Articles tagged with Bioremediation
Researchers found Amazon dark earth boosts tree growth by twice to five times normal height with 20% ADE and three to six times with 100% ADE. The soil also contains more nutrients, including phosphorus, and has a higher pH. Biotech applications aim to replicate these characteristics without requiring the finite resource.
A study by University of Technology Sydney found that plants can remove 97% of toxic compounds, including cancer-causing pollutants, from indoor air in just eight hours. This breakthrough discovery highlights the critical role played by indoor plants and green walls in improving air quality.
A study by University of Cologne researchers found that 25-35% of permafrost's organic carbon is bound to mineral particles, making it harder for microorganisms to utilize. This complex binding process affects the release of greenhouse gases from thawing permafrost.
Researchers have developed a novel and cost-effective anode catalyst that can improve and stabilize power generation performance of MFCs treating vegetable oil industry wastewater. The study investigates modification of electrodes to increase bacterial adhesion and efficient electron transfer.
A team of microbiologists proposes using powerful microbial technologies to reduce global and local challenges leading to conflict, including food supply security and pollution. The authors advocate for deploying these technologies to address humanitarian crises and advance Sustainable Development Goals.
A new study proposes focusing on time-resolved analogs to analyze changes in dynamic environments over many years. The researchers used the extremely salty Tirez lagoon in central Spain, which had experienced alternating dry and wet periods before reaching total desiccation in 2015.
Researchers at Aarhus University are studying electro-trophic microorganisms that convert green electricity and CO2 into high-value products. The project aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of these microbes, which could lead to breakthroughs in microbiological Power-to-X and novel tools for microbial corrosion prevention.
Researchers have developed a new framework using high-throughput 'omics' technologies to detect the effects of ambient chemical mixtures on living organisms, including water fleas. The approach enables water fleas to detect bioactive components and predict toxicity in other species.
Researchers develop novel bioremediation technology using plant-derived material to adsorb and dispose of PFAS chemical pollutants. The technique has potential for commercial applications, offering a cost-effective solution for cleaning up environmentally persistent substances.
Researchers at UC Riverside have found that common microbial communities can degrade a stubborn class of PFAS called fluorinated carboxylic acids (FCAs) by breaking the carbon-fluorine bond under anaerobic conditions. This breakthrough could lead to new methods for environmental remediation and reduce the harm caused by PFAS.
Brazilian researchers have discovered two novel enzyme families in the capybara's gut, which can accelerate the utilization of agroindustrial waste. The enzymes have biotechnological potential and can be used to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials.
Researchers found that T. domingensis absorbed more iron than H. tiliaceus, making it a promising phytoremediation technique for rehabilitating contaminated water and soil. The study's findings could help mitigate the environmental damage caused by the 2015 iron mine tailings dam disaster in Brazil.
Researchers at São Paulo State University have developed an edible bioplastic with a tensile strength comparable to petroleum-based plastics. The material is made from gelatin, clay and a nanoemulsion of black pepper essential oil, extending shelf life and preventing microbial contamination.
Researchers identified eight new microorganisms that cleave ether bonds in the lignin-based compound-2-phenoxyacetophenone. These discoveries could enhance our understanding of the carbon cycle and facilitate biotechnological applications for lignin commercialization.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science discovered endophytic bacteria that can survive extreme conditions within passion fruit seeds. The bacteria were isolated from seedlings grown from cut seeds and found to possess biocatalytic activities related to the metabolism of secondary metabolites, such as resveratrol and piceatannol.
Researchers discovered that bacteria from cow stomachs can digest certain types of plastic, including PET, PBAT, and PEF. The study found that the microorganisms can break down these plastics more effectively than single microorganisms, representing a promising eco-friendly approach to reduce plastic litter.
A study published in Nature found that ancient people's gut microbiomes were more diverse and had fewer antibiotic-resistant genes compared to modern populations. The research suggests that a more diverse diet and lifestyle may have contributed to this difference.
Researchers uncover novel cell division mechanism in Haloferax volcanii, a microorganism from the archaea realm. This discovery offers new insights into the evolution of life and potential biotechnological tools for delivering vaccines or drugs.
Researchers discovered phytol, a chlorophyll constituent, inhibits root invasion by certain nematodes without killing them. Phytol induces host defense mechanisms against nematodes in plant roots.
A team of researchers at Arizona State University has discovered a way to extract useful products from microbial growth in soil, shedding light on poorly understood processes. The study promises to help minimize environmental waste while producing biochemicals and biofuels.
Researchers explore co-culture strategies to activate silent gene clusters in microorganisms, leading to the discovery of novel bioactive natural products with diverse and novel structures. These compounds exhibit various bioactivities, including extensive antimicrobial activities and potential cytotoxic activities.
A new microorganism has been developed to produce biodiesel precursors from lignocellulosic biomass, such as discarded agricultural by-products and cardboard boxes. The microorganism achieves twice the product yield of its predecessors, solving a limitation in biofuel production.
Researchers from NC State and Cornell are developing a self-sustaining system that utilizes microplastics to capture and break down more microplastics. The system involves creating microcleaning particles that stick to microplastics, which are then broken down by microorganisms, producing chemicals with commercial value.
Researchers have developed a novel approach for converting lignocellulose biomass into valuable chemicals by combining multiple microorganisms. This modular system, known as the lactate platform, enables the production of diverse chemicals, including butyric acid and lactic acid, with high efficiency.
New research reveals that adding carbon-rich organic matter to agricultural fields can cut plant-microbe links by up to 70%. This reduces the efficiency of nitrogen fixation, a symbiotic relationship between legume plants and rhizobial microorganisms.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute uncover forgotten metabolic pathway in ocean microorganisms, finding widespread distribution and ecological significance. The discovery provides valuable insights into the degradation of glycolic acid and its impact on global climate change.
Scientists have found a new metabolic pathway that recycles glycolic acid, a key compound in the ocean's ecosystem. This discovery challenges current understanding of the global carbon cycle and highlights the importance of microorganisms in recycling biomass.
The University of Pittsburgh researcher is using biofilms and electrodes to remove BPA from water, a common contaminant found in plastics. The project aims to create an effective method for degrading BPA, which has been linked to fertility problems and other health issues.
Researchers developed a biochar technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from soils and prevent soil degradation. The innovative method uses chicken dung and agricultural waste to produce biochar, which slows down humus mineralization and stalls CO2 emission.
A West Virginia University researcher used science and data to uncover the impact of nature on microorganism traits. The study found that evolutionary history shapes microbial characteristics more than local environment, with potential implications for predicting ecosystem responses to climate change.
A recent grant from the National Institutes of Health will support a study investigating the interaction between gut bacteria and fungi in Crohn's disease. The research aims to identify genetic mechanisms underlying these interactions and develop novel antifungal and probiotic strategies to decrease symptoms.
A team of international microbiologists warn that ignoring microorganisms in climate change could lead to dire consequences. They advocate for improved literacy about the topic to address the climate disaster and encourage future generations to understand the microbial world.
A new biodegradable chemical is produced through natural fermentation, which can be refined as a source of energy and replace petroleum-based chemicals in various products. The technology, developed by the University of Waterloo, reduces costs associated with food waste management by using leachate recirculation.
A recent study explores the role of microscopic life in shaping the Earth's evolution and its impact on climate change. Microorganisms have been instrumental in creating a hospitable climate for human growth, but their responses to global warming pose significant threats.
Researchers use new technique to measure unique biological signatures in hydrocarbons, revealing presence of subsurface microbes. The findings have important implications for understanding global hydrocarbon cycling and detecting life on other planets.
A new process produces 'plastic' from marine microorganisms that completely recycle into organic waste, providing a biodegradable and non-toxic material. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the world's efforts to clean the oceans without affecting arable land or using fresh water.
Researchers discovered a variety of microorganisms on a 17th century painting, including bacteria and fungi, which may be employed to protect artworks from biodegradation. The study suggests that certain biocompounds containing bacterial spores could potentially be used to preserve works of art at risk of degradation.
A Montana State University biochemist will study the role of microorganisms in breaking down and converting complex carbon compounds in the deep sea. The research aims to provide a benchmark for the field of deep-sea sediment microbiology and lay the foundation for future physiological studies.
A recent study from Linköping University reveals that the supply of fresh organic compounds increases chlorination in soils, potentially changing our view on chlorine's significance. The discovery highlights new ecological functions of chloride and its potential impact on risk models for radioactive waste.
Researchers analyzed enzymes secreted by microorganisms living in ocean sediments and found that they break down organic matter to recycle carbon. The study reveals that these microbes scavenge nutrients from dead cells, enabling them to survive in the anoxic environment.
Scientists discovered that Parisian street gutters are home to a diverse community of microorganisms, including eukaryotes such as algae, fungi, sponges, and mollusks. The researchers identified over 6,900 potential species in the water and biofilms collected from various districts of Paris.
A new study has identified bacteria that can convert toxic components into less toxic forms, which could contribute to bioremediation technologies. The bacteria are highly resistant to toxic waste and thrive in extreme environments.
Researchers developed a new technique using modified strains that consume xenobiotic nutrients, allowing them to outcompete other microorganisms. This method enables mass biofuel production without the use of antibiotics, which is poised as a more sustainable energy source.
Researchers have developed an artificial seawater medium that can successfully cultivate abundant marine microorganisms, many of which have not been genetically characterized before. This new tool may benefit genomics researchers, marine chemists and the microbial research community.
Professor Joseph M. Suflita, a leading researcher at the University of Oklahoma, has been awarded the 2016 DuPont Industrial Biosciences Award for his distinguished achievements in applied and environmental microbiology. His work focuses on bioremediation and the role of anaerobic microorganisms in contaminant degradation.
Scientists have discovered nanpillars on the surface of drone fly larvae that prevent bacterial colonization. These unique structures may also exhibit superoleophobic properties, hindering biofilm formation and bacterial growth.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a method to control the movement of active particles using light, which can be used to create programmable materials. This technology has potential applications in environmental science, such as locating oil spills, and medicine, including delivering pharmaceutical substances.
A new study found that microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea, might be responsible for some of the natural gas harvested by hydraulic fracturing operations. The microbes are thought to be introduced into the shale through the fracturing fluid, which can create a new ecosystem that enhances methane production.
A new study led by University of Georgia marine scientists found that oil dispersants can suppress natural oil-degrading microorganisms, promoting the growth of Colwellia and inhibiting Marinobacter. The presence of dispersants significantly altered microbial composition in Gulf deep water, hindering efficient oil biodegradation.
University of Iowa researchers have discovered that switchgrass can remove up to 40% of PCBs from contaminated soils, with a combined treatment boosting removal rates to 47%. The study suggests a natural and sustainable method for reducing the presence of toxic chemicals in the environment.
Unique groups of microbes, known as Dehalococcoides, can convert hazardous chlorinated chemicals like TCE into ethene, a benign end product. However, they may stall at this stage, producing toxic intermediates. New research proposes that microbes are out-competed for hydrogen, a necessary electron donor, causing the breakdown to fail.
Scientists investigate Vorarlberger Bergkäse, a regional Austrian cheese, to understand its unique microbiome. The study reveals the presence of halophilic microbe Halomonas on young rinds, which plays an unknown role in cheese-making.
New results show that mobile microorganisms can increase the transport of toxic PAHs up to 100-fold, making them more accessible to bacteria and plant roots. This discovery opens new perspectives for cleaning PAH-contaminated soil through biological treatment.
A team of researchers at Montana State University has verified that microorganisms produce methane by swimming towards hydrogen gas. The discovery sheds light on the movement of biological cells towards hydrogen gas and its implications for climate change, carbon cycle, and early Earth processes.
Researchers at Michigan State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the survival mechanisms of primitive red algae. The algae's ability to thrive in hot and acidic environments lies in part in their membrane proteins, which are also found in human cells and hold promise for treating diseases.
Researchers found that high concentrations of crude oil combined with dispersant can harm beneficial microbial communities in the human digestive tract. However, low concentrations typically found in Gulf shellfish had no discernible impact.
Bacteria found in a Colombian garbage dump have been shown to neutralize contaminants, making them suitable for bioremediation. The indigenous bacterial community was able to break down hydrocarbon compounds and other pollutants, providing a potential solution to clean the site.
A new report from Berkeley Lab scientist shows that oil-degrading microorganisms played a significant role in both the Exxon Valdez and BP Deepwater Horizon spills. The study found that mobilizing these microorganisms rapidly can minimize the risk and impact of future oil spills.
A new computer model simulates how Gulf currents enabled marine microorganisms to degrade oil spills more quickly. The 'dynamic auto-inoculation' process activated microbes, increasing bacterial populations and degrading hydrocarbons.
Researchers are using genomics to study the microbial community and determine how to create conditions for them to thrive, helping to detoxify metal toxins in wastewater. The approach relies on a diverse microbial community that provides essential nutrients to microbes like Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria.