We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Enhanced periphyton biodegradation of endocrine disrupting hormones and microplastic: Intrinsic reaction mechanism, influential humic acid and microbial community structure elucidation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that periphyton biofilms in aquatic systems can biodegrade endocrine-disrupting hormones and adsorb microplastics simultaneously, with the intrinsic microbial community structure and reaction kinetics governing removal efficiency in constructed wetlands and natural streams.
Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), as well as microplastics, have drawn global attention due to their presence in the aquatic ecosystem and persistence in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In the present study, for simultaneous bio-removal of two EDCs, 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), bisphenol A (BPA), and a microplastic, polypropylene (PP) four kinds of periphytic biofilms were employed. Additionally, the effect of humic acid (HA) on the removal efficacy of these biofilms was evaluated. It was observed that EE2 and BPA (0.2 mg L each) were completely (∼100%) removed within 36 days of treatment; and the biodegradation of EE2, BPA, and PP was significantly enhanced in the presence of HA. Biodegradation of EE2 and BPA was evaluated through Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), and Gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used to determine the mechanism of degradation. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and SEM had validated the biodegradation of PP (5.2-14.7%). MiSeqsequencing showed that the community structure of natural biofilm changed after the addition of HA, as well as after the addition of EDCs and PP. This change in community structure might be a key factor regarding variable biodegradation percentages. The present study revealed the potential of periphytic biofilms for the simultaneous removal of pollutants of different chemical natures, thus provides a promising new method for wastewater treatment applications.
More Papers Like This
Interaction mechanisms between microplastics and environmental endocrine disruptors during hydrothermal treatment of sludge
AI summary Read the abstract
Hydrothermal treatment of sewage sludge microplastics reduced their release of bisphenol A and phenol compared to untreated microplastics, while sludge components enhanced adsorption of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals onto the microplastic surface. This is important because sludge is widely applied to agricultural land as fertilizer, and microplastics in sludge act as carriers that can mobilize endocrine disruptors into soils, crops, and ultimately human food and water.
Periphytic biofilm: An innovative approach for biodegradation of microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated periphytic biofilm as a method for biodegrading microplastics in aquatic environments, finding that biofilm-forming microorganisms were capable of colonizing and partially degrading plastic surfaces. The approach offers a low-cost, nature-based strategy for reducing microplastic pollution in waterways.
Microplastic-Associated Biofilms and Their Role in the Fate of Microplastics in Aquatic Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microbial biofilms attached to microplastics in aquatic environments mediate the accumulation and transfer of chemical pollutants, exploring how the 'plastisphere' community influences the fate and ecotoxicological impact of microplastics and co-contaminants.
Mechanistic insights into the adsorption of endocrine disruptors onto polystyrene microplastics in water
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied the mechanisms by which polystyrene microplastics adsorb endocrine-disrupting compounds from aquatic environments, finding that hydrophobic interactions and surface chemistry govern the binding. The results clarify how microplastics act as vectors for co-transporting endocrine disruptors through aquatic ecosystems.
Microplastics habituated with biofilm change decabrominated diphenyl ether degradation products and thyroid endocrine toxicity
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that biofilm-colonized microplastics alter the degradation products of decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) and change its thyroid endocrine toxicity, demonstrating that microbial biofilms on plastics can modify pollutant transformation pathways.
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.