Jianmeng Chen

Impacts of morphology and crystallite phases of titanium oxide on the catalytic ozonation of phenol.

TiO(2) nanomaterial is widely used for catalytic ozonation. In the present work, TiO(2) nanostructures with various morphology and crystallite phases were synthesized by a hydrothermal method, followed by calcination using Degussa P25 as precursor. The nanotube, nanorod, and nanowire forms were obtained by varying the hydrothermal temperature, and the anatase/rutile ratios were adjusted by controlling the annealing temperature. The catalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by degradation of phenol in aqueous solution in the presence of ozone. We found that the initial degradation rates (IDR) of phenol were dominated primarily by the surface OH groups. Thus, with the help of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses, the number of surface OH groups per unit area of TiO(2) was correlated with the morphology and crystallite phases. Finally, we conclude that the vast surface area and higher rutile phase ratios are favorable for the catalytic ozonation of phenol and the morphology of TiO(2) had negligible effect in our experiments.

Preparation of a titanium dioxide photocatalyst codoped with cerium and iodine and its performance in the degradation of oxalic acid.

A novel class of visible light-activated photocatalysts was prepared by codoping TiO(2) with cerium and iodine (Ce-I-TiO(2)). The particles were characterized using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-Visible light absorption. Particles of Ce-I-TiO(2) had greater photoabsorption in the 400-800 nm wavelength range than iodine-doped TiO(2) (I-TiO(2)). The effects on the photocatalytic degradation of oxalic acid under visible light or UV-Visible light irradiation were investigated. The photocatalytic activity of Ce-I-TiO(2) calcined at 673 K was significantly higher than that of Ce-I-TiO(2) calcined at 773 K and I-TiO(2) calcined at 673 K in aqueous oxalic acid solution under visible light or UV-Visible light irradiation. Under visible light irradiation, oxalic acid was first adsorbed on the surface of the catalysts rather than reacted with free radicals in the bulk solution, and then oxidized by (·)OH(ads) to CO(2), which was verified by studying the effects of nitrogen purging and scavengers, as well as by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Paracetamol in the environment and its degradation by microorganisms

Paracetamol (4′-hydroxyacetanilide, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, acetaminophen, and paracetamol) is a widely used over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic drug. Paracetamol and structural analogs are ubiquitous in the natural environment and easily accumulate in aquatic environment, which have been detected in surface waters, wastewater, and drinking water throughout the world. Paracetamol wastewater is mainly treated by chemical oxidation processes. Although these chemical methods may be available for treating these pollutants, the harsh reaction conditions, the generation of secondary pollutants, and the high operational cost associated with these methods have often made them not a desirable choice. Biodegradation of paracetamol is being considered as an environmentally friendly and low-cost option. The goal of this review is to provide an outline of the current knowledge of biodegradation of paracetamol in the occurrence, degrading bacteria, and proposed metabolic/biodegrading pathways, enzymes and possible intermediates. The comprehensive understanding of the metabolic pathways and enzyme systems involved in the utilization of paracetamol means will be helpful for optimizing and allowing rational design of biodegradation systems for paracetamol-contaminated wastewater.

Degradation of nicotine in tobacco waste extract by newly isolated Pseudomonas sp. ZUTSKD

The newly isolated Pseudomonas sp. ZUTSKD was evaluated for its ability to degrade nicotine in tobacco waste extract (TWE). The strain degraded nicotine completely when the concentration of reducing sugar in TWE was lower than 8 gL(-1). Yeast extract and phosphate additions improved nicotine degradation in 5% TWE. At 30 degrees C and pH 7.0, with additional 15 gL(-1) Na(2)HPO(4).6H(2)O and 6 gL(-1) KH(2)PO(4) in 5% TWE, Pseudomonas sp. ZUTSKD could degrade 97% of nicotine (1.6 gL(-1)) in 12h. The data showed that strain ZUTSKD could be useful to control the nicotine content in TWE.

Effects of phenanthrene on the mortality, growth, and anti-oxidant system of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) under laboratory conditions.

To assess the toxic effects of phenanthrene on earthworms, we exposed Eisenia fetida to artificial soils supplemented with different concentrations (0.5, 2.5, 12.5, mgkg(-1) soil) of phenanthrene. The residual phenanthrene in the soil, the bioaccumulation of phenanthrene in earthworms, and the subsequent effects of phenanthrene on growth, anti-oxidant enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were determined. The degradation rate of low concentrations of phenanthrene was faster than it was for higher concentrations, and the degradation half-life was 7.3d (0.5 mgkg(-1)). Bioaccumulation of phenanthrene in the earthworms decreased the phenanthrene concentration in soils, and phenanthrene content in the earthworms significantly increased with increasing initial soil concentrations. Phenanthrene had a significant effect on E. fetida growth, and the 14-d LC(50) was calculated as 40.67 mgkg(-1). Statistical analysis of the growth inhibition rate showed that the concentration and duration of exposure had significant effects on growth inhibition (p<0.001). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased at the beginning (2 and 7d) and decreased in the end (14 and 28 d). Catalase (CAT) activity in all treatments was inhibited from 1 to 14 d of exposure. However, no significant perturbations in malondialdehyde (MDA) content were noted between control and phenanthrene-treated earthworms except after 2d of exposure. These results revealed that bioaccumulation of phenanthrene in E. fetida caused concentration-dependent, sub-lethal toxicity. Growth and superoxide dismutase activity can be regarded as sensitive parameters for evaluating the toxicity of phenanthrene to earthworms.

Biodegradation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-xylene by the bacterium Mycobacterium cosmeticum byf-4.

A new strain Mycobacterium cosmeticum byf-4 able to simultaneously degrade benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-xylene (BTE(o-)X) compounds has been isolated and identified previously in our laboratory. We further report here the extent of degradation of every BTE(o-)X component, and unravel the initial mechanism involved in BTE(o-)X degradation. This organism efficiently degrades all the BTE(o-)X components when these compounds are added either individually or as a composite mixture, and has a preference for toluene followed by benzene, ethylbenzene and then o-xylene. The significantly high carbon recovery indicated that the predominant fate for BTE(o-)X compounds was mineralization and incorporation into cell materials. The presence of BTE compounds in binary or ternary mixtures consistently had a negative effect on o-xylene degradation. The initial steps involved in the degradation of BTE(o-)X were investigated by isolation of metabolites and assay of reverse transcription RT-PCR. Isolation of metabolites suggested that the BTE(o-)X compounds were initially converted by a dioxygenase to their respective catechols. The gene sequence of the PCR amplicons revealed that this isolate contained a 454-bp toluene dioxygenase (TOD) fragment. The BTE(o-)X-specific induction of the genes encoding TOD was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. These results indicated that TOD was possibly responsible for the initial steps of BTE(o-)X catabolism in M. cosmeticum byf-4.

Biodegradation of 2-chloroaniline, 3-chloroaniline, and 4-chloroaniline by a novel strain Delftia tsuruhatensis H1.

A new strain Delftia tsuruhatensis H1 able to degrade several chloroanilines (CAs) as individual compounds or a mixture was isolated from a CA-degrading mixed bacterial culture. The isolated strain could completely degrade 3-CA and 4-CA as growth substrates, while concurrently metabolize 2-CA by growing on other CA compounds. The strain could also efficiently degrade all the three CA components when presented as a mixture. Following CA consumption, stoichiometric amounts of chloride were released and small amount of soluble metabolites accumulated in the medium, indicating that the loss of CA was mainly via mineralization and incorporation into cell material. The additions of yeast extract, citrate or succinate appeared to accelerate CA degradation. In contrast, aniline strongly inhibited the CA degradation. The strain H1 could also decompose other substituted aniline compounds such as 3,4-dichloroaniline, 4-methylaniline, 2,3-dichloroaniline and 2,4-dichloroaniline. The elimination of these CA compounds seemed to occur via an ortho-cleavage pathway.

Increasing the catalytic activities of iodine doped titanium dioxide by modifying with tin dioxide for the photodegradation of 2-chlorophenol under visible light irradiation

The photocatalytic degradation of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) irradiated with visible light over iodine doped TiO(2) (IT) modified with SnO(2) (SIT) nanoparticles has been investigated in this study. The structure and optical properties of the SIT catalysts have been well characterized by X-ray diffraction, the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, transmission electron microscopy, UV-visible absorption spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effects of preparation conditions, such as SnO(2) content and calcination temperature, on the photocatalytic degradation efficiency have been surveyed in detail. The improved photocatalytic activity of SIT is derived from the synergistic effect between the SnO(2) and IT, which promoted the efficiency of migration of the photogenerated carriers at the interface of the catalysts and thereby enhanced the efficiency of photon harvesting in the visible region. The action of scavengers (fluoride ion, iodide ion, tert-butyl alcohol, and persulfate ion), as well as N(2) purging on the photodegradation rate reveal that the valence band hole is mainly responsible for the effective photocatalytic removal of 2-CP and the corresponding TOC reduction.

Treatment of gaseous toluene in three biofilters inoculated with fungi/bacteria: Microbial analysis, performance and starvation response.

Bacteria and fungi are often utilized for the biodegradation of organic pollutants. This study compared fungal and/or bacterial biofiltration in treating toluene under both steady and unsteady states. Fungal biofilter (F-BF) removed less toluene than both bacterial biofilters (B-BF) and fungal & bacterial biofilters (F&B-BF) (<20% vs >60% vs >90%). The mineralization ratio was also lower in F-BF-levels were 2/3 and 1/2 of those values obtained by the other biofilters. Microbial analysis showed that richer communities were present in B-BF and F&B-BF, and that the Hypocreales genus which Trichoderma viride belongs to was much better represented in F&B-BF. The F&B-BF also supported enhanced robustness after 15-day starvation episodes; 1 day later the performance recovered to 80% of the original removal level. The combination of bacteria and fungi makes biofiltration a good option for VOC treatment including better removal and performance stability versus individual biofilters (bacteria or fungi dominated).

Biomarker responses of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) exposured to phenanthrene and pyrene both singly and combined in microcosms

Microcosm studies were undertaken to relate biomarker responses to the toxicities in soil ecosystems contaminated by phenanthrene (Phe) and pyrene (Pyr), both singly and combined. Growth inhibition, enzyme activity, MDA content, sperm count, neutral-red retention time (NRRT) and annetocin and TCTP gene transcriptions were determined in earthworm Eisenia fetida exposed to Phe and Pyr, both singly and combined pollution in microcosm. Exposure to 0.5 and 2.5 mg kg(-1) Phe or 50 and 100 mg kg(-1) Pyr alone significantly decreased E. fetida growth, NRRT and sperm count. Two-way ANOVA analysis shows that the combination of these two compounds decreased growth, SOD activities, NRRT and sperm count synergistically, but increased the CAT activities and MDA content. The highest suppression rate of growth was 48.12%, the lowest levels of SOD activities and NRRT were 51.66% and 45.57% of the control, respectively. The highest increase in CAT activities and MDA content were 120.05% and 121.03% greater than that of the control when exposed to 0.5 (Phe)+100 (Pyr) mg kg(-1) soils. A clear dose-related response with exposure concentration was established for the NRRT. Real-time PCR shows that Phe and Pyr increased the expression levels of annetocin and TCTP gene synergistically. These results demonstrate that earthworms were under physiological stress at field dose of 0.5 (Phe)+100 (Pyr) mg kg(-1) soils. Phe and Pyr synergistically decreased sperm count and NRRT, but antagonistically caused changes in antioxidant enzyme activities to disrupt the detoxification functions and inhibit earthworm growth.