Andrew Ball

A review of the current options for the treatment and safe disposal of drill cuttings

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Date: 09-11-2011

DOI: 10.1177/0734242X11419892

Abstract: Drilling for the exploration and extraction of oil requires the use of drilling fluids which are continuously pumped down and returned carrying the rock phase that is extracted from the well. The potential environmental impacts of contaminated fluids from drilling operations have attracted increasing community awareness and scrutiny. This review article highlights current advances in the treatment of drill cuttings and compares the technologies in terms of cost, time and space requirements. Traditionally, a range of non-biological methods have been employed for the disposal of drill cuttings including burial pits, landfills and re-injection, chemical stabilization and solidification and thermal treatments such as incineration and thermal desorption. More recently, bioremediation has been successfully applied as a treatment process for cuttings. This review provides a current comparison of bioremediation technologies and non-biological technologies for the treatment of contaminated drill cuttings providing information on a number of factors that need to be taken into account when choosing the best technology for drilling waste management including the environmental risks associated with disposal of drilling wastes.

Biological role in the transformation of platinum-group mineral grains

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 21-03-2016

DOI: 10.1038/NGEO2679

First Report of CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated DNA-Free Editing of 4CL and RVE7 Genes in Chickpea Protoplasts

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 2021

DOI: 10.3390/IJMS22010396

Abstract: The current genome editing system Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) has already confirmed its proficiency, adaptability, and simplicity in several plant-based applications. Together with the availability of a vast amount of genome data and transcriptome data, CRISPR/Cas9 presents a massive opportunity for plant breeders and researchers. The successful delivery of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), which are composed of Cas9 enzyme and a synthetically designed single guide RNA (sgRNA) and are used in combination with various transformation methods or lately available novel nanoparticle-based delivery approaches, allows targeted mutagenesis in plants species. Even though this editing technique is limitless, it has still not been employed in many plant species to date. Chickpea is the second most crucial winter grain crop cultivated worldwide there are currently no reports on CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in chickpea. Here, we selected the 4-coumarate ligase (4CL) and Reveille 7 (RVE7) genes, both associated with drought tolerance for CRISPR/Cas9 editing in chickpea protoplast. The 4CL represents a key enzyme involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism in the lignin biosynthesis pathway. It regulates the accumulation of lignin under stress conditions in several plants. The RVE7 is a MYB transcription factor which is part of regulating circadian rhythm in plants. The knockout of these selected genes in the chickpea protoplast using DNA-free CRISPR/Cas9 editing represents a novel approach for achieving targeted mutagenesis in chickpea. Results showed high-efficiency editing was achieved for RVE7 gene in vivo compared to the 4CL gene. This study will help unravel the role of these genes under drought stress and understand the complex drought stress mechanism pathways. This is the first study in chickpea protoplast utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 DNA free gene editing of drought tolerance associated genes.

Bacterial community survey of sediments at Naracoorte Caves, Australia

Publisher: University of South Florida Libraries

Date: 07-2012

DOI: 10.5038/1827-806X.41.2.2

Azo and anthraquinone dye mixture decolourization at elevated temperature and concentration by a newly isolated thermophilic fungus, Thermomucor indicae-seudaticae

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.JECE.2014.01.015

Phylogenetic diversity of fungal communities in areas accessible and not accessible to tourists in Naracoorte Caves

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 09-2011

DOI: 10.3852/10-256

Abstract: The fungal ersity in areas accessible and not accessible to tourists at UNESCO World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves was investigated with culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques for assistance in cave management protocol development. The caves were selected based on tourist numbers and configurations: Stick Tomato (open, high numbers), Alexandra (lockable openings, high numbers) and Strawhaven (control no access). Culture-based survey revealed Ascomycota dominance irrespective of s ling area with Microascales (Trichurus sp.) being most frequently isolated. Some Hypocreales-like sequences belonging to Fusarium sp., Trichoderma sp. and Neonectria sp. (Stick Tomato) were cultured only from areas not accessible to tourists. These orders also were detected by DGGE assay irrespective of s ling area. The predominance of Ascomycota (especially Microascales) suggested their important ecological roles in these caves. Culture-independent analysis showed higher Shannon fungal ersity values (from ITS-based DGGE profiles) in tourist-accessible areas of these caves than in inaccessible areas with the fungal community banding patterns being substantially different in Stick Tomato Cave. Further investigations are needed to determine the cause of the differences in the fungal communities of Stick Tomato Cave, although cave-related factors such as use, configuration and sediment heterogeneity might have contributed to these differences.

Concentrations of legacy and novel brominated flame retardants in indoor dust in Melbourne, Australia: An assessment of human exposure

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2018.01.026

Abstract: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFR) have been used in a range of polymers to inhibit the spread of fires but also have a propensity to migrate out of consumer materials and contaminate indoor dust. In this study, a total of 57 dust s les were collected from 12 homes, eight offices and eight vehicles in Melbourne, Australia and analysed for eight PBDEs (-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183 and -209) and seven NBFRs (PBT, PBEB, HBB, EH-TBB, BEH-TEBP, BTBPE and DBDPE) to determine human exposure risks from dust ingestion. S les were analysed using selective pressurized liquid extraction (S-PLE) and gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Legacy and replacement flame retardants were detected in all s les with overall ∑PBDE concentrations ranging from 120 to 1700,000 ng/g (median 2100 ng/g) and ∑NBFRs ranging from 1.1 to 10,000 ng/g (median 1800 ng/g). BDE-209 and DBDPE were the dominant compounds in dust s les, followed by congeners associated with commercial Penta-BDE formulations (-47, -99, -100, -153 and -154) and then EH-TBB of the FireMaster 550 and BZ-54 products. ∑Penta-BDE concentrations were elevated in office s les compared with homes and vehicles, while EH-TBB and BDE-209 measured higher concentrations in vehicles compared with their respective levels in homes and offices. Risk assessment estimates revealed the majority of exposure to occur in the home for both adults and toddlers in the City of Melbourne. Generally, body weight adjusted exposure to PBDEs and NBFRs was predicted to be 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher for toddlers than adults. Estimated rates of BDE-47, -99, -153 and -209 ingestion were each 2 orders of magnitude or more below the USEPA's prescribed oral reference dose values (RfDs) for typical exposure scenarios. However, exposure rates for BDE-47 and -99 reached as high as 52 and 95% of RfDs, respectively, for adults and 4.4 and 7.4%, respectively, for toddlers in high exposure scenarios. This study provides the first wide-ranging survey of NBFRs in indoor dust from homes, offices and vehicles in Australia and offers further evidence of human exposure to legacy and novel brominated flame retardants via dust ingestion.

Estimates of potential childhood lead exposure from contaminated soil using the USEPA IEUBK model in Melbourne, Australia

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 14-08-2018

DOI: 10.1007/S10653-018-0144-6

Abstract: Soils in inner city areas internationally and in Australia have been contaminated with lead (Pb) primarily from past emissions of Pb in petrol, deteriorating exterior Pb-based paints and from industry. Children can be exposed to Pb in soil dust through ingestion and inhalation leading to elevated blood lead levels (BLLs). Currently, the contribution of soil Pb to the spatial distribution of children's BLLs is unknown in the Melbourne metropolitan area. In this study, children's potential BLLs were estimated from surface soil (0-2 cm) s les collected at 250 locations across the Melbourne metropolitan area using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic (IEUBK) model. A dataset of 250 surface soil Pb concentrations indicate that soil Pb concentrations are highly variable but are generally elevated in the central and western portions of the Melbourne metropolitan area. The mean, median and geometric soil Pb concentrations were 193, 110 and 108 mg/kg, respectively. Approximately 20 and 4% of the soil s les exceeded the Australian HIL-A residential and HIL-C recreational soil Pb guidelines of 300 and 600 mg/kg, respectively. The IEUBK model predicted a geometric mean BLL of 2.5 ± 2.1 µg/dL (range: 1.3-22.5 µg/dL) in a hypothetical 24-month-old child with BLLs exceeding 5 and 10 µg/dL at 11.6 and 0.8% of the s ling locations, respectively. This study suggests children's exposure to Pb contaminated surface soil could potentially be associated with low-level BLLs in some locations in the Melbourne metropolitan area.

Green synthesis of: Opuntia-derived carbon nanodots for the catalytic decolourization of cationic dyes

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

Date: 2020

DOI: 10.1039/D0NJ03013A

Abstract: Carbon nanodots, rich in functional groups and synthesised using green precursors, catalyse the decolourization of dyes under mild conditions.

Application of Co-Culture Technology to Enhance Protease Production by Two Halophilic Bacteria, Marinirhabdus sp. and Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 24-05-2021

DOI: 10.3390/MOLECULES26113141

Abstract: Although axenic microbial cultures form the basis of many large successful industrial biotechnologies, the production of single commercial microbial strains for use in large environmental biotechnologies such as wastewater treatment has proved less successful. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of the co-culture of two halophilic bacteria, Marinirhabdus sp. and Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus for enhanced protease activity. The co-culture was significantly more productive than monoculture (1.6–2.0 times more growth), with Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus being predominant (64%). In terms of protease activity, enhanced total activity (1.8–2.4 times) was observed in the co-culture. Importantly, protease activity in the co-culture was found to remain active over a much broader range of environmental conditions (temperature 25 °C to 60 °C, pH 4–12, and 10–30% salinity, respectively). This study confirms that the co-culturing of halophilic bacteria represents an economical approach as it resulted in both increased biomass and protease production, the latter which showed activity over arange of environmental conditions.

Bio-harvesting and pyrolysis of the microalgae Botryococcus braunii

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2015.04.113

Abstract: The microalgae Botryococcus braunii is widely recognized as a potentially important biofuel-feedstock whose commercial exploitation is limited by difficulties with its cultivation and harvesting. In this study, two B. braunii strains, Kossou-4 and Overjuyo-3 were successfully cultured at a 500 l-scale for 60-days. Harvesting by bio-flocculation with Aspergillus fumigatus at an optimum ratio of 1:40 of fungus to microalgal culture resulted in up to 98% recovery of biomass in the two strains. Ultimate analysis (C, N, H, S, ash, high heating value) and pyrolysis (analytical and preparative pyrolysis and GC-MS assays) showed that co-harvesting with fungi did not cause any impairment of the feedstock value of the microalgal biomass. This work represents the first report on the successful culturing and harvesting of these strains at a 500 l-scale using bio-flocculation. The use of A. fumigatus represents an efficient and economical method for the harvest of B. braunii for biofuel production.

Critical review of soil contamination by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs); concentrations, sources and congener profiles

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2017.07.009

Abstract: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used in a broad array of polymeric materials such as plastics, foams, resins and adhesives to inhibit the spread of fires since the 1970s. The widespread environmental contamination and well documented toxic effects of PBDEs have led to bans and voluntary withdrawals in many jurisdictions. Replacement novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) have, however, exhibited many of the same toxic characteristics as PBDEs and appear to share similar environmental fate. This paper presents a critical review of the scientific literature regarding PBDE and NBFR contamination of surface soils internationally, with the secondary objective of identifying probable pollution sources. An evaluation of NBFR distribution in soil was also conducted to assess the suitability of the newer compounds as replacements for PBDEs, with respect to their land contamination potential. Principle production of PBDEs and NBFRs and their consequent use in secondary polymer manufacture appear to be processes with strong potential to contaminate surrounding soils. Evidence suggests that PBDEs and NBFRs are also released from flame retarded products during disposal via landfill, dumping, incineration and recycling. While the land application of sewage sludge represents another major pathway of soil contamination it is not considered in this review as it is extensively covered elsewhere. Both PBDEs and NBFRs were commonly detected at background locations including Antarctica and northern polar regions. PBDE congener profiles in soil were broadly representative of the major constituents in Penta-, Octa- and Deca-BDE commercial mixtures and related to predicted market place demand. BDE-209 dominated soil profiles, followed by BDE-99 and BDE-47. Although further research is required to gain baseline data on NBFRs in soil, the current state of scientific literature suggests that NBFRs pose a similar risk to land contamination as PBDEs.

Implications of co-contamination with aged heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbons on natural attenuation and ecotoxicity in Australian soils

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2018.08.040

Abstract: The bioremediation of historic industrial contaminated sites is a complex process. Co-contamination, often with lead which was commonly added to gasoline until 16 years ago is one of the biggest challenges affecting the clean-up of these sites. In this study, the effect of heavy metals, as co-contaminant, together with total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) is reported, in terms of remaining soil toxicity and the structure of the microbial communities. Contaminated soil s les from a relatively hot and dry climate in Western Australia were collected (n = 27). Analysis of soils showed the presence of both contaminants, TPHs and heavy metals. The Microtox test confirmed that their co-presence elevated the remaining ecotoxicity. Toxicity was correlated with the presence of lead, zinc and TPH (0.893, 0.599 and 0.488), respectively, assessed using Pearson Correlation coefficient factor. Next Generation Sequencing of soil bacterial 16S rRNA, revealed a lack of dominate genera however, despite the variation in soil type, a few genera including Azospirillum spp. and Conexibacter were present in most soil s les (85% and 82% of all soils, respectively). Likewise, many genera of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were identified in all soil s les. Streptomyces spp. was presented in 93% of the s les with abundance between 7% and 40%. In contrast, Acinetobacter spp. was found in only one s le but was a dominant member of (45%) of the microbial community. In addition, some bacterial genera were correlated to the presence of the heavy metals, such as Geodermatophilus spp., Rhodovibrio spp. and Rubrobacter spp. which were correlated with copper, lead and zinc, respectively. This study concludes that TPH and heavy metal co-contamination significantly elevated the associated toxicity. This is an important consideration when carrying out risk assessment associated with natural attenuation. This study also improves knowledge about the dynamics of microbial communities in mixed contamination scenarios.

A Review on the Catalytic Remediation of Dyes by Tailored Carbon Dots

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 03-05-2022

DOI: 10.3390/W14091456

Abstract: Water polluted with dyes has become a serious global concern during the twenty-first century, especially for developing countries. Such types of environmental contaminant pose a severe threat to bio ersity, ecosystems, and human health globally therefore, its treatment is an utmost requirement. Advanced technologies including the use of nanomaterials represent a promising water treatment technology with high efficiencies, low production costs, and green synthesis. Among the nanomaterials, carbon dots, as a new class of carbon-based nanoparticles, have attracted attention due to their unique features and advantages over other nanomaterials, which include high water solubility, easy fabrication and surface functionalisation, excellent electron-donating ability, and low toxicity. Such properties make carbon dots potential nanocatalysts for the Fenton-like degradation of environmental pollutants in water. Although recent studies show that carbon dots can successfully catalyse the degradation of dyes, there are still limited and controversial studies on the ecotoxicity and fate of these nanoparticles in the environment. In this review, the authors aim to summarise the recent research advances in water remediation by technologies using carbon dots, discuss important properties and factors for optimised catalytic remediation, and provide critical analysis of ecotoxicity issues and the environmental fate of these nanoparticles.

Assessment of arsenic in Australian grown and imported rice varieties on sale in Australia and potential links with irrigation practises and soil geochemistry

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2014.12.048

Abstract: Chronic dietary exposure to arsenic, particularly the inorganic forms (defined as elemental arsenic, predominantly As(3+) and As(5+), and all its inorganic compounds except arsine), is a matter of concern for human health. Ingestion of arsenic usually occurs via contaminated water but recent studies show there is also a risk of exposure from food, particularly Asian rice (Oryza sativa). Australia is a rice growing country, contributing around 2% of the world rice trade, and a large proportion of the population consumes rice regularly. In the present study we investigated concentrations of arsenic in both Australian grown and imported rice on sale in Australia and examined the potential links with irrigation practises and soil geochemistry. The results indicated a wide spread of arsenic levels of 0.09-0.33 mg kg(-1), with Australian grown Arborio and sushi varieties of O. sativa containing the highest mean value of ∼0.22 mg kg(-1). Arsenic levels in all s les were below the 1 mg kg(-1) limit set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand.

Bioremediation approaches for petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated environments

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Date: 2017

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-55426-6_3

Study of thermal behavior of deoiled karanja seed cake biomass: thermogravimetric analysis and pyrolysis kinetics

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 2016

DOI: 10.1002/ESE3.109

Citrate and malonate increase microbial activity and alter microbial community composition in uncontaminated and diesel-contaminated soil microcosms

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 21-09-2016

DOI: 10.5194/SOIL-2-487-2016

Abstract: Abstract. Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) are among the most prevalent sources of environmental contamination. It has been hypothesized that plant root exudation of low molecular weight organic acid anions (carboxylates) may aid degradation of PHCs by stimulating heterotrophic microbial activity. To test their potential implication for bioremediation, we applied two commonly exuded carboxylates (citrate and malonate) to uncontaminated and diesel-contaminated microcosms (10 000 mg kg−1 aged 40 days) and determined their impact on the microbial community and PHC degradation. Every 48 h for 18 days, soil received 5 µmol g−1 of (i) citrate, (ii) malonate, (iii) citrate + malonate or (iv) water. Microbial activity was measured daily as the flux of CO2. After 18 days, changes in the microbial community were assessed by a community-level physiological profile (CLPP) and 16S rRNA bacterial community profiles determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Saturated PHCs remaining in the soil were assessed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Cumulative soil respiration increased 4- to 6-fold with the addition of carboxylates, while diesel contamination resulted in a small, but similar, increase across all carboxylate treatments. The addition of carboxylates resulted in distinct changes to the microbial community in both contaminated and uncontaminated soils but only a small increase in the biodegradation of saturated PHCs as measured by the n-C17 : pristane biomarker. We conclude that while the addition of citrate and malonate had little direct effect on the biodegradation of saturated hydrocarbons present in diesel, their effect on the microbial community leads us to suggest further studies using a variety of soils and organic acids, and linked to in situ studies of plants, to investigate the role of carboxylates in microbial community dynamics.

Response of the fungal community to chronic petrogenic contamination in surface and subsurface soils

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.GEODERMA.2018.12.004

An effective microplate method (Biolog MT2) for screening native lignocellulosic-straw-degrading bacteria

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 07-03-2015

DOI: 10.1007/S13213-015-1044-Y

Degradation of the dinitrotoluene isomers 2,4- and 2,6-DNT: Appraising the role of microorganisms

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Date: 2017

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-55426-6_2

RemScan: A tool for monitoring the bioremediation of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in contaminated soil

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.MEX.2018.06.019

Bioethanol production from non-edible de-oiled Pongamia pinnata seed residue-optimization of acid hydrolysis followed by fermentation

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.INDCROP.2016.09.019

A modified assay for the enumeration of ascaris eggs in fresh raw sewage

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.MEX.2017.04.001

The effects of iron limitation and cell density on prokaryotic metabolism and gene expression: Excerpts from Fusobacterium necrophorum strain 774 (sheep isolate)

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.GENE.2015.03.017

Abstract: Fusobacterium necrophorum is a Gram-negative obligate anaerobe associated with several diseases in humans and animals. Despite its increasing clinical significance, there is little or no data on the relationship between its metabolism and virulence. Previous studies have shown that bacteria grown under iron-limitation express immunogenic antigens similar to those generated in vivo. Thus, this paper describes the relationship between F. necrophorum subsp. necrophorum (Fnn) metabolism and the expression of the encoded putative virulence factors under iron-restricted conditions. At the midlog phase, iron limitation reduced Fnn growth but the cell density was dependent on the size of the inoculum. Preferential utilization of glucose-1-phosphate, d-mannitol and l-phenylalanine production of 2-hydroxycaproic acid and termination of dimethyl sulphide production were major Fnn response-factors to iron limitation. Ultimately, iron restriction resulted in an increased ability of Fnn to metabolize erse carbon sources and in the expression of stress-specific virulence factors. Iron starvation in low Fnn cell density was associated with the up-regulation of haemagglutinin (HA) and leukotoxin (lktA) genes (2.49 and 3.72 fold change respectively). However, Fnn encoded Haemolysin (Hly), yebN homologue (febN) and tonB homologue, were down-regulated (0.15, 0.79 and 0.33, fold changes respectively). Interestingly, cell density appeared to play a regulatory role in the final bacteria cell biomass, induction of a metabolic gene expression and the expression pattern virulence factors in Fnn suggesting the role of a cell density-associated regulatory factor. This report suggest that future studies on differential expression of bacterial genes under altered environmental condition(s) should consider testing the effect of cell concentrations as this is often neglected in such studies. In conclusion, iron restriction induces preferential utilization of carbon sources and altered metabolism in Fnn with associated changes in the expression pattern of the virulence factors.

Metal accumulation in roadside soil in Melbourne, Australia: Effect of road age, traffic density and vehicular speed

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2015.09.032

Abstract: Concentrations of vehicular emitted heavy metals in roadside soils result in long term environmental damage. This study assessed the relationships between traffic characteristics (traffic density, road age and vehicular speed) and roadside soil heavy metals. Significant levels were recorded for Cd (0.06-0.59 mg/kg), Cr (18-29 mg/kg), Cu (4-12 mg/kg), Ni (7-20 mg/kg), Mn (92-599 mg/kg), Pb (16-144 mg/kg) and Zn (10.36-88.75 mg/kg), with Mn concentrations exceeding the Ecological Investigation Level. Significant correlations were found between roadside soil metal concentration and vehicular speed (R = 0.90), road age (R = 0.82) and traffic density (R = 0.68). Recently introduced metals in automotive technology (e.g. Mn and Sb) were higher in younger roads, while the metals present for many years (e.g. Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) were higher in medium and old age roads confirming the risk of significant metal deposition and soil metal retention in roadside soils.

Trace organic contaminants in biosolids: Impact of conventional wastewater and sludge processing technologies and emerging alternatives

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2015.06.037

Abstract: This paper critically reviews the fate of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) in biosolids, with emphasis on identifying operation conditions that impact the accumulation of TrOCs in sludge during conventional wastewater and sludge treatment and assessing the technologies available for TrOC removal from biosolids. The fate of TrOCs during sludge thickening, stabilisation (e.g. aerobic digestion, anaerobic digestion, alkaline stabilisation, and composting), conditioning, and dewatering is elucidated. Operation pH, sludge retention time (SRT), and temperature have significant impact on the sorption and biodegradation of TrOCs in activated sludge that ends up in the sludge treatment line. Anaerobic digestion may exacerbate the estrogenicity of sludge due to bioconversion to more potent metabolites. Application of advanced oxidation or thermal pre-treatment may minimise TrOCs in biosolids by increasing the bioavailability of TrOCs, converting TrOCs into more biodegradable products, or inducing complete mineralisation of TrOCs. Treatment of sludge by bioaugmentation using various bacteria, yeast, or fungus has the potential to reduce TrOC levels in biosolids.

Assessing impediments to hydrocarbon biodegradation in weathered contaminated soils

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2013.01.052

Abstract: In this study, impediments to hydrocarbon biodegradation in contaminated soils were assessed using chemical and molecular methodologies. Two long-term hydrocarbon contaminated soils were utilised which were similar in physico-chemical properties but differed in the extent of hydrocarbon (C10-C40) contamination (S1: 16.5 g kg(-1) S2: 68.9 g kg(-1)). Under enhanced natural attenuation (ENA) conditions, hydrocarbon biodegradation was observed in S1 microcosms (26.4% reduction in C10-C40 hydrocarbons), however, ENA was unable to stimulate degradation in S2. Although eubacterial communities (PCR-DGGE analysis) were similar for both soils, the alkB bacterial community was less erse in S2 presumably due to impacts associated with elevated hydrocarbons. When hydrocarbon bioaccessibility was assessed using HP-β-CD extraction, large residual concentrations remained in the soil following the extraction procedure. However, when linear regression models were used to predict the endpoints of hydrocarbon degradation, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between HP-β-CD predicted and microcosm measured biodegradation endpoints. This data suggested that the lack of hydrocarbon degradation in S2 resulted primarily from limited hydrocarbon bioavailability.

Cycliplex PCR confirmation of Fusobacterium necrophorum isolates from captive wallabies: A rapid and accurate approach

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.ANAEROBE.2012.12.003

Abstract: Isolation and identification of obligate anaerobic bacteria is labour intensive and time consuming. This has led to the increased application of molecular tools to circumvent part of this problem. We report here the development of a rapid, accurate and cost-effective method to isolate and identify Fusobacterium necrophorum species from South Australian wallaby populations using a supplemented medium (BHIRS) in conjunction with a "Cycliplex PCR" method which involves a stepwise-selective lification of target PCR products. This report demonstrates the complementation of phenotypic characterization by PCR for accurate and fast identification of F. necrophorum isolates from wildlife origin.

Analysis of the Microbiome (Bathing Biome) in Geothermal Waters from an Australian Balneotherapy Centre

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 15-06-2020

DOI: 10.3390/W12061705

Abstract: Balneotherapy is an ancient practice which remains commonplace throughout the world due to perceived health benefits that include relief of arthritis, fibromyalgia and relaxation. However, bathing environments are not sterile and natural spring waters may harbour natural microbial populations that include potential pathogens. We elucidated the microbial community from water taken from the borehole, pre-filter water (chlorinated, cold and post-bathing water) and post-filter water at a commercial Australian natural hot spring bathing facility. Thiobacillus, Sphingobium and Agrobacterium were the predominant genera in s les collected from the borehole. The predominant genera changed to Sphingobium, Parvibaculum and Achromobacter following chloride treatment and Azospira replaced the Achromobacter once the water reached ambient temperature and was stored ready to be used by bathers. The microbial community changed again following use by bathers, dominated by Pseudomonas, although Sphingobium persisted. No total or faecal coliforms were observed in any of the s les except for the post-bathing water even there, their presence was at very low concentration (2.3 cfu/mL). These results confirm the lack of pathogens present in these hot spring waters but also suggests that good management of post-bathing water is required especially if the water is used for borehole water recharge.

Effects of Dietary Fibre from the Traditional Indonesian Food, Green Cincau (Premna oblongifolia Merr) on Preneoplastic Lesions and Short Chain Fatty Acid Production in an Azoxymethane Rat Model of Colon Cancer

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 31-08-2018

DOI: 10.3390/IJMS19092593

Abstract: Green cincau (Premna oblongifolia Merr.) is a traditional food of Indonesia and provides a natural source of dietary fibre and antioxidants. This study evaluated the ability of green cincau, and other dietary fibres with or without the addition of anti-oxidant, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), to prevent colorectal cancer in a 12 week azoxymethane (AOM) rat model. While all dietary treatments stimulated short chain fatty acid production (SCFA) in the digesta and faeces, no one treatment was able to significantly protect against aberrant crypt formation (ACF), when compared to the control diet. However, feeding green cincau leaves or extracts did not result in an increase in ACF compared to the control diet. Unexpectedly, when the dietary fibre source was pectin, 0.1% EGCG increased proliferative activity and liver lipid peroxidation when compared to the control diet containing cellulose. Examination of faecal microbial communities identified the presence of short chain acid producing bacteria, but a distinct community profile was not observed from any in idual diet group. Overall, this research implies that combining dietary fibre with an antioxidant does not automatically equate to a beneficial response. Further work is required to investigate the health-promoting properties of green cincau.

Tolerance of Selected Plant Species to Petrogenic Hydrocarbons and Effect of Plant Rhizosphere on the Microbial Removal of Hydrocarbons in Contaminated Soil

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 09-03-2013

DOI: 10.1007/S11270-013-1495-3

Lead exposure at firing ranges - a review

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 04-04-2017

DOI: 10.1186/S12940-017-0246-0

Complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum strain B21, a bacteriocin-producing strain isolated from Vietnamese fermented sausage nem chua

Publisher: American Society for Microbiology

Date: 30-04-2016

DOI: 10.1128/GENOMEA.00055-15

Abstract: Lactobacillus plantarum strain B21 was isolated from Vietnamese sausage (nem chua) and demonstrated broad antimicrobial activity due to the production of bacteriocins. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this strain (3,284,260 bp).

Biofuels from food processing wastes

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.COPBIO.2016.01.010

Abstract: Food processing industry generates substantial high organic wastes along with high energy uses. The recovery of food processing wastes as renewable energy sources represents a sustainable option for the substitution of fossil energy, contributing to the transition of food sector towards a low-carbon economy. This article reviews the latest research progress on biofuel production using food processing wastes. While extensive work on laboratory and pilot-scale biosystems for energy production has been reported, this work presents a review of advances in metabolic pathways, key technical issues and bioengineering outcomes in biofuel production from food processing wastes. Research challenges and further prospects associated with the knowledge advances and technology development of biofuel production are discussed.

Large scale bioaugmentation of soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons using a mixed microbial consortium

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.ECOLENG.2017.01.048

Impact of salinity on organic matter and nitrogen removal from a municipal wastewater RO concentrate using biologically activated carbon coupled with UV/H2O2

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2016.02.046

Abstract: The concentrate streams generated from reverse osmosis (RO)-based municipal wastewater reclamation processes contain organic substances and nutrients at elevated concentrations, posing environmental and health risks on their disposal to confined receiving environments such as bays. The impact of salinity (TDS at 7, 10 and 16 g/L) of a RO concentrate (ROC) on the treatment efficiency of a biological activated carbon (BAC) system after pre-oxidation with UV/H2O2 was characterised in terms of removal of organic matter and nitrogen species, and the bacterial communities. Organic matter removal was comparable for the ROC over the tested salinity range, with 45-49% of DOC and 70-74% of UVA254 removed by the combined treatment. However, removal in total nitrogen (TN) was considerably higher for the ROC at the high salinity (TDS ∼ 16 mg/L) compared with the low (∼7 g/L) and medium salinity (∼10 g/L). Effective nitrification with high ammonium removal (>90%) was achieved at all salinity levels, whereas greater denitrification (39%) was obtained at high salinity than low (23%) and medium salinity (27%) which might suggest that the bacterial communities contributing to the greater denitrification were more halotolerant. Microbiological characterisation using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and culture based techniques showed that ersified bacterial communities were present in the BAC system as evident from different 16S rDNA. The major bacterial groups residing on the BAC media belonged to Bacillus (Firmicutes), Pseudomonas (γ-Proteobacteria), and Rhodococcus (Actinobacteria) for all salinity levels, confirming that these microbial communities could be responsible for carbon and nitrogen removal at the different salinity levels. This has implications in understanding the effectiveness and robustness of the BAC system over the salinity range of the ROC and so would be useful for optimising the treatment efficiency of the BAC system.

Does anaerobic bacterial antibiosis decrease fungal diversity in oral necrobacillosis disease?

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.RVSC.2013.09.008

Abstract: Oral necrobacillosis (ON) is a model polymicrobial disease that affects macropods in captivity and livestock. Several studies in humans and animals have focused mainly on the bacterial etiology of this disease with little or no information on the role/association of fungi with ON. Using a Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) assay and statistical analysis of the fungal community structure in healthy and disease groups, a reduction in the species ersity and drastic reduction (>1000 fold) in the fungal population in wallabies with ON was observed. Furthermore, an in vitro assay revealed a potential anaerobic-bacteria antibiosis mechanism in the observed decrease in fungal population in ON and a synergistic bacterial-fungal interaction in wallabies with healthy oral status. This study contributes to our knowledge of the fungal community structure associated with ON and forms the basis for an investigation at an epidemiological scale in order to exploit the clinical potentials of these findings.

Improvement of Log Reduction Values Design Equations for Helminth Egg Management in Recycled Water

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 09-11-2021

DOI: 10.3390/W13223149

Abstract: Understanding and managing the risk posed by helminth eggs (HE) is a key concern for wastewater engineers and public health regulators. The treatment processes that produce recycled water from sewage at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) rely on achieving a defined log10 reduction value (LRV) in HE concentration during the production of recycled water from sewage to achieve the guideline concentration of ≤1.0 HE/L. The total concentration of HE in sewage reaches thousands of HE/L in developing countries and therefore, an LRV of 4.0 is generally accepted to achieve a safe concentration in recycled water, as this will meet the guideline value. However, in many developed countries with good sanitation and public health standards, the HE concentration in sewage is generally HE/L. Therefore, validation of the sewage treatment process relied on to achieve an LRV of 4.0 can be difficult. Because of these limitations, design equations to predict LRVs from hydraulic retention times (HRT), which are geographically non-specific, are commonly relied on to ensure the production of safe quality recycled water with respect to HE. However, these design equations could be further refined by defining the design and management of the treatment process in greater detail and thus be used more effectively for determining the LRV required. This paper discusses the limitations and possible improvements that could be applied to LRV design equations for predicting HE removal at WWTPs and identifies the data requirements to support these improvements. Several options for LRV design equations are proposed that could be validated experimentally or via the ongoing operation of WWTPs. These improvements have the potential to assist the rationalization of the HE removal requirements for specific treatment options, exposure scenarios and use of recycled water in agriculture.

Biosolids-Derived Biochar Improves Biomethane Production in the Anaerobic Digestion of Chicken Manure

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 16-10-2023

DOI: 10.3390/RESOURCES12100123

Microorganisms involved in anaerobic benzene degradation

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 26-06-2015

DOI: 10.1007/S13213-014-0926-8

Pongamia pinnata seed residue – A low cost inedible resource for on-site/in-house lignocellulases and sustainable ethanol production

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.RENENE.2016.10.082

A quantitative PCR approach for quantification of functional genes involved in the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in contaminated soils.

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.MEX.2016.02.005

Impact of bacterial and fungal processes on 14C-hexadecane mineralisation in weathered hydrocarbon contaminated soil

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2012

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2011.11.044

Abstract: In this study, the impact of bacterial and fungal processes on (14)C-hexadecane mineralisation was investigated in weathered hydrocarbon contaminated soil. The extent of (14)C-hexadecane mineralisation varied depending on the bioremediation strategy employed. Under enhanced natural attenuation conditions, (14)C-hexadecane mineralisation after 98 days was 8.5 ± 3.7% compared to <1.2% without nitrogen and phosphorus additions. (14)C-hexadecane mineralisation was further enhanced through Tween 80 amendments (28.9 ± 2.4%) which also promoted the growth of a Phanerochaete chyrsosporium fungal mat. Although fungal growth in weathered hydrocarbon contaminated soil could be promoted through supplementing additional carbon sources (Tween 80, sawdust, compost, pea straw), fungal (14)C-hexadecane mineralisation was negligible when sodium azide was added to soil microcosms to inhibit bacterial activity. In contrast, when fungal activity was inhibited through nystatin additions, (14)C-hexadecane mineralisation ranged from 6.5 ± 0.2 to 35.8 ± 3.8% after 98 days depending on the supplied amendment. Bacteria inhibition with sodium azide resulted in a reduction in bacterial ersity (33-37%) compared to microcosms supplemented with nystatin or microcosms without inhibitory supplements. However, alkB bacterial groups were undetected in sodium azide supplemented microcosms, highlighting the important role of this bacterial group in (14)C-hexadecane mineralisation.

Dual application of duckweed and azolla plants for wastewater treatment and renewable fuels and petrochemicals production

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 28-02-2014

DOI: 10.1186/1754-6834-7-30

Characterisation of the soil microbial community of cultivated and uncultivated vertisol in Australia under several management regimes

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.AGEE.2014.10.002

Nanoparticles for environmental clean-up: A review of potential risks and emerging solutions

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.ETI.2015.11.001

Population‐based surveillance of children with cerebral palsy enables early diagnosis and intervention

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 14-03-2021

DOI: 10.1111/DMCN.14861

Rhizoremediation of phenanthrene and pyrene contaminated soil using wheat

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2015.03.027

Abstract: Rhizoremediation, the use of the plant rhizosphere and associated microorganisms represents a promising method for the clean up of soils contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including phenanthrene and pyrene, two model PAHs. Although numerous studies have been published reporting the degradation of phenanthrene and pyrene, very few evaluate the microbial basis of the rhizoremediation process through the application of molecular tools. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of wheat on the degradation of two model PAHs (alone or in combination) and also on soil bacterial, fungal and nidA gene (i.e. a key gene in the degradation of pyrene) communities. The addition of wheat plants led to a significant enhancement in the degradation of both phenanthrene and pyrene. In pyrene-contaminated soils, the degradation rate increased from 15% (65 mg/kg) and 18% (90 mg/kg) in unplanted soils to 65% (280 mg/kg) and 70% (350 mg/kg) in planted treatments while phenanthrene reduction was enhanced from 97% (394 mg/kg) and 87% (392 mg/kg) for unplanted soils to 100% (406 mg/kg) and 98% (441 mg/kg) in the presence of wheat. PCR-DGGE results showed that the plant root let to some changes in the bacterial and fungal communities these variations did not reflect any change in hydrocarbon-degrading communities. However, plate counting, traditional MPN and MPN-qPCR of nidA gene revealed that the wheat rhizosphere led to an increase in the total microbial abundance including PAH degrading organisms and these increased activities resulted in enhanced degradation of phenanthrene and pyrene. This clearer insight into the mechanisms underpinning PAH degradation will enable better application of this environmentally friendly technique.

Spatial Distribution of Novel and Legacy Brominated Flame Retardants in Soils Surrounding Two Australian Electronic Waste Recycling Facilities

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 13-07-2018

DOI: 10.1021/ACS.EST.8B02469

Abstract: Informal recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) has been shown to cause significant brominated flame retardant (BFR) contamination of surrounding soils in a number of Asian and West African countries. However, to the authors' knowledge, there have been no published studies demonstrating polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and novel brominated flame retardant (NBFR) soil contamination from regulated "formal" e-waste processing facilities in developed countries. This study reports on PBDEs (-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183, and -209) and NBFRs (PBT, PBEB, HBB, EH-TBB, BTBPE and DBDPE) in 36 soil s les surrounding two Australian e-waste recycling plants and a further eight reference soils. Overall ∑PBDE concentrations ranged 0.10-98 000 ng/g dw (median 92 ng/g dw) and ∑NBFRs ranged ND-37 000 ng/g dw (median 2.0 ng/g dw). Concentrations in soils were found to be significantly negatively associated with distance from one of the e-waste facilities for ∑penta-BDEs, BDE-183, BDE-209, and ∑NBFR compound groups. ANOVA tests further illustrated the potential for e-waste recycling to significantly elevate concentrations of some BFRs in soils over distances up to 900 m compared to references sites. This study provides the first evidence of soil contamination with PBDEs and NBFRs originating from formal e-waste recycling facilities in Australia, which may have implications for e-waste recycling practices throughout the world.

Co-Cultivation of Fungal and Microalgal Cells as an Efficient System for Harvesting Microalgal Cells, Lipid Production and Wastewater Treatment

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Date: 24-11-2014

DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0113497

A molecular ecological approach to the detection and designation of the etiological agents of a model polymicrobial disease

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Date: 18-06-2013

DOI: 10.1177/1040638713493628

Abstract: The application of the original Koch postulates and the molecular Koch postulates in the definition of the etiological agents of polymicrobial diseases has received little or no attention. In the present study, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of oral s les ( n = 3) from each of 3 categories of animals (healthy, diseased [gingivitis], and then oxytetracycline-treated) was used and revealed different bacterial community structures in a model polymicrobial disease (gingivitis) and after clinical cure. Potential microbes associated with the disease and belonging to the following families were identified: Fusobacteriaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, Flavobacteriaceae, Alcanivoracaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, and Neisseriaceae. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrophotometric analysis of culturable anaerobic bacteria culture supernatant revealed 3 major compounds (2-hydroxycaproic acid, phenyllactic acid, and indole acetic acid) that differentiated the healthy and disease groups. Results indicate that different microbial community structures were associated with the healthy and disease oral states. The results demonstrate the potential of DGGE as a tool in the detection and designation of etiological agents of polymicrobial diseases.

The application of a carrier-based bioremediation strategy for marine oil spills

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.MARPOLBUL.2014.03.044

Abstract: The application of recycled marine materials to develop sustainable remediation technologies in marine environment was assessed. The remediation strategy consisted of a shell carrier mounted bacterial consortium composed of hydrocarbonoclastic strains enriched with nutrients (Bioaug SC). Pilot scale studies (5000 l) were used to examine the ability of Bioaug-SC to degrade weathered crude oil (10 g l(-1) initially 315,000±44,000 mg l(-1)) and assess the impacts of the introduction and biodegradation of oil. Total petroleum hydrocarbon mass was effectively reduced by 53.3 (±5.75)% to 147,000 (±21,000) mg l(-1) within 27 weeks. 16S rDNA bacterial community profiling using Denaturant Gradient Gel Electrophoresis revealed that cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria dominated the microbial community. Aquatic toxicity assessment was conducted by ecotoxicity assays using brine shrimp hatchability, Microtox and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. This study revealed the importance of combining ecotoxicity assays with oil chemistry analysis to ensure safe remediation methods are developed.

Utilising bacterial communities associated with digested piggery effluent as a primary food source for the batch culture of Moina australiensis

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2010

DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2009.12.030

Abstract: In this study, a cladoceran planktonic invertebrate, Moina australiensis was uniquely cultured in two stage digested piggery wastewater and fed associated piggery wastewater bacteria. The viability of M. australiensis cultured in digested piggery wastewater under closed dark conditions to limit phytoplankton activity was tested by determining suitable effluent total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentrations. The highest total M. australiensis biomass production 0.94+/-0.47g and the rate of population increase (r) 0.15+/-0.08 was recorded in the 30mgl(-1) TAN concentration treatment. The lowest 'r' values and decreased biomass production was observed with increasing TAN concentration levels. This study, also focused on profiling and quantification of the associated bacterial populations in the wastewater culture media and within the digestive tract of M. australiensis by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) which revealed the feeding specificity of M. australiensis towards "gamma-Proteobacteria."

Carrier mounted bacterial consortium facilitates oil remediation in the marine environment

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2013.01.152

Abstract: Marine oil pollution can result in the persistent presence of weathered oil. Currently, removal of weathered oil is reliant on chemical dispersants and physical removal, causing further disruption. In contrast few studies have examined the potential of an environmentally sustainable method using a hydrocarbon degrading microbial community attached to a carrier. Here, we used a tank mesocosm system (50 l) to follow the degradation of weathered oil (10 g l(-1)) using a bacterial consortium mobilised onto different carrier materials (alginate or shell grit). GCMS analysis demonstrated that the extent of hydrocarbon degradation was dependent upon the carrier material. Augmentation of shell grit with nutrients and exogenous hydrocarbon degraders resulted in 75±14% removal of >C32 hydrocarbons after 12 weeks compared to 20±14% for the alginate carrier. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of a biostimulated and bioaugmented carrier material to degrade marine weathered oil.

Development of A Rapid, Low-Cost Portable Detection Assay for Enterococci in Wastewater and Environmental Waters

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 02-02-2023

DOI: 10.3390/MICROORGANISMS11020381

Abstract: Waterborne diseases are known as a leading cause of illness and death in both developing and developed countries. Several pathogens can be present in contaminated water, particularly waters containing faecal material however, routine monitoring of all pathogens is not currently possible. Enterococcus faecalis, which is present in the microflora of human and animals has been used as a faecal indicator in water due to its abundance in surface water and soil. Accurate and fast detection methods are critical for the effective monitoring of E. faecalis in the environment. Although conventional and current molecular detection techniques provide sufficient sensitivity, specificity and throughput, their use is h ered by the long waiting period (1–6 days) to obtain results, the need for expensive laboratory equipment, skilled personnel, and cold-chain storage. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a detection system for E. faecalis that would be simple, rapid, and low-cost, using an isothermal DNA lification assay called recombinase polymerase lification (RPA), integrated with a lateral flow assay (LFA). The assay was found to be 100% selective for E. faecalis and capable of detecting rates as low as 2.8 × 103 cells per 100 mL from water and wastewater, and 2.8 × 104 cells per 100 mL from saline water. The assay was completed in approximately 30 min using one constant temperature (38 °C). In addition, this study demonstrated the quantitation of E. faecalis using a lateral flow strip reader for the first time, enhancing the potential use of RPA assay for the enumeration of E. faecalis in wastewater and heavily contaminated environmental waters, surface water, and wastewater. However, the sensitivity of the RPA-LFA assay for the detection of E. faecalis in tap water, saline water and in wastewater was 10–1000 times lower than that of the Enterolert-E test, depending on the water quality. Nevertheless, with further improvements, this low-cost RPA-LFA may be suitable to be used at the point-of-need (PON) if conjugated with a rapid field-deployable DNA extraction method.

Fungal-assisted algal flocculation: application in wastewater treatment and biofuel production

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 15-02-2015

DOI: 10.1186/S13068-015-0210-6

Co-Digestion of Grape Marc and Cheese Whey at High Total Solids Holds Potential for Sustained Bioenergy Generation

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 06-12-2020

DOI: 10.3390/MOLECULES25235754

Abstract: At the end of fermentation, wine contains approximately 20% (w/v) of solid material, known as grape marc (GM), produced at a yield of 2 t/ha. Cheese manufacture produces cheese whey (CW), which is over 80% of the processed milk, per unit volume. Both waste types represent an important fraction of the organic waste being disposed of by the wine and dairy industries. The objective of this study was to investigate the bioenergy potential through anaerobic codigestion of these waste streams. The best bioenergy profile was obtained from the digestion setups of mixing ratio 3/1 GM/CW (wet weight/wet weight). At this ratio, the inhibitory salinity of CW was sufficiently diluted, resulting in 23.73% conversion of the organic material to methane. On average, 64 days of steady bioenergy productivity was achieved, reaching a maximum of 85 ± 0.4% CH4 purity with a maximum cumulative methane yield of 24.4 ± 0.11 L CH4 kg−1 VS. During the fermentation there was 18.63% CODt removal, 21.18% reduction of conductivity whilst salinity rose by 36.19%. It can be concluded that wine and dairy industries could utilise these waste streams for enhanced treatment and energy recovery, thereby developing a circular economy.

Bioremediation of biosolids with Phanerochaete chrysosporium culture filtrates enhances the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.APSOIL.2017.11.002

Towards the commercialization of Botryococcus braunii for triterpenoid production

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 10-2015

DOI: 10.1007/S10295-015-1658-X

Abstract: Botryococcus braunii can accumulate unusually high levels of triterpenoid hydrocarbons making it a potential source of high value chemicals. However, its commercial application is h ered by its slow growth and lack of large-scale studies of triterpenoid hydrocarbon production. This study investigated hydrocarbon production in two race B of B. braunii strains, Overjuyo-3 and Kossou-4, at 25 °C in 500 L open tanks under artificial lighting in modified BG11 medium over 60 days. Maximum growth was reached by 40 days with Overjuyo-3 producing more biomass (3.05 g L−1) than Kossou-4 (2.55 g L−1). However, Kossou-4 produced more oil (0.75 g L−1) and triterpenoid hydrocarbons (C30–C34 50 % of oil weight) compared to 0.63 g L−1 of oil in Overjuyo-3 with triterpenoid hydrocarbons making up 29 % of oil weight. This research demonstrates for the first time that large-scale production of high value triterpenoid hydrocarbon for commercial application is feasible with Kossou-4 strain.

The assessment of the impact of oil palm and rubber plantations on the biotic and abiotic properties of tropical peat swamp soil in Indonesia

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 11-12-2014

DOI: 10.1080/14735903.2014.986321

Effect of alternative lipids and temperature on growth factor gene expression in yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi)

Publisher: Hindawi Limited

Date: 15-11-2012

DOI: 10.1111/ARE.12067

Assessment of five bioaccessibility assays for predicting the efficacy of petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation in aged contaminated soils

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2010

DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2010.09.059

Abstract: In this study, the bioaccessibility of petroleum hydrocarbons in aged contaminated soils (1.6-67gkg(-1)) was assessed using four non-exhaustive extraction techniques (100% 1-butanol, 100% 1-propanol, 50% 1-propanol in water and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) and the persulfate oxidation method. Using linear regression analysis, residual hydrocarbon concentrations following bioaccessibility assessment were compared to residual hydrocarbon concentrations following biodegradation in laboratory-scale microcosms in order to determine whether bioaccessibility assays can predict the endpoint of hydrocarbon biodegradation. The relationship between residual hydrocarbon concentrations following microcosm biodegradation and bioaccessibility assessment was linear (r(2)=0.71-0.97) indicating that bioaccessibility assays have the potential to predict the extent of hydrocarbon biodegradation. However, the slope of best fit varied depending on the hydrocarbon fractional range assessed. For the C(10)-C(14) hydrocarbon fraction, the slope of best fit ranged from 0.12 to 0.27 indicating that the non-exhaustive or persulfate oxidation methods removed 3.5-8 times more hydrocarbons than biodegradation. Conversely, for the higher molecular weight hydrocarbon fractions (C(29)-C(36) and C(37)-C(40)), biodegradation removed up to 3.3 times more hydrocarbons compared to bioaccessibility assays with the resulting slope of best fit ranging from 1.0-1.9 to 2.0-3.3 respectively. For mid-range hydrocarbons (C(15)-C(28)), a slope of approximately one was obtained indicating that C(15)-C(28) hydrocarbon removal by these bioaccessibility assays may approximate the extent of biodegradation. While this study demonstrates the potential of predicting biodegradation endpoints using bioaccessibility assays, limitations of the study include a small data set and that all soils were collected from a single site, presumably resulting from a single contamination source. Further evaluation and validation is required using soils from a range of hydrocarbon contamination sources in order to develop robust assays for predicting bioremediation endpoints in the field.

A review of germination and early growth as a proxy for plant fitness under petrogenic contamination — knowledge gaps and recommendations

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2017.02.179

Abstract: Germination-an important stage in the life cycle of plants-is susceptible to the presence of soil contaminants. Since the early 1990s, the use of germination tests to screen multiple plant species to select candidates for phytoremediation has received much attention. This is due to its inexpensive methodology and fast assessment relative to greenhouse or field growth studies. Surprisingly, no comprehensive synthesis is available of these studies in the scientific literature. As more plant species are added to phytoremediation databases, it is important to encapsulate the knowledge thus far and revise protocols. In this review, we have summarised previously-documented effects of petroleum hydrocarbons on germination and seedling growth. The methods and materials of previous studies are presented in tabulated form. Common practice includes the use of cellulose acetate filter paper, plastic Petri dishes, and low numbers of seeds and replicates. A general bias was observed for the screening of cultivated crops as opposed to native species, even though the latter may be better suited to site conditions. The relevance of germination studies as important ecotoxicological tools is highlighted with the proposed use of root imaging software. Screening of novel plant species, particularly natives, is recommended with selection focussed on (i) species phylogeny, (ii) plant morphological and functional traits, and (iii) tolerance towards harsh environmental stresses. Recommendations for standardised protocols for germination and early growth monitoring are made in order to improve the robustness of statistical modelling and species selection in future phytoremediation evaluations and field programs.

The toxicity of coated silver nanoparticles to Daphnia carinata and trophic transfer from alga Raphidocelis subcapitata

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Date: 03-04-2019

DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0214398

Microalgae digestate effluent as a growth medium for Tetraselmis sp. in the production of biofuels

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2014.05.126

Abstract: This study investigated an alternative nutrient source arising from anaerobically digested Tetraselmis sp. effluent (MDE) as a nutrient feed stock to form a closed loop nutrient system. To determine MDE suitability the following factors were observed: growth, lipid content, and the bacterial ersity. MDE was diluted according to the concentration of NH4(+) content (20, 40, 60, 80 mg/L) and compared against F/2 medium a standard medium for Tetraselmis sp. The growth rate on the MDE medium was not as rapid as the F/2 medium and the less diluted MDE correlated (R(2)) with lower total lipid contents (R(2), 0.927), additionally acyl carrier proteins (ACP) gene expression rates displayed lower gene expression within MDE treatments. Lastly, higher concentrations of MDE were correlated with a higher bacterial ersity throughout the investigation. The suitability of MDE as a nutrient supplement for the production of Tetraselmis sp. biomass and lipid is feasible.

A modified approach to recover and enumerate Ascaris ova in wastewater and sludge

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Date: 21-02-2019

DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PNTD.0007020

The Variation in Groundwater Microbial Communities in an Unconfined Aquifer Contaminated by Multiple Nitrogen Contamination Sources

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 17-02-2022

DOI: 10.3390/W14040613

Abstract: Aquifers provide integral freshwater resources and host ecosystems of largely uncharacterized, truncated endemic microorganisms. In recent history, many aquifers have become increasingly contaminated from various anthropogenic sources. To better understand the impacts of nitrogen contamination on native groundwater ecosystems, 16S rRNA sequencing of the groundwater microbial communities was carried out. S les were taken from an aquifer known to be contaminated with nitrogen from multiple sources, including fertilizers and wastewater treatment plant effluents. In total, two primary contaminants were identified: NH4+ ( .1–3.7–26 mg L−1 NH4+ min-median-max), and NO3− ( .01–18–150 mg L−1 NO3− min-median-max). These contaminants were found to be associated with a decrease/increase in microbial species richness within affected groundwater for NH4+/NO3−, respectively. Important phyla were identified, including Proteobacteria, which had the highest abundance within s les unaffected by NH4+ (36–81% NH4+ unaffected, 4–33% NH4+ affected), and Planctomycetes (0.05–10% NH4+ unaffected, 43–72% NH4+ affected), which had the highest abundance within the NH4+ affected s les, likely due to its ability to perform anaerobic ammonia oxidation (ANAMMOX). Planctomycetes were identified as a potential indicator for the presence of NH4+ contamination. The analysis and characterization of sequencing data alongside physicochemical data showed potential to increase the depth of our understanding of contaminant behavior and fate within a contaminated aquifer using this type of data and analysis.

A Review on the Bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons: Current State of the Art

Publisher: Springer Singapore

Date: 2018

DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-1840-5_27

Large scale treatment of total petroleum-hydrocarbon contaminated groundwater using bioaugmentation

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2018.02.079

Abstract: Bioaugmentation or the addition of microbes to contaminated sites has been widely used to treat contaminated soil or water however this approach is often limited to laboratory based studies. In the present study, large scale bioaugmentation has been applied to total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH)-contaminated groundwater at a petroleum facility. Initial TPH concentrations of 1564 mg L

A molecular survey of a captive wallaby population for periodontopathogens and the co-incidence of Fusobacterium necrophorum subspecies necrophorum with periodontal diseases

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.VETMIC.2013.01.012

Abstract: Periodontal diseases (PD) are diseases of polymicrobial aetiology and constitute major health problems in captive macropods. Increasing knowledge of the causal pathogens is therefore crucial for effective management and prevention of these diseases. PCR survey and sequence analyses of potential periodontopathogens in captive wallaby populations revealed a co-incidence of the diseases with the detection of Fusobacterium necrophorum subsp. necrophorum (Fnn) and its encoded leukotoxin (lktA) gene. Sequence analyses showed that the outer membrane protein of Fnn in the GenBank database shared significant homology (99%) with the Fnn encoded haemagglutinin-related-protein gene fragment identified in this study. In addition, this report suggests the existence of a variant of Fnn with no detectable lktA gene and thus warrants further studies. In contrast to reports associating Porphyromonas gingivalis and F. nucleatum with PD, this study revealed that PD in macropods are associated with Porphyromonas gulae and Fnn and raises the question: is there a possible host pathogen co-evolution in the pathogenesis of PD in animals and humans? These findings contribute to the understanding of the aetiology of periodontal disease in macropods as well as opening up a new direction of research into the microbial interactions involved in the pathogenesis of PD in macropods.

The Impacts of Different Biological Treatments on the Transformation of Explosives Waste Contaminated Sludge

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 09-08-2021

DOI: 10.3390/MOLECULES26164814

Abstract: The dinitrotoluene isomers 2,4 and 2,6-dinitrotoluene (DNT) represent highly toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic compounds used in explosive manufacturing and in commercial production of polyurethane foam. Bioremediation, the use of microbes to degrade residual DNT in industry wastewaters, represents a promising, low cost and environmentally friendly alternative technology to landfilling. In the present study, the effect of different bioremediation strategies on the degradation of DNT in a microcosm-based study was evaluated. Biostimulation of the indigenous microbial community with sulphur phosphate (2.3 g/kg sludge) enhanced DNT transformation (82% transformation, from 300 g/L at Day 0 to 55 g/L in week 6) compared to natural attenuation over the same period at 25 °C. The indigenous microbial activity was found to be capable of transforming the contaminant, with around 70% transformation of DNT occurring over the microcosm study. 16S rDNA sequence analysis revealed that while the original bacterial community was dominated by Gammaproteobacteria (30%), the addition of sulphur phosphate significantly increased the abundance of Betaproteobacteria by the end of the biostimulation treatment, with the bacterial community dominated by Burkholderia (46%) followed by Rhodanobacter, Acidovorax and Pseudomonas. In summary, the results suggest biostimulation as a treatment choice for the remediation of dinitrotoluenes and explosives waste.

Microbial Degradation of Phenanthrene in Pristine and Contaminated Sandy Soils

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 27-10-2017

DOI: 10.1007/S00248-017-1094-8

Abstract: Phenanthrene mineralisation studies in both pristine and contaminated sandy soils were undertaken through detailed assessment of the activity and ersity of the microbial community. Stable isotope probing (SIP) was used to assess and identify active

Potential impact of soil microbial heterogeneity on the persistence of hydrocarbons in contaminated subsurface soils

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2014.01.031

Abstract: In situ bioremediation is potentially a cost effective treatment strategy for subsurface soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, however, limited information is available regarding the impact of soil spatial heterogeneity on bioremediation efficacy. In this study, we assessed issues associated with hydrocarbon biodegradation and soil spatial heterogeneity (s les designated as FTF 1, 5 and 8) from a site in which in situ bioremediation was proposed for hydrocarbon removal. Test pit activities showed similarities in FTF soil profiles with elevated hydrocarbon concentrations detected in all soils at 2 m below ground surface. However, PCR-DGGE-based cluster analysis showed that the bacterial community in FTF 5 (at 2 m) was substantially different (53% dissimilar) and 2-3 fold more erse than communities in FTF 1 and 8 (with 80% similarity). When hydrocarbon degrading potential was assessed, differences were observed in the extent of (14)C-benzene mineralisation under aerobic conditions with FTF 5 exhibiting the highest hydrocarbon removal potential compared to FTF 1 and 8. Further analysis indicated that the FTF 5 microbial community was substantially different from other FTF s les and dominated by putative hydrocarbon degraders belonging to Pseudomonads, Xanthomonads and Enterobacteria. However, hydrocarbon removal in FTF 5 under anaerobic conditions with nitrate and sulphate electron acceptors was limited suggesting that aerobic conditions were crucial for hydrocarbon removal. This study highlights the importance of assessing available microbial capacity prior to bioremediation and shows that the site's spatial heterogeneity can adversely affect the success of in situ bioremediation unless area-specific optimizations are performed.

Enhanced Biological Straw Saccharification Through Coculturing of Lignocellulose-Degrading Microorganisms

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 28-02-2015

DOI: 10.1007/S12010-015-1539-9

Abstract: Lignocellulosic waste (LCW) is an abundant, low-cost, and inedible substrate for the induction of lignocellulolytic enzymes for cellulosic bioethanol production using an efficient, environmentally friendly, and economical biological approach. In this study, 30 different lignocellulose-degrading bacterial and 18 fungal isolates were quantitatively screened in idually for the saccharification of four different ball-milled straw substrates: wheat, rice, sugarcane, and pea straw. Rice and sugarcane straws which had similar Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy profiles were more degradable, and resulted in more hydrolytic enzyme production than wheat and pea straws. Crude enzyme produced on native straws performed better than those on artificial substrates (such as cellulose and xylan). Four fungal and five bacterial isolates were selected (based on their high strawase activities) for constructing dual and triple microbial combinations to investigate microbial synergistic effects on saccharification. Combinations such as FUNG16-FUNG17 (Neosartorya fischeri-Myceliophthora thermophila) and RMIT10-RMIT11 (Aeromonas hydrophila-Pseudomonas poae) enhanced saccharification (3- and 6.6-folds, respectively) compared with their monocultures indicating the beneficial effects of synergism between those isolates. Dual isolate combinations were more efficient at straw saccharification than triple combinations in both bacterial and fungal assays. Overall, co-culturing can result in significant increases in saccharification which may offer significant commercial potential for the use of microbial consortia.

Selective pressurized liquid extraction of replacement and legacy brominated flame retardants from soil

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.CHROMA.2016.06.021

Abstract: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of flame retardant registered as UN POPs due to their persistence in the environment, bioaccumulation potential and toxicity. Replacement novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) have exhibited similar health hazards and environmental distribution, becoming recognized as significant contaminants. This work describes the development and validation of a sensitive and reliable method for the simultaneous quantitation of PBDEs and NBFRs in environmental soil s les using selective pressurized liquid extraction (S-PLE) and gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-(EI)-MS/MS). Under optimal conditions, extraction of eight PBDEs (-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183 and -209) and five NBFRs pentabromotoluene (PBT), pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB), hexabromobenzene (HBB), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) and bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE) was performed at 100°C and 1500psi using a 1:1 mixture of hexane and dichloromethane. The method utilized 33mL capacity PLE cells containing, from bottom to top, a single cellulose filter, 3g activated Florisil, 6g acid silica (10% w/w), 3g Na2SO4, another cellulose filter, 2g activated copper powder and 3g soil s le dispersed in 2g Na2SO4 and 1g of Hydromatrix. The method was evaluated by repeated extraction and analysis of all analytes from 3g soil at three spike concentrations. Good recoveries were observed for most analytes at each of the spiking levels with RSD values generally below 20%. MDLs ranged from 0.01 to 4.8ng/g dw for PBDEs and 0.01-0.55ng/g dw for NBFRs. The described one-step combined extraction and cleanup method reduces s le processing times compared with traditional procedures, while delivering comparable analytical performance. The method was successfully applied to environmental soil s les (n=5), detecting PBDEs in each s le and providing the first account of NBFR contamination in Australian soils.

Lipid production in association of filamentous fungi with genetically modified cyanobacterial cells

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 05-11-2015

DOI: 10.1186/S13068-015-0364-2

Halophytic microalgae as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.ALGAL.2014.11.008

Factors Influencing the Concentration of Fecal Coliforms in Oysters in the River Blackwater Estuary, UK

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 11-04-2020

DOI: 10.3390/W12041086

Abstract: Contamination of water systems can not only entail high risks to human health but can also result in economic losses due to closure of beaches and shellfish harvesting areas. Understanding the origin of fecal pollution at locations where shellfish are grown is essential in assessing associated health risks—as well as the determining actions necessary to remedy the problem. The aim of this work is to identify the species-specific source(s) of fecal contamination impacting waters overlying the shellfisheries in the Blackwater Estuary, East Anglia, UK. Over a twelve-month period, water s les were taken from above the oysters and from a variety of upstream points considered to be likely sources of fecal microorganism, together with oyster s les, and the number of fecal streptococci and E. coli were determined. Transition from low to high tide significantly decreased the concentration of fecal streptococci in waters overlying the oyster beds, indicative of a freshwater input of fecal pollution in oyster bed waters. In 12 months, the number of E. coli remained constant throughout, while fecal streptococci numbers were generally higher in the winter months. Analyses of upstream s les identified a sewage outfall to be the main source of E. coli to the oyster beds, with additional fecal streptococci from agricultural sources. The findings may assist in developing approaches for assessing the risks to shellfishery industries of various fecal inputs into an estuary, which could then help local governmental authorities address the problem.

Phytofabrication of Iron Nanoparticles for Hexavalent Chromium Remediation

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 07-09-2018

DOI: 10.1021/ACSOMEGA.8B00410

Biostabilization of municipal solid waste fractions from an Advanced Waste Treatment plant

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.JKSUS.2016.10.005

Evaluating the efficacy of bioremediating a diesel-contaminated soil using ecotoxicological and bacterial community indices

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 21-05-2015

DOI: 10.1007/S11356-015-4624-2

Abstract: Diesel represents a common environmental contaminant as a result of operation, storage, and transportation accidents. The bioremediation of diesel in a contaminated soil is seen as an environmentally safe approach to treat contaminated land. The effectiveness of the remediation process is usually assessed by the degradation of the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration, without considering ecotoxicological effects. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of two bioremediation strategies in terms of reduction in TPH concentration together with ecotoxicity indices and changes in the bacterial ersity assessed using PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The biostimulation strategy resulted in a 90 % reduction in the TPH concentration versus 78 % reduction from the natural attenuation strategy over 12 weeks incubation in a laboratory mesocosm-containing diesel-contaminated soil. In contrast, the reduction in the ecotoxicity resulting from the natural attenuation treatment using the Microtox and earthworm toxicity assays was more than double the reduction resulting from the biostimulation treatment (45 and 20 % reduction, respectively). The biostimulated treatment involved the addition of nitrogen and phosphorus in order to stimulate the microorganisms by creating an optimal C:N:P molar ratio. An increased concentration of ammonium and phosphate was detected in the biostimulated soil compared with the naturally attenuated s les before and after the remediation process. Furthermore, through PCR-DGGE, significant changes in the bacterial community were observed as a consequence of adding the nutrients together with the diesel (biostimulation), resulting in the formation of distinctly different bacterial communities in the soil subjected to the two strategies used in this study. These findings indicate the suitability of both bioremediation approaches in treating hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, particularly biostimulation. Although biostimulation represents a commercially viable bioremediation technology for use in diesel-contaminated soils, further research is required to determine the ecotoxicological impacts of the intervention.

Changes in microbial and nutrient composition associated with rumen content compost incubation

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2010.11.087

Abstract: Physico-chemical and microbiological investigations were carried out on rumen content material composted for nine months, fresh vermicasts (obtained after passing the same compost through the guts of a mixture of three species of earthworms: Eisenia fetida, Lumbricus rubellus and Perionyx excavates) and microbially enhanced extracts derived from rumen compost, vermicast and vermicast leachate incubated for up to 48 h. Compared to composted rumen contents, vermicast was only improved in terms of microbial biomass C, while vermicast leached extract was significantly higher in NH(4)(+)-N,PO(4)(-)-P, humic acid, bacterial counts and total microbial activity compared to rumen compost extract. Although no difference between treatments was observed in genetic ersity as indicated by DGGE analysis, community level functional ersity of vermicast leached extract (Biolog™) was higher than that of composted rumen contents, vermicast and rumen compost extract indicating an enhancement of microbial activity rather than ersity due to liquid incubation.

Factors Affecting Shellfish Quality in Terms of Faecal Contamination at Blakeney Point, East Anglia, UK

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 11-11-2021

DOI: 10.3390/W13223192

Abstract: Relatively high E. coli and Faecal Streptococci (FS) numbers have been reported in the waters surrounding Blakeney Point, East Anglia, UK, an area containing significant shellfishery industries including mussels and cockles, despite the implementation of development works aimed at reducing residual contamination problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of using bacterial analyses and sterol profiling to assess the current levels and source of faecal pollution at Blakeney Point. No evidence of significant human faecal contamination of water in and around Blakeney Point could be found using either traditional microbiological analyses or sterol profile analysis. The presence of significant quantities of sitosterol, however, suggests that faecal contamination of water from birds does occur but at the concentration detected would not affect water quality. Analysis of cockles and mussels taken from the area show that negligible levels of coprostanol were present, confirming that faecal pollution was not causing any contamination issues. Apart from cholesterol, brassicasterol, an algal biomarker, as expected was dominant in shellfish flesh. The results confirm that current water treatment processes are successful in ensuring water quality at Blakeney Point and that a combination of microbial testing with sterol profile analysis confirmed that low microbial concentrations of faecal contaminants present in and around Blakeney Point most probably originate from migratory and/or resident bird species.

A comparative study of biological activated carbon based treatments on two different types of municipal reverse osmosis concentrates

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2019.124925

Abstract: A study was conducted to understand the impact of reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) characteristics on the efficacy of biological activated carbon (BAC) based treatments for removing organics and nutrients from two ROC streams (ROC

Dynamic Effect of Operational Regulation on the Mesophilic BioMethanation of Grape Marc

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 05-11-2021

DOI: 10.3390/MOLECULES26216692

Abstract: Wine production annually generates an estimated 11 million metric tonnes of grape marc (GM) worldwide. The ersion of this organic waste away from landfill and towards its use in the generation of renewable energy has been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of operational parameters relating to the treatment regime and inoculum source in the extraction of methane from GM under unmixed anaerobic conditions at 35 °C. The study entailed the recirculation of a previously acclimated sludge (120 days) as downstream inoculum, an increased loading volume (1.3 kg) and a low substrate-to-inoculum ratio (10:3 SIR). The results showed that an incorporation of accessible operational controls can effectively enhance cumulative methane yield (0.145 m3 CH4 kg−1 VS), corresponding to higher amounts of digestible organics converted. The calculated average volumetric methane productivity equalled 0.8802 L CH4 LWork−1 d−1 over 33.6 days whilst moderate pollutant removal (43.50% COD removal efficiency) was achieved. Molecular analyses identified Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla as core organisms for hydrolytic and fermentative stages in trophic relationships with terminal electron acceptors from the methane-producing Methanosarcina genus. Economic projections established that the cost-effective operational enhancements were sustainable for valorisation from grape marc by existing wineries and distilleries.

From microbial ecology to microbial ecotoxicology

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Date: 2017

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-61795-4_2

The effect of nutrients and environmental conditions on biomass and oil production in Botryococcus braunii Race B strains

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 02-09-2015

DOI: 10.1080/09670262.2015.1071875

Mixed aerobic and anaerobic microbial communities in benzene-contaminated groundwater

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 2009

DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2672.2008.04005.X

Abstract: To investigate the factors affecting benzene biodegradation and microbial community composition in a contaminated aquifer. We identified the microbial community in groundwater s les from a benzene-contaminated aquifer situated below a petrochemical plant. Eleven out of twelve groundwater s les with in situ dissolved oxygen concentrations between 0 and 2.57 mg l(-1) showed benzene degradation in aerobic microcosm experiments, whereas no degradation in anaerobic microcosms was observed. The lack of aerobic degradation in the remaining microcosm could be attributed to a pH of 12.1. Three groundwaters, examined by 16S rRNA gene clone libraries, with low in situ oxygen concentrations and high benzene levels, each had a different dominant aerobic (or denitrifying) population, either Pseudomonas, Polaromonas or Acidovorax species. These groundwaters also had syntrophic organisms, and aceticlastic methanogens were detected in two s les. The alkaline groundwater was dominated by organisms closely related to Hydrogenophaga. Results show that pH 12.1 is inimical to benzene biodegradation, and that oxygen concentrations below 0.03 mg l(-1) can support aerobic benzene-degrading communities. These findings will help to guide the treatment of contaminated groundwaters, and raise questions about the extent to which aerobes and anaerobes may interact to effect benzene degradation.

A Review of Dry Sanitation Systems

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 19-07-2020

DOI: 10.3390/SU12145812

Abstract: Dry sanitation systems (waterless or composting toilets) have been used since the 1970s. Their use has received acceptance in rural regions of Europe and the United States. Some of the advantages of dry sanitation systems include their waterless nature, their low energy requirement and the creation of fertilizer as an added value product. Moreover, the use of such a system is a sustainable sanitation approach that may reduce the burden on infrastructure and provide sanitation to the 2.5 billion people worldwide who do not currently have access to it. The critical factors when choosing a dry sanitation system and their optimum parameters include aeration, moisture content (50%–60%), temperature (40–65 °C), carbon to nitrogen ratio (25–35), pH (5.5–8.0) and porosity (35%–50%). The temperature–time criterion approach is the most common method used to evaluate the stability and safety of the compost as a fertilizer. The risks of handling the waste after 12 months of composting have been calculated as low. Here, we have reviewed and assessed the features of dry sanitation systems currently available, focusing on those designed for and operated in remote areas such as national parks and tourist destinations and, more importantly, in rural areas in developing countries or refugee shelters where water/sanitation may be scarce.

Phytoremediation of PCBs and PAHs by grasses: A critical perspective

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Date: 2016

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-41811-7_1

Polyaromatic hydrocarbon exposure: an ecological impact ambiguity

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 26-03-2013

DOI: 10.1007/S11356-013-1620-2

Abstract: Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent a fraction of petroleum hydrocarbons and are currently one of the foremost sources of generating energy in today's contemporary society. However, evidence highlighted in this review show that PAH pollution, as a result of oil spills, hazardous PAH-contaminated working environments and technologies which do not efficiently utilise fuels, as well as natural sources of emissions (e.g. forest fires) may have significant health implications for all taxa. The extent of damage to organisms from PAH exposure is dependent on numerous factors including degree and type of PAH exposure, nature of the environment contaminated (i.e. terrestrial or aquatic), the ability of an organism to relocate to pristine environments, type and sensitivity of organism to specific hydrocarbon fractions and ability of the organism to metabolise different PAH fractions. The review highlights the fact that studies on the potential damage of PAHs should be carried out using mixtures of hydrocarbons as opposed to in idual hydrocarbon fractions due to the scarcity of in idual fractions being a sole contaminant. Furthermore, potential damage of PAH-contaminated sites should be assessed using an entire ecological impact outlook of the affected area.

Iron nanoparticles synthesized using green tea extracts for the fenton-like degradation of concentrated dye mixtures at elevated temperatures

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.JECE.2016.10.008

What can we learn from the microbial ecological interactions associated with polymicrobial diseases?

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.VETIMM.2013.03.009

Abstract: Periodontal diseases in humans and animals are model polymicrobial diseases which are associated with a shift in the microbial community structure and function there is therefore a need to investigate these diseases from a microbial ecological perspective. This review highlights three important areas of microbial ecological investigation of polymicrobial diseases and the lessons that could be learnt: (1) identification of disease-associated microbes and the implications for choice of anti-infective treatment (2) the implications associated with vaccine design and development and (3) application of the dynamics of microbial interaction in the discovery of novel anti-infective agents. This review emphasises the need to invigorate microbial ecological approaches to the study of periodontal diseases and other polymicrobial diseases for greater understanding of the ecological interactions between and within the biotic and abiotic factors of the environment.

Restoration of tropical peat soils: The application of soil microbiology for monitoring the success of the restoration process

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.AGEE.2015.09.031

Variation in the Structure and Composition of Bacterial Communities within Drinking Water Fountains in Melbourne, Australia

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 14-03-2022

DOI: 10.3390/W14060908

Abstract: Modern drinking water distributions systems (DWDSs) have been designed to transport treated or untreated water safely to the consumer. DWDSs are complex environments where microorganisms are able to create their own niches within water, biofilm or sediment. This study was conducted on twelve drinking fountains (of three different types, namely types A, B and C) within the Melbourne (Australia) city area with the aim to (i) characterize the water quality and viable and total counts at each fountain, (ii) compare the differences in the structure and ersity of the bacterial community between bulk water and biofilm and (iii) determine differences between the bacterial communities based on fountain type. S les of water and biofilm were assessed using both culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques. Heterotrophic plate counts of water s les ranged from 0.5 to 107.5 CFU mL−1, and as expected, total cell counts (cells mL−1) were, on average, 2.9 orders of magnitude higher. Based on the mean relative abundance of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), ANOSIM showed that the structure of the bacterial communities in drinking water and biofilm varied significantly (R = 0.58, p = 0.001). Additionally, ANOSIM showed that across fountain types (in water), the bacterial community was more erse in fountain type C compared to type A (p 0.001) and type B (p 0.001). 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing revealed that the bacterial communities in both water and biofilm were dominated by only seven phyla, with Proteobacteria accounting for 71.3% of reads in water and 68.9% in biofilm. The next most abundant phylum was Actinobacteria (10.4% water 11.7% biofilm). In water, the genus with the highest overall mean relative abundance was Sphingomonas (24.2%), while Methylobacterium had the highest mean relative abundance in biofilm s les (54.7%). At the level of genus and higher, significant differences in dominance were found across fountain types. In water, Solirubrobacterales (order) were present in type C fountains at a relative abundance of 17%, while the mean relative abundance of Sphingomonas sp. in type C fountains was less than half that in types A (25%) and B (43%). In biofilm, the relative abundance of Sphingomonas sp. was more than double in type A (10%) fountains compared to types B (4%) and C (5%), and Sandarakinorhabdus sp. were high in type A fountains (6%) and low in types B and C (1%). Overall this research showed that there were significant differences in the composition of bacterial communities in water and biofilm from the same site. Furthermore, significant variation exists between microbial communities present in the fountain types, which may be related to age. Long-established environments may lead to a greater chance of certain bacteria gaining abilities such as increased disinfection resistance. Variations between the structure of the bacterial community residing in water and biofilm and differences between fountain types show that it is essential to regularly test s les from in idual locations to determine microbial quality.

Photoluminescence measurements of carbon quantum dots within three-dimensional hydrogel matrices using a high throughput 96 well plate method

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.MEX.2019.02.014

Differentiation between Impacted and Unimpacted Microbial Communities of a Nitrogen Contaminated Aquifer

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 09-10-2022

DOI: 10.3390/ENVIRONMENTS9100128

Abstract: Nitrogen contamination is ubiquitous across the globe as a result of this, the need to understand and predict the extent and effects of nitrogen contamination on microbial ecosystems is increasingly important. This paper utilises a dataset that provides a rare opportunity to observe varying contamination conditions in a single aquifer and understand the differences between potential background bores and two different types of contamination spread across the other bores. Using physicochemical and microbiological community analysis, this paper aims to determine the impacts of the two contaminants, nitrate and ammonia, on the microbial communities and the differences between polluted and physicochemical background bores. Total nitrogen (N) varied by a factor of over 2000 between bores, ranging from 0.07 to 155 mg L−1. Nitrate (NO3−) concentrations ranged from 150 to .01 mg L−1 ammonium (NH4+) concentrations ranged from 26 to .1 mg L−1. MANOVA analysis confirmed an overall significant relationship (p = 0.0052) between N variables and the physicochemical data (or status) of the three areas of contamination dubbed ‘contamination zones’. The contamination zones were defined by no known presence of contamination in the uncontaminated bores, the presence of NO3− contamination and the presence of NO3− and NH4+ contamination. PERMANOVA analysis confirmed that there was an overall significant difference in the microbial communities between the three contamination zones (p = 0.0002) however, the presence of NH4+ had a significant effect (p = 0.0012). In general, the nitrate-contaminated bores showed a decrease in the abundance of in idual OTUs. We further confirmed that NH4+ contamination had a significant relationship with an increased percentage of abundance occupied by the Planctomycetota phylum (specifically the Candidatus Brocadia genus). It was found that one of the two background bores (BS-004) was likely also representative of natural microbial background, and another (BS-002) showed characteristics that may be representative of past or intermittent contamination. This paper demonstrates a possible way to determine the microbial background and discusses the potential uses for this information.

Optimization of glucose formation in karanja biomass hydrolysis using Taguchi robust method

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2014.05.065

Abstract: The main objective of the present study is aimed to optimize the process parameters for the production of glucose from karanja seed cake. The Taguchi robust design method with L9 orthogonal array was applied to optimize hydrolysis reaction conditions and maximize sugar yield. Effect of temperature, acid concentration, and acid to cake weight ratio were considered as the main influencing factors which effects the percentage of glucose and amount of glucose formed. The experimental results indicated that acid concentration and liquid to solid ratio had a principal effect on the amount of glucose formed when compared to that of temperature. The maximum glucose formed was 245 g/kg extractive free cake.

Comparison of indigenous and exogenous microbial populations during slurry phase biodegradation of long-term hydrocarbon-contaminated soil

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 10-06-2012

DOI: 10.1007/S10532-012-9563-8

Abstract: In this study, a number of slurry-phase strategies were trialled over a 42 day period in order to determine the efficacy of bioremediation for long-term hydrocarbon-contaminated soil (145 g kg(-1) C(10)-C(40)). The addition of activated sludge and nutrients to slurries (bioaugmentation) resulted in enhanced hydrocarbon removal (51.6 ± 8.5 %) compared to treatments receiving only nutrients (enhanced natural attenuation [ENA] 41.3 ± 6.4 %) or no amendments (natural attenuation no significant hydrocarbon removal, P < 0.01). This data suggests that the microbial community in the activated sludge inoculum contributed to the enhanced removal of hydrocarbons in ENA slurries. Microbial ersity in slurries was monitored using DGGE with dominant bands excised and sequenced for identification. Applying the different bioremediation strategies resulted in the formation of four distinct community clusters associated with the activated sludge (inoculum), bioaugmentation strategy at day 0, bioaugmentation strategy at weeks 2-6 and slurries with autoclaved sludge and nutrient additions (bioaugmentation negative control). While hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria genera (e.g. Aquabacterium and Haliscomenobacter) were associated with the hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, bioaugmentation of soil slurries with activated sludge resulted in the introduction of bacteria associated with hydrocarbon degradation (Burkholderiales order and Klebsiella genera) which presumably contributed to the enhanced efficacy for this slurry strategy.

Point-of-Care Lateral Flow Detection of Viable Escherichia coli O157:H7 Using an Improved Propidium Monoazide-Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Method

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 14-10-2022

DOI: 10.3390/FOODS11203207

Abstract: The detection of both viable and viable but non-culturable (VBNC) Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a crucial part of food safety. Traditional culture-dependent methods are lengthy, expensive, laborious, and unable to detect VBNC. Hence, there is a need to develop a rapid, simple, and cost-effective detection method to differentiate between viable/dead E. coli O157:H7 and detect VBNC cells. In this work, recombinase polymerase lification (RPA) was developed for the detection of viable E. coli O157:H7 through integration with propidium monoazide (PMAxx). Initially, two primer sets, targeting two different genes (rfbE and stx) were selected, and DNA lification by RPA combined with PMAxx treatment and the lateral flow assay (LFA) was carried out. Subsequently, the rfbE gene target was found to be more effective in inhibiting the lification from dead cells and detecting only viable E. coli O157:H7. The assay’s detection limit was found to be 102 CFU/mL for VBNC E. coli O157:H7 when applied to spiked commercial beverages including milk, apple juice, and drinking water. pH values from 3 to 11 showed no significant effect on the efficacy of the assay. The PMAxx-RPA-LFA was completed at 39 °C within 40 min. This study introduces a rapid, robust, reliable, and reproducible method for detecting viable bacterial counts. In conclusion, the optimised assay has the potential to be used by the food and beverage industry in quality assurance related to E. coli O157:H7.

Widespread polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) contamination of urban soils in Melbourne, Australia

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2016.08.017

Abstract: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used as flame retardants in a variety of materials and products. PBDEs have been shown to accumulate in the environment and human populations while exhibiting a range of toxic effects. In this study, surface soil s les from 30 sites in the city of Melbourne, Australia, were analysed for PBDEs. Eight congeners of environmental concern (BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154 -183 and -209) were assessed using selective pressurized liquid extraction (S-PLE) and gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). PBDEs were detected in 29/30 s les with Σ

A polyphasic approach for assessing the suitability of bioremediation for the treatment of hydrocarbon-impacted soil

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2013.02.007

Abstract: Bioremediation strategies, though widely used for treating hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, suffer from lack of biodegradation endpoint accountability. To address this limitation, molecular approaches of alkB gene analysis and pyrosequencing were combined with chemical approaches of bioaccessibility and nutrient assays to assess contaminant degrading capacity and develop a strategy for endpoint biodegradation predictions. In long-term hydrocarbon-contaminated soil containing 10.3 g C10-C36 hydrocarbons kg(-1), 454 pyrosequencing detected the overrepresentation of potential hydrocarbon degrading genera such as Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, Mycobacterium and Gordonia whilst licons for PCR-DGGE were detected only with alkB primers targeting Pseudomonas. This indicated the presence of potential microbial hydrocarbon degradation capacity in the soil. Using non-exhaustive extraction methods of 1-propanol and HP-β-CD for hydrocarbon bioaccessibility assessment combined with biodegradation endpoint predictions with linear regression models, we estimated 33.7% and 46.7% hydrocarbon removal respectively. These predictions were validated in pilot scale studies using an enhanced natural attenuation strategy which resulted in a 46.4% reduction in soil hydrocarbon content after 320 days. When predicted biodegradation endpoints were compared to measured values, there was no significant difference (P=0.80) when hydrocarbon bioaccessibility was assessed with HP-β-CD. These results indicate that a combination of molecular and chemical techniques that inform microbial ersity, functionality and chemical bioaccessibility can be valuable tools for assessing the suitability of bioremediation strategies for hydrocarbon-contaminated soil.

Can biological toxicity drive the contrasting behavior of platinum and gold in surface environments?

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMGEO.2013.02.010

Are Sterols Useful for the Identification of Sources of Faecal Contamination in Shellfish? A Case Study

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 02-11-2020

DOI: 10.3390/W12113076

Abstract: This work aimed to identify the major source(s) of faecal pollution impacting Salcott Creek oyster fisheries in the UK through the examination of the sterol profiles. The concentration of the major sewage biomarker, coprostanol, in water overlying the oysters varied between 0.01 µg L−1 and 1.20 µg L−1. The coprostanol/epicoprostanol ratio ranged from 1.32 (September) to 33.25 (February), suggesting that human sewage represents the key input of faecal material into the estuary. However, a correlation between the sterol profile of water above the oysters with that of water that enters from Tiptree Sewage Treatment Works (r = 0.82), and a s le from a site (Quinces Corner) observed to have a high population of Brent geese (r = 0.82), suggests that both sources contribute to the faecal pollution affecting the oysters. In identifying these key faecal inputs, sterol profiling has allowed targeted management practices to be employed to ensure that oyster quality is optimised.

The oral microbial community of gingivitis and lumpy jaw in captive macropods

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.RVSC.2013.08.010

Abstract: Gingivitis and lumpy jaw are diseases of polymicrobial aetiology. Although Fusobacterium necrophorum has been associated with these diseases in macropods, little is known about other organisms associated with these diseases in this animal species. PCR-DGGE analysis revealed the potential pathogens associated with gingivitis and lumpy jaw in macropods. PCR-DGGE profile comparison between the healthy and disease groups indicated a shift in the oral bacterial community structures with similarity coefficients of 48% and 35% for gingivitis and lumpy jaw respectively. Moreover, gingivitis was associated with increase in bacterial ersity (Shannon index = 2.87 PL curve = 45%) while lumpy jaw resulted in a decline in bacterial ersity (Shannon index = 2.47 PL curve = 74%). This study suggest that the establishment of gingivitis and lumpy jaw diseases follows the ecological plaque hypothesis. This forms the basis for an expanded investigation in an epidemiological scale and suggests the need for the appropriate choice of antimicrobial agent(s) and for the effective management and control of polymicrobial diseases.

Remediation Opportunities for Arsenic-Contaminated Gold Mine Waste

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 11-09-2023

DOI: 10.3390/APP131810208

Necrophytoremediation of phenanthrene and pyrene in contaminated soil

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2013.02.050

Abstract: In this study, the effect of necrophytoremediation, using pea and wheat straws on the remediation soil contaminated with two common polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phenanthrene and pyrene alone or in combination was investigated. In addition, monitoring of the population of PAH-utilising microorganisms together with PCR-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE)-sequencing methods were used to further elucidate the effect of straw addition on the bacterial, fungal and nidA gene (a functional gene involved in the degradation of PAHs) communities. The addition of pea straw had a positive effect on the degradation of PAHs, especially for pyrene. For ex le, the addition of pea straw to pyrene-contaminated soil resulted in an increase in the degradation of pyrene from 15% (66 mg kg(-1)) in the corresponding control to 70% (301 mg kg(-1)). The results from the most probable number (MPN) of PAH-utilising microorganisms and PCR-DGGE-sequencing methods indicated that the addition of straw led to an increase in microbial hydrocarbonoclastic biomass rather than changes in microbial ersity. For ex le, in pyrene-contaminated soil, the number of PAH-utilising microorganisms in the soil amended with pea straw reached 5.6 log10 CFU g(-1) dry soil, ~13-fold increase when compared with the numbers present in the control soil (4.5 log10 CFU g(-1) dry soils) however, the Shannon ersity index did not increase significantly. The sequencing of bands of interest from DGGE profiles revealed the presence of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in the bacterial community. For fungi, sequenced bands belonged to Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Mucoromycotina. In summary, this study has shown that necrophytoremediation using pea straw represents a promising biostimulation and cost effective agent which can be used for the bioremediation of PAH-contaminated soils.

Commercial feasibility of lignocellulose biodegradation: possibilities and challenges

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.COPBIO.2016.02.012

Abstract: The main source of energy supply worldwide is generated from fossil fuels, which undoubtedly are finite and non-environmental friendly resources. Bioethanol generated from edible resources also has economic and environmental concerns. Despite the immense attention to find an alternative (inedible) source of energy in the last two decades, the total commercial production of 1st generation biofuels is limited and equivalent only to approximately 3% of the total road transport fuel consumption. Lignocellulosic waste represents the most abundant biomass on earth and could be a suitable candidate for producing valuable products including biofuels. However, cellulosic bioethanol has not been produced on a large scale due to the technical barriers involved that make the commercial production of cellulosic bioethanol not economically feasible. This review examines some of the current barriers to commercialization of the process.

Biostimulation of indigenous communities for the successful dechlorination of tetrachloroethene (perchloroethylene)-contaminated groundwater

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 08-10-2014

DOI: 10.1007/S10529-013-1369-1

Abstract: Chlorinated ethenes are of environmental concern with most reports of successful microbial-mediated remediation being associated with major dechlorinating groups such as Dehalococcoides (Dhc) species. However, limited information is available on the community dynamics and dechlorinating activities of indigenous non-Dhc groups. Here, we present evidence of dechlorination of tetrachloroethene (perchloroethylene, PCE) in groundwater s les by indigenous microbial communities. 100 % PCE conversion to ethene was observed in acetate-stimulated 24 week-microcosms (controls 15 %). Microbial community profiles showed dominance by groups such as Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, Firmicutes, Methanomicrobiaceae and Methanosarcinaceae. Pareto-Lorenz (PL) analyses suggested an adapted (45 % PL value) but variable bacterial community (55.5 % Δ t(week)) compared to Archaea (25 % PL value 46.9 % Δ t(week)). Our findings provide evidence of dechlorinating potential of indigenous microorganisms and useful information on their dynamics which may be exploited for in situ groundwater bioremediation.

Bioremediation potential of diesel-contaminated Libyan soil

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.ECOENV.2016.07.027

Abstract: Bioremediation is a broadly applied environmentally friendly and economical treatment for the clean-up of sites contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons. However, the application of this technology to contaminated soil in Libya has not been fully exploited. In this study, the efficacy of different bioremediation processes (necrophytoremediation using pea straw, bioaugmentation and a combination of both treatments) together with natural attenuation were assessed in diesel contaminated Libyan soils. The addition of pea straw was found to be the best bioremediation treatment for cleaning up diesel contaminated Libyan soil after 12 weeks. The greatest TPH degradation, 96.1% (18,239.6mgkg(-1)) and 95% (17,991.14mgkg(-1)) were obtained when the soil was amended with pea straw alone and in combination with a hydrocarbonoclastic consortium respectively. In contrast, natural attenuation resulted in a significantly lower TPH reduction of 76% (14,444.5mgkg(-1)). The presence of pea straw also led to a significant increased recovery of hydrocarbon degraders 5.7log CFU g(-1) dry soil, compared to 4.4log CFUg(-1) dry soil for the untreated (natural attenuation) soil. DGGE and Illumina 16S metagenomic analyses confirm shifts in bacterial communities compared with original soil after 12 weeks incubation. In addition, metagenomic analysis showed that original soil contained hydrocarbon degraders (e.g. Pseudoxanthomonas spp. and Alcanivorax spp.). However, they require a biostimulant (in this case pea straw) to become active. This study is the first to report successful oil bioremediation with pea straw in Libya. It demonstrates the effectiveness of pea straw in enhancing bioremediation of the diesel-contaminated Libyan soil.

Comparison of microbially enhanced compost extracts produced from composted cattle rumen content material and from commercially available inocula

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2011.05.096

Abstract: A comparative study was performed on compost extracts prepared from cattle rumen content composted for three and nine months, nine month old compost inoculated with a Nutri-Life 4/20™ inoculum, and two commercial preparations (LivingSoil™ and Nutri-Life 4/20™), all incubated for 48h. Nutri-Life 4/20™ had the highest concentrations of NO(3)(-)-N and K(+)-K, while rumen compost extract had higher humic and fulvic acids concentration. The bacterial and fungal community level functional ersity of three month old compost extract and of LivingSoil™, assessed with Biolog™, were higher than that of nine month old rumen compost extract, with or without Nutri-Life 4/20™ inoculum, or Nutri-Life 4/20™. No difference in fungal ersity was observed between treatments, as indicated by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis, however, bacterial ersity was higher in all compost extracts and LivingSoil™ compared to the Nutri-Life 4/20™. Criteria for judging the quality of a microbially enhanced extract are discussed.

Catalytic degradation of methylene blue using iron and nitrogen-containing carbon dots as Fenton-like catalysts

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

Date: 2022

DOI: 10.1039/D1NJ04761B

Abstract: Carbon dots were modified with iron and nitrogen groups to produce specific surface groups and charge which demonstrated high efficiency for the Fenton-like degradation of methylene blue whilst markedly minimising its effluent toxicity.

Wood Biochar Enhances the Valorisation of the Anaerobic Digestion of Chicken Manure

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 13-05-2022

DOI: 10.3390/CLEANTECHNOL4020026

Abstract: In this study, the efficacy of biochar to mitigate ammonia stress and improve methane production is investigated. Chicken manure (CM) was subjected to high-solid mesophilic anaerobic digestion (15% total solid content) with wood biochar (BC). Wood biochar was further treated using HNO3 and NaOH to produce acid–alkali-treated wood biochar (TBC), with an improvement in its overall ammonium adsorption capacity and porosity. Three treatments were loaded in triplicate into the digesters, without biochar, with biochar and with acid–alkali-treated biochar and maintained at 37 °C for 110 days. The study found a significant improvement in CH4 formation kinetics via enhanced substrate degradation, leading to CH4 production of 74.7 mL g−1 VS and 70.1 mL g−1 VS by BC and TBC treatments, compared to 39.5 mL g−1 VS by control treatments on the 28th day, respectively. However, only the use of TBC was able to prolong methane production during the semi-inhibition phase. The use of TBC also resulted in the highest removal of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) of 86.3%. In addition, the treatment with TBC preserved the highest microbial biomass at day 110. The presence of TBC also resulted in an increase in electrical conductivity, possibly promoting DIET-mediated methanogenesis. Overall, the acid–alkali treatment of biochar can be a novel approach to improve biochar’s existing characteristics for its utilisation as an additive in anaerobic digestion.

Platinum in Earth surface environments

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.EARSCIREV.2014.01.003

Biosurfactant from red ash trees enhances the bioremediation of PAH contaminated soil at a former gasworks site

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2015.07.041

Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent contaminants that accumulate in soil, sludge and on vegetation and are produced through activities such as coal burning, wood combustion and in the use of transport vehicles. Naturally occurring surfactants have been known to enhance PAH-removal from soil by improving PAH solubilization thereby increasing PAH-microbe interactions. The aim of this research was to determine if a biosurfactant derived from the leaves of the Australian red ash (Alphitonia excelsa) would enhance bioremediation of a heavily PAH-contaminated soil and to determine how the microbial community was affected. Results of GC-MS analysis show that the extracted biosurfactant was significantly more efficient than the control in regards to the degradation of total 16 US EPA priority PAHs (78.7% degradation compared to 62.0%) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) (92.9% degradation compared to 44.3%). Furthermore the quantification of bacterial genes by qPCR analysis showed that there was an increase in the number of gene copies associated with Gram positive PAH-degrading bacteria. The results suggest a commercial potential for the use of the Australian red ash tree as a source of biosurfactant for use in the accelerated degradation of hydrocarbons.

Assessing the hydrocarbon degrading potential of indigenous bacteria isolated from crude oil tank bottom sludge and hydrocarbon-contaminated soil of Azzawiya oil refinery, Libya

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 04-06-2014

DOI: 10.1007/S11356-014-3018-1

Abstract: The disposal of hazardous crude oil tank bottom sludge (COTBS) represents a significant waste management burden for South Mediterranean countries. Currently, the application of biological systems (bioremediation) for the treatment of COTBS is not widely practiced in these countries. Therefore, this study aims to develop the potential for bioremediation in this region through assessment of the abilities of indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms from Libyan Hamada COTBS for the biotreatment of Libyan COTBS-contaminated environments. Bacteria were isolated from COTBS, COTBS-contaminated soil, treated COTBS-contaminated soil, and uncontaminated soil using Bushnell Hass medium amended with Hamada crude oil (1 %) as the main carbon source. Overall, 49 bacterial phenotypes were detected, and their in idual abilities to degrade Hamada crude and selected COBTS fractions (naphthalene, phenanthrene, eicosane, octadecane and hexane) were evaluated using MT2 Biolog plates. Analyses using average well colour development showed that ~90 % of bacterial isolates were capable of utilizing representative aromatic fractions compared to 51 % utilization of representative aliphatics. Interestingly, more hydrocarbonoclastic isolates were obtained from treated contaminated soils (42.9 %) than from COTBS (26.5 %) or COTBS-contaminated (30.6 %) and control (0 %) soils. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) separated the isolates into two clusters with microorganisms in cluster 2 being 1.7- to 5-fold better at hydrocarbon degradation than those in cluster 1. Cluster 2 isolates belonged to the putative hydrocarbon-degrading genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Arthrobacter and Brevundimonas with 57 % of these isolates being obtained from treated COTBS-contaminated soil. Overall, this study demonstrates that the potential for PAH degradation exists for the bioremediation of Hamada COTBS-contaminated environments in Libya. This represents the first report on the isolation of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria from Libyan COTBS and COTBS-contaminated soil.

Assessing the degradation efficacy of native PAH-degrading bacteria from aged, weathered soils in an Australian former gasworks site

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.GEODERMA.2018.02.004

A unique in vivo approach for investigating antimicrobial materials utilizing fistulated animals

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 22-06-2015

DOI: 10.1038/SREP11515

Abstract: Unique in vivo tests were conducted through the use of a fistulated ruminant, providing an ideal environment with a erse and vibrant microbial community. Utilizing such a procedure can be especially invaluable for investigating the performance of antimicrobial materials related to human and animal related infections. In this pilot study, it is shown that the rumen of a fistulated animal provides an excellent live laboratory for assessing the properties of antimicrobial materials. We investigate microbial colonization onto model nanocomposites based on silver (Ag) nanoparticles at different concentrations into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). With implantable devices posing a major risk for hospital-acquired infections, the present study provides a viable solution to understand microbial colonization with the potential to reduce the incidence of infection through the introduction of Ag nanoparticles at the optimum concentrations. In vitro measurements were also conducted to show the validity of the approach. An optimal loading of 0.25 wt % Ag is found to show the greatest antimicrobial activity and observed through the in vivo tests to reduce the microbial ersity colonizing the surface.

Sustainable remediation: electrochemically assisted microbial dechlorination of tetrachloroethene-contaminated groundwater

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 10-2014

DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12089

Bioremediation of Phenol-Contaminated Industrial Wastewater Using a Bacterial Consortium—from Laboratory to Field

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 09-02-2017

DOI: 10.1007/S11270-017-3273-0

Measuring Soil Metal Bioavailability in Roadside Soils of Different Ages

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 15-10-2020

DOI: 10.3390/ENVIRONMENTS7100091

Abstract: Finding a reliable method to predict soil metal bioavailability in aged soil continues to be one of the most important problems in contaminated soil chemistry. To investigate the bioavailability of metals aged in soils, we used roadside soils that had accumulated metals from vehicle emissions over a range of years. We collected topsoil (0–10 cm) s les representing new-, medium- and old-aged roadside soils and control site soil. These soils were studied to compare the ability of the diffusive gradients in thin films technique (DGT), soil water extraction, CaCl2 extraction, total metal concentrations and optimised linear models to predict metal bioavailability in wheat plants. The response time for the release of metals and the effect on metal bioavailability in field aged soils was also studied. The DGT, and extractable metals such as CaCl2 extractable and soil solution metals in soil, were not well correlated with metal concentrations in wheat shoots. In comparison, the strongest relationships with concentrations in wheat shoots were found for Ni and Zn total metal concentrations in soil (e.g., Ni r = 0.750, p = 0.005 and Zn r = 0.833, p = 0.001) the correlations were still low, suggesting that total metal concentrations were also not a robust measure of bioavailability. Optimised linear models incorporating soil physiochemical properties and metal extracts together with road age as measure of exposure time, demonstrated a very strong relationship for Mn R2 = 0.936 Ni R2 = 0.936 and Zn R2 = 0.931. While all the models developed were dependent on total soil metal concentrations, models developed for Mn and Zn clearly demonstrated the effect of road age on metal bioavailability. Therefore, the optimised linear models developed have the potential for robustly predicting bioavailable metal concentrations in field soils where the metals have aged in situ. The intrinsic rate of release of metals increased for Mn (R2 = 0.617, p = 0.002) and decreased for Cd (R2 = 0.456, p = 0.096), Cu (R2 = 0.560, p = 0.083) and Zn (R2 =0.578, p = 0.072). Nickel did not show any relationship between dissociation time (Tc) and road age. Roadside soil pH was likely to be the key parameter controlling metal aging in roadside soil.

Detection of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in the urban soils of Melbourne, Australia

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.EMCON.2017.01.002

Detection of helminth ova genera using in-situ biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.MEX.2019.04.026

Is the global public willing to drink recycled water? A review for researchers and practitioners

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.JUP.2018.11.003

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP1093238

Start Date: 05-2010

End Date: 2017

Amount: $640,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP1096658

Start Date: 2010

End Date: 12-2014

Amount: $225,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100054

Start Date: 01-2012

End Date: 12-2013

Amount: $420,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775482

Start Date: 2007

End Date: 12-2008

Amount: $500,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP210101600

Start Date: 08-2021

End Date: 08-2024

Amount: $450,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP110201130

Start Date: 06-2012

End Date: 12-2015

Amount: $419,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100119

Start Date: 07-2011

End Date: 12-2012

Amount: $370,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Industrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC190100033

Start Date: 08-2020

End Date: 07-2025

Amount: $3,852,568.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989374

Start Date: 2009

End Date: 12-2009

Amount: $550,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE170100096

Start Date: 2017

End Date: 10-2017

Amount: $325,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE200100053

Start Date: 06-2020

End Date: 06-2022

Amount: $482,055.00

Funder: Australian Research Council