Sanitär- und Kommunaltechnik; Umwelttechnik
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Offshore wind energy plays an important role for the desired transition towards a carbon dioxide free industry within the next decades. However, the grounding of the offshore wind plants governs the overall installation process besides bureaucratic bottlenecks.
The application of lightweight principles in steel construction, e.g. the usage dissolved load-bearing structures, so called Jackets foundations, offer great potential in reducing the resource consumption, especially with respect to the needed amount of steel.
In this context this paper focuses on a fully digitalization of the welding manufacturing and as well as testing chain to enable a fully automated manufacturing as well as quality assessment of tubular nodes as key element of Jackets foundation structures. Furthermore, the relationship between the seam shape geometry and resulting fatigue strength is evaluated by numerical methods incorporating bionic principles. It is shown that tubular nodes can be welded fully automatically taking geometry tolerances into account. Moreover, the seam shape could be manufactured as requested by the numerical models which offers great potential for an extended lifetime. Subsequently, the improvements in resource efficiency and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions are evaluated by a life-cycle-assessment.
The European Commission adopted an EU
Energy Label for smartphones and tablets in June 2023. For the
first time, the EU Energy Label will depict, among energy
efficiency, also a reparability score, battery endurance, battery
lifetime, drop resistance and dust and water ingress protection.
However, does the multitude of parameters bear the risk to
confuse consumers instead of triggering environmentally
sustainable purchase decisions? In a survey in Germany,
consumers were asked to make a choice when the label does not
clearly identify the environmentally better product. Instead,
energy efficiency has to be valued against reparability,
reliability against energy efficiency, and reparability against
reliability. The sustainability lever of the different aspects is not
the same, as e.g. lifetime extension has a much more positive
environmental impact than energy efficiency in case of mobile
devices. Therefore, the question remains, whether consumers
intuitively make the right choice. Results of the survey indicate
that consumers interpret the complex label in the desired
manner and value those aspects higher, which indeed have a
more positive effect on the environment.
The overarching goal of this project is to develop a predictive model for efflux-mediated antimicrobial tolerance in bacterial multicellular assemblies. Our central hypostasis is that efflux pump activity causes emergent antibiotic tolerance of multicellular bacterial populations, through the interplay of efflux mediated spatial interactions and efflux-linked persistence. To test this hypothesis, we will use a combination of microscopy, microbial killing assays, computational modelling, and data analysis, integrating information from 3 types of multicellular assembly: colonies, cell-to-cell interactions in a monolayer microfluidic device, and 3D flow chamber biofilms. Building on our preliminary observations, we will experimentally characterize the link between colony structure and spatial patterns of efflux gene expression in strains that differ in their levels of efflux. We will develop a mathematical model to test whether local growth inhibition of neighbors due to effluxing cells, coupled with local environment-dependent regulation of efflux, can account qualitatively for these results. By including persister cell formation in our model we will predict, and measure, the emergent function of antimicrobial tolerance in our colonies. To fully understand how tolerance emerges from the interplay between efflux-mediated spatial interactions and efflux-linked persister cell formation, we need quantitative measurements at the single cell level. To this end, we will use a microfluidic setup with cells growing in a monolayer to qualify in detail the dependence of efflux expression and persister cell formation on nutrient conditions, the correlation between efflux and persister formation, and the spatial range of efflux-mediated neighbour growth inhibition. To predict and quantitatively understand the emergent multicellular function of tolerance, we will perform individual-based modelling of biofilm growth, using as input the parameters measured on the single-cell level with our microfluidics experiments. Our simulations will predict biofilm spatial structure development, patterns of efflux and persister formation and, ultimately, tolerance to antimicrobial challenge. These predictions will be directly tested in flow-cell biofilm experiments. We are currently generating acrAB-tolC knockout-strain, without efflux activity, and a strain with an inducible acrAB-tolC efflux pump. To distinguish the different strains under the microscope, they were labeled with genes encoding for different fluorescent proteins. All strains are currently characterized in terms of growth, minimum inhibitory concentration of different antimicrobial substances, colony morphology, and biofilm formation ability. On the theoretical side, we are currently working on modeling the system at various scales and degree of detail, ranging from coarse-grained continuum models to stochastic, individual-based models. Some exploratory work was doe to test existing software for individual-based modelling that may be adapted for our purpose. Furthermore, we are in the process of developing more coarse-grained models. This work involves some physiological modelling and literature search, focusing on working mechanisms of efflux pumps and kinetic models for import and export of antibiotics.
Consequences of tolerance to disinfectants on the evolution of antibiotic resistance in E. coli
(2023)
Biocides are used as disinfectants and preservatives; one important active substance in biocides is benzalkonium chloride (BAC). BAC-tolerant bacterial strains can survive short treatments with high concentrations of BAC. BAC tolerance and resistance have been linked to antibiotic resistance. Here, the selection dynamics between a BAC-tolerant Escherichia coli strain and a sensitive wild type were investigated under four conditions: in the absence of antibiotics and in the presence of three different sub-inhibitory concentrations of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin in liquid cultures. The wild type was selected over the BAC-tolerant strain in the absence of antibiotics, while the BAC-tolerant strain was selected over the wild type at all ciprofloxacin concentrations investigated, with a minimum selection concentration (MSC) of 1/10th of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the wild type. Furthermore, the evolvability of resistance of the two strains to inhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin was assessed by performing a serial dilution evolution experiment with gradually increasing ciprofloxacin concentrations. The wild type had a higher probability to develop resistance
to ciprofloxacin than the tolerant strain. By the end of the evolution experiment both strains evolved to grow at the highest ciprofloxacin concentration investigated, which was 2048 ×MIC of the wild type. The importance of these results is highlighted by the fact that concentrations of ciprofloxacin well above the calculated MSC can be found in environmental samples such as hospital wastewaters and livestock slurry. In turn, BAC is used as a disinfectant in the same settings. Thus, the selection of BAC-tolerant strains at sub-inhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin can contribute to the stabilization and spread of BAC-tolerance in natural populations. The prevalence of such strains can impair the effects of BAC disinfections.
The contamination of drinking water with pharmaceuticals represents a severe health risk. In order to monitor the drinking water quality continuously and enable quick countermeasures in case of contamination, novel sensors are required. Here, immunoanalytical methods based on the binding of the analyte to highly selective antibodies can be helpful. In this work, magnetic bead-based immunoassays (MBBAs) have been developed for the detection of two relevant contaminants of drinking water: diclofenac (DCF) and amoxicillin (AMX). In case of the latter, not only the parent drug is of interest in the risk assessment but also its hydrolysis products (HPs). In a comprehensive study, the influence of external factors and intrinsic properties of the water on the rate of hydrolysis was investigated. As the hydrolysis of AMX further impacts the recognition by the antibody, a strategy to analyze samples with unknown hydrolysis degree of AMX was established employing the enzyme β-lactamase in sample preparation. For both analytes, the MBBAs enable the fast quantification with results obtained in less than one hour which represents a major improvement over conventional immunoassays like the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared to the respective ELISAs with the same antibodies, the MBBAs further exhibit improved analytical parameters such as a broader measurement range and lower limits of detection. Due to the magnetic properties of the beads that serve as a platform for the assays, they are suitable for the mobile and automated detection at the point-of-care. An integrated diagnostic system was designed in which electrochemical detection with chronoamperometry on a microfluidic chip allows for further miniaturization of the system to enable monitoring of the drinking water quality online in water supply pipes at waterworks.
Half of the global material consumption is mineral material. The circularity is still low so that enhanced use of secondary building material is required to close loops. Three different secondary building materials are discussed based on exemplary research results: construction and demolition waste (C&D waste), soil-like material and incineration bottom ash (IBA). Focus was laid on the environmental compatibility of the materials examined mainly by standardized leaching tests. C&D waste was investigated after a wet treatment using a jigging machine, soil-like material and IBA were characterized with respect to their material composition. The environmental compatibility in particular was studied using standard leaching tests (batch tests and column tests). It was concluded that soil-like material can mostly be utilized even when the precautionary limit values set are exceeded by a factor of less than 2. For C&D waste the fine fraction below 2 mm and the content of brick material is problematic. IBA fulfills quality level HMVA-2 following German regulation. Higher quality levels of utilization might be achievable with better treatment technologies.
Calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CaSO4ᐧ0.5H2O), also known as bassanite, has been used as a precursor to produce gypsum (dihydrate, CaSO4ᐧ2H2O) for various construction and decorative purposes since prehistoric times. The main route to obtain hemihydrate is a thermal treatment of gypsum at temperatures typically between 150 °C and 200 °C to remove some of the structural water.
In this contribution, we introduce (Fig. 1) a more efficient and sustainable method (T < 100 °C) that enables the direct, rapid, and reversibly conversion of gypsum to bassanite using reusable high salinity aqueous solutions (brines with c[NaCl] > 4 M). The optimum conditions for the efficientproduction of bassanite in a short time (< 5 min) involve the use of brines with c(NaCl) > 4 M and maintaining a temperature, T > 80 °C. When the solution containing bassanite crystals is cooled down to around room temperature, eventually gypsum is formed. When the temperature is raised again to T > 80 °C, bassanite is rapidly re-precipitated. This contrasts with the typical behaviour of the bassanite phase in low salt environments.
Traditionally, hemihydrate is obtained through a solid state thermal treatment because bassanite is considered to be metastable with respect to gypsum and anhydrite in aqueous solutions, and therefore gypsum-to-bassanite conversion should not occur in water. Its very occurrence actually contradicts numerical thermodynamic predictions regarding solubility of calcium sulfate phases. By following the evolution of crystalline phases with in situ and time-resolved X-ray diffraction/scattering and Raman spectroscopy, we demonstrated that the phase stability in brines at elevated temperatures is inaccurately represented in the thermodynamic databases. Most notably for c(NaCl) > 4 M, and T > 80 °C gypsum becomes readily more soluble than bassanite, which induces the direct precipitation of the latter from gypsum. The fact that these transformations are controlled by the solution provides extensive opportunities for precise manipulation of crystal formation. Our experiments confirmed that bassanite remained the sole crystalline structure for many hours before reverting into gypsum. This property is extremely advantageous for practical processing and efficient crystal extraction in industrial scenarios.
Wet-mechanical treatment: Processing of bituminous road construction waste in a jigging machine
(2023)
Jigging machines are used in processing technology in many areas. Examples are the processing of coal, ores, and primary and secondary raw and waste materials. Even small differences in density are offen sufficient for successful sorting. In the work presented here, milled material from road construction waste contaminated with bitumen is to be separated from uncontaminated material. In this way, scarce landfill space could be saved and mineral material be returned to the material cycle.
This seminar series comprises three lectures on drones and ground robots capable of sensing chemical substances and two accompanying hands-on workshops on nano drones equipped with chemical sensors. In the first lecture, Dr. Neumann will talk on a summary of aerial robot olfaction and his research. In the second and third lectures, more details of the nano drones equipped with chemical sensors will be provided, and the participants can get hands on experience of the nano
drones in the accompanying workshops. The lectures will be given in English. This seminar series is supported by FY2023 Researcher Exchanges Program in UEC.
This seminar series comprises three lectures on drones and ground robots capable of sensing chemical substances and two accompanying hands-on workshops on nano drones equipped with chemical sensors. In the first lecture, Dr. Neumann will talk on a summary of aerial robot olfaction and his research. In the second and third lectures, more details of the nano drones equipped with chemical sensors will be provided, and the participants can get hands on experience of the nano
drones in the accompanying workshops. The lectures will be given in English. This seminar series is supported by FY2023 Researcher Exchanges Program in UEC.
This seminar series comprises three lectures on drones and ground robots capable of sensing chemical substances and two accompanying hands-on workshops on nano drones equipped with chemical sensors. In the first lecture, Dr. Neumann will talk on a summary of aerial robot olfaction and his research. In the second and third lectures, more details of the nano drones equipped with chemical sensors will be provided, and the participants can get hands on experience of the nano drones in the accompanying workshops. The lectures will be given in English. This seminar series is supported by FY2023 Researcher Exchanges Program in UEC.
Gypsum (CaSO4∙2H2O), bassanite (CaSO4∙0.5H2O), and anhydrite (CaSO4) are essential evaporite minerals for the evolution of hyper-arid surface environments on Earth and Mars (Voigt et al. 2019; Vaniman et al. 2018). The formation mechanism of especially anhydrite has been a matter of scientific debate for more than a century (van’t Hoff et al. 1903). To date, there exists no model that can reliably predict anhydrite formation at earth’s surface conditions. While thermodynamics favor its formation, it is hardly achieved on laboratory time scales at conditions fitting either the Atacama Desert on Earth, or the surface of Mars (Wehmann et al. 2023). In light of most recent developments (e.g. Stawski et al. 2016), that advocate for a complex, non-classical nucleation mechanism for all calcium sulphates, we present an analysis of natural samples from the Atacama Desert to identify key features that promote the nucleation and growth of anhydrite under planetary surface conditions. Our analyses reveal at least three distinct anhydrite facies, with differing mineralogy and micro- to nano-structures. The facies are (1) aeolian deposits with sub-μm grain sizes, (2) (sub-)surface nodules that formed from aeolian deposits and (3) selenites with secondary anhydrite rims. Possible mechanisms of their formation will be discussed.
LIBS‐ConSort: Development of a sensor‐based sorting method for construction and demolition waste
(2023)
AbstractA joint project of partners from industry and research institutions approaches the challenge of construction and demolition waste (CDW) sorting by investigating and testing the combination of laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and visual imaging. Joint processing of information (data fusion) is expected to significantly improve the sorting quality of various materials like concrete, main masonry building materials, organic components, etc., and may enable the detection and separation of impurities such as SO3‐cotaining building materials (gypsum, aerated concrete, etc.)Focusing on Berlin as an example, the entire value chain will be analyzed to minimize economic / technological barriers and obstacles at the cluster level and to sustainably increase recovery and recycling rates.The objective of this paper is to present current progress and results of the test stand development combining LIBS with NIR spectroscopy and visual imaging. In the future, this laboratory prototype will serve as a fully automated measurement setup to allow real‐time classification of CDW on a conveyor belt.
Steelmaking slag is a by-product of steel production, of which 4.5 Mt were produced in 2020 in Germany alone. It is mainly used in road construction, earthwork and hydraulic engineering. A smaller part is returned to the metallurgical cycle, used as fertiliser or landfilled.
With this use, iron oxides still contained in steelmaking slag are lost. In addition, the possibility of producing higher-grade products from steelmaking slag is foregone. In recent decades, many researchers have investigated the production of Portland cement clinker and crude iron from basic oxygen furnace slags (BOFS) via a reductive treatment. Carbothermal treatment of liquid BOFS causes a reduction of iron oxides to metallic iron, which separates from the mineral phase due to its higher density. Simultaneously, the chemical composition of the reduced slag is adapted to that of Portland cement clinker.
In this study, German BOFS was reduced in a small-scale electric arc furnace using petrol coke as a reducing agent. The resulting low-iron mineral product has a similar chemical composition to Portland cement clinker and was rich in the tricalcium silicate solid solution alite (Ca3SiO5). Based on its chemical and mineralogical composition, similar to that of Portland cement clinker, the reduced BOFS has the potential to react comparably. In our study, the reduced BOFS produced less hydration heat than OPC, and its hydraulic reaction was delayed. However, adding gypsum has shown to accelerate the hydration rate of the reduced BOFS compared to that known from the calcium silicates of Portland cement clinker.
Further research to improve the hydraulic properties of the reduced slag is essential. If successful, producing a hydraulic binder and crude iron from BOFS has economic and ecological benefits for both the cement and steel industries.
Digital twin for hydrogen refueling stations: An analytical study for safe and efficient operations
(2023)
This analytical overview is the initial study in developing the digital sensors twin for the hydrogen refueling station. The research includes a comprehensive analysis of the current literature, refueling protocol, standards, mathematical model, simulation model, and trends in digital twins and H2 technologies. Furthermore, this study has explored the various HRS attributes, such as leakage, temperature, pressure, and hydrogen flow, and identified different use cases of the hydrogen fuel station to build a digital sensor twin. Various real gas equations, such as the Van der Waals and Able-Noble equation of state (EOS), are applied to analyze the key factors and parameters affecting hydrogen and the MATLAB simulation model to validate the key elements and parameters. This study also focuses on identifying and addressing research gaps in hydrogen technology, contributing to advancing hydrogen infrastructure, and supporting the global transition to cleaner energy solutions.
Heterogeneous construction and demolition waste can be used as raw material to produce lightweight aggregates (LWA) similar to expanded clays. In the joint research project “REALight”, LWA were produced from masonry rubble in a thermal expanding process using a pilot production plant with a rotary kiln. Our research focuses on the characterisation of the novel LWA and their use in different hydraulically bound applications.
Infra-lightweight concrete (ILC) was produced with the novel LWA, which accounts for two thirds of total aggregate volume, and Celitement, which is a hydraulic binder with a low carbon footprint. Its dry bulk density is ≤ 800 kg/m³. Strength and durability properties are comparable to ILC data from the literature.
Lime-based repair mortars (LRM) containing LWA are beneficial for sandstone conservation due to their similar properties regarding porosity, water absorption and strength. A two-layer repair mortar system, which consists of a filling mortar to fill large voids and a covering mortar to modulate the surface texture to the historic sandstone, was developed.
In our contribution, we present results of the LWA characterisation according to the European standard EN 13055:2016. Requirements and challenges of the use of the novel LWA in ILC and LRM are discussed.
Gypsum (CaSO4∙2H2O) and anhydrite (CaSO4) are among the dominant evaporite minerals in the Atacama Desert [1]. They are distributed ubiquitously, and play a key role in local landscape evolution.
The formation mechanism of especially anhydrite has been a matter of scientific debate for more than a century [2]. To date, there exists no model that can reliably predict anhydrite formation at earth’s surface conditions. While thermodynamics favor its formation [3], it is hardly achieved on laboratory time scales at conditions fitting the Atacama Desert. Long induction times for nucleation have recently been modeled by Ossorio et al. [4]. However, anhydrite can be readily found in the Atacama Desert. Recently, the mineral was synthesized in flow-through reactors as a byproduct of K-jarosite dissolution at high water activity (aw=0.98) and room temperature [5], even-though the thermodynamic stability field begins only under a value of ~0.8. Additionally, recent studies investigated the nano-structure of various calcium-sulfates, which advocate for highly non-classical crystallization behavior [6]. The specific roles of particulates, ionic or organic reagents working as catalysts for the non-classical crystallization pathway remain to be determined.
Here, we present recent results from flow-through experiments as well as analyses of anhydrite samples from the Atacama Desert. Flow-through experiments were performed to systematically explore the domains of flow rate, composition, ionic-strengths and starting materials. Neither primary, nor secondary anhydrite was produced in any of these experiments. Analyses on Atacama samples reveal the existence of at least three distinct anhydrite facies, with differing mineralogy and micro- to nano-structures. The facies are (1) aeolian deposits with sub-µm grain sizes, (2) (sub-)surface nodules that formed from aeolian deposits and (3) selenites with secondary anhydrite rims. Possible mechanisms of their formation will be discussed.
Algal biofilm façades are an alternative to traditional green façades which can help to improve biodiversity and air quality within cities. They present a low maintenance approach in which subaerial algae are grown directly on concrete substrates. The intrinsic bioreceptivity of the substrate is a critical factor in successful facade colonisation. Existing research has identified several environmental and material properties which influence concrete bioreceptivity, however a consensus has yet to be made on which properties are most influential and how the interaction between properties may promote algal biofilm growth under specific conditions.
Even after autoclaving for 2 weeks in the temperature range of 120 to 200 °C, CEM I paste with a water-to-cement ratio of 0.5 still contains some low-crystalline C-S-H. The conversion of low-crystalline C-S-H to crystalline is faster with increasing temperature. The observed low-crystalline and crystalline C-S-H phases (reinhardbraunsite, jaffeite) indicate that the sampleshave not reached equilibrium yet under these experimental conditions. However, there is a good agreement between experiment and thermodynamic modelling for the other solids indicating that the used datasets are suitable for this application.
High polarity analyte(s) in aqueous media: determination of L-PFOA and L-PFOS in ground water
(2022)
The CCQM-K156 comparison was coordinated by TUBITAK UME on behalf of the Organic Analysis Working Group (OAWG) of the Comité Consultatif pour la Quantité de Matière (CCQM) for National Measurement Institutes (NMIs) and Designated Institutes (DIs) which provide measurement services in organic analysis under the 'Comité International des Poids et Mesures' Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Perfluoro alkyl substances (PFAS) such as PFOS and PFOA have been used in numerous industrial applications and products. Because of their high stability and resistance to biodegradation, atmospheric photooxidation, direct photolysis and hydrolysis, they are extremely persistent in the environment. The European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive lists PFOS as a priority hazardous substance that poses a significant risk to the aquatic environment. The use of PFOS-containing Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFFs) has been banned since June 2011 in the EU. As relatively water-soluble, effectively non-degradable compounds, PFOS and PFOA migrate to ground water. They are not removed in the conventional drinking water treatment, and therefore cause health risks in polluted areas. The EU Drinking Water Directive and the European Commission has proposed a limit value of 100 ng/L for the sum of 20 PFAS, including PFOS and PFOA.
This study provides the means for assessing measurement capabilities for determination of high polarity measurands in a procedure that requires extraction, clean-up, analytical separation and detection. Successful participation in CCQM-K156 demonstrates measurement capabilities in determining mass fraction of organic compounds, with a molecular mass of 200 g/mol to 700 g/mol, having high polarity pKow -2, in a mass fraction range from 0.5 ng/kg to 500 ng/kg in aqueous media.
Nine NMIs and DIs participated in the CCQM-K156 key comparison. Seven institutes reported their results. SPE was applied in the sample pre-treatment and LC-MS was applied for detection. All participating laboratories applied isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) techniques for quantification. Participants established the metrological traceability of their results using certified reference materials (CRMs) from NMIs with stated traceability; where commercially available high purity materials were used the purity was determined in-house. The CCQM-K156 results for L-PFOA and L-PFOS range from 2.75 ng/kg to 5.50 ng/kg with a % RSD of 19.5 % for L-PFOA and from 2.04 ng/kg to 4.45 ng/kg with a % RSD of 21.3 % for L-PFOS. The KCRV was assigned using a Hierarchical Bayesian Random Effects Model (HB REM) estimator from the values reported by six of the participants. One participant result of L-PFOS and one result of L-PFOA were excluded from the KCRV for technical reasons. The KCRV was 4.9 ng/kg ± 0.4 ng/kg for L-PFOA and 3.8 ng/kg ± 0.4 ng/kg for L-PFOS. The six institutes that were included in the assignment of consensus KCRV all agreed within their standard uncertainties.
To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
In particular, the rapid development of lateral flow assays as indispensable tools for everyone to contain the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has fuelled the global demand for analytical tests that can be used outside dedicated laboratories. In addition to their use in medical diagnostics, rapid tests and assays have become increasingly important in various fields such as food safety, security, forensics, and environmental management. The advantage is obvious: taking the assay directly to the sample minimizes the time between suspicion and decision-making, allowing faster action. Especially today, when mobile communication devices with powerful computing capabilities and built-in cameras are ubiquitous, more people than ever before around the world have the basic skills to operate a powerful detector at their fingertips. This sets the stage for a much wider use of analytical measurements in terms of prognosis and prevention, enabling professional laypersons in particular.
However, current strip-based systems are primarily focused on single parameter analysis, whether it is SARS-CoV-2 biomarkers, blood glucose levels, or lead concentrations in water samples. Industrial applications of such methods also often still rely on single-parameter assays, requiring multiple runs even for a limited number of key parameters. Overcoming these limitations depends on developing low-number multiplexing strategies that ensure robustness, reliability, speed, ease of use, and sensitivity.
This lecture will give an overview of several generic approaches developed in recent years to address these challenges. It will highlight how the synergy of supramolecular (bio)chemistry, luminescence detection, hybrid (nano)materials and device miniaturization can result in powerful (bio)analytical assays that can be used at a point-of-need.1-5 Selected examples will introduce key aspects of such systems that include tailored signaling mechanisms and recognition elements, materials functionalization and device integration, including hybrid nanomaterials, gated indicator release systems, strip modification, and smartphone-based analysis.
Gas source localization (GSL) helps mitigate the impact of industrial accidents and natural disasters. While GSL may be dangerous and time-consuming when performed by humans, swarms of agile and inexpensive nano aerial robots may increase the safety and efficiency of gas source localizations. Since the small payloads of nano aerial robots limit the sensing and computing resources, strategies adapted from biological swarms, such as colonies of social insects, are used to coordinate robot
swarms. Most swarm GSL strategies are based on the assumption that the maxima of gas concentrations are sufficiently close to the gas sources. However, prior studies have indicated that the occurrence of “bouts”, a metric for the intermittency of gas distributions, may advantageously be used as a more accurate gas source proximity indicator. This paper presents a swarm GSL strategy employing bouts as source proximity indicators and a bio-inspired pheromone system for communication. Nano aerial robots, deployed in this study, act as agents and emit
pheromone markers in an artificial environment upon detecting bouts. Leveraging the concept of artificial potential fields, the agents switch between exploiting the knowledge of the swarm by following pheromone gradients and exploring the search space by targeting a random point. The agents are repelled by each other and by walls to avoid collisions. The swarm GSL strategy is implemented into three nano aerial robots and validated in a real-world experiment in an indoor environment with a single gas source. The results indicate that the the swarm GSL strategy
presented in this paper is capable of GSL in indoor environments and that the intermittency of gas distributions is a better source proximity indicator than the mean concentration.
In construction and demolition waste (CDW) recycling, the preference to date has been to apply simple but proven techniques to sort and process large quantities of construction rubble in a short time. This contrasts with the increasingly complex composite materials and structures in the mineral building materials industry. An automated, sensor-based sorting of these building materials could complement or replace the practice of manual sorting to improve processing speed, recycling rates, sorting quality, and prevailing health conditions for the executing staff.
A joint project of partners from industry and research institutions approaches this task by investigating and testing the combination of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and visual imaging. Joint processing of information (data fusion) is expected to significantly improve the sorting quality of CDW, and may enable the detection and separation of impurities such as SO3-cotaining building materials (gypsum, aerated concrete, etc.)
We present current advances and results about the methodological development combining LIBS with NIR spectroscopy and visual imaging. Here, applying data fusion proves itself beneficial to improve recognition rates. In the future, a laboratory prototype will serve as a fully automated measurement setup to allow real-time classification of CDW on a conveyor belt.
The increasing use of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), as lightweight materials essential for the transformation, demands for a safe treatment option of carbon fiber (CF) containing waste streams. Because of their low reactivity towards oxidation processes, CF can neither be treated in a conventional nor hazardous waste incineration plant. Even the extremely high temperature in a cement rotary kiln does not lead to full conversion. To increase the sustainability of CF, other processes need to be investigated. Opening other reaction pathways, using CF waste streams as secondary resource in pyrometallurgy to replace fossil carbon, can be a solution for a safe and sustainable treatment. To support the industrial application, experiments on different scales were conducted. Here, results of thermochemical investigations, reactivity studies, crucible experiments and pilot plat trials are reported.
The increasing use of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), as lightweight materials essential for the transformation, demands for a safe treatment option of carbon fiber (CF) containing waste streams. Because of their low reactivity towards oxidation processes, CF can neither be treated in a conventional nor hazardous waste incineration plant. Even the extremely high temperature in a cement rotary kiln does not lead to full conversion. To increase the sustainability of CF, other processes need to be investigated. Opening other reaction pathways, using CF waste streams as secondary resource in pyrometallurgy to replace fossil carbon, can be a solution for a safe and sustainable treatment. After first small scale experiments, CF containing waste streams were used as reductant in a semi-industrial scale electric arc furnace (EAF). First results and impressions are presented.
Woodworms, carpet beetles, clothes moths and termites are well known pests on artifacts of cultural importance. Lately also silverfish have gained importance. Protection of our cultural heritage for future generations is not a new task but the methods have changed. Conventional use of pesticides in the past has preserved precious objects up to the presence, which otherwise probably would have been lost over time due to the destruction by insects and microbes. However, several of the objects were contaminated with poisons in such a manner that they became unsafe to be handled and thus are useless for exhibitions or scientific studies.
Today, the concept of Integrated Museum Pest Management (IMPM) provides guidance for non-residue treatments of infested objects, followed by save storage or display under pest free (or maximum pest reduced) environments. Inert fumigants, physical and biological control measure, precise monitoring, threshold evaluations and detailed knowledge of the pest`s biology are key elements within IMPM.
Woodworms, clothes moths and termites, however, are not always considered as only pests. Some professionals have also used them to produce new pieces of art or for the installation of ephemeral displays. Under more or less controlled conditions, the insects´ destructive nature on wood or textiles has been turned around to a process of creation with aesthetic or philosophical messages.
Destructive or creative - it just depends on the point of view!
Heterogeneous construction and demolition waste can be used as raw material to produce lightweight aggregates (LWA) similar to expanded clays. In the joint research project “REALight”, LWA were produced from masonry rubble in a thermal expanding process using a pilot production plant with a rotary kiln. Our research focuses on the characterisation of the novel LWA and their use in different hydraulically bound applications.
Infra-lightweight concrete (ILC) was produced with the novel LWA, which accounts for two thirds of total aggregate volume, and Celitement, which is a hydraulic binder with a low carbon footprint. Its dry bulk density is ≤ 800 kg/m³. Strength and durability properties are comparable to ILC data from the literature.
Lime-based repair mortars (LRM) containing LWA are beneficial for sandstone conservation due to their similar properties regarding porosity, water absorption and strength. A two-layer repair mortar system, which consists of a filling mortar to fill large voids and a covering mortar to modulate the surface texture to the historic sandstone, was developed.
In our contribution, we present results of the LWA characterisation according to the European standard EN 13055:2016. Requirements and challenges of the use of the novel LWA in ILC and LRM are discussed.
Melanins are organic pigments produced by most fungi. These organisms either fix these pigments in their cell wall or secrete them into their extracellular environment to protect themselves against an array of physicochemical stresses (e.g., UV irradiation, desiccation, ...). Melanin can adsorb metals like Fe. How this affects fungal uptake of Fe and deterioration of Fe-containing minerals and metals is however less known. To study this, we use the model fungi Knufia petricola A95, a rock-inhabiting fungus known to deteriorate minerals and have melanised cell walls, and Amorphotheca resinae, able to contaminate fuel tanks, secrete melanin and corrode metals. In K. petricola, we have deleted genes involved in melanin production and Fe uptake using CRISPR/Cas. Through comparison of the geochemical signatures of these gene deletion mutants with those of the wild type (WT), we explore the specific mineral/metal deterioration mechanisms of melanised fungi.
Fe isotope signatures of the biomass of melanin- and Fe uptake-deficient mutants of K. petricola revealed that Fe adsorbed either directly onto melanin or after being reduced by Fe reductases. Importantly, once adsorbed to melanin, Fe could not be mobilised and taken up into the cell: both the WT and its melanin-deficient mutant, previously grown at Fe replete conditions, showed similar growth at Fe deficient conditions.
Olivine dissolution experiments revealed that Fe oxidation inhibits dissolution. K. petricola was able to enhance dissolution when this inhibition is strongest (at pH 6) and prevented dissolution when this inhibition is weakest (at pH 4). The fungus therefore dissolves olivine by interacting with the oxidised Fe at the olivine surface. However, Fe uptake did not seem to be involved: mutants deficient in various Fe uptake mechanism dissolved olivine at the same rate as the WT. This indicates that Fe adsorption onto melanin might play a key role. This is also shown by K. petricola’s ability to enhance olivine dissolution even further if secreting a melanin precursor and A. resinae’s corrosion of carbon steel whilst secreting melanin. Combined, our results imply that the Fe adsorbed to melanin cannot be taken up but enables fungi to deteriorate Fe-containing substrates at a higher rate.
Steelmaking slag is a by-product of steel production of which 4.5 Mt were produced in 2020 in Germany alone. It is mainly used in road construction, earthwork and hydraulic engineering. A smaller part is returned to the metallurgical circle, used as fertilizer or landfilled.
With this use, iron oxides still contained in steelmaking slag are lost. In addition, the possibility of producing higher-grade products from steelmaking slag is foregone. In recent decades, many researchers have investigated the production of Portland cement clinker and crude iron from basic oxygen furnace slags (BOFS) via a reductive treatment. Carbothermal treatment of liquid BOFS causes a reduction of iron oxides to metallic iron, which separates from the mineral phase due to its higher density. Simultaneously, the chemical composition of the reduced slag is adapted to that of the Portland cement clinker.
In this study, German BOFS was reduced in a small-scale electric arc furnace using petrol coke as a reducing agent. The resulting low-iron mineral product had a similar chemical composition to Portland cement clinker and was rich in the tricalcium silicate solid solution alite (Ca3SiO5). Based on its chemical and mineralogical composition, similar to that of Portland cement clinker, the reduced BOFS has the potential to react comparably. In our study, the reduced BOFS produced less heat of hydration compared to OPC and its hydraulic reaction was delayed. However, adding gypsum has been shown to accelerate the hydration rate of the reduced BOFS compared to that known from the calcium silicates of Portland cement clinker.
Further research to improve the hydraulic properties of the reduced slag is essential. If successful, producing a hydraulic binder and crude iron from BOFS could have economic and ecological benefits for both the cement and steel industry.
Biocides are used for a wide range of purposes, including disinfectants or preservatives. They play a major role in the prevention of microbial infections in healthcare and animal husbandry. The use of biocides often leads to the discharge of active biocidal substances into wastewater streams, causing the exposure of wastewater microbial communities to subinhibitory concentrations. In turn, it is known that wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are hotspots for antibiotic resistant bacteria. Since similar mechanisms confer resistance to biocides and antibiotics, exposure to biocides can result in co-selection of antibiotic resistant bacteria in WWTP Here, we want to investigate co-selection processes of antibiotic resistance in natural WWTP microbial communities upon biocide exposure. Microbial communities were sampled at the WWTP Ruhleben in Berlin and characterized regarding their susceptibility against different clinically relevant antibiotics. To investigate the link between biocide exposure and antibiotic resistance, changes in the susceptibility level after exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of the commonly used biocide didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) will be determined by enumerating resistant and non-resistant E. coli on selective plates with and without antibiotics and DDAC. In case of antibiotics, clinical breakpoint concentrations according to EUCAST will be used to discriminate between susceptible and resistant strains. In case of DDAC (and biocides in general), clinical breakpoints do not exist. Therefore, we determined a cut-off concentration at which the majority of naturally-occurring E. coli strains cannot grow anymore based on (I) the MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) distribution, and (II) by plating wastewater communities onto selective indicator agar plates loaded with increasing DDAC concentration. Additionally, antibiotic cross-resistance will be determined by spotting single colonies, isolated from DDAC-selective plates onto antibiotic plates. The results of our experiments will help to determine selective concentrations and to estimate the risk of antibiotic co-selection and cross-resistance in microbial WWTP communities upon biocide exposure.
Background. Disinfection is an important mitigation strategy to control and prevent the spread of infections. Incomplete or incorrect usage of disinfection may promote evolution of resistance against disinfectants and antibiotics. Ideally, disinfection reduces the number of surviving bacteria and the chance for resistance evolution. Resistance describes the ability to grow in previously inhibitory concentrations of an antimicrobial, whereas tolerance is associated with enhanced survival of lethal doses. Individual bacteria from the same population can display considerable heterogeneity in their ability to survive treatment (i.e. tolerance) with antimicrobials, which can result in unexpected treatment failure.
Objective. In this study, we investigated six active substances of disinfectants, preservatives, and antiseptics against a population of E. coli to identify the presence of a tolerant subpopulation.
Methods. We performed time-kill experiments and analyzed the data with a mathematical model to statistically infer whether the data is best explained by the presence of a tolerant subpopulation.
Results. The analysis identified bimodal kill kinetics for benzalkonium chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, and isopropanol. In contrast, kill kinetics by chlorhexidine, glutaraldehyde, and hydrogen peroxide were best explained by unimodal kill kinetics. These findings have implications for the risk of disinfection failure. In addition, we are currently performing adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) experiments with the different disinfectants to investigate the potential consequences of tolerant sub-populations for the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and tolerance.
Background. Disinfection is an important mitigation strategy to control and prevent the spread of infections. Incomplete or incorrect usage of disinfection may promote evolution of resistance against disinfectants and antibiotics. Ideally, disinfection reduces the number of surviving bacteria and the chance for resistance evolution. Resistance describes the ability to grow in previously inhibitory concentrations of an antimicrobial, whereas tolerance is associated with enhanced survival of lethal doses. Individual bacteria from the same population can display considerable heterogeneity in their ability to survive treatment (i.e. tolerance) with antimicrobials, which can result in unexpected treatment failure.
Objective. In this study, we investigated six active substances of disinfectants, preservatives, and antiseptics against a population of E. coli to identify the presence of a tolerant subpopulation.
Methods. We performed time-kill experiments and analyzed the data with a mathematical model to statistically infer whether the data is best explained by the presence of a tolerant subpopulation.
Results. The analysis identified bimodal kill kinetics for benzalkonium chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, and isopropanol. In contrast, kill kinetics by chlorhexidine, glutaraldehyde, and hydrogen peroxide were best explained by unimodal kill kinetics. These findings have implications for the risk of disinfection failure. In addition, we are currently performing adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) experiments with the different disinfectants to investigate the potential consequences of tolerant sub-populations for the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and tolerance.
Surfaces of metallic copper and copper alloys effectively inactivate microorganisms and viruses. However, the exact inactivation mode is still under debate. Main factors are assumed to include direct contact with the metallic surface, influx of Cu(I)/Cu(II) ions and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are frequently reported to act antibacterial, mainly by prevention of bacterial adhesion due to a limited number of possible adhesion points or by increasing the overall surface of intrinsically antibacterial materials. In time-kill experiments with E. coli and S. aureus we analyzed the impact of LIPSS on the toxicity of metallic copper and brass. We also conducted ROS accumulation assays and conclude that the application of LIPSS is not generally straight forward to obtain or improve antibacterial surfaces. Thus, the antibacterial effects of LIPPS.
Generation of Cryomyces antarcticus mutants to explore the importance of DHN melanin for survival
(2023)
Cryomyces antarcticus, a cryptoendolithic melanized fungus endemic to Antarctica (phylum Ascomycota, class Dothideomycetes incertae sedis), has demonstrated high capability to survive extreme environmental conditions like those found in space (e.g., ionizing radiation, vacuum, microgravity), thus fueling fundamental astrobiological questions like “the search for life beyond Earth”. Its extraordinary resilience has been attributed to the presence of thick, highly melanized cell walls, which may contain both DHN and DOPA melanins. To better understand the contribution of DHN melanin to the overall resilience of C. antarcticus, we decided to generate melanin-deficient mutants by genetic engineering. For this, the melanin-PKS (polyketide synthase)- encoding ortholog was identified in the C. antarcticus CBS 116301 genome and used to design primers for re-sequencing of the capks1 locus in the strain CCFEE 515. Based on the genetic toolkit developed for the black fungus Knufia petricola, we designed a strategy for mutating capks1. Protoplasts of C. antarcticus CCFEE 515 were generated and co-transformed with a circular AMA-containing plasmid for expression and in-vivo assembly of Cas9 and two capks1-specific sgRNAs and a PCR-generated donor DNA i.e., a hygromycin resistance cassette flanked by ~75-bp-long sequences homologous to the capks1 locus. Transformation of C. antarcticus is challenging because of its very slow growth and uncertain gene copy number. It took six months from obtaining enough biomass for cell wall lysis to transferring the putatively resistant transformants for genotyping, but we eventually managed to generate three independent non-melanized (whitish) Δcapks1 mutants! We are now awaiting first complemented strains as ultimate genetic transformation control. They are considered to have a wild-type-like pigmentation due to the reintroduction of the wild-type capks1 into the Δcapks1 mutant.
Bacteria are ubiquitous and colonize all types of surfaces, including those in close proximity to humans, such as skin, food, and everyday objects. This raises the question of whether their presence represents a problem to be mitigated or a potential source of benefit to be harnessed, thereby stimulating scientific inquiry into the role of surface-associated bacteria in diverse domains ranging fromhuman health to industrial biotechnology. Aim: The objective of this project is to explore the impact of modifying surface topography on bacterial adhesion behavior. By manipulating the physical characteristics of the substrate, the attachment and detachment dynamics of bacteria can potentially be modified, leading to novel strategies for controlling bacterial colonization in various applications, such as medical devices. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were tested on LIPSS-covered Fused Silica samples.
Human-made systems, also called “build environment” or “technosphere”, sustain human comfort as well as our industrial activities. These systems have become particularly widespread since the Industrial Revolution, i.e., since the 17th century. At the same time, these technical systems – buildings, monuments, energy production, transformation and transmission, water purification and supply systems - serve as new habitats for living organisms.
Life is ubiquitously present on our planet since a very long time: the Earth is 4.54 billion years old and microbial communities have played a key role on our planet for 3.7 billion years. Once human-made system appeared, microorganisms became an integral part of all types of technosphere infrastructure as well.
Here we will illustrate biosphere-technosphere interactions using a specific example of the black fungi and their impact on the efficiency of solar (photovoltaic) panels. This expanding renewable infrastructure for electricity generation is growing on all continents - and create a specific, arid habitat for stress-tolerant black fungi.
Black fungi were once discovered in hot and cold natural deserts – and now belong to the persistent colonisers of human-made deserts of solar parks. This new niche is evolving an impressive biodiversity. So far more than 60 isolates of black fungi belonging to Arthoniomycetes, Eurotiomycetes and Dothideomycetes were obtained from solar panels in Europe and Americas. Here we will present the analysis of this emerging anthropogenic biodiversity.
Opportunities for future research in the field include quantification of the microbial load on technosphere surfaces – along with characterisation of the corresponding microbial diversity. The strategy of precise measurement and characterisation will enable us to reliably determine the beneficial and harmful functions that living microorganisms play in the functioning of energy-generating systems – and technosphere in general.
This presentation was held in an OECD Webinar introducing the newly developed and published OECD TG 125 on particle size and size distribution. The presentation is explaining the structure if the TG 125 and addresses all included methods and methodologies in a short and understandable way for the broader public. The presentation includes sections about nano-particles and nano-fibres.
Each year, an immense amount of plastic debris enters marine ecosystems, much of which ends up in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). The plastic fragments are home to a diverse community of microorganisms, and while researchers have gained a better understanding of these marine plastic biofilms, we lack insights into the physiology and genomic potential of the bacteria that colonize them. Examining the lifestyle of plastic colonizers from the GPGP is particularly intriguing, as the high concentration of plastics in this accumulation zone might allow for a microbial adaptation to this unique man-made habitat. A range of pigmentation was observed in 67 isolated strains obtained directly from plastic pieces sampled from the GPGP surface water. Sequence comparison between the cultivated bacterial strains and the 16S rRNA gene amplicon dataset confirmed that most of the cultivates could also be captured through DNA-only methods. Whole genome analysis of four taxonomically diverse representatives revealed multiple carotenoid pathways, including those to produce less common glycosylated carotenoids, like sarcinaxanthin glucoside. Further, we identified a potentially new Rhodobacteraceae species containing a photosynthetic gene cluster (PGC). Absorption analysis confirmed the actual production of the carotenoids and bacteriochlorophyll a. Floating plastics represent a habitat with strong UV-light exposure, making the protection with antioxidant carotenoids as well as the ability to use light as an energy source highly beneficial traits for plastic colonizers. Our findings indicate, that the production of pigments is a common adaption mechanism for plastic-associated bacteria, and that plastic biofilms present a so far overlooked source of rare carotenoids and light-harvesting mechanisms.
Glutaraldehyde (GTA) is commonly used to disinfect medical equipment, in animal husbandry and in hydraulic fracturing. Its wide use bears the risk that microorganisms in different environments are exposed to potentially non-lethal doses of glutaraldehyde. To date, little is known about the effects of glutaraldehyde on the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics and its role in the selection of tolerant phenotypes.
Objectives
• To determine the effect of glutaraldehyde exposure on the survival of E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa to antibiotics
• To find the mechanistic basis for antibiotic tolerance upon glutaraldehyde exposure
Materials & Methods
Four bacterial isolates were exposed to sub-inhibitory glutaraldehyde. Antibiotic tolerance was determined by time-kill assays. Regrowth dynamics (lag times) were determined with ScanLag. E. coli was further investigated, using RNAseq to identify genes and processes involved in antibiotic tolerance. Mutants of candidate genes were screened for their antibiotic tolerance and heterogeneous target gene expression under stressed and unstressed conditions.
Results
Short-term exposure to sub-inhibitory levels of glutaraldehyde induced tolerance to high doses of bactericidal antibiotics. Tolerance to antibiotics was associated with highly heterogeneous regrowth dynamics and global transcriptome remodeling. Differentially expressed genes represented diverse biological functions and cellular components, including antibiotic efflux, metabolic processes, and the cell envelope. The heterogeneous regrowth dynamics and the diversity of the differentially expressed genes are likely related to the unspecific mode-of-action of glutaraldehyde. Among the many differentially expressed genes, several genes were identified that were not previously associated with antibiotic tolerance or persistence, which, when overexpressed alone, increased antibiotic tolerance.
Conclusion
Our results highlight how the big advantage of a disinfectant, its unspecific mode-of-action, can induce transient tolerance to antibiotics in bacteria. These findings have implications for 1.) settings where disinfectants and antibiotics are used in proximity, such as hospitals and animal husbandry, and 2.) for the selection dynamics of tolerant bacteria in fluctuating environments because of the trade-off that arises from overcoming the lag phase as fast as possible and maintaining antibiotic tolerance.
Fungal biofilms on materials: describing and modelling growth of the black fungus Knufia petricola
(2023)
Fungi that grow as biofilms are associated with clinical settings as well as various cases of material fouling and material damage. Black fungi as biofilm formers have been rarely studied so far. Their conspicuous dark pigmentation, EPS production, adhesion capabilities and adaptations to stresses allow black fungi to develop biofilms on materials under harsh conditions. For example, rock-inhabiting black fungi withstand sun irradiation and dehydration and are therefore ubiquitous on arid surfaces like solar panels and marble monuments.
To understand and control their ability to colonise and deteriorate materials, one should assess and model black fungi’s growth patterns. But so far, no mathematical model has been developed to describe their growth. Knufia petricola A95, representing rock-inhabiting fungi from Chaetothyriales, is genetically amenable and can serve as a model for biofilm studies in black fungi. The primary objective of this project is to develop a growth model for K. petricola A95 which will enable to define and predict material colonisation of black fungi.
Dedicated experimental work with K. petricola will allow the quantitative assessment of the impact of environmental conditions (e.g. pH, nutrients, etc.) on the growth behaviour at the biofilm and single cells level. Data which will be used to validate and develop an individual-based model (based on the iDynoMICS modelling platform) that explains how fungal biofilms form, colonise materials, and cause deterioration.
Thus far, research has been conducted on the impact of different concentrations and sources of major elements (e.g. C, N, …), as well as trace elements (e.g. Cu, Mg, …), on the colony shape and biomass of Knufia petricola A95 biofilms. To study the behaviour of single cells, the length of the cell cycle in different growth media has been determined via the combined use of microfluidic devices and confocal microscopy.
The exponential rise in the number of fungal genomes sequenced by next-generation sequencing techniques makes it necessary to increase efforts to correctly annotate and assign gene functions. There are two possibilities to explore a genome and its gene functions. The hypothesis-based method proves the function of already existing gene/allele candidates by targeted mutagenesis - so called reverse genetics. The basis of forward genetics approaches is the random mutagenesis of the genome, followed by screening of obtained mutants for the phenotype of interest, and identification of the mutated genes in the respective mutants. This strategy is hypothesis-generating, means it is necessary to verify the relationship between the detected mutations and the observed phenotype by targeted mutagenesis of the identified gene. We developed a toolbox for editing the genome of the rock inhabitant Knufia petricola [Eurotiomycetes, Chaetothyriales] that allows the study of the phenotypic characteristics of black fungi such as the regulation of pigment synthesis, general stress responses, oligotrophy, and the unusual modes of cell division by advanced reverse and forward genetics approaches. The toolbox includes the annotated genome sequence of strain A95, efficient strategies for CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing and live-cell imaging using genetically encoded fluorescent proteins, as well as protocols for -omics approaches and for simulation of mineral weathering. A forward genetics approach using transposon mutagenesis is currently developed for identifying essential genes. The established protocols and knowledge gained from K. petricola form a starting point for making other fungi from extreme environments accessible to genetic manipulation.
Dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin is produced by diverse Ascomycetes via slightly differing biosynthetic routes. The polyketide synthases (PKS) release the heptaketide YWA1, the hexaketide AT4HN or the pentaketide T4HN. The first two products are deacetylated by ‘yellowish-green’ hydrolases to T4HN, and T4HN is further converted by a core set of enzymes to DHN. Final polymerization steps are accomplished by multicopper oxidases. DHN melanogenesis is often regulated in a spatial and temporal fashion resulting e.g., in melanized reproduction and survival structures of the foliar plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea (Schumacher 2016, Mol Microbiol). In contrast, a polyphyletic group of Ascomycetes (microcolonial fungi/ black yeasts) dwelling in hostile habitats such as bare rock surfaces in hot and cold deserts, exhibits constitutive melanogenesis. Here, DHN melanin builds a protective layer around all vegetative cells thus contributing to the survival of diverse environmental stresses even without specialized reproduction structures. For studying the relevance of constitutive DHN melanogenesis for tolerance of abiotic and biotic stresses, adhesion to substrates and subsequent damage of colonized surfaces, the rock-inhabiting fungus Knufia petricola was chosen as gene functions in this fungus can be studied by CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. The putative melanogenic genes were identified in the genome of K. petricola, deleted to confirm their involvement in DHN melanogenesis and co-expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for reconstruction of the synthesis pathway. Phenotypes of DHN-deficient mutants are studied. Here, we will discuss the role of the DHN melanin layer on the outer cell wall in tolerating UV irradiation.
Dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin is produced by diverse Ascomycetes via slightly differing biosynthetic routes. The polyketide synthases (PKS) release the heptaketide YWA1, the hexaketide AT4HN or the pentaketide T4HN. The first two products are deacetylated by ‘yellowish-green’ hydrolases to T4HN, and T4HN is further converted by a core set of enzymes to DHN. Final polymerization steps are accomplished by multicopper oxidases. DHN melanogenesis is often regulated in a spatial and temporal fashion resulting e.g., in melanized reproduction and survival structures of the foliar plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea (Schumacher 2016, Mol Microbiol). In contrast, microcolonial black fungi exhibit constitutive melanogenesis. Here, DHN melanin builds a protective layer around all vegetative cells thus contributing to the survival of diverse environmental stresses even without specialized reproduction structures. For studying the regulation and relevance of DHN melanogenesis for tolerance of abiotic and biotic stresses, adhesion to substrates and subsequent damage of colonized surfaces, the rock-inhabiting fungus Knufia petricola was chosen as gene functions in this fungus can be studied by CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. The putative melanogenic genes were identified in the genome of K. petricola, deleted to confirm their involvement in DHN melanogenesis and co-expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for reconstruction of the synthesis pathway. Phenotypes of deletion mutants are studied for specifying the functions of DHN melanin in K. petricola.
Sustainable product policy is one pillar of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. The European Commission is to begin to address recycling, recycled content and repair under the Ecodesign Directive and very likely in the announced European Sustainable Products Regulation. In addition, initiatives on recyclability and other aspects of sustainable products can be observed in France under the Ecomodulation Approach for some electrical and electronic products. Neither the Commission's ambitions nor the Ecomodulation Approach have so far led to a crucially better ecodesign of products.
Therefore, at the EU level, indices for reparability (already developed for smartphones and tablets), recyclability and recycled content of products are being discussed within the Ecodesign legislative framework in an attempt to achieve better ecodesign through advanced consumer purchasing decisions. The product standards requested by the European Commission to assess the recyclability (EN4555) and recycled content (EN4557) of energy-related products have already been published, but are purely based on a mass-based approach. Material-specific aspects such as the environmental impact or the financial, technical and redesign efforts required by manufacturers to facilitate the recycling and use of recycled materials are not addressed. Materials that are easy to recycle and use and have a high recycled content, such as copper, are treated in the same way as plastics that are difficult to recycle and use in products as post-consumer recycled plastics. Including such aspects would be essential to trigger environmentally relevant and significant improvements in product design.
Over the past century, a range of synthetic compounds have been produced to improve humanity’s quality of life. These include pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other chemical compounds that possess properties making them potentially harmful when released to the environment (e.g., ecological and health impacts to humans and animals). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of chemicals used in the formulations of thousands of consumer goods, including aqueous film-forming foams used to suppress aviation fires in training scenarios, non-stick cookware, fast-food wrappers, water-repellent fabrics, medical equipment, and plastic and leather products. Because of the recent regulations and restrictions on the use of long chain (≥C8) PFAS a significant shift in the industry towards short (C4-C7) and ultrashort (C1-C3) chain alternatives has been recognized the last years. Due to the high polarity and water solubility of ultrashort PFAS, the potential for bioaccumulation is low. However, the high persistence of ultrashort-chain PFAS will result in environmental accumulation, especially in aquatic environments, leading to potential risks for aquatic organisms and increased human external exposure through drinking water. Ultrashort PFAS like trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) are low to moderately toxic to a range of organisms. In addition, ultrashort PFAS can penetrate natural and anthropogenic barriers and eventually reach drinking water sources. Because common drinking water treatment techniques do not sufficiently remove them, they may reach human consumption. In the project we are focusing on detecting and removing PFAS, especially ultrashort-chain PFAS from contaminated groundwater. We are designing passive sampling devices, which can collect and monitor the temporal profile of PFAS species in groundwater. This will allow us to analyze PFAS contaminations in German and Israeli groundwater using state-of-the-art and novel analytical techniques and understand the extent of contamination. In addition to quantification, PFAS contaminated groundwater will be treated via a two-stage process to produce PFAS-free drinking water. As ultrashort-chain PFAS are difficult to analyze with the current target (LC-MS/MS) and sum parameter (AOF, EOF) analysis methods, we additionally using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Therefore, an analytical method based on GC-MS is in development to analyze the volatile ultrashort-chain PFAS (TFA, PFPrA, TFMS, PFEtS, PFPrS, trifluoroethanol, pentafluoropropanol and hexafluoro isopropanol) directly in contaminated groundwater samples with the headspace technique and in eluates of organic solvents from the developed passive sampler after direct injection. Moreover, a two-stages process is designed to increase the low concentrations found in groundwater using novel membranes processes such as closed-circuit reverse osmosis (CCRO) and mixed matrix composite nanofiltration membranes (MMCM). Next, the rejected streams containing higher concentrations of PFAS will be treated by coagulation, and the remaining PFAS adsorbed onto carbonaceous nanomaterials (CNMs). The DEFEAT-PFAS project will result in the development of novel tools to detect, quantify, and remove PFAS, especially ultrashort-chain PFAS from contaminated groundwater, and will acquire a new understanding of the extent of these contaminations.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals which were developed to improve humanity’s quality of life. Due to their high chemical stability and resistance to degradation by heat or acids, PFAS were used in a variety of consumer products. The continuous use of PFAS in household products and the discharge of PFAS from industrial plants into the sewer system resulted in the contamination of effluents and sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) (Roesch et al. 2022). Since sewage sludge is often used as fertilizer, its application on agricultural soils has been observed as a significant entry path for PFAS into the environment, specifically in our food chain. In Germany the sewage sludge/biosolid application on agricultural land was banned with the amendment of the German Sewage Sludge Ordinance and by 2029 sewage sludge application will be totally prohibited. However, phosphorus (P) from sewage sludge should still be recycled in WWTPs of cities with a population larger than 50,000 residents. To produce high-quality P-fertilizers for a circular economy, PFAS and other pollutants (e.g. pesticides and pharmaceuticals) must be separated from sewage sludge. Due to the strong diversity of industrial PFAS usage it is not clear if a safe application of novel recycled P-fertilizers from WWTPs can be guaranteed. Therefore, we analyzed various sewage sludges and wastewater-based fertilizers. Sewage sludge (SL) samples from various WWTPs in Germany and Switzerland, six sewage sludge ashes (SSA) from Germany, six thermally treated SL and SSA samples with different additives (temperatures: 700-1050 °C), two pyrolyzed SL samples (temperature: 400 °C) and two struvite samples from Germany and Canada were analyzed. The goal was to quantify PFAS in sewage sludges and wastewater-based P-fertilizers with the sum parameter extractable organic fluorine (EOF) by combustion ion chromatography (CIC). The results were compared with data from classical LC-MS/MS target analysis as well as selected samples by HR-MS suspect screening. The EOF values of the SLs mainly range between 154 and 538 µg/kg except for one SL which showed an elevated EOF value of 7209 µg/kg due to high organofluorine contamination. For the SSA samples the EOF values were lower and values between LOQ (approx. 60 µg/kg) and 121 µg/kg could be detected. For the pyrolyzed SLs no EOF values above the LOQ were detected. Moreover, the two wastewater-based struvite fertilizers contain 96 and 112 µg/kg EOF, respectively. In contrast to the EOF values, the sum of PFAS target values were relatively low for all SLs. Additional applied PFAS HR-MS suspect screening aimed to tentatively identify PFAS that could contribute to the hitherto unknown part of the EOF value. The majority of the detected fluorinated compounds are legacy PFAS such as short- and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCA), perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSA), polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) and perfluorophosphonic acids (PFPA). Moreover, fluorinated pesticides, pharmaceutical as well as aromatic compounds were also identified, which are all included in the EOF parameter. Our research revealed that the current PFAS limit of 100 µg/kg for the sum of PFOS + PFOA in the German Fertilizer Ordinance is no longer up to date. Since the number of known PFAS already exceeds 10,000, the ordinance limit should be updated accordingly. Recent regulations and restrictions on using long-chain PFAS (≥C8) have resulted in a significant shift in the industry towards (ultra-)short-chain alternatives, and other, partly unknown, emerging PFAS. Ultimately, also fluorinated pesticides and pharmaceuticals, which end up as ultrashort PFAS in the WWTPs, have to be considered as possible pollutants in fertilizers from wastewater, too.
The phylogeny of the Blattodea boasts a wide degree of sociality spanning from solitary cockroaches to advanced ecosystem-dominating higher termite societies. The emergence of sociality in the termites was associated with the acquisition of a diverse range of social structures and differential expression of specific gene network. Previous work has found evidence for a caste-specific social defence system in termites leading to an immune system that may favour group over individual defence. While preliminary work suggests a correlation between social transitions and a reduction of immune gene family diversity, the lack of available high-quality termite genomes hampers complete knowledge of the true diversity of immune gene evolution across termite phylogeny. Here, we report on the sequencing and assembly of 50 high-quality long-read-based genomes and 180 caste- and sex-specific brain transcriptomes across major termite and cockroach sister-branch lineage. We investigate the diversity and evolutionary history of immune genes across genomes, and the potential gene networks that have evolved with the emergence of termite sociality and some aspect of immune related behaviours.
Adipokinetic hormone (AKH) is a neuropeptide produced in the insect corpora cardiaca that plays an essential role in mobilizing carbohydrates and lipids from the fat body to the hemolymph. AKH acts by binding to a rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), the adipokinetic hormone receptor (AKHR). In this study, we tackle AKH ligand and receptor gene evolution as well as the evolutionary origins of AKH gene paralogues from the order Blattodea (termites and cockroaches). Phylogenetic analyses of AKH precursor sequences point to an ancient AKH gene duplication event in the common ancestor of Blaberoidea, yielding a new group of putative decapeptides. In total, 16 different AKH peptides from 90 species were obtained. Two octapeptides and seven putatively novel decapeptides are predicted for the first time. AKH receptor (AKHRs) sequences from 18 species, spanning solitary cockroaches and subsocial woodroaches as well as lower and higher termites, were subsequently acquired using classical molecular methods and in silico approaches employing transcriptomic data. Aligned AKHR open reading frames revealed 7 highly conserved transmembrane regions, a typical arrangement for GPCRs. Phylogenetic analyses based on AKHR sequences support accepted relationships among termite and cockroach lineages to a large extent, while putative post-translational modification sites do not greatly differ between solitary and subsocial roaches and social termites. This study provides important information not only for AKH and AKHR functional research but also for further analyses interested in their development as potential candidates for biorational pest control agents against invasive termites and cockroaches.
Insecta is one of the most diverse phyla in the animal kingdom, with species living in all types of habitats encountering an even greater diversity of pathogens and parasites. Defence strategies against such harmful threats led to a variety of molecular mechanisms, ecological shifts, and genetic innovations. Gene families underlying the molecular basis of the immune responses have evolved within the boundaries given by the species ecology. Here, we explore the evolution of some emblematic immune gene families throughout the Insecta phylum shedding light on remarkable genetic events such as gene duplication or gene loss. We followed a workflow based on the Hidden Markov model to search for immune genes in 55 high-quality genomes of insects. We highlight the emergence of group defence in social species as an ecological shift that released selection pressure on immune gene families notably in Blattodea. Further, we draw attention to certain gene families and the link between their diversity and the specificities of the species’ microbiota. Overall, we report data on immune gene diversity in insects.
Harnessing near-chromosome level quality genomes to explore the evolution of termite immunity
(2023)
The phylogeny of the Blattodea boasts a wide degree of sociality spanning from solitary cockroaches to advanced ecosystem-dominating higher termite societies. The emergence of sociality in termites was associated with the acquisition of a diverse range of social structures. Previous work has found evidence for a caste-specific social defence system in termites leading to an immune system that may favour group over individual defence. While preliminary work suggests a correlation between social transitions and a reduction of immune gene family diversity, the lack of available high-quality termite genomes hampers complete knowledge of the true diversity of immune gene evolution across termite phylogeny. Here, we report on the sequencing and near-chromosome level assembly of 48 high-quality long-read-based genomes across major termite and cockroach sister-branch lineages. We investigate the diversity and evolutionary history of immune genes across genomes, focusing particular attention on correlations between immune gene evolution and transitions in sociality over termite phylogeny.
The accelerating climate crisis results in a rising demand for ecologically driven concepts. Regarding construction, this does not only include environmentally friendly materials but also the establishment of greenery in urban regions.
This contribution presents the progress of two projects in which textured concrete slabs were designed to grow a stable biofilm of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. The greened panels represent an alternative to classic fa9ade greening with plants. Current literature suggests that the development of bioreceptive surface materials in the construction sector is difficult because there are no standardized methodological approaches for measuring said bioreceptivity. Therefore, the long-term. ahn is proposing a suitable measurement concept combining material Science and biology. Among other things, the intrinsic Substrate property pH value is expected to have a significant influence on biological colonization. In the current contribution the focus lies on the theoretical approach and design of experiment regarding this parameter.
Available experimental data will be presented.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large, ever-growing and widely used class of chemicals. Due to the strength of the C-F bond, they do not decompose but accumulate in the environment posing a risk for nature and humans alike. While the use of some PFAS, like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is already regulated in the EU, new ‘precursor’ substances are used to replace them. However, these precursors may be equally harmful to the environment.
In recent years, many ‘hot spot’ sites with high PFAS contaminations in soil have been distinguished, but no German-wide background values have been determined yet. Knowing these background values is crucial to understand the degree of PFAS contamination, underpinning future regulatory decisions.
Due to the complexity and variety of different PFAS compounds, one needs to apply a broad spectrum of different techniques to capture most of the PFAS content in one sample.
In the framework of this project, 600 soil samples are taken at different sites all over Germany. The concentration of 30 PFAS - 13 carboxylic acids (C4-C18), 5 sulfonic acids (C4-C10) and 12 precursor substances) - is determined in these soil samples using three different sample preparation approaches: 1) ultrasonic extraction of the soil samples with Methanol; 2) preparation of eluates to test the leaching behaviour of the PFAS and 3) TOP assays following the method published by Houtz & Sedlak.
Targeted LC-MS/MS is used to determine PFAS concentration after all three preparation steps.
For the TOP-assay, the concentration of all 30 PFAS is compared prior to and after the oxidation reaction.
Besides the ‘classic’ TOP-Assay, two other TOP-Assay approaches, the dTOP Assay and the photoTOP-Assay, are tested and the results of all three approaches are compared. First, all three TOP-Assay approaches will be tested on a reference soil spiked with a solution including all 30 PFAS measured in the project. Later, soil samples taken in the frame of the priorly described project will be tested.
This poster will focus on the results of the experiments comparing the three different TOP Assay approaches in spiked reference soil. Additionally, some of the results of the other sample preparation methods, extraction and eluate preparation will be presented.
Fused filament fabrication (FFF) on desktop 3D printers is a material extrusion-based technique often used by educational institutions, small enterprises and private households. Polymeric filaments are melted and extruded through a heated nozzle to form a 3D object in layers. The extrusion temperature is therefore a key parameter for a successful print job, but also one of the main driving factors for the emission of harmful air pollutants, namely ultrafine particles and volatile organic gases, which are formed by thermal stress on the polymeric feedstock. The awareness of potential health risks has increased the number of emission studies in the past years. However, the multiplicity of study designs makes an objective comparison of emission data challenging because printer hardware factors such as the actual extruder temperature (TE) and also feedstockspecific emissions are not considered. We assume that across the market of commercial low- and mid-price FFF printers substantial deviations between actual and set extruder temperatures exist, which have a strong effect on the emissions and hence may bias the findings of exposure studies. In our last publication, we presented a standardized feedstock-specific emission test method and showed that for each investigated feedstock an increase in actual extruder temperature was accompanied by an increase in particle emissions (Tang and Seeger, 2022). Therefore, any systematic discrepancy between set and actual extruder temperature matters. In this study, we used a thermocouple and an infrared camera to measure the actual extruder temperatures at different heights. We found significant under- and overestimation of the actual extruder temperatures by the respective set temperatures in three commercial printers. This caused a broad variation of the measured total numbers of emitted particles (TP), even when the same feedstock was operated. For the determination of TP, we followed the DE-UZ 219 test guideline. In a second round we repeated the tests with all printers adjusted to exactly the same extruder temperatures, i.e., to TE=230°C for ABS and TE=210°C for PLA. All measurements were conducted in a 1 m³ emission test chamber. Particle emissions in the size range between 4 nm and 20 μm were detected. Printing on three different printer models without temperature adjustment resulted for each of the investigated feedstocks in a variation in TP of around two orders of magnitude. After temperature adjustment, this was substantially reduced to approx. one order of magnitude and hence minimizes the bias of printer hardware on the emissions. Our findings suggest that adjustment of the extruder temperature should be mandatory in emission testing standards. It also poses a more accurate benchmark and provides more reliable emission data for evaluation of indoor air quality or for health risk assessments. In addition, a proper temperature setting is in the interest of the user. Some commercial FFF printers may have a higher actual extruder temperature than displayed and unintended overheating may not only impair the print quality but may cause unnecessarily increased exposure to particle emissions.
Basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) is a by-product of steelmaking of which about 10.4 Mt are produced annually in the EU. BOFS is mostly used in road construction, earthwork and hydraulic engineering. However, in this use, the iron bound in BOFS is lost and the opportunity to produce higher value products from BOFS is forgone.
In recent decades, many researchers have investigated the production of both Portland cement clinker and crude iron from BOFS via a thermochemical reductive treatment. The reductive treatment of liquid BOFS causes a reduction of iron oxides to metallic iron, which separates from the mineral phase due to its higher density and can be recovered. An advantage of this process is that simultaneously the chemical composition of the reduced BOFS is adapted to that of Portland cement clinker and the hydraulic reactive mineral alite (Ca3SiO5) is formed.
In this study, German BOFS was reduced in a small-scale electric arc furnace and a low-iron mineral product rich in alite was produced. Despite a chemical and mineralogical composition similar to that of Portland cement clinker, the reduced BOFS produced less heat of hydration, and its reaction was delayed compared to Portland cement. However, adding gypsum accelerated the hydration rate of the reduced BOFS.
Further research to improve the hydraulic properties of the reduced BOFS is essential. If successful, the production of a hydraulic material and crude iron from BOFS could have economic and ecological benefits for both the cement and steel industry.
The European Commission adopted an EU Energy Label for smartphones and tablets in June 2023. For the first time, the EU Energy Label will depict, among energy efficiency, also a reparability score, battery endurance, battery lifetime, drop resistance and dust and water ingress protection.
However, does the multitude of parameters bear the risk to confuse consumers instead of triggering environmentally sustainable purchase decisions? In a survey in Germany, consumers were asked to make a choice when the label does not clearly identify the environmentally better product. Instead, energy efficiency has to be valued against reparability, reliability against energy efficiency, and reparability against reliability. The sustainability lever of the different aspects is not the same, as e.g. lifetime extension has a much more positive environmental impact than energy efficiency in case of mobile devices. Therefore, the question remains, whether consumers intuitively make the right choice. Results of the survey indicate that consumers interpret the complex label in the desired manner and value those aspects higher, which indeed have a more positive effect on the environment.
Design and construction of a rainfall simulator to test metal runoff at atmospheric conditions
(2023)
A rainfall simulator was presented as an environmental assessment tool to quantify wash-off concentrations from metallic materials. It is part of the RUNOFF-project, which studies and re-assesses the durability of roofing and facade materials under current atmospheric conditions in Germany.
Studying building materials is important as they have a significant impact on achieving a variety of goals and targets within the sustainable developments goals (SDGs). The durability of materials is essential to reach sustainability. However, the durability of metallic materials is strongly depended on climate conditions, which have changed as a result of technical measures in industry, climate change and increasing urbanisation. In Germany at least, the data base is not up-to-date leading to prediction models regarding corrosion resistance and durability of metallic materials which can no longer be trusted and therefore need to be re-assessed and updated. Also, not only the demand for sustainable but also environmentally friendly building materials has increased dramatically. A number of construction materials produce chemical hazards, and therefore have negative impacts on water quality, soils health and ecosystems. To limit these impacts, environmental assessment methods and tools are needed to measure and quantify the inputs and outputs of building materials throughout their lifetime.
Occupational health is an important topic, especially in industry, where workers are exposed to airborne by-products (e.g., dust particles and gases). Therefore, continuous monitoring of the air quality in industrial environments is crucial to meet safety standards. For practical and economic reasons, high-quality, costly measurements are currently only carried out sparsely, both in time and space, i.e., measurement data are collected in single day campaigns at selected locations only.
The project “Robot-assisted Environmental Monitoring for Air Quality Assessment in Industrial Scenarios” (RASEM) addresses this issue by bringing together the benefits of both – low- and high-cost – measuring technologies enabling cost-efficient long-term air quality monitoring in realtime: A stationary network of low-cost sensors that is augmented by mobile units carrying high-quality sensors. By mapping the distribution of gases and particles in industrial environments with the proposed RASEM system, measures can be identified to improve on-site working conditions much faster than using traditional methods.
In this presentation, we detail the technical aspects of RASEM and introduce the mobile platforms used.
Current decontamination strategies of PFAS-burdened soils mainly consist of adsorption methods using adsorbents for fixation of PFAS in the ground. A second option is the utilization of a “pump and treat” process, cycling polluted soils through a washing plant leading to the concentration of the pollutants in the fine fraction. Only a subsequent, high-energy consuming pyrolysis process guarantees the total destruction of all fluorinated organic contaminants. These approaches are cost-intensive and not intended for the direct decomposition of all PFAS contaminants. Hence, there is a great demand for innovative developments and chemical treatment technologies, dealing with new strategies of tackling the PFAS problem. Thus, we investigated mechanochemical treatment of PFAS contaminated soils with various additives in a ball mill and analyzed the PFAS defluorination with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), respectively, as well as the fluoride mineralization by ion chromatography (IC) and fluorine K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy.
The presentation gives general information about the European Standard EN 16516 “Construction products – Assessment of release of dangerous substances – Determination of emissions into indoor air”. This test standard was developed based on the mandate M/366 of the European commission and is a horizontal reference method for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from different classes of construction (building) products. Specific test conditions are to be selected by the product TCs (technical committees) in a way that a product is tested under its intended condition of use.
The test is based on the use of emission test chambers which are operated at constant air change rate and climate (23°C, 50 % r.h.) over 28 days. The standard defines the conditions and requirements for the measurement including loading factor, air change rate, sampling, analysis and calculation of emission rates of the substances. A 30 m³ reference room is described which is used to calculate air concentrations from the determined emission rates.
The standard EN 16516 enables the evaluation of construction products regarding their emissions into indoor air under defined and comparable conditions. The evaluation includes the determination of identified target compounds, non-identified target compounds, volatile carcinogenic compounds and the sum values TVOC, TSVOC and R.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from consumer products contribute to human inhalation exposure and may cause adverse health effects. Existing methods to determine long-term VOC emissions from e.g. building products need to be verified for their suitability to reliably detect initial VOC emissions from consumer products within the first hours and days of use, which would facilitate realistic inhalation exposure assessments. To investigate this issue, VOCs emitted from a test sample were determined in a large-scale emission test chamber and in two micro-chambers of different volumes, and the results were compared.
Glutaraldehyde is widely used as a disinfectant and preservative, but little is known about its effects on bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics and the selection of tolerant phenotypes. We found that short-term exposure to sub-inhibitory levels of glutaraldehyde makes E. coli resistant to high doses of bactericidal antibiotics from different classes. This tolerance is associated with delayed, heterogeneous regrowth dynamics and global transcriptome remodeling. We identified over 1200 differentially expressed genes, including those related to antibiotic efflux, metabolic processes, and the cell envelope. The cells entered a disrupted state likely due to the unspecific mode-of-action of glutaraldehyde. Despite this unregulated response, we identified several differentially expressed genes not previously associated with antibiotic tolerance or persistence that induce antibiotic tolerance when overexpressed alone. These findings highlight how the unspecific mode-of-action of disinfectants can make bacteria temporarily resistant to antibiotics. They have implications for settings where disinfectants and antibiotics are used in close proximity, such as hospitals and animal husbandry, and for the selection dynamics of tolerant pheno- and genotypes in fluctuating environments where microorganisms are exposed to these substances, such as sewage systems. A trade-off arises from overcoming the disrupted state as quickly as possible and maintaining antibiotic tolerance.
Glutaraldehyde is widely used as a disinfectant and preservative, but little is known about its effects on bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics and the selection of tolerant phenotypes. We found that short-term exposure to sub-inhibitory levels of glutaraldehyde makes E. coli resistant to high doses of bactericidal antibiotics from different classes. This tolerance is associated with delayed, heterogeneous regrowth dynamics and global transcriptome remodeling. We identified over 1200 differentially expressed genes, including those related to antibiotic efflux, metabolic processes, and the cell envelope. The cells entered a disrupted state likely due to the unspecific mode-of-action of glutaraldehyde. Despite this unregulated response, we identified several differentially expressed genes not previously associated with antibiotic tolerance or persistence that induce antibiotic tolerance when overexpressed alone. These findings highlight how the unspecific mode-of-action of disinfectants can make bacteria temporarily resistant to antibiotics. They have implications for settings where disinfectants and antibiotics are used in close proximity, such as hospitals and animal husbandry, and for the selection dynamics of tolerant pheno- and genotypes in fluctuating environments where microorganisms are exposed to these substances, such as sewage systems. A trade-off arises from overcoming the disrupted state as quickly as possible and maintaining antibiotic tolerance.
Glutaraldehyde is widely used as a disinfectant and preservative, but little is known about its effects on bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics and the selection of tolerant phenotypes. We found that short-term exposure to sub-inhibitory levels of glutaraldehyde makes E. coli resistant to high doses of bactericidal antibiotics from different classes. This tolerance is associated with delayed, heterogeneous regrowth dynamics and global transcriptome remodeling. We identified over 1200 differentially expressed genes, including those related to antibiotic efflux, metabolic processes, and the cell envelope. The cells entered a disrupted state likely due to the unspecific mode-of-action of glutaraldehyde. Despite this unregulated response, we identified several differentially expressed genes not previously associated with antibiotic tolerance or persistence that induce antibiotic tolerance when overexpressed alone. These findings highlight how the unspecific mode-of-action of disinfectants can make bacteria temporarily resistant to antibiotics. They have implications for settings where disinfectants and antibiotics are used in close proximity, such as hospitals and animal husbandry, and for the selection dynamics of tolerant pheno- and genotypes in fluctuating environments where microorganisms are exposed to these substances, such as sewage systems. A trade-off arises from overcoming the disrupted state as quickly as possible and maintaining antibiotic tolerance.
Sustainability has become the conscientious and future-oriented principle of modern resource management and environmental protection because caring for the future is tantamount to providing manageable and healthy surroundings for ourselves. For the foreseeable future, geotechnical and environmental engineers must therefore be concerned with ensuring a healthy balance between extraction, processing, manufacturing, utilization, recycling, and disposal of materials and products.
VOC-emissions and their odours from building products and furnishings present indoors should not have an impact on personal well-being or health. Odours can be measured by applying the standard ISO 16000-28. Indoor air determination of odour emissions from building products using test chambers. One of the described procedures is the assessment of perceived intensity using a comparative scale by a group of panellists. In this paper, the perceived intensity sampling procedure and its evaluation method are investigated and shown to need improvement. New technical developments in the methodology used to increase the reproducibility of measurement results are discussed. Since odour tests are used for labelling, they have a major influence on the assessment of construction products, similar to the procedure of the German Committee for Health Evaluation of Building Products (AgBB). In the original ISO standard, the evaluation is typically performed using a sampling container separated from the emission chamber. For a better sample presentation, an adapter was developed to connect the emission test chamber to the evaluation funnel and thus enable an odour assessment which is comparable to a direct measurement. The investigations show that losses of odourous substances can be greatly reduced, which is very desirable when seeking to obtain reliable results in odour measurement. Another experimental series was carried out to reduce the measurement effort in the evaluation of perceived intensity. Application of the developed greater than or less than/equal to. query could be helpful here. The results show that the query mostly leads to the same result as the evaluation of the perceived intensity using the method according to the standard but is much easier to perform. Overall, the results can contribute to improving the acceptance of the evaluation of perceived intensity using ISO 16000-28 and to determining odours from building materials increasingly more precisely.
By tracing sustainability impacts along the supply chain, certification schemes and labels are crucial to unlock the potential of bio-based systems in achieving several SDGs. However, the rapid proliferation of certification schemes and labels led to questioning their effectiveness and robustness and to what extent they deliver important outcomes, in line with sustainability policy priorities. The STAR4BBS project develops indicators and a monitoring system for assessing the effectiveness and robustness of existing certification schemes and labels, applicable to biological feedstock and bio-based materials and products.
Understanding the fundamentals of bioreceptivity enables the developement of functionalized materials. Concrete as the most used building material worldwide is of special interest as microbially greened panels may represent an alternative to classic façade greening with plants. This project includes extensive outdoor experiments, in which eight differently structured concrete panels are weathered under different conditions, aiming to grow a stable biofilm of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. Documentation and data analysis of this experiment will be demonstrated using an example of one of the surfaces.
Disinfectants are important to prevent the transmission of pathogens, especially in the face of the current antibiotic resistance crisis. The crisis is further exacerbated by phenotypically tolerant persister subpopulations that can survive transient antibiotic treatment and facilitate resistance evolution. Despite the transient nature of disinfectant application, persistence to disinfectants and its role for the evolution of tolerance and cross-resistance to antibiotics has not been studied. Our work shows that E. coli displays persistence against several widely used disinfectants, including benzalkonium chloride (BAC), didecyldimethylammoniumchlorid (DDAC) and isopropanol. The molecular mechanism of BAC persistence is triggered in stationary phase and affected by several antibiotic persister genes (hipA, tisB, tolC, relA, spoT). Experimental evolution and population dynamic modeling show that repeated failure of disinfection due to persisters rapidly selects for BAC tolerance underpinned by reduced cell surface charge due to mutations in genes related to lipid A acylation (lpxML). Furthermore, evolved BAC tolerance affects the susceptibility to antibiotics, leading to positive selection of disinfectant tolerant strains at environmentally relevant antibiotic concentrations and variations in evolvability of antibiotic resistance due to epistatic effects. These results highlight the need for faithful application of disinfectants to steward their efficacy and the efficacy of antibiotics. A better understanding of the bacterial response to disinfectants is crucial to understand and avert the ongoing antimicrobial resistance crisis.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in Polycarbonate (PC), polyacrylic resins (PAR), polysulfones (PSU), epoxy resins (ER), and polyetherimides (PEI). It is also applied in recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Many outdoor applications are made from these BPA-based materials which are exposed to a variety of environmental impacts, like temperature, global radiation, rain, and others. This could lead to damaging and aging of the material which might cause leaching or migration of pollutants into the environment.
Understanding the fate and behavior of the released pollutants is very important. Therefore, different transformation products (TP) will be generated and analyzed:
1. To investigate the behavior of various bisphenols in wastewater treatment plants, possible technical TP are generated by UV irradiation. Simulation of Industrial wastewater treatment is realized by using the Fenton reaction, an advanced oxidation process.
2. To study the transformation of bisphenols in surface waters, global radiation will be simulated by using UVA lamps.
3. To simulate phase 1 metabolism, an electrochemical cell coupled to a mass selective detector is applied.
The analysis of metabolites and TP are achieved by a variety of gas and liquid chromatographic techniques coupled with mass spectrometry. The elucidation of the exact structure of the obtained TP and metabolites are done by 1H- and/or 13C-NMR experiments.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large and ever-growing class of chemicals that are widely used. Due to the strength of the C-F bond, they do not decompose but accumulate in the environment posing a risk for nature and humans alike. While the use of some PFAS, like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanoic sulfonic acid (PFOS) is already regulated in the EU, new ‘precursor’ substances are used to replace them. However, these precursors may be equally harmful to the environment.
In recent years, many ‘hot spot’ sites with high PFAS contaminations in the soils have been distinguished,but no German-wide background values have been determined yet. Knowing these background values is crucial to understand the degree of PFAS contamination, underpinning future regulatory decisions.
600 soil samples are freshly taken at different sites all over Germany. PFAS are extracted from all samples. The extracts are analysed using LC-MS/MS with 30 PFAS as target compounds. Eluates are produced and analysed using targeted LC-MS/MS. To determine the amount of precursor substances not included in the targeted list, total oxidisable precursor (TOP) assays are performed with different approaches. Additionally, 50 samples taken at the same locations in 2012 are analysed to determine temporal trends of PFAS contamination. The determination of total extractable organically bound fluorine (EOF) is planned for comparison.
The aim of the project is to obtain a broad overview of the status and development of the PFAS contamination in soil in Germany. By the preparation and analysis of eluates, the leaching behaviour of the analytes and thereby their mobility in the environment is investigated, helping to understand the transport of PFAS from contaminated soil to water. The use of different TOP assay methods allows to compare their results and usability in routine analysis, thereby giving insights into the amount of PFAS contamination hidden to targeted analysis and helping inspire future analysis strategies. The future comparison of these results to EOF analysis may further underline this point. The large number of samples and the geographic distribution of the sampling is unprecedented in Germany and allows to determine high-risk sites and ‘hot spots’. In the future, the insights from the project may be used as a guide for the political regulation of uses of PFAS.
Hydrogen plasma treatment of iron ores or iron oxide containing wastes can be an efficient option to produce green iron e.g. for steel production. This way iron oxide is reduced to metallic iron in the liquid form by the highly reactive species that are formed in a hydrogen plasma. Hydrogen plasma can be used at the same time to remove undesired gangue elements. The presentation shows the experimental setup, shows first results of iron ore reduction by hydrogen plasma and gives an outlook for industrial application of the technology.
As consequence of the European Green Deal and the European Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan, the product landscape in the EU will undergo fundamental changes. The legal requirements for products are being expanded, not least through the Proposal for an Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products published by the European Commission in 2022. Following the current developments, requirements for the circularity of products will be increased next to the already existing minimum requirements for products’ energy efficiency. Following this development, the lead question has to be: Is the market, in particular small- and medium-sized enterprises, well prepared for this planned green transformation of our economy? The answer is: No, not yet.
What is needed are suitable standards for the implementation of these requirements to reduce additional burdens to an appropriate level and to support fair competition between all market actors concerned. The German Institute for Standardization, the German Commission for Electro-technical, Electronic & Information Technologies and the Association of German Engineers have conducted a review study with the aim of identifying fundamental needs for revising existing standards and for creating new standards - both of which are intended to support and accelerate the transformation of the current economy towards a Circular Economy. More than 700.000 normative documents were analyzed, and the results were discussed and consolidated with more than 1000 experts from manufacturers (organizations), consumer- and environmental organizations as well as from the public sector. As a result, more than 200 gaps in the standardization landscape were identified. In this study, we highlight and analyze the most important needs for standardization activities in the field of electrotechnical-, electronic- and ICT-products. In the discussion with the experts for electrotechnical-, electronic- and ICT products, it has been confirmed that a timely implementation of ambitious political decisions of a circular economy requires a normative basis to ensure its consistency. Furthermore, consensus between experts was that legislation in product regulation would be key and should not be extended to the area of waste legislation. As most important standardization activities accompanying product legislation, the following were identified: (i) creation of a set of indicators enabling a holistic assessment of product circularity, (ii) quality assurance of secondary raw materials and consumers awareness of the product circularity both enabled by appropriate analytics and (iii) clear regulation concerning product liability of repaired, refurbished or remanufactured products. One issue of relevance to all experts concerns the product safety, which must not, under any circumstances, decrease when changing product design to reach a higher degree of circularity. The mentioned and further standardization activities would be essential to kick the can down the circular economy road and are analyzed and summarized in this study.
The individual willingness to pay for sustainable products is significantly influenced by the climate crisis, but is also affected due to additional international crises as the still ongoing pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The better a product labelling is designed, the more likely consumers are to make a well-considered purchase decision at the point-of-sale, which in turn increases the product lifetime of the devices.
The results of this study are based on two consumer surveys with a total of 590 participants. Consumers were asked to make a simulated purchase decision based on the upcoming EU Energy Label for smartphones. Each consumer was presented comparison labels showing different aspects concerning durability (meaning charging cycles, robustness and IP class), repairability, energy efficiency and product price. In addition, there was a question on energy consumption, which was displayed either in Wh/h or in battery endurance per charge in hours.
The analysis of the survey shows a clear ranking of the preferred properties: 1. Durability as best option, Energy efficiency and Repairability as second and third choice. In all categories, a higher price was accepted in favor of a more environmentally friendly product design. When presenting the energy consumption in Wh/h, no reliable distinguishing between higher or lower values was observed. In contrast, higher values were clearly preferred when choosing between different battery runtimes.
Recommendations will be developed for adjustments to the upcoming EU Energy Label for smartphones and other product labels in the future showing circular economy aspects, such as the durability, repairability, recycled content used during production, recyclability or the total footprint of the product.
Wavelength scanning coherent optical time domain reflectometer (WS-COTDR) is a good candidate to spatially resolve the environmental information at comparatively low frequency. This paper reveals it can also work as a traditional optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) to identify Fresnel reflection by averaging the obtained signal over the wavelength scanning range. Simultaneous distributed vibration sensing and a traditional OTDR measurement are experimentally demonstrated using the WS-COTDR system.
Wavelength scanning coherent optical time domain reflectometer (WS-COTDR) is a good candidate to spatially resolve the environmental information at comparatively low frequency. This paper reveals it can also work as a traditional optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) to identify Fresnel reflection by averaging the obtained signal over the wavelength scanning range. Simultaneous distributed vibration sensing and a traditional OTDR measurement are experimentally demonstrated using the WS-COTDR system.
A new concept for the ecotoxicological assessment of plastics under consideration of aging processes
(2023)
Microplastics are widely distributed in aquatic and terrestrial environments, but up to now less is known about (eco)toxicological impacts under realistic conditions. Research so far has focused mainly on impacts on organisms by fresh, single‐origin plastic fragments or beads. However, plastics found in the environment are complex in composition, this means different polymer types and sources, with and without additives and in all stages of age, and therefore, in a more or less advanced stage of degradation. For oxidized degradation products that might be released from plastic materials during aging, there is a lack of information on potentially adverse effects on aquatic biota. The latter is of particular interest as oxidized degradation products might become more water soluble due to higher polarity and are more bioavailable, therefore. The present study focused on plastic leachates of polystyrene (PS) and polylactic acid (PLA), which were derived from alternating stress by hydrolysis and ultraviolet (UV) radiation—representing a realistic scenario in the environment. Test specimens of PS, PLA, or a PLA/PS layer (each 50%) were alternately exposed to UV radiation for 5 days followed by hydrolysis for 2 days, for several weeks alternating. Ecotoxicological effects of the storage water (artificial freshwater) of the test specimens and additionally, in a second experimental setup, the effects of five potential polymer degradation products were detected by 72 h algae growth inhibition tests with Desmodesmus subspicatus. Results clearly indicate inhibitory effects on algae growth by contaminants in the storage water of stressed plastics with increasing growth inhibition of proceeding hydrolysis and UV stress times. Different polymers caused variable inhibitions of algae growth with stronger inhibitions by PS and less effects by PLA and the mixed layer of both. Moreover, not microplastic particles but the resulting dissolved degradation products after aging caused the ecotoxicological effects—with strong effects by the oxidized degradation products. The existing data highlight the relevance of plastic aging as a framework for microplastic ecotoxicity evaluation and allow a proof of concept.
Microplastics are widely distributed in aquatic and terrestrial environments, up to now less is known on toxicological impacts under realistic conditions. Research so far has focused mainly on the impacts on organisms by fresh plastic fragments or beats. However, plastic materials found in the environment are mainly a mixture of different polymers and particularly degraded during aging processes. Although especially oxidized degradation products might escape from plastic materials during aging, there is a lack of information on potentially adverse effects on aquatic biota. The latter is of particular interest as oxidized chemicals become more water soluble due to higher polarity and are more bio-available, therefore.
The present study focussed on plastic leachates of polystyrene (PS) and polylactic acid (PLA), which were derived from alternating stress by hydrolysis and UV radiation. Test specimen of PS, PLA or PS/PLA blends (each 50 %) were alternatingly maintained in water at 45 °C for five days and UV radiated at 45 °C for two days, for in total six weeks. Ecotoxicological effects of potentially generated degradation products of plastic materials in the storage water (mineral water, pH: 7.2) were detected by algae growth inhibition tests with Desmodesmus suspicatus and photosystem II inhibition tests with Raphidocelis subcapitata.
Results clearly indicate inhibitory effects on algae growth by contaminants in the storage water of stressed plastic materials with increasing growth inhibition of proceeding hydrolysis and UV stress times. Here, different plastics cause variable responses of algal growth. First chemical analyses indicate dissolved monomers and their oxidation products of plastic materials as possible driver of detected ecotoxicological effects, since detected microplastic particles do not seem to harm algae.
The existing data highlight the relevance of plastic aging as a framework for microplastic ecotoxicity evaluation and allow a proof of concept.
The formation of microplastic (MP) particles (1-1000 µm) is mostly related to physicochemical degradation processes of macroplastics. Photooxidative damage is often set as the initial degradation process, which leads to embrittlement of the plastics. Mechanical processes then lead to further fragmentation and the formation of MP particles. In the environment, this can be associated with UV exposure through direct radiation from the sun, which leads to radical formation in the polymer systems on the one hand and radical formation of oxygen on the other. The result is material embrittlement usually caused by chain shortening in the polymeric system. Due to specific ecosystem conditions, the damaged polymer is fragmented by erosive, abrasive processes or wave action.
According to reference material topic for MP analysis, pristine and artificially weathered polymers are needed. Starting from granulate or macroplastics, these can be pulverised with different techniques, bottled and stored until usage. The bottled powders need to be homogen and stable over a defined time interval regarding to a specific property.
This work deals with different polymer types, aged and non-aged. It tries to answer the question under which storage conditions polymers will be stable in particle size. The powders are characterized for chemical composition and shape with FTIR, DSC and SEM. Particle size distribution was measured by laser diffraction with wet and dry dispersion. Artificially pre-aged materials seem to be more vulnerable for further aging and less stable in particle size distribution measurements.
The interaction of microcroplastics (MP) with dissolved organic matter, especially humic substances, is of great importance in understanding the behavior of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems. Surface modification by humic substances plays an essential role in transport and interaction of MP with abiotic and biotic components. Previous studies on the interaction between MP and humic substances were largely based on a model compound, humic acid (Sigma-Aldrich). In our work, we therefore investigated the interaction of natural organic matter (NOM) sampled from a German surface water with low-density polyethylene particles (LDPE). Highpressure size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) and UV/vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to characterize the incubation solutions after modifications due to the presence of LDPE, and Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize the incubated microplastics. While the studies of the solutions generally showed only very small effects, Raman spectroscopic studies allowed clear evidence of the binding of humic fractions to MP. The comparison of the incubation of NOM and a lignite fulvic acid which also was tested further showed that specific signatures of the humic substances used could be detected by Raman spectroscopy. This provides an elegant opportunity to conduct broader studies on this issue in the future.
Besides classical per- and polyfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), side-chain fluorinated polymers (SFPs) are widely applied as efficient anti-wetting and anti-greasing coatings in various daily applicated consumer products such as outdoor apparel, carpetry or paper-based food contact materials. Although the fluorinated sidechains are chemically bound to a base polymer, their release can be triggered by environmental influences or wear-off, thus contribute as significant sources of PFAS in the environment. Since only little knowledge of PFAS and SFP composition in consumer products is available, a comprehensive analytical approach might be beneficial.
A fast method for microplastic detection is thermal extraction desorption‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TED‐GC/MS), which uses polymer‐specific thermal decomposition products as marker compounds to determine polymer mass contents in environmental samples. So far, matrix impacts of different environmental matrices on TED‐GC/MS performance had not yet been assessed systematically. Therefore, three solid freshwater matrices representing different aquatic bodies with varying organic matter contents were spiked with a total of eight polymers. Additionally, for the first time, the two biodegradable polymers polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and polylactide (PLA) were analysed using TED‐GC/MS. The methodological focus of this work was on detectability, quality of signal formation as well as realisation of quantification procedures and determination of the limit of detection (LOD) values. Overall, TED‐GC/MS allowed the unambiguous detection of the environmentally most relevant polymers analysed, even at low mass contents: 0.02 wt% for polystyrene (PS), 0.04 wt% for the tyre component styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and 0.2 wt% for polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and PBAT. Further, all obtained LOD values were increased in all matrices compared to the neat polymer without matrix. The LOD of the standard polymers were increased similarly (PS: 0.21–0.34 μg, SBR: 0.27–0.38 μg, PP: 0.32–0.36 μg, PMMA: 0.64–1.30 μg, PET: 0.90–1.37 μg, PE: 3.80–6.99 μg) and their decompositions by radical scission processes were not significantly influenced by the matrices. In contrast, matrixspecific LOD increases of both biodegradable polymers PBAT (LOD: 1.41–7.18 μg) and PLA (0.84–20.46 μg) were observed, probably due to their hetero‐functional character and interactions with the matrices. In conclusion, the TED‐GC/MS performance is not solely determined by the type of the polymers but also by the composition of the matrix.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in Polycarbonate, Polyacrylic resins, Polysulfones, Epoxy resins, and Polyetherimides. It is also used in recycled Polyvinyl chloride [1–3]. BPA has been classified as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) under REACH [4] due to its endocrine disrupting properties. The German competent authorities want to reduce the content of BPA in the environment. Possible substitutes for BPA are Bisphenol B (BPB), Bisphenol E (BPE),
Bisphenol F (BPF), or Bisphenol S (BPS), as they are similar in structure.
BPA-based materials have a wide area of application especially outside. These outdoor applications are exposed to different external influences, including physical, biological, mechanical and chemical influences. This results in damage and aging of the material with leaching or migration into the environment. There, the substance is transformed by various transformation processes. The emerging metabolites and transformation products (TPs) can have different properties than the parent substance. Understanding the fate and behavior of the emerging pollutants is very important.
Therefore, different transformation products of selected bisphenols will be generated and analyzed:
To investigate the fate of different bisphenols in water treatment plants technical transformation products [5] will be generated by chlorination, ozonization, the Fenton reaction, and UV-radiation.
For the investigation of the fate of Bisphenols in surface water global radiation will be simulated with UVA-lamps
Simulation of phase-I-metabolism with an electrochemical cell coupled to mass spectrometry (EC-MS).
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of anionic, cationic and zwitterionic synthetic products, in which the hydrogen atoms on the carbon skeleton of at least one carbon atom have been completely replaced by fluorine atoms and which include more than 4730 compounds, depending on the definition. As a result of continuous and prolific use, mainly in aviation firefighting foams, thousands of industrial and military installations have been found to contain contaminated soil, groundwater and surface water. Furthermore, current decontamination strategies of PFAS-burdened soils mainly consist of adsorption methods using adsorbents for fixation of PFAS in the ground. Hence, there is a great demand for innovative developments and chemical treatment technologies, dealing with new strategies of tackling the PFAS problem. Thus, we investigated mechanochemical treatment of PFAS contaminated soils with various additives in a ball mill and analyzed the PFAS defluorination. In this presentation the advantages of fluorine K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy for various environment samples are shown.
Significant Cu-deposition and precipitation only occurred in combination with carbon steel. High-alloyed materials prevent the disturbing Cu-agglomeration. Pb-deposition and precipitation only occurred in combination with carbon steel. No negative Pb-effect could be observed in combination with high-alloyed steels. High alloyed corrosion resistant alloys are suitable and shall be chosen for future design of the piping system, either in massive or in cladded form, to prevent unwanted interactions with brine components.
Microplastic particles with sizes between 1 to 1000 μm are widely distributed worldwide. Origin, transport pathways and fate are poorly known, as sampling, sample preparation and detection methods are major challenges. In addition, reference materials that mimic environmental particles are lacking. Most challenging is the yield of MP particle production and the need for resource-intensive grinding with liquid nitrogen. In this paper, a machine is designed to produce aged microplastic particles as reference material candidates with high yield. The machine is based on ultraviolet aging of a thin foil and mechanical fragmentation using clean air. An example of aging and fragmentation of high density polyethylene with additional physical and chemical characterization of shape, size, aging state by carbonyl index and density is presented.
The roles of DHN melanin and the stress-activated MAP kinase in the rock inhabitant Knufia petricola
(2023)
Black fungi/yeasts exhibit high stress tolerance, yeast‑like or meristematic growth, and constitutive 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin formation. Due to their slow growth, robust cell walls and the lack of sexual cycles and genetic tools, the underlying mechanisms of their phenotypic traits have remained largely unexplored. Using recently developed genetic tools, it is now possible to manipulate the genome of the rock-inhabiting model fungus Knufia petricola. Thus, gene functions and the cell biology of black fungi can be studied using CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing and live-cell imaging with genetically encoded fluorescent proteins. Here, we are addressing the question to which extent constitutive pigment formation (melanin and carotenoids) and responses mediated by the stress-activated mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase contribute to the observed extremotolerance of K. petricola. The mutations of pks1, phs1 and both genes result in melanin-free (pink), carotenoid-free (black) and pigment-free (white) strains, respectively. The other putative melanogenic genes were identified in the genome, deleted to confirm their involvement in DHN melanogenesis and co-expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for reconstruction of the synthesis pathway. Sak1 encoding the stress-activated MAP kinase was deleted in the wild-type and different pigment-deficient backgrounds. Growth of the obtained single, double and triple deletion mutants was tested by droplet tests on media supplemented with different stress-inducing agents. The Δsak1 mutants show slightly reduced growth rates even without environmental pressure and are hypersensitive to different stresses: e.g. osmotic, oxidative, membrane, pH and heat stress. Melanin-free Δsak1 mutants are more sensitive than black Δsak1 mutants to some but not all stress conditions, suggesting that melanin and the SAK1 pathway have complementary roles in protecting K. petricola from stress.
Iron is arguably the most essential metal in living organisms. For rock-inhabiting fungi its acquisition might be unconventional as they (1) tend to inhabit iron-deficient, oxygen-rich surfaces like marble monuments and solar panels and (2) produce the black, iron-adsorbing pigment melanin. We used a range of analytical methods, ongoing mineral dissolution experiments and gene deletion mutants of the model rock-inhabiting fungus Knufia petricola to figure out the mechanisms and substrate deteriorating effects of iron uptake by these organisms. To study both siderophore-mediated and reductive iron assimilation (RIA), genes like sidC, encoding a putative siderophore synthetase and ftr1 and fet3 encoding the subunits of an iron permease-oxidase were deleted.
At iron deficient conditions, growth of the wild type (WT) and ΔsidC mutant was similar, whereas growth of the Δftr1-fet3 mutant and the double mutant ΔsidC/Δftr1-fet3 was diminished and absent, respectively. We were not able to detect the siderophore of K. petricola and the WT and mutants were not able to grow at low concentrations of strong iron chelators. However, in a cross-feeding experiment, an overexpression strain of sidC allowed more growth of ΔsidC/Δftr1-fet3 on iron deficient medium than the WT, whereas the ΔsidC mutant could not do so at all. Compared to the WT, the sidC overexpression strain also withstood oxidative stress better and had a shorter lag time and higher growth rate. Combined, these results indicate that K. petricola relies more on RIA than siderophore-mediated uptake as it likely excretes low quantities of a primarily intracellular siderophore. Interestingly, Δftr1-fet3 had a higher iron content than the WT at iron deficient conditions. This difference disappeared upon deletion of melanin synthesis (Δpks1 vs. Δpks1/Δftr1-fet3): melanin-bound iron can likely not be used without RIA. K. petricola’s chelation incapacity implies a habitat free of competition for iron while offering us a mitigation strategy.