@article{2-s2.0-85185689642,

title = {Multifaceted Assessment of Porous Silica Nanocomposites: Unraveling Physical, Structural, and Biological Transformations Induced by Microwave Field Modification},

author = { A. Strach and M. Dulski and D. Wasilkowski and K. Matus and K. Dudek and J. Podwórny and P. Rawicka and V. Grebņevs and N. Waloszczyk and A. Nowak and P. Poloczek and S. Golba},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85185689642&doi=10.3390%2fnano14040337&partnerID=40&md5=a78a3ae8adcd364073d866b2c597305e},

doi = {10.3390/nano14040337},

issn = {20794991},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Nanomaterials},

volume = {14},

number = {4},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)},

abstract = {In response to the persistent challenge of heavy and noble metal environmental contamination, our research explores a new idea to capture silver through porous spherical silica nanostructures. The aim was realized using microwave radiation at varying power (P = 150 or 800 W) and exposure times (t = 60 or 150 s). It led to the development of a silica surface with enhanced metal-capture capacity. The microwave-assisted silica surface modification influences the notable changes within the carrier but also enforces the crystallization process of silver nanoparticles with different morphology, structure, and chemical composition. Microwave treatment can also stimulate the formation of core–shell bioactive Ag/Ag2CO3 heterojunctions. Due to the silver nanoparticles’ sphericity and silver carbonate’s presence, the modified nanocomposites exhibited heightened toxicity against common microorganisms, such as E. coli and S. epidermidis. Toxicological assessments, including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) determinations, underscored the efficacy of the nanocomposites. This research represents a significant stride in addressing pollution challenges. It shows the potential of microwave-modified silicas in the fight against environmental contamination. Microwave engineering underscores a sophisticated approach to pollution remediation and emphasizes the pivotal role of nanotechnology in shaping sustainable solutions for environmental stewardship. © 2024 by the authors.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85152690727,

title = {Microwave Irradiation vs. Structural, Physicochemical, and Biological Features of Porous Environmentally Active Silver–Silica Nanocomposites},

author = { A. Strach and M. Dulski and D. Wasilkowski and O. Metryka and A. Nowak and K. Matus and K. Dudek and P. Rawicka and J. Kubacki and N. Waloszczyk and A. Mrozik and S. Golba},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85152690727&doi=10.3390%2fijms24076632&partnerID=40&md5=fdca2399678d249de12b1118dc262558},

doi = {10.3390/ijms24076632},

issn = {16616596},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},

volume = {24},

number = {7},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)},

abstract = {Heavy metals and other organic pollutants burden the environment, and their removal or neutralization is still inadequate. The great potential for development in this area includes porous, spherical silica nanostructures with a well-developed active surface and open porosity. In this context, we modified the surface of silica spheres using a microwave field (variable power and exposure time) to increase the metal uptake potential and build stable bioactive Ag2O/Ag2CO3 heterojunctions. The results showed that the power of the microwave field (P = 150 or 700 W) had a more negligible effect on carrier modification than time (t = 60 or 150 s). The surface-activated and silver-loaded silica carrier features like morphology, structure, and chemical composition correlate with microbial and antioxidant enzyme activity. We demonstrated that the increased sphericity of silver nanoparticles enormously increased toxicity against E. coli, B. cereus, and S. epidermidis. Furthermore, such structures negatively affected the antioxidant defense system of E. coli, B. cereus, and S. epidermidis through the induction of oxidative stress, leading to cell death. The most robust effects were found for nanocomposites in which the carrier was treated for an extended period in a microwave field. © 2023 by the authors.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85146000557,

title = {Undesirable consequences of the metallic nanoparticles action on the properties and functioning of Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus epidermidis membranes},

author = { O. Metryka and D. Wasilkowski and M. Adamczyk-Habrajska and A. Mrozik},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85146000557&doi=10.1016%2fj.jhazmat.2023.130728&partnerID=40&md5=e02c3c50b4d7adf57c01abf7dbe9399c},

doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130728},

issn = {03043894},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Hazardous Materials},

volume = {446},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Controversial and inconsistent findings on the toxicity of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) against many bacteria are common in recorded studies; therefore, further advanced experimental work is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying nanotoxicity. This study deciphered the direct effects of Ag-NPs, Cu-NPs, ZnO-NPs and TiO2-NPs on membrane permeability, cytoplasmic leakage, ATP level, ATPase activity and fatty acid profiling of Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus epidermidis as model microorganisms. A multifaceted analysis of all collected results indicated the different influences of individual NPs on the measured parameters depending on their type and concentration. Predominantly, membrane permeability was correlated with increased cytoplasmic leakage, reduced total ATP levels and ATPase activity. The established fatty acid profiles were unique and concerned various changes in the percentages of hydroxyl, cyclopropane, branched and unsaturated fatty acids. Decisively, E. coli was more susceptible to changes in measured parameters than B. cereus and S. epidermidis. Also, it was established that ZnO-NPs and Cu-NPs had a major differentiating impact on studied parameters. Additionally, bacterial cell imaging using scanning electron microscopy elucidated different NPs distributions on the cell surface. The presented results are believed to provide novel, valuable and accumulated knowledge in the understanding of NPs action on bacterial membranes. © 2023},

note = {2},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85136709506,

title = {In situ lysimeter experiment of leaching pollutants from municipal waste with physicochemical status and microbiome condition},

author = { D. Dąbrowska and A. Nowak and M. Sołtysiak and P. Biniecka and V. Nourani and D. Wasilkowski},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85136709506&doi=10.1016%2fj.jhydrol.2022.128309&partnerID=40&md5=86b0fd0a3fdccec0f1355a3f60e2397a},

doi = {10.1016/j.jhydrol.2022.128309},

issn = {00221694},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Hydrology},

volume = {613},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Lysimeter tests are an ideal supplement to monitoring tests performed in the area of landfills. This article presents an interdisciplinary lysimeter experiment that used hydrogeological, biochemical, and microbiological studies to evaluate the process of leaching pollutants from waste. The obtained results of leachate tests indicate that the EC value was as high as 31 mS/cm which corresponds to poor water quality. Additionally, high concentrations of chlorides (up to 5095 mg/L) and sulphates (up to 10107 mg/L) were observed. The results of microbiological tests confirm the seasonality. The statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference in the number of heterotrophic bacteria was denoted between autumn (1.6·107 CFU cm-3) and winter (1.5·105 CFU cm-3.The analysis of the ability to utilize nitrogen and phosphorus sources showed seasonal differences in the use of substrates containing these biogenic elements. It was observed that nitrogen-containing compounds were most intensively used in winter and the least in spring while phosphorus compounds were the most intensively oxidized in summer. Presented results confirm that lysimeter studies can play a valuable role in the construction of landfills for the best method of waste isolation and limiting the growth of microorganisms. © 2022 The Author(s)},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85138722785,

title = {Implications of Bacterial Adaptation to Phenol Degradation under Suboptimal Culture Conditions Involving Stenotrophomonas maltophilia KB2 and Pseudomonas moorei KB4},

author = { A. Nowak and D. Wasilkowski and A. Mrozik},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85138722785&doi=10.3390%2fw14182845&partnerID=40&md5=daa789b3d033592a759ae582024d5b73},

doi = {10.3390/w14182845},

issn = {20734441},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Water (Switzerland)},

volume = {14},

number = {18},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {Despite the well-described abundance of phenol-degrading bacteria, knowledge concerning their degradation abilities under suboptimal conditions is still very limited and needs to be expanded. Therefore, this work aimed to study the growth and degradation potential of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia KB2 and Pseudomonas moorei KB4 strains toward phenol under suboptimal temperatures, pH, and salinity in connection with the activity of catechol dioxygenases, fatty acid profiling, and membrane permeability. The methodology used included: batch culture of bacteria in minimal medium supplemented with phenol (300 mg/L), isolating and measuring the activity of catechol 1,2- and 2,3-dioxygenases, calculating kinetic parameters, chromatographic analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and determining the membrane permeability. It was established that the time of phenol utilisation by both strains under high temperatures (39 and 40 °C) proceeded 10 h; however, at the lowest temperature (10 °C), it was extended to 72 h. P. moorei KB4 was more sensitive to pH (6.5 and 8.5) than S. maltophilia KB2 and degraded phenol 5–6 h longer. Salinity also influenced the time of phenol removal. S. maltophilia KB2 degraded phenol in the presence of 2.5% NaCl within 28 h, while P. moorei KB4 during 72 h. The ability of bacteria to degrade phenol in suboptimal conditions was coupled with a relatively high activity of catechol 1,2- and/or 2,3-dioxygenases. FAME profiling and membrane permeability measurements indicated crucial alterations in bacterial membrane properties during phenol degradation leading predominantly to an increase in fatty acid saturation and membrane permeability. The obtained results offer hope for the potential use of both strains in environmental microbiology and biotechnology applications. © 2022 by the authors.},

note = {3},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85129027346,

title = {Evaluation of the Effects of Ag, Cu, ZnO and TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Expression Level of Oxidative Stress‐Related Genes and the Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus epidermidis},

author = { O. Metryka and D. Wasilkowski and A. Mrozik},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85129027346&doi=10.3390%2fijms23094966&partnerID=40&md5=0f4add4a778b9089540ad9d29ce2c549},

doi = {10.3390/ijms23094966},

issn = {16616596},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},

volume = {23},

number = {9},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {Although the molecular response of bacteria exposed to metal nanoparticles (NPs) is intensively studied, many phenomena related to their survival, metal uptake, gene expression and protein production are not fully understood. Therefore, this work aimed to study Ag‐NPs, Cu‐NPs, ZnO‐NPs and TiO2‐NPs‐induced alterations in the expression level of selected oxidative stress-related genes in connection with the activity of antioxidant enzymes: catalase (CAT), peroxidase (PER) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The methodology used included: the extraction of total RNA and cDNA synthesis, the preparation of primers for selected housekeeping and oxidative stress genes, RT‐qPCR reaction and the measurements of CAT, PER and SOD activities. It was established that the treatment of E. coli and S. epidermidis with NPs resulted mainly in the down‐regulation of targeted genes, whilst the up‐regulation of genes was confirmed in B. cereus. The greatest differences in the relative expression levels of tested genes occurred in B. cereus and S. epidermidis treated with TiO2‐NPs, while in E. coli, they were observed under ZnO‐NPs exposure. The changes found were mostly related to the expression of genes encoding proteins with PER and CAT‐like activity. Among NPs, ZnO‐NPs and Cu‐NPs increased the activity of antioxidants in E. coli and B. cereus. In turn, TiO2‐NPs had a major effect on enzymes activity in S. epidermidis. Considering all of the collected results for tested bacteria, it can be emphasised that the impact of NPs on the antioxidant system functioning was dependent on their type and concentration. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},

note = {5},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85118113199,

title = {Insight into the antibacterial activity of selected metal nanoparticles and alterations within the antioxidant defence system in escherichia coli, bacillus cereus and staphylococcus epidermidis},

author = { O. Metryka and D. Wasilkowski and A. Mrozik},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85118113199&doi=10.3390%2fijms222111811&partnerID=40&md5=6743e81457591bfff91e7e8f874a25c4},

doi = {10.3390/ijms222111811},

issn = {16616596},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},

volume = {22},

number = {21},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {The antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles (NPs) is a desirable feature of various products but can become problematic when NPs are released into different ecosystems, potentially endan-gering living microorganisms. Although there is an abundance of advanced studies on the toxicity and biological activity of NPs on microorganisms, the information regarding their detailed interactions with microbial cells and the induction of oxidative stress remains incomplete. Therefore, this work aimed to develop accurate oxidation stress profiles of Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains treated with commercial Ag-NPs, Cu-NPs, ZnO-NPs and TiO2-NPs. The methodology used included the following determinations: toxicological parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzymes and dehydrogenases, reduced glutathione, oxidatively modified proteins and lipid peroxidation. The toxicological studies revealed that E. coli was most sensitive to NPs than B. cereus and S. epidermidis. Moreover, NPs induced the generation of specific ROS in bacterial cells, causing an increase in their concentration, which further resulted in alterations in the activity of the antioxidant defence system and protein oxidation. Significant changes in dehydrogenases activity and elevated lipid peroxidation indicated a negative effect of NPs on bacterial outer layers and respiratory activity. In general, NPs were characterised by very specific nano-bio effects, depending on their physicochemical properties and the species of microorganism. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},

note = {4},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85096968667,

title = {Impact of an engineered copper-titanium dioxide nanocomposite and parent substrates on the bacteria viability, antioxidant enzymes and fatty acid profiling},

author = { O. Metryka and D. Wasilkowski and A. Nowak and M. Adamczyk-Habrajska and A. Mrozik},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85096968667&doi=10.3390%2fijms21239089&partnerID=40&md5=36171fe46e3445942970f5d07bc27ce5},

doi = {10.3390/ijms21239089},

issn = {16616596},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},

volume = {21},

number = {23},

pages = {1-18},

publisher = {MDPI AG},

abstract = {Due to the systematic increase in the production of nanomaterials (NMs) and their applications in many areas of life, issues associated with their toxicity are inevitable. In particular, the performance of heterogeneous NMs, such as nanocomposites (NCs), is unpredictable as they may inherit the properties of their individual components. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to assess the biological activity of newly synthesized Cu/TiO2-NC and the parent nanoparticle substrates Cu-NPs and TiO2-NPs on the bacterial viability, antioxidant potential and fatty acid composition of the reference Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis strains. Based on the toxicological parameters, it was found that B. subtilis was more sensitive to NMs than E. coli. Furthermore, Cu/TiO2-NC and Cu-NPs had an opposite effect on both strains, while TiO2-NPs had a comparable mode of action. Simultaneously, the tested strains exhibited varied responses of the antioxidant enzymes after exposure to the NMs, with Cu-NPs having the strongest impact on their activity. The most considerable alternations in the fatty acid profiles were found after the bacteria were exposed to Cu/TiO2-NC and Cu-NPs. Microscopic images indicated distinct interactions of the NMs with the bacterial outer layers, especially in regard to B. subtilis. Cu/TiO2-NC generally proved to have less distinctive antimicrobial properties on B. subtilis than E. coli compared to its parent components. Presumably, the biocidal effects of the tested NMs can be attributed to the induction of oxidative stress, the release of metal ions and specific electrochemical interactions with the bacterial cells. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},

note = {1},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85070880282,

title = {Ecological restoration of heavy metal-contaminated soil using Na-bentonite and green compost coupled with the cultivation of the grass Festuca arundinacea},

author = { D. Wasilkowski and A. Nowak and J. Michalska and A. Mrozik},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85070880282&doi=10.1016%2fj.ecoleng.2019.08.004&partnerID=40&md5=1f8a31274756683d8b80903a831e8773},

doi = {10.1016/j.ecoleng.2019.08.004},

issn = {09258574},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Ecological Engineering},

volume = {138},

pages = {420-433},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Chemophytostabilization is a valuable alternative to many traditional methods of reducing the concentration of heavy metals in soil affected by industrial activity. In this study two soil additives – Na-bentonite and green compost were used separately and as a mixture combined with Festuca arundinacea to reclaim soil highly contaminated with Cd, Zn and Pb. It was found that a decrease in heavy metal concentrations (57–87% for Cd; 48–91% for Zn and 30–82% for Pb) in the amended soils was connected with the application of soil additives rather than with plant vegetation. Both of the soil additives contributed to achieving a higher biomass of F. arundinacea (1.5- to 9.5-fold) than in the non-amended soil. The accumulation of Cd, Zn and Pb in the plant organs was generally higher in the roots than in the shoots. Both soil additives positively influenced the soil enzymes activity and microbial functional capacity. Moreover, they altered the structure of microbial communities in the chemophytostabilized soils. The calculated soil quality indices confirmed that the combined amendments with grass vegetation were most effective in the soil reclamation than other treatments. The obtained results clearly indicate that the chemophytostabilization creates new opportunities for using bentonite and green compost as well as tall fescue grass to limit the transfer of toxic metals from polluted soils to the trophic levels of ecosystems. © 2019},

note = {9},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85069683622,

title = {Application of hydrogeological and biological research for the lysimeter experiment performance under simulated municipal landfill condition},

author = { D. Dąbrowska and M. Sołtysiak and Pa. Biniecka and J. Michalska and D. Wasilkowski and A. Nowak and V. Nourani},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85069683622&doi=10.1007%2fs10163-019-00900-x&partnerID=40&md5=4fda55bd7f247d1b3d90dd15e96628f9},

doi = {10.1007/s10163-019-00900-x},

issn = {14384957},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management},

volume = {21},

number = {6},

pages = {1477-1487},

publisher = {Springer Tokyo},

abstract = {The size and chemical composition of leachates migrating into the aquifer are dependent on the parameters of the waste and the storage conditions. Lysimeter studies allow us to determine the size and chemical composition of leachates as well as the leachate water balance. Lysimeter studies were conducted on a 230-L municipal waste sample for 6 months. During the tests, the specific electrolyte conductivity, pH, Eh, and temperature, as well as the chemical composition, microbiological analysis, and profiling of physiological population level using EcoPlate™ microarrays were measured in collected leachate samples. During the entire experiment, the amounts of inflow and outflow from lysimeters were measured. To assess the existence of significant differences in the chemical component concentrations in leachates, use of Principal Component Analysis was taken into account. The maximum EC value from leachate from the lysimeter was 33 mS/cm. High concentrations of ammonium ion (up to approx. 1400 mg dm−3), chlorides (up to approx. 6800 mg dm−3), and iron (up to approx. 31 mg dm−3) were observed in the effluents. The number of enterococci in May reached 53,000 cells/100 ml. By contrast, the number of these microorganisms was about 15,000 and 16,000 CFU/100 ml in January and April, respectively. Community-level physiological profiling indicates that the activity and functional diversity of microorganisms were higher in the leachate samples obtained in winter compared to effluents collected from lysimeters in spring. © 2019, The Author(s).},

note = {6},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85070258617,

title = {Impact of the biological cotreatment of the Kalina pond leachate on laboratory sequencing batch reactor operation and activated sludge quality},

author = { J. Michalska and I. Greń and J. Żur and D. Wasilkowski and A. Mrozik},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85070258617&doi=10.3390%2fw11081539&partnerID=40&md5=54915800dfbf65bd693faf9ec666a830},

doi = {10.3390/w11081539},

issn = {20734441},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Water (Switzerland)},

volume = {11},

number = {8},

publisher = {MDPI AG},

abstract = {Hauling landfill leachate to offsite urban wastewater treatment plants is a way to achieve pollutant removal. However, the implementation of biological methods for the treatment of landfill leachate can be extremely challenging. This study aims to investigate the effect of blending wastewater with 3.5% and 5.5% of the industrial leachate from the Kalina pond (KPL) on the performance of sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and capacity of activated sludge microorganisms. The results showed that the removal efficiency of the chemical oxygen demand declined in the contaminated SBR from 100% to 69% and, subsequently, to 41% after the cotreatment with 3.5% and 5.5% of the pollutant. In parallel, the activities of the dehydrogenases and nonspecific esterases declined by 58% and 39%, and 79% and 81% after 32 days of the exposure of the SBR to 3.5% and 5.5% of the leachate, respectively. Furthermore, the presence of the KPL in the sewage affected the sludge microorganisms through a reduction in their functional capacity as well as a decrease in the percentages of the marker fatty acids for different microbial groups. A multifactorial analysis of the parameters relevant for the wastewater treatment process confirmed unambiguously the negative impact of the leachate on the operation, activity, and structure of the activated sludge. © 2019 by the authors.},

note = {10},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85009089857,

title = {Effects of pulp and Na-bentonite amendments on the mobility of trace elements, soil enzymes activity and microbial parameters under ex situ aided phytostabilization},

author = { D. Wasilkowski and A. Nowak and G.A. Płaza and A. Mrozik},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85009089857&doi=10.1371%2fjournal.pone.0169688&partnerID=40&md5=efbbab3650069d908a3bb697b4ceda32},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0169688},

issn = {19326203},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {PLoS ONE},

volume = {12},

number = {1},

publisher = {Public Library of Science},

abstract = {The objective of this study was to explore the potential use of pulp (by-product) from coffee processing and Na-bentonite (commercial product) for minimizing the environmental risk of Zn, Pb and Cd in soil collected from a former mine and zinc-lead smelter. The effects of soil amendments on the physicochemical properties of soil, the structural and functional diversity of the soil microbiome as well as soil enzymes were investigated. Moreover, biomass of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (cultivar Asterix) and the uptake of trace elements in plant tissues were studied. The outdoor pot set contained the following soils: control soil (initial), untreated soil (without additives) with grass cultivation and soils treated (with additives) with and without plant development. All of the selected parameters were measured at the beginning of the experiment (t0), after 2 months of chemical stabilization (t2) and at the end of the aided phytostabilization process (t14). The obtained results indicated that both amendments efficiently immobilized the bioavailable fractions of Zn (87-91%) and Cd (70-83%) at t14; however, they were characterized by a lower ability to bind Pb (33-50%). Pulp and Na-bentonite drastically increased the activity of dehydrogenase (70- and 12-fold; respectively) at t14, while the activities of urease, acid and alkaline phosphatases differed significantly depending on the type of material that was added into the soil. Generally, the activities of these enzymes increased; however, the increase was greater for pulp (3.5-6-fold) than for the Na-bentonite treatment (1.3-2.2-fold) as compared to the control. Soil additives significantly influenced the composition and dynamics of the soil microbial biomass over the experiment. At the end, the contribution of microbial groups could be ordered as follows: gram negative bacteria, fungi, gram positive bacteria, actinomycetes regardless of the type of soil enrichment. Conversely, the shift in the functional diversity of the microorganisms in the treated soils mainly resulted from plant cultivation. Meanwhile, the highest biomass of plants at t14 was collected from the soil with Na-bentonite (6.7 g dw-1), while it was much lower in a case of pulp treatment (1.43-1.57 g dw-1). Moreover, the measurements of the heavy metal concentrations in the plant roots and shoots clearly indicated that the plants mainly accumulated metals in the roots but that the accumulation of individual metals depended on the soil additives. The efficiency of the accumulation of Pb, Cd and Zn by the roots was determined to be 124, 100 and 26% higher in the soil that was enriched with Nabentonite in comparison with the soil that was amended with pulp, respectively. The values of the soil indices (soil fertility; soil quality and soil alteration) confirmed the better improvement of soil functioning after its enrichment with the pulp than in the presence of Na-bentonite. © 2017 Wasilkowski et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.},

note = {8},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84966710974,

title = {Physicochemical and antibacterial characterization of ionocity Ag/Cu powder nanoparticles},

author = { A. Nowak and J. Szade and E. Talik and M. Zubko and D. Wasilkowski and M. Dulski and K. Balin and A. Mrozik and J. Peszke},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84966710974&doi=10.1016%2fj.matchar.2016.04.013&partnerID=40&md5=d90b94a6c2c0df2f772f2a0d0e5d58ff},

doi = {10.1016/j.matchar.2016.04.013},

issn = {10445803},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {Materials Characterization},

volume = {117},

pages = {9-16},

publisher = {Elsevier Inc.},

abstract = {Metal ion in bimetallic nanoparticles has shown vast potential in a variety of applications. In this paper we show the results of physical and chemical investigations of powder Ag/Cu nanoparticles obtained by chemical synthesis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiment indicated the presence of bimetallic nanoparticles in the agglomerated form. The average size of silver and copper nanoparticles is 17.1(4) nm (Ag) and 28.9(2) nm (Cu) basing on the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and Raman spectroscopies revealed the existence of metallic silver and copper as well as Cu2O and CuO being a part of the nanoparticles. Moreover, UV-Vis spectroscopy showed surface alloy of Ag and Cu while Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) showed heterogeneously distributed Ag structures placed on spherical Cu nanoparticles. The tests of antibacterial activity show promising killing/inhibiting growth behaviour for Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.},

note = {30},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85011655596,

title = {Recultivation of heavy metal-contaminated soils using aided phytostabilization [Rekultywacja Gleb Skazonych Metalami Ciezkimi Metoda Fitostabilizacji Wspomaganej]},

author = { D. Wasilkowski and A. Mrozik},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85011655596&partnerID=40&md5=502462c3e6606dd6cb854ace0811ac80},

issn = {00794252},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {Postepy Mikrobiologii},

volume = {55},

number = {4},

pages = {413-423},

publisher = {Polish Society of Microbiologists},

abstract = {The main anthropogenic sources of heavy metals in the environment are mining and smelting, refining and chemical industry, industrial and municipal wastes, transport as well as fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture. Among all heavy metals, Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni and Zn are of major environmental and human health concern. The high toxicity of heavy metals causes the need to remove them from the contaminated soil using minimally invasive remediation solutions, called gentle remediation options (GRO). One of the attractive methods to reduce the labile fractions and toxicity of heavy metals in soil seems to be aided phytostabilization. It is a combination of phytostabilization using plants tolerant to trace metals and stabilizing soil against erosion with the initial chemical immobilization achieved by adding various organic and inorganic additives. The potential toxicity of trace elements depends on their specific form present in the environment, their reactivity, mobility, concentration and their availability to living organisms. The bioavailability of heavy metals in soil is constantly changing and depends on different physicochemical, biological and environmental parameters. Due to the fact that microorganisms respond quickly to the presence of stressors in the environment, the changes in metabolic activity, size and structure can be used as good indicators of the effectiveness of applied remediation technology for cleaning up contaminated sites and ecosystem quality.},

note = {2},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84939475989,

title = {Application of biolog microarrays techniques for characterization of functional diversity of microbial community in phenolic-contaminated water},

author = { J. Chojniak and D. Wasilkowski and G.A. Płaza and A. Mrozik and R. Brigmon},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84939475989&partnerID=40&md5=b483f41ce3987de7fc92ea0ea702a1d5},

issn = {17356865},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research},

volume = {9},

number = {3},

pages = {785-794},

publisher = {University of Tehran},

abstract = {The impact of phenolic-contaminated water on microbial community structure was assessed using Biolog microarrays techniques. The following Biolog plates were used: GEN III plates, new test panel for identification of both Gram-negative andGram-positive bacteria, EcoPlatesmicroarray for evaluation of functional diversity of microbial communities and phenotypemicroarrays (PMs) for characterization of the selected bacterial strains. Most of the isolated strains were identified as: Paenibacillus castaneae, Chryseobacterium indoltheticum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Acinetobacter johnsonie, Mycobacterium flavescens, Ralstonia pickettii, Acinetobacter schindleri, Microbacterium maritypicum. The mean value of substrate richness (S) was high (30.67). Also, microbial activity in contaminated water evaluated by AWCD and AUC was high. The mean values of AWCD and AUC were 1.5 and 740.10, respectively. Instead, the mean values of Shannon- Weiner functional diversity index (H) and Shannon Evenness index were low, 1.46 and 0.978, respectively. The carbohydrates (Carb) and carboxylic and acetic acids (C & AA) were the most utilized carbon sources by the microbial communities of phenol-contaminated water. The proprieties of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Paenibacillus castaneae to oxidize 190 different substrates as sole carbon sources (PM1 and PM2), and the sensitivity to various toxic chemical compounds at 4 different concentrations (PM11; PM12 and PM13) were evaluated. Phenotypic microarrays used identified the differences between species. Both studied bacterial strains showed high ability to metabolize aminoacids as well as carbohydrates. Among carboxylic acids Pseudomonas fluorescens was able to use more of substrates as a sole of carbon in comparison with Paenibacterium castaneae. © 2015, University of Tehran. All rights reserved.},

note = {12},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84910056367,

title = {Changes in enzyme activities and microbial community structure in heavy metal-contaminated soil under in situ aided phytostabilization},

author = { D. Wasilkowski and A. Mrozik and Z. Piotrowska-Seget and J. Krzyżak and M. Pogrzeba and G.A. Płaza},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84910056367&doi=10.1002%2fclen.201300631&partnerID=40&md5=977a3d2d10c88755edc3d959ed2669b5},

doi = {10.1002/clen.201300631},

issn = {18630650},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Clean - Soil, Air, Water},

volume = {42},

number = {11},

pages = {1618-1625},

publisher = {Wiley-VCH Verlag},

abstract = {The effect of lignite and lime on the structural biodiversity and enzyme activities of soil microorganisms in heavy metal-contaminated soil during an aided phytostabilization was studied. Over the experiment the amount of bioavailable fractions of Zn and Cd declined threefold and in the end reached the values of 87.8 and 4.2mgkg-1 for Zn and Cd, respectively. The activities of enzymes increased markedly in soil under aided phytostabilization. On the last sampling day the activities of dehydrogenase, alkaline and acid phosphatase, as well urease, were 15-, 8-, 4-, and 19-fold higher as compared to the initial values. The analyses of fatty acid methyl ester and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) patterns showed a shift in the structure of microbial populations in the treated soil as compared to untreated soil. In general, the microbial biomass of total, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (GNBB), as well actinomycetes and fungi (FB), was higher in the soil under aided phytostabilization in comparison with control soil. The highest biomass increase from 2.3 to 2.9 and from 0.4 to 0.8nmolPLFAg-1 soil (dry weight), was found for GNBB and FB, respectively. Phytostabilization supported by lignite and lime appeared to be an effective method to decrease Zn and Cd content in heavy metal-contaminated soil. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.},

note = {23},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84874318958,

title = {The applicability of genetically modified microorganisms in bioremediation of contaminated environments},

author = { D. Wasilkowski and Z. Swedzioł and A. Mrozik},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84874318958&partnerID=40&md5=c1fe54708fd45497bee6975bc72a562f},

issn = {00092886},

year  = {2012},

date = {2012-01-01},

journal = {Chemik},

volume = {66},

number = {8},

pages = {822-826},

abstract = {Genetic engineering is a modern technology, which allows to design microorganisms capable of degrading specific contaminants. The construction of GMMs for bioremediation purposes is possible because many degradative pathways, enzyme and their respective genes are known and biochemical reactions are well understood. For selection and identification of GMMs in the environment many molecular techniques were developed. They include FISH, in situ PCR, DGGE, TGGE, T-RFLP, ARDRA and arker genes (lux; gfp; lacZ; xylE). In order to reduce potential risk of the use of GMMs in the environment some genetic barriers were created. They limit survival of the recombinants and gene transfer into autochthonous microorganisms. In this review the construction and practical applications of GMMs in bioremediation studies are discussed.},

note = {26},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84871681554,

title = {Microbial parameters as bioindicators of soil quality during aided phytostabilization of metal contaminated soil},

author = { J. Krzyżak and G.A. Płaza and R. Margesin and D. Wasilkowski and A. Mrozik},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84871681554&doi=10.30638%2feemj.2012.221&partnerID=40&md5=628c5247cecd8bf94e0de4a2bb17c818},

doi = {10.30638/eemj.2012.221},

issn = {15829596},

year  = {2012},

date = {2012-01-01},

journal = {Environmental Engineering and Management Journal},

volume = {11},

number = {10},

pages = {1775-1782},

publisher = {Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Romania},

abstract = {Microbial properties such as enzyme activities, respiration and nitrification were measured to evaluate changes in soil quality during short-term remediation (28 weeks) with aided phytostabilization of soil heavily contaminated with metals. The soil contained 1291 ± 66 mg Pb kg-1soil, 85 ± 2.53 mg Cd kg-1 soil and 4506 ± 365 mg Zn kg-1soil and was amended with a combination of 10 % (w/w) lignite and 2.5 % (w/w) lime and with fertilizers and vegetated with grass Festuca arundinacea. Phytostabilization significantly increased enzymes activities, respiration and substrate-induced respiration (SIR). Activities of β- glucosidase, acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterase and dehydrogenase were significantly higher in treated soil than in the control (untreated) soil. Also, soil respiration and SIR were significantly higher in the treated soil compared to the control. Potential nitrification increased after 9 weeks of the experiment in the control soils and was detectable in the treated soil only after 28 weeks of the incubation. The mean value of the Enzymatic Soil Index (ESI) during 28 weeks was 62.2 in the treated soil and was about 3-fold higher than in the control soil. An ESI increase of 92 % was noted during the experiment. Also, the mean value of the Biochemical Soil Fertility Index (MW) was over 6 times higher in the treated soil compared to the control. On the basis of the obtained results, aided phytostabilization improved soil biological properties.},

note = {5},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}