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Edible mushrooms are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, but their browning affects their quality and commercial value. This article reviews various methods to inhibit polyphenol oxidase (PPO)‐induced browning in mushrooms. Physical methods such as heat treatment, low temperatures, irradiation, and ultrasound effectively reduce PPO activity but may affect mushroom texture and flavor. Chemical inhibitors, including synthetic chemicals and natural plant extracts, provide effective PPO inhibition but require careful monitoring of their content. Biological methods, including gene editing and microbial fermentation, show promise in targeting PPO genes and enhancing antioxidant production. Combining these methods offers a comprehensive strategy for preserving mushroom quality, extending shelf life, and maintaining nutritional value. Practical Application: These approaches can be applied in the food industry to improve post‐harvest mushroom preservation, enhance product quality, and reduce waste, benefiting both producers and consumers. Further research and innovation are needed to optimize the practical application of these methods in large‐scale processing and storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant concerns over energy security and environmental impact reduction will drive all stakeholders to generate proper alternative energies. Biodiesel is a prospective cleaner-burning biofuel that can contribute on addressing these concerns globally. Presently, pure biodiesel (B100) application is still facing several obstacles, principally in terms of its cold flow properties. Improvement in cold flow behavior parameters is the solution to promoting biodiesel implementation at a higher percentage and wider environmental temperature range. This study provides a detailed review of several improvement methods, both physical, chemical, and biological, from various scientific sources, to elevate the cold fluidity characteristics of biodiesel. The investigated methods convincingly offer proper enhancement in the cold flow properties of biodiesel. Mostly, this improvement is accompanied by an alleviation in oxidation stability, cetane number, and/or viscosity. However, the skeletal isomerization method presents promising cold fluidity refinement with minimal reduction in other physical properties. Therefore, the continuous development of these methods promises global sustainable application of high-quality biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic dyes, exceeding 100,000 types on the market and produced at a global scale of over 700,000 tons annually, are extensively used in the textile industry. This industry, a leading contributor to water contamination, relies on dyes like reactive, azo, anthraquinone, and triphenylmethane, resulting in substantial water usage and significant effluent generation. A significant modern challenge is the pollution caused by dye-mixed wastewater, releasing hazardous chemicals into water bodies and posing threats to ecosystems, plants, and human health. Traditionally, physicochemical techniques have addressed textile dye-containing wastewater, but their drawbacks, including cost, inefficiency, and potential secondary pollution, have steered attention towards biological alternatives. Utilizing microorganisms and enzymes, these biological methods, such as microbial cell enzyme immobilization, the biofilm technique, bioreactors, biofuel/bioelectricity production, and genetic engineering, have emerged as promising, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions for efficient dye removal from wastewater. This review paper specifically highlights advanced biological techniques and emphasizes their efficacy in addressing the challenges posed by synthetic textile dyes. Through a systematic review of recent research papers, published results, and observations, this review paper provides insights into emerging biological treatment strategies for effectively removing synthetic textile dyes and contaminants from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study outlines the characteristics of microbial aerosol emissions from bioreactors, analyzes the mechanism of microbial aerosol generation, and the effects of several factors, such as microbial growth conditions, gas composition, and gas flow rate and inlet loading, on bioaerosol emissions・ In addition, exposure risks in microbial aerosol environments and different control measures are presented as potential solutions to reduce microbial aerosol emissions・ The aim of this paper is to make more people aware of the importance of controlling microbial aerosol emissions and to make biotechnology treatment of VOCs more environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the long-term results of the study concerning the problem of substantiation of biological methods for restoring the protective functions of forest areas contaminated with toxic solid waste from the mining industry for the creation of forest plantations. The object of research was a technogenic system, including waste, technology, recultivated and non-recultivated forest areas within the boundaries of the Amur-Primorsky coniferous-broadleaf forest region of the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia. A comprehensive geoecological assessment of the impact of waste within the boundaries of non-recultivated sites on the environment and human health using various methods, namely, using mathematical apparatus and GIS technologies, made it possible to assess the ecological state of the studied area as critical and catastrophic. Biological methods have been developed to restore the protective functions of technogenically polluted forest areas with the use of microorganisms and humic preparations for the rehabilitation of areas disturbed by tin mining. The novelty of the proposed methods is confirmed by Patents of the Russian Federation. For 30 years, the technogenic landscape has been developing soils according to soil-ecological functions as close as possible to the background soils. In the same direction, the formation of not only embryozems, but also the formation of a complex plant community and the restoration of the protective functions of forest areas were found, which indicates the possibility of using recultivated areas to create forest plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the shift to forwardlooking biological methods of pest control to address environmental concerns arising from chemical use. Biological control relies on the balance of species interactions, which can be disrupted by agrotechnical practices or excess chemicals. Pheromones and hormones regulate insect behaviour without toxic effects, contributing to selectivity. Biological control research includes various strategies such as faunal composition studies and pheromone traps targeting specific pests. Pheromone traps, which use speciesspecific compounds, effectively reduce insect populations while maintaining ecological balance. Recognising pest flight patterns helps both biological and non-biological strategies for optimal interventions. This study evaluates the efficacy of pheromone traps for Cydia pomonella L. through mass male reception, revealing correlations between flight frequency and temperature. Inclement weather delayed pest flight in 2023, while pheromone control substantially reduced attacks, maintaining crop health. This research highlights the success of pheromone traps as a sustainable pest management tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a substitute for banned brominated flame retardants (BFRs), the use of organophosphate esters (OPEs) increased year by year with the increase in industrial production and living demand. It was inevitable that OPEs would be discharged into wastewater in excess, which posed a great threat to the health of human beings and aquatic organisms. In the past few decades, people used various methods to remove refractory OPEs. This paper reviewed the photocatalysis method, the adsorption method with wide applicability, and the biological method mainly relying on enzymolysis and hydrolysis to degrade OPEs in water. All three of these methods had the advantages of high removal efficiency and environmental protection for various organic pollutants. The degradation efficiency of OPEs, degradation mechanisms, and conversion products of OPEs by three methods were discussed and summarized. Finally, the development prospects and challenges of OPEs' degradation technology were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vulnerability of buildings and structures to rain and flooding due to a lack of adaptive capacity is an issue all over the world. Exploring the bio-resources availability and engineering performance is crucial to increase infrastructure's resilience. The current study analyses earth-based mortars using mineral precipitation as a biostabiliser (bio) and compares their performance with cement-based mortars. Cultures of S. oneidensis with a concentration of 2.3 × 108 cfu/mL were used to prepare earth-based and cement-based mortars with a ratio of 6% of binder. Microstructure analyses through SEM/EDS, water absorption, moisture buffering, mechanical strength, and porosity are discussed. The biostabiliser decreases water absorption in tidal-splash and saturated environments for earth and cement mortars due to calcium carbonate precipitation. The biostabiliser can prevent water migration more effectively for the cement-based (60% reduction) than for the earth-based mortars (up to 10% reduction) in the first 1 h of contact with water. In an adsorption/desorption environment, the conditions favour desorption in cem+bio, and it seems that the biostabiliser precipitation facilitates the release of the chemicals into the mobile phase. The precipitation in the earth+bio mortar porous media conditions favours the adsorption of water molecules, making the molecule adhere to the stationary phase and be separated from the other sample chemicals. The SEM/EDS performed for the mortars confirms the calcium carbonate precipitation and shows that there is a decrease in the quantity of Si and K if the biostabiliser is used in cement and earth-mortars. This decrease, associated with the ability of S. oneidensis to leach silica, is more impressive for earth+bio, which might be associated with a dissolution of silicate structures due to the presence of more water. For the tested earth-based mortars, there was an increase of 10% for compressive and flexural strength if the biostabiliser was added. For the cement-based mortars, the strength increase was almost double that of the plain one due to the clay surface negative charge in the earth-based compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental problems caused by soil contamination can cause changes in the physical, chemical and geotechnical properties of the soil. Research on a suitable method for soil improvement has focused on the use of biological methods for soil improvement and remediation. Microbial calcium carbonate precipitation has been applied to solve many geotechnical problems. In this study, sandy soil was mixed with two conventional hydrocarbon pollutants and classic soil mechanics tests (compaction, direct shear, uniaxial and permeability tests) were implemented. The use of two bacterial solutions, two-phase injection and bacterial flocculation with injection of cementation solution, produced favorable results. Considering the lower inhibition of gasoline in low dilution, it was possible to improve with both methods. In the case of soil contaminated with motor oil, limitations on the use of microbial calcium carbonate precipitation were improved with the use of bacterial flocculation. The results of this approach were more suitable because the bacteria stabilized between the soil grains. XRD, SEM, EDS and wet chemical analysis were carried out to help confirm and interpret the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Alanine (3-aminopropionic acid) is the only naturally occurring β-type amino acid. Although it is not incorporated into proteins, it has important physiological functions in the metabolism of animals, plants and microorganisms. Furthermore, it has attracted great interest due to its wide usage as a precursor of many significant industrial chemicals for medicine, feed, food, environmental applications and other fields. With the depletion of fossil fuels and concerns regarding environmental issues, biological production of β-alanine has attracted more attention relative to chemical methods. In this review, we first summarize the pathways through which natural microorganisms synthesize β-alanine. Then, the current research progress in the biological synthesis of β-alanine is also elaborated. Finally, we discuss the main problems and challenges in optimizing the biological pathways, offering perspectives on promising new biological approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food safety is a major concern in the context of rising population and decreasing earth resources. Food is often contaminated by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, which induce disease such as hemolytic uremic, irritable bowel and Guillain–Barre syndromes. Detection of pathogenic microbes is therefore essential for food safety. Detection methods include biological methods, biosensors and methods based on spectroscopy, immunology and nucleic acids. Here, we review advanced detection techniques used to analyze toxic substances in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The most important criteria for the treatments of industrial wastewater are studied. • Applications of various physico-chemical and biological methods are assessed for the treatment of industrial effluents. • Opportunities for industrial wastewater treatment methods are discussed. Despite the huge efforts to develop efficient technologies for the treatment of recalcitrant biowastes and other emerging pollutants, selecting the most sustainable method among the possible alternatives is still a formidable task. This is mainly because of the integration of technical, economic, environmental, and social criteria in decision-making process. Traditionally, various multi-criteria decision-making approaches have been adopted to integrate innumerable criteria for environmental applications. In this study, we have examined the fuzzy-Delphi approach to evaluate seventeen parameters for integrating technical, economic, environmental and social criteria in order to rank the nine treatment technologies divided in two categories (physico-chemical and biological processes). The results of this study indicated that although efficiency of treatment methods is the most important criterion, but contribution of other sustainability criteria should also be considered because they are of high importance for the selection of sustainable wastewater treatment methods. As per our proposed framework on membrane technologies (among the many other physico-chemical methods) and anaerobic sludge blanket technology (among the biological treatment methods) are the most promising approaches for the treatment of highly polluted emerging industrial pollutants. The findings of this study are fully supported by the consensus achieved by a group of fifty experts from nineteen different countries. Opportunities for the improvement of the methods as per data generated are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are toxic substances that frequently contaminate food and feed, causing adverse effects on human and animal health and significant economic losses around the world. This paper gives an overview of the current research and knowledge of mycotoxin biological detoxification methods. Biological detoxification implies the use of microorganisms and their enzymes with the aim of degrading or modifying the mycotoxin structure, resulting in the transformation of the original compounds and the formation of less toxic products, or decontamination of mycotoxins. However, previous research and findings have not yet resulted in application in the food and livestock industry, or by approving their use by legislation. Further research is needed on biodegradation mechanisms, microorganism safety, or influence of the application of biological methods on nutritional properties and resulting degradation products, so that mycotoxin biological detoxification methods can be effectively applied in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last decade has observed a rapid advancement in utilising biological system towards bioremediation of metal ions in the form of respective metal nanostructures or microstructures. The process may also be adopted for respective metal nanoparticle biofabrication. Among different biological methods, bacteria‐mediated method is gaining great attention for nanoparticle fabrication due to their eco‐friendly and cost‐effective process. In the present study, silver nanoparticle (AgNP) was synthesised via continuous biofabrication using Aeromonas veronii, isolated from swamp wetland of Sunderban, West Bengal, India. The biofabricated AgNP was further purified to remove non‐conjugated biomolecules using size exclusion chromatography, and the purified AgNPs were characterised using UV–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, the presence of proteins as capping and stabilising agents was confirmed by the amide‐I and amide‐II peaks in the spectra obtained using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The size of biofabricated AgNP was 10–20 nm, as observed using TEM. Additionally, biofabricated AgNP shows significant antibacterial potential against E. coli and S. aureus. Hence, biofabricated AgNP using Aeromonas veronii, which found resistant to a significant concentration of Ag ion, showed enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to commercially available AgNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatic plants used as spices are effective sources for food additives, used both as taste correctors and for the purpose of preserving food. The paper aims at identifying aromatic herbal extracts that summarize several qualities: to help improve the taste and olfactory qualities of food, to stimulate digestive secretions by facilitating digestion and, last but not least, to biologically preserve food, contributing to the reduction in the number and amount of synthetic additives. For this purpose, aqueous extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum ritidom, Laurus nobilis leaves and Eugenia caryophyllata floral buds, from commercial sources, were prepared. The extracts were tested on saprophytic fungi cultures, which usually infest food by causing alteration and they were obtained using the SER 148 extractor. The Aspergillus, Mucor and Penicillium cultures were made by selection from environment. The extracts of the three spice species have demonstrated significant fungal activity, inhibiting mold growth. The most powerful effect is recorded by the cloves extract, Eugenia caryophyllata, followed by the cinnamon extract. Having in view the results of these experimental studies we consider that spice extracts can be used in the medium term food storage, as they reduce the amount of synthetic preservatives and replace them by natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in coastal areas severely affected the health of ecosystem and human beings. The HABs control by biological methods, especially for biofilms, has been research hotspots in freshwater ecosystem. However, the biofilm-relating control of HABs in marine environment was very limited. In the present study, we found the population growth of two harmful algal species, Prorocentrum obtusidens Schiller (formerly P. donghaiense Lu) and Heterosigma akashiwo , were inhibited by a diatom-bacteria biofilm. The highest inhibitory rate was 79.6 ± 2.1% for P. obtusidens when co-cultured with biofilm suspension, and was 88.6 ± 5.8% for H. akashiwo when co-cultured with the biofilm filtrate without nutrient replenishment. When nitrate and phosphate were added, the inhibition rate for P. obtusidens was 72.3 ± 2.0%, but the population inhibition was not found in H. akashiwo. It suggested that P. obtusidens was mainly inhibited via interference competition, while the inhibition of H. akashiwo was resulted from exploitation competition. We further investigated the role of fatty acids for the interference competition in P. obtusidens , and found that fatty acids at their environmental-relevance concentrations can inhibit the photosynthetic capacity of P. obtusidens , but cannot inhibit the population growth. The community of biofilm shifted, and was finally dominated by the photoheterotrophic bacterium Dinoroseobacter shibae , and the diatom Fistulifera sp. with relative abundance of higher than 90%. Our study indicated that the diatom-bacteria biofilm was likely the candidate for the HABs control in marine environment. D. shibae and Fistulifera sp. were probably the effective species in the biofilm. • P. donghaiense was inhibited by biofilm via interference competition. • H. akashiwo was inhibited by the biofilm via exploitation competition. • Fatty acids were responsible for photosynthetic inhibition of P. donghaiense. • Fisfulifera sp. and D. shibae were likely effective species in the biofilm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation carried out to evaluate the influence of two types of bacteria, namely Sporosarcina pasteurii and Bacillus subtilis , with different cell concentrations (10 6 , 10 7 , 10 8 cells.ml −1 ) on the water absorption of four types of concrete aggregates. Surface deposition of calcium carbonate crystals was found to decrease water absorption by 20–30%, depending on the type of bacteria and aggregate porosity. The use of ureolytic gram-positive bacteria S. pasteurii resulted in a more pronounced decrease in the uptake of water by the aggregates. The reduced water absorption observed was possibly due to deposition on the bacteria cell walls in the pores. The results show that the aggregates retained their properties and yielded the same results after about 20 days, indicating that the deposits remained over this time period. The XRD and SEM analysis indicated the formation of calcite in bacterial aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry breeding takes place in intensive, high-production systems characterized by high animal density, which is a source of harmful emission of odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and greenhouse gases, which in turn sustain animal welfare. This study identified and examined the characteristics of chemical compounds emitted in intensive poultry farming (laying hens, broilers) and their toxicity, which led to recommending methods of deodorization. Emphasis was placed on the law relative to air purification in poultry farms. Various methods of air treatment in poultry farms have been described: the modification of animal diet to improve nutrient retention and decrease the amount of their excrement; chemical oxidation technologies (ozonation, photocatalysis, Fenton reaction); various types/brands of biofilters, bioscrubbers and membrane reactors. Numerous studies show that biofilters can reduce ammonia emissions by 51%, hydrogen sulfide by 80%, odors by 67%, while scrubbers brings down ammonia emissions by 77% and odors by 42%, and the application of UV light lowers ammonia emissions by 28%, hydrogen sulfide by 55%, odors by 69% and VOCs by 52%. The paper presents both the solutions currently used in poultry farming and those which are currently in the research and development phase and, as innovative solutions, could be implemented in the near future. [Display omitted] • Air purification technologies include chemical and biological methods. • The new solution is to reduce emissions by animal diet modification. • The greatest effectiveness is achieved using a combination of various methods. • Future research should be focused on the economic analysis of purification processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry breeding takes place in intensive, high-production systems characterized by high animal density, which is a source of harmful emission of odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and greenhouse gases, which in turn sustain animal welfare. This study identified and examined the characteristics of chemical compounds emitted in intensive poultry farming (laying hens, broilers) and their toxicity, which led to recommending methods of deodorization. Emphasis was placed on the law relative to air purification in poultry farms. Various methods of air treatment in poultry farms have been described: the modification of animal diet to improve nutrient retention and decrease the amount of their excrement; chemical oxidation technologies (ozonation, photocatalysis, Fenton reaction); various types/brands of biofilters, bioscrubbers and membrane reactors. Numerous studies show that biofilters can reduce ammonia emissions by 51%, hydrogen sulfide by 80%, odors by 67%, while scrubbers brings down ammonia emissions by 77% and odors by 42%, and the application of UV light lowers ammonia emissions by 28%, hydrogen sulfide by 55%, odors by 69% and VOCs by 52%. The paper presents both the solutions currently used in poultry farming and those which are currently in the research and development phase and, as innovative solutions, could be implemented in the near future. [Display omitted] • Air purification technologies include chemical and biological methods. • The new solution is to reduce emissions by animal diet modification. • The greatest effectiveness is achieved using a combination of various methods. • Future research should be focused on the economic analysis of purification processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and community effectiveness of larvivorous fish for the control of dengue vectors and dengue transmission, when used as a single agent or in combination with other vector control methods.Method: Comprehensive literature search of published and grey literature using PubMed, EMBASE (DMDI), Web of Science, WHOLIS, WILEY, LILACS, GIFT, Cochrane Library, ELDIS, New York Academy of Medicine Grey Literature Report and Google. All results were checked for duplicates and examined for eligibility. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using RoBANS.Results: Thirteen articles were considered eligible for inclusion. Incorporating a wide range of interventions and outcome measures, three were efficacy studies and 10 assessed community effectiveness. None of the studies were randomised or cluster-randomised controlled trials. All three efficacy studies and seven community effectiveness studies investigated fish as a single agent. All efficacy studies reported elimination of Aedes larvae from treated containers, while community effectiveness studies reported reductions in immature vector stages, two of which also detected a continuous decline over 2 years. An impact on adult mosquitoes was shown in only two community effectiveness studies. Reductions in dengue cases following intervention were reported in two studies, but it was not possible to attribute this to the intervention.Conclusion: While the use of larvivorous fish as a single agent or in combination with other control measures could lead to reductions in immature vector stages, considerable limitations in all the studies restricted any conclusions with respect to the evaluation of community effectiveness. Evidence for the community effectiveness of larvivorous fish as a single agent remains minimal and cluster-randomised controlled studies that include the assessment of impact on dengue are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2006-2014, average biological efficacy after 4 and respectively 4-6 launches with Trichogramma evanescens Westw. on annual crops (such as cabbage, corn, tomatoes, peas, sugar beet and soybean) varied in the first variant from 74% to 90.0%, whereas in the second variant varied from 60 to 81%. Pest attack on the researched agricultural crops varied from 2% to 10%, after Trichogramma launching. In the untreated field, the same index varied from 16% to 90%. During the period 2011- 2012, research studies with Trichogramma embryophagum Htg. it was applied on plum cultures in AGRO BRIO farm from rep. Moldova on a surface of 10.8 hectares against the pest Grapholitha funebrana TR. In the plum orchard, there were performed 6 launches with T. embryophagum. During the development of two generations of the plum moth (G. funebrana), it was determined the dynamics of pest eggs laying and there were constructed digital maps of the spatial distribution of eggs of G. funebrana Tr. in the field, as well as the biological efficacy of T. embryophagum. which varied from 66.6% up to 75.0%. During the 2002 to 2009 years on apple culture the T. embryophagum average efficacy in field after 4-6 treatments varied in the first variant from 74 to 90%, in the second though efficacy varied from 60 to 81%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nitrate is known as a major water pollutant. This pollutant can cause health problems such as Blue Baby syndrome in infants and cancer of the gastrointestinal tract. Lack of a comprehensive study of the methods for nitrate removal from water requires introducing recent technologies of nitrate removal, characteristics, efficiency, and the way they affect on nitrate removal and advantages and disadvantages of each. Methods: This study was carried out on the surveys accomplished in recent decades and published in databases such as Elsevier, Google Scholar, Pub med, Scopus and SID using nitrate, water resources, biological and physicochemical methods as the keywords. Results: In addition to economic efficiency, other approaches such as ion exchange, reverse osmosis, electro reduction methods, denitrification and absorption have also been respectively effective in removing nitrates. Conclusion: Regarding that removal of nitrate ion in drinking water should be in line with standards of the World Health Organization, providing an efficient method should also be dependent on considering engineering and economic aspects and regional atmospheric conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution is a major concern of the modern era as it affects all the principal aspects of the environment, especially the hydrosphere. Pollution with heavy metals has unequivocally threatened aquatic bodies and organisms as these metals are persistent, non-biodegradable, and toxic. Heavy metals tend to accumulate in the environment and eventually in humans, which makes their efficient removal a topic of paramount importance. Treatment of metal-contaminated water can be done both via chemical and biological methods. Where remediation through conventional methods is expensive and generates a large amount of sludge, biological methods are favoured over older and prevalent chemical purification processes because they are cheaper and environment friendly. The present review attempts to summarise effective methods for the remediation of water contaminated with heavy metals. We concluded that in biological techniques, bio-sorption is among the most employed and successful mechanisms because of its high efficacy and eco-friendly nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sulfur dyes are inexpensive and are used mainly for dyeing textile cellulosic materials or blends of cellulosic fibers. Sodium sulfide is fairly cheap and a traditional reducing agent used for sulfur dyeing, but it is toxic and hazardous to handle. Its use may leave harmful residues in finished fabrics and generate effluents that are difficult to treat and damaging to the environment. Textile companies face the high costs of water and wastewater, as well as strict environmental legislation. In this review, a variety of methods, including physicochemical and biological methods, are surveyed for their application to the treatment of water and wastewater containing sulfur dyes. This survey is followed by suggestions for further actions that can be taken for the improvement of the treatment processes from both economic and technical viewpoints. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent years, the green approach of nanoparticle synthesis by biological entities has been gaining great interest over various other physico-chemical methods, which are laden with many disadvantages. The important challenging issues in current nanotechnology include the development of reliable experimental techniques for the synthesis of nanoparticles of different compositions and sizes along with high monodispersity. Biological systems offer unique promising features to tailor nanomaterials with predefined properties. Fungi are the favorite choice of microorganisms due to the wide variety of advantages they offer over bacteria, yeast, actinomycetes, plants, and other physico-chemical techniques. The use of microorganisms for the deliberate synthesis of nanoparticles is a fairly new and exciting area of research with considerable potential for further development. This review describes an overview of the current green approaches for the synthesis of nanoparticles with particular emphasis on fungi, which are gaining worldwide popularity as nano-factories for the green synthesis of nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal pollution remains a global environmental challenge that poses a significant threat to human life. Various methods have been explored to eliminate heavy metal pollutants from the environment. However, most methods are constrained by high expenses, processing duration, geological problems, and political issues. The immobilization of metals, phytoextraction, and biological methods have proven practical in treating metal contaminants from the soil. This review focuses on the general status of heavy metal contamination of soils, including the excessive heavy metal concentrations in crops. The assessment of the recent advanced technologies and future challenges were reviewed. Molecular and genetic mechanisms that allow microbes and plants to collect and tolerate heavy metals were elaborated. Tremendous efforts to remediate contaminated soils have generated several challenges, including the need for remediation methodologies, degrees of soil contamination, site conditions, widespread adoptions and various possibilities occurring at different stages of remediation are discussed in detail. [Display omitted] • Impact of heavy metal toxicity towards the environment and human health. • Physical, chemical, and bioremediation approaches were used for contaminated soils. • Land filling, soil cleaning and solidification methods are well-established. • Treatability studies are crucial in the selection of soil sanitation techniques. • Future prospect and challenges of remediation would provide insights for readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Biological based techniques to remove dyes and heavy metals from wastewater. • Biological methods advance scientific prospects, problems, and the future prognosis. • View of biological based wastewater treatment and for speeding future research. • Advantages over other traditional methods, like low cost, eco-friendly approach. The pollution of the environment caused by dyes and heavy metals emitted by industries has become a worldwide problem. The development of efficient, environmentally acceptable, and cost-effective methods of wastewater treatment containing dyes and heavy metals is critical. Biologically based techniques for treating effluents are fascinating since they provide several benefits over standard treatment methods. This review assesses the most recent developments in the use of biological based techniques to remove dyes and heavy metals from wastewater. The remediation of dyes and heavy metals by diverse microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, fungi and enzymes are depicted in detail. Ongoing biological method's advances, scientific prospects, problems, and the future prognosis are all highlighted. This review is useful for gaining a better integrated view of biological based wastewater treatment and for speeding future research on the function of biological methods in water purification applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histochemistry has been developed between the morphology and functionology, employing both anatomy and biochemistry to fill up the gap between both. Histochemistry localizes chemical components of cells and tissues on histological sections by using various techniques. This field was first established by developing techniques for demonstrating phosphatase activity in 1930's. I had aimed at studying histochemistry by developing new techniques using various principles since 1950's. I had formerly proposed to classify these methods into 3 categories, i.e., chemical, physical and biological techniques. The histochemical techniques have been well developed and systematized by the end of the 20th century to demonstrate various components such as enzymes, proteins, nucleic acids, glucides, lipids, etc. As a result, many text books are now available dealing with the methodology, which has been well developed in the late 20th century to form a new scientific field which should be designated as "General Histochemistry". These techniques should be applied to all the organ systems of men and animals as applications of histochemistry to special histology. The results of these applications to all the organs should be collected to form a new field, i.e., "Histochemistry of the Organs" like the histology of the organs or special histology. These results should form a new field in medical sciences, which can be designated as "Special Histochemistry" developing to a part of the microscopic anatomy together with the special histology. These data include not only 3-dimensional structure of the organs but also the 4-dimensional structure in connection with the individual aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enzyme arylamidase [EC 3.4.11.2] catalyzes the hydrolysis of N-terminal amino acids from arylamides. Because it has been proposed that this enzyme may play a major role in nitrogen (N) mineralization in soils, studies were carried out using short-term laboratory incubations under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and chemical hydrolysis of soil organic N to assess the N mineralization in a range of 51 soils from six agroecological zones of the North Central region of the United States. The enzyme activity was assayed at its optimal pH value. With the exception of the values obtained for field-moist soils incubated under anaerobic conditions, the amounts of N mineralized by all the biological and chemical methods studied were significantly correlated with arylamidase activity, with r values of 0.54*** for the amounts of inorganic N produced under aerobic incubation, of 0.44** for anaerobic incubation of air-dried soils, of 0.53*** and 0.55*** for the amounts of ammonium (NH4+)-N released by steam distillation with PO4-B4O7 for 4 and 8 min, respectively; and of 0.49*** and 0.53*** for the amounts of NH4+-N released by steam distillation with disodium tetraborate (Na2B4O7) for 4 min or 8 min, respectively. The amounts of N extractable with hot potassium chloride (KCl) were most significantly correlated with arylamidase activity (r=0.56***). Arylamidase activity was significantly correlated with organic carbon (C) (r=0.49***), organic N (r=0.55***), and fixed ammonium (NH4+)-N (r =0.42**). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-Acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAGase, EC 3.2.1.30) is one of three enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of chitin. This hydrolysis is important in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling in soils because it participates in the processes whereby chitin is converted to amino sugars, which are major sources of mineralizable N in soils. This study investigated the relationship between N mineralization indexes and activity of β-glucosaminidase in soils from six agroecological zones of the North Central region of the United States. Nitrogen mineralization was studied by using short-term laboratory incubations under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and by hydrolysis of soil organic N by steam distillation with chemical reagents. Enzyme activity was assayed at its optimal pH value. The amounts of N mineralized by all the biological and chemical methods studied were significantly correlated with β-glucosaminidase activity, with r values of 0.73*** and 0.76*** for the amounts of released by steam distillation with PO4-B4O7 for 4 or 8 min, respectively; of 0.69*** and 0.74*** for the amounts of released with Na2B4O7 for 4 or 8 min, respectively; of 0.47*** for the amounts of inorganic N produced under aerobic incubation; of 0.80*** for amounts of inorganic N produced by incubation under anaerobic conditions of field-moist soils; and of 0.86*** for anaerobic incubation of air-dried soils. There was a significant correlation between β-glucosaminidase activity and organic C (r = 0.56***), total N (r = 0.60***), and fixed of the soils (r = 0.79***). The amounts of inorganic N released by the methods, with the exception of those under aerobic incubation, were significantly (P < 0.001) correlated with organic C and total N contents of the soils, with r values ranging from 0.65*** to 0.78*** and from 0.62*** to 0.80*** for organic C and total N, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beer corresponds to a fermented alcoholic beverage composed of several components, including purine compounds. These molecules, when ingested by humans, can be catabolized into uric acid, contributing to uric acid's level increase in serum, which may lead to hyperuricemia and gout. To assure a proper management of this disease, physicians recommend restrictive dietary measures, particularly by avoiding the consumption of beer. Therefore, it is of relevance to develop efficient methods to remove purine compounds from alcoholic beverages such as beer. In this review, we provide an introduction on fermented alcoholic beverages, with emphasis on beer, as well as its purine compounds and their role in uric acid metabolism in the human body in relation to hyperuricemia and gout development. The several reported enzymatic, biological and adsorption methods envisaging purine compounds' removal are then reviewed. Some enzymatic and biological methods present drawbacks, which can be overcome by adsorption methods. Within adsorption methods, adsorbent materials, such as activated carbon or charcoal, have been reported and applied to beer or wort samples, showing an excellent capacity for adsorbing and removing purine compounds. Although the main topic of this review is on the removal of purine compounds from beer, other studies involving other matrices rather than beer or wort that are rich in purines are included, since they provide relevant clues on designing efficient removal processes. By ensuring the selective removal of purine compounds from this beverage, beer can be taken by hyperuricemic and gouty patients, avoiding restrictive dietary measures, while decreasing the related healthcare economic burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological methods are promising treatment methods to remove pollutants from wastewater. Recently, microalgae have been proved to be of strong application potential in wastewater treatment. In this study, a microalga - antibiotic treatment system was built to evaluate the treatment capacity of microalgae in antibiotic wastewater. In the group with Chlorella pyrenoidosa , the removal rate of cefradine was 41.47 ± 0.62% after 24 h of treatment, which was 3.4 times higher than that without microalgae (12.37 ± 2.30%). Algal decomposition was the main removal mechanism. Meanwhile, the effect of multiple microalgae species on antibiotic treatment was studied. The removal rates of cefradine by C. pyrenoidosa cultivated in the filtered fluid of Microcystis aeruginosa were 75.48 ± 0.29%, which was significantly higher than those by C. pyrenoidosa only. Those indicated that multiple microalgae species strategy was a potential enhancement strategy for algae-based antibiotic treatment. Finally, amoxicillin and norfloxacin were used to study the treatment potential of this technology for more different kinds antibiotics and the integration of microalgae with activated sludge was also investigated. Amoxicillin can be quickly removed by microalgae, but the removal effect of norfloxacin by microalgae is poor. The refractory antibiotic norfloxacin can be treated by co-culturing microalgae and activated sludge. Those showed the good expansibility of microalgae-based technology. The findings indicated that with microalgae-based antibiotic removal method has good application potential, and combined with other technologies, it can effectively remove the refractory antibiotics. [Display omitted] • Algae posed good removal good removal ability for cefradine and amoxicillin. • Algal decomposition and adsorption were the main removal mechanism. • The combination of multiple microalgae was beneficial to the removal of antibiotic. • Algae-activated sludge technology was suitable for refractory antibiotic removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic inflammation-mediated disorder having systematic complications. RA triggers a self-directed inflammatory and immunological cascade that culminates in joint destruction. Though a range of treatment options are available, none of them are without adverse effects and this has led researchers to search for alternative solutions. Nanomedicine has emerged as a powerful therapeutic alternative, and selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient trace element that has a crucial role in human health and disease. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) derived from biological sources, such as plants, bacteria, fungi, and proteins, have exhibited remarkable candidate properties and toxicological profiles, and hence have shown potential to be used as antirheumatic agents. The potential of SeNPs can be attributed to the effect of functional groups bound to them, concentration, and most importantly to their nano range size. The antirheumatic effect of SeNPs is considerable due to its potential in amelioration of oxidative stress-mediated inflammation via downregulation of radical and nonradical species, markers of inflammation, and upregulation of inherent antioxidant defenses. The size and concentration impact of SeNPs has been shown in the subsequent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, the article emphasizes the role of these biogenic SeNPs as a notable option in the nanomedicine arena that needs to be further studied as a prospective remedial alternative to cure RA and medication-related adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than one half of drinking water demand in the Czech Republic is covered by surface water resources. The most frequent problems of the water treatment and supply are caused by the eutrophication of reservoirs. Biological parameters of drinking water quality based upon the microscopic analysis are included in local standards and commonly used in water works laboratories. Several new methods and criteria have been elaborated, microscopic evaluation of the separation efficiency of water treatment, categorization of microorganisms according to their separability, a screening bioassay for the assessment of biological stability of the water in course of the treatment and distribution, biological indicators of the eutrophication degree of reservoirs and their tributaries. A set of supplementary biological methods and criteria for special cases was published. Algal toxins have been detected not only in cyanobacterial water blooms in reservoirs but also in periphyton layers growing in different units of water works treatment trains. Two examples of the integrated system approach to the mater supply from eutrophicated reservoirs inclusive of proposed preventive and remedial measures are selected from a recently finished extensive research project Improvement actions in the resources protection, water works design and operation, laboratory control system and legislation are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that an effective damage detection method for model rats from macro individual to micro cellular, was applied to assess the groundwater quality from rare earth metals tailings seepage. To determine whether it is universal method for measuring the toxicological damage caused by contaminated water around other mining areas to organisms at the organ-tissue-cell-chromosome-gene level. In this study, a rare earth mining area in North China was used as research base. Firstly, the core pollution factors in surface water and groundwater from five different sites were analyzed. Then, the degree of toxicological damage to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats caused by contaminated water were systematically assessed using biological methods. Finally, the possible molecular mechanism of toxicological damage was further discussed. The synthesis results showed that the main pollution factors were some metal elements (Mn, Zn, Co, Ni) and rare earth elements (Sc, Nb, La, Ce, Pr, Dy and Y), which might cause significant DNA genetic damage to SD rats. Further, differential gene expression profile showed that DNA damage-inducible genes (Gadd45g and Ddit4), immunity-related genes (Mpo, Slpi and Elane) and two cancer-related genes (Mmp8 and Ltf) were used as a new prognostic and predictive biomarker for biosafety assessment. Therefore, this study provides a possible molecular mechanism for the toxicological damage, and also it provides a universal method to scientifically and effectively evaluate the water pollution risk for other mining areas. Unlabelled Image • A universal method for assessment water quality were established. • Mn, Zn, Co, Ni, Sc, Nb, La, Ce, Pr, Dy and Y might cause DNA damage to SD rats. • Gadd45g and Ddit4 might be used as new biomarkers for biosafety assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Biological agents or molecules from plants and microorganisms can inhibit C. sakazakii. • Most of the biological agents interfere with cell membrane integrity and functions. • Augmented biological agents with physico-chemical approaches results in better control of the C. sakazakii. Cronobacter sakazakii is an emerging foodborne pathogen, causing life-threatening infections in newborns and premature infants. Cronobacter spp. can survive under difficult processing conditions thereby contaminate the Powdered Infant Formula (PIF) during the manufacturing process. Infantile infections are associated with the consumption of contaminated PIF that was either contaminated intrinsically or extrinsically. This necessitates the development of sustainable strategies to manage the risk of Cronobacter infections. Natural methods of preservation holds promise as a viable alternative strategy to address the critical problem of emerging antimicrobial resistance and also to limit the negative effects of commonly used physico-chemical methods in food processing. The present study reviews the efficacies, potentials and developmental trends of biological antagonists and a combinatorial therapy to eliminate C. sakazakii using in vitro and in vivo methods. The mode of action of each biocontrol method has been discussed comprehensively. Most of these biocontrol agents interfere with the cell membrane integrity and its functions. However, none of the individual methods are able to eliminate the pathogen completely from the model food system i.e. reconstituted PIF. Each of the biological control strategies (agent) has its limitations in terms of their dose and method of application. A synergistic effect has been observed between the biological agent and physico-chemical treatments that may have the potential to ensure pathogen-free foods. Future research studies should evaluate the synergistic activities of these methods for their implication in infant foods as well as to understand the mechanisms of inactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Inhibitors produced by pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass inhibit microbial and enzymic processes. • The inhibitors produced during pretreatment process by different components are steadily reviewed. • The physical, chemical and biological methods used for detoxification are discussed. • The challenges and possibilities of inhibitor removal are identified. The main objective of biomass pretreatment is to separate biomass components and provide easier access with ultimate aim for lignin removal, hemicellulose protection and cellulose crystallinity reduction. Effective bioconversion with least inhibitory compound production would play a considerable role in economic practicability of the process in order to achieve economic sustainability. In this regard, detoxification is an important condition to make biomass hydrolysate acquiescent to bioconversion; also, understanding of inhibitors effect on growth and fermentation are necessary requirements for system detoxification. A number of physical, chemical and biological methods like feedstock selection, membrane selection, neutralization, use of activated charcoal etc have been recommended and developed for removal or minimizing the inhibitory compounds effect. This work reviews various inhibitory compounds produced during pretreatment methods and their removal by various processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]