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Photo-aging promotes the inhibitory effect of polystyrene microplastics on microbial reductive dechlorination of a
Youhua Chen1, Lingfang Ni1, Qing Liu1
1Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, PR China.
Abstract:
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and microplastics (MPs) commonly co-exist in various environments. MPs inevitably start aging once they enter environment. In this study, the effect of photo-aged polystyrene MPs on microbial PCB dechlorination was investigated. After a UV aging treatment, the proportion of oxygen-containing groups in MPs increased. Photo-aging promoted the inhibitory effect of MPs on microbial reductive dechlorination of PCBs, mainly attributed to the inhibition of meta-chlorine removal. The inhibitory effects on hydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase activity by MPs increased with increasing aging degree, which may be attributed to electron transfer chain inhibition. PERMANOVA showed significant differences in microbial community structure between culturing systems with and without MPs (p < 0.05). Co-occurrence network showed a simpler structure and higher proportion of negative correlation in the presence of MPs, especially for biofilms, resulting in increased potential for competition among bacteria. MP addition altered microbial community diversity, structure, interactions, and assembly processes, which was more deterministic in biofilms than in suspension cultures, especially regarding the bins of Dehalococcoides. This study sheds light on the microbial reductive dechlorination metabolisms and mechanisms where PCBs and MPs co-exist and provides theoretical guidance for in situ application of PCB bioremediation technology.
Insights
Photo-aged microplastics (MPs) inhibit microbial dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by affecting meta-chlorine removal and enzyme activity. This impacts microbial communities, potentially hindering bioremediation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Bioremediation
Background:
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and microplastics (MPs) are persistent environmental contaminants.
- MPs undergo aging in the environment, altering their properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of photo-aged polystyrene MPs on microbial reductive dechlorination of PCBs.
- To understand the mechanisms behind MP-induced inhibition of PCB degradation.
Main Methods:
- Polystyrene MPs were subjected to UV aging treatment.
- The effect of aged MPs on microbial PCB dechlorination was assessed.
- Enzyme activities (hydrogenase, adenosine triphosphatase) were measured.
- Microbial community structure and interactions were analyzed using PERMANOVA and co-occurrence networks.
Main Results:
- Photo-aging increased oxygen-containing groups on MPs, enhancing their inhibitory effect on PCB dechlorination, particularly meta-chlorine removal.
- Inhibitory effects on hydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase activity increased with MP aging, suggesting electron transfer chain inhibition.
- MPs significantly altered microbial community structure, diversity, and interactions, leading to simpler co-occurrence networks and increased bacterial competition.
- MP effects were more pronounced in biofilms than in suspension cultures, impacting Dehalococcoides populations.
Conclusions:
- Photo-aged MPs inhibit microbial PCB dechlorination through enzyme activity suppression and altered microbial community dynamics.
- The findings provide insights into PCB and MP co-existence and offer guidance for PCB bioremediation strategies.
