Eike Marie Thaysen, Sean McMahon, Gion Strobel et al.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews • 2021

Adnan Aftab, Aliakbar Hassanpouryouzband, Quan Xie et al.

Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research • 2022

Geological H2 storage plays a central role to enable the successful transition to the renewable H2 economy and achieve net-zero emission in the atmosphere. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs are already explored with extensive reservoir and operational data. However, residual hydrocarbons can mix with injected H2 in the reservoirs. Furthermore, low density and high diffusivity of H2 may establish H2 leakage from the reservoirs via fault pathways. Interestingly, H2 can be consumed by microorganisms, which results in pore-network precipitation, plugging, and partial permeability impairment. Therefore, stored H2 may be lost in the formations if the storage scenario is not planned cautiously. While salt caverns are safe and commercially proven geo-rock for H2 storage, they have low-storage capacity compared to depleted gas reservoirs. Moreover, salt structures (e.g., domel, bedded) and microorganisms activities in the salt cavern are limiting factors, which can influence the storage process. Accordingly, we discuss challenges and future perspectives of hydrogen storage in different geological settings. We also highlight geographical limitations with diverse microbial communities and theoretical understanding of abiotic transformation (in terms of rock’s minerals, i.e., mica and calcite) for geological H2 storage. Regarding the fundamental behavior of H2 in the geological settings, it is less soluble in formation water; therefore, it may achieve less solubility trapping compared to CO2 and CH4. Furthermore, H2 gas could attain higher capillary entrance pressures in porous media over CH4 and CO2 due to higher interfacial tension. Additionally, the low viscosity of H2 may facilitate its injection and production but H2 may establish the secondary trapping and viscous fingering. Thus, this review documents a blend of key information for the amendment of subsurface H2 storage at the industrial scale.

Yong‐Guan Zhu, Xi-Mei Xue, Andreas Kappler et al.

Environmental Science & Technology • 2017

The biotransformation of arsenic is highly relevant to the arsenic biogeochemical cycle. Identification of the molecular details of microbial pathways of arsenic biotransformation coupled with analyses of microbial communities by meta-omics can provide insights into detailed aspects of the complexities of this biocycle. Arsenic transformations couple to other biogeochemical cycles, and to the fate of both nutrients and other toxic environmental contaminants. Microbial redox metabolism of iron, carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen affects the redox and bioavailability of arsenic species. In this critical review we illustrate the biogeochemical processes and genes involved in arsenic biotransformations. We discuss how current and future metagenomic-, metatranscriptomic-, metaproteomic-, and metabolomic-based methods will help to decipher individual microbial arsenic transformation processes, and their connections to other biogeochemical cycle. These insights will allow future use of microbial metabolic capabilities for new biotechnological solutions to environmental problems. To understand the complex nature of inorganic and organic arsenic species and the fate of environmental arsenic will require integrating systematic approaches with biogeochemical modeling. Finally, from the lessons learned from these studies of arsenic biogeochemistry, we will be able to predict how the environment changes arsenic, and, in response, how arsenic biotransformations change the environment.

Danijela Randjelović, Kristina Joksimović, Srđan Miletić et al.

2024 International Semiconductor Conference (CAS) • 2024

The purpose of this study is optimization of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) performance through variation in design and construction of the cell. This paper presents comparison of performance of two identical MFCs, differing only in material used for construction of electrodes. One MFC contains inox electrodes, while the other one has electrodes made of carbon cloth. This is part of continuous research activities, performed by our team, in the field of MFCs. Biostimulated sediment, collected at the confluence of rivers Sava and Danube in Belgrade, described in previous work is used.

Bram Beckers, Michiel Op De Beeck, Nele Weyens et al.

Microbiome • 2017

Understanding the complex host-microbe interactions of Populus could provide the basis for the exploitation of the eukaryote-prokaryote associations in phytoremediation applications, sustainable crop production (bio-energy efficiency), and/or the production of secondary metabolites.

Laura Carugati, Beatrice Gatto, Eugenio Rastelli et al.

Scientific Reports • 2018

Mangroves are amongst the most productive marine ecosystems on Earth, providing a unique habitat opportunity for many species and key goods and services for human beings. Mangrove habitats are regressing at an alarming rate, due to direct anthropogenic impacts and global change. Here, in order to assess the effects of mangrove habitat degradation on benthic biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, we investigated meiofaunal biodiversity (as proxy of benthic biodiversity), benthic biomass and prokaryotic heterotrophic production (as proxies of ecosystem functioning) and trophic state in a disturbed and an undisturbed mangrove forests. We report here that disturbed mangrove area showed a loss of 20% of benthic biodiversity, with the local extinction of four Phyla (Cladocera, Kynorincha, Priapulida, Tanaidacea), a loss of 80% of microbial-mediated decomposition rates, of the benthic biomass and of the trophic resources. The results of this study strengthen the need to preserve mangrove forests and to restore those degraded to guarantee the provision of goods and services needed to support the biodiversity and functioning of wide portions of tropical ecosystems.

M. Azizul Moqsud, Victor Khong

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy • 2020

Kathryn A. Miller, K. F. Thompson, Paul Johnston et al.

Frontiers in Marine Science • 2018

Rising demand for minerals and metals, including for use in the technology sector, has led to a resurgence of interest in exploration of mineral resources located on the seabed. Such resources, whether seafloor massive (polymetallic) sulfides around hydrothermal vents, cobalt-rich crusts on the flanks of seamounts or fields of manganese (polymetallic) nodules on the abyssal plains, cannot be considered in isolation of the distinctive, in some cases unique, assemblages of marine species associated with the same habitats and structures. In addition to mineral deposits, there is interest in extracting methane from gas hydrates on continental slopes and rises. Many of the regions identified for future seabed mining are already recognised as vulnerable marine ecosystems. Since its inception in 1982, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), charged with regulating human activities on the deep-sea floor beyond the continental shelf, has issued 27 contracts for mineral exploration, encompassing a combined area of more than 1.4 million km2, and continues to develop rules for commercial mining. At the same time, some seabed mining operations are already taking place within continental shelf areas of nation states, generally at relatively shallow depths, and with others at advanced stages of planning. The first commercial enterprise, expected to target mineral-rich sulfides in deeper waters, at depths between 1,500 and 2,000 metres on the continental shelf of Papua New Guinea, is scheduled to begin early in 2019. In this review, we explore three broad aspects relating to the exploration and exploitation of seabed mineral resources: (1) the current state of development of such activities in areas both within and beyond national jurisdictions, (2) possible environmental impacts both close to and more distant from mining activities and (3) the uncertainties and gaps in scientific knowledge and understanding which render baseline and impact assessments particularly difficult for the deep sea. We also consider whether there are alternative approaches to the management of existing mineral reserves and resources, which may reduce incentives for seabed mining.

María José Castro-Alonso, Lilia Ernestina Montañez-Hernández, María Alejandra Sánchez-Muñoz et al.

Frontiers in Materials • 2019

In this review, microbiological and molecular concepts of Microbially induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) and their role in bioconcrete are discussed. MICP is a widespread biochemical process in soils, caves, freshwater, marine sediments and hypersaline habitats. MICP is an outcome of metabolic interactions between diverse microbial communities with organic and/or inorganic compounds present in environment. Some of the major metabolic processes involved in MICP at different levels are urea hydrolysis, denitrification, dissimilatory sulfate reduction and photosynthesis. Currently, MICP directed by urea hydrolysis, denitrification and dissimilatory sulfate reduction has been reported to aid in development of bioconcrete and demonstrated improvement in mechanical and structural properties of concrete. Bioconcrete is a promising sustainable technology in reducing the negative environmental impacts due to CO2 emission from construction sector and as well as in terms of economic benefits by way of promoting self-healing process of the concrete structures. Among the metabolic processes mentioned above, urea hydrolysis is the most applied in concrete repair mechanisms. MICP by urea hydrolysis is induced by a series of reactions driven by urease (Ur) and carbonic anhydrase (CA). Catalytic activity of these two enzymes depends on diverse parameters, which are currently being studied under laboratory conditions to understand the biochemical mechanisms involved and their regulation in microorganisms. It is clearly evident that microbiological and molecular components are essential to improve the process and performance of bioconcrete.

Mathias Mayer, Cindy E. Prescott, Wafa E. Abaker et al.

Forest Ecology and Management • 2020

Almost half of the total organic carbon (C) in terrestrial ecosystems is stored in forest soils. By altering rates of input or release of C from soils, forest management activities can influence soil C stocks in forests. In this review, we synthesize current evidence regarding the influences of 13 common forest management practices on forest soil C stocks. Afforestation of former croplands generally increases soil C stocks, whereas on former grasslands and peatlands, soil C stocks are unchanged or even reduced following afforestation. The conversion of primary forests to secondary forests generally reduces soil C stocks, particularly if the land is converted to an agricultural land-use prior to reforestation. Harvesting, particularly clear-cut harvesting, generally results in a reduction in soil C stocks, particularly in the forest floor and upper mineral soil. Removal of residues by harvesting whole-trees and stumps negatively affects soil C stocks. Soil disturbance from site preparation decreases soil C stocks, particularly in the organic top soil, however improved growth of tree seedlings may outweigh soil C losses over a rotation. Nitrogen (N) addition has an overall positive effect on soil C stocks across a wide range of forest ecosystems. Likewise, higher stocks and faster accumulation of soil C occur under tree species with N-fixing associates. Stocks and accumulation rates of soil C also differ under different tree species, with coniferous species accumulating more C in the forest floor and broadleaved species tending to store more C in the mineral soil. There is some evidence that increased tree species diversity could positively affect soil C stocks in temperate and subtropical forests, but tree species identity, particularly N-fixing species, seems to have a stronger impact on soil C stocks than tree species diversity. Management of stand density and thinning have small effects on forest soil C stocks. In forests with high populations of ungulate herbivores, reduction in herbivory levels can increase soil C stocks. Removal of plant biomass for fodder and fuel is related to a reduction in the soil C stocks. Fire management practices such as prescribed burning reduce soil C stocks, but less so than wildfires which are more intense. For each practice, we identify existing gaps in knowledge and suggest research to address the gaps.

Yunlong Yang, Huan Chen, Hamed Majidzadeh et al.

Chemical Engineering Journal • 2018

Kendra K. McLauchlan, Philip E. Higuera, Jessica Miesel et al.

Journal of Ecology • 2020

Abstract Fire is a powerful ecological and evolutionary force that regulates organismal traits, population sizes, species interactions, community composition, carbon and nutrient cycling and ecosystem function. It also presents a rapidly growing societal challenge, due to both increasingly destructive wildfires and fire exclusion in fire‐dependent ecosystems. As an ecological process, fire integrates complex feedbacks among biological, social and geophysical processes, requiring coordination across several fields and scales of study. Here, we describe the diversity of ways in which fire operates as a fundamental ecological and evolutionary process on Earth. We explore research priorities in six categories of fire ecology: (a) characteristics of fire regimes, (b) changing fire regimes, (c) fire effects on above‐ground ecology, (d) fire effects on below‐ground ecology, (e) fire behaviour and (f) fire ecology modelling. We identify three emergent themes: the need to study fire across temporal scales, to assess the mechanisms underlying a variety of ecological feedbacks involving fire and to improve representation of fire in a range of modelling contexts. Synthesis : As fire regimes and our relationships with fire continue to change, prioritizing these research areas will facilitate understanding of the ecological causes and consequences of future fires and rethinking fire management alternatives.

Francesca Beolchini, M. Hekeu, Alessia Amato et al.

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology • 2021

Prodipto Bishnu Angon, Md. Shafiul Islam, Shreejana KC et al.

Heliyon • 2024

Heavy metal (HM) poisoning of agricultural soils poses a serious risk to plant life, human health, and global food supply. When HM levels in agricultural soils get to dangerous levels, it harms crop health and yield. Chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) are the main heavy metals. The environment contains these metals in varying degrees, such as in soil, food, water, and even the air. These substances damage plants and alter soil characteristics, which lowers crop yield. Crop types, growing circumstances, elemental toxicity, developmental stage, soil physical and chemical properties, and the presence and bioavailability of heavy metals (HMs) in the soil solution are some of the factors affecting the amount of HM toxicity in crops. By interfering with the normal structure and function of cellular components, HMs can impede various metabolic and developmental processes. Humans are exposed to numerous serious diseases by consuming these affected plant products. Exposure to certain metals can harm the kidneys, brain, intestines, lungs, liver, and other organs of the human body. This review assesses (1) contamination of heavy metals in soils through different sources, like anthropogenic and natural; (2) the effect on microorganisms and the chemical and physical properties of soil; (3) the effect on plants as well as crop production; and (4) entering the food chain and associated hazards to human health. Lastly, we identified certain research gaps and suggested further study. If people want to feel safe in their surroundings, there needs to be stringent regulation of the release of heavy metals into the environment.

Katharina F. Ettwig, Baoli Zhu, Daan R. Speth et al.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences • 2016

Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is crucial for controlling the emission of this potent greenhouse gas to the atmosphere. Nitrite-, nitrate-, and sulfate-dependent methane oxidation is well-documented, but AOM coupled to the reduction of oxidized metals has so far been demonstrated only in environmental samples. Here, using a freshwater enrichment culture, we show that archaea of the order Methanosarcinales , related to " Candidatus Methanoperedens nitroreducens," couple the reduction of environmentally relevant forms of Fe 3+ and Mn 4+ to the oxidation of methane. We obtained an enrichment culture of these archaea under anaerobic, nitrate-reducing conditions with a continuous supply of methane. Via batch incubations using [ 13 C]methane, we demonstrated that soluble ferric iron (Fe 3+ , as Fe-citrate) and nanoparticulate forms of Fe 3+ and Mn 4+ supported methane-oxidizing activity. CO 2 and ferrous iron (Fe 2+ ) were produced in stoichiometric amounts. Our study connects the previous finding of iron-dependent AOM to microorganisms detected in numerous habitats worldwide. Consequently, it enables a better understanding of the interaction between the biogeochemical cycles of iron and methane.

Kara Lavender Law

Annual Review of Marine Science • 2016

Plastics contamination in the marine environment was first reported nearly 50 years ago, less than two decades after the rise of commercial plastics production, when less than 50 million metric tons were produced per year. In 2014, global plastics production surpassed 300 million metric tons per year. Plastic debris has been detected worldwide in all major marine habitats, in sizes from microns to meters. In response, concerns about risks to marine wildlife upon exposure to the varied forms of plastic debris have increased, stimulating new research into the extent and consequences of plastics contamination in the marine environment. Here, I present a framework to evaluate the current understanding of the sources, distribution, fate, and impacts of marine plastics. Despite remaining knowledge gaps in mass budgeting and challenges in investigating ecological impacts, the increasing evidence of the ubiquity of plastics contamination in the marine environment, the continued rapid growth in plastics production, and the evidence-albeit limited-of demonstrated impacts to marine wildlife support immediate implementation of source-reducing measures to decrease the potential risks of plastics in the marine ecosystem.

Shu-Hui Liu, Jin-Shuo Liu, Chi‐Wen Lin

International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation • 2024

Juliane Glüge, Martin Scheringer, Ian T. Cousins et al.

Environmental Science Processes & Impacts • 2020

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of concern because of their high persistence (or that of their degradation products) and their impacts on human and environmental health that are known or can be deduced from some well-studied PFAS. Currently, many different PFAS (on the order of several thousands) are used in a wide range of applications, and there is no comprehensive source of information on the many individual substances and their functions in different applications. Here we provide a broad overview of many use categories where PFAS have been employed and for which function; we also specify which PFAS have been used and discuss the magnitude of the uses. Despite being non-exhaustive, our study clearly demonstrates that PFAS are used in almost all industry branches and many consumer products. In total, more than 200 use categories and subcategories are identified for more than 1400 individual PFAS. In addition to well-known categories such as textile impregnation, fire-fighting foam, and electroplating, the identified use categories also include many categories not described in the scientific literature, including PFAS in ammunition, climbing ropes, guitar strings, artificial turf, and soil remediation. We further discuss several use categories that may be prioritised for finding PFAS-free alternatives. Besides the detailed description of use categories, the present study also provides a list of the identified PFAS per use category, including their exact masses for future analytical studies aiming to identify additional PFAS.

Lucas Jobin, Philippe Namour

Advances in Microbiology • 2017

This review describes a new means of control and stimulation of microorganisms involved in the bioremediation of sediments and waterlogged soils. This emerging technology is derived from sedimentary microbial fuel cells, and consists in ensuring aerobic respiration of aerobic microbial populations in anaerobic conditions by means of a fixed potential anode in order to evacuate the electrons coming from the microbial respiratory chains. This review describes the conceptual basis of the electro-bioremediation, the material devices used (electrode set-ups and spacing), and finally studies the various devices published since the bench tests until the scarce in-field implementations.

Hazrat Ali, Ezzat Khan, Ikram Ilahi

Journal of Chemistry • 2019

Heavy metals are well-known environmental pollutants due to their toxicity, persistence in the environment, and bioaccumulative nature. Their natural sources include weathering of metal-bearing rocks and volcanic eruptions, while anthropogenic sources include mining and various industrial and agricultural activities. Mining and industrial processing for extraction of mineral resources and their subsequent applications for industrial, agricultural, and economic development has led to an increase in the mobilization of these elements in the environment and disturbance of their biogeochemical cycles. Contamination of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems with toxic heavy metals is an environmental problem of public health concern. Being persistent pollutants, heavy metals accumulate in the environment and consequently contaminate the food chains. Accumulation of potentially toxic heavy metals in biota causes a potential health threat to their consumers including humans. This article comprehensively reviews the different aspects of heavy metals as hazardous materials with special focus on their environmental persistence, toxicity for living organisms, and bioaccumulative potential. The bioaccumulation of these elements and its implications for human health are discussed with a special coverage on fish, rice, and tobacco. The article will serve as a valuable educational resource for both undergraduate and graduate students and for researchers in environmental sciences. Environmentally relevant most hazardous heavy metals and metalloids include Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, and As. The trophic transfer of these elements in aquatic and terrestrial food chains/webs has important implications for wildlife and human health. It is very important to assess and monitor the concentrations of potentially toxic heavy metals and metalloids in different environmental segments and in the resident biota. A comprehensive study of the environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology of hazardous heavy metals and metalloids shows that steps should be taken to minimize the impact of these elements on human health and the environment.

Carlos Alexandre Lütterbeck, Gustavo Stolzenberg Colares, Gislayne Alves Oliveira et al.

Journal of environmental chemical engineering • 2022

Yoshikazu Ishii, Morio Miyahara, Kazuya Watanabe

Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering • 2016

Aris Mukimin, Hanny Vistanty

Renewable energy focus • 2022

Kai‐Bo Pu, Teng-Teng Li, Jia‐Yao Gao et al.

Separation and Purification Technology • 2022

Ke Zhang, Tingting Wang, Jia Chen et al.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology • 2022

Ahmed Y. Radeef, Aya A. Najim

Energy 360. • 2024

Sovik Das, Ashish Kumar Mishra, Makarand M. Ghangrekar

Chemical Physics Letters • 2020

Onur Can Türker

Journal of Environmental Management • 2018

Andreas Vogl, Franz Xaver Bischof, Marc Wichern

Biochemical Engineering Journal • 2016

Kai Cheng, Jingping Hu, Huijie Hou et al.

Bioresource Technology • 2017

Milad Kadivarian, Ali A. Dadkhah, Mohsen Nasr Esfahany

Bioelectrochemistry • 2020

Rodrigo José Marassi, Ricardo Salles Hermanny, Gabriel Costa da Silva et al.

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology • 2019

Xiaodong Xin, Jiaqian Xie, Wei Li et al.

Process Safety and Environmental Protection • 2022

Gustavo Stolzenberg Colares, Naira Dell’Osbel, Gabriele Paranhos et al.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research • 2021

Anam Asghar, Abdul Aziz Abdul Raman, Wan Mohd Ashri Wan Daud

Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology • 2017

Abstract BACKGROUND Microbial fuel cells ( MFCs ) offer a sustainable and energy efficient solution for in situ hydrogen peroxide ( H 2 O 2 ) production with simultaneous power generation. In MFCs , H 2 O 2 is produced as a result of two‐electron oxygen reduction at graphite cathode surface. However, due to poor catalytic properties of graphite cathode high yields of H 2 O 2 are not attained. Therefore, this study investigates the feasibility of in situ H 2 O 2 production in MFC for recalcitrant wastewater treatment. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS In this study, a dual chamber MFC was used. A heat‐treated graphite electrode was used as cathode and Nafion‐117 as membrane. Cyclic voltammetric analysis was also performed to study the potential of heat‐treated graphite cathode for H 2 O 2 production. Experimentally, a maximum of 140 mg L −1 of H 2 O 2 was produced with simultaneous power generation of 33.52 W m −3 . Consequently, in situ Fenton oxidation experiments were performed and compared with conventional Fenton oxidation using a recalcitrant pollutant i.e. Acid Blue 113 dye. On average, 24% difference between the performance of the Fenton and in situ Fenton oxidation was observed while 42% reduction in the cost of process was obtained in the case of the in situ Fenton oxidation process. CONCLUSION The current study proved that MFC is a sustainable solution for in situ Fenton oxidation (followed by H 2 O 2 production) with less requirement of H 2 O 2 . © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry

Jain Suransh, Dipak A. Jadhav, Dinh Duc Nguyen et al.

The Science of The Total Environment • 2022

Arulazhagan Pugazhendi, Mamdoh T. Jamal, Bandar A. Al‐Mur et al.

Chemosphere • 2021

Mari Sugioka, Naoko Yoshida, Taiki Yamane et al.

Environmental Research • 2021

D. Sivakumar

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology • 2020

Haiming Jiang

Environmental Engineering Science • 2016

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a device that uses bacteria as catalysts to oxidize organic matters as well as generate electrical current. MFCs are effective in chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal from wastewater; however, MFC alone is not effective in nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Alternatively, microalgae can effectively remove nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater. To improve treatment efficiency of wastewater, a combined process consisting of MFC and microalgae cultivation was developed, and the effectiveness of the system for wastewater treatment and electricity generation was evaluated. Wastewater was first treated with a single-chamber MFC (SMFC) for removing COD, and partial removal of nitrogen and phosphorus accompanied with electricity generation; then, the treated wastewater was used to cultivate microalgae to further remove the residual phosphorus and nitrogen. The SMFC generated a maximum power density of 268.5 mW/m2 and achieved 67% COD removal; only 34% total phosphorus (TP) and 50% NH4+-N removal were obtained with SMFC alone. Up to 97% TP and 99% NH4+-N removal were achieved with the combined process. These results demonstrated that the combined process was effective for wastewater treatment, resulting in improved TP and NH4+-N removal compared with MFC alone and providing a promising candidate for treating wastewater.