A comprehensive investigation to the fate of phosphorus in full-scale wastewater treatment plants using aluminum salts for enhanced phosphorus removal.

This study investigated the fate of phosphorus (P) in 8 full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Shanghai, China, in which both biological nutrient removal and aluminum-based chemical phosphorus removal were used. The results showed that 83.8-98.9 % P was transferred to the sludge in the 8 WWTPs by both chemical and biological reactions. P speciation analysis indicated that chemical P precipitates accounted for 84.3 % in the activated sludge, of which crystalline AlPO4 and amorphous iron­phosphorus compounds (FePs) were the main components. Sludge with more water-soluble and weakly adsorbed P was generated in the anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (A/A/O) process than in other processes. Among the 8 WWTPs, the one with the largest flow rate and relatively short sludge retention time (SRT) had the best potential to release P from all types of sludge. The recovery potential of P from thickened sludge can be improved by separately thickening the sludge produced in the high-efficiency sedimentation tank or feeding it into the dewatering process directly. Different P removal chemicals and dosing points changed the amount of chemical precipitate formed but had little effect on the composition of P accumulating organisms (PAOs) at the genus level. Although aluminum-based coagulants were applied in the investigated WWTPs, Fe in wastewater had the most positive effect on the proliferation of PAOs. The synthesis of polyphosphate was also related to the metabolism of PAOs as it affected transmembrane inorganic phosphate (Pi) transport and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) synthesis. The in-depth understanding of the fate of P is beneficial to improve P recovery efficiency in WWTPs.

Speciation analysis and formation mechanism of iron-phosphorus compounds during chemical phosphorus removal process.

Iron (Fe) salt was applied extensively to remove phosphorus (P) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Exploring the formation mechanism of iron-phosphorus compounds (FePs) during the chemical P removal (CPR) process is beneficial to P recovery. In this study, the performance of P removal, FePs speciation analysis and the kinetics of P removal under different conditions (pH, Fe/P molar ratio (Fe/Pmol), type of Fe salt, dissolved organic matters) were comprehensively investigated. More than 95% of P was removed under the optimal conditions with pH = 4.7, Fe/Pmol = 2, FeCl3 or polymeric ferric sulfate (PFS) as the coagulant. The FePs formation mechanism was considerably influenced by reaction conditions. Iron-phosphate compounds were the dominant FePs species (>76%) at pH < 6.2, while more iron oxides were formed at pH ≥ 6.2 with decreased P removal efficiency. When the initial Fe/Pmol was 2, iron-phosphate compound was the only product that was formed by the reaction between PO43- and Fe(III) or Fe(II) ions directly. More iron oxides were generated when the initial Fe/Pmol was 1 or 3. At Fe/Pmol = 1, the Fe(III) was hydrolyzed to form iron oxides and trapped PO43-, while at Fe/Pmol = 3, iron-phosphate compounds were produced firstly and the remaining Fe(III) was hydrolyzed to form iron oxides. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model simulated the chemical P removal process well. The reaction rate of P with Fe(II) was slower than that with Fe(III), but complete removal was still achieved when the reaction time was more than 30 min. Poly-Fe salt exhibited a fast P removal rate, while the removal efficiency depended on its iron content. Organic matters in wastewater with large molecular weight and multiple functional groups (such as humic acids) inhibited P removal rate but hardly affect the removal amount. This study provides an insight into CPR by Fe salts and is beneficial for P recovery in WWTPs.

A novel approach using protein-rich biomass as co-fermentation substrates to enhance phosphorus recovery from FePs-bearing sludge.

A novel approach for the enhancement of phosphorus (P) recovery from Fe bound P compounds (FePs)-bearing sludge by co-fermentation with protein-rich biomass (PRB) is reported. Four PRBs (silkworm chrysalis meal, fish meal, corn gluten meal, and soya bean meal) were used for co-fermentation. The results revealed that PRBs with strong surface hydrophobicity and loose structure favored the hydrolysis and acidogenesis processes. Sulfide produced by PRB could react with FePs to form FeS and promote P release. Due to the neutralization of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) by a relatively high concentration of ammonia, the pH was maintained near neutral and thus prevented the dissolution of metal ions (e.g., Fe and Ca). This was beneficial to save the cost of subsequent P recovery and form high-purity struvite. Compared with the control, the soluble orthophosphate and VFAs increased by 88.3% and 531.3%, respectively, in the co-fermentation system with silkworm chrysalis meal. Cysteine was the important intermediate. The metagenomics analysis indicated that the gene abundances of phosphate acetyltransferase and acetate kinase, which were key enzymes in the acetate metabolism, increased by 117.7% and 52.2%, respectively. The gene abundances of serine O-acetyltransferase and cysteine synthase increased by 63.4% and 54.4%, respectively. Cysteine was primarily transformed to pyruvate and sulfide. This study provides an environment-friendly strategy to simultaneously recover P and VFAs resources from FePs-bearing sludge and PRB waste.

Understanding roles of humic substance and protein on iron phosphate transformation during anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge.

Effects of fulvic acid (FA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the transformation of ferric phosphate (FePO4) during anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge were investigated. Both FA and BSA promoted phosphorus (P) release from FePO4. A higher P release efficiency was achieved with FA addition compared with BSA at the same dose although BSA promoted iron (Fe) reduction more effectively. Both FA and BSA contributed to the enrichment of vivianite but hindered P re-precipitation with other ions, and FA affected more significantly. Microbial analysis revealed that FA contributed to the enrichment of iron-reducing bacteria (IRB) transporting electrons indirectly and increased the bioavailable Fe(III) via siderophores; BSA provided more electron donors, thereby enriched IRB transferring electrons directly to Fe(III). This study provides an in-depth understanding of Fe and P transformations in sludge bearing iron-phosphorus compounds and it is of practical value for P recovery as vivianite.

Effect of surfactants on phosphorus release and acidogenic fermentation of waste activated sludge containing different aluminium phosphate forms.

The effects of different surfactants (rhamnolipid, trehalolipid and citrate) on phosphorus (P) release and acidogenic fermentation of waste activated sludge (WAS) containing different aluminium phosphate forms (AlPO4, Al(PO3)3) were investigated. Results showed that rhamnolipid was the most effective surfactant to release P from aluminum phosphates (AlPs)-rich sludge. Al(PO3)3 was easier to release P than AlPO4 in WAS due to their different crystal structures. Different surfactants promoted the production of different types of protein. The addition of rhamnolipid was conducive to produce propionate from WAS, while trehalolipid and citrate increased the production of n-butyrate and acetate, respectively. Citrobacter played an important role in producing phosphatase continuously for P release with rhamnolipid addition. Predictive functional profiling indicates that rhamnolipid greatly facilitated adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette transporter and quorum sensing. These important discoveries help to enrich P recovery paths from sludge produced with Al-based coagulants in wastewater treatment plants.

Effects of ferric-phosphate forms on phosphorus release and the performance of anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge.

Five ferric-phosphate (Fe(III)Ps) with amorphous or crystalline structures were added to waste activated sludge (WAS) for anaerobic fermentation, aiming to investigate effects of Fe(III)Ps forms on phosphorus (P) release and the performance of WAS fermentation. The results revealed that the Fe(III) reduction rate of hexagonal-FePO4 was faster than that of monoclinic-FePO4·2H2O, thanks to its lower crystal field stabilization energy. FePO4·nH2O was reduced to vivianite and part of the phosphate was released as orthophosphate (PO4-P). Giniite (Fe5(PO4)4(OH)3·2H2O) as an iron hydroxyphosphate was transformed to ßFe(III)Fe(II)(PO4)O-like compounds without PO4-P release. In addition, Fe(III)Ps had an adverse effect on the anaerobic fermentation of WAS. The specific hydrolysis rate constant and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) yield decreased by 38.4% and 41.9%, respectively, for the sludge sample with amorphous-FePO4·3H2O, which dropped the most. This study provides new insights into various forms of Fe(III)Ps performance during anaerobic fermentation and is beneficial to enhancing P recovery efficiency.

Novel CaO2 beads used in the anaerobic fermentation of iron-rich sludge for simultaneous short-chain fatty acids and phosphorus recovery under ambient conditions.

A novel composite CaO2 bead was prepared to improve total short-chain fatty acids (TSCFAs) production and phosphorus (P) recovery from iron-rich waste activated sludge (WAS) during ambient anaerobic fermentation. Results showed that CaO2 mass percentage of 5% and CaCl2:nylon66 = 1:1 (mass ratio) were the optimal prescription for the preparation of CaO2 beads with porous structure, loose morphology, and sustained-release of CaO2. The highest TSCFAs production (356 mg/g VSS) was observed and about 9% of P in sludge could be recovered on beads. The decrease of Fe-phosphate and Fe-oxides in the sludge were due to different mechanisms. Microbial community analyses showed that CaO2 beads effectively enriched dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria (DIRB) and promoted iron-reduction related genes. After fermentation, the P-rich beads are easy to separate from sludge for further P recovery, and the supernatant carrying abundant acetate and Fe2+ can be returned to the wastewater treatment line to improve nutrient removal.

Effect of complexing agents on phosphorus release from chemical-enhanced phosphorus removal sludge during anaerobic fermentation.

Phosphorus (P) release from sludge containing phosphate precipitates (FePs or AlPs) as well as the anaerobic performance with the addition of complexing agents (citric, tartaric and EDTA) during ambient anaerobic fermentation process were investigated. Results showed that citrate addition was the most effective method to enhance P release from inorganic phosphate by chelation and promote volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production simultaneously during anaerobic fermentation. Equimolar citrate addition with chemical precipitates was the optimal dosage. Microbial analysis revealed that EDTA has the strongest inhibitory effect on microbial activity and community structure, while citrate was more effective in enhancing important acidifying microorganisms than tartrate and EDTA. Therefore, citrate addition can be regarded as an alternative and promising method to recover P and carbon source from sludge containing chemical precipitates. These important discoveries will help to enrich P recovery path from sludge produced in the chemical-enhanced P removal treatment processes.

[Experiment on Jianpi Qingre Huoxue Decoction Drug Serum Regulates SW480 Cell Proliferation,Apoptosis,Cycle and the Expression of ß-Catenin by Altering PI3K/Akt Signal Pathway].

Objective: To study Jianpi Qingre Huoxue decoction( JPQRHX) in preventing colon cancer by observing SW480 cells proliferation,apoptosis,cycle and the expression of P-ß-catenin, and to research its mechanism. Methods: SW480 cells were incubated with serum containing blank serum, different concentrations of JPQRHX decocition and PI3 K blocking agent LY294002 for 24 h,respectively. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay, cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The protein translocation of P-ß-catenin was assayed by immunofluorescent staining. Results: The inhibitory rate and apoptosis rate in JPQRHX decoction group were higher than control group( P < 0. 05),respectively. S phase cells were increased significantly, and G1 phase cells and LY294002 group cells were decreased significantly( P < 0. 05). The P-ß-catenin in JPQRHX decoction groups were mainly expressed in membrane, while the P-ß-catenin in the control group was characterized by deletion in membrane and increased in nucleus. Conclusion: JPQRHX decoction has the ability in curing colon cancer, and the mechanism is associated with altering the expression of P-ß-catenin in the cells nucleus, blocking SW480 cells cycle at G1 phase, inhibiting SW480 cells proliferation, and inducing SW480 cell apoptosis.

Reproductive toxicity of triptolide and its mechanism in male rats / 中国中药杂志

The arrenotokous toxicity of triptolide was evaluated, and the rate of sperm abnormality, the changes of the lipid peroxide, the enzyme activity and the hormone in male rats were observed. With the negative and positive control group, the healthy rats were respectively given by gavage triptolide suspension at the dose of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 mg x kg(-1) for 30 days. Then the rats were killed for the measurement of the indicators in testis and serum, as well as the study on the sperm abnormality. The results showed that the positive control group had significant difference, compared with the negative control group. The content of SOD, LDH, G-6-PD, Na+ -K+ -ATPase, Ca+ -Mg+ -ATPase decreased significantly in 0.05 mg x kg(-1) group, and reduced more obviously with exposure to the dose of 0.1 mg x kg(-1). The levels of GSH-Px and beta-G showed a significant decrease in the testis of rats only at the dose of 0.1 mg x kg(-1). Nevertheless, the MDA levels, the FSH levels and the LH levels showed no significant difference. The deformity rate of sperm increased significantly in 0.05 mg x kg(-1) group and 0.1 mg x kg(-1) group. The results indicated the triptolide had the effect of the lipid peroxidation to damage Spermatogenic cells, Sertolis cells and Leydig cells. At the same time, the triptolide interfered not only with the energy supply process of aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis,but also with the energy utilization in testis by affecting the activities of testis marker enzymes, and produced a damage chain of the male reproductive system

Diterpene constituents of Tripterygium willfordii (II) / 药学学报

In order to study the constituents and pharmacology of Tripterygium plants (Tripterygium willfordii Hook.f), a variety of chromatography methods were used. Four compounds were isolated from Tripterygium plant and their structures were elucidated by UV, IR, MS, HR-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 2D-NMR techniques. The isolated compounds were named as triptonide (1), neo-triptetraolide (2), 2alpha-hydroxytriptonide (3), and 15-hydroxytriptonide (4), separately. Compounds 3, 4 belong to new diterpenoids, which can inhibit the growth of K562 cells (leukemia cells) and HL60 cells (acute myeloid leukemia cells).

Influence of different frequencies of acupuncture on therapeutic effect in patients with cerebral infarction at convalescence / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the influence of different frequencies of acupuncture on the therapeutic effect in patients with cerebral infarction at convalescence.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-seven cases were randomly divided into an observation group I (n = 50) and an observation group II (n = 47). They were treated with same Chinese drugs and western medicine and electroacupuncture at Jiquan (HT 1), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Huantiao (GB 30), etc. The observation group I was treated twice each day and the observation group II once each day. After treatment of 30 days, their therapeutic effects were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate of 94.0% for improvement of limb activity in the observation group I was better than 78.7% in the observation group II (P < 0.05); the therapeutic effects for choking when taking water, dysphagia, vague mind and slurred speech were similar in the two groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The therapeutic effect of acupuncture twice each day on cerebral infarction at convalescence is superior to that of once daily.</p>

Inhibitory effect of oxaliplatin in combination with hyperthermia on angiogenesis / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of oxaliplatin in combination with hyperthermia on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>MTT method was used to observe the influence of oxaliplatin on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) or human colon cancer cells (LOVO). The influence of oxaliplatin on HUVEC migration was evaluated by Transwell. Chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model was used to check whether the neovascularization of CAM could be suppressed in vivo.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The survival rate of HUVEC was 80.1% - 42.5% within a range of 0.5 - 16 microg/ml and was negatively correlated with the concentration (correlation coefficient was - 0. 943, P = 0.005). The survival rate of LOVO cells within those doses was more than that of HUVEC. There was a synergistic antiangiogenic effect when a combination of oxaliplatin (0.5 microg/ml, 1 microg/ml and 16 microg/ml) with hyperthermia was used while additional effect was shown by the combinatioin of oxaliplatin (2 microg/ml, 4 microg/ml and 8 microg/ml) and hyperthermia in vitro. Oxaliplatin inhibited migration of HUVEC in vitro at low doses (0.25 - 2 microg/ml), and also suppressed angiogenesis of CAM in vivo at doses of 1 -4 microg/ml.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results of this experiment showed that low dose of oxaliplatin has anti-angiogenic effect in vitro, while in combination with hyperthermia has additional effect both in vivo and in vitro.</p>

Synergistic effect of Chinese materia medica and chemotherapeutic agents / 中国中西医结合杂志

Both in vitro and in vitro studies have proved that partial of Chinese materia medica including monomer or active ingredients have synergistic action with chemotherapeutic agents, the former could enhance the effect of the latter. Its mechanism may be correlated with the actions of Chinese materia medica in enhancing immune function, directly killing tumor cells, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, regulating cell cycle and reversing chemotherapeutic drug resistance, etc. The present article summarized the synergistic effect of Chinese materia medica, monomer or active ingredients, with various chemotherapeutic agents, and tried to provide a theoretical evidence for combined application of them in the procedure of clinical tumor treatment.

Biodegradation of crude oil by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the presence of rhamnolipids / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The potential biodegradation of crude oil was assessed based on the development of a fermentative process with a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa which produced 15.4 g/L rhamnolipids when cultured in a basal mineral medium using glycerol as a sole carbon source. However, neither cell growth nor rhamnolipid production was observed in the comparative culture system using crude oil as the sole carbon source instead. As rhamnolipid, an effective biosurfactant, has been reported to stimulate the biodegradation of hydrocarbons, 1 g/L glycerol or 0.22 g/L rhamnolipid was initially added into the medium to facilitate the biodegradation of crude oil. In both situations, more than 58% of crude oil was degraded and further converted into accumulated cell biomass and rhamnolipids. These results suggest that Pseudomonas aeruginosa could degrade most of crude oil with direct or indirect addition of rhamnolipid. And this conclusion was further supported by another adsorption experiment, where the adsorption capacity of crude oil by killed cell biomass was negligible in comparison with the biologic activities of live cell biomass.

Development and application of ultrasound technology for hyperthermia / 中国医疗器械杂志

It has been a long time since ultrasound hyperthermia began to be used in the clinical management of cancers and benign diseases. Numerous biological and clinical investigations have demonstrated that: hyperthermia in the range of 41-45 degrees C can significantly enhance clinical response to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and high-temperature hyperthermia (greater than 65 degrees C) alone is now being used as an alternative to conventional invasive surgery for selective tissue destruction, causing tumor coagulation and necrosis. As a promising noninvasive and effective local therapy, HIFU has attracted great attention. China is advanced in the clinical applications of HIFU. This article gives an introduction of the development and applications of ultrasound hyperthermia technology, and also provides a general review of a selection of ultrasound hyperthermia systems both in clinical use and under development.