Quantification of Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula in composting plants: assessment of the relevance of S. rectivirgula

Prokaryotic Diversity of the Composting Thermophilic Phase: The Case of Ground Coffee Compost

Waste biomass coming from a local coffee company, which supplied burnt ground coffee after an incorrect roasting process, was employed as a starting material in the composting plant of the Experimental Station of the University of Naples Federico II at Castel Volturno (CE). The direct molecular characterization of compost using ¹³C-NMR spectra, which was acquired through cross-polarization magic-angle spinning, showed a hydrophobicity index of 2.7% and an alkyl/hydroxyalkyl index of 0.7%. Compost samples that were collected during the early "active thermophilic phase" (when the composting temperature was 63 °C) were analyzed for the prokaryotic community composition and activities. Two complementary approaches, i.e., genomic and predictive metabolic analysis of the 16S rRNA V3-V4 amplicon and culture-dependent analysis, were combined to identify the main microbial factors that characterized the composting process. The whole microbial community was dominated by Firmicutes. The predictive analysis of the metabolic functionality of the community highlighted the potential degradation of peptidoglycan and the ability of metal chelation, with both functions being extremely useful for the revitalization and fertilization of agricultural soils. Finally, three biotechnologically relevant Firmicutes members, i.e., Geobacillus thermodenitrificans subsp. calidus, Aeribacillus pallidus, and Ureibacillus terrenus (strains CAF1, CAF2, and CAF5, respectively) were isolated from the "active thermophilic phase" of the coffee composting. All strains were thermophiles growing at the optimal temperature of 60 °C. Our findings contribute to the current knowledge on thermophilic composting microbiology and valorize burnt ground coffee as waste material with biotechnological potentialities.

An “overlooked” habitat for thermophilic bacteria: the phyllosphere

Thermophilic microbes are present everywhere around us and their only known natural biotope is far away and most usually associated with geothermal energy. To answer this paradox, we explore the hypothesis that the phyllosphere (surface of leaves), due to its exposition to the sun, could well be a thermophilic habitat for microbes and thus a source of thermophilic microbes growing around 50°C – 60°C. To support this hypothesis, we reviewed the heat sources on earth and associated microbial habitats, as well as the difficult identification of thermophilic microbes. We further present an experiment to show the presence and activity of thermophilic bacteria in the phyllosphere. Leaves were collected from eleven tree species from five locations on three continents belonging to three different biomes. On fresh leaves, 16S rDNA sequencing reveals the presence of 0.2 to 7% of clearly identified thermophilic bacteria. Moreover, after incubation at 55°C under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, 16S rDNA sequencing reveals the presence of 4 to 99% of clearly identified thermophilic bacteria. The accumulation of observations provides coherence to our hypothesis and allows the emergence of a new vision of leaves as a thermophilic biotope. We then propose a life cycle of microbes belonging to the thermophilic biotope associated with leaf surfaces.

Bioaerosols concentrations in working areas in biomethanization facilities

This study sought to fill the gap in information about the type and the concentration of bioaerosols present in the air of biomethanization facilities (BF). Evaluation of bioaerosol composition and concentration was achieved in two biomethanization facilities located in Eastern Canada, during summer and winter. In order to have a thorough understanding of the studied environment, the methodology combined culture of bacteria and molds, qualitiative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for specific microorganisms, endotoxin quantification, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for bacterial diversity. Results revealed that workers in biomethanization facilities are exposed to bioaerosols and pathogenic microorganisms similar to those found in composting plants. However, human exposure levels to bioaerosols are lower in BF than in composting plants. Despite these differences, use of personal protective equipment is recommended to lower the risks of health problems.

IMPLICATIONS

Biomethanization is a new technology used in eastern Canada for waste management. In the next few years, it is expected that there will be an expansion of facilities in response of tight governmental regulations. Workers in biomethanization facilities are exposed to various amounts of bioaerosols composed of some harmful microorganisms. Therefore, monitoring this occupational exposure could be an interesting tool for improving worker's health.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis onset and severity is regulated by CD103 dendritic cell expression

Background

Pulmonary dendritic cells drive lung responses to foreign antigens, including Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula, a causative agent of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. While the airway inflammatory mechanisms involved in hypersensitivity pneumonitis are well described, the mechanisms leading to the break in homeostasis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis onset are not well-described, and could involve CD103⁺ dendritic cells, which are found at baseline and during inflammatory responses in the lung. However, recent demonstration of the ability of CD103⁺ dendritic cells to induce inflammatory responses starkly contrasts with their classically described role as regulatory cells. These discrepancies may be attributable to the lack of current information on the importance of CD103 expression and modulation on these cells during inflammatory episodes.

Methods

To verify the importance of CD103 expression in the regulation of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, wild-type and Cd103^-/- mice were exposed intranasally to S. rectivirgula and airway inflammation was quantified. Surface expression of CD103 in response to S. rectivirgula exposure was studied and cell transfers were used to determine the relative importance of CD103 expression on dendritic cells and T cells in regulating the inflammation in hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Results

Cd103^-/- mice developed an exacerbated inflammatory response as early as 18h following S. rectivirgula exposure. CD103 expression on dendritic cells was downregulated quickly following S. rectivirgula exposure, and cell transfers demonstrated that CD103 expression on dendritic cells specifically (and not T cells) regulates the onset and severity of this response.

Conclusion

All in all, we demonstrate that CD103 expression by dendritic cells, but not T cells, is crucial for homeostasis maintenance and the regulation of the T_H17 airway inflammatory response in hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

On-line monitoring of airborne bioaerosols released from a composting/green waste site

This study is the first to employ the on-line WIBS-4 (Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Sensor) technique for the monitoring of bioaerosol emissions and non-fluorescing "dust" released from a composting/green waste site. The purpose of the research was to provide a "proof of principle" for using WIBS to monitor such a location continually over days and nights in order to construct comparative "bioaerosol site profiles". The real-time data obtained was then used to assess variations of the bioaerosol counts as a function of size, "shape", site location, working activity levels, time of day, relative humidity, wind speeds and wind directions. Three short campaigns were undertaken, one classified as a "light" workload period, another as a "heavy" workload period and finally a weekend when the site was closed. One main bioaerosol size regime was found to predominate: 0.5-3μm with morphologies ranging from elongated to ellipsoidal/spherical. The real-time number-concentration data provides a long-term "video" record of the site and were consistent with the Andersen sampling protocol performed that provides only a single "snapshot" for bioaerosol release. The number-concentration of fluorescent particles as a proportion of total particle counts amounted, on average, to ∼1% for the "light" workday period, ∼7% for the "heavy" workday period and ∼18% for the weekend. The bioaerosol release profiles at the weekend were considerably different from those monitored during the working weekdays.

Detection of airborne bacteria in a duck production facility with two different personal air sampling devices for an exposure assessment

Prevalent airborne microorganisms are not well characterized in industrial animal production buildings with respect to their quantity or quality. To investigate the work-related microbial exposure, personal bioaerosol sampling during the whole working day is recommended. Therefore, bioaerosol sampling in a duck hatchery and a duck house with two personal air sampling devices, a filter-based PGP and a NIOSH particle size separator, was performed. Subsequent, quantitative and qualitative analyses were carried out with" culture independent methods. Total cell concentrations (TCC) determined via fluorescence microscopy showed no difference between the two devices. In average, 8 × 10(6) cells/m(3) were determined in the air of the duck hatchery and 5 × 10(7) cells/m(3) in the air of the duck house. A Generated Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) pattern revealed deviant bacterial compositions comparing samples collected with both devices. Clone library analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis from the hatchery's air showed 65% similarity between the two sampling devices. Detailed 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses showed the occurrence of bacterial species like Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia sp., and Shigella sp.; and a group of Staphylococcus delphini, S. intermedius, and S. pseudintermedius that provided the evidence of potential exposure to risk group 2 bacteria at the hatchery workplace. Size fractionated sampling with the developed by the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA) device revealed that pathogenic bacteria would deposit in the inhalable, the thorax, and possibly alveolar dust fraction according to EN481. TCC analysis showed the deposition of bacterial cells in the third stage (< 1μm) at the NIOSH device which implies that bacteria can reach deep into the lungs and contaminate the alveolus after inhalation. Nevertheless, both personal sampling devices could be recommended for exposure assessment at agricultural workplaces.

Concentration of bioaerosols in composting plants using different quantification methods

BACKGROUND

Bioaerosols (organic dusts) containing viable and non-viable microorganisms and their metabolic products can lead to adverse health effects in exposed workers. Standard quantification methods of airborne microorganisms are mainly based on cultivation, which often underestimates the microbial burden. The aim of the study was to determine the microbial load in German composting plants with different, mainly cultivation-independent, methods. Second purpose was to evaluate which working areas are associated with higher or lower bioaerosol concentrations.

METHODS

A total of 124 inhalable dust samples were collected at different workplaces in 31 composting plants. Besides the determination of inhalable dust, particles, and total cell numbers, antigen quantification for moulds (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Cladosporium spp.) and mites was performed. Concentrations of β-glucans as well as endotoxin and pyrogenic activities were also measured. The number of colony forming units (cfu) was determined by cultivation of moulds and actinomycetes in 36 additional dust samples.

RESULTS

With the exception of particle numbers, concentrations of all determined parameters showed significant correlations (P < 0.0001; r Spearman: 0.40-0.80), indicating a close association between these exposure markers. Colony numbers of mesophilic moulds and actinomycetes correlated also significantly with data of cultivation-independent methods. Exposure levels showed generally large variations. However, all parameters were measured highest in dusty working areas like next to the shredder and during processing with the exception of Cladosporium antigens that were found in the highest concentrations in the delivery area. The lowest concentrations of dust, particles, antigens, and pyrogenic activity were determined in wheel loader cabins (WLCs), which were equipped with an air filtration system.

CONCLUSION

It was possible to assess the microbial load of air in composting plants with different quantification methods. Since allergic and toxic reactions may be also caused by nonliving microorganisms, cultivation-independent methods may provide additional information about bioaerosol composition. In general, air filtration reduced the bioaerosol exposure shown in WLCs. Due to the fact that the mechanical processing of compost material, e.g. by shredding or sieving is associated with the generation of high bioaerosol concentrations, there is still a need of improved risk assessment and state-of-the-art protective measures in composting plants.

An airborne actinobacteria Nocardiopsis alba isolated from bioaerosol of a mushroom compost facility

Actinobacteria are widely distributed in many environments and represent the most important trigger to the occupant respiratory health. Health complaints, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis of the workers, were recorded in a mushroom compost facility (MCF). The studies on the airborne bacteria were carried out to find a possible microbiological source of these symptoms. Culture analysis of compost bioaerosols collected in different location of the MCF was performed. An assessment of the indoor microbial exposure revealed bacterial flora of bioaerosol in the mushroom compost facility represented by Bacillus, Geobacillus, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus spp., and actinobacterial strain with white aerial mycelium. The thermotolerant actinobacterial strain of the same morphology was repeatedly isolated from many locations in MCF: air, compost sample, and solid surface in production hall. On the base of complex morphological, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic characteristics, the isolate has been classified as Nocardiopsis alba. Dominant position of N. alba in microbial environment of the mushroom compost facility may represent an indicator microorganism in compost bioaerosol. The bioavailability of N. alba in mushroom compost facility creates potential risk for the health of workers, and the protection of respiratory tract and/or skin is strongly recommended.

Bioaerosols from composting facilities--a review

Bioaerosols generated at composting plants are released during processes that involve the vigorous movement of material such as shredding, compost pile turning, or compost screening. Such bioaerosols are a cause of concern because of their potential impact on both occupational health and the public living in close proximity to such facilities. The biological hazards potentially associated with bioaerosol emissions from composting activities include fungi, bacteria, endotoxin, and 1-3 β-glucans. There is a major lack of knowledge concerning the dispersal of airborne microorganisms emitted by composting plants as well as the potential exposure of nearby residents. This is due in part to the difficulty of tracing specifically these microorganisms in air. In recent years, molecular tools have been used to develop new tracers which should help in risk assessments. This review summarizes current knowledge of microbial diversity in composting aerosols and of the associated risks to health. It also considers methodologies introduced recently to enhance understanding of bioaerosol dispersal, including new molecular indicators and modeling.