Pub Date : 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106268
Carlos Esteven Pulgarín-Muñoz , Julio César Saldarriaga-Molina , José Francisco Molina-Pérez , Daniela Gonzalez-Pantoja , Lina María Goez-Gaviria
The increasing production of sewage sludge from the cosmetic industry, driven by the sector's continuous growth, has created a pressing need for sustainable treatment and valorization alternatives. These sludges are often complex and challenging to treat due to their physicochemical composition and potential environmental risks. This study evaluates the methane production potential of anaerobic mono-digestion (AMoD) and anaerobic co-digestion (ACoD) of cosmetic industry sewage sludge (CSS) with the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). Four experimental configurations were established with CSS:OFMSW substrate ratios of 100/0, 70/30, 50/50, and 30/70. The results show that increasing the proportion of OFMSW significantly enhances methane production, with the highest yield observed at the 30:70 ratio. The synergistic effect of ACoD was assessed using the Co-Digestion Performance Index (CPI), which indicated a synergistic interaction when the OFMSW proportion exceeded 50 %. Six kinetic models were applied, among which the Modified Gompertz model best described AMoD and ACoD at 70:30 and 50:50 ratios, while the Cone model more accurately represented the system at the 30:70 ratio. This study demonstrates the feasibility of treating CSS through anaerobic digestion and highlights that co-digestion with OFMSW can optimize biogas production, promote sustainable waste management, and enable the valorization of both industrial and municipal organic residues.
{"title":"Anaerobic mono and co-digestion of cosmetic sewage sludge and organic fraction of municipal solid waste: Methane yield and kinetic modeling","authors":"Carlos Esteven Pulgarín-Muñoz , Julio César Saldarriaga-Molina , José Francisco Molina-Pérez , Daniela Gonzalez-Pantoja , Lina María Goez-Gaviria","doi":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106268","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106268","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing production of sewage sludge from the cosmetic industry, driven by the sector's continuous growth, has created a pressing need for sustainable treatment and valorization alternatives. These sludges are often complex and challenging to treat due to their physicochemical composition and potential environmental risks. This study evaluates the methane production potential of anaerobic mono-digestion (AMoD) and anaerobic co-digestion (ACoD) of cosmetic industry sewage sludge (CSS) with the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). Four experimental configurations were established with CSS:OFMSW substrate ratios of 100/0, 70/30, 50/50, and 30/70. The results show that increasing the proportion of OFMSW significantly enhances methane production, with the highest yield observed at the 30:70 ratio. The synergistic effect of ACoD was assessed using the Co-Digestion Performance Index (CPI), which indicated a synergistic interaction when the OFMSW proportion exceeded 50 %. Six kinetic models were applied, among which the Modified Gompertz model best described AMoD and ACoD at 70:30 and 50:50 ratios, while the Cone model more accurately represented the system at the 30:70 ratio. This study demonstrates the feasibility of treating CSS through anaerobic digestion and highlights that co-digestion with OFMSW can optimize biogas production, promote sustainable waste management, and enable the valorization of both industrial and municipal organic residues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13643,"journal":{"name":"International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106268"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-10DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106257
Clotilde Maestri , Alexis Duthoit , Ronan L. Hébert , Laure Bredif , Patrick Di Martino
This study investigates the biodeterioration potential of the polyurethane waterproofing coating PU 636 by Aspergillus niger ERAN01 under in vitro conditions. Two protocols, adapted from the ISO 846 standard, were employed using agar media with different nutrient contents. After 9 weeks of incubation at 27 °C and 80 % relative humidity, macroscopic, microscopic, mechanical, and spectroscopic analyses were conducted to assess biodeterioration. Fungal colonization was more extensive in the presence of glucose, which correlated with visible colour changes (notably yellowing), a statistically significant increase in surface roughness, the formation of surface cavities observed via scanning electron microscopy, and chemical modifications detected through infrared spectroscopy. Signs of hydrolysis of ester and urethane bonds, as well as oxidation of ether linkages were observed. Despite these changes, tensile strength measurements showed no significant degradation of the material's mechanical integrity. The results suggest that A. niger produces hydrolases and metabolites capable of inducing greater physical and chemical deterioration of polyurethane coating in the presence of glucose. This study emphasizes the importance of environmental conditions, particularly nutrient availability, in influencing fungal biodeterioration of polymeric materials and supports the need for adapted methodologies when evaluating the biodeterioration of polyurethane waterproofing coatings.
{"title":"Biodeterioration of a polyurethane topcoat by Aspergillus niger","authors":"Clotilde Maestri , Alexis Duthoit , Ronan L. Hébert , Laure Bredif , Patrick Di Martino","doi":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106257","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106257","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the biodeterioration potential of the polyurethane waterproofing coating PU 636 by <em>Aspergillus niger</em> ERAN01 under <em>in vitro</em> conditions. Two protocols, adapted from the ISO 846 standard, were employed using agar media with different nutrient contents. After 9 weeks of incubation at 27 °C and 80 % relative humidity, macroscopic, microscopic, mechanical, and spectroscopic analyses were conducted to assess biodeterioration. Fungal colonization was more extensive in the presence of glucose, which correlated with visible colour changes (notably yellowing), a statistically significant increase in surface roughness, the formation of surface cavities observed via scanning electron microscopy, and chemical modifications detected through infrared spectroscopy. Signs of hydrolysis of ester and urethane bonds, as well as oxidation of ether linkages were observed. Despite these changes, tensile strength measurements showed no significant degradation of the material's mechanical integrity. The results suggest that <em>A. niger</em> produces hydrolases and metabolites capable of inducing greater physical and chemical deterioration of polyurethane coating in the presence of glucose. This study emphasizes the importance of environmental conditions, particularly nutrient availability, in influencing fungal biodeterioration of polymeric materials and supports the need for adapted methodologies when evaluating the biodeterioration of polyurethane waterproofing coatings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13643,"journal":{"name":"International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106257"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The complex composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) underlies its diverse biological effects on microorganisms. This study investigated the dual positive and negative effects of DOM derived from composted pig manure (CPM-DOM) on the diazotrophic cyanobacterium Aliinostoc sp. YYLX235. Physiological responses, including growth, photosynthesis, N2-fixation, and antioxidative activity, were evaluated under CPM-DOM exposure (40–240 mg L−1). After 2 days of exposure to CPM-DOM at concentrations ranging from 40 to 240 mg L−1, the growth of Aliinostoc increased by 74.8 %–167.2 %, while its nitrogen-fixation activity was inhibited by 67.0 % and 87.4 % at CPM-DOM concentrations of 160 mg L−1 and 240 mg L−1, respectively. The temporal dynamics of phycobiliprotein content under CPM-DOM exposure exhibited an opposite trend to the electron transport efficiency of photosystem II (PS II). The combined effects of nutrient supplementation and allelopathy likely accounted for the complex physiological responses of Aliinostoc to CPM-DOM exposure. Certain toxic fractions in CPM-DOM, such as cysteinylglycine-containing substances, may bind to nitrogenase and PS II D1 protein, thereby interfering with their functions. CPM-DOM also reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation, indicating an absence of oxidative stress. These results reveal concentration-dependent trade-offs between growth stimulation and metabolic inhibition, with significant implications for optimizing the co-application of composted pig manure fertilizers and diazotrophic cyanobacteria-based biofertilizers in rice cultivation.
{"title":"Elucidating the dual effects of DOM from composted pig manure on Aliinostoc (Cyanobacteria): Convergence of positive and negative impacts","authors":"Qiong Yan, Congcong Wang, Yu Shu, Yuexi Jiang, Anwei Chen, Liang Peng, Si Luo, Jihai Shao","doi":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106267","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106267","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The complex composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) underlies its diverse biological effects on microorganisms. This study investigated the dual positive and negative effects of DOM derived from composted pig manure (CPM-DOM) on the diazotrophic cyanobacterium <em>Aliinostoc</em> sp. YYLX235. Physiological responses, including growth, photosynthesis, N<sub>2</sub>-fixation, and antioxidative activity, were evaluated under CPM-DOM exposure (40–240 mg L<sup>−1</sup>). After 2 days of exposure to CPM-DOM at concentrations ranging from 40 to 240 mg L<sup>−1</sup>, the growth of <em>Aliinostoc</em> increased by 74.8 %–167.2 %, while its nitrogen-fixation activity was inhibited by 67.0 % and 87.4 % at CPM-DOM concentrations of 160 mg L<sup>−1</sup> and 240 mg L<sup>−1</sup>, respectively. The temporal dynamics of phycobiliprotein content under CPM-DOM exposure exhibited an opposite trend to the electron transport efficiency of photosystem II (PS II). The combined effects of nutrient supplementation and allelopathy likely accounted for the complex physiological responses of <em>Aliinostoc</em> to CPM-DOM exposure. Certain toxic fractions in CPM-DOM, such as cysteinylglycine-containing substances, may bind to nitrogenase and PS II D1 protein, thereby interfering with their functions. CPM-DOM also reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation, indicating an absence of oxidative stress. These results reveal concentration-dependent trade-offs between growth stimulation and metabolic inhibition, with significant implications for optimizing the co-application of composted pig manure fertilizers and diazotrophic cyanobacteria-based biofertilizers in rice cultivation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13643,"journal":{"name":"International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106267"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-06DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106266
Lucas Amoroso Lopes de Carvalho , Anna Carolina de Oliveira Souza , Camila Cesário Fernandes , Eliana Gertrudes de Macedo Lemos , Lúcia Maria Carareto Alves , Daniel Guariz Pinheiro
Lignocellulosic biomass is a key resource for sustainable energy, but its complex structure poses challenges for degradation. Microbial consortia offer a robust solution due to their collective metabolic capabilities; however, understanding their adaptation over time is crucial for optimizing industrial processes. This study investigated the temporal dynamics of a soil-derived bacterial consortium during early (2-week) and late (20-week) stages of exposure to a lignocellulosic substrate. Using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding, we compared community composition, diversity, and predicted functional profiles across degradation time points (days 0, 5, and 10). Results revealed significant taxonomic shifts, with adaptive stage and degradation day explaining approximately 70 % of community variance (PCoA). Although both stages began with similar ASV richness (early: 287.33 ± 15.01; late: 286.67 ± 37.29), the early stage was characterized by the dominance of a few taxa, whereas the late stage presented greater evenness and a more balanced functional profile. This compositional reorganization occurred alongside a broadly conserved predicted functional potential, with over 96 % of predicted KEGG Orthologs (KOs) shared between stages, suggesting functional redundancy. Despite this conservation, 2215 KOs were differentially abundant, primarily within carbohydrate, amino acid, and xenobiotic metabolism pathways, with nearly 65 % becoming more abundant in the late stage. Our findings demonstrate that while taxonomic composition evolves, the predicted functional potential remains relatively stable, a key trait for developing resilient biotechnological applications.
{"title":"Temporal metabarcoding of a lignocellulolytic bacterial consortium unveils compositional, structural, and potential functional adaptations","authors":"Lucas Amoroso Lopes de Carvalho , Anna Carolina de Oliveira Souza , Camila Cesário Fernandes , Eliana Gertrudes de Macedo Lemos , Lúcia Maria Carareto Alves , Daniel Guariz Pinheiro","doi":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lignocellulosic biomass is a key resource for sustainable energy, but its complex structure poses challenges for degradation. Microbial consortia offer a robust solution due to their collective metabolic capabilities; however, understanding their adaptation over time is crucial for optimizing industrial processes. This study investigated the temporal dynamics of a soil-derived bacterial consortium during early (2-week) and late (20-week) stages of exposure to a lignocellulosic substrate. Using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding, we compared community composition, diversity, and predicted functional profiles across degradation time points (days 0, 5, and 10). Results revealed significant taxonomic shifts, with adaptive stage and degradation day explaining approximately 70 % of community variance (PCoA). Although both stages began with similar ASV richness (early: 287.33 ± 15.01; late: 286.67 ± 37.29), the early stage was characterized by the dominance of a few taxa, whereas the late stage presented greater evenness and a more balanced functional profile. This compositional reorganization occurred alongside a broadly conserved predicted functional potential, with over 96 % of predicted KEGG Orthologs (KOs) shared between stages, suggesting functional redundancy. Despite this conservation, 2215 KOs were differentially abundant, primarily within carbohydrate, amino acid, and xenobiotic metabolism pathways, with nearly 65 % becoming more abundant in the late stage. Our findings demonstrate that while taxonomic composition evolves, the predicted functional potential remains relatively stable, a key trait for developing resilient biotechnological applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13643,"journal":{"name":"International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106266"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-05DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106265
Xingshe Liu , Qianfeng Yin , Lanxiang Zheng , Haobo He , Xinyun Wang
The excessive content of aromatic compounds was a key factor restricting the difficult discharge of various industrial wastewater. In this study, the microbial enhanced degradation characteristics of aromatic compounds were investigated with naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene were selected as representative, and phenol as co-substrate. Furthermore, the driving mechanisms of microbial-enhanced degradation of aromatic compounds were revealed from the perspectives of enzyme activity and gene transcription levels. The results indicated that the initiation degradation times for naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene were advanced by 4, 6 and 6 h, respectively, with phenol as co-substrate. Correspondingly, the metabolic rates increased by 56.63 %, 46.24 %, and 35.38 %, respectively. Further mechanism analysis showed that the initial dioxygenase NDO (Key enzymes catalyzing the preliminary oxidation of aromatic rings) activity increased by 1.25–1.89 fold and was expressed 12 h earlier due to the co-substrate. The expression of genes ubiH and ygiD encoding the key enzymes 2-octenyl-6-methoxyphenol hydroxylase and 4,5-DOPA exodiol dioxygenase related to degradation initiation was upregulated by 2.25–4.45 fold and 3.04–4.04 fold, respectively. Additionally, the expression of genes encoding key enzymes associated with further ring-opening cleavage—namely aldB, phdI, dmpB, catA, pht3, pht5, and ligA—was significantly upregulated, and the activities of C23O and C21O were markedly enhanced. Additionally, several genes related to carbohydrate, amino acid, and TCA cycle metabolism were found to be upregulated, effectively promoting the cooperation between various metabolic pathways and facilitating ATP synthesis, which provided more energy for microbial metabolism. Therefore, this study provided reliable theoretical basis for efficient degradation of aromatic compounds.
{"title":"Revealing the driving mechanism of efficient microbial degradation of aromatic compounds with phenol as co-substrate from gene transcription level","authors":"Xingshe Liu , Qianfeng Yin , Lanxiang Zheng , Haobo He , Xinyun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106265","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106265","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The excessive content of aromatic compounds was a key factor restricting the difficult discharge of various industrial wastewater. In this study, the microbial enhanced degradation characteristics of aromatic compounds were investigated with naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene were selected as representative, and phenol as co-substrate. Furthermore, the driving mechanisms of microbial-enhanced degradation of aromatic compounds were revealed from the perspectives of enzyme activity and gene transcription levels. The results indicated that the initiation degradation times for naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene were advanced by 4, 6 and 6 h, respectively, with phenol as co-substrate. Correspondingly, the metabolic rates increased by 56.63 %, 46.24 %, and 35.38 %, respectively. Further mechanism analysis showed that the initial dioxygenase NDO (Key enzymes catalyzing the preliminary oxidation of aromatic rings) activity increased by 1.25–1.89 fold and was expressed 12 h earlier due to the co-substrate. The expression of genes <em>ubi</em>H and <em>ygi</em>D encoding the key enzymes 2-octenyl-6-methoxyphenol hydroxylase and 4,5-DOPA exodiol dioxygenase related to degradation initiation was upregulated by 2.25–4.45 fold and 3.04–4.04 fold, respectively. Additionally, the expression of genes encoding key enzymes associated with further ring-opening cleavage—namely <em>ald</em>B, <em>phd</em>I, <em>dmp</em>B, <em>cat</em>A, <em>pht</em>3, <em>pht</em>5, and <em>lig</em>A—was significantly upregulated, and the activities of C23O and C21O were markedly enhanced. Additionally, several genes related to carbohydrate, amino acid, and TCA cycle metabolism were found to be upregulated, effectively promoting the cooperation between various metabolic pathways and facilitating ATP synthesis, which provided more energy for microbial metabolism. Therefore, this study provided reliable theoretical basis for efficient degradation of aromatic compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13643,"journal":{"name":"International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106265"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145692435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study presents a novel strategy combining the natural metal-accumulating capacity of selected mushrooms with the use of uniquely synthesized nanopowders possessing high sorption properties to achieve targeted mycosorption. Using six mushroom species and six nanopowders, including TiO2, Fe2O3, and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) variants doped with neodymium, we assessed metal uptake (Mg, Zn, Cd, Pb) and desorption under conditions simulating gastric digestion. Results showed over 90 % accumulation of elements by mushrooms and nanopowders, with nanopowders effectively retaining toxic metals without desorption, thereby reducing their bioavailability in a digestive model. Surface morphology and pore characteristics were analyzed to elucidate sorption efficiency. Our findings demonstrate the potential of combining selective mushroom cultivation with nanopowder application to enhance functional food safety and quality.
{"title":"Directed mycosorption enhanced by nanopowders: An innovative strategy for eliminating toxic metals during mushroom cultivation","authors":"Agata Krakowska , Małgorzata Suchanek , Ewa Niewiara , Tomasz Skalski , Bożena Muszyńska","doi":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106253","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a novel strategy combining the natural metal-accumulating capacity of selected mushrooms with the use of uniquely synthesized nanopowders possessing high sorption properties to achieve targeted mycosorption. Using six mushroom species and six nanopowders, including TiO<sub>2</sub>, Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) variants doped with neodymium, we assessed metal uptake (Mg, Zn, Cd, Pb) and desorption under conditions simulating gastric digestion. Results showed over 90 % accumulation of elements by mushrooms and nanopowders, with nanopowders effectively retaining toxic metals without desorption, thereby reducing their bioavailability in a digestive model. Surface morphology and pore characteristics were analyzed to elucidate sorption efficiency. Our findings demonstrate the potential of combining selective mushroom cultivation with nanopowder application to enhance functional food safety and quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13643,"journal":{"name":"International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106253"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145692438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Microbiological investigations of skin, hair, and intra-corporeal tissue of the mummified body of Zsófia Serédy-Andrássy, who had been laid to rest in a glass coffin in the Krásna Hôrka Castle in southeastern Slovakia, revealed necrobiome dominated by the phylum Firmicutes followed by representatives of the phyla Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. Optically visible bright-to-yellow mineral precipitates on the skin and organs are dominated by potassium sulphate (the mineral arcanite), with a minor admixture of chlorides (probably halite). Only a very rare calcium carbonate has been identified on the hair surface. The high concentrations of potassium in both tissue and hair, together with the 34S-rich isotope compositions of keratin sulphur (δ34S = 11.6–11.7‰ CDT) and skin leachate (δ34S = 7.1–8.5‰ CDT), suggest either the excessive use of K2SO4 during medical treatment or intentional embalming – the first such documented case in Europe for the period. Biogenic microbial or fungal origin of essentially pure K2SO4 is highly unlikely. The high residual levels of non-excreted salts, combined with the dry microclimatic environment of church crypt, resulted in the body mummification and crystallization of potassium sulphate on the skin surface and internal organs. The commonly accepted conjecture regarding the natural mummification of Zsófia's corpse, which is believed to be caused by calcium hydrogen carbonate or calcium bicarbonate-rich drip water and subsequent desiccation, should be rejected.
{"title":"Resolving the mummification enigma of Baroness Zsófia Serédy-Andrássy (1663–1710?) entombed in Krásna Hôrka Castle, Slovakia","authors":"Monika Huraiová , Stanislava Milovská , Adrián Biroň , Rastislav Milovský , Vratislav Hurai , Hana Vojtková , Michaela Dörnhöferová , Silvia Bodoriková","doi":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106256","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microbiological investigations of skin, hair, and intra-corporeal tissue of the mummified body of Zsófia Serédy-Andrássy, who had been laid to rest in a glass coffin in the Krásna Hôrka Castle in southeastern Slovakia, revealed necrobiome dominated by the phylum <em>Firmicutes</em> followed by representatives of the phyla <em>Actinobacteria</em> and <em>Proteobacteria</em>. Optically visible bright-to-yellow mineral precipitates on the skin and organs are dominated by potassium sulphate (the mineral arcanite), with a minor admixture of chlorides (probably halite). Only a very rare calcium carbonate has been identified on the hair surface. The high concentrations of potassium in both tissue and hair, together with the <sup>34</sup>S-rich isotope compositions of keratin sulphur (δ<sup>34</sup>S = 11.6–11.7‰ CDT) and skin leachate (δ<sup>34</sup>S = 7.1–8.5‰ CDT), suggest either the excessive use of K<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> during medical treatment or intentional embalming – the first such documented case in Europe for the period. Biogenic microbial or fungal origin of essentially pure K<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> is highly unlikely. The high residual levels of non-excreted salts, combined with the dry microclimatic environment of church crypt, resulted in the body mummification and crystallization of potassium sulphate on the skin surface and internal organs. The commonly accepted conjecture regarding the natural mummification of Zsófia's corpse, which is believed to be caused by calcium hydrogen carbonate or calcium bicarbonate-rich drip water and subsequent desiccation, should be rejected.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13643,"journal":{"name":"International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106256"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145692439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-04DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106258
Bradd Mendoza-Guido , Valeria Castro-Camacho , Andrea Quesada-Gonzalez , Luz Chacón , Mary Luz Barrios-Hernandez
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) rely on complex microbial communities to remove nutrients and contaminants, yet tropical systems remain poorly characterized. This study applied genome-resolved metagenomics to investigate the taxonomic composition, functional potential, and adaptive traits of activated sludge from a domestic neotropical WWTP. From six sludge samples sampled across two different seasons in Costa Rica (rainy and dry), we reconstructed 177 non-redundant metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), of which 62 % were high-quality (90 % completeness and less 5 % contamination). Biocide and metal resistance genes (BMRGs) were widespread, particularly in Actinomycetia and Gammaproteobacteria, reflecting adaptation to selective environmental pressures. We identified 64 potential phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), 78 denitrifying bacteria (DBs), and 32 denitrifying PAOs (DPAOs), with some MAGs showing negative correlations with effluent nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, indicating roles in nutrient removal. While complete denitrification pathways were observed, nitrification genes were only partially recovered, underscoring both the limitations of metagenome-assembled genomes and the underrepresentation of some genetic variants in databases. Additionally, a high-quality MAG affiliated with Candidatus (Ca.) Accumulibacter clade IIF exhibited genomic divergence from known species, suggesting the presence of a potential novel lineage of this relevant genus. These findings demonstrate that tropical activated sludge harbors both well-known and novel taxa with key metabolic capacities, along with diverse adaptive traits to environmental stressors. Collectively, this study expands current knowledge of microbial diversity and functional potential in tropical WWTPs and provides a framework for future research aimed at improving wastewater treatment in underexplored regions.
{"title":"Genome-resolved metagenomics of a neotropical wastewater treatment plant reveals community-wide metal and biocide-resistance genes and the diversity of phosphate-accumulating and denitrifying bacteria","authors":"Bradd Mendoza-Guido , Valeria Castro-Camacho , Andrea Quesada-Gonzalez , Luz Chacón , Mary Luz Barrios-Hernandez","doi":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106258","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106258","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) rely on complex microbial communities to remove nutrients and contaminants, yet tropical systems remain poorly characterized. This study applied genome-resolved metagenomics to investigate the taxonomic composition, functional potential, and adaptive traits of activated sludge from a domestic neotropical WWTP. From six sludge samples sampled across two different seasons in Costa Rica (rainy and dry), we reconstructed 177 non-redundant metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), of which 62 % were high-quality (90 % completeness and less 5 % contamination). Biocide and metal resistance genes (BMRGs) were widespread, particularly in Actinomycetia and Gammaproteobacteria, reflecting adaptation to selective environmental pressures. We identified 64 potential phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), 78 denitrifying bacteria (DBs), and 32 denitrifying PAOs (DPAOs), with some MAGs showing negative correlations with effluent nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, indicating roles in nutrient removal. While complete denitrification pathways were observed, nitrification genes were only partially recovered, underscoring both the limitations of metagenome-assembled genomes and the underrepresentation of some genetic variants in databases. Additionally, a high-quality MAG affiliated with Candidatus (Ca.) <em>Accumulibacter</em> clade IIF exhibited genomic divergence from known species, suggesting the presence of a potential novel lineage of this relevant genus. These findings demonstrate that tropical activated sludge harbors both well-known and novel taxa with key metabolic capacities, along with diverse adaptive traits to environmental stressors. Collectively, this study expands current knowledge of microbial diversity and functional potential in tropical WWTPs and provides a framework for future research aimed at improving wastewater treatment in underexplored regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13643,"journal":{"name":"International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106258"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145692434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106254
Yanyan Du , Pan Luo , Yingchun Lu , Yuqin Liu , Bo Xu , Guihong Lan , Haiyan Qiu
This study investigates the heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (HNAD) characteristics of Priestia megaterium S1A, a Gram-positive bacterium isolated from environmental samples. The strain was obtained from lake water and its surrounding environment (30°49′36″N, 104°11′6″E, Mengxi Lake, SWPU, Chengdu, China) and demonstrated significant removal capabilities for NH4+-N, NO3−-N, and NO2−-N. Through single-factor optimization experiments, the strain exhibited efficient removal of NH4+-N and NO3−-N under aerobic conditions, achieving removal efficiencies of 89.75 % and 98.47 % within 12 h, respectively. Enzyme activity assays confirmed the presence of hydroxylamine oxidase (HAO, 0.00218 U/mg protein), nitrate reductase (NAP, 0.0123 U/mg protein), and nitrite reductase (NIR, 0.0123 U/mg protein) in the strain. Whole-genome analysis (genome length: 5,755,804 bp; average GC content: 37.6 %) identified 18 nitrogen metabolism-associated genes (e.g., narK, nirBD, nos). This analysis revealed that the strain exhibits synergistic nitrogen removal capabilities through two distinct pathways: the assimilatory pathway (NO3− → NO2− → NH4+ → L-glutamine → L-glutamate) and the HNAD pathway (NH4+ → NH2OH → NO3− → NO2− → NO → N2O → N2).
{"title":"Screening and identification of a heterotrophic nitrifying-aerobic denitrifying strain Priestia megaterium S1A: Analysis of nitrogen removal pathway based on whole-genome sequencing","authors":"Yanyan Du , Pan Luo , Yingchun Lu , Yuqin Liu , Bo Xu , Guihong Lan , Haiyan Qiu","doi":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106254","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106254","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (HNAD) characteristics of <em>Priestia megaterium</em> S1A, a Gram-positive bacterium isolated from environmental samples. The strain was obtained from lake water and its surrounding environment (30°49′36″N, 104°11′6″E, Mengxi Lake, SWPU, Chengdu, China) and demonstrated significant removal capabilities for NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N, NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>-N, and NO<sub>2</sub><sup>−</sup>-N. Through single-factor optimization experiments, the strain exhibited efficient removal of NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N and NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>-N under aerobic conditions, achieving removal efficiencies of 89.75 % and 98.47 % within 12 h, respectively. Enzyme activity assays confirmed the presence of hydroxylamine oxidase (HAO, 0.00218 U/mg protein), nitrate reductase (NAP, 0.0123 U/mg protein), and nitrite reductase (NIR, 0.0123 U/mg protein) in the strain. Whole-genome analysis (genome length: 5,755,804 bp; average GC content: 37.6 %) identified 18 nitrogen metabolism-associated genes (e.g., <em>narK</em>, <em>nirBD</em>, <em>nos</em>). This analysis revealed that the strain exhibits synergistic nitrogen removal capabilities through two distinct pathways: the assimilatory pathway (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> → NO<sub>2</sub><sup>−</sup> → NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> → L-glutamine → L-glutamate) and the HNAD pathway (NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> → NH<sub>2</sub>OH → NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> → NO<sub>2</sub><sup>−</sup> → NO → N<sub>2</sub>O → N<sub>2</sub>).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13643,"journal":{"name":"International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106254"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145692432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106255
Lu Wang , Chaolong Ma , Fasi Wu , Xiaobo Liu
Stone cultural heritage exposed to outdoor conditions often suffers from microbially derived biodeterioration processes. Although modern culture-independent approaches have expanded our understanding of the community and function of cultural heritage microbiomes, studies on the isolation and identification of microbial biodeteriogens and their biodeterioration processes affecting stone heritage are still necessary. Here, we isolated 56 bacterial strains from the deteriorated limestone monuments of the Longmen Grottoes and identified 21 potential bacterial strains with significant deteriorating capabilities through limestone dissolution laboratory tests. These bacterial strains showed their biodeteriogenic action by lowering the pH of the surrounding environment by secreting organic acids and/or sulfuric acid, which then dissolved calcium and/or magnesium carbonates of the limestone. Based on the abundance distribution in the biodeteriorated areas sampled and their biodeterioration ability in laboratory tests, three types of biodeteriogenic bacterial strains, including acidophilic (e.g., Buttiauxella gaviniae), methyl-oxidizing (e.g., Methylorubrum populi), and sulfur-oxidizing (Paracoccus sulfuroxidans) were identified and considered as potential representative biodeteriogens. Their biodeterioration mechanisms primarily include CaCO3 solubilization caused by biogenic organic and inorganic acids on the limestone monuments of the Longmen Grottoes. The findings will improve our understanding of mechanisms underpinning microbial biodeterioration processes of stone monuments and expand the microbial biodeteriogen database for stone heritage conservation.
{"title":"Identification and screening of acid-secreting bacterial strains isolated from limestone of the Longmen Grottoes monuments","authors":"Lu Wang , Chaolong Ma , Fasi Wu , Xiaobo Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106255","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibiod.2025.106255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stone cultural heritage exposed to outdoor conditions often suffers from microbially derived biodeterioration processes. Although modern culture-independent approaches have expanded our understanding of the community and function of cultural heritage microbiomes, studies on the isolation and identification of microbial biodeteriogens and their biodeterioration processes affecting stone heritage are still necessary. Here, we isolated 56 bacterial strains from the deteriorated limestone monuments of the Longmen Grottoes and identified 21 potential bacterial strains with significant deteriorating capabilities through limestone dissolution laboratory tests. These bacterial strains showed their biodeteriogenic action by lowering the pH of the surrounding environment by secreting organic acids and/or sulfuric acid, which then dissolved calcium and/or magnesium carbonates of the limestone. Based on the abundance distribution in the biodeteriorated areas sampled and their biodeterioration ability in laboratory tests, three types of biodeteriogenic bacterial strains, including acidophilic (e.g., <em>Buttiauxella gaviniae</em>), methyl-oxidizing (e.g., <em>Methylorubrum populi</em>), and sulfur-oxidizing (<em>Paracoccus sulfuroxidans</em>) were identified and considered as potential representative biodeteriogens. Their biodeterioration mechanisms primarily include CaCO<sub>3</sub> solubilization caused by biogenic organic and inorganic acids on the limestone monuments of the Longmen Grottoes. The findings will improve our understanding of mechanisms underpinning microbial biodeterioration processes of stone monuments and expand the microbial biodeteriogen database for stone heritage conservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13643,"journal":{"name":"International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106255"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}