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Exploring the environmental pathways and challenges of fluoroquinolone antibiotics: A state-of-the-art review

Masud MAA, Shin WS, Septian A, Samaraweera H, Khan IJ, Mohamed MM, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2024 May 20;926:171944.
PMID: 38527542 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171944

Fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics have become a subject of growing concern due to their increasing presence in the environment, particularly in the soil and groundwater. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the attributes, prevalence, ecotoxicity, and remediation approaches associated with FQs in environmental matrices. The paper discusses the physicochemical properties that influence the fate and transport of FQs in soil and groundwater, exploring the factors contributing to their prevalence in these environments. Furthermore, the ecotoxicological implications of FQ contamination in soil and aquatic ecosystems are reviewed, shedding light on the potential risks to environmental and human health. The latter part of the review is dedicated to an extensive analysis of remediation approaches, encompassing both in-situ and ex-situ methods employed to mitigate FQ contamination. The critical evaluation of these remediation strategies provides insights into their efficacy, limitations, and environmental implications. In this investigation, a correlation between FQ antibiotics and climate change is established, underlining its significance in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study further identifies and delineates multiple research gaps, proposing them as key areas for future investigational directions. Overall, this review aims to consolidate current knowledge on FQs in soil and groundwater, offering a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners engaged in environmental management and public health.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem*
Fulltext Effects of microplastics on soil microorganisms and microbial functions in nutrients and carbon cycling - A review

Aralappanavar VK, Mukhopadhyay R, Yu Y, Liu J, Bhatnagar A, Praveena SM, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2024 May 10;924:171435.
PMID: 38438042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171435

The harmful effects of microplastics (MPs) pollution in the soil ecosystem have drawn global attention in recent years. This paper critically reviews the effects of MPs on soil microbial diversity and functions in relation to nutrients and carbon cycling. Reports suggested that both plastisphere (MP-microbe consortium) and MP-contaminated soils had distinct and lower microbial diversity than that of non-contaminated soils. Alteration in soil physicochemical properties and microbial interactions within the plastisphere facilitated the enrichment of plastic-degrading microorganisms, including those involved in carbon (C) and nutrient cycling. MPs conferred a significant increase in the relative abundance of soil nitrogen (N)-fixing and phosphorus (P)-solubilizing bacteria, while decreased the abundance of soil nitrifiers and ammonia oxidisers. Depending on soil types, MPs increased bioavailable N and P contents and nitrous oxide emission in some instances. Furthermore, MPs regulated soil microbial functional activities owing to the combined toxicity of organic and inorganic contaminants derived from MPs and contaminants frequently encountered in the soil environment. However, a thorough understanding of the interactions among soil microorganisms, MPs and other contaminants still needs to develop. Since currently available reports are mostly based on short-term laboratory experiments, field investigations are needed to assess the long-term impact of MPs (at environmentally relevant concentration) on soil microorganisms and their functions under different soil types and agro-climatic conditions.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem
Environmental DNA metabarcoding of freshwater fish in Malaysian tropical rivers using short-read nanopore sequencing as a potential biomonitoring tool

Munian K, Ramli FF, Othman N, Mahyudin NAA, Sariyati NH, Abdullah-Fauzi NAF, et al.

Mol Ecol Resour, 2024 May;24(4):e13936.
PMID: 38419264 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13936

The approach of combining cost-effective nanopore sequencing and emerging environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding could prove to be a promising tool for biodiversity documentation, especially in Malaysia. Given the substantial funding constraints in recent years, especially in relation to the country's biodiversity, many researchers have been limited to conduct restricted research without extended monitoring periods, potentially hindering comprehensive surveys and could compromise the conservation efforts. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the application of eDNA metabarcoding on freshwater fish using short reads generated through nanopore sequencing. This assessment focused on species detection in three selected rivers within the Endau Rompin Landscape in Malaysia. Additionally, the study compared levels of species detection between eDNA metabarcoding and conventional sampling methods, examined the effectiveness of primer choice, and applied both metabarcoding and shotgun sequencing to the eDNA approach. We successfully identified a total of 22 and 71 species with an identification threshold of >97% and >90%, respectively, through the MinION platform. The eDNA metabarcoding approach detected over 13% more freshwater fish species than when the conventional method was used. Notably, the distinction in freshwater fish detection between eDNA primers for 12S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase I was insignificant. The cost for eDNA metabarcoding proved to be more effective compared to conventional sampling with cost reduction at 33.4%. With favourable cost-effectiveness and increased species detection, eDNA metabarcoding could complement existing methods, enhance holistic diversity documentation for targeted habitats and facilitate effective conservation planning.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem
Biphasic pretreatment excels over conventional sulfuric acid in pinewood biorefinery: An environmental analysis

Khounani Z, Abdul Razak NN, Hosseinzadeh-Bandbafha H, Madadi M, Sun F, Mohammadi P, et al.

Environ Res, 2024 May 01;248:118286.
PMID: 38280524 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118286

This study assesses the environmental impact of pine chip-based biorefinery processes, focusing on bioethanol, xylonic acid, and lignin production. A cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is employed, comparing a novel biphasic pretreatment method (p-toluenesulfonic acid (TsOH)/pentanol, Sc-1) with conventional sulfuric acid pretreatment (H2SO4, Sc-2). The analysis spans biomass handling, pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, yeast fermentation, and distillation. Sc-1 yielded an environmental impact of 1.45E+01 kPt, predominantly affecting human health (96.55%), followed by ecosystems (3.07%) and resources (0.38%). Bioethanol, xylonic acid, and lignin contributed 32.61%, 29.28%, and 38.11% to the total environmental burdens, respectively. Sc-2 resulted in an environmental burden of 1.64E+01 kPt, with a primary impact on human health (96.56%) and smaller roles for ecosystems (3.07%) and resources (0.38%). Bioethanol, xylonic acid, and lignin contributed differently at 22.59%, 12.5%, and 64.91%, respectively. Electricity generation was predominant in both scenarios, accounting for 99.05% of the environmental impact, primarily driven by its extensive usage in biomass handling and pretreatment processes. Sc-1 demonstrated a 13.05% lower environmental impact than Sc-2 due to decreased electricity consumption and increased bioethanol and xylonic acid outputs. This study highlights the pivotal role of pretreatment methods in wood-based biorefineries and underscores the urgency of sustainable alternatives like TsOH/pentanol. Additionally, adopting greener electricity generation, advanced technologies, and process optimization are crucial for reducing the environmental footprint of waste-based biorefineries while preserving valuable bioproduct production.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem*
Biodiversity responses to agricultural practices in cropland and natural habitats

Zhao J, Yu L, Newbold T, Shen X, Liu X, Hua F, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2024 Apr 20;922:171296.
PMID: 38423324 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171296

Largely driven by agricultural pressures, biodiversity has experienced great changes globally. Exploring biodiversity responses to agricultural practices associated with agricultural intensification can benefit biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes. However, the effects of agricultural practices may also extend to natural habitats. Moreover, agricultural impacts may also vary with geographical region. We analyze biodiversity responses to landscape cropland coverage, cropping frequency, fertiliser and yield, among different land-use types and across geographical regions. We find that species richness and total abundance generally respond negatively to increased landscape cropland coverage. Biodiversity reductions in human land-use types (pasture, plantation forest and cropland) were stronger in tropical than non-tropical regions, which was also true for biodiversity reductions with increasing yield in both human and natural land-use types. Our results underline substantial biodiversity responses to agricultural practices not only in cropland but also in natural habitats, highlighting the fact that biodiversity conservation demands a greater focus on optimizing agricultural management at the landscape scale.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem*
Differential capacity of phragmites ecotypes in remediation of inorganic contaminants in coastal ecosystems: Implications for climate change

Akhter N, Aqeel M, Shazia, Irshad MK, Shehnaz MM, Lee SS, et al.

Environ Res, 2024 Apr 15;247:118127.
PMID: 38220075 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118127

Remediating inorganic pollutants is an important part of protecting coastal ecosystems, which are especially at risk from the effects of climate change. Different Phragmites karka (Retz) Trin. ex Steud ecotypes were gathered from a variety of environments, and their abilities to remove inorganic contaminants from coastal wetlands were assessed. The goal is to learn how these ecotypes process innovation might help reduce the negative impacts of climate change on coastal environments. The Phragmites karka ecotype E1, found in a coastal environment in Ichkera that was impacted by residential wastewater, has higher biomass production and photosynthetic pigment content than the Phragmites karka ecotypes E2 (Kalsh) and E3 (Gatwala). Osmoprotectant accumulation was similar across ecotypes, suggesting that all were able to successfully adapt to polluted marine environments. The levels of both total soluble sugars and proteins were highest in E2. The amount of glycine betaine (GB) rose across the board, with the highest levels being found in the E3 ecotype. The study also demonstrated that differing coastal habitats significantly influenced the antioxidant activity of all ecotypes, with E1 displaying the lowest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, while E2 exhibited the lowest peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Significant morphological changes were evident in E3, such as an expansion of the phloem, vascular bundle, and metaxylem cell areas. When compared to the E3 ecotype, the E1 and E2 ecotypes showed striking improvements across the board in leaf anatomy. Mechanistic links between architectural and physio-biochemical alterations are crucial to the ecological survival of different ecotypes of Phragmites karka in coastal environments affected by climate change. Their robustness and capacity to reduce pollution can help coastal ecosystems endure in the face of persistent climate change.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem*
Fulltext Historical and projected response of Southeast Asian lakes surface water temperature to warming climate

Virdis SGP, Kongwarakom S, Juneng L, Padedda BM, Shrestha S

Environ Res, 2024 Apr 15;247:118412.
PMID: 38316380 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118412

The temperature of surface and epilimnetic waters, closely related to regional air temperatures, responds quickly and directly to climatic changes. As a result, lake surface temperature (LSWT) can be considered an effective indicator of climate change. In this study, we reconstructed and investigated historical and future LSWT across different scenarios for over 80 major lakes in mainland Southeast Asia (SEA), an ecologically diverse region vulnerable to climate impacts. Five different predicting models, incorporating statistical, machine and deep learning approaches, were trained and validated using ERA5 and CHIRPS climatic feature datasets as predictors and 8-day MODIS-derived LSWT from 2000 to 2020 as reference dataset. Best performing model was then applied to predict both historical (1986-2020) and future (2020-2100) LSWT for SEA lakes, utilizing downscaled climatic CORDEX-SEA feature data and multiple Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP). The analysis uncovered historical and future thermal dynamics and long-term trends for both daytime and nighttime LSWT. Among 5 models, XGboost results the most performant (NSE 0.85, RMSE 1.14 °C, MAE 0.69 °C, MBE -0.08 °C) and it has been used for historical reconstruction and future LSWT prediction. The historical analysis revealed a warming trend in SEA lakes, with daytime LSWT increasing at a rate of +0.18 °C/decade and nighttime LSWT at +0.13 °C/decade over the past three decades. These trends appeared of smaller magnitude compared to global estimates of LSWT change rates and less pronounced than concurrent air temperature and LSWT increases in neighbouring regions. Projections under various RCP scenarios indicated continued LSWT warming. Daytime LSWT is projected to increase at varying rates per decade: +0.03 °C under RCP2.6, +0.14 °C under RCP4.5, and +0.29 °C under RCP8.5. Similarly, nighttime LSWT projections under these scenarios are: +0.03 °C, +0.10 °C, and +0.16 °C per decade, respectively. The most optimistic scenario predicted marginal increases of +0.38 °C on average, while the most pessimistic scenario indicated an average LSWT increase of +2.29 °C by end of the century. This study highlights the relevance of LSWT as a climate change indicator in major SEA's freshwater ecosystems. The integration of satellite-derived LSWT, historical and projected climate data into data-driven modelling has enabled new and a more nuanced understanding of LSWT dynamics in relation to climate throughout the entire SEA region.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem*
Fulltext Missing in action: a scoping review of gender as the overlooked component in decolonial discourses

Nassiri-Ansari T, Rhule ELM

BMJ Glob Health, 2024 Apr 11;9(4).
PMID: 38604753 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014235

INTRODUCTION: Race and gender were intimately intertwined aspects of the colonial project, used as key categories of hierarchisation within both colonial and modern societies. As such, true decolonisation is only possible when both are addressed equally; failure to address the colonial root causes of gender-based inequalities will allow for the perpetuation of racialised notions of gender to persist across the global health ecosystem. However, the authors note with concern the relative sidelining of gender within the decolonising global health discourse, especially as it navigates the critical transition from rhetoric to action.
METHODS: A scoping review was conducted to locate where gender does, or does not, appear within the decolonising global health literature. The authors reviewed the decolonising global health literature available on Scopus and PubMed online databases to identify peer-reviewed papers with the search terms "(decoloni* or de-coloni*) OR (neocolonial or neo-colonial) AND 'global health'" in their title, abstract or keywords published by December 2022.
RESULTS: Out of 167 papers on decolonising global health, only 53 (32%) had any reference to gender and only 26 (16%) explicitly engaged with gender as it intersects with (de)coloniality. Four key themes emerged from these 26 papers: an examination of coloniality's racialised and gendered nature; how this shaped and continues to shape hierarchies of knowledge; how these intertwining forces drive gendered impacts on health programmes and policies; and how a decolonial gender analysis can inform action for change.
CONCLUSION: Historical legacies of colonisation continue to shape contemporary global health practice. The authors call for the integration of a decolonial gender analysis in actions and initiatives that aim to decolonise global health, as well as within allied movements which seek to confront the root causes of power asymmetries and inequities.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem*
Fulltext Nickel stocks and fluxes in a tropical agromining 'metal crop' farming system in Sabah (Malaysia)

Tisserand R, van der Ent A, Nkrumah PN, Didier S, Sumail S, Morel JL, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2024 Apr 01;919:170691.
PMID: 38325468 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170691

Nickel hyperaccumulator plants play a major role in nickel recycling in ultramafic ecosystems, and under agromining the nickel dynamics in the farming system will be affected by removal of nickel-rich biomass. We investigated the biogeochemical cycling of nickel as well as key nutrients in an agromining operation that uses the metal crop Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi in the first tropical metal farm located in Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia). For two years, this study monitored nine 25-m2 plots and collected information on weather, biomass exportation, water, and litter fluxes to the soil. Without harvesting, nickel inputs and outputs had only minor contributions (<1 %) to the total nickel budget in this system. The nickel cycle was mainly driven by internal fluxes, particularly plant uptake, litterfall and throughfall. After two years of cropping, the nickel litter flux corresponded to 50 % of the total nickel stock in the aerial biomass (3.1 g m-2 year-1). Nickel was slowly released from the litter; after 15 months of degradation, 60 % of the initial biomass and the initial nickel quantities were still present in the organic layer. Calcium, phosphorus and potassium budgets in the system were negative without fertilisation. Unlike what is observed for nickel, sustained agromining would thus lead to a strong depletion of calcium stocks if mineral weathering cannot replenish it.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem*
Cross-linked enzyme aggregates of polyethylene terephthalate hydrolyse (PETase) from Ideonella sakaiensis for the improvement of plastic degradation

Lee YL, Jaafar NR, Ling JG, Huyop F, Abu Bakar FD, Rahman RA, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Apr;263(Pt 1):130284.
PMID: 38382786 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130284

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most produced plastics globally and its accumulation in the environment causes harm to the ecosystem. Polyethylene terephthalate hydrolyse (PETase) is an enzyme that can degrade PET into its monomers. However, free PETase lacks operational stabilities and is not reusable. In this study, development of cross-linked enzyme aggregate (CLEA) of PETase using amylopectin (Amy) as cross-linker was introduced to solve the limitations of free PETase. PETase-Amy-CLEA exhibited activity recovery of 81.9 % at its best immobilization condition. Furthermore, PETase-Amy-CLEA exhibited 1.37-, 2.75-, 2.28- and 1.36-fold higher half-lives than free PETase at 50 °C, 45 °C, 40 °C and 35 °C respectively. Moreover, PETase-Amy-CLEA showed broader pH stability from pH 5 to 10 and could be reused up to 5 cycles. PETase-Amy-CLEA retained >70 % of initial activity after 40 days of storage at 4 °C. In addition, lower Km of PETase-Amy-CLEA indicated better substrate affinity than free enzyme. PETase-Amy-CLEA corroded PET better and products yielded was 66.7 % higher than free PETase after 32 h of treatment. Hence, the enhanced operational stabilities, storage stability, reusability and plastic degradation ability are believed to make PETase-Amy-CLEA a promising biocatalyst in plastic degradation.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem
Carbide lime as substrates to boost energy recuperation and dyestuff removal in constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell integrated with copper oxide/carbon cloth cathode

Leow GY, Lam SM, Sin JC, Zeng H, Li H, Huang L, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Apr;31(16):23647-23663.
PMID: 38427169 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32637-y

Methylene blue (MB) was regarded as a highly toxic and hazardous substance owing to its irreparable hazard and deplorable damage on the ecosystem and the human body. The treatment of this colorant wastewater appeared to be one of the towering challenges in wastewater treatment. In this study, a microbial fuel cell coupled with constructed wetland (CW-MFC) with effective MB elimination and its energy recuperation concurrently based on the incorporation of carbide lime as a substrate in a new copper oxide-loaded on carbon cloth (CuO/CC) cathode system was studied. The crucial influencing parameters were also delved, and the MB degradation and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies were correspondingly incremented by 97.3% and 89.1% with maximum power output up to 74.1 mW m-2 at optimal conditions (0.2 g L-1 carbide lime loading and 500 Ω external resistance). The carbide lime with high calcium ion content was greatly conducive for the enrichment of critical microorganism and metabolic activities. The relative abundances of functional bacteria including Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota were vividly increased. Moreover, the impressive results obtained in printed ink wastewater treatment with a COD removal efficiency of 81.3% and a maximum power density of 58.2 mW m-2, which showcased the potential application of CW-MFC.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem
Fulltext Green education divide: a comparative case study analysis of countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

Teow HH, Ahmed PK, Nair MS, Vaithilingam S

Lancet Planet Health, 2024 Apr;8 Suppl 1:S20.
PMID: 38632916 DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(24)00085-8

BACKGROUND: Green education is an essential precursor to promoting long-term sustainable practices and fostering environmentally conscious behaviours, especially among the younger generations. Such education equips individuals with the knowledge, awareness, and experiences necessary for green behavioural shifts, empowering them to engage actively in sustainable practices in the long run, which is essential for ensuring environmental sustainability. However, green education practices and policies vary among the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) owing to different levels of socioeconomic development, national priorities, and capacities of each member state. We aimed to analyse and compare the disparities in green education among pace-setter, maturing, and emerging ASEAN countries.
METHODS: We used a case-study approach-a desktop analysis based on journal articles, country reports, newspaper articles, and other sources from the past 10 years-to analyse and compare the green education disparities among pace-setter, maturing, and emerging ASEAN countries.
FINDINGS: As a pace-setter ASEAN country, Singapore has made impressive progress in promoting green education through the effective implementation of pragmatic policies and impactful green education initiatives. Furthermore, the country has established extensive formal and informal green education programmes that closely align with the Singapore Green Plan 2030. By contrast, maturing ASEAN countries are making incremental progress in incorporating green education into their formal education systems. However, challenges faced by these countries include a shortage of well-trained teachers, the lack of specific green education subjects in school syllabuses, and financial constraints. Despite these challenges, innovative approaches-such as partnerships with non-governmental organisations (eg, the World Wide Fund for Nature)-have emerged as promising strategies to promote green education within these maturing nations. Emerging ASEAN countries face the biggest challenges in promoting green education. Competing national priorities, political instability, limited funding and resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of qualified educators pose challenging barriers to advancing green education within emerging ASEAN nations.
INTERPRETATION: This study provides insights into the best practices and challenges surrounding green education within pace-setter, maturing, and emerging ASEAN countries. To address the disparities in green education among these countries, there is a need to adopt a holistic ecosystem framework characterised by the so-called 8i enablers, namely infrastructure (eg, well-equipped laboratories and learning spaces), infostructure (eg, advanced teaching technologies), intellectual capital (eg, well-trained educators), integrity systems (eg, efficient green education governance systems), incentives (eg, public and private funding for green education initiatives), institutions (ie, strong institutional leaders), interaction (ie, cooperation and collaboration among relevant stakeholders), and internationalisation (eg, leveraging regional and international partnerships to access expertise and resources).
FUNDING: None.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem*
Human intervention caused massive destruction of the second largest mangrove forest, Chakaria Sundarbans, Bangladesh

Hasan M, Hassan L, Abdullah Al M, Kamal AHM, Idris MH, Hoque MZ, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Apr;31(17):25329-25341.
PMID: 38468013 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32792-2

Mangroves provide essential ecosystem services including coastal protection by acting as coastal greenbelts; however, human-driven anthropogenic activities altered their existence and ecosystem functions worldwide. In this study, the successive degradation of the second largest mangrove forest, Chakaria Sundarbans situated at the northern Bay of Bengal part of Bangladesh was assessed using remote sensing approaches. A total of five multi-temporal Landsat satellite imageries were collected and used to observe the land use land cover (LULC) changes over the time periods for the years 1972, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. Further, the supervised classification technique with the help of support vector machine (SVM) algorithm in ArcGIS 10.8 was used to process images. Our results revealed a drastic change of Chakaria Sundarbans mangrove forest, that the images of 1972 were comprised of mudflat, waterbody, and mangroves, while the images of 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 were classified as waterbody, mangrove, saltpan, and shrimp farm. Most importantly, mangrove forest was the largest covering area a total of 64.2% in 1972, but gradually decreased to 12.7%, 6.4%, 1.9%, and 4.6% for the years 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. Interestingly, the rate of mangrove forest area degradation was similar to the net increase of saltpan and shrimp farms. The kappa coefficients of classified images were 0.83, 0.87, 0.80, 0.87, and 0.91 with the overall accuracy of 88.9%, 90%, 85%, 90%, and 93.3% for the years 1972, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. By analyzing normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), and transformed difference vegetation index (TDVI), our results validated that green vegetated area was decreased alarmingly with time in this study area. This destruction was mainly related to active human-driven anthropogenic activities, particularly creating embankments for fish farms or salt productions, and cutting for collection of wood as well. Together all, our results provide clear evidence of active anthropogenic stress on coastal ecosystem health by altering mangrove forest to saltpan and shrimp farm saying goodbye to the second largest mangrove forest in one of the coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem*
How plants respond to heavy metal contamination: a narrative review of proteomic studies and phytoremediation applications

Al-Obaidi JR, Jamaludin AA, Rahman NA, Ahmad-Kamil EI

Planta, 2024 Mar 29;259(5):103.
PMID: 38551683 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04378-2

Heavy metal pollution caused by human activities is a serious threat to the environment and human health. Plants have evolved sophisticated defence systems to deal with heavy metal stress, with proteins and enzymes serving as critical intercepting agents for heavy metal toxicity reduction. Proteomics continues to be effective in identifying markers associated with stress response and metabolic processes. This review explores the complex interactions between heavy metal pollution and plant physiology, with an emphasis on proteomic and biotechnological perspectives. Over the last century, accelerated industrialization, agriculture activities, energy production, and urbanization have established a constant need for natural resources, resulting in environmental degradation. The widespread buildup of heavy metals in ecosystems as a result of human activity is especially concerning. Although some heavy metals are required by organisms in trace amounts, high concentrations pose serious risks to the ecosystem and human health. As immobile organisms, plants are directly exposed to heavy metal contamination, prompting the development of robust defence mechanisms. Proteomics has been used to understand how plants react to heavy metal stress. The development of proteomic techniques offers promising opportunities to improve plant tolerance to toxicity from heavy metals. Additionally, there is substantial scope for phytoremediation, a sustainable method that uses plants to extract, sequester, or eliminate contaminants in the context of changes in protein expression and total protein behaviour. Changes in proteins and enzymatic activities have been highlighted to illuminate the complex effects of heavy metal pollution on plant metabolism, and how proteomic research has revealed the plant's ability to mitigate heavy metal toxicity by intercepting vital nutrients, organic substances, and/or microorganisms.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem
Unveiling the potential of membrane in climate change mitigation and environmental resilience in ecosystem

Ahmad T, Kumar N, Kumar A, Mubashir M, Bokhari A, Paswan BK, et al.

Environ Res, 2024 Mar 15;245:117960.
PMID: 38135098 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117960

Carbon capture technologies are becoming increasingly crucial in addressing global climate change issues by lowering CO2 emissions from industrial and power generation activities. Post-combustion carbon capture, which uses membranes instead of adsorbents, has emerged as one of promising and environmentally friendly approaches among these technologies. The operation of membrane technology is based on the premise of selectively separating CO2 from flue gas emissions. This provides a number of different benefits, including improved energy efficiency and decreased costs of operation. Because of its adaptability to changing conditions and its low impact on the surrounding ecosystem, it is an appealing choice for a diverse array of uses. However, there are still issues to be resolved, such as those pertaining to establishing a high selectivity, membrane degradation, and the costs of the necessary materials. In this article, we evaluate and explore the prospective applications and roles of membrane technologies to control climate change by post-combustion carbon capturing. The primary proposition suggests that the utilization of membrane-based carbon capture has the potential to make a substantial impact in mitigating CO2 emissions originating from industrial and power production activities. This is due to its heightened ability to selectively absorb carbon, better efficiency in energy consumption, and its flexibility to various applications. The forthcoming challenges and potential associated with the application of membranes in post-carbon capture are also discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem
Habitat shift of adult Caligus undulatus (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Caligidae) from host fish to plankton in response to host behavior

Kondo Y, Ohtsuka S, Nawata M, Nishida Y, Komeda S, Iwasaki S, et al.

Dis Aquat Organ, 2024 Mar 14;157:81-94.
PMID: 38483243 DOI: 10.3354/dao03773

Before 2019, adults of the sea louse Caligus undulatus were reported exclusively in plankton from ocean samples worldwide and were not known to parasitize fish hosts. In 2019, the first instance of this caligid parasitizing a fish host, Japanese sardinella Sardinella zunasi, was reported in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. The presently reported study aimed to investigate the biology and ecology of adult C. undulatus in plankton communities in the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding waters from March 2020 to November 2021. The occurrence of sea lice in plankton communities was restricted to the period of August-January, mainly between October and December with maximum plankton abundance (10.5 ind. per 1000 m3) recorded on 30 November 2020. All post-naupliar stages of C. undulatus were found on the host fish, and they represented a typical life cycle pattern known for Caligus species. The sex ratios in both planktonic and parasitic adults were not significantly different. The frequency of occurrence of planktonic and parasitic adult females with egg strings was 68 and 46%, respectively. The number of eggs per string was significantly higher in parasitic adult females (mean ± SD: 16.9 ± 8.6) than in planktonic females (10.4 ± 10.8). These data suggest that adult females were detached from their hosts and continued to produce eggs without feeding. Seasonal migration of S. zunasi to brackish water for spawning may result in the detachment of mature caligids from the host and may be effective in protecting the offspring, which are less tolerant of less brackish water.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem
Fulltext Unseen Weapons: Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles and the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance in Aquatic Environments

Barathan M, Ng SL, Lokanathan Y, Ng MH, Law JX

Int J Mol Sci, 2024 Mar 07;25(6).
PMID: 38542054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063080

This paper sheds light on the alarming issue of antibiotic resistance (ABR) in aquatic environments, exploring its detrimental effects on ecosystems and public health. It examines the multifaceted role of antibiotic use in aquaculture, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste in fostering the development and dissemination of resistant bacteria. The intricate interplay between various environmental factors, horizontal gene transfer, and bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) in accelerating the spread of ABR is comprehensively discussed. Various BEVs carrying resistance genes like blaCTX-M, tetA, floR, and sul/I, as well as their contribution to the dominance of multidrug-resistant bacteria, are highlighted. The potential of BEVs as both a threat and a tool in combating ABR is explored, with promising strategies like targeted antimicrobial delivery systems and probiotic-derived EVs holding significant promise. This paper underscores the urgency of understanding the intricate interplay between BEVs and ABR in aquatic environments. By unraveling these unseen weapons, we pave the way for developing effective strategies to mitigate the spread of ABR, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach that includes stringent regulations, enhanced wastewater treatment, and the adoption of sustainable practices in aquaculture.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem*
Draft genome of novel cyanobacteria Sphaerothrix Gracilis isolated from coastal microplastics reveal insights to chemical ecology, bloom and plastic-utilization potential

Curren E, Kuwahara VS, Yoshida T, Leong SCY

Funct Integr Genomics, 2024 Mar 02;24(2):46.
PMID: 38429576 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01328-9

Cyanobacteria are oxygenic photosynthetic organisms which are found across many ecosystems, including freshwater and marine habitats. They are also found on natural and artificial surfaces. In this study, we cultured and characterise a novel cyanobacterium from the surfaces of foam microplastics of tropical coastal waters. We study the chemical ecology of this cyanobacterium, Sphaerothrix gracilis gen. et sp. nov., together with its potential to form harmful cyanobacterial blooms and bioremediation applications to combat plastic pollution. The genome of S. gracilis spanned 6.7 Mbp, with identification of antibiotic resistance, nitrogen-fixation, plastic-degrading and genes involved in harmful metabolite production. The transport of potentially harmful S. gracilis in coastal environments could have severe implications on human health and food security, especially in times of a cyanobacterial bloom.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem*
Novel protective aspects of dietary polyphenols against pesticidal toxicity and its prospective application in rice-fish mode: A Review

Tahir R, Samra, Afzal F, Liang J, Yang S

Fish Shellfish Immunol, 2024 Mar;146:109418.
PMID: 38301811 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109418

The rice fish system represents an innovative and sustainable approach to integrated farming, combining rice cultivation with fish rearing in the same ecosystem. However, one of the major challenges in this system is the pesticidal pollution resulting from various sources, which poses risks to fish health and overall ecosystem balance. In recent years, dietary polyphenols have emerged as promising bioactive compounds with potential chemo-preventive and therapeutic properties. These polyphenols, derived from various plant sources, have shown great potential in reducing the toxicity of pesticides and improving the health of fish within the rice fish system. This review aims to explore the novel aspects of using dietary polyphenols to mitigate pesticidal toxicity and enhance fish health in the rice fish system. It provides comprehensive insights into the mechanisms of action of dietary polyphenols and their beneficial effects on fish health, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification properties. Furthermore, the review discusses the potential application methods of dietary polyphenols, such as direct supplementation in fish diets or through incorporation into the rice fields. By understanding the interplay between dietary polyphenols and pesticides in the rice fish system, researchers can develop innovative and sustainable strategies to promote fish health, minimize pesticide impacts, and ensure the long-term viability of this integrated farming approach. The information presented in this review will be valuable for scientists, aqua-culturists, and policymakers aiming to implement eco-friendly and health-enhancing practices in the rice fish system.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem
Unraveling the threat: Microplastics and nano-plastics' impact on reproductive viability across ecosystems

Liang J, Ji F, Wang H, Zhu T, Rubinstein J, Worthington R, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2024 Feb 25;913:169525.
PMID: 38141979 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169525

Plastic pollution pervades both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, fragmenting over time into microplastics (MPs) and nano-plastics (NPs). These particles infiltrate organisms via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption, predominantly through the trophic interactions. This review elucidated the impacts of MPs/NPs on the reproductive viability of various species. MPs/NPs lead to reduced reproduction rates, abnormal larval development and increased mortality in aquatic invertebrates. Microplastics cause hormone secretion disorders and gonadal tissue damage in fish. In addition, the fertilization rate of eggs is reduced, and the larval deformity rate and mortality rate are increased. Male mammals exposed to MPs/NPs exhibit testicular anomalies, compromised sperm health, endocrine disturbances, oxidative stress, inflammation, and granulocyte apoptosis. In female mammals, including humans, exposure culminates in ovarian and uterine deformities, endocrine imbalances, oxidative stress, inflammation, granulosa cell apoptosis, and tissue fibrogenesis. Rodent offspring exposed to MPs experience increased mortality rates, while survivors display metabolic perturbations, reproductive anomalies, and weakened immunity. These challenges are intrinsically linked to the transgenerational conveyance of MPs. The ubiquity of MPs/NPs threatens biodiversity and, crucially, jeopardizes human reproductive health. The current findings underscore the exigency for comprehensive research and proactive interventions to ameliorate the implications of these pollutants.

Matched MeSH terms: Ecosystem*

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