ABSTRACT
Developing innovative technologies for the effective treatment of wastewater containing organic pollutants is of extreme importance across the globe. The organic pollutants such as dyes and nitrophenols are the common hazardous pollutants known for their adverse effects on humans and aquatic organisms. Various methods have been used for the removal of organic pollutants from wastewater but they suffer limitations such as high cost, time consuming removal process and production of sludge or toxic by-products. In recent years, chemical reduction method is becoming popular for removal of organic pollutants using various nanomaterials as catalysts. Nanomaterials show great potential for removal of organic pollutants due to large surface area which provides high catalytic activity. In the present review, current studies on catalytic reduction of organic pollutants (dyes and nitrophenols) using four different types of nanomaterials specifically carbon nanotubes, silica, metal oxide and chitosan polymer based have been explored. The factors affecting the catalytic process and mechanism of catalysis is explained in detail.In addition, a critical discussion about the pros and cons of each nano-catalyst have also been included for developing better understanding of the choice of catalyst.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to investigate probable carrier rate of the healthcare workers and screened for carriers of MRSA as they could pose a potential risk factor for nosocomial transmission when the same carrier are exposed to the hospital setting during their clinical postings. A total of 100 nasal swabs were collected from the nursing staff and doctors. Sterile cotton swabs moistened with glucose broth were used for sample collection. Swabs were cultured on to nutrient agar, blood agar, and mannitol salt agar, incubated at 35 °C for 48 hrs. Staphylococcus aureus was identified by standard methods according to CLSI guidelines. Methicillin resistance was detected by using cefoxitin disc 30pgm on Mueller Hinton agar with 4% NaCL Of the 100 samples screened 30(30%) strains of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated, out of which 16 (53.33%) were Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and 14 (46.66%) were methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). The overall carriage rate of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in our study was 16% with the highest rate being seen among the nursing staff (19.35%) and clinical staff carriage rate was lesser (10.52%) as compared to the nursing staff. Chest department samples showed higher carriage rate (33.33%) followed by pediatrics department (28.57%). The present study revealed that HCWs who have contact with patients are at risk of acquisition and colonization with antimicrobial resistant bacteria especially MRSA. Transient hand colonization is the primary mean of cross transmission. Simply education of HCWs on hygienic measures especially proper hand wash is the key to overcome MRSA infection in ICUs.