Bisphenol-A removal by the halophyte Juncus acutus in a phytoremediation pilot: Characterization and potential role of the endophytic community.
A phytoremediation pilot emulating a shallow aquifer planted with Juncus acutus showed to be effective for remediating Bisphenol-A (BPA) contaminated groundwater. Biostimulation with root exudates, low molecular weight organic acids, of J. acutus did not improve BPA-degradation rates. Furthermore, the endophytic bacterial community of J. acutus was isolated and characterized. Many strains were found to possess increased tolerance to metals such as Zn, Ni, Pb and Cd. Moreover, several endophytic bacterial strains tolerated and even used BPA and/or two antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole) as a sole carbon source. Our results demonstrate that the cultivable bacterial endophytic community of J. acutus is able to use organic contaminants as carbon sources, tolerates metals and is equipped with plant-growth promoting traits. Therefore, J. acutus has potential to be exploited in constructed wetlands when co-contamination is one of the restricting factors.
Technical University of Crete, School of Environmental Engineering, Polytechneioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece; Hasselt University, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Agoralaan, Building D, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium.
Evdokia
E
Syranidou
Technical University of Crete, School of Environmental Engineering, Polytechneioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece.
Stavros
S
Christofilopoulos
Technical University of Crete, School of Environmental Engineering, Polytechneioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece.
Maria
M
Politi
Hasselt University, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Agoralaan, Building D, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium.
Nele
N
Weyens
Technical University of Crete, School of Environmental Engineering, Polytechneioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece.
Danae
D
Venieri
Hasselt University, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Agoralaan, Building D, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium.
Jaco
J
Vangronsveld
Technical University of Crete, School of Environmental Engineering, Polytechneioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece. Electronic address: nicolas.kalogerakis@enveng.tuc.gr.
Nicolas
N
Kalogerakis
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D002939:Ciprofloxacin / Q000737:chemistry; D004350:Drug Residues; D060026:Endophytes; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation / Q000379:methods*; D005838:Genotype; D008670:Metals / Q000494:pharmacology; D010636:Phenols / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry; D055051:Salt-Tolerant Plants / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013420:Sulfamethoxazole / Q000737:chemistry; D053833:Wetlands; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D002939:Ciprofloxacin; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D008670:Metals; D010636:Phenols; D013420:Sulfamethoxazole; C006780:bisphenol A; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
Antibiotics; Bisphenol-A; Endophytic bacteria; Halophyte; Juncus acutus; Phytoremediation