Search Results (386)

Biofouling communities are usually managed as pests in aquaculture, yet their natural proliferation in fish farms makes them also promising IMTA extractive components. The growth and biomass production of four dominant macrofoulers, Mytilus galloprovincialis (mussels), Sabella spallanzanii (polychaete worms), Phallusia mammillata and Styela plicata (ascidians), were evaluated under a novel IMTA system in the Ionian Sea (southern Italy). Coconut-fiber ropes (10 m) were deployed around fish cages in October 2022 and monitored over a 1-year cycle. Monthly density, length-frequency and cohort analyses combined with species-specific length-weight relationships were used to estimate target species’ growth and biomass. Mytilus and Sabella showed single-cohort dynamics, with densities steadily declining over time, whereas ascidians displayed continuous recruitment allowing for additional rope-deployment windows. Specific growth rates in length were significantly higher in Phallusia and Sabella (≈25% month⁻¹) than in Mytilus and Styela (≈17 and 22% month⁻¹). Total macrofouling biomass (live weight) increased from ≈350 kg in May to a peak of ≈2500 kg in August, remaining as high in October. Mytilus and Sabella accounted for 60–80% of total biomass while ascidians contributed 20–40%. Beyond environmental restoration, this multispecies biomass offers several potential commercial opportunities and could be further valorized through biorefinery-based cascading extraction, including final conversion into bioenergy. Overall, IMTA could leverage traditionally undesired fouling organisms as multifunctional crops, enhancing bioremediation while supporting circular blue-bioeconomy principles. Future research should focus on optimizing rope deployment timing, harvesting strategies, and biomass valorization pathways to fully exploit the emerging potential of integrating multispecies fouling biomass within IMTA systems. Full article

The microbial ecology of acid mine drainage (AMD) systems in Armenia, with a long mining history, remains unexplored. This study aimed to characterize the microbial diversity and functional potential of AMD in the Syunik region and to isolate novel microorganisms with biotechnological value. A comprehensive analysis of the microbial communities’ structure of Kavart abandoned, Kapan exploring mines effluent, and Artsvanik tailing was conducted. Metagenomics revealed bacterial-dominated communities, comprising Pseudomonadota (previously “Proteobacteria”) (68–72%), with site-specific variations in genus abundance. A high abundance and diversity of metal resistance genes (MRGs), particularly for copper and arsenic, were identified. Carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZy) analysis showed a dominance of GT2 and GT4 genes, suggesting a high potential for extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production and biofilm formation. A novel strain of iron-oxidizing bacteria Arm-12 was isolated that shares only ~90% similarity with known Leptospirillum type species, indicating it may represent a new genus without culturable representatives. The strain exhibits enhanced copper extraction from concentrate. This study provides the first metagenomic insights into Armenian AMD systems and tailing, revealing a unique community rich in metal resistance and biofilm-forming genes. The isolation of a novel highly effective iron-oxidizer Arm-12 highlights the potential of AMD environments as a source of novel taxa with significant applications in biomining and bioremediation processes. Full article

Chromium (Cr) is a widespread heavy metal contaminant in aquatic environments, posing serious risks to phytoplankton due to its persistence, biotoxicity, and mutagenic potential. Microalgae have emerged as promising biological agents for Cr remediation. In this study, the Cr removal potential of living Dunaliella salina (D. salina) was evaluated by examining the toxic effects and adsorption behavior of trivalent Cr(III) and hexavalent Cr(VI) through short-term exposure experiments. This study elucidated the mechanisms by which Cr disrupts key photosynthetic metabolic pathways, quantified the short-term toxicity thresholds of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) to D. salina, and characterized the saturation adsorption capacity and adsorption kinetics of Cr on algal cells. The results showed that Cr(VI) at concentrations of 5–20 mg/L inhibited the growth of D. salina in a dose-dependent manner throughout the culture period, with inhibition rates ranging from 22.8% to 70.9%. After 72 h of exposure, the maximum growth inhibition rates caused by Cr(III) and Cr(VI) reached 42.5% and 52%, respectively. Interestingly, low concentrations of Cr(VI) (0.1–1 mg/L) slightly enhanced the growth of D. salina. However, Cr(VI) exhibited stronger biotoxicity than Cr(III). Exposure to both Cr species significantly reduced the levels of chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), and carotenoids (Car), resulting in damage to the photosynthetic reaction centers and suppression of the photosynthetic electron transport system. The adsorption of Cr(VI) by D. salina followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 38.09 mg/g. The process was primarily governed by monolayer chemisorption. These findings elucidate the toxic mechanisms of Cr in D. salina and highlight its potential application as an effective bioremediation agent for heavy metal pollution, particularly Cr(VI), in marine environments. Full article

This study involved a systematic literature review using bibliometric analysis to examine the evolution and current trends of Biological Remediation studies. The bibliometric analysis was used for the descriptive, intellectual, social, and conceptual network analyses, while systematic reviews were used to identify the application of the Biological Remediation. A total of 4835 papers were selected and extracted from Scopus between 2020 and 2025. The publication trends, most influential countries and articles, leading journals, collaboration networks, coupling networks, and application of the Biological Remediation in various disciplines were described. This study summarized the research agenda of the Biological Remediation field, which would be helpful for researchers and funding agencies. This article highlights four new research directions in Current Bioremediation Trends: (1) understanding the interactions between petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals in composite pollution systems; (2) exploring microbial community succession during bioremediation; (3) utilizing biosurfactants to enhance contaminant solubilization and biodegradation; and (4) developing integrative, multi-mechanistic remediation approaches. Full article

This study investigates the potential of tsipouro liquid waste (TLW) as a sustainable substrate for cultivating the edible–medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus under static liquid fermentation. TLW naturally contains high glycerol levels and significant quantities of phenolic compounds; therefore, five media (0–50% v/v TLW) with varying phenolic concentrations and a standard initial glycerol level (~20 g/L) were prepared to simulate TLW-type substrates. Throughout fermentation, physicochemical parameters in the culture medium (pH, electrical conductivity, total sugars, free amino nitrogen, proteins, laccase activity, total phenolics, ethanol, glycerol) and biomass composition (intracellular polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, triterpenoids, antioxidant activity) were determined. Results showed that increasing TLW concentration enhanced biomass production and bioactive metabolite accumulation. The highest dry biomass (22.8 g/L) and protein (4.06 g/L) content were obtained in 50% v/v TLW, while maximum polysaccharides (6.8 g/L) occurred in 17% v/v TLW. Fungal growth led to a reduction of up to 74% in total phenolic content, indicating simultaneous bioremediation potential. Fruiting body formation—rare and uncommon in liquid cultures—occurred at the end of fermentation period. Fruiting bodies contained higher protein (24.5% w/w) and total phenolic compounds (13.36 mg GAE/g), whereas mycelium accumulated more polysaccharides (49% w/w). This study demonstrates that TLW can serve as a cost-effective, ecofriendly medium for producing high-value H. erinaceus biomass and bioactive metabolites, supporting circular bioeconomy applications in the alcoholic beverage sector. Full article

Rapid industrialization has generated large volumes of acidic wastewater that, without adequate treatment, pose serious environmental and public health risks. Traditional remediation processes, such as chemical neutralization, ion-exchange, and membrane filtration, are effective but costly, energy-intensive, and generate toxic secondary waste. In contrast, acidophilic microalgae offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative. Algae rely on their cellular structure and metabolism to adsorb, absorb, bioaccumulate, and transform toxic metals while simultaneously neutralizing wastewater with minimal secondary waste production. Although acidophilic algae tolerate highly toxic and low pH conditions, their growth rate and biomass productivity, key drivers of algae-based bioremediation, are often compromised under such conditions. Thus, identifying robust species and evolving strains to thrive in these wastewaters without compromising productivity will facilitate adoption of algae-based bioremediation on a large scale. Integrating algal wastewater remediation with biofuel and biofertilizer production can contribute to the circular economy. In this review, we synthesize mechanisms employed by acidophilic algal strains when exposed to acidic and metal-enriched environments to remediate wastewater. We highlight recent studies applying these strains to acidic wastewater remediation and biogas upgrading and discuss current biotechnological tools aimed at enhancing strain performance for future use in commercial systems. Full article

Extensive application of deltamethrin on agricultural products results in serious contamination of the environment. Its negative impact on environmental and public health necessitates the development of environmental remediation technologies. Detailed investigations of microbial degradation of deltamethrin may be useful for the development of bioremediation strategies. In this study, the deltamethrin removal capability of a bacterial strain, Microbacterium sp., previously isolated from the gut of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) was first investigated. When 3 mL of the bacterial solution (OD₆₀₀ = 1) was inoculated into 97 mL of MS media containing 200 μg/mL deltamethrin, it could remove 45.7% deltamethrin after 64 h of incubation. This strain grew fastest in LB media with an inoculum volume of 3% in pH 7 at 175 rpm, 25 °C. To enhance its environmental tolerance, this strain was immobilized with sodium alginate. Microbacterium sp.-containing calcium alginate microspheres (CAMs) exhibited an enhanced deltamethrin removal capability compared to free bacteria, and CAMs generated by immobilization with 2% sodium alginate and 3% CaCl₂ cross-linking for 4 h possessed the maximum deltamethrin removal capability. The ultrastructure of Microbacterium sp.-containing CAMs prepared under optimal conditions was a three-dimensional mesh structure with pores and dense features, and the bacteria grew well in the immobilized carrier. After being reused five times, the deltamethrin removal rate of immobilized Microbacterium sp. still reached over 50%. When Microbacterium sp. was inoculated into deltamethrin-contaminated water or soil for 48 h, the deltamethrin removal rate of immobilized bacteria was 1.4 times higher than that of free bacteria. These results suggest that Microbacterium sp.-containing CAMs possess an excellent deltamethrin removal capability and good reusability, showing great potential for the remediation of deltamethrin-contaminated environments. Full article

Oil pollution poses a persistent threat to soil ecosystems globally, and bioremediation using bacterial consortia has emerged as a cost-effective remediation strategy. However, the role of weak petroleum-degrading bacteria in enhancing the efficiency of specialized petroleum-degrading bacteria remains unclear. This study explores the synergy and remediation potential of a two-bacterial consortium: the petroleum-degrading bacterium Rhodococcus sp. OS62-1 and the weak petroleum-degrading bacterium Pseudomonas sp. P35. A 25-day microcosm experiment was conducted with petroleum-contaminated soil, and four treatments were set: (1) uninoculated control, (2) inoculation with Rhodococcus sp. OS62-1 alone, (3) inoculation with Pseudomonas sp. P35 alone, and (4) inoculation with the consortium. Soil samples were collected periodically to analyze petroleum degradation efficiency, soil enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, catalase, polyphenol oxidase, and lipase), and microbial community composition (16S rRNA gene sequencing). Inoculating the soils with this consortium produced a higher petroleum degradation rate, microbial activity, and soil enzyme activity than inoculation with strain OS62-1 or P35 alone. Inoculation with strain P35 also contributed to the maintenance of strain OS62-1 during bioremediation. The study of microbial community structure found that the relative abundance of phylum Acidobacteriota (57.6 ± 5.3% to 75.6 ± 8.1%) and the Nocardioides genus (36.4 ± 4.5% to 53.0 ± 9.2%) increased dramatically during the bioremediation process. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that inoculation with strain OS62-1 and/or strain P35 increases the soil enzyme activity, boosts native oil-degrading bacteria, and accelerates the degradation of petroleum contaminants. Molecular ecological networks analysis revealed that inoculation with strain OS62-1 and/or strain P35 increased the complexity and robustness of the microbial network. These findings confirm that weak petroleum-degrading bacteria can synergistically enhance the bioremediation efficiency of specialized petroleum-degrading bacteria, providing a practical strategy for optimizing the design of bacterial consortia in the bioremediation of oil-polluted soils. Full article

Suillus luteus is a highly prized edible fungus and demonstrates significant potential in the field of bioremediation, particularly for soil restoration and pollution mitigation. However, systematic research on the structural characteristics of the bioactive polysaccharides and regulatory effects on gut microbiota metabolism remains scarce. In this study, S. luteus polysaccharide (SLP) was obtained by hot water extraction and the structural characteristics were systematically determined, as well as the regulatory function on gut microbiota metabolism in a tumor-bearing mice model. Results showed that SLP exhibited an average molecular weight of approximately 1.90 × 10⁶ Da with Fuc:Man:Glc:Gal molar ratio of 0.37:1.00:0.72:0.54. The polysaccharide predominantly employed β-(1→4)-Manp as the backbone with α-(1→3)-Fucp, α-(1→6)-Glcp, and α-(1→6)-Galp as side chains. SLP administration of 200 mg/kg in tumor-bearing mice exerted enrichment effects of intestinal probiotics, including Lactobacillus and Odoribacter, which were associated with alterations in glyoxylate and dicarboxylic acid metabolism, ultimately enhancing CD4⁺ T cell immunity and resulting in a tumor suppression rate of 53.14%. This study provides a theoretical foundation and supporting data for the development of S. luteus polysaccharide in the functional food field. Full article

Nonylphenol (NP) bioremediation is constrained by the scarcity of efficient and non-pathogenic degrading strains. To clarify the role of acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase (AtoB) in NP degradation, we generated an atoB-overexpressed strain (LY-OE) from the environmentally tolerant Bacillus cereus LY and compared its degradation rate with the wild type using HPLC. Untargeted lipidomics was conducted to characterize metabolic responses under NP stress, and key differential lipid metabolites (DELMs) were further validated by ELISA. Additionally, AtoB concentration and ATP content were quantified using commercial assay kits in Bacillus cereus. LY-OE showed a markedly higher NP degradation rate (96%) than LY (85%). Lipidomic analysis identified 34 significant DELMs (VIP > 1, p < 0.05), including elevated cardiolipin (CL) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and reduced phosphatidylcholine (PC) and triglycerides (TG). ELISA confirmed these changes (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001), consistent with lipidomic findings. LY-OE showed significantly higher AtoB concentration during the logarithmic growth phase and exhibited higher ATP content during NP degradation. These findings suggest that atoB overexpression enhances NP degradation by both boosting energy supply and remodeling lipid metabolism. This work identifies atoB as a key factor for NP biodegradation and provides a promising strategy for developing high-performance bioremediation strains. Full article

Biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAOs) provide risk for foodborne contamination. Soils are often enriched with BSAAOs to increase nutrient value, enhance and support crop growth and yield. Little is known about the interactions of soil microorganisms and the potential impact on food safety. Although BSAAOs provide benefits to soil and crops, BSAAOs are a risk for contamination. Another source of risk includes adjacent land use of concentrated animal feed operations (CAFOs) and the risk of contaminated dust with pathogens such as Escherichia coli or Salmonella is becoming more of a concern. Studies have shown that crops planted adjacent to a cattle feedlot were contaminated with pathogenic E. coli O157:H7 which originated from the cattle feedlot. Further research is needed to evaluate novel bioremediation techniques to lower/prevent the risks of windborne contamination of dust and risks posed by untreated BSAAOs. One potential novel technique is the utilization of mycofiltration. The risks of pathogenic contamination of BSAAOs could be reduced by developing a cost-effective and sustainable mycofiltration practice using naturally formulated by-products from filamentous fungi. Ligninolytic white-rot fungi can degrade a wide variety of toxic or persistent environmental contaminants and degrade pollutants in the environment. Recent studies have shown that white-rot fungi can inhibit pathogenic E. coli in bioreactor systems. Exploring white-rot fungi as a biocontrol agent for on-farm mycofiltration may prove to be a cost-effective treatment and limit certain routes of contamination to the edible portion of the crop, certainly worthy of exploration in this review. Full article

The widespread use of antibiotics in livestock farming has led to the persistent issue of antibiotic residues in meat products, raising significant concerns for food safety and public health. These residues can contribute to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health threat recognized by the World Health Organization. While some regulatory bodies have imposed restrictions on non-therapeutic antibiotic use in animal agriculture, inconsistent global policies continue to hinder unified efforts to reduce AMR risks. This review explores the role of biotechnology in addressing this challenge by offering innovative tools for the detection, degradation, and removal of antibiotic residues from meat. Biotechnological approaches include the use of biosensors, high-throughput screening, enzymatic degradation, microbial bioremediation, genetically engineered bacteria, phage therapy, and phytoremediation. In addition, enabling technologies such as genomics, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and computational modeling support the rational design of targeted interventions. We further examine the integration of these biotechnological strategies within the broader “One Health” framework, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Case studies and recent applications demonstrate the potential of these methods to ensure safer meat production, reduce public health risks, and enhance consumer trust. By focusing on scalable, science-driven solutions, biotechnology offers a promising path toward mitigating antibiotic residues in the food supply and combating the long-term threat of AMR. Full article

The accelerating pace of global population growth, urbanization, and industrialization is exerting considerable pressure on freshwater resources. In developing countries, where infrastructure constraints often hinder the adoption of advanced treatment technologies, cost-effective and efficient wastewater solutions are essential. Algal–bacterial bioremediation represents a promising, eco-friendly method for removing organic pollutants through biological processes. This study evaluates a hybrid treatment system composed of three ponds: a covered anaerobic pond for organic matter digestion, a microalgal pond equipped with rotating biological contactors (RBCs) that facilitate interactions between heterotrophic bacteria and diatoms, and a final settling pond. Granular activated carbon embedded within the RBC enhances biofilm formation by attracting heterotrophic bacteria, thereby increasing treatment efficiency. Under optimal conditions—10 g of activated carbon and 1.7 d hydraulic retention time—the system achieved removal efficiencies of 95.8% for total suspended solids (TSS), 96.3% for turbidity, 85% for biological oxygen demand (BOD), and 99.9% for Escherichia coli. Bacteriological analysis showed complete removal of fecal coliform and total coliform. The characteristics of the outflow treated wastewater are 3 mg/L, 0.9 NTU, and 3.2 mg/L for TSS, turbidity, and BOD, respectively, while E. coli detection is under detection limit. The treated effluent complies with Category A for the reuse of treated wastewater in the Egyptian code for the reuse of treated municipal wastewater for agricultural purposes, offering a scalable and sustainable solution for wastewater management in resource-constrained regions. Full article

A novel heavy metal-resistant bacterium with significant bioremediation capabilities, Sinirhodobacter sp. 1C5-22 was isolated from moderately polluted Shenzhen Futian mangrove rhizosphere sediments. This strain showed exceptional tolerance (MIC ≥ 600 mg/L for Cu/Zn; > 500 mg/L for Ni). Analyses revealed distinct metal-specific distribution strategies: Cd and Ni were predominantly bound extracellularly (>80%); Cu was bound intracellularly (~60%); and Zn exhibited balanced partitioning. Integrated omics analysis identified a molecular defense mechanism coordinated by the CreB transcriptional regulator. This Adsorption–Sequestration–Efflux (ASE) system integrates extracellular polymer binding, periplasmic sequestration via stable metal-binding proteins, and efflux pump activity, resolving the apparent adsorption-tolerance paradox at elevated concentrations. For bioremediation applications, we developed a polyvinyl alcohol–sodium alginate immobilized consortium (PVA-SA 1C5-22). The engineered agent displayed significantly enhanced biosorption capacity compared to free cells and effectively mitigated heavy metal-induced oxidative damage, evidenced by stabilized malondialdehyde levels. It demonstrated robust reusability, maintaining high metal enrichment across five adsorption–desorption cycles in multi-metal wastewater with efficient HCl-driven desorption (55–70%). Critically, it achieved stable nickel removal performance (~20% adsorption, >50% desorption) from authentic electroplating wastewater (1850 mg/L Ni²⁺) through successive multiple cycles. Our integrated approach bridges microbial ecology and environmental biotechnology, establishing this immobilized system as a highly sustainable strategy for complex industrial effluent remediation. Full article

Microplastics derived from biodegradable PBAT film, widely used in agriculture, pose ecological and biological hazards. This study explores how Trichoderma harzianum T4 mitigates this microplastic-induced stress in Nicotiana benthamiana. Using five experimental setup-control (CK), low/high-dose aged microplastics (MP80/MP320), and their co-treatments with T. harzianum T4 (MP80+T4/MP320+T4), multi-omics analyses reveal the microplastic stress-alleviating mechanisms of T. harzianum T4. Aged microplastics significantly inhibit plant growth, promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, and disrupt metabolic homeostasis. Conversely, T. harzianum T4 activates the plant antioxidant defense system, reducing ROS/MDA levels and upregulating superoxide dismutase (SOD)/peroxidase (POD) activities, and promotes biomass. Transcriptomic analysis shows T. harzianum T4 reverses gene expression patterns disrupted by microplastics, particularly in DNA replication and pentose–glucuronic acid pathways. Metagenomic sequencing indicates T. harzianum T4 restores soil microbial diversity, increases the abundance of Bacteroidota and Myxococcota, downregulates antibiotic resistance genes (e.g., tetA5, MDR), and upregulates carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZys), thereby enhancing carbon metabolism. In conclusion, T. harzianum T4 alleviates microplastic stress through a tripartite mechanism: activating plant stress-response gene networks, reshaping soil microbial communities, and modulating functional gene expression, offering a promising bioremediation strategy. Full article