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Bioengineering
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Bioengineering in Remediation of Polluted Environments
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Bioengineering in Remediation of Polluted Environments

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 June 2022) | Viewed by 48621

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Bruna Matturro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Water Research Institute, IRSA-CNR, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
Interests: bioremediation; biomonitoring; chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons; polychlorobiphenyls; petroleum hydrocarbons; reductive and oxidative dechlorination; bioelectrochemical remediation; nanoparticles; circular economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marco Zeppilli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
Interests: bioelectrochemical systems; bioelectrochemical remediation; chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons; resource recovery; biogas upgrading

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Contamination is a global issue affecting human health and the integrity of environmental matrices including soil, sediment, and water. Surely, anthropogenic activities have a great impact on pollution, being responsible for the release into the environment of organic and inorganic toxic compounds.

Risks linked to environmental pollution attract a great amount of scientific interest worldwide, aiming at the development of new environmentally friendly, rapid, and efficient clean-up technologies for the restoration of contaminated sites.

Among these, bioremediation technologies are considered the most promising ones in terms of environmental sustainability, exploiting the metabolic capabilities of specialized microorganisms for the transformation and/or removal of organic and inorganic pollutants. Moreover, bioremediation technologies can increase the intrinsic natural remediation activity of contaminated sites by applying advantageous operating conditions to increase both biological activity and contaminant mobilization.

This Special Issue focuses on recent findings in bioengineering for the remediation of various polluted environments from different perspectives including (micro)biology and process engineering. Topics include, but are not limited to the following:

- Innovative biotechnology solutions, including bioelectrochemical technologies, for the remediation of contaminated environmental matrices;

- Sustainable materials employed in bioremediation technologies;

- Bioprocess scale-up from laboratory microcosms to larger scale, including field applications;

- Microbiological and biomolecular investigations on the role of microorganisms in bioremediation technologies, including novel biomonitoring solutions;

- Multidisciplinary case studies of efficient bioremediation technologies for the restoration of contaminated sites.

Our efforts will be focused on collecting original papers and reviews to cover the latest advances and novel perspectives contributing to knowledge implementation in the field of bioengineering applied to the remediation of contaminated sites. 

Dr. Bruna Matturro
Dr. Marco Zeppilli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Bioengineering 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 2700 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

  • Bioremediation 
  • Biomonitoring 
  • Biostimulation 
  • Bioaugmentation 
  • Bioelectrochemical remediation 
  • Sustainable materials for bioremediation 
  • Process scale-up 
  • Contamination 
  • Persistent organic pollutants 
  • Heavy metals 
  • Hydrocarbons

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2828 KiB  
Article
Rapid Degradation of Rhodamine B through Visible-Photocatalytic Advanced Oxidation Using Self-Degradable Natural Perylene Quinone Derivatives—Hypocrellins
by Zhixian Huang, Fan Zhang, Yanbo Tang, Yongdi Wen, Zhenqiang Wu, Zhen Fang and Xiaofei Tian
Bioengineering 2022, 9(7), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9070307 - 11 Jul 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3708
Abstract
Hypocrellins (HYPs) are natural perylene quinone derivatives from Ascomycota fungi. Based on the excellent photosensitization properties of HYPs, this work proposed a photocatalytic advanced oxidation process (PAOP) that uses HYPs to degrade rhodamine B (RhB) as a model organic pollutant. A synergistic activity [...] Read more.
Hypocrellins (HYPs) are natural perylene quinone derivatives from Ascomycota fungi. Based on the excellent photosensitization properties of HYPs, this work proposed a photocatalytic advanced oxidation process (PAOP) that uses HYPs to degrade rhodamine B (RhB) as a model organic pollutant. A synergistic activity of HYPs and H2O2 (0.18 mM of HYPs, 0.33% w/v of H2O2) was suggested, resulting in a yield of 82.4% for RhB degradation after 60 min under visible light irradiation at 470–475 nm. The principle of pseudo-first-order kinetics was used to describe the decomposition reaction with a calculated constant (k) of 0.02899 min−1 (R2 = 0.983). Light-induced self-degradation of HYPs could be activated under alkaline (pH > 7) conditions, promising HYPs as an advanced property to alleviate the current dilemma of secondary pollution by synthetic photocatalysts in the remediation of emerging organic pollutants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering in Remediation of Polluted Environments)
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16 pages, 3836 KiB  
Article
Response Surface Optimization of Biophotocatalytic Degradation of Industrial Wastewater for Bioenergy Recovery
by Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh and Sudesh Rathilal
Bioengineering 2022, 9(3), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9030095 - 26 Feb 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2639
Abstract
The continuous combustion of fossil fuels and industrial wastewater pollution undermines global environmental and socio-economic sustainability. Addressing this necessitates a techno-scientific revolution to recover the renewable energy potential of wastewater towards a circular economy. Herein, a developed biophotocatalytic (BP) system was examined with [...] Read more.
The continuous combustion of fossil fuels and industrial wastewater pollution undermines global environmental and socio-economic sustainability. Addressing this necessitates a techno-scientific revolution to recover the renewable energy potential of wastewater towards a circular economy. Herein, a developed biophotocatalytic (BP) system was examined with an engineered Fe-TiO2 to ascertain its degradability efficiency and biogas production from industrial wastewater. The response surface methodology (RSM) based on a modified Box-Behnken designed experiment was used to optimize and maximize the BP system’s desirability. The parameters investigated included catalyst dosage of 2–6 g and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 1–31 d at a constant temperature of 37.5 °C and organic loading rate of 2.38 kgCOD/Ld. The modified RSM-BBD predicted 100% desirability at an optimal catalyst load of 4 g and HRT of 21 d. This represented 267 mL/d of biogas and >98% COD, color, and turbidity removal. The experimental validity was in good agreement with the model predicted results at a high regression (R2 > 0.98) and 95% confidence level. This finding provides an insight into RSM modeling and optimization with the potential of integrating the BP system into wastewater settings for the treatment of industrial wastewater and biogas production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering in Remediation of Polluted Environments)
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14 pages, 2233 KiB  
Article
Strategy for Managing Industrial Anaerobic Sludge through the Heterotrophic Cultivation of Chlorella sorokiniana: Effect of Iron Addition on Biomass and Lipid Production
by Esteban Charria-Girón, Vanessa Amazo, Daniela De Angulo, Eliana Hidalgo, María Francisca Villegas-Torres, Frank Baganz and Nelson. H. Caicedo Ortega
Bioengineering 2021, 8(6), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering8060082 - 10 Jun 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4071
Abstract
Microalgae provides an alternative for the valorization of industrial by-products, in which the nutritional content varies substantially and directly affects microalgae system performance. Herein, the heterotrophic cultivation of Chlorella sorokiniana was systematically studied, allowing us to detect a nutritional deficiency other than the [...] Read more.
Microalgae provides an alternative for the valorization of industrial by-products, in which the nutritional content varies substantially and directly affects microalgae system performance. Herein, the heterotrophic cultivation of Chlorella sorokiniana was systematically studied, allowing us to detect a nutritional deficiency other than the carbon source through assessing the oxygen transfer rate for glucose or acetate fermentation. Consequently, a mathematical model of the iron co-limiting effect on heterotrophic microalgae was developed by exploring its ability to regulate the specific growth rate and yield. For instance, higher values of the specific growth rate (0.17 h−1) compared with those reported for the heterotrophic culture of Chlorella were obtained due to iron supplementation. Therefore, anaerobic sludge from an industrial wastewater treatment plant (a baker’s yeast company) was pretreated to obtain an extract as a media supplement for C. sorokiniana. According to the proposed model, the sludge extract allowed us to supplement iron values close to the growth activation concentration (KFe ~12 mg L−1). Therefore, a fed-batch strategy was evaluated on nitrogen-deprived cultures supplemented with the sludge extract to promote biomass formation and fatty acid synthesis. Our findings reveal that nitrogen and iron in sludge extract can supplement heterotrophic cultures of Chlorella and provide an alternative for the valorization of industrial anaerobic sludge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering in Remediation of Polluted Environments)
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13 pages, 1971 KiB  
Article
High Resistance of a Sludge Enriched with Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria to Ammonium Salts and Its Potential as a Biofertilizer
by Claudia Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Carolina Ospina-Betancourth and Janeth Sanabria
Bioengineering 2021, 8(5), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering8050055 - 1 May 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3645
Abstract
The increasing use of chemical fertilizers causes the loss of natural biological nitrogen fixation in soils, water eutrophication and emits more than 300 Mton CO2 per year. It also limits the success of external bacterial inoculation in the soil. Nitrogen fixing bacteria [...] Read more.
The increasing use of chemical fertilizers causes the loss of natural biological nitrogen fixation in soils, water eutrophication and emits more than 300 Mton CO2 per year. It also limits the success of external bacterial inoculation in the soil. Nitrogen fixing bacteria can be inhibited by the presence of ammonia as its presence can inhibit biological nitrogen fixation. Two aerobic sludges from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) were exposed to high ammonium salts concentrations (>450 mg L−1 and >2 dS m−1). Microbial analysis after treatment through 16S pyrosequencing showed the presence of Fluviicola sp. (17.70%), a genus of the Clostridiaceae family (11.17%), and Azospirillum sp. (10.42%), which were present at the beginning with lower abundance. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis based on nifH genes did not show changes in the nitrogen-fixing population. Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria (NFB) were identified and associated with other microorganisms involved in the nitrogen cycle, presumably for survival at extreme conditions. The potential use of aerobic sludges enriched with NFB is proposed as an alternative to chemical fertilizer as this bacteria could supplement nitrogen to the plant showing competitive results with chemical fertilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering in Remediation of Polluted Environments)
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Review

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14 pages, 1871 KiB  
Review
Bioconversion of Plastic Waste Based on Mass Full Carbon Backbone Polymeric Materials to Value-Added Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)
by Brian Johnston, Grazyna Adamus, Anabel Itohowo Ekere, Marek Kowalczuk, Fideline Tchuenbou-Magaia and Iza Radecka
Bioengineering 2022, 9(9), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9090432 - 1 Sep 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3379
Abstract
This review article will discuss the ways in which various polymeric materials, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) can potentially be used to produce bioplastics, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) through microbial cultivation. We will present up-to-date information [...] Read more.
This review article will discuss the ways in which various polymeric materials, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) can potentially be used to produce bioplastics, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) through microbial cultivation. We will present up-to-date information regarding notable microbial strains that are actively used in the biodegradation of polyolefins. We will also review some of the metabolic pathways involved in the process of plastic depolymerization and discuss challenges relevant to the valorization of plastic waste. The aim of this review is also to showcase the importance of methods, including oxidative degradation and microbial-based processes, that are currently being used in the fields of microbiology and biotechnology to limit the environmental burden of waste plastics. It is our hope that this article will contribute to the concept of bio-upcycling plastic waste to value-added products via microbial routes for a more sustainable future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering in Remediation of Polluted Environments)
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14 pages, 1970 KiB  
Review
Combined Strategies to Prompt the Biological Reduction of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons: New Sustainable Options for Bioremediation Application
by Marta M. Rossi, Edoardo Dell’Armi, Laura Lorini, Neda Amanat, Marco Zeppilli, Marianna Villano and Marco Petrangeli Papini
Bioengineering 2021, 8(8), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering8080109 - 3 Aug 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4874
Abstract
Groundwater remediation is one of the main objectives to minimize environmental impacts and health risks. Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons contamination is prevalent and presents particularly challenging scenarios to manage with a single strategy. Different technologies can manage contamination sources and plumes, although they are [...] Read more.
Groundwater remediation is one of the main objectives to minimize environmental impacts and health risks. Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons contamination is prevalent and presents particularly challenging scenarios to manage with a single strategy. Different technologies can manage contamination sources and plumes, although they are usually energy-intensive processes. Interesting alternatives involve in-situ bioremediation strategies, which allow the chlorinated contaminant to be converted into non-toxic compounds by indigenous microbial activity. Despite several advantages offered by the bioremediation approaches, some limitations, like the relatively low reaction rates and the difficulty in the management and control of the microbial activity, can affect the effectiveness of a bioremediation approach. However, those issues can be addressed through coupling different strategies to increase the efficiency of the bioremediation strategy. This mini review describes different strategies to induce the reduction dechlorination reaction by the utilization of innovative strategies, which include the increase or the reduction of contaminant mobility as well as the use of innovative strategies of the reductive power supply. Subsequently, three future approaches for a greener and more sustainable intervention are proposed. In particular, two bio-based materials from renewable resources are intended as alternative, long-lasting electron-donor sources (e.g., polyhydroxyalkanoates from mixed microbial cultures) and a low-cost adsorbent (e.g., biochar from bio-waste). Finally, attention is drawn to novel bio-electrochemical systems that use electric current to stimulate biological reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering in Remediation of Polluted Environments)
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29 pages, 9902 KiB  
Review
Bioremediation of Agricultural Soils Polluted with Pesticides: A Review
by Carla Maria Raffa and Fulvia Chiampo
Bioengineering 2021, 8(7), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering8070092 - 2 Jul 2021
Cited by 110 | Viewed by 19829
Abstract
Pesticides are chemical compounds used to eliminate pests; among them, herbicides are compounds particularly toxic to weeds, and this property is exploited to protect the crops from unwanted plants. Pesticides are used to protect and maximize the yield and quality of crops. The [...] Read more.
Pesticides are chemical compounds used to eliminate pests; among them, herbicides are compounds particularly toxic to weeds, and this property is exploited to protect the crops from unwanted plants. Pesticides are used to protect and maximize the yield and quality of crops. The excessive use of these chemicals and their persistence in the environment have generated serious problems, namely pollution of soil, water, and, to a lower extent, air, causing harmful effects to the ecosystem and along the food chain. About soil pollution, the residual concentration of pesticides is often over the limits allowed by the regulations. Where this occurs, the challenge is to reduce the amount of these chemicals and obtain agricultural soils suitable for growing ecofriendly crops. The microbial metabolism of indigenous microorganisms can be exploited for degradation since bioremediation is an ecofriendly, cost-effective, rather efficient method compared to the physical and chemical ones. Several biodegradation techniques are available, based on bacterial, fungal, or enzymatic degradation. The removal efficiencies of these processes depend on the type of pollutant and the chemical and physical conditions of the soil. The regulation on the use of pesticides is strictly connected to their environmental impacts. Nowadays, every country can adopt regulations to restrict the consumption of pesticides, prohibit the most harmful ones, and define the admissible concentrations in the soil. However, this variability implies that each country has a different perception of the toxicology of these compounds, inducing different market values of the grown crops. This review aims to give a picture of the bioremediation of soils polluted with commercial pesticides, considering the features that characterize the main and most used ones, namely their classification and their toxicity, together with some elements of legislation into force around the world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering in Remediation of Polluted Environments)
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Other

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12 pages, 1741 KiB  
Systematic Review
Streptomyces as Potential Synthetic Polymer Degraders: A Systematic Review
by Maria Fernanda Rodríguez-Fonseca, Jeysson Sánchez-Suárez, Manuel Fernando Valero, Sonia Ruiz-Balaguera and Luis Eduardo Díaz
Bioengineering 2021, 8(11), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering8110154 - 23 Oct 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3929
Abstract
The inherent resistance of synthetic plastics to degradation has led to an increasing challenge of waste accumulation problem and created a pollution issue that can only be addressed with novel complementary methods such as biodegradation. Since biocontrol is a promising eco-friendly option to [...] Read more.
The inherent resistance of synthetic plastics to degradation has led to an increasing challenge of waste accumulation problem and created a pollution issue that can only be addressed with novel complementary methods such as biodegradation. Since biocontrol is a promising eco-friendly option to address this challenge, the identification of suitable biological agents is a crucial requirement. Among the existing options, organisms of the Streptomyces genus have been reported to biodegrade several complex polymeric macromolecules such as chitin, lignin, and cellulose. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the potential of Streptomyces strains for the biodegradation of synthetic plastics. The results showed that although Streptomyces strains are widely distributed in different ecosystems in nature, few studies have explored their capacity as degraders of synthetic polymers. Moreover, most of the research in this field has focused on Streptomyces strains with promising biotransforming potential against polyethylene-like polymers. Our findings suggest that this field of study is still in the early stages of development. Moreover, considering the diverse ecological niches associated with Streptomyces, these actinobacteria could serve as complementary agents for plastic waste management and thereby enhance carbon cycle dynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering in Remediation of Polluted Environments)
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