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Life
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Microbial Degradation and Biosorbents
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Microbial Degradation and Biosorbents

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (17 December 2021) | Viewed by 19665

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Federico Rossi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Cà Foscari University of Venice, Dorsoduro 3246, 30123 Venice, Italy
Interests: biofilms; cyanobacteria; extracellular polymeric substances (EPS); microbial physiology; bioremediation; biosorption; microbial biotechnology; environmental microbiology
Dr. Rita Mota

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health / IBMC – Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Porto, Portugal
Interests: cyanobacteria and microalgae; extracellular polymeric substances; biopolymers; marine biotechnology; biomedical applications; bioremediation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Continuous soil and water contamination with compounds such as polychlorinated biphenils, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, radionuclides, pharmaceutical substances, and metals represents a serious threat. These can affect humans and animals by disrupting their endocrine systems, with deleterious effects on the environment. Microbial biodegradation and biotransformation can be harnessed to exploit the natural capability of microbial species to degrade and accumulate such noxious compounds, and/or transform them into less toxic forms. This is owing to the large catabolic diversity of microorganisms allowing to use contaminants as substrates, and in the capability to act as biosorbents toward more persistent pollutants. Such metabolic versatility is at the basis of attenuation, bioaugmentation, and biostimulation processes. However, since traditional bioremediation approaches have limits such as extra time needed, and the removal or dissimilation processes, the elaboration of novel bioremediation technologies remains a timely and urgent topic. The application of genetically engineered microorganisms and the creation of synthetic microbial models are now receiving increasing attention.

We invite scientists to contribute research papers and reviews to this Special Issue of Life. Authors are particularly encouraged to submit contributions concerning novel or optimized microbial-based bioremediation approaches, descriptions of microbial biodegradation processes, and novel applications of microorganisms as biorbents.

Dr. Federico Rossi
Dr. Rita Mota
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biosorption
  • environment
  • bioremediation
  • pollutants
  • biodegradation

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 3621 KiB  
Article
The Use of Response Surface Methodology as a Statistical Tool for the Optimisation of Waste and Pure Canola Oil Biodegradation by Antarctic Soil Bacteria
by Khadijah Nabilah Mohd Zahri, Azham Zulkharnain, Claudio Gomez-Fuentes, Suriana Sabri, Khalilah Abdul Khalil, Peter Convey and Siti Aqlima Ahmad
Life 2021, 11(5), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11050456 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3629
Abstract
Hydrocarbons can cause pollution to Antarctic terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, both through accidental release and the discharge of waste cooking oil in grey water. Such pollutants can persist for long periods in cold environments. The native microbial community may play a role in [...] Read more.
Hydrocarbons can cause pollution to Antarctic terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, both through accidental release and the discharge of waste cooking oil in grey water. Such pollutants can persist for long periods in cold environments. The native microbial community may play a role in their biodegradation. In this study, using mixed native Antarctic bacterial communities, several environmental factors influencing biodegradation of waste canola oil (WCO) and pure canola oil (PCO) were optimised using established one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) and response surface methodology (RSM) approaches. The factors include salinity, pH, type of nitrogen and concentration, temperature, yeast extract and initial substrate concentration in OFAT and only the significant factors proceeded for the statistical optimisation through RSM. High concentration of substrate targeted for degradation activity through RSM compared to OFAT method. As for the result, all factors were significant in PBD, while only 4 factors were significant in biodegradation of PCO (pH, nitrogen concentration, yeast extract and initial substrate concentration). Using OFAT, the most effective microbial community examined was able to degrade 94.42% and 86.83% (from an initial concentration of 0.5% (v/v)) of WCO and PCO, respectively, within 7 days. Using RSM, 94.99% and 79.77% degradation of WCO and PCO was achieved in 6 days. The significant interaction for the RSM in biodegradation activity between temperature and WCO concentration in WCO media were exhibited. Meanwhile, in biodegradation of PCO the significant factors were between (1) pH and PCO concentration, (2) nitrogen concentration and yeast extract, (3) nitrogen concentration and PCO concentration. The models for the RSM were validated for both WCO and PCO media and it showed no significant difference between experimental and predicted values. The efficiency of canola oil biodegradation achieved in this study provides support for the development of practical strategies for efficient bioremediation in the Antarctic environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Degradation and Biosorbents)
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22 pages, 573 KiB  
Article
Use of Different Types of Biosorbents to Remove Cr (VI) from Aqueous Solution
by Eva Pertile, Tomáš Dvorský, Vojtěch Václavík and Silvie Heviánková
Life 2021, 11(3), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11030240 - 14 Mar 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 2741
Abstract
This article summarizes the results of a research study that was focused on the possibility of removing Cr (VI) from aqueous solution, using low-cost waste biomaterial in a batch mode. A set of seven biosorbents was used: Fomitopsis pinicola, a mixture of [...] Read more.
This article summarizes the results of a research study that was focused on the possibility of removing Cr (VI) from aqueous solution, using low-cost waste biomaterial in a batch mode. A set of seven biosorbents was used: Fomitopsis pinicola, a mixture of cones, peach stones, apricot stones, Juglans regia shells, orange peels, and Merino sheep wool. Three grain fractions (fr. 1/2, fr. 0.5/1.0, and fr. 0/0.5 mm) of biosorbents were studied. The aim was to find the most suitable biosorbent that can be tested with real samples. The influence of other factors on the course of biosorption was studied as well (chemical activation of the biosorbent, pH value, rotation speed during mixing, temperature, and the influence of biosorbent concentration). The use of chemical activation and adjustment of the pH to 1.1 to 2.0 make it possible to increase their sorption capacity and, for some biosorbents, to shorten the exposure times. Two kinetic models were used for the analysis of the experimental data, to explain the mechanism of adsorption and its possible speed control steps: pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model seems to be the most suitable for the description of the experimental data. The thermodynamic parameters suggest that the biosorption was endothermic and spontaneous. In the biosorption equilibrium study, the adsorption data were described by using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The Langmuir model was applicable to describe the adsorption data of all biosorbents. Both models are suitable for chemically treated sheep fleece and peach stones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Degradation and Biosorbents)
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20 pages, 3901 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Chitosan Glutaraldehyde-Crosslinked Beads for Reactive Blue 4 Anionic Dye Removal Using a Surface Response Methodology
by Johanna Galan, Jorge Trilleras, Paula A. Zapata, Victoria A. Arana and Carlos David Grande-Tovar
Life 2021, 11(2), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11020085 - 25 Jan 2021
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 4265
Abstract
The use of dyes at an industrial level has become problematic, since the discharge of dye effluents into water disturbs the photosynthetic activity of numerous aquatic organisms by reducing the penetration of light and oxygen, in addition to causing carcinogenic diseases and mutagenic [...] Read more.
The use of dyes at an industrial level has become problematic, since the discharge of dye effluents into water disturbs the photosynthetic activity of numerous aquatic organisms by reducing the penetration of light and oxygen, in addition to causing carcinogenic diseases and mutagenic effects in humans, as well as alterations in different ecosystems. Chitosan (CS) is suitable for removing anionic dyes since it has favorable properties, such as acquiring a positive charge and a typical macromolecular structure of polysaccharides. In this study, the optimization of CS beads crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA) for the adsorption of reactive blue dye 4 (RB4) in an aqueous solution was carried out. In this sense, the response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to evaluate the concentration of CS, GA, and sodium hydroxide on the swelling degree in the GA-crosslinked CS beads. In the same way, RSM was applied to optimize the adsorption process of the RB4 dye as a function of the initial pH of the solution, initial concentration of the dye, and adsorbent dose. The crosslinking reaction was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The design described for the swelling degree showed an R2 (coefficient of determination) adjusted of 0.8634 and optimized concentrations (CS 3.3% w/v, GA 1.7% v/v, and NaOH 1.3 M) that were conveniently applied with a concentration of CS at 3.0% w/v to decrease the viscosity and facilitate the formation of the beads. In the RB4 dye adsorption design, an adjusted R2 (0.8280) with good correlation was observed, where the optimized conditions were: pH = 2, adsorbent dose 0.6 g, and initial concentration of RB4 dye 5 mg/L. The kinetic behavior and the adsorption isotherm allowed us to conclude that the GA-crosslinked CS beads’ adsorption mechanism was controlled mainly by chemisorption interactions, demonstrating its applicability in systems that require the removal of contaminants with similar structures to the model presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Degradation and Biosorbents)
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13 pages, 1362 KiB  
Article
Effect of Chlorination on Microbiological Quality of Effluent of a Full-Scale Wastewater Treatment Plant
by Ioanna Zerva, Nikolaos Remmas, Ifigeneia Kagalou, Paraschos Melidis, Marina Ariantsi, Georgios Sylaios and Spyridon Ntougias
Life 2021, 11(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11010068 - 19 Jan 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4184
Abstract
The evaluation of effluent wastewater quality mainly relies on the assessment of conventional bacterial indicators, such as fecal coliforms and enterococci; however, little is known about opportunistic pathogens, which can resist chlorination and may be transmitted in aquatic environments. In contrast to conventional [...] Read more.
The evaluation of effluent wastewater quality mainly relies on the assessment of conventional bacterial indicators, such as fecal coliforms and enterococci; however, little is known about opportunistic pathogens, which can resist chlorination and may be transmitted in aquatic environments. In contrast to conventional microbiological methods, high-throughput molecular techniques can provide an accurate evaluation of effluent quality, although a limited number of studies have been performed in this direction. In this work, high-throughput amplicon sequencing was employed to assess the effectiveness of chlorination as a disinfection method for secondary effluents. Common inhabitants of the intestinal tract, such as Bacteroides, Arcobacter and Clostridium, and activated sludge denitrifiers capable of forming biofilms, such as Acidovorax, Pseudomonas and Thauera, were identified in the chlorinated effluent. Chloroflexi with dechlorination capability and the bacteria involved in enhanced biological phosphorus removal, i.e., Candidatus Accumulibacter and Candidatus Competibacter, were also found to resist chlorination. No detection of Escherichia indicates the lack of fecal coliform contamination. Mycobacterium spp. were absent in the chlorinated effluent, whereas toxin-producing cyanobacteria of the genera Anabaena and Microcystis were identified in low abundances. Chlorination significantly affected the filamentous bacteria Nocardioides and Gordonia, whereas Zoogloea proliferated in the disinfected effluent. Moreover, perchlorate/chlorate- and organochlorine-reducing bacteria resisted chlorination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Degradation and Biosorbents)
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16 pages, 5069 KiB  
Article
Synthesis, Properties, and Biodegradability of Thermoplastic Elastomers Made from 2-Methyl-1,3-propanediol, Glutaric Acid and Lactide
by Lamya Zahir, Takumitsu Kida, Ryo Tanaka, Yuushou Nakayama, Takeshi Shiono, Norioki Kawasaki, Naoko Yamano and Atsuyoshi Nakayama
Life 2021, 11(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11010043 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3664
Abstract
An innovative type of biodegradable thermoplastic elastomers with improved mechanical properties from very common and potentially renewable sources, poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(2-methyl-1,3-propylene glutarate)-b-poly(L-lactide) (PLA-b-PMPG-b-PLA)s, has been developed for the first time. PLA-b-PMPG-b-PLAs were synthesized [...] Read more.
An innovative type of biodegradable thermoplastic elastomers with improved mechanical properties from very common and potentially renewable sources, poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(2-methyl-1,3-propylene glutarate)-b-poly(L-lactide) (PLA-b-PMPG-b-PLA)s, has been developed for the first time. PLA-b-PMPG-b-PLAs were synthesized by polycondensation of 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and glutaric acid and successive ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide, where PMPG is an amorphous central block with low glass transition temperature and PLA is hard semicrystalline terminal blocks. The copolymers showed glass transition temperature at lower than −40 °C and melting temperature at 130–152 °C. The tensile tests of these copolymers were also performed to evaluate their mechanical properties. The degradation of the copolymers and PMPG by enzymes proteinase K and lipase PS were investigated. Microbial biodegradation in seawater was also performed at 27 °C. The triblock copolymers and PMPG homopolymer were found to show 9–15% biodegradation within 28 days, representing their relatively high biodegradability in seawater. The macromolecular structure of the triblock copolymers of PLA and PMPG can be controlled to tune their mechanical and biodegradation properties, demonstrating their potential use in various applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Degradation and Biosorbents)
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