A novel ex-situ bio-remediation process for perchlorate contaminated soil.

A novel, ex-situ remediation process for perchlorate contaminated soil is reported in this study. This approach comprises washing the contaminated soil with water, followed by treatment of the wash water in a bioreactor. The treated water reused for the next batch of soil, and the cycle continued. The pilot-scale treatment unit comprising of a soil washing unit (0.75 m3) and a fixed-film bioreactor (140 L), both connected in series for continuous operation for a period of three months. The bioreactor was inoculated with a novel perchlorate reducing microbial consortium comprising Serratia marcescens (Gen bank no. HM751096), Bacillus pumilus (Gen bank no. JQ820452) and Micrococcus sp. (Gen bank no. KJ410671). The microbial activity was supported by glucose (glucose/perchlorate ratio = 5), and trace mineral solution. In a typical washing cycle, 2.5 g perchlorate (KClO4) spiked in 670 kg soil was completely removed in three washing cycles, that completed in 6.3 h consuming ∼360 L water. The pooled wash water containing perchlorate at 8.5 mg/L was treated completely in the bioreactor operated at 4.5 h HRT and -200 mV ORP. Compared with both in-situ and ex-situ remediation methods reported, the present approach has many advantages for treating perchlorate contaminated soil.

Appropriate use of PCSK9 Inhibitors in India.

The burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease is alarmingly high and increasing in our country. Dyslipidemia is one of the major modifiable risk factors, and INTERHEART study showed that dyslipidemia had the highest population attributable risk for myocardial infarction. In the management of dyslipidemia, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the primary therapeutic target. In addition to therapeutic lifestyle changes, statins and ezetimibe effectively lower LDL-C and consequently improve CV outcomes. However, there are situations where these drugs fall short of achieving the target or they may not be well tolerated.

Differential Modulation of Endophytic Microbiome of Ginger in the Presence of Beneficial Organisms, Pathogens and Both as Identified by DGGE Analysis.

Endophytic microorganisms play a significant role in plants response to beneficial organisms and pathogens. In the current study, endophytic microorganisms from Zingiber officinale were screened for in vitro inhibition against Pythium myriotylum. From this, Burkholderia vietnamiensis ZoB74 was selected as an organism with remarkable antifungal effect. Further, the study focussed on analysis of in vivo changes in endophytic bacterial community of Z. officinale in presence of selected organisms and the pathogen P. myriotylum by PCR-DGGE. 16S rDNA sequencing of bacterial community after DGGE has resulted in the identification of a group of uncultured bacteria as the predominant microbial community of rhizome under various conditions of treatment. High frequency dominance of these endophytic bacteria suggests their role in disease resistance to soft rot in ginger. This also revealed the variation of endophytic microbiome of Z. officinale under biotic stress. Hence the study provides molecular insight into uncultured microbiome and its stress-inducible variation in ginger rhizome.

Biomethanation of water hyacinth biomass.

The aim of this study was to test practical solutions to improve biogas yield during the anaerobic digestion of water hyacinth (WH) biomass. Increasing the WH (whole plant) solid content to ∼40% through sun drying (6 h), and its subsequent digestion increased biogas yield by 14% with a higher biogas methane (75%) content. Ensilation of dried WH (40% moisture) was found effective for its preservation to ensure its continuous availability even during offseasons, but the biogas yield from six months ensilated biomass was 20% less compared with fresh WH. Co-digestion of WH with waste activated sludge and food waste revealed ∼150 and ∼400 ml biogas/g VS respectively against ∼140 ml/g VS of WH alone. The practical approaches tested in this study like pre-treatment, preservation, and co-digestion of WH found to be effective to make its bio methanation more feasible.

Partial Encephalocraniocutaneous Lipomatosis Syndrome.

Encephalocranial lipomatosis is a rare disorder that characteristically involves ectomesodermal tissues such as skin, eye, and the central nervous system. Here, we report a 3-year-old girl presented with developmental delay, seizures, limbal dermoid, and weakness of right lower limb. Imaging revealed hemiatrophy, arachnoid cyst, and polymicrogyria. The constellation of clinical finding and imaging leads to the diagnosis.

Synergistic combination of violacein and azoles that leads to enhanced killing of major human pathogenic dermatophytic fungi Trichophyton rubrum.

Superficial mycoses caused by dermatophytic fungi such as Trichophyton rubrum represent the most common type of worldwide human infection affecting various keratinized tissues in our body such as the skin, hair, and nails, etc. The dermatophytic infection is a significant public health threat due to its persistent nature and high recurrence rates, and thus alternative treatments to cure this fungal infection are urgently required. The present study mainly focused on the synergistic activity of violacein with four azole drugs (ketoconazole, fluconazole, clotrimazole, and itraconazole) against T. rubrum. The synergistic antifungal activities of violacein and azoles were measured by checkerboard microdilution and time-kill assays. In our study, combinations of violacein and azoles predominantly recorded synergistic effect (FIC index < 0.5). Significant synergistic value was recorded by the combination of violacein and clotrimazole. Time-kill assay by the combination of MIC concentration of violacein and azoles recorded that the growth of the T. rubrum was significantly arrested after 4-12 h of treatment. The combination of violacein and azoles leads to the enhanced inhibition of mycelial growth and conidial germination. Moreover combination enhanced the rate of release of intracellular materials. Morphological changes by SEM analysis were also prominent with the combination. A normal human cell line [Foreskin (FS) normal fibroblast] was used to check the cytotoxicity of violacein. Interestingly violacein recorded no cytotoxicity up to 100 µg/ml. The in vitro synergistic effect of violacein and azoles against clinically relevant fungi, T. rubrum, is reported here for the first time. Finally, our findings support the potential use of the violacein as an antifungal agent especially against dermatophytic fungi T. rubrum.

Diversity of bacteria, archaea and protozoa in a perchlorate treating bioreactor.

A microbial consortium reducing high level of perchlorate was developed and in a fed batch bioreactor using acetate as substrate perchlorate was reduced at 0.25 g/g vss. day. Under stable performance, the microbial community structure of the reactor was analyzed through molecular and phenotypic methods. The diversity of bacteria and archaea were analyzed through whole cell Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization (FISH) and PCR-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), whereas higher trophic community was analyzed phenotypically. FISH analysis revealed the presence of alpha, beta, gamma and delta proteobacteria in the sludge, dominated by beta proteobacteria (68.7%). DGGE analysis of bacteria revealed the presence of a single known perchlorate reducing bacterium-Dechloromonas, nitrate reducers like Thaeura and Azoarcus and a number of other genera so far not reported as perchlorate or nitrate reducing. The archaea community was represented by an acetoclastic methanogen, Methanosaeta harundinacea. We have also observed the presence of an acetate consuming flagellate, Polytomella sp. in significant number in the reactor. Archaea and protozoa community in perchlorate treating bioreactor is reported first time in this study and point out further the significance of non perchlorate reducing but acetate scavenging microbial groups in acetate fed perchlorate treating reactors.

Synthesis and characterization of ZnS-TiO2 photocatalyst and its excellent sun light driven catalytic activity.

The different wt% of ZnS loaded TiO2 (ZnS-TiO2) catalysts were successfully synthesized by precipitation cum sol-gel method and used for degradation of phenol dye, Phenol red sodium salt (PRSS) under natural sun light. Highly efficient 10.7 wt% of ZnS-TiO2 was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PL) and BET surface area measurements. ZnS-TiO2 is found to be more efficient than bare TiO2, TiO2-P25 and ZnS at pH 6.5 for the mineralization of PRSS dye. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of photocatalyst and dye concentration have been analyzed. The mineralization of PRSS dye has been confirmed by chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements. A dual mechanism has been proposed for the degradation of PRSS under solar light. This catalyst is found to be reusable.

Ag2S-ZnO--an efficient photocatalyst for the mineralization of Acid Black 1 with UV light.

The Ag(2)S loaded ZnO (Ag(2)S-ZnO) was successfully synthesized by precipitation of zinc oxalate and Ag(2)S and calcination of the mixed precipitate at 400 °C for 12 h. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, energy dispersive spectra (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) photoluminescence spectra (PL) and BET surface area measurements. The photocatalytic activity of Ag(2)S-ZnO was investigated for the degradation of Acid Black (AB 1) in aqueous solution using UV light. Ag(2)S-ZnO is found to be more efficient than commercial ZnO, prepared ZnO and TiO(2)-P25 at pH 9 for the mineralization of Acid Black 1. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of photocatalyst, dye concentration, initial pH on photo mineralization have been analyzed. Mechanism of degradation by Ag(2)S-ZnO is proposed. The mineralization of Acid Black 1 has also been confirmed by COD measurements. The catalyst is found to be reusable.

Highly efficient, solar active, and reusable photocatalyst: Zr-loaded Ag-ZnO for Reactive Red 120 dye degradation with synergistic effect and dye-sensitized mechanism.

The different wt % of Zr-codoped Ag-ZnO catalysts were prepared by the simple precipitation-thermal decomposition method and used for degradation of anionic azo dye Reactive Red 120 (RR 120) under natural sunlight. Highly efficient 4 wt % of Zr-codoped Ag-ZnO was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) images, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) images, energy-dispersive spectra (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PL), cyclic voltammetry (CV), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and BET surface area measurements. Metal codopants increase the absorbance of ZnO to the entire visible region. XRD and XPS reveal that Ag is in the form of Ag(0) and Zr in the form of Zr(4+). The photocatalytic activity of 4 wt % Zr-codoped Ag-ZnO was compared with other single-metal-doped, undoped, and commercial catalysts. The quantum yields of all processes were determined and analyzed. Zr-Ag-ZnO was found to be more efficient than Ag-ZnO, Zr-ZnO, commercial ZnO, prepared ZnO, TiO(2)-P25, and TiO(2) at neutral pH for mineralization of RR 120 under solar light. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the synthesis of Zr-codoped Ag-ZnO and its use in the degradation of RR 120 dye under natural sunlight illuminatioin. The influences of operational parameters such as the amount of photocatalyst, dye concentration, and initial pH on photomineralization of RR 120 have been analyzed. Mineralization of RR 120 has been confirmed by chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements. A dual mechanism has been proposed for the higher efficiency of Zr-Ag-ZnO at neutral pH under solar light. This catalyst is found to be reusable.

Photodegradation of Acid Violet 7 with AgBr-ZnO under highly alkaline conditions.

The photocatalytic activity of AgBr-ZnO was investigated for the degradation of Acid Violet 7 (AV 7) in aqueous solution using UV-A light. AgBr-ZnO is found to be more efficient than commercial ZnO and prepared ZnO at pH 12 for the mineralization of AV 7. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of photocatalyst, dye concentration, initial pH on photo mineralization have been analyzed. Expect oxone, other oxidants decrease the degradation efficiency. Addition of metal ions and anions decrease the degradation efficiency of AgBr-ZnO significantly. The mineralization of AV 7 has also been confirmed by COD measurements. The mechanism of degradation by AgBr-ZnO is proposed to explain its higher activity under UV light. The catalyst is found to be reusable.

An Efficient Protocol for the Green and Solvent-Free Synthesis of Azine Derivatives at Room Temperature Using BiCl3-Loaded Montmorillonite K10 as a New Recyclable Heterogeneous Catalyst.

A new BiCl3-loaded montmorillonite K10 catalyst has been prepared by solid dispersion method and was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. BiCl3 loaded K10 (BiCl3-K10) has been used as solid acid catalyst for the synthesis of azine derivatives from benzophenone hydrazone and ketones/aldehydes by simple physical grinding. This BiCl3-K10 gives an excellent yield with short reaction time and is an inexpensive, easily recyclable catalyst for this reaction.

Influence of operational parameters on photocatalytic degradation of a genotoxic azo dye Acid Violet 7 in aqueous ZnO suspensions.

The photocatalytic degradation of a genotoxic azo dye Acid Violet 7 (AV 7) using ZnO as a photocatalyst in aqueous solution has been investigated under UV irradiation. The degradation is higher with UV/ZnO process than with UV/TiO(2)-P25 process at pH 9. The effects of different parameters such as pH of the solution, amount of catalyst, initial dye concentration and the influence of cations, anions and oxidants on photodegradation of AV 7 were analyzed. Addition of oxidants except H(2)O(2) has no significant effect on degradation. The degradation of AV 7 follows pseudo-first order kinetics according to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. The degradation of AV 7 has also been confirmed by COD and CV measurements.

Effect of triclosan on protozoa in wastewater treating bioreactors.

The effect of antimicrobial chemical, triclosan (TCS) on protozoa present in aerobic and anaerobic bioreactors for wastewater treatment is reported in this study. Bioreactor sludge ciliated protozoa such as Spirostomum, Cyclidium and Colpoda and flagellated protozoa Mastigella were exposed to TCS at 1 mg/L level in batch cultures. The response of TCS on protozoa was followed by microscopic observation of the sludge at specific time intervals. Among the protozoa in aerobic sludge, Colpoda exhibited strong sensitivity to triclosan and the cells distorted and burst in 20 minutes period. Mastigella and Spirostomum were resistant to triclosan for first two days, but afterwards the mobility was found declined and subsequently mortality increased to 100% in four and five days respectively. Anaerobic sludge ciliate, Cyclidium exhibited morphological distortion and motility decline after 1 hour exposure to triclosan. The sludge flocs were affected and pelagic cell count declined by the presence of triclosan at the tested level.

PDMS-based porous particles as support beds for cell immobilization: bacterial biofilm formation as a function of porosity and polymer composition.

The objective of this work is to test the performance of new synthetic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based bed particles acting as carriers for bacteria biofilms. The particles obtained have a highly interconnected porous structure which offers a large surface adsorption area to the bacteria. In addition, PDMS materials can be cross-linked by copolymerization with other polymers. In the present work we have chosen two hydrophilic polymers: xanthan gum polysaccharide and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). This versatile composition helps to modulate the interfacial hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance at the particle surface level and the roughness topology and pore size distribution, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Biofilm formation of a consortium isolated from a tannery effluent enriched in Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB), and pure Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (AF) strains were assayed in three different bed particles synthesized with pure PDMS, PDMS-xanthan gum and PDMS-TEOS hybrids. Bacterial viability assays using confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy indicate that inclusion of hydrophilic groups on particle's surface significantly improves both cell adhesion and viability.

Photovalorisation of pentafluorobenzoic acid with platinum doped TiO2.

Pt-doped TiO(2) has been prepared and characterized by various surface analytical methods such as BET surface area, scanning electron micrographs (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray micro analysis (EDX) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Photodefluoridation of pentafluorobenzoic acid (PFBA) to fluoride ions has been carried out using TiO(2) and Platinum doped TiO(2) with UV-C (200-300 nm) light. The defluoridation was monitored by the ionometer with fluoride ion selective electrode. Photodeposition of 1.5% Platinum on the surface of TiO(2) enhances its photoactivity in pentafluorobenzoic acid defluoridation. In order to optimize the working conditions, effects of pH and initial PFBA concentration were analyzed. Addition of inorganic oxidizing species KIO(4,) H(2)O(2), (NH(4))S(2)O(8) and KBrO(3) strongly influenced the photocatalytic defluoridation of PFBA. The significant enhancement in the Pt-TiO(2) photoactivity under UV irradiation can be ascribed to the platinum deposits, acting as electron traps on the Pt-TiO(2) surface. The fluoride ions formed during photodefluoridation can be used for the production of CaF(2).

Phosphatase activity in anaerobic bioreactors for wastewater treatment.

Phosphatase (PO4ase) activity was investigated in continuous and fed-batch anaerobic bioreactors for wastewater treatment. PO4ase levels were high in continuously fed reactors (880-2632 micromol/L/h), compared to a fed-batch reactor (FBR) (540-1249 micromol/L/h). Alkaline and acid PO4ases were present in all the reactors, but in varying magnitudes and total PO4ase activity exhibited a 10-30% variation even at steady-state reactor conditions. The PO4ase activity was not affected by the inorganic phosphate (Pi) level in the reactors, but biomass level and wastewater type, including specific PO4ases (either alkaline or acid), strongly influenced the PO4ase activity in a reactor. Both flocculated and suspended cells produced PO4ase, and 60-65% of the enzyme was cell bound, remaining entrapped in the extracellular matrix and in cell-free form. Batch studies with anaerobic sludge showed a negative correlation between Pi and PO4ase activity. An increase in PO4ase activity was observed under starvation and higher salinity (above 15 g/L). Glucose and propionate (at 10 mM level) induced PO4ase activity, whereas acetate and butyrate (10 mM) addition had no response. This study also reveals that Archaea and bacteria contributed 45% and 55%, respectively, of total PO4ase activity in anaerobic sludge.

Biofiltration of toluene-contaminated air using an agro by-product-based filter bed.

An innovative, coir-pith-based, filter bed for degrading vapor phase toluene in a gas biofilter over 160 days without any external nutrient supply is reported in this study. Indigenous microflora present in the coir pith as well as in the aerobic sludge added at the start-up stage metabolized the toluene, and correspondingly, CO(2) was produced in the biofilter. Inlet toluene concentration in the range of 0.75 to 2.63 g/m(3) was supplied to the biofilter in short acclimation periods. The maximum elimination capacity achieved was 96.75 g/m(3) x h at 120.72 g/m(3) x h loading where around 60% was recovered as CO(2). The filter bed maintained a stable low-pressure drop (0-4 mm H(2)O), neutral pH range (6.5-7.5), and moisture content of 60-80% (w/w) throughout the period. In addition to toluene-degrading microbial community, a grazing fauna including rotifer, bacteriovoric nematode, tardigrade, and fly larvae were also present in the filter bed. The overall performance of the biofilter bed in pollutant removal and sustainability was analyzed in this study.

Effect of plant harvest on methane emission from two constructed wetlands designed for the treatment of wastewater.

The emission of methane from two constructed wetlands [a free water surface flow system (FWS) and a subsurface flow system (SF)], constructed for the treatment of waste water, was evaluated at different sites inhabited by reeds (Phragmites communis), to test the effects of plant harvest. High methane emission was recorded immediately after harvesting in both wetlands. Several days after harvesting, the emission decreased in the FWS but remained high in the SF. The variation was significantly influenced by temperature, with lower emission and higher dissolved CH(4) in water occurring at lower temperatures. Both the emission and concentration of dissolved CH(4) were also influenced significantly by water quality, wetland design, level of stalk butt left above the water level, etc. The methane flux was explained on the basis of rizhospheric methanogenic and methanotrophic microbial populations. FISH analysis indicated the presence of Type A and Type B methanotrophs in both wetlands, and the methane flux was directly influenced by the quantitative variation in methanogenic and methanotrophic bacteria in both wetlands.