Yanlun Fang, Guiqin Yang, Xian Wu et al.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics • 2024

Shifan Zhang, Jürgen Schuster, Hanna Marianne Frühauf‐Wyllie et al.

ACS Omega • 2021

Geopolymer (GP) inorganic binders have a superior acid resistance compared to conventional cement ( e.g. , Portland cement, PC) binders, have better microbial compatibility, and are suitable for introducing electrically conductive additives to improve electron and ion transfer properties. In this study, GP-graphite (GPG) composites and PC-graphite (PCG) composites with a graphite content of 1-10 vol % were prepared and characterized. The electrical conductivity percolation threshold of the GPG and PCG composites was around 7 and 8 vol %, respectively. GPG and PCG composites with a graphite content of 8 to 10 vol % were selected as anode electrodes for the electrochemical analysis in two-chamber polarized microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Graphite electrodes were used as the positive control reference material. Geobacter sulfurreducens was used as a biofilm-forming and electroactive model organism for MFC experiments. Compared to the conventional graphite anodes, the anode-respiring biofilms resulted in equal current production on GPG composite anodes, whereas the PCG composites showed a very poor performance. The largest mean value of the measured current densities of a GPG composite used as anodes in MFCs was 380.4 μA cm -2 with a standard deviation of 129.5 μA cm -2 . Overall, the best results were obtained with electrodes having a relatively low Ohmic resistance, that is, GPG composites and graphite. The very first approach employing sustainable GPs as a low-cost electrode binder material in an MFC showed promising results with the potential to greatly reduce the production costs of MFCs, which would also increase the feasibility of MFC large-scale applications.

Hanna Marianne Frühauf, Dirk Holtmann, Markus Stöckl

Bioelectrochemistry • 2022

Tomoka Harada, Yohei Yamada, Mizuki Toda et al.

Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering • 2024

Qianru Wang, A‐Andrew D. Jones, Jeffrey A. Gralnick et al.

Science Advances • 2019

Electrons can be transported from microbes to external insoluble electron acceptors (e.g., metal oxides or electrodes in an electrochemical cell). This process is known as extracellular electron transfer (EET) and has received considerable attention due to its applications in environmental remediation and energy conversion. However, the paucity of rapid and noninvasive phenotyping techniques hinders a detailed understanding of microbial EET mechanisms. Most EET phenotyping techniques assess microorganisms based on their metabolism and growth in various conditions and/or performance in electrochemical systems, which requires large sample volumes and cumbersome experimentation. Here, we use microfluidic dielectrophoresis to show a strong correlation between bacterial EET and surface polarizability. We analyzed surface polarizabilities for wild-type strains and cytochrome-deletion mutants of two model EET microbes, Geobacter sulfurreducens and Shewanella oneidensis , and for Escherichia coli strains heterologously expressing S. oneidensis EET pathways in various growth conditions. Dielectrophoretic phenotyping is achieved with small cell culture volumes (~100 μl) in a short amount of time (1 to 2 min per strain). Our work demonstrates that cell polarizability is diminished in response to deletions of crucial outer-membrane cytochromes and enhanced due to additions of EET pathways. Results of this work hold exciting promise for rapid screening of direct EET or other cell envelope phenotypes using cell polarizability as a proxy, especially for microbes difficult to cultivate in laboratory conditions.

Fernanda Jiménez Otero, Grayson L. Chadwick, Matthew D. Yates et al.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology • 2021

A strain of Geobacter sulfurreducens, an organism capable of respiring solid extracellular substrates, lacking four of five outer membrane cytochrome complexes ( extABCD + strain) grows faster and produces greater current density than the wild type grown under identical conditions. To understand cellular and biofilm modifications in the extABCD + strain responsible for this increased performance, biofilms grown using electrodes as terminal electron acceptors were sectioned and imaged using electron microscopy to determine changes in thickness and cell density, while parallel biofilms incubated in the presence of nitrogen and carbon isotopes were analyzed using NanoSIMS (nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry) to quantify and localize anabolic activity. Long-distance electron transfer parameters were measured for wild-type and extABCD + biofilms spanning 5-μm gaps. Our results reveal that extABCD + biofilms achieved higher current densities through the additive effects of denser cell packing close to the electrode (based on electron microscopy), combined with higher metabolic rates per cell compared to the wild type (based on increased rates of 15 N incorporation). We also observed an increased rate of electron transfer through extABCD + versus wild-type biofilms, suggesting that denser biofilms resulting from the deletion of unnecessary multiheme cytochromes streamline electron transfer to electrodes. The combination of imaging, physiological, and electrochemical data confirms that engineered electrogenic bacteria are capable of producing more current per cell and, in combination with higher biofilm density and electron diffusion rates, can produce a higher final current density than the wild type. IMPORTANCE Current-producing biofilms in microbial electrochemical systems could potentially sustain technologies ranging from wastewater treatment to bioproduction of electricity if the maximum current produced could be increased and current production start-up times after inoculation could be reduced. Enhancing the current output of microbial electrochemical systems has been mostly approached by engineering physical components of reactors and electrodes. Here, we show that biofilms formed by a Geobacter sulfurreducens strain producing ∼1.4× higher current than the wild type results from a combination of denser cell packing and higher anabolic activity, enabled by an increased rate of electron diffusion through the biofilms. Our results confirm that it is possible to engineer electrode-specific G. sulfurreducens strains with both faster growth on electrodes and streamlined electron transfer pathways for enhanced current production.

Clément Flayac, Éric Trably, Nicolas Bernet

Bioelectrochemistry • 2018

Guoping Ren, Zhao Wang, Bintian Zhang et al.

Nano Energy • 2021

Huimin Zhang, Wei Xu, Gang Li et al.

Scientific Reports • 2016

Energy extraction from waste has attracted much interest nowadays. Herein, a coupled redox fuel cell (CRFC) device using heavy metals, such as copper, as an electron acceptor is assembled to testify the recoveries of both electricity and the precious metal without energy consumption. In this study, a NaBH4-Cu(II) CRFC was employed as an example to retrieve copper from a dilute solution with self-electricity production. The properties of the CRFC have been characterized, and the open circuit voltage was 1.65 V with a maximum power density of 7.2 W m(-2) at an initial Cu(2+) concentration of 1,600 mg L(-1) in the catholyte. 99.9% of the 400 mg L(-1) copper was harvested after operation for 24 h, and the product formed on the cathode was identified as elemental copper. The CRFC demonstrated that useful chemicals were recovered and the electricity contained in the chemicals was produced in a self-powered retrieval process.

Yifan Chai, Zhaoyuan Lyu, Huitong Du et al.

SusMat • 2022

Abstract The increasingly severe energy crisis has strengthened the determination to develop environmentally friendly energy. And hydrogen has emerged as a candidate for clean energy. Among many hydrogen generation methods, biohydrogen stands out due to its environmental sustainability, simple operating environment, and cost advantages. This review focuses on the rational design of catalysts for fermentative hydrogen production. The principles of microbial dark fermentation and photo‐fermentation are elucidated exhaustively. Various strategies to increase the efficiency of fermentative hydrogen production are summarized, and some recent representative works from microbial dark fermentation and photo‐fermentation are described. Meanwhile, perspectives and discussions on the rational design of catalysts for fermentative hydrogen production are provided.

Itzel Y. López-Pacheco, Eduardo Israel Castillo-Vacas, Lizbeth Castañeda-Hernández et al.

The Science of The Total Environment • 2021

Sitinoor Adeib Idris, Farah Nasyitah Esat, Ain Adilla Abd Rahim et al.

MATEC Web of Conferences • 2016

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is a bio-electrochemical device that harnesses the power of respiring microbes to convert organic substrates directly into electrical energy. This is achieved when bacteria transfer electrons to an electrode rather than directly to an electron acceptor. Their technical feasibility has recently been proven and there is great enthusiasm in the scientific community that MFCs could provide a source of “green electricity”. Microbial fuel cells work by allowing bacteria to do what they do best, oxidize and reduce organic molecules. Bacterial respiration is basically one big redox reaction in which electrons are being moved around. The objective is to generate electricity throughout the biochemical process using chemical waste basically sludge, via microbial fuel cells. The methodology includes collecting sludge from different locations, set up microbial fuel cells with the aid of salt bridge and observing the results in voltage measurement. The microbial fuel cells consist of two chambers, iron electrodes, copper wire, air pump (to increase the efficiency of electron transfer), water, sludge and salt bridge. After several observations, it is seen that this MFC can achieve up until 202 milivolts (0.202volts) with the presence of air pump. It is proven through the experiments that sludge from different locations gives different results in term of the voltage measurement. This is basically because in different locations of sludge contain different type and amount of nutrients to provide the growth of bacteria. Apart from that, salt bridge also play an important role in order to transport the proton from cathode to anode. A longer salt bridge will give a higher voltage compared to a short salt bridge. On the other hand, the limitations that this experiment facing is the voltage that being produced did not last long as the bacteria activity slows down gradually and the voltage produced are not really great in amount. Lastly to conclude, microbial fuel cell essentially is a solution for a renewable energy emitted by bacteria activity that need to be take a further attention , research and development

Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan, Erick R. Bandala, Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman et al.

Water Science & Technology Water Supply • 2024

Abstract Southeast Asia is vulnerable to climate change with over half of its population already being impacted by drought, flooding, and rise in sea levels recently. This work reviews the current water resource challenges in Indonesia, prone to the rising impacts of climate change. A baseline assessment of Indonesia's water and drinking water resources related to its original sources is presented. In response to a growing concern over chronic challenges that undermine water supply nationwide, this study analyses drinking water safety supervision. To accomplish this, a literature survey (100 studies published during the 2000–2023 period) was performed to identify regional groundwater resources sustainability and water security issues. Among the main findings of this study, only 10% of rainfall infiltrates to the groundwater, while 70% of its rivers are heavily polluted by domestic waste. During the study period, water availability decreased to 1,200 m3/year in 2020, with only 35% of the resources being economically feasible for reuse. The water supply deficit in Indonesia was estimated to be 5.5 hm3/year with roughly 67% of the population's water demand satisfied in 2021. Although this deficit might be fulfilled with private vendors, water supply/demand forecasts in 2030 suggest that the gap could not be closed by increasing water supply.

Ranju Kumari Rathour, Mamta Devi, Pushpak Dahiya et al.

Energies • 2023

Waste rice straw biomass and its burning in open fields have become a serious issue of greenhouse gases emission and air pollution, which has a negative impact on public health and the environment. However, the environmental impact of burning this agro-waste can be mitigated by diverting it towards green biorefinery through the sustainable production of energy, biofuels, organic chemicals, and building blocks for various polymers. This will not only help to reduce the reliance on limited fuels and various chemicals derived from petroleum, but also help in the restoration of the environment in a sustainable manner through its complete utilization. To maximize the inherent conversion potential of rice straw biomass into valuable products, this agriculture waste biomass requires a comprehensive analysis and a techno-economic review for its sustainable management. This review article focuses on the sustainable management of rice straw waste biomass via innovative valorization approaches, as well as the opportunities and challenges encountered in this sector for meeting the demand of current and future green biorefineries.

Yamini Mittal, Pratiksha Srivastava, Sony Pandey et al.

The Science of The Total Environment • 2023

A. Kushairi

Journal of Oil Palm Research • 2018

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) has emerged as a major economic crop feeding the world today. This article aims to capture the more recent progress made by the oil palm industry and to discuss the possible path research and development will take in the coming years. In 2017, palm oil and palm kernel oil production recorded close to one-third (75.17 million tonnes) of world total oils and fats production from a planted area of 19.04 million hectares, mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia. Malaysian palm oil alone fetched RM 46.12 billion export revenue from its India and European Union markets. The continuous growth of the industry is made possible through implementation of key strategies covering the whole process chain, from upstream to downstream. Intensified mechanisation, integrated pest and Ganoderma management, advanced breeding and biotechnology as well as good agricultural practices help boost oil palm yields for both plantations and smallholdings. In the palm oil milling sector, focus such as by-products valorisation, biogas (productivity, trapping and utilisation as a form of energy) and wastewater management, i.e. palm oil mill effluent for final discharge compliance ensures that the industry meets its sustainable goals. Palm oil is generally used for edible purpose, however about 20% goes into higher value non-food applications such as palm biodiesel.

Artur Banach, Agnieszka Kuźniar, Jarosław Grządziel et al.

PLoS ONE • 2020

The metal hyperaccumulator Azolla filiculoides is accompanied by a microbiome potentially supporting plant during exposition to heavy metals. We hypothesized that the microbiome exposition to selected heavy metals will reveal metal tolerant strains. We used Next Generation Sequencing technique to identify possible metal tolerant strains isolated from the metal-treated plant (Pb, Cd, Cr(VI), Ni, Au, Ag). The main dominants were Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria constituting together more than 97% of all reads. Metal treatment led to changes in the composition of the microbiome and showed significantly higher richness in the Pb-, Cd- and Cr-treated plant in comparison with other (95-105 versus 36-44). In these treatments the share of subdominant Actinobacteria (0.4-0.8%), Firmicutes (0.5-0.9%) and Bacteroidetes (0.2-0.9%) were higher than in non-treated plant (respectively: 0.02, 0.2 and 0.001%) and Ni-, Au- and Ag-treatments (respectively: <0.4%, <0.2% and up to 0.2%). The exception was Au-treatment displaying the abundance 1.86% of Bacteroidetes. In addition, possible metal tolerant genera, namely: Acinetobacter, Asticcacaulis, Anabaena, Bacillus, Brevundimonas, Burkholderia, Dyella, Methyloversatilis, Rhizobium and Staphylococcus, which form the core microbiome, were recognized by combining their abundance in all samples with literature data. Additionally, the presence of known metal tolerant genera was confirmed: Mucilaginibacter, Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium, Corynebacterium, Stenotrophomonas, Clostridium, Micrococcus, Achromobacter, Geobacter, Flavobacterium, Arthrobacter and Delftia. We have evidenced that A. filiculoides possess a microbiome whose representatives belong to metal-resistant species which makes the fern the source of biotechnologically useful microorganisms for remediation processes.

Sandrine Mbakop, Lebea N. Nthunya, Maurice S. Onyango

Processes • 2021

The increasing discharge of voluminous non or partially treated wastewaters characterized by complex contaminants poses significant ecological and health risks. Particularly, this practice impacts negatively on socio-economic, technological, industrial, and agricultural development. Therefore, effective control of water pollution is imperative. Over the past decade, membrane filtration has been established as an effective and commercially attractive technology for the separation and purification of water. The performance of membrane-based technologies relies on the intrinsic properties of the membrane barrier itself. As a result, the development of innovative techniques for the preparation of highly efficient membranes has received remarkable attention. Moreover, growing concerns related to cost-effective and greener technologies have induced the need for eco-friendly, renewable, biodegradable, and sustainable source materials for membrane fabrication. Recently, advances in nanotechnology have led to the development of new high-tech nanomaterials from natural polymers (e.g., cellulose) for the preparation of environmentally benign nanocomposite membranes. The synthesis of nanocomposite membranes using nanocelluloses (NCs) has become a prominent research field. This is attributed to the exceptional characteristics of these nanomaterials (NMs) namely; excellent and tuneable surface chemistry, high mechanical strength, low-cost, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and renewability. For this purpose, the current paper opens with a comprehensive yet concise description of the various types of NCs and their most broadly utilized production techniques. This is closely followed by a critical review of how NC substrates and their surface-modified versions affect the performance of the fabricated NC-based membranes in various filtration processes. Finally, the most recent processing technologies for the preparation of functionalized NCs-based composite membranes are discussed in detail and their hybrid characteristics relevant to membrane filtration processes are highlighted.

Ru Zheng, Kuo Zhang, Lingrui Kong et al.

Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering • 2024

Abstract Wastewater treatment plants are the major energy consumers and significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions, among which biological nitrogen removal of wastewater is an important contributor to carbon emissions. However, traditional heterotrophic denitrification still has the problems of excessive residual sludge and the requirement of external carbon sources. Consequently, the development of innovative low-carbon nitrate removal technologies is necessary. This review outlines the key roles of sulfur autotrophic denitrification and hydrogen autotrophic denitrification in low-carbon wastewater treatment. The discovered nitrate/nitrite dependent anaerobic methane oxidation enables sustainable methane emission reduction and nitrogen removal by utilizing available methane in situ . Photosynthetic microorganisms exhibited a promising potential to achieve carbon-negative nitrate removal. Specifically, the algal-bacterial symbiosis system and photogranules offer effective and prospective low-carbon options for nitrogen removal. Then, the emerging nitrate removal technology of photoelectrotrophic denitrification and the underlying photoelectron transfer mechanisms are discussed. Finally, we summarize and prospect these technologies, highlighting that solar-driven biological nitrogen removal technology is a promising area for future sustainable wastewater treatment. This review has important guiding significance for the design of low-carbon wastewater treatment systems.

Sanela Martić, Meaghan Tabobondung, Stephanie Gao et al.

Frontiers in Sensors • 2022

Microplastics (MPs) are a part of our daily lives and persist in the environment all across the globe. As a recently recognized emerging pollutant, there is a call to action to mitigate and monitor microplastics. Despite traditional remediation and characterization methodologies, MP-related challenges still exist. Electrochemical strategies for microplastic remediation have been reported in recent years, but very few reports exist on using electrochemical sensors for monitoring microplastics. Therefore, this minireview highlights the opportunities within the existing electrochemical remediation platforms towards sensor design and development, and elaborates on microplastic electrochemical sensors so far.

Collins I. Akor, Ahmed I. Osman, Charlie Farrell et al.

Chemical Engineering Journal • 2020

Narges Malmir, Najaf Allahyari Fard, Saeed Aminzadeh et al.

Processes • 2022

Cyanide compounds are hazardous compounds which are extremely toxic to living organisms, especially free cyanide in the form of hydrogen cyanide gas (HCN) and cyanide ion (CN−). These cyanide compounds are metabolic inhibitors since they can tightly bind to the metals of metalloenzymes. Anthropogenic sources contribute significantly to CN− contamination in the environment, more specifically to surface and underground waters. The treatment processes, such as chemical and physical treatment processes, have been implemented. However, these processes have drawbacks since they generate additional contaminants which further exacerbates the environmental pollution. The biological treatment techniques are mostly overlooked as an alternative to the conventional physical and chemical methods. However, the recent research has focused substantially on this method, with different reactor configurations that were proposed. However, minimal attention was given to the emerging technologies that sought to accelerate the treatment with a subsequent resource recovery from the process. Hence, this review focuses on the recent emerging tools that can be used to accelerate cyanide biodegradation. These tools include, amongst others, electro-bioremediation, anaerobic biodegradation and the use of microbial fuel cell technology. These processes were demonstrated to have the possibility of producing value-added products, such as biogas, co-factors of neurotransmitters and electricity from the treatment process.

Luiz G. Greca, Janika Lehtonen, Blaise L. Tardy et al.

Materials Horizons • 2018

We demonstrate a facile route for bacteria-based fabrication of 3D-shaped, hollow nanocellulosic objects and the new horizons enabled are also explored.

Mirul K. Pal, M. Lavanya

Journal of Bio- and Tribo-Corrosion • 2022

Abstract Microbiologically influenced corrosion, also known as microbial or biological corrosion, is produced by particular bacteria adhering to metal in water. It is widely acknowledged to be the direct cause of catastrophic corrosion failures, with associated damage costs accounting to many billions of US$ annually. Certain activities of microbial organisms such as their adherence capabilities are known to lead to the acceleration in corrosion rates of metals. Bacterial adherence is the beginning of the process of colonisation of a surface, known as biofilm development that involves physicochemical and molecular interactions. This process of bacterial adhesion is influenced by a myriad of parameters which are broadly categorised as environment, bacterial, and material characteristics. The following article reviews the mechanisms of bacterial adhesion to biomaterial surfaces, the factors affecting this adhesion, and the techniques used in estimating microbially influenced corrosion.

Mirosław Mleczek, Piotr Goliński, Magdalena Krzesłowska et al.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research • 2017

The aim of the study was to compare the phytoextraction abilities of six tree species (Acer platanoides L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Betula pendula Roth, Quercus robur L., Tilia cordata Miller, Ulmus laevis Pall.), cultivated on mining sludge contaminated with arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), thallium (Tl), and zinc (Zn). All six tree species were able to survive on such an unpromising substrate. However, A. platanoides and T. cordata seedlings grown on the polluted substrate showed significantly lower biomass than control plants (55.5 and 45.6%, respectively). As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Tl predominantly accumulated in the roots of all the analyzed tree species with the following highest contents: 1616, 268, 2432, 547, and 856 mg kg -1 , respectively. Zn was predominantly localized in shoots with the highest content of 5801 and 5732 mg kg -1 for U. laevis and A. platanoides, respectively. A. platanoides was the most effective in Zn phytoextaction, with a bioconcentration factor (BCF) of 8.99 and a translocation factor (TF) of 1.5. Furthermore, with the exception of A. pseudoplatanus, the analyzed tree species showed a BCF > 1 for Tl, with the highest value for A. platanoides (1.41). However, the TF for this metal was lower than 1 in all the analyzed tree species. A. platanoides showed the highest BCF and a low TF and could, therefore, be a promising species for Tl phytostabilization. In the case of the other analyzed tree species, their potential for effective phytoextraction was markedly lower. Further studies on the use of A. platanoides in phytoremediation would be worth conducting.

Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan, Wai‐Hung Lo, Xue Liang et al.

Journal of Composites Science • 2023

Due to its low cost, over the past decades, biosorption technology has been extensively carried out to treat heavy metal-laden wastewater using biosorbents. Recent studies on heavy metal biosorption mechanisms and the simulation of mathematical modeling on the biosorption process have enhanced scientific understanding about the binding between target metal cations and the functional group on different surfaces of biomasses as a biosorbent. However, so far, none have provided an overview of mechanistic studies on heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions using inexpensive biosorbents. To close this knowledge gap, this article discusses the applicability of the surface complexation (SC) model for biosorption of a target pollutant. Insightful ideas and directions of future research in wastewater treatment using digital technologies are also presented. It was conclusive from a literature survey of 115 articles (1987–2023) that Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Rhizopus nigricans represent biomaterials that have substantial adsorption capacities, up to 200 mg of Au(I)/g, 142 mg of Th/g, and 166 mg of Pb(II)/g, respectively. The metal-binding mechanisms involved include ion exchange, surface complexation, and micro-precipitation. Ion exchange is the only mechanisms that play key roles in sequestering heavy metal using fungal cells with chitin and chitosan. X-ray energy dispersion (XED) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were used to evaluate biosorption mechanisms of the inorganic pollutants using physico-chemical characterization on the cell surfaces of the biomass. As metal removal by the biosorbent is affected by its surface properties, surface complexation also occurs. The affinity of the surface complexation depends on the type of functional groups such as phosphate, carboxyl, and amine.

Besma Khiari, Mejdi Jeguirim, Lionel Limousy et al.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews • 2019

Yaqian Zhao, Ange Nzihou, Baiming Ren et al.

Waste and Biomass Valorization • 2020

Yueya Chang, He Cui, Minsheng Huang et al.

Environmental Reviews • 2017

Artificial floating islands (AFIs) are a variation of wetland treatment systems for water quality improvement. This paper provides a review concerning AFIs in terms of their development, classification, and applications in the removal of nutrients, heavy metals, and chemical oxygen demand on waterways. The role of microorganisms, aquatic plants, and aquatic animals in AFIs for water decontamination and purification was also discussed. Additionally, some key factors influencing the AFIs’ performances were discussed and comparisons between AFIs and constructed wetlands were reviewed. Finally, further perspectives of artificial floating islands were identified to possibly improve their performances. The understanding of the mechanisms in AFIs that drive removal of various contaminants to improve water quality is crucial, and is also highlighted in this paper.

Dan Wu, Liping Huang, Xie Quan et al.

Journal of Power Sources • 2016

R. B. Singh

Journal of Bacteriology & Mycology Open Access • 2017

Biotransformation is a process by which organic compounds are transformed from one form to another to reduce the persistence and toxicity of the chemical compounds. This process is aided by major range of microorganisms and their products such as bacteria, fungi and enzymes. Biotransformations can also be used to synthesize compounds or materials, if synthetic approaches are challenging. Natural transformation process is slow, nonspecific and less productive. Microbial biotransformations or microbial biotechnology are gaining importance and extensively utilized to generate metabolites in bulk amounts with more specificity. This review was conceived to assess the impact of microbial biotransformation of steroids, antibiotics, various pollutants and xenobiotic compounds.

Ao Li, Dezhong Xu, Lu Luo et al.

Nanotechnology Reviews • 2021

Abstract The rapid economic growth and environmental concerns have led to high demands on paper and paper-based products in terms of variety, quantity, quality, and specialty. Enhancement and functionalization with additives are constantly required. Moving away from traditional petroleum-based additives, researchers have attempted to use “green” nanoadditives by introducing renewable environmentally friendly nanocellulose. This article studies the functions of nanocellulose as bio-additives (enhancer, retention and filtration reagent, and coating aid) in paper and paper products, and overviews the research development of nanocellulose-based additives and their applications in the paper industry for both efficient production and paper functionalization. The review shows that (1) a variety of nanocellulose-based bioadditives have been reported for various applications in paper and paper-based products, while commercially viable developments are to be advanced; (2) nanocellulose was mostly formulated with other polymer and particles as additives to achieve their synergistic effects; (3) major interests have concentrated on the nanocellulose in the specialty papers as representing more value added products and in the efficient utilization of recycled fibers, which remains most attractive and promising for future development. This report shall provide most useful database information for researchers and industries for paper recycling and enhancement, and paper-based products innovation and application.

Chao Ma, Han-Quan Wen, Defeng Xing et al.

Biotechnology for Biofuels • 2017

Scenedesmus sp. Z-4 had good adaptability to low temperature conditions, and showed great potential to realize simultaneous wastewater treatment and lipid production at low temperatures. The proposed approach in the study was simple compared to other wastewater treatment methods, and this potential novel process was still efficient to remove COD, N, and P at low temperatures. Thus, it had a vital significance for the wastewater treatment in low temperature regions.

Adegoke Isiaka Adetunji, Mariana Erasmus

Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances • 2025

• AMD consists of toxic pollutants such as heavy metals, sulfate, etc. • Improper discharge of AMD causes serious hazards to the ecosystems. • Biological technologies are green and sustainable for AMD treatment. • Bio-nanoparticles, SRB, MFCs, fungi, algae, or plants are used for AMD treatment. • Valuable products such as elemental sulfur, metals, and REEs are recovered from AMD. The indiscriminate discharge of acid mine drainage (AMD) from mine sites and other industrial operations has been a great concern, resulting in serious environmental and public health hazards. The waste stream consists of high concentrations of toxic organic and inorganic substances, warranting its treatment before disposal. Over the years, traditional physicochemical approaches, including membrane separation and ion exchange have been employed for AMD treatment. However, these techniques are unsatisfactory due to high operational costs, operational difficulties, and the release of secondary pollutants. Therefore, biological remediation strategies involving the application of microorganisms, plants, or plant-microbe interactions have increasingly gained attention as a green and sustainable solution for eliminating toxic pollutants present in the AMD. In addition, beneficial value-added products, including metals, rare earth elements, and elemental sulfur can be recovered from the acidic mine water, thus promoting wastewater management and reuse. The present review provides insights into the applicability of various biological technologies in the removal of toxic pollutants present in AMD. In addition, it discusses multiple beneficial valuable products that can be recovered from the acidic mine water, using biological approaches. Some constraints impeding commercial remediation of AMD as well as recommendations for future perspectives are also highlighted.

James R. Mihelcic, Colleen C. Naughton, Matthew E. Verbyla et al.

Environmental Engineering Science • 2016

Abstract The environmental engineering discipline has focused much of its historical efforts in developing regions of the world on advancing environmental sustainability through improving provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. However, the skills and expertise that reside within the discipline of environmental engineering are fundamental to achieve a much broader range of sustainable development goals, including those related to health, climate, water, energy, and food security; economic development; and reduction of social inequalities. Accordingly, this article critically reviews several focus areas where environmental engineering should assume a more active presence in the global community that seeks to achieve sustainability in developing regions of the world. The 10 environmental engineering Grand Challenges for the developing world covered are: (1) understand the historical perspective of the discipline's connection with public health as the field transitions forward; (2) integrate the differences encountered when operating over rural to urban locations; (3) address emissions of greenhouse gases and other important carbon-containing pollutants; (4) understand the link between development and health to better connect health outcomes and reduction in risk with ecosystem management and other development interventions; (5) address the complex interactions of water energy systems; (6) integrate the synergy inherent in development/sustainability goals of WASH, food security, and resource recovery; (7) transition to a green economy; (8) advance monitoring, evaluation, and assessment activities that include life cycle assessment, (9) integrate culture, perception, and behavior with advances in science and technology, and (10) educate globally competent engineers. Our hope is that this discussion leads to a better world through monumental improvements in the environment and human well-being and drives new innovations and opportunities in research, education, practice, and service.

Gamal K. Hassan, Jaime Massanet‐Nicolau, Richard M. Dinsdale et al.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy • 2019

Melanie Valencia, Nancy Bocken, Camila Loaiza et al.

Journal of Cleaner Production • 2023

The social value of the circular economy (CE) has only been recently explored in the literature. To understand the social implications of the implementation of the CE, a semi-systematic literature review was completed evaluating the variables of equity, diversity, collaboration, quality of life, maturity, and governance as derived from a capabilities approach. At a societal level, this article explores the main demands and contributions of the CE to society and identifies the inconsistencies in the literature in assessing the CE as a strategy for development, counterposing views of the CE's contribution to the socioeconomic system. Furthermore, the analysis proposes a set of socioeconomic strategies that can aid a CE implementation. We expand the ‘rethink’ tactic of the 9Rs (Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle and Recover) to also rethinking: the economic model, discourse, management strategies, ownership, business models, care work and value chains as well as remembering, reorganizing, and revitalizing. Furthermore, we include nuances to the 9Rs, adding regeneration. The qualitative assessment combined with a topic model offered specific areas where the social dimensions can be prioritized; these include food systems, the built environment with localized urban sharing, value chains, bioeconomy and mitigating the environmental impact of industries such as fashion and construction.

Mohammad Shaiful Alam Amin

Trends in Renewable Energy • 2018

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an attractive renewable and sustainable technology to meet up the drastic energy crisis of the world through waste water treatment. This Bioelectrochemical system (BES) converts biomass spontaneously into electricity by the metabolic activity of microorganisms. Food processing industry generally discharges large volume of wastewater, which creates adverse financial and ecological impacts to the industry and environment. In this present contribution, electricity production from food processing industry wastewater that serves as substrates in MFCs was investigated. Dual chambered mediator-less MFC was designed and fabricated using locally available materials. Performance of the MFC was evaluated by measuring potential parameters, such as current generation, current density, change in pH, and change in chemical oxygen demand at different operating conditions. Polarization experiments were conducted to find the maximum power density. Current generation increased with increasing sludge loading, and maximum results were recorded as 90 µA with 9 g of sludge and optimum pH value 8 in the anode chamber. This study documented a maximum power density of 7.42 mW/m 2 with the corresponding current density of 25 mA/m 2 . Citation:  Amin, M. S. A., Talukder, M. J., Raju, R. R., and Khan, M. M. R. (2019). Conversion of Food Processing Waste to Bioenergy: Bangladesh Perspective. Trends in Renewable Energy, 5(1), 1-11. DOI: 10.17737/tre.2019.5.1.0080

Monali Muduli, Meena Choudhary, Soumya Haldar et al.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment • 2022

Noah Yakah, Mahrokh Samavati, Augustine Akuoko Kwarteng et al.

Clean Technologies • 2023

The per capita municipal solid waste (MSW) generation per day in Ghana is estimated to be 0.47 kg/person/day, which translates to over 14,000 tonnes of solid waste generation daily. The disposal and management of this amount of solid waste has been challenging worldwide, and in Ghana, this is evident with the creation of unsanitary dumping sites scattered across most communities in the country, especially urban communities. The indiscriminate disposal of solid waste in Ghana is known to cause flooding, the pollution of water bodies, and the spread of diseases. The purpose of this review is to highlight the prospects of waste incineration with energy recovery as a waste-to-energy (WtE) technology which has contributed immensely to the disposal and management of MSW in nations worldwide (especially developed ones). The review indicates that waste incineration with energy recovery is a matured waste-to-energy technology in developed nations, and there are currently about 492 waste incineration plants in operation in the EU, over 77 in operation in about 25 states in the USA, and about 1900 in operation in Japan. Waste incineration with energy recovery is also gradually gaining prominence in developing nations like China, Brazil, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Pakistan. The adoption of waste incineration with energy technology can reduce Ghana’s overdependence on fossil fuels as primary sources of energy. It is, however, recommended that a techno-economic assessment of proposed waste incineration facilities is performed considering the MSW generated in Ghana. Additionally, it is also recommended that the possibility of incorporating the use of artificial intelligence technology into the management of MSW in Ghana be investigated.