Sustainable environmental remediation via biomimetic multifunctional lignocellulosic nano-framework

Nat Commun. 2022 Jul 28;13(1):4368. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-31881-5.

Abstract

Chemical pollution threatens human health and ecosystem sustainability. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are expensive to clean up once emitted. Innovative and synergistic strategies are urgently needed, yet process integration and cost-effectiveness remain challenging. An in-situ PFAS remediation system is developed to employ a plant-derived biomimetic nano-framework to achieve highly efficient adsorption and subsequent fungal biotransformation synergistically. The multiple component framework is presented as Renewable Artificial Plant for In-situ Microbial Environmental Remediation (RAPIMER). RAPIMER exhibits high adsorption capacity for the PFAS compounds and diverse adsorption capability toward co-contaminants. Subsequently, RAPIMER provides the substrates and contaminants for in situ bioremediation via fungus Irpex lacteus and promotes PFAS detoxification. RAPIMER arises from cheap lignocellulosic sources, enabling a broader impact on sustainability and a means for low-cost pollutant remediation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Biomimetics
  • Ecosystem
  • Environmental Pollutants*
  • Environmental Restoration and Remediation*
  • Fluorocarbons* / analysis
  • Humans
  • Lignin
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Fluorocarbons
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • lignocellulose
  • Lignin