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Bioresource Technology Jun 2024This study investigated the efficacy of the rotating algal biofilm (RAB) for treating soy sauce wastewater (SW) and its related treatment mechanisms. The RAB system...
This study investigated the efficacy of the rotating algal biofilm (RAB) for treating soy sauce wastewater (SW) and its related treatment mechanisms. The RAB system demonstrated superior nutrient removal (chemical oxygen demand, ammonium nitrogen, total nitrogen, and phosphorus for 92 %, 94 %, 91 %, and 82 %, respectively) and biofilm productivity (14 g m d) at optimized 5-day harvest time and 2-day hydraulic retention time. This was mainly attributed to the synergistic interactions within the algae-fungi (Apiotrichum)-bacteria (Acinetobacter and Rhizobia) consortium, which effectively assimilated certain extracellular polymeric substances into biomass to enhance algal biofilm growth. Increased algal productivity notably improved protein and essential amino acid contents in the biomass, suggesting a potential for animal feed applications. This study not only demonstrates a sustainable approach for managing SW but also provides insight into the nutrient removal and biomass conversion, offering a viable strategy for large-scale applications in nutrient recovery and wastewater treatment.
PubMed: 38942212
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131047 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Jun 2024Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) have been used worldwide due to their extended antimicrobial spectrum. However, the overuse of FQs leads to frequent detection in the...
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) have been used worldwide due to their extended antimicrobial spectrum. However, the overuse of FQs leads to frequent detection in the environment and cannot be efficiently removed. Microalgae-based constructed wetland systems have been proven to be a relatively proper method to treat FQs, mainly by microalgae, plants, microorganisms, and sediments. To improve the removal efficiency of microalgae-constructed wetland, a systematic molecular design, screening, functional, and risk evaluation method was developed using three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship models, molecular dynamics simulation, molecular docking, and TOPKAT approaches. Five designed ciprofloxacin alternatives with improved bactericidal effects and lower human health risks were found to be more easily degraded by microalgae (16.11-167.88 %), plants (6.72-58.86 %), microorganisms (9.10-15.02 %), and sediments (435.83 %-1763.51 %) compared with ciprofloxacin. According to the mechanism analysis, the removal effect of the FQs can be affected via changes in the number, bond energy, and molecular descriptors of favorable and unfavorable amino acids. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of improving the microalgae, plants, microorganisms, and sediment removal efficiency of FQs in constructed wetlands, which provides theoretical support for the treatment of FQ pollution.
PubMed: 38941832
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134946 -
Marine Pollution Bulletin Jun 2024Although microalgae typically serve as prey for jellyfish ephyrae in marine food webs, this study investigated the potential of harmful microalgae to produce detrimental...
Although microalgae typically serve as prey for jellyfish ephyrae in marine food webs, this study investigated the potential of harmful microalgae to produce detrimental effects on the moon jellyfish Aurelia aurita. Understanding the biological interactions between Aurelia and microalgal species is crucial, particularly considering their common co-occurrence in coastal waters worldwide. We examined the effects of 11 protist strains, comprising seven species of harmful microalgae and two non-toxic microalgae, on A. aurita ephyrae. The rhythmic pulsation behavior of A. aurita was significantly suppressed when exposed to the raphidophytes Heterosigma akashiwo and Chattonella marina var. ovata and the dinoflagellates Amphidinium carterae, Coolia canariensis, and Pfiesteria piscicida. Notably, the media filtrates of all H. akashiwo strains and C. marina var. ovata killed ephyrae, implying a possible extracellular release of chemicals. This study discovered novel interactions between microalgae and jellyfish ephyrae, implying that harmful algal blooms may suppress mass occurrences of Aurelia medusae.
PubMed: 38941807
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116640 -
Genome Biology and Evolution Jun 2024Polar regions harbor a diversity of cold-adapted (cryophilic) algae, which can be categorized into psychrophilic (obligate cryophilic) and cryotrophic (non-obligate...
Polar regions harbor a diversity of cold-adapted (cryophilic) algae, which can be categorized into psychrophilic (obligate cryophilic) and cryotrophic (non-obligate cryophilic) snow algae. Both can accumulate significant biomasses on glacier and snow habitats and play major roles in global climate dynamics. Despite their significance, genomic studies on these organisms remain scarce, hindering our understanding of their evolutionary history and adaptive mechanisms in the face of climate change. Here, we present the draft genome assembly and annotation of the psychrophilic snow algal strain CCCryo 101-99 (cf. Sphaerocystis sp.). The draft haploid genome assembly is 122.5 Mb in length and is represented by 664 contigs with an N50 of 0.86 Mb, a Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) completeness of 92.9% (n = 1519), a maximum contig length of 5.3 Mb, and a GC content of 53.1%. In total, 28.98% of the genome (35.5 Mb) contains repetitive elements. We identified 417 non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and annotated the chloroplast genome. The predicted proteome comprises 14,805 genes with a BUSCO completeness of 97.8%. Our preliminary analyses reveal a genome with a higher repeat content compared to mesophilic chlorophyte relatives, alongside enrichment in gene families associated with photosynthesis and flagella functions. Our current data will facilitate future comparative studies, improving our understanding of the likely response of polar algae to a warming climate as well as their evolutionary trajectories in permanently cold environments.
PubMed: 38941446
DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae140 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jun 2024The majority of the nearly 10,000 described species of green algae are photoautotrophs; however, some species have lost their ability to photosynthesize and become...
UNLABELLED
The majority of the nearly 10,000 described species of green algae are photoautotrophs; however, some species have lost their ability to photosynthesize and become obligate heterotrophs that rely on parasitism for survival. Two high-quality genomes of the heterotrophic algae Pz20 and Pz23 were obtained using short- and long-read genomic as well as transcriptomic data. The genome sizes were 31.2 Mb and 31.3 Mb, respectively, and contig N50 values of 1.99 Mb and 1.26 Mb. Although maintained its plastid genome, the transition to heterotrophy led to a reduction in both plastid and nuclear genome size, including the loss of photosynthesis-related genes from both the nuclear and plastid genomes and the elimination of genes encoding for carotenoid oxygenase and pheophorbide an oxygenase. The loss of genes, including basic leucine-zipper (bZIP) transcription factors, flavin adenine dinucleotide-linked oxidase, and helicase, could have played a role in the transmission of autotrophy to heterotrophs and in the processes of abiotic stress resistance and pathogenicity. A total of 66 (1.37%) and 73 (1.49%) genes were identified as potential horizontal gene transfer events in the two genomes, respectively. Genes for malate synthase and isocitrate lyase, which are horizontally transferred from bacteria, may play a pivotal role in carbon and nitrogen metabolism as well as the pathogenicity of and non-photosynthetic organisms. The two high-quality genomes provide new insights into their evolution as obligate heterotrophs and pathogenicity.
IMPORTANCE
The genus , characterized by its heterotrophic nature and pathogenicity, serves as an exemplary model for investigating pathobiology. The limited understanding of the protothecosis infectious disease is attributed to the lack of genomic resources. Using HiFi long-read sequencing, both nuclear and plastid genomes were generated for two strains of . The findings revealed a concurrent reduction in both plastid and nuclear genome size, accompanied by the loss of genes associated with photosynthesis, carotenoid oxygenase, basic leucine-zipper (bZIP) transcription factors, and others. The analysis of horizontal gene transfer revealed the presence of 1.37% and 1.49% bacterial genes, including malate synthase and isocitrate lyase, which play crucial roles in carbon and nitrogen metabolism, as well as pathogenicity and obligate heterotrophy. The two high-quality genomes represent valuable resources for investigating their adaptation and evolution as obligate heterotrophs, as well as for developing future prevention and treatment strategies against protothecosis.
PubMed: 38940543
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04148-23 -
Frontiers in Genome Editing 2024With scientific progress and the development of new genomic techniques (NGTs), the spectrum of organisms modified for various purposes is rapidly expanding and includes...
Horizon scanning of potential environmental applications of terrestrial animals, fish, algae and microorganisms produced by genetic modification, including the use of new genomic techniques.
With scientific progress and the development of new genomic techniques (NGTs), the spectrum of organisms modified for various purposes is rapidly expanding and includes a wide range of taxonomic groups. An improved understanding of which newly developed products may be introduced into the market and released into the environment in the near and more distant future is of particular interest for policymakers, regulatory authorities, and risk assessors. To address this information need, we conducted a horizon scanning (HS) of potential environmental applications in four groups of organisms: terrestrial animals (excluding insects and applications with gene drives), fish, algae and microorganisms. We applied a formal scoping review methodology comprising a structured search of the scientific literature followed by eligibility screening, complemented by a survey of grey literature, and regulatory websites and databases. In all four groups of organisms we identified a broad range of potential applications in stages of basic as well as advanced research, and a limited number of applications which are on, or ready to be placed on, the market. Research on GM animals including fish is focused on farmed animals and primarily targets traits which increase performance, influence reproduction, or convey resistance against diseases. GM algae identified in the HS were all unicellular, with more than half of the articles concerning biofuel production. GM algae applications for use in the environment include biocontrol and bioremediation, which are also the main applications identified for GM microorganisms. From a risk assessor's perspective these potential applications entail a multitude of possible pathways to harm. The current limited level of experience and limited amount of available scientific information could constitute a significant challenge in the near future, for which risk assessors and competent authorities urgently need to prepare.
PubMed: 38938511
DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1376927 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Stramenopile algae contribute significantly to global primary productivity, and one class, Eustigmatophyceae, is increasingly studied for applications in high-value...
Stramenopile algae contribute significantly to global primary productivity, and one class, Eustigmatophyceae, is increasingly studied for applications in high-value lipid production. Yet much about their basic biology remains unknown, including the nature of an enigmatic, pigmented globule found in vegetative cells. Here, we present an in-depth examination of this "red body," focusing on Nannochloropsis oceanica. During the cell cycle, the red body forms adjacent to the plastid, but unexpectedly it is secreted and released with the autosporangial wall following cell division. Shed red bodies contain antioxidant ketocarotenoids, and overexpression of a beta-carotene ketolase results in enlarged red bodies. Infrared spectroscopy indicates long-chain, aliphatic lipids in shed red bodies and cell walls, and UHPLC-HRMS detects a C32 alkyl diol, a potential precursor of algaenan, a recalcitrant cell wall polymer. We propose that the red body transports algaenan precursors from plastid to apoplast to be incorporated into daughter cell walls.
Topics: Cell Wall; Stramenopiles; Plastids
PubMed: 38937455
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49277-y -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Harmful cyanobacteria blooms are a growing threat in estuarine waters as upstream blooms are exported into coastal environments. Cyanobacteria can produce potent toxins,...
Harmful cyanobacteria blooms are a growing threat in estuarine waters as upstream blooms are exported into coastal environments. Cyanobacteria can produce potent toxins, one of which-hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs)-can persist and accumulate within the food web. Filter-feeding invertebrates may biomagnify toxins up to 100× ambient concentrations. As such, bivalves can be used as an environmentally relevant and highly sensitive sentinel for MC monitoring. To date there has been little research on cyanotoxin bioaccumulation in estuaries. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) aquatic food web has undergone a profound change in response to widespread colonization of aquatic invasive species such as Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) in the freshwater portion of the Delta. These clams are prolific-blanketing areas of the Delta at densities up to 1000 clams/m and are directly implicated in the pelagic organism decline of threatened and endangered fishes. We hypothesized that Asian clams accumulate MCs which may act as an additional stressor to the food web and MCs would seasonally be in exceedance of public health advisory levels. MCs accumulation in Delta Asian clams and signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) were studied over a two-year period. ELISA and LC-MS analytical methods were used to measure free and protein-bound MCs in clam and crayfish tissues. We describe an improved MC extraction method for use when analyzing these taxa by LC-MS. MCs were found to accumulate in Asian clams across all months and at all study sites, with seasonal maxima occurring during the summer. Although MC concentrations rarely exceeded public health advisory levels, the persistence of MCs year-round still poses a chronic risk to consumers. Crayfish at times also accumulated high concentrations of MCs. Our results highlight the utility of shellfish as sentinel organisms for monitoring in estuarine areas.
PubMed: 38936722
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174250 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024A potential bio-adsorbent material for removing Rhodamine B (RB) from aqueous solution is Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads. The adsorption capability of the material is probably...
Industrial dye absorption and elimination from aqueous solutions through bio-composite construction of an organic framework encased in food-grade algae and alginate: Adsorption isotherm, kinetics, thermodynamics, and optimization by Box-Behnken design.
A potential bio-adsorbent material for removing Rhodamine B (RB) from aqueous solution is Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads. The adsorption capability of the material is probably enhanced by the use of a natural substance made of food-grade algae (FGA) and calcium alginate (CA), which has been cross-linked and loaded with ruthenium metal-organic frameworks (Ru-MOF). The Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads were analyzed by XPS, PXRD, FT-IR, and SEM. The nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm analysis of the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads before and after the adsorption of RB revealed that had a surface area of 682 m/g, a pore size of 2.92 nm, and a pore volume of 1.62 cc/g, that decreased after adsorption as the surface area reduced to 468.62 m/g, while the pore volume reduced to 0.76 cc/g. indicating that the RB molecules occupied the available space within the pores of the material. The decrease in both surface area and pore volume specifies that the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads' pores were able to effectively adsorb the RB molecules. The adsorption of RB against the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads is affected by pH, adsorbent dose, starting RB concentration, and salinity. Controlling these factors can enhance the adsorption capability and effectiveness of the beads for RB removal. With an adsorption energy of 22.6 kJ/mol, the adsorption of RB onto the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads was determined to be a chemisorption process, demonstrating a strong bond among the adsorbent and the adsorbate. The pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherms were used to suit the adsorption process. Because the adsorption procedure was endothermic, it increased as the temperature increased. By using this information, the adsorption conditions may be improved, and the beads' ability to absorb RB can be increased. Up to six reuses of the Ru-MOF@FGA/CA beads are possible without affecting their chemical makeup and maintaining analogous PXRD and FT-IR data after each reuse. The adsorption process can be optimized through the application of the Box-Behnken design (BBD) approach and may entail H-bonding, electrostatic forces, n-π stacking, and pore filling. The exceptional stability of the beads makes them useful for creating long-lasting and efficient adsorbents that remove contaminants from water.
PubMed: 38936578
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133442 -
Journal of Environmental Management Jun 2024Source separation and decentralized domestic wastewater treatment represent effective strategies to enhance sewage treatment performance and facilitate water reuse...
Source separation and decentralized domestic wastewater treatment represent effective strategies to enhance sewage treatment performance and facilitate water reuse economically. The Living Machine (LM) system has gained widespread adoption for decentralized sewage treatment. While underwater light source has been demonstrated to enhance the treatment performance of open aerobic reactors in LM systems, its influence on the treatment efficiency of a fully multistage LM system remains underreported. In this study, an underwater lamp-added LM system (ULLM) with eight reactors was constructed and investigated. The introduction of underwater light source obviously improved the removal capacity of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and NH-N, which was 96.1% and 61.6%, respectively. The diversity of algae, zooplankton, and aquatic animals was notably higher in the light-treated reactors than in the control group (CK) without underwater light source, and substantial alteration in the microbial community of the light-treated reactors was observed compared with CK reactors. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria and Nitrospirae enriched in the underwater light-treated reactors, while Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria exhibited a decrease after light exposure. At the genus level, Nitrospira and Rhodanobacter were enriched in the ULLM system. Importantly, the prevalence of these two dominant genera was sustained until the final operational stage, indicating their potential key roles in enhancing wastewater treatment performance. The addition of underwater light source proves to be an effective strategy for augmenting the treatment efficiency of the multistage living machine systems, resulting in substantial improvements in pollutant removal. These findings contribute valuable insights into optimizing LM systems for decentralized wastewater treatment.
PubMed: 38936021
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121604