Decaimiento de coliformes fecales en lagunas aireadas de plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales en Lima metropolitana / Decay of fecal coliforms in aerated lagoons of wastewater treatment plants in metropolitan Lima

A nivel mundial, el 44% de las aguas residuales domésticas no se tratan de forma segura, la recolección y tratamiento de aguas residuales, se ha convertido en un desafío, particularmente en áreas urbanas de bajos ingresos dentro de los países en desarrollo, donde las aguas residuales pueden fluir sin tratar a transportes de aguas pluviales o canales de drenaje informales. No es raro encontrar efluentes, desechos sólidos, excretas humanas y descargas líquidas de industrias y hospitales en las aguas superficiales de muchas zonas urbanas de los países en desarrollo. El proceso de tratamiento de aguas residuales puede ser llevado en lagunas mediante reacciones tanto oxidativas como reductoras. En la capa superior de la laguna, donde las aguas residuales son aeróbicas, ocurre el mecanismo convencional de la demanda bioquímica de oxígeno aeróbico (DBO) y se produce la oxidación del amoníaco. La capa inferior de la laguna es anaerobia, y en esta zona tiene lugar la digestión de los sólidos del lodo, un intermedio, la zona facultativa permite la respiración con aceptores de electrones terminales distintos del oxígeno, esto permite reacciones como la desnitrificación. Los gases producidos en las zonas inferiores se estabilizan en la zona aeróbica por disolución oxígeno, y esto reduce los problemas de olores. Este estudio tiene como objetivo, estudiar el descenso de coliformes fecales en lagunas aireadas de plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales en la ciudad de Lima, Perú. Los resultados señalan que la separación diferencial de las aguas tratadas, experimentó un descenso del 13 al 26% de coleiformes fecales en todas las lagunas de tratamiento(AU)

Globally, 44% of domestic wastewater is not treated safely, and wastewater collection and treatment has become a challenge, particularly in low-income urban areas within developing countries, where wastewater may flow untreated into stormwater conveyances or informal drainage channels. It is not uncommon to find effluents, solid wastes, human excreta, and liquid discharges from industries and hospitals in the surface waters of many urban areas in developing countries. The wastewater treatment process can be carried out in lagoons through both oxidative and reductive reactions. In the upper layer of the lagoon, where the wastewater is aerobic, the conventional mechanism of aerobic biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) occurs and ammonia oxidation occurs. The lower layer of the lagoon is anaerobic, and in this zone the digestion of the sludge solids takes place, an intermediate, the facultative zone allows respiration with terminal electron acceptors other than oxygen, and this allows reactions such as denitrification. The gases produced in the lower zones are stabilized in the aerobic zone by dissolving oxygen, and this reduces odor problems. The objective of this study is to study the decrease of fecal coliforms in aerated lagoons of wastewater treatment plants in the city of Lima, Peru. The results indicate that the differential separation of the treated waters experienced a decrease from 13 to 26% of fecal coleiforms in all treatment lagoons(AU)

Decolorization of the benzidine-based azo dye Congo red by the new strain Shewanella xiamenensis G5-03 / Descoloração do corante azo derivado da benzidina vermelho Congo por uma nova linhagem de Shewanella xiamenensis G5-03

Shewanella xiamenensis G5-03 was observed to decolorize the azo dye Congo red in synthetic wastewater. The influence of some factors on the dye decolorization efficiency was evaluated. The optimal decolorization conditions were temperature 30-35 °C, pH 10.0, incubation time 10 h, and static condition. The kinetic of Congo red decolorization fitted to the Michaelis–Menten model (Vmax = 111.11 mg L-¹ h-¹ and Km = 448.3 mg L-¹). The bacterium was also able to degrade benzidine, a product of azo bond breakage of the Congo red, which contributed to reduce the phytotoxicity. The ability of S. xiamenensis G5-03 for simultaneous decolorization and degradation of Congo red shows its potential application for the biological treatment of wastewaters containing azo dyes.

Shewanella xiamenensis G5-03 foi capaz de descolorir o corante azo vermelho Congo em água residuária sintética. A influência de alguns fatores na eficiência da descoloração do corante foi avaliada. As condições ótimas de descoloração foram temperatura de 30-35 °C, pH 10,0 e condições estáticas. A cinética de descoloração do vermelho Congo se ajustou ao modelo de Michaelis–Menten (Vmax = 111,11 mg L-¹ h-¹ and Km = 448,3 mg L-¹). A bactéria também foi capaz de degradar a benzidina, um produto da quebra da ligação azo do vermelho Congo, o que contribuiu para a redução da fitotoxicidade. A habilidade da S. xiamenensis G5-03 em simultaneamente descolorir e degradar o vermelho Congo demostra seu potencial de aplicação no tratamento de águas residuárias contendo corantes azo.

Impact of treated sewage on meiobenthic nematodes: a case study from the Tunisian Refining Industries Company / Impacto de esgoto tratado em nematoides meiobentônicos: um estudo de caso da Tunisian Refining Industries Company

The main objective of the current study was to assess the impact of the water taken from the 'Tunisian Refining Industries Company' on meiobenthic nematodes, before and after a series of treatments in decantation basins followed by its discharge in Bizerte bay, Tunisia. The comparison of environmental parameters of the two types of water was clearly indicative of an improvement in the quality of treated waters after a significant reduction in their loads in hydrocarbons. Overall, the water retained a good quality after being treated by 'Tunisian Refining Industries Company' before discharge in the sea. At the end of the experiment, differential responses were observed according to the richness of sediment in organic matter and hydrocarbons. Thus, it was apparent that the nematode assemblage exposed to the treated waters was closer to controls and associated to higher values of abundance, than that under untreated ones. It was also assumed that the species Microlaimus honestus De Man, 1922, Paramonohystera proteus Wieser, 1956 and Cyartonema germanicum Juario, 1972 are sensitive bioindicators of bad environmental statues and of hydrocarbon presence in the environment. On the other hand, Metoncholaimus pristiurus (Zur Strassen, 1894) Filipjev, 1918 would rather be classified as a positive bioindicative species of this type of pollutants.

O principal objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o impacto da água retirada da "Tunisian Refining Industries Company" sobre os nematoides meiobentônicos, antes e depois de uma série de tratamentos em bacias de decantação seguidos de seu descarte na baía de Bizerte, Tunísia. A comparação dos parâmetros ambientais dos dois tipos de água foi claramente indicativa de uma melhoria na qualidade das águas tratadas após uma redução significativa das suas cargas em hidrocarbonetos. No geral, a água reteve uma boa qualidade após ser tratada pela "Tunisian Refining Industries Company" antes da descarga no mar. Ao final do experimento, foram observadas respostas diferenciais de acordo com a riqueza de sedimentos em matéria orgânica e hidrocarbonetos. Assim, ficou claro que a assembleia de nematoides exposta às águas tratadas estava mais próxima dos controles e associada a maiores valores de abundância do que nas não tratadas. Também foi assumido que as espécies Microlaimus honestus De Man, 1922, Paramonohystera proteus Wieser, 1956 e Cyartonema germanicum Juario, 1972 são bioindicadores sensíveis de más estátuas ambientais e da presença de hidrocarbonetos no meio ambiente. Por outro lado, Metoncholaimus pristiurus (Zur Strassen, 1894) Filipjev, 1918 preferiria ser classificado como uma espécie bioindicativa positiva deste tipo de poluentes.

Characterization of a Coliphage AS1 isolated from sewage effluent in Pakistan / Caracterização de um colifago AS1 isolado de efluente de esgoto no Paquistão

The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, which are posing a global health threat has developed the interest of scientists to use bacteriophages instead of conventional antibiotics therapy. In light of an increased interest in the use of phage as a bacterial control agent, the study aimed to isolate and characterize lytic phages from sewage effluent. During the current study, bacteriophage AS1 was isolated from sewage effluent against E.coli S2. The lytic activity of phageAS1 was limited to E.coli S2 strain showing monovalent behavior. The calculated phage titer was 3.5×109 pfu/ml. PhageAS1 was stable at a wide range of pH and temperature. The maximum stability was recorded at 37ºC and pH 7.0, while showing its normal lytic activity at temperature 60ºC and from pH 5.0 to 11.0 respectively. At temperature 70ºC, phage activity was somewhat reduced whereas, further increase in temperature and decrease or increase in pH completely inactivated the phage. From the current study, it was concluded that waste water is a best source for finding bacteriophages against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains and can be used as bacterial control agent.

O surgimento de cepas bacterianas multirresistentes (MDR), que representam uma ameaça global à saúde, desenvolveu o interesse dos cientistas em usar bacteriófagos em vez da terapia convencional com antibióticos. Diante do crescente interesse no uso de fago como agente de controle bacteriano, o estudo visou isolar e caracterizar fagos líticos de efluente de esgoto. Durante o estudo atual, o bacteriófago AS1 foi isolado de efluente de esgoto contra E. coli S2. A atividade lítica de phageAS1 foi limitada à cepa E. coli S2, apresentando comportamento monovalente. O título de fago calculado foi de 3,5 x 109 ufp/ml. PhageAS1 foi estável em uma ampla faixa de pH e temperatura. A estabilidade máxima foi registrada a 37ºC e pH 7,0, enquanto mostrou atividade lítica normal em temperatura de 60ºC e pH 5,0 a 11,0, respectivamente. Na temperatura de 70ºC, a atividade do fago foi um pouco reduzida, enquanto o aumento adicional da temperatura e a diminuição ou aumento do pH inativaram completamente o fago. Com base no estudo atual, concluiu-se que a água residual é a melhor fonte para encontrar bacteriófagos contra cepas bacterianas multirresistentes e pode ser usada como agente de controle bacteriano.

Removal of nutrients from Organic Liquid Agricultural Waste using filamentous algae / Remoção de nutrientes de Resíduos Agrícolas Líquidos Orgânicos utilizando algas filamentosas

Abstract A feasibility analysis of tertiary treatment for Organic Liquid Agricultural Waste is presented using filamentous algae belonging to the genus Cladophora sp. as an alternative to chemical tertiary treatment. The main advantages of tertiary treatments that use biological systems are the low cost investment and the minimal dependence on environmental variables. In this work we demonstrate that filamentous algae reduces the nutrient load of nitrate (circa 75%) and phosphate (circa 86%) from the organic waste effluents coming from dairy farms after nine days of culture, with the added advantage being that after the treatment period, algae removal can be achieved by simple procedures. Currently, the organic wastewater is discarded into fields and local streams. However, the algae can acquire value as a by-product since it has various uses as compost, cellulose, and biogas. A disadvantage of this system is that clean water must be used to achieve enough water transparency to allow algae growth. Even so, the nutrient reduction system of the organic effluents proposed is friendly to the ecosystem, compared to tertiary treatments that use chemicals to precipitate and collect nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates.

Resumo Uma análise de viabilidade do tratamento terciário para Resíduos Agrícola Líquidos Orgânicos é apresentada usando algas filamentosas pertencentes ao gênero Cladophora sp. como alternativa ao tratamento químico terciário. Os tratamentos terciários que utilizam sistemas biológicos têm baixo custo de investimento e a dependência de variáveis ​​ambientais é mínima. Neste trabalho, é demonstrado que essas algas filamentosas reduzem a carga nutricional de nitrato (circa 75%) e fosfato (circa 86%) dos efluentes de resíduos orgânicos provenientes de fazendas de leite em nove dias de cultura e tem a vantagem de que as algas podem ser facilmente coletadas posteriormente. Atualmente, as águas residuais orgânicas são descartadas nos campos e córregos locais. Posteriormente, as algas podem ser consideradas como matéria prima, uma vez que possuem várias utilidades como composto, celulose e biogás. Uma desvantagem desse sistema é que água limpa deve ser usada para obter transparência de água suficiente para permitir o crescimento de algas. Mesmo assim, o sistema de redução de nutrientes dos efluentes orgânicos propostos e amigável ao ecossistema, comparado aos tratamentos terciários que utilizam produtos químicos para precipitar e coletar nutrientes como nitratos e fosfatos.

Research Advances in the Monitoring of New Psychoactive Substances in Municipal Wastewater / 法医学杂志

In recent years, as the third-generation of drugs, new psychoactive substances （NPS） have expanded rapidly and become a serious concern for China's anti-drug prevention and control system. As a new drug monitoring technology in the current anti-drug field, wastewater analysis is an objective, real-time, accurate, convenient and effective drug monitoring method. In recent years, it has gradually been applied to the monitoring of NPS. This study summarizes wastewater sample collection, target stability research, wastewater sample pretreatment, wastewater sample analysis methods, target NPS consumption calculations and actual monitoring applications, with a view to the construction of a monitoring system for NPS in wastewater, real-time and accurate grasp of information on the use of NPS in cities, the reflection of the actual consumption of different types of NPS and consumption trends in a short period of time, and prediction of the development trend of abused use, which is of great significance for combating NPS crimes, serving and guaranteeing the personal safety of the people, and maintaining social stability.

Aquaculture biological waste as culture medium to cultivation of Ankistrodesmus gracilis (Reinsch) Korshikov / Resíduos biológicos de aquicultura como meio de cultura para o cultivo de Ankistrodesmus gracilis (Reinsch) Korshikov

Abstract Current study investigated the effectiveness of different macrophytes as culture media for Ankistrodesmus gracilis in laboratory conditions. Significant difference (p < 0.05) was reported in cell density with regard to conventional culture medium (CHU12) and macrophytes culture media. Mean cell density in NPK, Eichhornia crassipes and E. azurea media was higher (p < 0.05) than in conventional culture medium. Chlorophyll-a was higher than 1 g.L-1, except in CHU12 (0.7 ± 0.4 g.L-1) and T. domingensis (0.8 ± 0.3 g.L-1) media. Nitrate decreased sharply as from the 7th-day of the experiment. Ammonium and total phosphorus were highest in culture media and ranged between 0.4 g.L-1 (P. cordata medium) and 1.7 g.L-1 (CHU12 medium) for ammonium, and between 0.8 g.L-1 (CHU12 medium) and 1.9 g.L-1 (T. domingensis medium) for total phosphorus. Results revealed inorganic fertilizer and macrophytes combined with vitamins may be effective as culture media and strongly supports the growth of Ankistrodesmus gracilis, since cell density and biochemical composition are similar to or higher than conventional culture medium (CHU12). Macrophyte is a tool for aquaculture since biological wastes may be used with nutrients to improve the cultivation of microalgae.

Resumo O presente estudo investigou a eficácia na utilização de diferentes macrófitas como meio de cultura para Ankistrodesmus gracilis em condições laboratoriais. Foi observada diferença significativa (p < 0,05) entre a densidade celular em relação aos meios de cultura convencional (CHU12) e de macrófitas. Os meios de cultura com Eichhornia crassipes, E. azurea e NPK apresentaram densidade celular maiores (p < 0,05) que o meio de cultura convencional. Os teores de clorofila-a foram superiores a 1 g.L-1, exceto nos meios de cultura CHU12 (0.7 ± 0.4 g.L-1) e de T. domingensis (0.7 ± 0.3 g.L-1). O nitrato diminuiu acentuadamente a partir do 7º dia de experimento. Dentre os nutrientes, amônia e o fósforo total foram os mais elevados nos meios de cultura, variando entre 0.4 g.L-1 (meio de P. cordata) a 1,7 g.L-1 (meio CHU12) para amônia e, entre 0.8 g.L-1 (meio CHU12) e 1,9 gL-1 (meio de T. domingensis) para o fósforo total. Os resultados do presente estudo mostraram que o uso de fertilizantes inorgânicos e macrófitas, combinados com vitaminas, pode ser eficaz como meio de cultura no crescimento de Ankistrodesmus gracilis, uma vez que a densidade celular e a composição bioquímica foram semelhantes ou superiores ao meio de cultura convencional (CHU12). As macrófitas são ferramentas a serem adotadas na aquicultura, desde que os resíduos biológicos podem ser usados como nutrientes para melhorar o cultivo de microalgas.

Simultaneous biodegradation of phenol and cyanide present in coke-oven effluent using immobilized Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas stutzeri

ABSTRACT Discharge of coke-oven wastewater to the environment may cause severe contamination to it and also threaten the flora and fauna, including human beings. Hence before dumping it is necessary to treat this dangerous effluent in order to minimize the damage to the environment. Conventional technologies have inherent drawbacks however, biological treatment is an advantageous alternative method. In the present study, bacteria were isolated from the soil collected from the sites contaminated by coke-oven effluent rich in phenol and cyanide. Nucleotides sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed the identity of the selected phenol and cyanide degrading isolates NAUN-16 and NAUN-1B as Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas stutzeri, respectively. These two isolates tolerated phenol up to 1800 mg L-1 and cyanide up to 340 mg L-1 concentrations. The isolates were immobilized on activated charcoal, saw dust and fly ash. The effluent was passed through the column packed with immobilized cells with a flow rate of 5 mL min-1. The isolates showed degradation of phenol up to 80.5% and cyanide up to 80.6% and also had the ability to reduce biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and lower the pH of effluent from alkaline to near neutral. The study suggests the utilization of such potential bacterial strains in treating industrial effluent containing phenol and cyanide, before being thrown in any ecosystem.

Effects of volatile fatty acids in biohydrogen effluent on biohythane production from palm oil mill effluent under thermophilic condition

Background: Biohydrogen effluent contains a high concentration of volatile fatty acid (VFA) mainly as butyric, acetic, lactic and propionic acids. The presence of various VFAs (mixture VFAs) and their cooperative effects on two-stage biohythane production need to be further studied. The effect of VFA concentrations in biohydrogen effluent of palm oil mill effluent (POME) on methane yield in methane stage of biohythane production was investigated. Results: The methane yield obtained in low VFA loading (0.9 and 1.8 g/L) was 15­20% times greater than that of high VFA loading (3.6 and 4.7 g/L). Butyric acid at high concentrations (8 g/L) has the individual significantly negative effect the methane production process (P b 0.05). Lactic, acetic and butyric acid mixed with propionic acid at a concentration higher than 0.5 g/L has an interaction significantly negative effect on the methanogenesis process (P b 0.05). Inhibition condition had a negative effect on both bacteria and archaea with inhibited on Geobacillus sp., Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum, Methanoculleus thermophilus and Methanothermobacter delfuvii resulting in low methane yield. Conclusion: Preventing the high concentration of butyric acid, and propionic acid in the hydrogenic effluent could enhance methane production in two-stage anaerobic digestion for biohythane production.

Emissários submarinos de esgotos como alternativa à minimização de riscos à saúde humana e ambiental / Ocean outfalls as an alternative to minimizing risks to human and environmental health

Resumo Emissários submarinos são apresentados como uma eficiente alternativa para o destino final de efluentes sanitários em regiões costeiras densamente povoadas em virtude da elevada capacidade de dispersão e depuração da matéria orgânica no ambiente marinho, e por demandar pequenas áreas para sua implementação. A probabilidade de condições improprias de balneabilidade, em áreas costeiras adjacentes aos emissários submarinos de esgotos de Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca e Icaraí, é avaliada com base em metodologia computacional probabilística que contempla em conjunto a modelagem hidrodinâmica, de transporte e decaimento bacteriano. Os resultados mostram que as concentrações de coliformes fecais são influenciadas fortemente pela radiação solar e todos os fatores responsáveis por sua mitigação no ambiente marinho. Os referidos emissários não comprometem a balneabilidade na região costeira, visto que as condições improprias de balneabilidade são restringidas às regiões adjacentes aos pontos de lançamento do efluente. A poluição observada nas praias é indicativa da contaminação que ocorre pelos sistemas lagunares, rios e canais ambientalmente degradados.

Abstract Submarine outfalls are proposed as an efficient alternative for the final destination of wastewater in densely populated coastal areas, due to the high dispersal capacity and the clearance of organic matter in the marine environment, and because they require small areas for implementation. This paper evaluates the probability of unsuitable bathing conditions in coastal areas nearby to the Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca and Icaraí outfalls based on a computational methodology gathering hydrodynamic, pollutant transport, and bacterial decay modelling. The results show a strong influence of solar radiation and all factors that mitigate its levels in the marine environment on coliform concentration. The aforementioned outfalls do not pollute the coastal areas, and unsuitable bathing conditions are restricted to nearby effluent launching points. The pollution observed at the beaches indicates that the contamination occurs due to the polluted estuarine systems, rivers and canals that flow to the coast.

Feasibility of biohydrogen production from industrial wastes using defined microbial co-culture

BACKGROUND: The development of clean or novel alternative energy has become a global trend that will shape the future of energy. In the present study, 3 microbial strains with different oxygen requirements, including Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824, Enterobacter cloacae ATCC 13047 and Kluyveromyces marxianus 15D, were used to construct a hydrogen production system that was composed of a mixed aerobic-facultative anaerobic-anaerobic consortium. The effects of metal ions, organic acids and carbohydrate substrates on this system were analyzed and compared using electrochemical and kinetic assays. It was then tested using small-scale experiments to evaluate its ability to convert starch in 5 L of organic wastewater into hydrogen. For the one-step biohydrogen production experiment, H1 medium (nutrient broth and potato dextrose broth) was mixed directly with GAM broth to generate H2 medium (H1 medium and GAM broth). Finally, Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824, Enterobacter cloacae ATCC 13047 and Kluyveromyces marxianus 15D of three species microbial co-culture to produce hydrogen under anaerobic conditions. For the two-step biohydrogen production experiment, the H1 medium, after cultured the microbial strains Enterobacter cloacae ATCC 13047 and Kluyveromyces marxianus 15D, was centrifuged to remove the microbial cells and then mixed with GAM broth (H2 medium). Afterward, the bacterial strain Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 was inoculated into the H2 medium to produce hydrogen by anaerobic fermentation. RESULTS: The experimental results demonstrated that the optimum conditions for the small-scale fermentative hydrogen production system were at pH 7.0, 35°C, a mixed medium, including H1 medium and H2 medium with 0.50 mol/L ferrous chloride, 0.50 mol/L magnesium sulfate, 0.50 mol/L potassium chloride, 1% w/v citric acid, 5% w/v fructose and 5% w/v glucose. The overall hydrogen production efficiency in the shake flask fermentation group was 33.7 mL/h-1.L-1, and those the two-step and the one-step processes of the small-scale fermentative hydrogen production system were 41.2 mLVh-1.L-1 and 35.1 mL/h-1.L-1, respectively. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the results indicate that the hydrogen production efficiency of the two-step process is higher than that of the one-step process.

Assessing the phytoplankton and water quality of Kingston Harbour and Hellshire coast, Jamaica, after the implementation of a waste water treatment facility / Evaluación de la calidad de las aguas de la Bahía de Kingston y la costa Hellshire, Jamaica, después de la implementación de una planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales

Deteriorating water quality of Kingston Harbour, due primarily to sewage discharge and its effect on nearby Hellshire Coast, has been an issue since the 1970s. The implementation of a new sewage treatment facility in 2007 to receive the harbour’s waste at Soapberry was expected to make a positive difference. Physico-chemical and biological parameters were used to assess water quality to determine the effect of the facility. Eleven stations used in earlier studies (1990 to 1998) were re-sampled to represent Kingston, Hunts Bay and North East Hellshire coastline over a four week sampling regime between May and June 2011. While temperature, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and pH remained unchanged between the 1990’s and 2011, BOD5, faecal coliform and nitrate concentrations indicated that the water quality had improved minimally in Kinsgton and Hellshire,and deteriorated significantly in Hunts. Phytoplankton biomass decreased in Kingston (from 3.84 mg m-3 in 1998 to 2.81 mg m-3 in 2011) and increased significantly in Hunts (from 14.69 mg m-3 in 1998 to 24.17 mg m-3 in 2011). Biomass along Hellshire was similar (2.15 mg m-3 in 1998; 2.45 mg m-3 in 2011). In 1998 the nanoplankton biomass (2.7 to 20μm) dominated throughout the Harbour. In 2011 Hunts Bay was dominated by net-plankton (>20μm), indicative of eutrophic waters.

El deterioro de la calidad del agua del puerto de Kingston es debido principalmente a la descarga de aguas residuales y su efecto en los alrededores de la Costa de Hellshire, esto ha sido un problema desde la década de 1970. La implementación de una nueva planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales en 2007 para recibir residuos del Puerto de Kingston en Soapberry se esperaba hiciera una diferencia positiva. Parámetros físico-químicos y biológicos fueron utilizados para evaluar la calidad del agua y determinar el efecto de la planta de tratamiento. Once estaciones que fueron utilizadas en estudios anteriores (1990-1998) se muestrearon nuevamente para representar el puerto de Kingston, Bahía Hunts y la costa North East Hellshire sobre un régimen de muestreo de cuatro semanas entre mayo y junio de 2011. Mientras la temperatura, salinidad, turbidez, oxígeno disuelto y pH se mantuvieron sin cambios entre los años noventa y 2011, BOD5, coliformes fecales y concentraciones de nitratos indicaron que había mejorado la calidad del agua del puerto y la costa mínimamente mientras que la calidad del agua en la bahía Hunts se había deteriorado significativamente. La biomasa del fitoplancton disminuyó en el puerto de Kingston (de 3.84mg m-3 en 1998 a 2.81mg m-3 en el 2011), y aumentó significativamente en bahía Hunts (de 14.69mg m-3 en 1998 a 24.17mg m-3 en el 2011). La biomasa en la costa permaneció similar (de 2.15mg m-3 en 1998 a 2.45mg m-3 en 2011). En 1998 la biomasa de nanoplancton (2.7 a 20μm) dominó a lo largo del puerto. En el 2011 la bahía Hunts era dominada por neto-plancton (>20μm), indicativo de aguas eutróficas.

Caracterización de biosólidos generados en la planta de tratamiento de agua residual San Fernando, Itagüí (Antioquia, Colombia) / The characterization of biosolids produced by the San Fernando wastewater treatment plant in Itagui, Antioquia, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Realizar la caracterización físico-química, microbiológica y parasitológica en biosólidos generados en la planta de tratamiento de agua residual San Fernando, Itagüí (Antioquia, Colombia). Métodos Se analizaron 12 muestras de biosólido tomadas cada mes, de enero a diciembre de 2010 a las cuales se les realizó un análisis físico-químico y microbiológico de acuerdo a lo establecido en la Norma Técnica Colombiana 5167. Para la determinación y viabilidad de huevos de helmintos se siguió el protocolo descrito en la Norma Oficial Mexicana 004 con modificaciones. Resultados En las doce muestras analizadas, se encontró una concentración de huevos de Ascarislumbricoides en un rango entre 4 a 22 huevos viables/2g ST. Salmonella estuvo presente en todas las muestras y las Enterobacterias estuvieron en una concentración mínima de 3000 UFC/g. La concentración de los metales pesados estuvo dentro de los valores recomendados por la norma. Los macro y micronutrientes cumplieron con los parámetros establecidos para los materiales orgánicos usados como abonos. No hubo asociación entre la precipitación y el contenido de patógenos en los biosólidos. Conclusión Los biosólidos generados en la planta San Fernando tienen un gran potencial para ser usados como abono orgánico, no obstante, deben ser sometidos a procesos de sanitización con el propósito de cumplir con los parámetros indicados en la Norma NTC 5167.

ABSTRACT Objective This study was aimed at evaluating pertinent physicochemical and microbiological (bacteria and parasites) parameters regarding the biosolids produced by the San Fernando wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Itagui, Antioquia, Colombia. Methods Twelve samples were collected and evaluated every month from January to December during 2010. The chemical, physical and microbiological tests followed the protocol described in Colombian technical guideline 5167. The protocol described in Mexican official Norm 004 (with some modifications) was used for identifying helminth ova and assessing their viability. Results All samples proved positive for Ascarislumbricoides, viable ova count ranging from 4 to 22 eggs/2gTS. Both Salmonella and Enterobacteriawere detected in all samples evaluated, the latter having 3,000 colony forming unit (CFU)/g minimum concentration. Biosolid sample values met the heavy metal concentration requirement established by national guidelines. There was no statistical association between rainfall and the pathogen's presence in the biosolids. Conclusion Our results suggested that the biosolids being produced by the San Fernando wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) could be used as organic fertilizer; however they should be treated/sanitized to meet the stipulations in Colombian technical guideline 5167.

Concentrations of mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic and aluminum in irrigation water wells and wastewaters used for agriculture in Mashhad, northeastern Iran

Contamination of water by toxic chemicals has become commonly recognized as an environmental concern. Based on our clinical observation in Mashhad, northeastern Iran, many people might be at risk of exposure to high concentrations of toxic heavy metals in water. Because wastewater effluents as well as water wells have been commonly used for irrigation over the past decades, there has been some concern on the toxic metal exposure of crops and vegetables irrigated with the contaminated water. To measure the concentrations of mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic and aluminium in irrigation water wells and wastewaters used for agriculture in Mashhad, northeastern Iran. 36 samples were taken from irrigation water wells and a wastewater refinery in North of Mashhad at four times-May 2008, March 2009, and June and July 2010. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to measure the concentration of toxic metals. Graphite furnace was used for the measurement of lead, chromium, cadmium and aluminum. Mercury and arsenic concentrations were measured by mercury/hydride system. Chromium, cadmium, lead and arsenic concentrations in the samples were within the standard range. The mean +/- SD concentration of mercury in irrigation wells [1.02 +/- 0.40 micro g/L] exceeded the FAO maximum permissible levels. The aluminum concentration in irrigation water varied significantly from month to month [p=0.03]. All wastewater samples contained high mercury concentrations [6.64 +/- 2.53 micro g/L]. For high mercury and aluminum concentrations, the water sources studied should not be used for agricultural use. Regular monitoring of the level of heavy metals in water and employing the necessary environmental interventions in this area are strongly recommended

A DNA pooling based system to detect Escherichia coli virulence factors in fecal and wastewater samples

The availability of a useful tool for simple and timely detection of the most important virulent varieties of Escherichia coli is indispensable. To this end, bacterial DNA pools which had previously been categorized were obtained from isolated colonies as well as selected in terms of utilized phenotype; the pools were assessed by two PCR Multiplex for the detection of virulent E. coli eaeA, bfpA, stx1, stx2, ipaH, ST, LT, and aatA genes, with the 16S gene used as DNA control. The system was validated with 66 fecal samples and 44 wastewater samples. At least one positive isolate was detected by a virulent gene among the 20 that were screened. The analysis of fecal samples from children younger than 6 years of age detected frequencies of 25% LT positive strains, 8.3% eae, 8.3% bfpA, 16.7% ipaH, as well as 12.5 % aatA and ST. On the other hand, wastewater samples revealed frequencies of 25.7% eaeA positive, 30.3% stx1, 15.1% LT and 19.7% aatA. This study is an initial step toward carrying out epidemiological field research that will reveal the presence of these bacterial varieties.

Heavy metal tolerance (Cr, Ag and Hg) in bacteria isolated from sewage

Samples of sewage from a university hospital and a chemistry technical school were analysed for the percentage of bacterial tolerance to chromium (Cr), silver (Ag) and mercury (Hg). Additionally, we investigated the effect of these metals on pigmentation and on some enzymatic activities of the metal tolerant strains isolated, as well as antimicrobial resistance in some metal tolerant Enterobacteriaceae strains. Tolerance to Cr was observed mainly in Gram positive bacteria while in the case of Ag and Hg the tolerant bacteria were predominately Gram negative. Hg was the metal for which the percentage of tolerance was significantly higher, especially in samples from the hospital sewage (4.1%). Mercury also had the most discernible effect on color of the colonies. Considering the effect of metals on the respiratory enzymes, one strain of Ag-tolerantBacillus sp. and one of Hg-tolerant P. aeruginosa were unable to produce oxidase in the presence of Ag and Hg, respectively, while the expression of gelatinase was largely inhibited in various Gram negative strains (66% by Cr). Drug resistance in Hg-tolerant Enterobacteriaceae strains isolated from the university hospital sewage was greater than 80%, with prevalence of multiple resistance, while the Ag-tolerant strains from the same source showed about 34% of resistance, with the predominance of mono-resistance. Our results showed that, despite the ability of metal tolerant strains to survive and grow in the presence of these elements, the interactions with these metals may result in metabolic or phisiological changes in this group of bacteria.

Análise parasitológica em efluentes de estações de tratamento de águas residuárias / Parasitological analysis in effluents from wastewater treatment plants

O reúso de esgoto tratado na agricultura tem se consolidado mundialmente como forma de atenuaros efeitos da diminuição da disponibilidade de água de boa qualidade no globo. Contudo, estaprática oferece riscos à saúde pública em razão dos organismos patogênicos capazes de sobreviver no esgoto, entre os quais a OMS destaca os protozoários e os helmintos parasitos do homem. Opresente trabalho teve como objetivos detectar a presença dos parasitos intestinais de importância sanitária presentes no esgoto tratado e verificar os riscos potenciais de acordo com as diretrizes da OMS. Amostras de efluentes foram coletadas em duas estações de tratamento localizadas nacidade de Piracicaba, estado de São Paulo. A média de ovos de helmintos no período de estudo nas ETEs Cecap e Piracicamirim foi de 3,78 e 0,89 ovos L, respectivamente. Sendo assim, os efluentes provenientes da ETE Cecap atendem às condições de reúso indicadas na categoria C. Os efluentesda estação Piracicamirim estão em conformidade com as condições de reúso das categorias A e B, nas quais, segundo a diretriz da OMS (49), são necessários valores menores ou igual a 1 ovo L.

Characterization and lytic activity of Pseudomonas fluorescens phages from sewage

Pseudomonas fluorescens phages from sewage were tested against P. fluorescens isolates of soil and sewage. The phages were characterized as to host range, morphology, structural proteins and genome fingerprint. Of the seven phages isolated, one was found to be abundant in sewage (5.9×10(7) pfu/mL), having broad host range, and distinct protein and DNA profile when compared to the other six phages. DNA restriction and protein profiles of the phages and their morphology indicate the diversity in the sewage environment. None of the isolates from the rhizosphere regions of various cultivated soils were susceptible to phages isolated from sewage.

Management of effluents and waste from pharmaceutical industry in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Today the management of solid waste and wastewater is a major concern for humanity. In the last decade, traces of pharmaceuticals have been reported in the water cycle and have raised concerns among regulators, water suppliers and the public regarding the potential risks to human health. This study evaluated solid waste management in the state of Minas Gerais and concluded that the main fate of hazardous waste has been incineration, while the non-hazardous waste has been recycled or sent to landfills. However, complaints to the Environmental Agency - FEAM have indicated that a significant number of companies just send their hazardous wastes to landfills or even to garbage dumps, thus highlighting the urgent need for adequate waste management in Minas Gerais. Most of the pharmaceutical companies in Minas Gerais use conventional wastewater treatment. Mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI-MS) showed that the treatment routes adopted by the two 2 selected pharmaceutical industries were not effective enough since residues and degradation products of antibiotics were detected. The physicochemical analysis of the effluents showed variability in their characteristics, which may influence their treatability. The degradation assay with Fenton's reagent stood out as a promising route in achieving a higher removal capacity compared to the conventional treatment. This study contributes to enhancing our knowledge of the management of wastewater as well as of solid waste from the pharmaceutical industry in Minas Gerais and points out the need for further research.

Atualmente, a gestão de resíduos sólidos e águas residuais é uma grande preocupação para a humanidade. Na ultima década, a detecção de traços de medicamentos no ciclo da água tem sido reportada e tem gerado preocupação entre os agentes reguladores, fornecedores de água e público devido os riscos potenciais para a saúde humana. As empresas farmacêuticas, em Minas Gerais, aplicam tratamentos convencionais para as águas residuais e não há praticamente avaliação sobre a eficiência de remoção de resíduos de antibióticos. Este estudo avaliou a gestão de resíduos sólidos e concluiu que o destino principal foi, para o caso de resíduos perigosos, a incineração e, para os não perigosos, a reciclagem e o aterro sanitário. No entanto, denúncias apresentadas à Agência Ambiental - FEAM indicam que número significativo de empresas envia seus resíduos perigosos para aterros sanitários e até mesmo para lixões, ressaltando, assim, a necessidade urgente de adequada gestão dos resíduos gerados. A espectrometria de massas com ionização electrospray (ESI-MS) mostrou que a rota de tratamento convencional adotada por duas empresas do setor selecionadas não foi suficientemente eficaz, uma vez que resíduos e fragmentos de antibióticos foram detectados. Os resultados da caracterização físico-química de efluentes evidenciaram suas características variáveis, que podem influenciar a sua tratabilidade. O ensaio de degradação com o reagente Fenton destaca-se como caminho promissor para alcançar maior remoção. Este estudo contribuiu para elevar o nível de conhecimento no gerenciamento de águas residuais e resíduos sólidos da indústria farmacêutica no estado de Minas Gerais e evidenciou a necessidade de estudos mais detalhados.