Chitin Polymer Transformation Driven by Particulate Matter and Biofilm Interaction in a Disturbed Estuarine Environment

BIANCALANA, FLORENCIA; FORERO-LÓPEZ, ANA D.; FERNÁNDEZ-SEVERINI, MELISA; BRUGNONI, LORENA I.; BIANCHINOTTI, M. VIRGINIA; RIMONDINO, GUIDO N.; VITALE, ALEJANDRO

JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS

Lugar: New York; Año: 2025 vol. 33 p. 3454 - 3466

1566-2543

Chitin is critical in carbon and nitrogen recycling, facilitates pollutant adsorption and serves as a substrate for potentiallypathogenic microorganisms. This study evaluated its structural, chemical, and microbiological transformations in a pollutedenvironment. An experiment was conducted in the Bahía Blanca Estuary, using chitin in devices attached to a buoy,where samples were collected after 21 and 36 days. X-Ray Diffraction revealed reduced crystallinity over time, withdiminished intensity and sharpness of characteristic peaks. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy detected spectralchanges after 36 days, including reduced amide I and II peaks sharpness, indicating partial degradation, via hydrolytic andoxidative processes. Hydroxyl and phosphate groups potentially linked to biofilm formation were also identified. Scanningelectron microscopy revealed gradual surface deterioration with cracks and pores and the accumulation of organicand inorganic aggregates, including diatoms. Energy Dispersive X-ray confirmed the presence of heavy metals includingmolybdenum and iron, likely associated with suspended particulate matter adhering to chitin surface. Fungal and coliformcounts increased significantly after 36 days, while heterotrophic bacteria levels remained constant. Vibrio spp. was alsodetected. Overall, this study underscores chitin´s dual role in biogeochemical processes and environmental applications.As a key component in biodegradation, biofilms facilitate its transformation, highlighting its function as a heavy metalchelating agent and a carbon and nitrogen source. Additionally, the findings suggest the potential of chitin for water treatmentapplications, where its interactions with biological and environmental factors could be leveraged, providing valuablescientific insights at local and global scales.