Influence of redox mediators and metal ions on synthetic acid dye decolourization by crude laccase from Trametes hirsuta

In this paper, the effect of redox mediators on synthetic acid dye decolourization (Sella Solid Red and Luganil Green) by laccase from Trametes hirsuta cultures has been investigated. All the redox mediators tested, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT) and Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR), led to higher activities than those obtained without mediators addition showing the suitability of the laccase/mediator system (LMS) in the decolourization of acid dyes. HBT was by far the most effective mediator, showing a decolourization percentage of 88% in 10 min for Sella Solid Red and of 49% in 20 min for Luganil Green. On the other hand, the stability of laccase against several metal ions, normally found in textile wastewater, was assessed. Laccase was stable at a concentration of 1mM for 7d against all the metal ions tested except for Zn+2, CrO4(-2), Cd+2, Cr2O7(-2), Fe+2, Cu+2 and especially Hg+2. When the concentration was increased to 10mM laccase stability decreased against all the metals assayed, in particular against Fe+2. In addition, the effect of metal ions on the decolourization process was also studied. It was found that Hg+2 inhibited the dye decolourization process, being the presence of HBT absolutely required for dye decolourization.     

Pollution status and risk assessment of trace elements in Portuguese water,soils, sediments,and associated biota: a trend analysis from the 80s to 2021

Pollution of water bodies and sediments/soils by trace elements remains a global threat and a serious environmental hazard to biodiversity and human’s health. Globalization and industrialization resulted in the increase and availability of these substances in the environment posing unpredictable adverse effects to living organisms. To determine pollution status and risk contamination by trace elements, data available in the literature of the last 40 years on trace elements occurrence in three environmental matrices (water bodies, sediments/soils, and biota) from Continental Portugal were collected (about 90 studies). Data were compared to water and sediment quality guidelines to assess potential ecological risks. Most environmentally relevant hazardous elements include Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and As. Various studies found trace elements at levels higher than those considered safe by environmental guidelines. In surface waters, Al, Zn, Se, and Ag were found above aquatic life limits in about 60% of the reviewed papers, while Cu, Zn, and As exceed those values in more than 60% of mining waters. Hg and Cd in sediments from mining areas exceeded aquatic life limits and potential ecological risk showed extremely high risk for most of the elements. The data compiled in this review is very heterogenous, varying in terms of sampling schemes, trace elements analysed, and spatiotemporal settings. This heterogenicity leads to data differences that make meaningful comparisons difficult. Nevertheless, the compilation of scattered environmental spatial and temporal trace elements data, of either natural sources or human activity as well as the ultimate effect on biological systems, is of the upmost importance to broaden its knowledge, risk assessment, and implementation of mitigation measures.

     

Healthcare waste generation in hospitals per continent: a systematic review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - There are increasing worldwide concerns about the negative impacts of healthcare waste generated in hospitals, especially in low- and middle-income...     

The Potential of Cleaner Fermentation Processes for Bioplastic Production: A Narrative Review of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - Synthetic plastics generate major problems in landfills after their consumption for occupying high volumes and difficult the decomposition of other organic...