoranthene biotransformation between CCFs with a hydrophobic surface (PMMA-CCF) and a hydrophilic glass surface (GS-CCF) and a 500-ml Erlenmeyer flask (EF). Fluoranthene biotransformation was higher by 22-fold, biofilm growth was higher by 3-fold, and cytochrome P450 gene expression was higher by 2.1-fold when C. elegans was cultivated with 2% inoculum as biofilm culture in PMMA-CCF compared to planktonic culture in EF. Biotransformation was enhanced by 7-fold with 10% inoculum. The temporal pattern of biofilm progression based on three-channel fluorescence detection by confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated well-developed, stable biofilm with greater colocalization of fluoranthene within extracellular polymeric substances and filaments of the biofilm grown on PMMA in contrast to a glass surface. A bioreactor with discs rotating at 2 revolutions per day affording 6-hourly emersion and immersion mimicked the niche intertidal habitat of C. elegans and supported biofilm formation and transformation of fluoranthene. The amount of transformed metabolite was 3.5-fold, biofilm growth was 3-fold, and cytochrome P450 gene expression was 1.9-fold higher in the process mimicking the intertidal conditions than in a submerged process without disc rotation. In the CCF and reactor, where biofilm formation was comparatively greater, higher concentration of exopolysaccharides allowed increased mobilization of fluoranthene within the biofilm with consequential higher gene expression leading to enhanced volumetric productivity.
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Lee BM, Shin HS, Hur J. Comparison of the characteristics of extracellular polymeric substances for two different extraction methods and sludge formation conditions. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 90:237-244. [PMID: 22835866 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.06.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Revised: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 06/30/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The characteristics of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) were compared for two different extraction methods and dissimilar sludge formation conditions (aerobic versus anaerobic). The measured characteristics included specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) values, fluorescence excitation-emission matrices, molecular weight distributions, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, and the binding affinities for pyrene and Hg(II). The analyses demonstrated that the EPS extracted using cation exchange resin (CER) were composed of more aromatic and more condensed structures with higher molecular weight than those using formaldehyde/NaOH. The FT-IR results further revealed that the EPS using CER contained relatively lower content of protein to carbohydrate and less acidic functional groups (i.e., COOH or OH groups). The observed differences between the two extraction methods were more pronounced for the EPS of anaerobic sludge compared to those of aerobic sludge. The extent of pyrene binding and the apparent stability constants for Hg(II) were very consistent with the implications from the previous EPS physicochemical characteristics. The highest extent of pyrene binding was observed for the EPS of anaerobic sludge using CER while no measurable Hg(II) stability constant was found for the same EPS sample. Our results demonstrated that the EPS characteristics including their binding affinities are likely strongly affected by the sludge formation conditions as well as the extraction methods although the latter produced more differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Mi Lee
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, South Korea
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20
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Lors C, Ponge JF, Martínez Aldaya M, Damidot D. Comparison of solid and liquid-phase bioassays using ecoscores to assess contaminated soils. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2011; 159:2974-2981. [PMID: 21570756 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2011] [Revised: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 04/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Bioassays on aqueous and solid phases of contaminated soils were compared, belonging to a wide array of trophic and response levels and using ecoscores for evaluating ecotoxicological and genotoxicological endpoints. The method was applied to four coke factory soils contaminated mainly with PAHs, but also to a lesser extent by heavy metals and cyanides. Aquatic bioassays do not differ from terrestrial bioassays when scaling soils according to toxicity but they are complementary from the viewpoint of ecological relevance. Both aquatic and terrestrial endpoints are strongly correlated with concentrations of 3-ring PAHs. This evaluation procedure allows us to propose a cost-effective battery which embraces a wide array of test organisms and response levels: it includes two rapid bioassays (Microtox(®) and springtail avoidance), a micronucleus test and three bioassays of a longer duration (algal growth, lettuce germination and springtail reproduction). This battery can be recommended for a cost-effective assessment of polluted/remediated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lors
- Université Lille Nord de France, 1bis rue Georges Lefèvre, 59044 Lille Cedex, France
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21
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Writer JH, Ryan JN, Barber LB. Role of biofilms in sorptive removal of steroidal hormones and 4-nonylphenol compounds from streams. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:7275-7283. [PMID: 21846124 DOI: 10.1021/es2008038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Stream biofilms play an important role in geochemical processing of organic matter and nutrients, however, the significance of this matrix in sorbing trace organic contaminants is less understood. This study focused on the role of stream biofilms in sorbing steroidal hormones and 4-nonylphenol compounds from surface waters using biofilms colonized in situ on artificial substrata and subsequently transferred to the laboratory for controlled batch sorption experiments. Steroidal hormones and 4-nonylphenol compounds readily sorb to stream biofilms as indicated by organic matter partition coefficients (K(om), L kg(-1)) for 17β-estradiol (10(2.5-2.8) L kg(-1)), 17α-ethynylestradiol (10(2.5-2.9) L kg(-1)), 4-nonylphenol (10(3.4-4.6) L kg(-1)), 4-nonylphenolmonoethoxylate (10(3.5-4.0) L kg(-1)), and 4-nonylphenoldiethoxylate (10(3.9-4.3) L kg(-1)). Experiments using water quality differences to induce changes in the relative composition of periphyton and heterotrophic bacteria in the stream biofilm did not significantly affect the sorptive properties of the stream biofilm, providing additional evidence that stream biofilms will sorb trace organic compounds under of variety of environmental conditions. Because sorption of the target compounds to stream biofilms was linearly correlated with organic matter content, hydrophobic partition into organic matter appears to be the dominant mechanism. An analysis of 17β-estradiol and 4-nonylphenol hydrophobic partition into water, biofilm, sediment, and dissolved organic matter matrices at mass/volume ratios typical of smaller rivers showed that the relative importance of the stream biofilm as a sorptive matrix was comparable to bed sediments. Therefore, stream biofilms play a primary role in attenuating these compounds in surface waters. Because the stream biofilm represents the base of the stream ecosystem, accumulation of steroidal hormones and 4-nonylphenol compounds in the stream biofilm may be an exposure pathway for organisms in higher trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey H Writer
- US Geological Survey, 3215 Marine Street, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States.
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22
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Wicke D, Reemtsma T. Mobilization of hydrophobic contaminants from soils by enzymatic depolymerization of soil organic matter. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 78:996-1003. [PMID: 20045174 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2009] [Revised: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 12/04/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The effect of hydrolytic exoenzymes on the release of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOC) from two different surface soils was studied in laboratory batch experiments. Incubation of the soils with cellulase with an activity fivefold above the inherent soil activity enhanced the release of hydrophobic contaminants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and hydroxylated PCB) by 40-200%. Xylanase and invertase did not show measurable effects at comparable relative activity levels. This suggests that cellulose substructures are important for the retention of HOC in soil organic matter (SOM). Hydrolytic exoenzymes, and the microorganisms that release them, contribute to the mobilization of HOC from soil, by shifting the sorption equilibrium in the course of SOM transformation into dissolved organic matter or by facilitating HOC diffusion as a consequence of reduced rigidity of SOM. We conclude that not only biodegradation but also sorption and desorption of HOC in soil can be influenced by (micro-) biology and the factors that determine its activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wicke
- Department of Water Quality Control, Technical University Berlin, Sekr KF 4, Strasse des 17, Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
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Quintelas C, Silva B, Figueiredo H, Tavares T. Removal of organic compounds by a biofilm supported on GAC: modelling of batch and column data. Biodegradation 2009; 21:379-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s10532-009-9308-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2009] [Accepted: 10/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Birdwell JE, Thibodeaux LJ. PAH repartitioning in field-contaminated sediment following removal of the labile chemical fraction. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2009; 43:8092-8097. [PMID: 19924928 DOI: 10.1021/es9016798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The effect of removing the labile chemical fraction associated with sediment particles followed by internal chemical redistribution was examined in a field-contaminated sediment. Using data from desorption equilibrium (organic carbon-water partition coefficients, K(OC)) and kinetic (rate of release) experiments, estimates of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon biphasic partitioning and desorption rates for both the labile and nonlabile chemical fractions or organic matter compartments were obtained. Sediment K(OC) values increased between 50 and 150% after removal of the labile chemical fraction. Following depletion of the labile chemical fraction during desorption experiments, sediment was stored 30 and 90 days to allow for chemical redistribution between the labile and nonlabile compartments. The subsequent desorption data indicated repartitioning had occurred with the nonlabile chemical fraction recharging the labile compartment. The results provide evidence that chemical transfer between organic matter compartments, either through interparticle porewater or via direct intraparticle compartmental exchange, is a real phenomenon that occurs over relatively short times (weeks to months). This calls into question the idea that hydrophobic organic pollutants in the nonlabile chemical fraction are sequestered or less bioavailable over the long-term and has implications for water quality impacts during contaminated sediment resuspension events, risk assessment of polluted sites, and selection of sediment remediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin E Birdwell
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA.
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26
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Shimada T, Zilles JL, Morgenroth E, Raskin L. Inhibitory effects of the macrolide antimicrobial tylosin on anaerobic treatment. Biotechnol Bioeng 2008; 101:73-82. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.21864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Wicke D, Böckelmann U, Reemtsma T. Environmental influences on the partitioning and diffusion of hydrophobic organic contaminants in microbial biofilms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2008; 42:1990-1996. [PMID: 18409626 DOI: 10.1021/es702267s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A biofilm reactor was used to investigate kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of the sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) as model compounds for hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOC) to intact microbial biofilms. Effective diffusion coefficients are in the range of 10(-10) cm2 x s(-1) resulting in equilibration times of more than 3 days for a biofilm of 100 microm thickness. Diffusion in the biofilm was strongly temperature-dependent and increased by a factor of 3 (phenanthrene) to 6 (fluoranthene, pyrene) between 5 and 35 degrees C. Drying and rewetting of the biofilm as well as the inclusion of Ca2+ ions and of humic acids all strengthened the biofilm rigidity and slowed down the diffusion of PAH. The later two factors also influenced the thermodynamics of the process as they supported the partitioning of PAH into the biofilm. Humic acid inclusion from solution into the biofilm illustrates that a microbial biofilm can act as a primer allowing for the buildup of a particulate organic phase from dissolved organic matter. PAH metabolites (3-hydroxy-phenanthrene and 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid) showed lower partition coefficients as compared to their parent compounds and 3-hydroxy-phenanthrene also showed a higher diffusion constant, indicating that these transformation products would be easily released into the water phase upon formation during PAH biodegradation in a biofilm. These results allow the quantification of the influence of environmental conditions on a biofilm's function as a sink or as a diffusion barrier for PAH from aqueous solution, and they indicate the importance of kinetic aspects of this partitioning process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wicke
- Department of Water Quality Control, Technical University of Berlin, Sekr KF 4, Strasse des 17 Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
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