scholarly journals Anaerobic Microbial Degradation of Hydrocarbons: From Enzymatic Reactions to the Environment

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 5-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralf Rabus ◽  
Matthias Boll ◽  
Johann Heider ◽  
Rainer U. Meckenstock ◽  
Wolfgang Buckel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Degradation ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Stable Isotope Probing ◽  
Special Topic ◽  
Enzymatic Reactions ◽  
Gene Markers ◽  
Anaerobic Microorganisms ◽  
Anoxic Environments ◽  
Benzylsuccinate Synthase

Hydrocarbons are abundant in anoxic environments and pose biochemical challenges to their anaerobic degradation by microorganisms. Within the framework of the Priority Program 1319, investigations funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft on the anaerobic microbial degradation of hydrocarbons ranged from isolation and enrichment of hitherto unknown hydrocarbon-degrading anaerobic microorganisms, discovery of novel reactions, detailed studies of enzyme mechanisms and structures to process-oriented in situ studies. Selected highlights from this program are collected in this synopsis, with more detailed information provided by theme-focused reviews of the special topic issue on ‘Anaerobic biodegradation of hydrocarbons' [this issue, pp. 1-244]. The interdisciplinary character of the program, involving microbiologists, biochemists, organic chemists and environmental scientists, is best exemplified by the studies on alkyl-/arylalkylsuccinate synthases. Here, research topics ranged from in-depth mechanistic studies of archetypical toluene-activating benzylsuccinate synthase, substrate-specific phylogenetic clustering of alkyl-/arylalkylsuccinate synthases (toluene plus xylenes, <i>p</i>-cymene, <i>p</i>-cresol, 2-methylnaphthalene, <i>n</i>-alkanes), stereochemical and co-metabolic insights into <i>n</i>-alkane-activating (methylalkyl)succinate synthases to the discovery of bacterial groups previously unknown to possess alkyl-/arylalkylsuccinate synthases by means of functional gene markers and in situ field studies enabled by state-of-the-art stable isotope probing and fractionation approaches. Other topics are Mo-cofactor-dependent dehydrogenases performing O<sub>2</sub>-independent hydroxylation of hydrocarbons and alkyl side chains (ethylbenzene, <i>p</i>-cymene, cholesterol, <i>n</i>-hexadecane), degradation of <i>p</i>-alkylated benzoates and toluenes, glycyl radical-bearing 4-hydroxyphenylacetate decarboxylase, novel types of carboxylation reactions (for acetophenone, acetone, and potentially also benzene and naphthalene), W-cofactor-containing enzymes for reductive dearomatization of benzoyl-CoA (class II benzoyl-CoA reductase) in obligate anaerobes and addition of water to acetylene, fermentative formation of cyclohexanecarboxylate from benzoate, and methanogenic degradation of hydrocarbons.

Post-Hurricane Michael damage assessment using ADCIRC storm surge hindcast, image classification, and LiDAR

Shore & Beach ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 3-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Davis ◽  
Diana Mitsova ◽  
Tynon Briggs ◽  
Tiffany Briggs
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Feedback Mechanism ◽  
Water Velocity ◽  
Airborne Lidar ◽  
Storm Events ◽  
Magnetic Current ◽  
Coastal Mapping ◽  
Electro Magnetic

Wave forcing from hurricanes, nor’easters, and energetic storms can cause erosion of the berm and beach face resulting in increased vulnerability of dunes and coastal infrastructure. LIDAR or other surveying techniques have quantified post-event morphology, but there is a lack of in situ hydrodynamic and morphodynamic measurements during extreme storm events. Two field studies were conducted in March 2018 and April 2019 at Bethany Beach, Delaware, where in situ hydrodynamic and morphodynamic measurements were made during a nor’easter (Nor’easter Riley) and an energetic storm (Easter Eve Storm). An array of sensors to measure water velocity, water depth, water elevation and bed elevation were mounted to scaffold pipes and deployed in a single cross-shore transect. Water velocity was measured using an electro-magnetic current meter while water and bed elevations were measured using an acoustic distance meter along with an algorithm to differentiate between the water and bed during swash processes. GPS profiles of the beach face were measured during every day-time low tide throughout the storm events. Both accretion and erosion were measured at different cross-shore positions and at different times during the storm events. Morphodynamic change along the back-beach was found to be related to berm erosion, suggesting an important morphologic feedback mechanism. Accumulated wave energy and wave energy flux per unit area between Nor’easter Riley and a recent mid-Atlantic hurricane (Hurricane Dorian) were calculated and compared. Coastal Observations: JALBTCX/NCMP emergency-response airborne Lidar coastal mapping & quick response data products for 2016/2017/2018 hurricane impact assessments

Modular Simulation to Determine the Optimal Operating Policy of a Batch Reactor for the Enzymatic Fructose Reduction to Mannitol with the in situ Continuous Enzymatic Regeneration of the NAD Cofactor

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (9) ◽  
pp. 2196-2203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mara Crisan ◽  
Gheorghe Maria
Keyword(s):  
Batch Reactor ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Optimization Procedure ◽  
Enzymatic Reactions ◽  
Mannitol Dehydrogenase ◽  
Optimal Operating ◽  
Operating Policy ◽  
Enzymatic Reduction ◽  
Optimal Operating Policy

Novel coupled enzymatic systems reported important applications in the industrial bio-catalysis. Multi-enzymatic reactions can successfully replace complex chemical syntheses, using milder reaction conditions, and generating less waste. For such systems acting simultaneously, the model-based engineering calculations (design, reactor operation optimization) are difficult tasks, because they must account for interacting reactions, differences in enzymes optimal activity domains and deactivation kinetics. The determination of the optimal operating mode (enzyme ratios, enzyme feeding policy, temperature, pH) often turns into a difficult multi-objective optimization problem with multiple constraints to be solved for every particular system. The paper focuses on applying a modular screening procedure that can identify the optimal operating policy of an enzymatic reactor, which minimizes the enzyme consumption, given the process kinetic model, and an imposed production capacity. Following an optimization procedure, the process effectiveness is evaluated in a systematic approach, by including simple batch reactor (BR), batch with intermittent addition of the key-enzyme following certain optimal policies (BRP). Exemplification is made for the case of the enzymatic reduction of D-fructose to mannitol by using suspended MDH (mannitol dehydrogenase) and NADH (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) cofactor, with the in-situ continuous regeneration of the cofactor by the expense of formate degradation in the presence of suspended FDH (Formate dehydrogenase).

Coliform transport in a pristine reservoir: modeling and field studies

1998 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Garvey ◽  
John E. Tobiason ◽  
Michael Hayes ◽  
Evelyn Wolfram ◽  
David A. Reckhow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Model Development ◽  
Fate And Transport ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Meteorological Conditions ◽  
Reservoir Modeling ◽  
Vertical Circulation ◽  
Quality Model ◽  
Circulation Patterns ◽  
In Situ Experiments

This paper reports on field studies and model development aimed at understanding coliform fate and transport in the Quabbin Reservoir, an oligotrophic drinking water supply reservoir. An investigation of reservoir currents suggested the importance of wind driven phenomena, and that both lateral and vertical circulation patterns exist. In-situ experiments of coliform decay suggested dependence on light intensity and yielded an appropriate decay coefficient to be used in CE-QUAL-W2, a two-dimensional hydrodynamic and water quality model. Modeling confirmed the sensitivity of reservoir outlet concentration to vertical variability within the reservoir, meteorological conditions, and location of coliform source.

Real-life Field Studies of the NOx Removing Properties of Photocatalytic Surfaces in Roskilde and Copenhagen Airport, Denmark

2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrik Jensen ◽  
Pernille D. Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
High Stability ◽  
Reference Site ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
The Real ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Parking Lot ◽  
Photocatalytic Concrete

Aims: To evaluate the real-life effect of photocatalytic surfaces on the air quality at two test-sites in Denmark. Background: Poor air quality is today one of the largest environmental issues, due to the adverse effects on human health associated with high levels of air pollution, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and lung cancer. NOx removal by TiO2 based photocatalysis is a tool to improve air quality locally in areas where people are exposed. Methods: Two test sites were constructed in Roskilde and Copenhage airport. In Roskilde, the existing asphalt at two parking lots was treated with TiO2 containing liquid and an in-situ ISO 22197-1 test setup was developed to enable in-situ evaluation of the activity of the asphalt. In CPH airport, photocatalytic concrete tiles were installed at the "kiss and fly" parking lot, and NOx levels were continuously monitored in 0.5 m by CLD at the active site and a comparable reference site before and after installation for a period of 2 years. Results: The Roskilde showed high stability of the photocatalytic coating with the activity being largely unchanged over a period of 2 years. The CPH airport study showed that the average NOx levels were decreased by 12 % comparing the before and after NOx concentrations at the active and reference site. Conclusion: The joined results of the two Danish demonstration projects illustrate a high stability of the photocatalytic coating as well as a high potential for improvements of the real-life air quality in polluted areas.

Wave Breaking Dissipation in a Young Wind Sea

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Schwendeman ◽  
Jim Thomson ◽  
Johannes R. Gemmrich
Keyword(s):  
Wind Waves ◽  
Phase Speed ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Turbulent Energy ◽  
Strength Parameter ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Sonar System ◽  
Wind Sea ◽  
Equilibrium Range

Abstract Coupled in situ and remote sensing measurements of young, strongly forced wind waves are applied to assess the role of breaking in an evolving wave field. In situ measurements of turbulent energy dissipation from wave-following Surface Wave Instrument Float with Tracking (SWIFT) drifters and a tethered acoustic Doppler sonar system are consistent with wave evolution and wind input (as estimated using the radiative transfer equation). The Phillips breaking crest distribution Λ(c) is calculated using stabilized shipboard video recordings and the Fourier-based method of Thomson and Jessup, with minor modifications. The resulting Λ(c) are unimodal distributions centered around half of the phase speed of the dominant waves, consistent with several recent studies. Breaking rates from Λ(c) increase with slope, similar to in situ dissipation. However, comparison of the breaking rate estimates from the shipboard video recordings with the SWIFT video recordings show that the breaking rate is likely underestimated in the shipboard video when wave conditions are calmer and breaking crests are small. The breaking strength parameter b is calculated by comparison of the fifth moment of Λ(c) with the measured dissipation rates. Neglecting recordings with inconsistent breaking rates, the resulting b data do not display any clear trends and are in the range of other reported values. The Λ(c) distributions are compared with the Phillips equilibrium range prediction and previous laboratory and field studies, leading to the identification of several inconsistencies.

scholarly journals Anaerobic bacterial degradation of protein and lipid macromolecules in subarctic marine sediment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claus Pelikan ◽  
Kenneth Wasmund ◽  
Clemens Glombitza ◽  
Bela Hausmann ◽  
Craig W. Herbold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Marine Sediments ◽  
Marine Sediment ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Degradation Products ◽  
Stable Isotope Probing ◽  
Bacterial Degradation ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Genomic Features ◽  
Carbon Processing

AbstractMicroorganisms in marine sediments play major roles in marine biogeochemical cycles by mineralizing substantial quantities of organic matter from decaying cells. Proteins and lipids are abundant components of necromass, yet the taxonomic identities of microorganisms that actively degrade them remain poorly resolved. Here, we revealed identities, trophic interactions, and genomic features of bacteria that degraded 13C-labeled proteins and lipids in cold anoxic microcosms containing sulfidic subarctic marine sediment. Supplemented proteins and lipids were rapidly fermented to various volatile fatty acids within 5 days. DNA-stable isotope probing (SIP) suggested Psychrilyobacter atlanticus was an important primary degrader of proteins, and Psychromonas members were important primary degraders of both proteins and lipids. Closely related Psychromonas populations, as represented by distinct 16S rRNA gene variants, differentially utilized either proteins or lipids. DNA-SIP also showed 13C-labeling of various Deltaproteobacteria within 10 days, indicating trophic transfer of carbon to putative sulfate-reducers. Metagenome-assembled genomes revealed the primary hydrolyzers encoded secreted peptidases or lipases, and enzymes for catabolism of protein or lipid degradation products. Psychromonas species are prevalent in diverse marine sediments, suggesting they are important players in organic carbon processing in situ. Together, this study provides new insights into the identities, functions, and genomes of bacteria that actively degrade abundant necromass macromolecules in the seafloor.

scholarly journals Discovery of functional gene markers of bacteria for monitoring hydrocarbon pollution in the marine environment - a metatranscriptomics approach

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamila Knapik ◽  
Andrea Bagi ◽  
Adriana Krolicka ◽  
Thierry Baussant
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Natural Organic Matter ◽  
Anthropogenic Pollution ◽  
Seasonal Effect ◽  
Marker Genes ◽  
Functional Markers ◽  
Gene Markers ◽  
Kegg Pathways ◽  
Oil Biodegradation

AbstractThe use of natural marine bacteria as “oil sensors” for the detection of pollution events can be suggested as a novel way of monitoring oil occurrence at sea. Nucleic acid-based devices generically called genosensors are emerging as potentially promising tools for in situ detection of specific microbial marker genes suited for that purpose. Functional marker genes are particularly interesting as targets for oil-related genosensing but their identification remains a challenge. Here, seawater samples, collected in tanks with oil addition mimicking a realistic oil spill scenario, were filtered and archived by the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP), a fully robotized genosensor, and the samples were then used for post-retrieval metatranscriptomic analysis. After extraction, RNA from ESP-archived samples at start, day 4 and day 7 of the experiment was used for sequencing. Metatranscriptomics revealed that several KEGG pathways were significantly enriched in samples exposed to oil. However, these pathways were highly expressed also in the non-oil-exposed water samples, most likely as a result of the release of natural organic matter from decaying phytoplankton. Temporary peaks of aliphatic alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases and monoaromatic ring-degrading enzymes (e.g. ben, box, and dmp clusters) were observed on day 4 in both control and oil tanks. Few alkane 1-monooxygenase genes were upregulated on oil, mostly transcribed by families Porticoccaceae and Rhodobacteraceae, together with aromatic ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases, mostly transcribed by Rhodobacteraceae. Few transcripts from obligate hydrocarbonoclastic genera of Alcanivorax, Oleispira and Cycloclasticus, were significantly enriched in the oil-treated tank in comparison to control, and these were mostly transporters and genes involved in nitrogen and phosphorous acquisition. This study highlights the importance of seasonality, i.e., phytoplankton occurrence and senescence leading to organic compound release which can be used preferentially by bacteria over oil compounds, delaying the latter process. As a result, such seasonal effect can reduce the sensitivity of genosensing tools employing bacterial functional genes to sense oil. A better understanding of the use of natural organic matter by bacteria involved in oil-biodegradation is needed to develop an array of functional markers enabling the rapid and specific in situ detection of anthropogenic pollution.

Incorporating Concentration-Dependent Sediment Microbial Activity into Methylmercury Production Kinetics Modeling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace E. Schwartz ◽  
Katherine A Muller ◽  
Saubhagya S Rathore ◽  
Regina L Wilpiszeski ◽  
Alyssa A Carrell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Microbial Activity ◽  
Inorganic Mercury ◽  
Anaerobic Microorganisms ◽  
Kinetics Modeling ◽  
Production Kinetics ◽  
Anoxic Environments ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
Methylmercury Production

In anoxic environments, anaerobic microorganisms carrying the hgcAB gene cluster can mediate the transformation of inorganic mercury (Hg(II)) to monomethylmercury (MMHg). The kinetics of Hg(II) transformation to MMHg in periphyton...

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