Pedro J. J. Alvarez

Bio: Pedro J. J. Alvarez is an academic researcher from Rice University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Bioremediation & Medicine. The author has an hindex of 89, co-authored 378 publications receiving 34837 citations. Previous affiliations of Pedro J. J. Alvarez include University of Minnesota & University of Michigan.

Hexahydro-1,3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5-Triazine (Rdx) Degradation in Biologically-Active Iron Columns

Abstract: Flow-through columns were used to evaluate the efficacy of permeable reactive iron barriers to treat ground water contamination by RDX. Three columns were packed with iron filings (Fe0) between soil and sand layers, and were fed continuously with unlabeled plus 14C-labeled RDX to characterize its removal efficiency under different microbial conditions. One column was poison-sterilized to isolate chemical degradation processes, another was not poisoned to allow colonization of the Fe0 layer by indigenous microorganisms, and a third column was amended with anaerobic sludge to evaluate the benefits of enhancing biodegradation through bioaugmentation. Extensive RDX removal (>99%) occurred through the Fe0layer of all columns for more than one year, although 14C-label analysis indicated the presence of soluble byproducts such as methylenedinitramine. RDX byproducts accumulated to a lesser extent in biologically active columns, possibly due to enhanced mineralization by the cumulative action of microbial and chemical degradation processes. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles and nucleotide sequencing revealed a predominance of Acetobacterium sp. in the iron layer of all columns after 95 days. Such homoacetogenic bacteria probably feed on hydrogen produced during Fe0 corrosion and participate on the RDX degradation process. This notion was supported by batch experiments with a mixed homoacetogenic culture isolated from the bioaugmented column, which degraded RDX and produced acetate when H2 was present. Overall, this work suggests that Fe0barriers can effectively intercept RDX plumes, and that treatment efficiency can be enhanced by biogeochemical interactions though bioaugmentation.

Medical bioremediation of age-related diseases

Abstract: Catabolic insufficiency in humans leads to the gradual accumulation of a number of pathogenic compounds associated with age-related diseases, including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and macular degeneration. Removal of these compounds is a widely researched therapeutic option, but the use of antibodies and endogenous human enzymes has failed to produce effective treatments, and may pose risks to cellular homeostasis. Another alternative is "medical bioremediation," the use of microbial enzymes to augment missing catabolic functions. The microbial genetic diversity in most natural environments provides a resource that can be mined for enzymes capable of degrading just about any energy-rich organic compound. This review discusses targets for biodegradation, the identification of candidate microbial enzymes, and enzyme-delivery methods.

Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4)-Based Photocatalysts for Artificial Photosynthesis and Environmental Remediation: Are We a Step Closer To Achieving Sustainability?

Abstract: As a fascinating conjugated polymer, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has become a new research hotspot and drawn broad interdisciplinary attention as a metal-free and visible-light-responsive photocatalyst in the arena of solar energy conversion and environmental remediation. This is due to its appealing electronic band structure, high physicochemical stability, and “earth-abundant” nature. This critical review summarizes a panorama of the latest progress related to the design and construction of pristine g-C3N4 and g-C3N4-based nanocomposites, including (1) nanoarchitecture design of bare g-C3N4, such as hard and soft templating approaches, supramolecular preorganization assembly, exfoliation, and template-free synthesis routes, (2) functionalization of g-C3N4 at an atomic level (elemental doping) and molecular level (copolymerization), and (3) modification of g-C3N4 with well-matched energy levels of another semiconductor or a metal as a cocatalyst to form heterojunction nanostructures. The constructi...

Advanced Oxidation Processes for Organic Contaminant Destruction Based on the Fenton Reaction and Related Chemistry

Abstract: Fenton chemistry encompasses reactions of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of iron to generate highly reactive species such as the hydroxyl radical and possibly others. In this review, the complex mechanisms of Fenton and Fenton-like reactions and the important factors influencing these reactions, from both a fundamental and practical perspective, in applications to water and soil treatment, are discussed. The review covers modified versions including the photoassisted Fenton reaction, use of chelated iron, electro-Fenton reactions, and Fenton reactions using heterogeneous catalysts. Sections are devoted to nonclassical pathways, by-products, kinetics and process modeling, experimental design methodology, soil and aquifer treatment, use of Fenton in combination with other advanced oxidation processes or biodegradation, economic comparison with other advanced oxidation processes, and case studies.