Clean water
UNICEF estimates that over 2.2 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean drinking water. Micro-organisms are responsible for a host of waterborne diseases, but simultaneously offer solutions in purifying water and improving sanitation. Biofertilizers offer promising solutions for reduced nutrient runoff and wastewater recycling. As well as applying microbes to combat the problem, applied microbiologists can use their knowledge of health and disease to reduce cases of waterborne disease.
News
Higher methane emissions from warmer lakes and reservoirs may exacerbate worst-case climate scenario
Emissions of the greenhouse gas methane from lakes and reservoirs risk doubling by the end of the century due to climate change according to a new study. This in turn could raise Earth’s temperature more than suggested by the UN climate panel IPCC’s current worst-case scenario.
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NewsBacteriophage characterization provides platform for rational design
Researchers have described the bacteriophage Bas63 in unprecedented detail, supporting new mechanistic understanding of how these viruses function.
NewsScientists harness algae for a greener way to create functional gold nanoparticles
Researchers have pioneered a novel, sustainable method for synthesizing functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using microalgae. This approach not only avoids the harsh chemicals used in conventional methods but also produces AuNPs that are more stable and less toxic to healthy cells.
NewsMystery toxic algae regime change in Salem’s drinking water source
A long-term analysis shows that a major Oregon reservoir abruptly swapped one type of toxic algae for another midway through the 12-year study period, absent any obvious cause.
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Microalgal-bacterial sludge offers sustainable solution for removing hormonal pollutants from wastewater
A team of researchers have revealed how microalgal-bacterial granular sludge (MBGS) can adapt and efficiently degrade estriol, a common endocrine-disrupting compound (EDC), under environmentally relevant conditions.
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NewsCAROSEL offers new ‘spin’ on monitoring water quality in real time - and tracking harmful algal blooms
Researchers can continuously track the exchanges of different forms of nitrogen between bottom sediments and the overlying water. Their novel approach enables measuring how much ammonium (NH₄⁺) is released from sediments in real time, multiple times a day, over an extended period.
NewsTiles, leaves and cotton strips offer practical, affordable method for measuring river health
With the aim of standardising methods for assessing river health and providing a simple, accessible guide for environmental management bodies, researchers analysed the performance of different materials that enable the decomposition processes and organic matter production to be measured.
NewsResearchers screen microbial strains to reduce H2S and CH4 emissions from wastewater
A new study demonstrates that S. cerevisiae and B. subtilis effectively reduce H2S and CH4 emissions from wastewater by altering microbial community composition and metabolic pathways, offering a sustainable approach for wastewater treatment.
NewsHow variations in DOM components affect the stability of microbial communities in drinking water supply systems
In large cities with multi-source and multi-plant water supply, source switching alters dissolved organic matter (DOM) and microbial communities. This study examines the impact of DOM on microbial communities in water supply systems (WSS).
NewsBiochar mediated microbial synergy in partial nitrification–anammox systems
A study investigates the role of biochar in enhancing nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) and stability in partial nitrification–anammox (PN/A) systems, focusing on its selective promotion of partial denitrification and maintaining the dynamic balance between AnAOB and denitrifying bacteria (DNB).
NewsStudy unveils effects of microplastics on the Nu River sediment microbial community and greenhouse gas emissions:
Microplastics (MPs) in river ecosystems significantly affect sediment microbial communities and biogeochemical cycling. This study compared the effects of conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) on sediment microbial communities and GHG emissions.
NewsDrones reveal unexpectedly high emissions from wastewater treatment plants
Greenhouse gas emissions from many wastewater treatment plants may be more than twice as large as previously thought. This is shown in a new study in which the researchers used drones with specially manufactured sensors to measure methane and nitrous oxide emissions.
NewsGlobal study reveals how bacteria shape the health of lakes and reservoirs
A sweeping new study has uncovered global patterns in how bacteria thrive and interact within lakes and reservoirs, offering new insights into the invisible forces that sustain freshwater ecosystems.
NewsScientists to probe how microbes break down water-soluble polymers in wastewater
Scientists and industry have teamed up to investigate how microbes in wastewater interact with and potentially biodegrade polymers called viscosifiers.
NewsStudy shows differences between documented and self-reported polio vaccination rates
Until poliovirus is eradicated worldwide, vaccination protection is important as the virus could be reintroduced at any time. Epidemiologists have now shown that many people in Germany do not know their vaccination status and cannot find it on their vaccination record.
NewsHarnessing solar energy for environmental cleanup: Iron mineral-bacterial biofilms degrade pollutants
Researchers offer a sustainable, efficient, and scalable method for addressing soil and groundwater pollution, opening new possibilities for clean-up strategies in diverse ecosystems. This process significantly enhances the degradation of antibiotics like tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) and chloramphenicol (CPL).
NewsSurprising bacteria discovery links Hawaiʻi’s groundwater to the ocean
A new species of bacteria has been discovered off the coast of Oʻahu, shedding light on how unseen microbial life connects Hawaiʻi’s land and sea ecosystems.
Long ReadsWhat are we swimming in? The growing need for Microbial Source Tracking
The pandemic changed the way many of us connect with the outdoors. Wild swimming and other aquatic pursuits have seen an increase in public interest since 2020, and with that, a heightened awareness of water quality.
NewsAlgae and water fleas in lakes: Light color influences food webs
Phytoplankton are the basic food source for many aquatic organisms. A new study shows that the light spectrum is more important for these microalgae and for lake ecosystems than previously assumed.
NewsWetland plant-fungus combo cleans up ‘forever chemicals’ in a pilot study
From a greenhouse study, researchers report that moisture-loving yellow flag irises and fungi on their roots are a promising combination for PFAS removal. As part of a constructed wetland, this pair could effectively treat contaminated wastewater.
News‘Cocktails’ of common pharmaceuticals in our waterways may promote antibiotic resistance
New research has shown, for the first time, how mixtures of commonly used medications which end up in our waterways and natural environments might increase the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
NewsLake Tahoe algae experiment suggests seasonal shifts ahead
As the climate warms and nutrient inputs shift, algal communities in cool, clear mountain lakeswill likely experience seasonal changes, according to a new study. The effects of climate warming were especially pronounced in the colder months.
NewsValorization of soybean-processing wastewater sludge via black soldier fly larvae: performance and bacterial community dynamics
A new study indicates that the valorization of soybean-processing-sourced sludge via black soldier fly larvae was achieved via functionally important BSFL intestinal microbiota, providing an efficient recycling approach for similar waste streams.