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Keywords = biological co-remediation

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18 pages, 3310 KiB  
Article
Effects of Different Biological Amendments on Rice Physiology, Yield, Quality, and Soil Microbial Community of Rice–Crab Co-Culture in Saline–Alkali Soil
by Yang Guo, Juncang Tian and Zhi Wang
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030649 - 5 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1102
Abstract
The yield and quality of rice are influenced by soil conditions, and the soil issues in saline–alkaline land limit agricultural productivity. The saline–alkaline fields in the northern irrigation area of Yinchuan, Ningxia, China, face challenges such as low rice yield, poor quality, low [...] Read more.
The yield and quality of rice are influenced by soil conditions, and the soil issues in saline–alkaline land limit agricultural productivity. The saline–alkaline fields in the northern irrigation area of Yinchuan, Ningxia, China, face challenges such as low rice yield, poor quality, low fertilizer utilization efficiency, and soil salinity and alkalinity obstacles. To improve this situation, this study conducted experiments in 2022–2023 in the saline–alkaline rice–crab integrated fields of Tongbei Village, Tonggui Township, Yinchuan. This study employed a single-factor comparative design, applying 150 mL·hm−2 of brassinolide (A1), 15 kg·hm−2 of diatomaceous (A2), 30 kg·hm−2 of Bacillus subtilis agent (A3), and an untreated control (CK) to analyze the effects of different biological amendments on rice growth, photosynthesis, yield, quality, and microbial communities. The results indicated that, compared with CK, the A3 increased the SPAD value and net photosynthetic rate by 2.26% and 28.59%, respectively. Rice yield increased by 12.34%, water use efficiency (WUE) by 10.67%, and the palatability score by 2.82%, while amylose content decreased by 8.00%. The bacterial OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) and fungal OTUs increased by 2.18% and 22.39%, respectively. Under the condition of applying 30 kg·hm−2 of Bacillus subtilis agent (A3), rice showed superior growth, the highest yield (8804.4 kg·hm−2), and the highest microbial OTUs. These findings provide theoretical and technical support for utilizing biological remediation agents to achieve desalinization, yield enhancement, quality improvement, and efficiency in saline–alkali rice–crab co–culture paddies. Full article
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17 pages, 2131 KiB  
Article
Leveraging Biomineralization in Repurposed Stirred Reactors for Mn/Zn Removal from Mine Water: Insights from a Laboratory-Scale Study
by Fumiya Kurogi, Peiyu Liu and Naoko Okibe
Minerals 2025, 15(3), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15030211 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 940
Abstract
This study developed a semi-passive treatment system for manganese (Mn)- and zinc (Zn)-containing mine water by repurposing a neutralization tank into a biologically active stirred reactor. Laboratory-scale experiments demonstrated efficient removal of Mn2+ (>97%) and Zn2+ (>80%) with hydraulic retention times [...] Read more.
This study developed a semi-passive treatment system for manganese (Mn)- and zinc (Zn)-containing mine water by repurposing a neutralization tank into a biologically active stirred reactor. Laboratory-scale experiments demonstrated efficient removal of Mn2+ (>97%) and Zn2+ (>80%) with hydraulic retention times (HRTs) as short as 6 h—significantly faster than traditional passive systems. XRD and XANES analyses identified the predominant formation of birnessite, a layered Mn oxide, during Mn2+ oxidation, with Zn co-treatment promoting the precipitation of Zn-containing carbonates. Despite decreasing crystallinity of birnessite over time, microbial activity, dominated by Mn-oxidizing genera, such as Sphingomonas, Pseudonocardia, Sphingopyxis, Nitrospira, and Rhodobacter, persisted in the presence of Zn2+, ensuring system stability. Importantly, the low leachability of Mn and Zn from the resulting sludge in TCLP tests confirmed its environmental safety and potential for reuse. By leveraging existing infrastructure and microbial biomineralization, this system bridges the gap between passive and active treatments, significantly reducing treatment footprints and operational costs. These findings highlight the potential of repurposing mine water treatment tanks as a scalable, cost-effective solution for sustainable mine water remediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biomineralization and Organimineralization)
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13 pages, 665 KiB  
Review
Meta-Analysis of Abiotic Conditions Affecting Exopolysaccharide Production in Cyanobacteria
by Shijie Wu, Fuwen Wang, Hong Wang, Cong Shen and Kaiqiang Yu
Metabolites 2025, 15(2), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15020131 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1067
Abstract
Background: cyanobacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) exhibit diverse biological and physicochemical properties, making them valuable for applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, wastewater treatment, and bioenergy production. Results: the production of cyanobacterial EPSs is significantly influenced by various factors, including abiotic factors and [...] Read more.
Background: cyanobacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) exhibit diverse biological and physicochemical properties, making them valuable for applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, wastewater treatment, and bioenergy production. Results: the production of cyanobacterial EPSs is significantly influenced by various factors, including abiotic factors and strains. Recent research has focused on optimizing EPS production by regulating key abiotic factors such as light, temperature, pH, and nutritional conditions. This review systematically compiles and analyzes published data on the effects of abiotic factors on cyanobacterial EPS biosynthesis, with a focus on genus-specific responses. Using meta-analysis techniques, we provide a comprehensive overview of the key factors influencing EPS production. Light and nutrient conditions are the most significant factors affecting EPS production, with high light intensities and optimal nutrient conditions enhancing EPS synthesis. Optimal temperature ranges and pH levels are essential for maximizing EPS production, and cyanobacteria exhibit genus-specific responses to variations in these factors. The addition of specific nutrients, such as NaCl, trace metals (e.g., Mg, Zn, Cu), and elevated CO2 levels, significantly impacts EPS production. Conclusions: the response to these factors varies among different cyanobacterial genera, highlighting the need for genus-specific optimization strategies. This review provides a theoretical basis for optimizing EPS production across diverse cyanobacterial genera and for understanding multi-factor interactions and practical applications in future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbiology and Ecological Metabolomics)
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28 pages, 1824 KiB  
Review
Phytoremediaton Strategies for Co-Contaminated Soils: Overcoming Challenges, Enhancing Efficiency, and Exploring Future Advancements and Innovations
by Yun-Yeong Lee, Kyung-Suk Cho and Jeonghee Yun
Processes 2025, 13(1), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010132 - 6 Jan 2025
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2849
Abstract
Soils co-contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) and heavy metals pose significant challenges, such as reduced bioavailability of pollutants, toxic effects on soil microorganisms, and unpredictable chemical interactions. These complex interactions hinder effective remediation. Phytoremediation, which utilizes plant and microbial processes, offers a sustainable [...] Read more.
Soils co-contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) and heavy metals pose significant challenges, such as reduced bioavailability of pollutants, toxic effects on soil microorganisms, and unpredictable chemical interactions. These complex interactions hinder effective remediation. Phytoremediation, which utilizes plant and microbial processes, offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach. However, its effectiveness is often constrained by the intricate interplay among PHs, heavy metals, and soil components, which complicates pollutant degradation and microbial activity. This review explores the interactions between enhancement strategies, including soil amendments, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), and genetic engineering, which can synergistically enhance pollutant degradation and remediation efficiency. Key challenges include competition for soil adsorption sites among contaminants, microbial community disruptions, and environmental variability. Moreover, the limitations of these strategies, including their reliance on specific plant species, sensitivity to environmental variability, and the necessity for long-term monitoring, are discussed. The proposed solutions focus on integrating emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches to overcome these challenges and improve pollutant removal efficiency. Future advancements in interdisciplinary approaches, integrating biological techniques with technological innovations, are highlighted as key to addressing the complexities of co-contaminated environments and improving pollutant removal efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solid Waste Treatment and Design (2nd Edition))
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13 pages, 3482 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Adsorption and Biomineralization of Cadmium and Arsenic in Irrigation Water by Biological Soil Crusts: The Key Roles of Iron/Manganese and Urea
by Anbang Li, Caiyun Fei, Han Yang, Mengmeng Zhu, Chenlu Wang, Hongxiang Hu and Wenling Ye
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010065 - 26 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 898
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution has become increasingly severe, with distinctive physiological characteristics of rice leading to significant accumulation of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in grains, posing serious health risks. Biological soil crusts (BSC) are common in paddy soils and exhibit a strong capacity [...] Read more.
Heavy metal pollution has become increasingly severe, with distinctive physiological characteristics of rice leading to significant accumulation of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in grains, posing serious health risks. Biological soil crusts (BSC) are common in paddy soils and exhibit a strong capacity to bind trace heavy metals. This study investigated the effects of exogenous iron (Fe)/manganese (Mn) and urea on the effectiveness of BSC (20 mg L−1) in removing As (2 mg L−1) and Cd (100 μg L−1) and analyzed the heavy metal distribution. Fe/Mn addition increased As adsorption by BSC from 51.2% to 83.0% but reduced Cd adsorption from 73.2% to 50.3%, whereas urea inhibited As uptake but enhanced Cd capture. Under co-contamination, the As removal ability of the BSC remained unchanged, but Cd removal improved. As was primarily present in the non-EDTA exchangeable fraction (79.0%), which increased to 96.4% and 85.8% in the presence of Fe/Mn, and urea, respectively. Cd was mainly in the sorbed fraction (51.6%), which increased to 61.0% with urea. These results confirm that BSC exhibits a strong ability to adsorb As and Cd under irrigated water with combined As and Cd contamination, iron/manganese and urea can also enhance this ability. The application of exogenous Fe/Mn providing the raw material for the mineralization process and the presence of urea enhancing the biological activity of the colonies. This study provides an eco-friendly strategy for remediating As and Cd in paddy fields. Full article
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19 pages, 4350 KiB  
Article
Magnetic Nanoparticles in Biopolymer Fibers: Fabrication Techniques and Characterization Methods
by Mariana Bianchini Silva, Ulisses Oliveira Costa, Luiz Henrique Capparelli Mattoso, Sergio Neves Monteiro, Michele Lemos de Souza and Letícia Vitorazi
Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2805; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192805 - 3 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1294
Abstract
Hybrid nanocomposites combining biopolymer fibers incorporated with nanoparticles (NPs) have received increasing attention due to their remarkable characteristics. Inorganic NPs are typically chosen for their properties, such as magnetism and thermal or electrical conductivity, for example. Meanwhile, the biopolymer fiber component is a [...] Read more.
Hybrid nanocomposites combining biopolymer fibers incorporated with nanoparticles (NPs) have received increasing attention due to their remarkable characteristics. Inorganic NPs are typically chosen for their properties, such as magnetism and thermal or electrical conductivity, for example. Meanwhile, the biopolymer fiber component is a backbone, and could act as a support structure for the NPs. This shift towards biopolymers over traditional synthetic polymers is motivated by their sustainability, compatibility with biological systems, non-toxic nature, and natural decomposition. This study employed the solution blow spinning (SBS) method to obtain a nanocomposite comprising poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), PVA, and gelatin biodegradable polymer fibers incorporated with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with poly(acrylic acid), PAA2k, coded as γ-Fe2O3-NPs-PAA2k. The fiber production process entailed a preliminary investigation to determine suitable solvents, polymer concentrations, and spinning parameters. γ-Fe2O3-NPs were synthesized via chemical co-precipitation as maghemite and coated with PAA2k through the precipitation–redispersion protocol in order to prepare γ-Fe2O3-NPs-PAA2k. Biopolymeric fibers containing coated NPs with sub-micrometer diameters were obtained, with NP concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 1.7% wt. The synthesized NPs underwent characterization via dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and infrared spectroscopy, while the biopolymer fibers were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Overall, this study demonstrates the successful implementation of SBS for producing biopolymeric fibers incorporating iron oxide NPs, where the amalgamation of materials demonstrated superior thermal behavior to the plain polymers. The thorough characterization of the NPs and fibers provided valuable insights into their properties, paving the way for their potential applications in various fields such as biomedical engineering, environmental remediation, and functional materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physicochemical Properties of Polymer Composites)
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21 pages, 4114 KiB  
Review
Mechanism and In Situ Prevention of Oxidation in Coal Gangue Piles: A Review Aiming to Reduce Acid Pollution
by Yuanyuan Li, Yingjia Cao, Mengying Ruan, Rui Li, Qi Bian and Zhenqi Hu
Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 7208; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16167208 - 22 Aug 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1773
Abstract
The acid pollution produced from coal gangue piles is a global environmental problem. Terminal technologies, such as neutralization, precipitation, adsorption, ion exchange, membrane technology, biological treatment, and electrochemistry, have been developed for acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment. These technologies for treating pollutants with [...] Read more.
The acid pollution produced from coal gangue piles is a global environmental problem. Terminal technologies, such as neutralization, precipitation, adsorption, ion exchange, membrane technology, biological treatment, and electrochemistry, have been developed for acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment. These technologies for treating pollutants with low concentrations over a long period of time in coal gangue piles appear to be costly and unsustainable. Conversely, in situ remediation appears to be more cost-effective and material-efficient, but it is a challenge that coal producing countries need to solve urgently. The primary prerequisite for preventing acidic pollutants is to clarify the oxidation mechanisms of coal gangue, which can be summarized as four aspects: pyrite oxidation, microbial action, low-temperature oxidation of coal, and free radical action. The two key factors of oxidation are pyrite and coal, and the four necessary conditions are water, oxygen, microorganisms, and free radicals. The current in situ remediation technologies mainly focus on one or more of the four necessary conditions, forming mixed co-disposal, coverage barriers, passivation coatings, bactericides, coal oxidation inhibitors, microorganisms, plants, and so on. It is necessary to scientifically and systematically carry out in situ remediation coupled with various technologies based on oxidation mechanisms when carrying out large-scale restoration and treatment of acidic coal gangue piles. Full article
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16 pages, 7427 KiB  
Article
Nano-Bioremediation of Arsenic and Its Effect on the Biological Activity and Growth of Maize Plants Grown in Highly Arsenic-Contaminated Soil
by Mahmoud El Sharkawy, Arwa A. AL-Huqail, Alya M. Aljuaid, Nourhan Kamal, Esawy Mahmoud, Alaa El-Dein Omara, Nasser Abd El-Kader, Jian Li, Nashaat N. Mahmoud, Ahmed A. El Baroudy, Adel M. Ghoneim and Sahar Mohamed Ismail
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1164; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131164 - 8 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1878
Abstract
Arsenic (As)-contaminated soil reduces soil quality and leads to soil degradation, and traditional remediation strategies are expensive or typically produce hazardous by-products that have negative impacts on ecosystems. Therefore, this investigation attempts to assess the impact of As-tolerant bacterial isolates via a bacterial [...] Read more.
Arsenic (As)-contaminated soil reduces soil quality and leads to soil degradation, and traditional remediation strategies are expensive or typically produce hazardous by-products that have negative impacts on ecosystems. Therefore, this investigation attempts to assess the impact of As-tolerant bacterial isolates via a bacterial Rhizobim nepotum strain (B1), a bacterial Glutamicibacter halophytocola strain (B2), and MgO-NPs (N) and their combinations on the arsenic content, biological activity, and growth characteristics of maize plants cultivated in highly As-contaminated soil (300 mg As Kg−1). The results indicated that the spectroscopic characterization of MgO-NPs contained functional groups (e.g., Mg-O, OH, and Si-O-Si) and possessed a large surface area. Under As stress, its addition boosted the growth of plants, biomass, and chlorophyll levels while decreasing As uptake. Co-inoculation of R. nepotum and G. halophytocola had the highest significant values for chlorophyll content, soil organic matter (SOM), microbial biomass (MBC), dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and total number of bacteria compared to other treatments, which played an essential role in increasing maize growth. The addition of R. nepotum and G. halophytocola alone or in combination with MgO-NPs significantly decreased As uptake and increased the biological activity and growth characteristics of maize plants cultivated in highly arsenic-contaminated soil. Considering the results of this investigation, the combination of G. halophytocola with MgO-NPs can be used as a nanobioremediation strategy for remediating severely arsenic-contaminated soil and also improving the biological activity and growth parameters of maize plants. Full article
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18 pages, 4097 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Remediation of Lead and Cadmium by the Co-System of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria Immobilized on Goethite-Modified Biochar
by Gongduan Fan, Junhou Zhou, Xingfeng Cao, Wu You, Chen Lin, Jing Luo, Jianyong Zou, Kai-Qin Xu and Quanda Luo
Water 2024, 16(13), 1917; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16131917 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1488
Abstract
Bioremediation has drawn widespread concern in passivating heavy metals, but the intense toxicity of heavy metals to biological cells limits the application of functional strains. Herein, goethite-modified biochar (GMB) was chosen as the carrier to immobilize phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) of strain L1 for [...] Read more.
Bioremediation has drawn widespread concern in passivating heavy metals, but the intense toxicity of heavy metals to biological cells limits the application of functional strains. Herein, goethite-modified biochar (GMB) was chosen as the carrier to immobilize phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) of strain L1 for lead and cadmium remediation. Batch experiments showed that the GMB-L1 possessed excellent adsorption performance with a maximum adsorption of 496.54 and 178.18 mg/g for Pb and Cd, respectively. Moreover, adding GMB-L1 in contaminated soil converted heavy metals (Pb and Cd) into more stable fractions and reduced TCLP-extracted heavy metal concentrations (73.24% of Pb and 57.25% of Cd). The GMB-L1 was proved to accomplish Pb and Cd remediation via the process of chemical precipitation, surface complexation, electrostatic attraction, and biomineralization, which was accompanied by the transformation of heavy metals into a more stable crystal structure, such as Pb5(PO4)3OH and Cd5(PO4)3OH. Therefore, the co-system of GMB and strain L1 could be regarded as a prospective option for efficiently remedying environmental heavy metal pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Biochar and Activated Carbon in Water Treatment)
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17 pages, 2811 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Mechanism of Cadmium-Tolerant Bacterium Cellulosimicrobium and Ryegrass Combined Remediation of Cadmium-Contaminated Soil
by Jiaqi Li, Xiaoyang Xu, Lanping Song, Meng Na, Shangqi Xu, Jie Zhang, Yongjie Huang, Xiaoping Li, Xianqing Zheng and Jihai Zhou
Plants 2024, 13(12), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13121657 - 15 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1866
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) pollution has been rapidly increasing due to the global rise in industries. Cd not only harms the ecological environment but also endangers human health through the food chain and drinking water. Therefore, the remediation of Cd-polluted soil is an imminent issue. [...] Read more.
Cadmium (Cd) pollution has been rapidly increasing due to the global rise in industries. Cd not only harms the ecological environment but also endangers human health through the food chain and drinking water. Therefore, the remediation of Cd-polluted soil is an imminent issue. In this work, ryegrass and a strain of Cd-tolerant bacterium were used to investigate the impact of inoculated bacteria on the physiology and biochemistry of ryegrass and the Cd enrichment of ryegrass in soil contaminated with different concentrations of Cd (4 and 20 mg/kg). The results showed that chlorophyll content increased by 24.7% and 41.0%, while peroxidase activity decreased by 56.7% and 3.9%. In addition, ascorbic acid content increased by 16.7% and 6.3%, whereas glutathione content decreased by 54.2% and 6.9%. The total Cd concentration in ryegrass increased by 21.5% and 10.3%, and the soil’s residual Cd decreased by 86.0% and 44.1%. Thus, the inoculation of Cd-tolerant bacteria can improve the antioxidant stress ability of ryegrass in Cd-contaminated soil and change the soil’s Cd form. As a result, the Cd enrichment in under-ground and above-ground parts of ryegrass, as well as the biomass of ryegrass, is increased, and the ability of ryegrass to remediate Cd-contaminated soil is significantly improved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Microbe-Induced Abiotic Stress Alleviation in Plants)
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14 pages, 4363 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Remediation of Soil Co-Contaminated by Cu and Cd in a Semi-Arid Area with Sewage Sludge-Derived Biochar
by Zhipu Wang, Nan Wei, Fei Yang, Daoren Hanikai, Shifeng Li, Yawei Zhai, Jiabin Zhou, Dan Liu, Xiaoxian Yuan, Shiji Bie and Yixuan Tian
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4961; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124961 - 10 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1579
Abstract
In this study, biochar derived from sewage sludge was applied to remediate Cu and Cd co-polluted soil in semi-arid areas for the first time, in which the effects of biochar on the improvement of soil physicochemical and biological properties as well as the [...] Read more.
In this study, biochar derived from sewage sludge was applied to remediate Cu and Cd co-polluted soil in semi-arid areas for the first time, in which the effects of biochar on the improvement of soil physicochemical and biological properties as well as the immobilization of Cu and Cd were investigated. Soil water holding capacity increased by 0.22–2.74%, soil CEC increased by 0.52–4.06 units, soil SOM content increased by 1.41–5.97 times, and urease and catalase activities increased by 0.012–0.032 mg·g−1·24 h−1, 0.18–2.95 mg H2O2·g−1, but soil pH increased only slightly by 0.69 units after biochar application. In addition, although the total content of these two metals in the soil increased with the use of biochar, the content of DTPA-Cu and Cd decreased by −0.128–0.291 mg/kg, 0–0.037 mg/kg, with the increase in biochar application, and the content of acid-soluble Cu in the soil decreased from 27.42 mg/kg to 3.76 mg/kg, the mobility and bioavailability of these two metals in the soil decreased. Finally, the complexation of organic functional groups with the soil dominates the immobilization process of metals, especially Cu. These findings suggest that biochar from sewage sludge can effectively improve soil quality and remediate heavy metal-contaminated soils in semi-arid regions. Meanwhile, the use of sludge-based biochar for the remediation of contaminated soils also provides a new method for the safe disposal of sewage sludge and a new way for sustainable development. In subsequent studies, methods such as modification are recommended to improve the efficiency of sludge-based biochar for the removal of Cu and Cd. Full article
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14 pages, 7007 KiB  
Article
Exploration of the Vermiculite-Induced Bacterial Community and Co-Network Successions during Sludge–Waste Mushroom Co-Composting
by Zhaojing Yu, Bin Wang, Xiaoyan Wu, Runlan Yu, Li Shen, Xueling Wu, Jiaokun Li, Yuandong Liu and Weimin Zeng
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030585 - 15 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1883
Abstract
Vermiculite is a clay mineral with unique physical properties that plays a significant role in plant cultivation, soil remediation, and solid waste management. In this research, we first explored how vermiculite-to-microbe interactions evolved during sludge–waste mushroom residue co-composting. Vermiculite’s addition had a substantial [...] Read more.
Vermiculite is a clay mineral with unique physical properties that plays a significant role in plant cultivation, soil remediation, and solid waste management. In this research, we first explored how vermiculite-to-microbe interactions evolved during sludge–waste mushroom residue co-composting. Vermiculite’s addition had a substantial impact on the microbial α and β diversities, significantly changed the microbial community pattern, and strengthened the composting nutrient circulation through the formation of more specialist and generalist species. The microbial community characteristics exhibited common co-networks for resisting composting environment stresses. Vermiculite contributed to enhancing the keystone taxa Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota and caused the ecological function network to diversify in the warming and maturation phases, with more complexity and tightness in the thermophilic phase (with super-generalist species existing). The enhanced microbial interactions induced by vermiculite possessed a greater capacity to facilitate the metabolisms of carbohydrates and amino acids and cellulolysis, thereby promoting composting humification, and nitrogen retention in the final compost and composting maturity. These findings are helpful for us to understand the biological process mechanisms of the effect of vermiculite additives on composting and contribute to the establishment of a theoretical framework for enhancing the microbial interactions in composting systems by adding vermiculite in practical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Microbiology)
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18 pages, 2015 KiB  
Review
Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation as a Bioremediation Technique for Mining Waste
by Samantha M. Wilcox, Catherine N. Mulligan and Carmen Mihaela Neculita
Toxics 2024, 12(2), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12020107 - 27 Jan 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3998
Abstract
Mining waste represents a global issue due to its potential of generating acidic or alkaline leachate with high concentrations of metals and metalloids (metal(loid)s). Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an engineering tool used for remediation. MICP, induced via biological activity, aims to [...] Read more.
Mining waste represents a global issue due to its potential of generating acidic or alkaline leachate with high concentrations of metals and metalloids (metal(loid)s). Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an engineering tool used for remediation. MICP, induced via biological activity, aims to precipitate calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or co-precipitate other metal carbonates (MCO3). MICP is a bio-geochemical remediation method that aims to immobilize or remove metal(loid)s via enzyme, redox, or photosynthetic metabolic pathways. Contaminants are removed directly through immobilization as mineral precipitates (CaCO3 or MCO3), or indirectly (via sorption, complexes, or inclusion into the crystal structure). Further, CaCO3 precipitates deposited on the surface or within the pore spaces of a solid matrix create a clogging effect to reduce contaminant leachate. Experimental research on MICP has shown its promise as a bioremediation technique for mining waste. Additional research is required to evaluate the long-term feasibility and potential by-products of MICP-treated/stabilized waste. Full article
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15 pages, 6948 KiB  
Article
Arsenic Removal via the Biomineralization of Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria Pseudarthrobacter sp. Fe7
by Xia Fan, Hanxiao Zhang, Qian Peng, Yongliang Zheng, Kaixiang Shi and Xian Xia
Microorganisms 2023, 11(12), 2860; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11122860 - 26 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1878
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic metalloid, and its widespread contamination of water is a serious threat to human health. This study explored As removal using Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria. The strain Fe7 isolated from iron mine soil was classified as the genus Pseudarthrobacter based [...] Read more.
Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic metalloid, and its widespread contamination of water is a serious threat to human health. This study explored As removal using Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria. The strain Fe7 isolated from iron mine soil was classified as the genus Pseudarthrobacter based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities and phylogenetic analyses. The strain Fe7 was identified as a strain of Gram-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic bacteria that can oxidize Fe(II) and produce iron mineral precipitates. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy patterns showed that the iron mineral precipitates with poor crystallinity consisted of Fe(III) and numerous biological impurities. In the co-cultivation of the strain Fe7 with arsenite (As(III)), 100% of the total Fe and 99.9% of the total As were removed after 72 h. During the co-cultivation of the strain Fe7 with arsenate (As(V)), 98.4% of the total Fe and 96.9% of the total As were removed after 72 h. Additionally, the iron precipitates produced by the strain Fe7 removed 100% of the total As after 3 h in both the As(III) and As(V) pollution systems. Furthermore, enzyme activity experiments revealed that the strain Fe7 oxidized Fe(II) by producing extracellular enzymes. When 2% (v/v) extracellular enzyme liquid of the strain Fe7 was added to the As(III) or As(V) pollution system, the total As removal rates were 98.6% and 99.4%, respectively, after 2 h, which increased to 100% when 5% (v/v) and 10% (v/v) extracellular enzyme liquid of the strain Fe7 were, respectively, added to the As(III) and As(V) pollution systems. Therefore, iron biomineralized using a co-culture of the strain Fe7 and As, iron precipitates produced by the strain Fe7, and the extracellular enzymes of the strain Fe7 could remove As(III) and As(V) efficiently. This study provides new insights and strategies for the efficient remediation of arsenic pollution in aquatic environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotechnology for Environmental Remediation)
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23 pages, 2080 KiB  
Article
Bioremediation of Metal-Polluted Industrial Wastewater with Algal-Bacterial Consortia: A Sustainable Strategy
by Kashif Bashir, Sara Khan, Ramzan Ali, Humaira Yasmin, Abdel-Rhman Z. Gaafar, Fazal E. Azeem Khilgee, Sadia Butt and Amin Ullah
Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14056; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914056 - 22 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2804
Abstract
Aquatic pollution is a burning issue nowadays due to urbanization and industrialization. Industrial wastewater (IWW) contains pollutants that pose a great risk to the environment and human beings and is a big challenge for industries. The remediation of IWW by microorganisms is an [...] Read more.
Aquatic pollution is a burning issue nowadays due to urbanization and industrialization. Industrial wastewater (IWW) contains pollutants that pose a great risk to the environment and human beings and is a big challenge for industries. The remediation of IWW by microorganisms is an environmentally friendly technique. This study was carried out to evaluate the pollution of IWW and to use consortia of Bacillus pakistanensis, Lysinibacillus composti, and Cladophora glomerata for bioremediation. The IWW was obtained from the Hayatabad Industrial Estate and was evaluated for physicochemical parameters and metal concentration. A pot experiment was carried out for two weeks to assess the efficiency of the developed consortia. The IWW and tap water (control) were treated with three different consortia (Bacillus pakistanensis-Cladophora glomerata (CT1, E1), Lysinibacillus composti-Cladophora glomerata (CT2, E2), and Bacillus pakistanensis-Lysinibacillus composti-Cladophora glomerata (CT3, E3). The three pots (CT1, CT2, and CT3) serving as the control were provided with tap water, and the three experimental pots (E1, E2, and E3) were provided with IWW. After treatment, substantial reductions were obtained in the following parameters and percentages: colour 85.7%, electrical conductivity (EC) 40.8%, turbidity 69.6%, sulphide 78.5%, fluoride 38.8%, chloride 62.9%, biological oxygen demand (BOD) 66%, chemical oxygen demand (COD) 81.8%, total suspended solids (TSSs) 82.7%, total dissolved solids (TDSs) 24.6%, Ca hardness 37.2%, Mg hardness 50%, and total hardness 39%. The samples of water were also examined for metal concentrations using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The selected species removed 98.2% of Mn, 94% of Cu, 97.7% of Cr, 91.6% of Cd, 92.8% of Co, 79.6% of Ag, 82.6% of Ni, 98% of Ca, 90% of Mg, and 82.1% of Pb. The BCF values showed by the consortia for Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Co, Ag, Ni, Ca, Mg, and Pb were 91.8, 67, 97.5, 83.3, 85.7, 48.1, 80.4, 84.3, 82.5, and 80.3%, respectively. The t-test analysis showed that the treatment with the selected species significantly decreased the metal concentrations in the IWW (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, the study concludes that metal concentration in the water was decreased significantly by the consortia of algae-bacteria. Full article
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