Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology最新文献

The demand for increased food output is increasing with the expansion of the global population. The demands for a safe environment, safe food, and chemical-free farming methods are also increasing. Streptomyces is the most prevalent and prominent genus among actinomycetes. Streptomyces spp. are a good source of extracellular enzymes, antibiotics, and bioactive chemicals. A significant fraction of the soil microbial population is composed of actinomycetes. Streptomyces spp. are common soil-dwelling organisms that are rarely pathogenic to plants. They compete with soil-borne pathogens for space and nutrition, suppress plant pathogens by producing antibiotic and antimicrobial compounds, and promote plant growth by producing growth hormones and mobilizing complex nutrients into biologically available forms. They also elicit plant immune responses by inducing systemic resistance in plants. As they are abundant in soil, their application as biocontrol agents has been proven beneficial, economical, and eco-friendly. Therefore, this review focuses on the potential of Streptomyces to contribute to sustainable agriculture.

Fungal-bacterial co-culture systems have attracted increasing attention for their enhanced efficiency in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) biodegradation. This review provides a molecular-level overview of the mechanisms underlying metabolic enhancement in co-culture systems. First, the representative fungal and bacterial strains used to construct co-culture systems were introduced, and the key operational parameters influencing their performance were discussed. Second, the microbial interaction mechanisms within co-culture systems, including interspecies signaling, metabolic cooperation, substrate exchange, and ecological niche differentiation, were analyzed. These interactions collectively support the functional stability of fungi and bacteria and the degradation efficiency of VOCs. Third, the bidirectional effects between VOCs and co-cultured microorganisms were summarized, focusing on metabolic responses, stress adaptation, and community restructuring under VOCs exposure. Finally, key challenges were identified, such as the instability of metabolic synergy and the limitations of current synthetic biology tools, highlighting the need for omics-based analysis and dynamic regulatory strategies. This review offers theoretical guidance for the rational design and optimization of fungal-bacterial co-culture systems in VOCs biodegradation.

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Over recent decades, biomining has emerged as a highly promising and increasingly adopted approach for metal recovery. Here, we address a critical gap by providing a comprehensive overview of nickel bio-extraction, focusing on this strategically critical metal powering today’s clean-energy transition. The convergence of modern acidophilic microbiology and advances in sustainable biotechnologies offers new pathways toward an environmentally benign, low-carbon methods of processing sulfide raw materials, including industrial waste. We assess nickel supply forecasts across diverse sectors, with particular emphasis on the rapidly increasing demand associated with rechargeable battery technologies. Concurrently, we examine recent progress in nickel bioleaching, alongside the diversity of acidophilic bacteria and archaea that drive biomining. Thriving in highly acidic environments, these microorganisms contribute uniquely to the extraction of valuable metals from sulfide ores, ore concentrates, and sulfidic wastes. This Review illuminates the most efficient sulfur and iron oxidizers, outlining their characteristics, leaching capacities, and current taxonomic nomenclature. We also analyze mechanisms of nickel leaching from sulfides. This includes a critical evaluation of laboratory- and industrial-scale bioprocesses, as well as emerging green methods and their associated microbial consortia. Continued advances in acidophilic bioleaching demonstrate strong potential to enhance the eco-efficiency of mineral processing, improving recovery of non-ferrous metals like nickel while minimizing environmental impacts through optimized bioprocesses and safe mine-waste disposal. By advancing bioleaching technologies, the nickel industry can contribute meaningfully to a low-carbon, resource-efficient circular economy, helping to meet global emission targets and the growing demand for metals in an increasingly electrified world and advanced applications.

Among the various agents employed in both human and veterinary medicine, the presence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represents a novel environmental concern as a source of emerging contaminants. These compounds have been detected in various environmental matrices, including wastewater, surface water and drinking water, as well as in food of animal and aquatic origin, indicating potential secondary exposure pathways for consumers. NSAID residues are typically detected by chromatographic methods; however, these need to be optimized to ensure their detection at low environmental levels, when they can still be active. It is also extremely important to use a correct method of sample preparation which accounts for the matrix. Furthermore, conventional methods do not ensure effective removal from water and wastewater. Consequently, there is a need to identify novel removal strategies that are inexpensive and easy to implement, and selective for many pharmaceuticals. The aim of the article is to evaluate the magnitude of the problem presented by NSAID residues in the environment, and to highlight secondary sources of exposure. Its findings underline the need for new regulations, monitoring plans and more extensive methods for the determination and removal of NSAIDs to ensure food safety.

Human activities are increasingly contributing to global climate change through the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Among various sectors, waste management plays a significant role, with emissions largely arising from the disposal of biodegradable materials in landfills. In cases where waste generation is unavoidable, it becomes essential to focus on sustainable recovery strategies that prioritize both material and energy valorization. A wide range of biodegradable wastes such as food residues, agricultural by-products, green waste, sewage sludge, and manure, can be redirected from landfills to low-emission treatment pathways. Traditional methods like composting and anaerobic digestion offer environmental benefits by reducing emissions and recovering valuable resources. However, emerging biorefinery-based technologies extend these benefits by enabling the conversion of waste into high-value bioproducts, including organic acids, biopolymers, and microbial proteins, while supporting low-carbon or even carbon-negative outcomes. These innovative approaches not only contribute to climate mitigation but also reinforce circular economy principles by reducing reliance on fossil-based inputs. Transitioning from landfill disposal to integrated, low-emission waste management systems is therefore essential for advancing both environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

The genus Rhodococcus comprises metabolically versatile and environmentally resilient actinobacteria that have emerged as promising agents in metal recovery and bioremediation. This mini-review explores their potential in biomining and environmental applications, focusing on mechanisms such as biosorption, bioaccumulation, and the secretion of metal-chelating compounds like siderophores and organic acids. The review also highlights the genus’ adaptive strategies under metal-induced stress, including thiol-mediated redox buffering and upregulation of specific stress-response proteins. Although conventionally overlooked in favor of acidophilic microorganisms, Rhodococcus spp. offer unique advantages such as high tolerance to metal(loid)s, biofilm formation, and the ability to thrive in oligotrophic and extreme environments. Particular emphasis is given to R. erythropolis, whose efficacy in solubilizing metals from waste and resisting toxic elements underscores its utility in sustainable resource recovery. Furthermore, the review identifies key knowledge gaps in metabolic pathway characterization and organic acid profiles involved in heterotrophic bioleaching. By consolidating current findings and outlining future research directions, this work aims to support the development of Rhodococcus-based biotechnologies as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional metallurgical processes.

Nitrogen and iron cycling are key drivers of biogeochemical processes, particularly in anoxic environments where they can influence contaminant mobility and bioavailability. Nitrate-dependent iron oxidation (NDFO) is a microbially-mediated process in which nitrate reduction is coupled to Fe(II) oxidation, forming solid Fe(III) minerals. This metabolism, detected in diverse environments such as sediments and aquifers, can proceed autotrophically, mixotrophically, or heterotrophically. NDFO represents a potential in situ bioremediation strategy due to the widespread environmental presence of capable microbial communities and the capacity of resulting iron oxides to adsorb and immobilize contaminants. These iron minerals can incorporate or reduce various metals, metalloids, and radionuclides, including arsenic, nickel, copper, and uranium, which may also accumulate in microbial biomass. NDFO-capable microorganisms may also transform some contaminants to less mobile oxidation states. Elevated nitrate and iron concentrations at contaminated sites, such as mines, offer conditions for NDFO induction. This review examines the microbial physiology and ecology underlying NDFO, the mineralogy and contaminant-binding properties of its iron oxide products, and current research into its application for environmental remediation. Key knowledge gaps and future research directions are highlighted to support further understanding of NDFO organisms, impacts on mineral phases, and development of NDFO-based strategies for contaminant management.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used thermoplastic materials in the world, commonly found in packaging, textiles, and bottles. However, its persistence in the environment has become a significant global concern due to the growing accumulation of plastic waste. While various strategies for PET degradation have been proposed, none have yet been successfully adopted at an industrial scale. Nonetheless, the discovery of microorganisms that have naturally evolved the ability to break down plastics offers a promising path forward. A major breakthrough came in 2016 with the identification of Ideonella sakaiensis, a bacterium capable of using PET as a carbon source. This microbe relies on two key enzymes- PETase and MHETase- to degrade PET into simpler, non-toxic compounds such as mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET), bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET), terephthalic acid (TPA), and ethylene glycol (EG). This discovery has opened new possibilities for sustainable and biologically based solutions to the long-standing problem of plastic pollution. This mini-review summarize PETase’s structure, how to enhance its performance, and how it could be used in broader areas such as bioremediation and recycling. By laying out both the progress made and the challenges ahead, this review aims to inspire further work toward making PETase a key player in reducing plastic waste for good.

Algal organic matter (AOM) originates from algal metabolism or the decomposition and release of intracellular substances, constituting a primary component of natural dissolved organic matter in eutrophic water with algal blooms. Recently, researches have increasingly focused on the high reactivity of AOM in complexation, photosensitization, and electron transfer processes. AOM has been suggested as a key player in the fate of contaminants and the biogeochemical cycle of aquatic environments. However, the understanding of the migration and transformation of AOM and its association with water eutrophication remains fragmentary. This study systematically reviewed the photosensitivity, bioavailability, and heterogeneity in molecular characteristics of AOM. It summarized the relationships between AOM and the macro- and micronutrients essential for maintaining normal physiological functions of algae during eutrophic algal blooms. Specifically, the constituents and physicochemical attributes of AOM are closely correlated with the algal species, growth stages, and nutrients. AOM can modulate nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes in sediments and the cycling of iron and manganese, thereby providing conditions for the sustainable algal blooms. Moreover, the contaminant assimilative capacity of eutrophic waters is enhanced due to photosensitization and redox conversion of micronutrients, which are regulated by AOM. The investigation on the properties and environmental behavior of AOM is expected to further clarify the causes of lake eutrophication and internal cycling mechanisms, aiding the integrated management of lake environments.

Air monitoring is key to addressing environmental concerns and protecting human health. Passive flux samplers (PFS) are low-cost devices used to estimate air pollutant emission rates. Nonetheless, comprehensive assessments of PFS methods for determining air emissions remain limited. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the state-of-the-art in open and closed PFS for air emission monitoring. Both open and closed PFS are robust, versatile, and cost-effective devices for estimating emissions in several conditions and environments, including livestock buildings, fertilized fields, manure storing, schools, and human bodies. While both types of samplers are employed to estimate emission rates, they differ in geometry, deployment strategies, operational principles, and validation tests. This review highlights the crucial influence of the sampler’s geometry and trapping materials in optimizing PFS performance. Furthermore, computational fluid dynamics and dimensionless numbers are identified as essential tools in the design optimization of the PFS and deployment. Overall, this review underscores the high potential of PFS in determining pollutant emissions, offering guidance for future studies. It emphasizes the importance of improving PFS design for air quality assessment and contributes to the sustainable development goals, particularly in promoting health and reducing environmental pollution.