Bioremediation, drought tolerance and biofortification in biotechnological uses

The objective of this review is to bring information about innovations and technologies that, through genetic improvement, are being used to improve the sustainability and productivity of agricultural crops, improve human nutrition, as well as conservation and decontamination of soils. Bioremediation consists of using microorganisms that have the ability to modify or decompose certain pollutants, with the possibility of increasing their activity through genetic engineering, building new strains for the transformation of pollutants into inert substances. Genetic improvement is seeking to develop cultivars that are more tolerant to periods of water deficit. Plant biofortification consists of varieties of improved plants that have a higher content of vitamins and minerals, which are obtained through genetic improvement. Thus, biotechnology is once again essential for world agricultural production and can bring a series of other benefits to society.(AU)

Fungal conversion of chicken-feather waste into biofortified compost / Conversão fungosa de resíduos de pena de frango em composto biofortificado

Poultry industry is amongst highly developed industries of Pakistan, fulfilling the protein demand of rapidly increasing population. On the other hand, the untreated poultry waste is causing several health and environmental problems. The current study was designed to check the potential of keratinolytic fungal species for the conversion of chicken-feather waste into biofortified compost. For the purpose, three fungal species were isolated from soil samples. These strains were pure cultured and then characterized phenotypically and genotypically. BLAST searches of 18S rDNA nucleotide sequence of the fungal isolates revealed that the two fungal isolates belonged to genus Aspergillus and one belonged to genus Chrysosporium. Optimum temperature for Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Chrysosporium queenslandicum was 29, 26 and 25 oC, respectively. A. flavus showed maximum (53%) feather degradation, A. niger degraded feather waste up to 37%, while C. queenslandicum showed 21% keratinolytic activity on chicken feathers at their respective temperature optima. The degradation potential of these fungal species showed their ability to form compost that has agro-industrial importance.

A indústria avícola está entre as indústrias altamente desenvolvidas do Paquistão, atendendo a demanda de proteína da população em rápido crescimento. Por outro lado, os resíduos de aves não tratados estão causando diversos problemas de saúde e ambientais. O presente estudo foi desenhado para verificar o potencial de espécies de fungos queratinolíticos para a conversão de resíduos de penas de frango em composto biofortificado. Para tanto, três espécies de fungos foram isoladas de amostras de solo. Essas cepas foram cultivadas puramente e, em seguida, caracterizadas fenotipicamente e genotipicamente. As pesquisas do BLAST da sequência de nucleotídeos do rDNA 18S dos isolados de fungos revelaram que os dois isolados de fungos pertenciam ao gênero Aspergillus e um pertencia ao gênero Chrysosporium. A temperatura ótima para Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger e Chrysosporium queenslandicum foi de 29, 26 e 25 oC, respectivamente. A. flavus apresentou degradação máxima de penas (53%), A. niger degradou resíduos de penas em até 37%, enquanto C. queenslandicum apresentou 21% de atividade queratinolítica em penas de frango em suas respectivas temperaturas ótimas. O potencial de degradação dessas espécies de fungos mostrou sua capacidade de formar composto de importância agroindustrial.

Phytoremediation as a way to clean technogenically polluted areas of Kazakhstan / Fitorremediação como forma de limpar áreas tecnologicamente poluídas do Cazaquistão

One of the most serious problems worldwide is heavy metal (HM) pollution. HMs can have a toxic effect on human health and thus cause serious diseases. To date, several methods have been used to clean environments contaminated by HMs, but most of them are expensive, and it is difficult to achieve the desired result. Phytoremediation is currently an effective and affordable processing solution used to clean and remove HMs from the environment. This review article discusses in detail the technology of phytoremediation and mechanisms of HM absorption. In addition, methods are described using genetic engineering of various plants to enhance the resistance and accumulation of HMs. Thus, phytoremediation technology can become an additional aid to traditional methods of purification.

Um dos problemas mais graves em todo o mundo é a poluição por metais pesados (HMs). Os HMs podem ter um efeito tóxico na saúde humana e, assim, causar doenças graves. Até o momento, vários métodos têm sido utilizados para limpar ambientes contaminados por HMs, mas a maioria deles é cara, sendo difícil alcançar o resultado desejado. A fitorremediação é, atualmente, uma solução de processamento eficaz e acessível usada para limpar e remover HMs do ambiente. Este artigo de revisão discute em detalhes a tecnologia de fitorremediação e os mecanismos de absorção de HMs. Além disso, são descritos métodos que utilizam a engenharia genética de várias plantas para aumentar a resistência e o acúmulo de HMs. Assim, a tecnologia de fitorremediação pode se tornar uma ajuda adicional aos métodos tradicionais de purificação.

Beyond survival: unraveling the adaptive mechanisms of cucurbit weeds to salt and heavy metal stress through biochemical and physiological analyses / Além da sobrevivência: desvendando os mecanismos adaptativos de ervas daninhas cucurbitáceas ao sal e estresse de metais pesados por meio de análises bioquímicas e fisiológicas

Salt stress and heavy metal are instigating hazard to crops, menace to agricultural practices. Single and combined stresses affecting adversely to the growth and metabolism of plants. To explore salt and heavy metal resistant plant lines as phytoremediants is a need of time. Physiological responses are main adaptive responses of the plants towards stresses. This response varies with species and ecotype as well as type and level of stress. Two cucurbit weeds from two ecotypes were selected to evaluate their physiological adaptations against independent and combined stresses of various levels of salt (NaCl) and heavy metal (NiCl2). Various physiological parameters like water potential, osmotic potential, pressure potential, CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, and production of adaptive chemicals like SOD, CAT, proteins, sugars and proline were studied. Citrullus colocynthis showed more adaptive response than Cucumis melo agrestis and desert ecotype was more successful than agricultural ecotype against stresses.

O estresse salino e os metais pesados são um perigo instigante para as plantações e uma ameaça para as práticas agrícolas. Estresses simples e combinados afetam adversamente o crescimento e o metabolismo das plantas. Explorar linhagens de plantas resistentes a sais e metais pesados como fitorremediantes é uma necessidade de tempo. As respostas fisiológicas são as principais respostas adaptativas das plantas aos estresses. Essas respostas variam de acordo com a espécie e o ecótipo, bem como com o tipo e o nível de estresse. Duas plantas daninhas cucurbitáceas de dois ecótipos foram selecionadas para avaliar suas adaptações fisiológicas frente a estresses independentes e combinados de vários níveis de sal (NaCl) e metal pesado (NiCl2). Vários parâmetros fisiológicos, como potencial hídrico, potencial osmótico, potencial de pressão, taxa de assimilação de CO2, condutância estomática, clorofila a e b, carotenoides e produção de produtos químicos adaptativos, por exemplo, SOD, CAT, proteínas, açúcares e prolina, foram estudados. Citrullus colocynthis apresentou resposta mais adaptativa do que Cucumis melo agrestis e o ecótipo deserto foi mais bem-sucedido do que o ecótipo agrícola contra estresses.

Amazonian soil fungi are efficient degraders of glyphosate herbicide; novel isolates of Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Trichoderma / Os fungos do solo amazônico são degradadores eficientes do herbicida glifosato; novos isolados de Penicillium, Aspergillus e Trichoderma

Abstract Pesticide residues that contaminate the environment circulate within the hydrological cycle can accumulate within the food chain and cause problems to both environmental and human health. Microbes, however, are well known for their metabolic versatility and the ability to degrade chemically stable substances, including recalcitrant xenobiotics. The current study focused on bio-prospecting within Amazonian rainforest soils to find novel strains fungi capable of efficiently degrading the agriculturally and environmentally ubiquitous herbicide, glyphosate. Of 50 fungal strains isolated (using culture media supplemented with glyphosate as the sole carbon-substrate), the majority were Penicillium strains (60%) and the others were Aspergillus and Trichoderma strains (26 and 8%, respectively). All 50 fungal isolates could use glyphosate as a phosphorous source. Eight of these isolates grew better on glyphosate-supplemented media than on regular Czapek Dox medium. LC-MS revealed that glyphosate degradation by Penicillium 4A21 resulted in sarcosine and aminomethylphosphonic acid.

Resumo Resíduos de agrotóxicos que contaminam o meio ambiente circulam no ciclo hidrológico, podendo se acumular na cadeia alimentar e causar problemas tanto à saúde ambiental quanto humana. Por sua vez, microrganismos são bem conhecidos por sua versatilidade metabólica e capacidade de degradar substâncias quimicamente estáveis, incluindo xenobióticos recalcitrantes. O estudo atual se concentrou na bioprospecção nos solos da floresta amazônica para encontrar novas linhagens de fungos capazes de degradar com eficiência o herbicida onipresente na agricultura e no meio ambiente, o glifosato. Entre os 50 fungos isolados (usando meio de cultura suplementado com glifosato como única fonte de carbono), a maioria eram isolados do gênero Penicillium (60%) e os outros eram isolados de Aspergillus e Trichoderma (26 e 8%, respectivamente). Todos os 50 isolados de fungos foram capazes de usar glifosato como fonte de fósforo. Oito desses isolados cresceram melhor em meio suplementado com glifosato do que em meio Czapek Dox regular. LC-MS revelou que a degradação do glifosato por Penicillium 4A21 resultou nos metabólitos sarcosina e ácido aminometilfosfônico.

Isolation and screening of chromium resistant bacteria from industrial waste for bioremediation purposes / Isolamento e triagem de bactérias resistentes ao cromo de resíduos industriais para fins de biorremediação

Abstract Chromium (VI) a highly toxic metal, a major constituent of industrial waste. It is continuously release in soil and water, causes environmental and health related issues, which is increasing public concern in developing countries like Pakistan. The basic aim of this study was isolation and screening of chromium resistant bacteria from industrial waste collected from Korangi and Lyari, Karachi (24˚52ʹ46.0ʺN 66˚59ʹ25.7ʺE and 24˚48ʹ37.5ʺN 67˚06ʹ52.6ʺE). Among total of 53 isolated strains, seven bacterial strains were selected through selective enrichment and identified on the basis of morphological and biochemical characteristics. These strains were designated as S11, S13, S17, S18, S30, S35 and S48, resistance was determined against varying concentrations of chromium (100-1500 mg/l). Two bacterial strains S35 and S48 showed maximum resistance to chromium (1600 mg/l). Bacterial strains S35 and S48 were identified through 16S rRNA sequence and showed 99% similarity to Bacillus paranthracis and Bacillus paramycoides. Furthermore, growth condition including temperature and pH were optimized for both bacterial strains, showed maximum growth at temperature 30ºC and at optimum pH 7.5 and 6.5 respectively. It is concluded that indigenous bacterial strains isolated from metal contaminated industrial effluent use their innate ability to transform toxic heavy metals to less or nontoxic form and can offer an effective tool for monitoring heavy metal contamination in the environment.

Resumo O cromo (VI), metal altamente tóxico, é um dos principais constituintes dos resíduos industriais. É liberado no solo e na água, causa problemas ambientais e de saúde de crescente preocupação pública em países em desenvolvimento como o Paquistão. O objetivo básico deste estudo foi o isolamento e a triagem de bactérias resistentes ao cromo de resíduos industriais coletados em Korangi e Lyari, Karachi (24˚52'46,0"N 66˚59'25,7"E e 24˚48'37,5"N 67˚06'52,6"E). Do total de 53 cepas isoladas, sete cepas bacterianas foram selecionadas por enriquecimento seletivo e identificadas com base em características morfológicas e bioquímicas. Essas cepas foram designadas como S11, S13, S17, S18, S30, S35 e S48, apresentaram alta resistência aos metais contra concentrações variáveis (100-1500 mg / l) de cromo. Já as cepas S35 e S48 foram identificadas por meio da sequência 16S rRNA e apresentaram 99% de similaridade com Bacillus paranthracis e Bacillus paramycoides. Além disso, as condições de crescimento incluindo temperatura e pH foram otimizadas e ambas as cepas bacterianas apresentaram crescimento máximo na temperatura de 30 ºC, enquanto seu pH ótimo foi observado em 7,5 e 6,5, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o potencial de resistência dessas bactérias resistentes ao cromo pode ser efetivamente utilizado na remoção de cromo de efluentes industriais contaminados. Técnicas de base biológica usando bactérias ajudarão a fornecer métodos mais baratos e ecológicos de remoção, recuperação e desintoxicação de cromo.

Effects of leaf quality and colonization time on the abundance of bacteria in an experimental design

Small rivers, henceforth streams, depend on organic matter (nutrients and energy) from riparian vegetation. The quality of such allochthonous debris is determinant for the transformation of organic matter compounds, where the bacterial community has a crucial role in the final decomposition of the substrate. During bacterial colonization, debris with higher concentration of nutrients (more palatable) is prioritized, which accelerates the process. This study investigated the effects of leaf palatability of two native trees on bacterial colonization (abundance) over time, through a laboratory experiment that lasted 60 days. Values of C, N, P, C:N, C:P, polyphenols, tannins, lignin, lignin:N and leaf toughness of both species were compared. Bacterial abundance was higher in species with higher nitrogen values, although they had higher leaf toughness and more polyphenols, which differs from studies indicating that high leaf toughness represents low nutritional quality. The colonization time did not influence bacterial abundance. Therefore, processes degrading riparian vegetation and reducing nutritional quality can affect local decomposition, decreasing bacterial abundance.(AU)

Decolorization of the benzidine-based azo dye Congo red by the new strain Shewanella xiamenensis G5-03 / Descoloração do corante azo derivado da benzidina vermelho Congo por uma nova linhagem de Shewanella xiamenensis G5-03

Shewanella xiamenensis G5-03 was observed to decolorize the azo dye Congo red in synthetic wastewater. The influence of some factors on the dye decolorization efficiency was evaluated. The optimal decolorization conditions were temperature 30-35 °C, pH 10.0, incubation time 10 h, and static condition. The kinetic of Congo red decolorization fitted to the Michaelis­Menten model (Vmax = 111.11 mg L-1 h-1 and Km = 448.3 mg L-1). The bacterium was also able to degrade benzidine, a product of azo bond breakage of the Congo red, which contributed to reduce the phytotoxicity. The ability of S. xiamenensis G5-03 for simultaneous decolorization and degradation of Congo red shows its potential application for the biological treatment of wastewaters containing azo dyes.

Shewanella xiamenensis G5-03 foi capaz de descolorir o corante azo vermelho Congo em água residuária sintética. A influência de alguns fatores na eficiência da descoloração do corante foi avaliada. As condições ótimas de descoloração foram temperatura de 30-35 °C, pH 10,0 e condições estáticas. A cinética de descoloração do vermelho Congo se ajustou ao modelo de Michaelis­Menten (Vmax = 111,11 mg L-1 h-1 and Km = 448,3 mg L-1). A bactéria também foi capaz de degradar a benzidina, um produto da quebra da ligação azo do vermelho Congo, o que contribuiu para a redução da fitotoxicidade. A habilidade da S. xiamenensis G5-03 em simultaneamente descolorir e degradar o vermelho Congo demostra seu potencial de aplicação no tratamento de águas residuárias contendo corantes azo.

Production of proline and protease with different organic wastes in bacteria (Production proline and protease with organic wastes) / Produção de prolina e protease com diferentes resíduos orgânicos em bactérias (produção de prolina e protease com resíduos orgânicos)

In this study, we investigated the proline and protease production of different bacteria in several organic waste materials. Our aim was to produce proline and protease economically in waste that is abundantly available while reducing its environmental impact. 5 ml of different organic waste materials (OWW: Olive waste water; N.B: Nutrient Broth; EW: Eggshell; PBS: PBS buffer; PLW: Peach leaf wastes; TCW: Turkish coffee wastes; TWW: Tea waste water; WCW: Waste cheese whey; WFO: Waste frying oil) were placed in 10 ml grow tubes, inoculated and incubated for 24 h. Phosphate-buffered saline and 10% solutions of different organic wastes were added. These cultures were subsequently incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Cells were harvested at 24 h for L-proline assay. 1 ml of culture was transferred by pipette into an Eppendorf tube and centrifuged at 14,000 rpm for 20 min at room temperature. Cellular debris was removed by centrifuge and the supernatant was used for proline activity assays. Protease activity was determined using a modified method with casein as the substrate. We found that proline and protease can easily be produced economically using Turkish coffee wastes (TCW), Waste cheese whey (WCW) and Olive waste water (OWW) organic waste. We believe that this study will result in similar research leading to the economical use of these waste materials thus reducing their impact on the environment.

Neste estudo, investigamos a produção de prolina e protease de diferentes bactérias em diversos resíduos orgânicos. Nosso objetivo era produzir prolina e protease economicamente em resíduos que estão disponíveis em abundância, reduzindo seu impacto ambiental. Cinco ml de diferentes materiais de resíduos orgânicos (OWW: resíduos de azeitona; NB: caldo nutriente; EW: casca de ovo; PBS: tampão PBS; PLW: resíduos de folhas de pêssego; TCW: resíduos de café turco; TWW: resíduos de chá; WCW: resíduos de queijo soro de leite; WFO: óleo de fritura residual) foram colocados em tubos de cultivo de 10 ml, inoculados e incubados por 24 horas. Adicionaram-se solução salina tamponada com fosfato e soluções a 10% de diferentes resíduos orgânicos. Essas culturas foram subsequentemente incubadas a 37° C durante 24 h. As células foram colhidas às 24 h para o ensaio de L-prolina. Um ml de cultura foi transferido por pipeta para um tubo Eppendorf e centrifugado a 14.000 rpm, por 20 min, em temperatura ambiente. Os detritos celulares foram removidos por centrifugação e o sobrenadante foi usado para ensaios de atividade de prolina. A atividade da protease foi determinada usando um método modificado com caseína como substrato. Descobrimos que a prolina e a protease podem ser facilmente produzidas economicamente, usando resíduos de café turco (TCW), resíduos de soro de queijo (WCW) e resíduos orgânicos de água de oliva (OWW). Acreditamos que este estudo resultará em pesquisas semelhantes, levando ao uso econômico desses materiais residuais, reduzindo, assim, seu impacto no meio ambiente.

Biodegradation of petroleum by bacteria isolated from fishes of Indian Ocean / Biodegradação do petróleo por bactérias isoladas de peixes do oceano Índico

In this study, oil degrading bacteria discovered from fish living near the oil ports at Karachi in Pakistan were characterized. The bacteria isolated from skin, gills, and gut in fish could consume crude oil as a source of carbon and energy. Total 36 isolates were tested using Nutrient Agar (NA) and MSA media with different crude oil concentrations (0.2%, 0.5%, 0.7%, 1%, 2%, and 5%) and 4 out of 36 isolates (two Gram positive and two Gram negative bacteria) were selected for further identification. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the isolates are related to Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus flexus, Pseudomonas brenneri and Pseudomonas azotoforman. Oil degrading potential of these bacteria was characterized by GC-MS analysis of degradation of oil components in crude oil as well as engine oil. We found that one (2, 6, 10, 14-Tetramethylpentadecane) out of 42 components in the crude oil was fully eliminated and the other oil components were reduced. In addition, 26 out of 42 oil components in the engine oil, were fully eliminated and the rest were amended. Taken together, these studies identify that B. velezensis, B. flexus, P. brenneri and P. azotoforman have high oil degrading potential, which may be useful for degradation of oil pollutants and other commercial applications.

Neste estudo, bactérias degradadoras de óleo descobertas em peixes que vivem perto dos portos de petróleo em Karachi, no Paquistão, foram caracterizadas. As bactérias isoladas da pele, guelras e intestinos dos peixes podem consumir petróleo bruto como fonte de carbono e energia. No total, 36 isolados foram testados usando Agar Nutriente (NA) e meio MSA com diferentes concentrações de óleo bruto (0,2%, 0,5%, 0,7%, 1%, 2% e 5%) e 4 de 36 isolados (dois Gram positivos e duas bactérias Gram negativas) foram selecionadas para posterior identificação. O sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA revelou que os isolados estão relacionados a Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus flexus, Pseudomonas brenneri e Pseudomonas azotoforman. O potencial de degradação do óleo dessas bactérias foi caracterizado pela análise de GC-MS da degradação dos componentes do óleo no óleo cru, bem como no óleo do motor. Descobrimos que um (2, 6, 10, 14-tetrametilpentadecano) de 42 componentes do óleo cru foi totalmente eliminado e os outros componentes do óleo foram reduzidos. Além disso, 26 dos 42 componentes do óleo do motor foram totalmente eliminados e o restante corrigido. Juntos, esses estudos identificam que B. velezensis, B. flexus, P. brenneri e P. azotoforman têm alto potencial de degradação de óleo, o que pode ser útil para a degradação de poluentes de óleo e outras aplicações comerciais.

Resistance of acetylated Jacaranda copaia wood to termites and decaying fungi attack / Resistência da madeira acetilada de Jacaranda copaia ao ataque de cupins e fungos apodrecedores

The natural durability of the wood is essential for the definition of its use, and this property can be enhanced with the proper chemical treatment of the wood. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance to termites and decay fungi of Jacaranda copaia wood chemically modified through acetylation. Five experimental treatments were assessed: acetylation for 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours and a control (non-acetylated). The acetylation was carried out by immersing wood samples in acetic anhydride at 90 °C. Acetylated and control samples were subjected to the action of xylophagous termites (Nasutitermes sp.) and decaying fungi (Gloeophyllum trabeum and Trametes versicolor). The acetylation process significantly increased the resistance of Jacaranda copaia wood to the attack of the xylophagous organisms. There was no mass loss after exposure to termites of the wood in any of the acetylation treatments, while in the control wood, mass loss was 9.5%. Regarding the decaying fungi, mass loss occurred in all treatments. Acetylation for 6 and 8 hours were the most efficient chemical treatments, increasing the resistance class of the Jacaranda copaia wood to highly resistant.(AU)

A durabilidade natural da madeira é essencial para a definição de seu uso, e essa propriedade pode ser potencializada com o tratamento químico adequado da madeira. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resistência da madeira de Jacaranda copaia modificada quimicamente por acetilação a cupins e fungos apodrecedores. Cinco tratamentos experimentais foram avaliados: acetilação por 2, 4, 6 e 8 horas e um controle (não acetilado). A acetilação foi realizada por imersão das amostras de madeira em anidrido acético a 90°C. Amostras acetiladas e controle foram submetidas à ação de cupins xilófagos (Nasutitermes sp.) e fungos apodrecedores (Gloeophyllum trabeum e Trametes versicolor). O processo de acetilação aumentou significativamente a resistência da madeira de Jacaranda copaia ao ataque dos organismos xilófagos. Não houve perda de massa após exposição aos cupins da madeira em nenhum dos tratamentos de acetilação, enquanto na madeira controle a perda de massa foi de 9,5%. Em relação aos fungos em decomposição, ocorreu perda de massa em todos os tratamentos. Os tratamentos químicos mais eficientes foram os de acetilação por 6 e 8 horas, elevando a classe de resistência da madeira de Jacaranda copaia para altamente resistente.(AU)

Effect of bacterial co-culture and organic amendments on the bioremediation of hydrocarbons in a soil contaminated with spent engine oil

Bioenhancement of hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms with suitable nutrients has a huge impact in achieving positive bioremediation of polluted environments. This study was conducted to assess the bio-enhancing effect of some organic amendments on Streptococcus pyogenes andEnterococcus faecalis co-culture with a view toremediating spent engine oil (SEO) contaminated soil. Top soil (1.5 kg) was autoclaved and thereafter contaminated with SEO at three levels. The contaminated soil was inoculated with bacterial co-culture (150 mL) and subsequently bioenhanced with compost,processed cocoa pod husk (CPH) and cow dung. The factorial experiment was laid out in completely randomized design. Concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were estimated on the first day, 5th week and 10th week of incubation. Results obtained show that bacterial co-culture bioenhanced with compost produced the most significant TPH reductions (1318 and 261 mg kg-1)on 10% SEO contaminated soil at the 5th and 10th week respectively (p<0.05). Again, bacterial co-culture bioenhanced with compost produced the most significant PAH reductions (65.9 and 55.8 mg kg-1) on 10% SEO contaminated soil at the 5th and 10th week respectively (p<0.05). The significant bioremediation capabilities exhibited by the bacterial co-culture bioenhanced with organic amendments in this study has made these bioremediation agents potential candidates in remediating soils impacted with petroleum hydrocarbons.(AU)

Production of proline and protease with different organic wastes in bacteria (Production proline and protease with organic wastes) / Produção de prolina e protease com diferentes resíduos orgânicos em bactérias (produção de prolina e protease com resíduos orgânicos)

In this study, we investigated the proline and protease production of different bacteria in several organic waste materials. Our aim was to produce proline and protease economically in waste that is abundantly available while reducing its environmental impact. 5 ml of different organic waste materials (OWW: Olive waste water; N.B: Nutrient Broth; EW: Eggshell; PBS: PBS buffer; PLW: Peach leaf wastes; TCW: Turkish coffee wastes; TWW: Tea waste water; WCW: Waste cheese whey; WFO: Waste frying oil) were placed in 10 ml grow tubes, inoculated and incubated for 24 h. Phosphate-buffered saline and 10% solutions of different organic wastes were added. These cultures were subsequently incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Cells were harvested at 24 h for L-proline assay. 1 ml of culture was transferred by pipette into an Eppendorf tube and centrifuged at 14,000 rpm for 20 min at room temperature. Cellular debris was removed by centrifuge and the supernatant was used for proline activity assays. Protease activity was determined using a modified method with casein as the substrate. We found that proline and protease can easily be produced economically using Turkish coffee wastes (TCW), Waste cheese whey (WCW) and Olive waste water (OWW) organic waste. We believe that this study will result in similar research leading to the economical use of these waste materials thus reducing their impact on the environment.(AU)

Neste estudo, investigamos a produção de prolina e protease de diferentes bactérias em diversos resíduos orgânicos. Nosso objetivo era produzir prolina e protease economicamente em resíduos que estão disponíveis em abundância, reduzindo seu impacto ambiental. Cinco ml de diferentes materiais de resíduos orgânicos (OWW: resíduos de azeitona; NB: caldo nutriente; EW: casca de ovo; PBS: tampão PBS; PLW: resíduos de folhas de pêssego; TCW: resíduos de café turco; TWW: resíduos de chá; WCW: resíduos de queijo soro de leite; WFO: óleo de fritura residual) foram colocados em tubos de cultivo de 10 ml, inoculados e incubados por 24 horas. Adicionaram-se solução salina tamponada com fosfato e soluções a 10% de diferentes resíduos orgânicos. Essas culturas foram subsequentemente incubadas a 37° C durante 24 h. As células foram colhidas às 24 h para o ensaio de L-prolina. Um ml de cultura foi transferido por pipeta para um tubo Eppendorf e centrifugado a 14.000 rpm, por 20 min, em temperatura ambiente. Os detritos celulares foram removidos por centrifugação e o sobrenadante foi usado para ensaios de atividade de prolina. A atividade da protease foi determinada usando um método modificado com caseína como substrato. Descobrimos que a prolina e a protease podem ser facilmente produzidas economicamente, usando resíduos de café turco (TCW), resíduos de soro de queijo (WCW) e resíduos orgânicos de água de oliva (OWW). Acreditamos que este estudo resultará em pesquisas semelhantes, levando ao uso econômico desses materiais residuais, reduzindo, assim, seu impacto no meio ambiente.(AU)

Biodegradation of petroleum by bacteria isolated from fishes of Indian Ocean / Biodegradação do petróleo por bactérias isoladas de peixes do oceano Índico

In this study, oil degrading bacteria discovered from fish living near the oil ports at Karachi in Pakistan were characterized. The bacteria isolated from skin, gills, and gut in fish could consume crude oil as a source of carbon and energy. Total 36 isolates were tested using Nutrient Agar (NA) and MSA media with different crude oil concentrations (0.2%, 0.5%, 0.7%, 1%, 2%, and 5%) and 4 out of 36 isolates (two Gram positive and two Gram negative bacteria) were selected for further identification. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the isolates are related to Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus flexus, Pseudomonas brenneri and Pseudomonas azotoforman. Oil degrading potential of these bacteria was characterized by GC-MS analysis of degradation of oil components in crude oil as well as engine oil. We found that one (2, 6, 10, 14-Tetramethylpentadecane) out of 42 components in the crude oil was fully eliminated and the other oil components were reduced. In addition, 26 out of 42 oil components in the engine oil, were fully eliminated and the rest were amended. Taken together, these studies identify that B. velezensis, B. flexus, P. brenneri and P. azotoforman have high oil degrading potential, which may be useful for degradation of oil pollutants and other commercial applications.

Neste estudo, bactérias degradadoras de óleo descobertas em peixes que vivem perto dos portos de petróleo em Karachi, no Paquistão, foram caracterizadas. As bactérias isoladas da pele, guelras e intestinos dos peixes podem consumir petróleo bruto como fonte de carbono e energia. No total, 36 isolados foram testados usando Agar Nutriente (NA) e meio MSA com diferentes concentrações de óleo bruto (0,2%, 0,5%, 0,7%, 1%, 2% e 5%) e 4 de 36 isolados (dois Gram positivos e duas bactérias Gram negativas) foram selecionadas para posterior identificação. O sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA revelou que os isolados estão relacionados a Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus flexus, Pseudomonas brenneri e Pseudomonas azotoforman. O potencial de degradação do óleo dessas bactérias foi caracterizado pela análise de GC-MS da degradação dos componentes do óleo no óleo cru, bem como no óleo do motor. Descobrimos que um (2, 6, 10, 14-tetrametilpentadecano) de 42 componentes do óleo cru foi totalmente eliminado e os outros componentes do óleo foram reduzidos. Além disso, 26 dos 42 componentes do óleo do motor foram totalmente eliminados e o restante corrigido. Juntos, esses estudos identificam que B. velezensis, B. flexus, P. brenneri e P. azotoforman têm alto potencial de degradação de óleo, o que pode ser útil para a degradação de poluentes de óleo e outras aplicações comerciais.

Beneficial services of Glomalin and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi in degraded soils in Brazil

Reducing soil degradation and its impacts on the environment have been one of the main challenges of the 21st century, exacerbated by a direct link between increases in the human population and soil degradation that raises current and future food security concerns. Despite this, experiences worldwide reveal that degraded land restoration projects have either achieved little success or failed. Thus, understanding the underlying causes and devising appropriate restoration mechanisms is crucial. Soil amelioration using beneficial microorganisms, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), is essential and pragmatic. Glomalin, a type of glycoprotein produced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the phylum Glomeromycota, contributes to the mitigation of soil degradation. Moreover, AMF and glomalin are highly correlated with other soil physico-chemical parameters and are sensitive to changes in the environment. As a result of this, they have been recommended for monitoring the recovery of degraded soil or stages of soil degradation. In this review, we discuss the role of AMF and glomalin in the restoration of degraded soils, including improvements to the soil structure and soil organic matter (SOM), microbial activity, reduction of fertility loss, bioremediation, and mitigation of the effects of drought and saline stress. We highlight the research gaps and discuss the prospects. This knowledge will improve our understanding of the ecological conduct of glomalin and AMF, stimulate future research, and be useful to sustainable restoration of degraded lands. Furthermore, we discussed the challenges and obstacles in the legislation and future perspectives on the production of inoculants based on AMF in Brazil.

Cytotoxicity and the bioconversion strategy of Aristolochia spp

Aristolochia plants are notable from an ethnopharmacological viewpoint, but the relevance of these species for medicinal purposes has been debated because of their inherent toxicity. The convergence of these contrasting realities can be readily achieved using bioconversion methods, which have been shown to be useful tools for numerous applications, including the detoxification of biomass. In this context, methanolic extracts of leaves from Aristolochia triangularis and Aristolochia gibertii, as well as the feces of Battus polydamas larvae fed with leaves from these plants, were prepared, and their cytotoxic activities were evaluated on a human fibroblast cell line (GM07492). The leaf extracts were found to be cytotoxic, leading to reductions of 42.1 and 33.8% on cell viability, respectively, while the fecal extracts were considered inactive. In addition to evidencing the cytotoxicity of A. triangularis and A. gibertii, these findings demonstrated a potential bioconversion strategy for obtaining aristolochiaceous extracts with reduced toxicity using the larvae of a specialist phytophagous insect, thus renewing expectations in relation to the pharmacological importance of Aristolochia spp. The results were also ecologically relevant, as B. polydamas larvae were found to be able to detoxify compounds from host plants.(AU)

Cytotoxicity and the bioconversion strategy of Aristolochia spp

Aristolochia plants are notable from an ethnopharmacological viewpoint, but the relevance of these species for medicinal purposes has been debated because of their inherent toxicity. The convergence of these contrasting realities can be readily achieved using bioconversion methods, which have been shown to be useful tools for numerous applications, including the detoxification of biomass. In this context, methanolic extracts of leaves from Aristolochia triangularis and Aristolochia gibertii, as well as the feces of Battus polydamas larvae fed with leaves from these plants, were prepared, and their cytotoxic activities were evaluated on a human fibroblast cell line (GM07492). The leaf extracts were found to be cytotoxic, leading to reductions of 42.1 and 33.8% on cell viability, respectively, while the fecal extracts were considered inactive. In addition to evidencing the cytotoxicity of A. triangularis and A. gibertii, these findings demonstrated a potential bioconversion strategy for obtaining aristolochiaceous extracts with reduced toxicity using the larvae of a specialist phytophagous insect, thus renewing expectations in relation to the pharmacological importance of Aristolochia spp. The results were also ecologically relevant, as B. polydamas larvae were found to be able to detoxify compounds from host plants.(AU)

Growth and nitrogen uptake by Arthrospira platensiscultured in aquaculture wastewater from Nile tilapia reared in biofloc system

This study aimed to evaluate the growth of Arthrospira (Spirulina)platensiscultivated in Zarrouk culture medium and effluent from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in biofloc system. Four treatments were used: Control (100% Zarrouk), E50 (50% Zarrouk + 50% Tilapia effluent), E75 (25% Zarrouk + 75% Tilapia effluent), and E100 (100% Tilapia effluent), and the experiment lasted 10 days. Growth parameters such as maximum cell density (MCD), doubling time (DT), and growth rate (K) were daily evaluated, as well aspH and water temperature. In addition, the concentrations of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrite-N (NO2-N), and nitrate-N (NO3-N) were analyzed in order to compare nitrogen absorption. Among treatments, E50 and E75 obtained higher maximum cell densities and presented an exponential growth rate similar to the control treatment. Regarding the concentrations of nitrogen compounds, a significant reduction was observed in all treatments, with an NO3-Nuptake of 99%, followed by 80% of TAN and 90% of NO2-N. Thus, giving the results obtained, besides being able to grow in wastewater, A. platensis can also be used in bioremediation processes, confirming the potential of this species.

Growth and nitrogen uptake by Arthrospira platensiscultured in aquaculture wastewater from Nile tilapia reared in biofloc system

This study aimed to evaluate the growth of Arthrospira (Spirulina)platensiscultivated in Zarrouk culture medium and effluent from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in biofloc system. Four treatments were used: Control (100% Zarrouk), E50 (50% Zarrouk + 50% Tilapia effluent), E75 (25% Zarrouk + 75% Tilapia effluent), and E100 (100% Tilapia effluent), and the experiment lasted 10 days. Growth parameters such as maximum cell density (MCD), doubling time (DT), and growth rate (K) were daily evaluated, as well aspH and water temperature. In addition, the concentrations of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrite-N (NO2-N), and nitrate-N (NO3-N) were analyzed in order to compare nitrogen absorption. Among treatments, E50 and E75 obtained higher maximum cell densities and presented an exponential growth rate similar to the control treatment. Regarding the concentrations of nitrogen compounds, a significant reduction was observed in all treatments, with an NO3-Nuptake of 99%, followed by 80% of TAN and 90% of NO2-N. Thus, giving the results obtained, besides being able to grow in wastewater, A. platensis can also be used in bioremediation processes, confirming the potential of this species.(AU)

Effect of particle size on storage time of hydrated corn grain / Efeito do tamanho de partícula associado ao tempo de armazenamento do milho moído reidratado

Dry ground corn kernels are widely used as sources of energy readily available for microbial synthesis in the rumen. The objective of the present study was to measure the effect of particle size on the storage length of rehydrated and ensiled corn grain. Commercial corn was milled in 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-mm sieves, rehydrated until reaching 65% DM, and ensiled for 14, 28, and 56 days, in a completely randomized design with a 5 x 3 factorial arrangement, with six replications per treatment. PVC mini-silos were used, with dimensions of 25 cm height x 10 cm of diameter. The variables DM, MM, CP, NDF, ADF, pH, molds and yeasts count, fermentative losses, in vitro degradability and aerobic stability were subjected to analysis of variance. The Tukey test was used to compare means. LAB counts was subjected to Wilcoxon's nonparametric test, considering significance at p < 0.05. Rehydrated corn silages with smaller particles (2 and 4 mm) showed higher LAB and mold counts, higher levels of CP and EE and higher density at opening silos than that of coarser particles. However, they showed lower percentages of DM, and were susceptible to microbial attack and faster temperature increases than were coarse particles during the chosen storage times. Silage subjected to 56 days of fermentation showed lower contents of NDF, ADF and CP, lower gas losses and lower pH values in aerobiosis, and increased levels of soluble protein (A + B1 fractions), losses by effluents, number of hours to reach maximum temperature, and time to break aerobic stability. Coarse-grind silages subjected to 56 days of storage showed better chemical composition, lower LAB and mold counts, and less susceptibility to microbial degradation when exposed to air.(AU)

O milho moído seco é um dos ingredientes mais utilizados como fonte de energia rapidamente disponível para a síntese microbiana no rúmen. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do tamanho de partícula associada ao tempo de armazenamento sobre o milho moído reidratado e ensilado. Foi realizada a moagem de milho comercial em peneiras de 2, 4, 6, 8 e 10 mm, reidratado até atingir 65 % de MS e ensilado por 14, 28 e 56 dias, num delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 5x3, com seis repetições por tratamento. Foram utilizados mini-silos de PVC, de dimensões 25 cm altura x 10 cm diâmetro. Os dados referentes às variáveis MS, MM, PB, FDN, FDA, pH, contagem de bolores e leveduras, perdas fermentativas, degradabilidade in vitro e estabilidade aeróbia foram submetidas à análise de variância e o teste Tukey para comparação de médias, e a contagem de BAL foi submetida ao teste não-paramétrico de Wilcoxon, ambos considerando significância 5%. Silagens de grãos milho reidratados com partículas menores (2 e 4 mm) apresentaram maiores contagens de BAL e bolores, teores mais elevados de PB, EE e maior massa específica na abertura dos silos em relação às partículas mais grossas. Porém, demonstraram menores percentuais de MS, e foram passíveis de ataque microbiano e elevação de temperatura mais rapidamente do que partículas grossas durante os tempos de armazenamento avaliados. Silagens armazenadas por 56 dias apresentaram menores teores de FDN, FDA e PB, menores perdas por gases e menores valores de pH em aerobiose, e aumentaram a proteína solúvel (frações A + B1), as perdas por efluentes e o tempo para quebra da estabilidade aeróbia das silagens. Silagens com moagem grossa e submetidas a 56 dias de armazenamento apresentaram melhor composição bromatológica, menores contagens de BAL e bolores, e menor susceptibilidade à degradação microbiana quando expostas ao ar.(AU)