We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Stress responses of sulfate-reducing bacteria sludge upon exposure to polyethylene microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how polyethylene microplastics affect sulfate-reducing bacteria used in wastewater treatment by operating a lab-scale reactor at varying microplastic concentrations. They found that low levels had limited effects, but higher concentrations imposed significant physiological stress on the bacterial communities, although overall reactor performance was maintained. The study suggests that microplastic accumulation in wastewater systems could gradually compromise the microbial processes essential for water treatment.
The stress responses of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) sludge to polyethylene (PE) microplastic exposure were revealed for the first time. In this study, a lab-scale sulfate-reducing up-flow sludge bed reactor was continuously operated with different concentrations of PE microplastics in the feed (20, 100, and 500 microplastic particles (MPs)/L). Exposure to low levels of PE microplastics (i.e., 20 MPs/L) had a limited effect on SRB consortia, whereas higher levels of PE microplastics imposed apparent physiological stresses on SRB consortia. Despite this, the overall reactor performance, i.e., chemical oxygen demand removal and sulfate conversion, was less affected by prolonged exposure to PE microplastics. Moreover, as the concentration of PE microplastics increased, the SRB consortia promoted the production of extracellular polymeric substances to a greater extent, especially the secretion of proteins. As a result, protective effects against the cytotoxicity of PE microplastics were provided. Batch experiments further demonstrated that leaching additives from PE microplastics (including acetyl tri-n‑butyl citrate and bisphenol A, concentrations up to 5 μg/g sludge) exerted only a minor effect on the activity of SRB consortia. Additionally, microbial community analysis revealed active and potentially efficient sulfate reducers at different operational stages. Our results provide insight into the stress responses of SRB sludge under PE microplastic exposure and suggested that SRB consortia can gradually adapt to and resist high levels of PE microplastics. These findings may promote a better understanding of the stable operation of SRB sludge systems under specific environmental stimuli for practical applications.
More Papers Like This
Reactor performance and microbial responses of sulfate-reducing bacteria sludge under stepwise polyvinyl chloride microplastic exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists tested how tiny PVC plastic particles (the kind found in some plastic products) affect bacteria used in wastewater treatment plants to clean up sulfate-polluted water. They found that at high microplastic levels, the treatment process temporarily struggled but bounced back as bacteria adapted, though the plastic also caused mild cell stress and released chemical additives like BPA (a compound linked to hormone disruption in humans). This matters because it shows that microplastic pollution could disrupt the wastewater treatment systems we rely on to keep our water clean, and it may also release additional harmful chemicals into the environ
Response of aerobic granular sludge under polyethylene microplastics stress: Physicochemical properties, decontamination performance, and microbial community
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the impact of polyethylene microplastics on aerobic granular sludge used in wastewater treatment. The study found that microplastics significantly disrupted sludge structure, settling properties, and enzyme activities related to denitrification and phosphorus removal, with increased reactive oxygen species and cell membrane damage at higher concentrations.
Polyethylene microplastics impose reversible redox suppression in sulfur-driven wastewater treatment systems under antibiotic co-stress
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (microplastics) can weaken the "helpful bacteria" wastewater treatment plants use to break down antibiotics and pollutants, causing cell stress and reducing how well antibiotics get removed from water. The good news: this damage isn't permanent—once the microplastics were removed, the bacteria bounced back and antibiotic removal returned to normal. This matters because it suggests treatment plants could recover from temporary microplastic pollution spikes, but it also shows how these tiny plastics can interfere with systems designed to keep contaminants like antibiotics out of our water supply
Revealing the Mechanisms of Polyethylene Microplastics Affecting Anaerobic Digestion of Waste Activated Sludge
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how polyethylene microplastics affect the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge, a common wastewater treatment process. They found that higher concentrations of microplastics significantly reduced methane production by disrupting microbial communities and enzyme activities essential for digestion. The study reveals that microplastic contamination in wastewater systems can undermine the efficiency of sludge treatment and biogas generation.
Insight into effect of polyethylene microplastic on nitrogen removal in moving bed biofilm reactor: Focusing on microbial community and species interactions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how polyethylene microplastics affect nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment bioreactors and found that low concentrations slightly improved the process, while higher concentrations disrupted it. The microplastics changed the microbial communities responsible for breaking down nitrogen in wastewater. This matters because less effective wastewater treatment means more nitrogen pollution in waterways, and microplastics entering treatment plants could reduce their ability to clean water effectively.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.