Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BIOSYSMO (BIOremediation systems exploiting SYnergieS for improved removal of Mixed pOllutants)
Période du rapport: 2022-09-01 au 2024-02-29
The complexity of environmental pollution presents unprecedented challenges that require innovative solutions. Traditional remediation techniques often fall short dealing with the complex mixtures of pollutants, especially at industrial and post-industrial sites. These sites frequently include a combination of POPs, heavy metals, and emerging contaminants, which pose significant risks to human health and ecological systems.
BIOSYSMO core goal is to refine and enhance bioremediation technologies to effectively tackle these complex contaminants, by means of:
• Collection and characterization of polluted samples from selected sites
• Development and application of a computational pipeline to improve the design and construction of synergistic bioremediation systems
• Design, enhancement, application, and optimization of synergistic biosystems for biotransformation and uptake of targeted mixed pollutants in water, soil, and sediments
• Performance of field studies and validation of selected bioremediation system
• Evaluation of the environmental, socio-economic, risk and regulatory aspects
• Effective exploitation and mainstream the project results for increased impact
The project endeavors to refine bioremediation strategies to tackle specific pollution problems and its later future adaptation for standalone use or integration within broader treatment frameworks. Anticipated impacts include reducing hazardous pollutant concentrations, restoring contaminated sites, and mitigating ecological and health risks.
BIOSYSMO core goal is to refine and enhance bioremediation technologies to effectively tackle these complex contaminants, by means of:
• Collection and characterization of polluted samples from selected sites
• Development and application of a computational pipeline to improve the design and construction of synergistic bioremediation systems
• Design, enhancement, application, and optimization of synergistic biosystems for biotransformation and uptake of targeted mixed pollutants in water, soil, and sediments
• Performance of field studies and validation of selected bioremediation system
• Evaluation of the environmental, socio-economic, risk and regulatory aspects
• Effective exploitation and mainstream the project results for increased impact
The project endeavors to refine bioremediation strategies to tackle specific pollution problems and its later future adaptation for standalone use or integration within broader treatment frameworks. Anticipated impacts include reducing hazardous pollutant concentrations, restoring contaminated sites, and mitigating ecological and health risks.
BIOSYSMO successfully selected twelve diverse contaminated sites and conducted multiple sampling campaigns to gather environmental samples. These samples, rich in a variety of pollutants such as metals, PAHs, pesticides, and emerging contaminants, were analysed using advanced techniques. A significant achievement was establishing standardized inter-lab protocols, ensuring consistency and reliability across different laboratories.
Microbial communities were characterized in polluted samples and microorganisms with pollutant degradation capacities were identified. Through extensive sampling from diverse environments such as soils, sediments, and groundwater, 176 microbial isolates and 113 strains were identified, forming 9 effective consortia. Innovative methodologies, including soil-specific DNA extraction and adapted enrichment techniques, were employed to enhance microbial isolation and characterization. These efforts advanced our understanding of microbial dynamics and bioremediation potential in contaminated environments.
BIOSYSMO developed a computational framework to enhance the design of biosystems, focusing on pollutant degradation and plant colonization. The project created a comprehensive database incorporating genetic and metabolic data to support advanced analysis. It also identified microbes with biodegradation capabilities using Hidden Markov Models and used metabolic models to simulate interactions and transformations, improving knowledge of microbial systems in different environments.
The project has advanced in designing and optimizing synergistic biosystems for treating mixed pollutants. To boost wastewater treatment efficiency, hybrid technologies are used. Efforts focus on enhancing phytoremediation with Phragmites australis by isolating beneficial microorganisms. This will be integrated with Bio-Electrochemical Systems (BES) reactors. Both systems are designed and initial lab testing is successful (current TRL3 expected TRL5). In soil phytoremediation, genetically engineering poplar lines and inoculating them with beneficial microbial consortia aim to increase metal tolerance and sequestration (current TRL3 expected TRL4). Similarly, plant-bacteria systems for estuarine sediment revitalization are being developed, showing promising results in removing pharmaceuticals and metals (current TRL3 expected TRL4). Optimizing BES involves engineering multicellular 3D structures to support both aerobic and anaerobic pathways, enhancing pollutant removal efficiency (current TRL3-4 expected TRL5). Additionally, a robust bioaugmentation biosystem employs genetically modified bacteria to tackle complex soil pollutants (current TRL3 expected TRL4), for its potential application in contaminated soil environments.
BIOSYSMO's C,D&E strategy have yielded significant results: over 40 social media posts, 15 event participations, 5 scientific articles, and a YouTube video with 5,663 views and a LinkedIn campaign with 14,525 impressions. Collaborative efforts with other projects, particularly from the EU Bioremediation Cluster, have enhanced visibility and knowledge sharing. KER are identified, and business models are planned based on SWOT and PESTLE analyses.
Microbial communities were characterized in polluted samples and microorganisms with pollutant degradation capacities were identified. Through extensive sampling from diverse environments such as soils, sediments, and groundwater, 176 microbial isolates and 113 strains were identified, forming 9 effective consortia. Innovative methodologies, including soil-specific DNA extraction and adapted enrichment techniques, were employed to enhance microbial isolation and characterization. These efforts advanced our understanding of microbial dynamics and bioremediation potential in contaminated environments.
BIOSYSMO developed a computational framework to enhance the design of biosystems, focusing on pollutant degradation and plant colonization. The project created a comprehensive database incorporating genetic and metabolic data to support advanced analysis. It also identified microbes with biodegradation capabilities using Hidden Markov Models and used metabolic models to simulate interactions and transformations, improving knowledge of microbial systems in different environments.
The project has advanced in designing and optimizing synergistic biosystems for treating mixed pollutants. To boost wastewater treatment efficiency, hybrid technologies are used. Efforts focus on enhancing phytoremediation with Phragmites australis by isolating beneficial microorganisms. This will be integrated with Bio-Electrochemical Systems (BES) reactors. Both systems are designed and initial lab testing is successful (current TRL3 expected TRL5). In soil phytoremediation, genetically engineering poplar lines and inoculating them with beneficial microbial consortia aim to increase metal tolerance and sequestration (current TRL3 expected TRL4). Similarly, plant-bacteria systems for estuarine sediment revitalization are being developed, showing promising results in removing pharmaceuticals and metals (current TRL3 expected TRL4). Optimizing BES involves engineering multicellular 3D structures to support both aerobic and anaerobic pathways, enhancing pollutant removal efficiency (current TRL3-4 expected TRL5). Additionally, a robust bioaugmentation biosystem employs genetically modified bacteria to tackle complex soil pollutants (current TRL3 expected TRL4), for its potential application in contaminated soil environments.
BIOSYSMO's C,D&E strategy have yielded significant results: over 40 social media posts, 15 event participations, 5 scientific articles, and a YouTube video with 5,663 views and a LinkedIn campaign with 14,525 impressions. Collaborative efforts with other projects, particularly from the EU Bioremediation Cluster, have enhanced visibility and knowledge sharing. KER are identified, and business models are planned based on SWOT and PESTLE analyses.
BIOSYSMO project committed is enhancing bioremediation technologies through the integration of cutting-edge biotechnological innovations. By focusing on the synergy between advanced computational tools, genome-scale metabolic models, and innovative genetic engineering, BIOSYSMO aims to significantly advance the SoA in the bioremediation sector:
- BIOSYSMO utilizes specialized databases and pipelines for analyzing genomic data, streamlining bioremediation designs.
- Uses genome-scale models to simulate and predict microbial interactions and degradation pathways.
- Focuses on optimizing microbial consortia and plant-microbe systems through genetic modifications for improved pollutant degradation.
- Advances genetic engineering in plants like poplars to enhance phytoremediation capabilities in contaminated environments.
- Develops tailored strategies for restoring ecosystems, enhancing microbial consortia resilience and effectiveness.
BIOSYSMO aims to position the EU as a leader in the bioremediation market, developing biotechnological solutions for complex pollutants. By using advanced synthetic and systems biology tools, along with optimized process designs, the project supports sustainable industry practices in EU.
- BIOSYSMO utilizes specialized databases and pipelines for analyzing genomic data, streamlining bioremediation designs.
- Uses genome-scale models to simulate and predict microbial interactions and degradation pathways.
- Focuses on optimizing microbial consortia and plant-microbe systems through genetic modifications for improved pollutant degradation.
- Advances genetic engineering in plants like poplars to enhance phytoremediation capabilities in contaminated environments.
- Develops tailored strategies for restoring ecosystems, enhancing microbial consortia resilience and effectiveness.
BIOSYSMO aims to position the EU as a leader in the bioremediation market, developing biotechnological solutions for complex pollutants. By using advanced synthetic and systems biology tools, along with optimized process designs, the project supports sustainable industry practices in EU.