Caracterización de las aguas residuales generadas en la producción de conjugados monovalentes en el Instituto Finlay de Vacunas / Characterization of the wasteswater generated in the production of conjugated monovalent at the Finlay Vaccine Institute

En la actualidad la contaminación de las aguas terrestres es un grave problema ambiental. La industria farmacéutica es una de las que produce un mayor impacto por la gran variedad de químicos que aporta al agua; sus efluentes generalmente tienen asociadas elevadas cargas orgánicas no biodegradables. La preservación de la calidad de las aguas terrestres es un tema regulado por la legislación nacional, donde se exige la caracterización de las aguas residuales antes de su vertimiento con vistas a evaluar el impacto ambiental que producen y diseñar el sistema adecuado para su tratamiento. El Instituto Finlay de Vacunas, pertenece al grupo de BioCubaFarma, es una empresa de ciclo completo, cuenta con nueve instalaciones, cinco de ellas son generadoras de grandes volúmenes de aguas residuales industriales. El presente trabajo tiene el objetivo de presentar los resultados obtenidos en la evaluación de los parámetros físico-químico de los residuales líquidos del proceso productivo de conjugados monovalentes, para esto se muestrearon los residuales líquidos generados al final de cada etapa del proceso. Se determinaron los indicadores de contaminación: pH, temperatura, conductividad eléctrica, demanda química y bioquímica de oxígeno, fósforo total, nitrógeno total y sólidos sedimentables; los ensayos fueron realizados en el laboratorio de la Empresa Nacional de Servicios Técnicos de la Habana, acreditado para la realización de las caracterizaciones de aguas residuales. Los resultados fueron comparados con los límites máximos permisibles establecidos en la Norma Cubana NC-27:2012 de vertimiento de aguas residuales al alcantarillado, además se calculó el índice de biodegradabilidad. Se demostró que el pH, la conductividad eléctrica, demanda química de oxígeno y demanda bioquímica de oxígeno no cumplen con el vertido para la descarga al alcantarillado pudiendo impactar de manera negativa en los recursos hídricos(AU)

At present, the pollution of terrestrial waters is a serious environmental problem. The drug industry is one of those that produces a greater impact, due to the great variety of chemicals that can contribute to the water; its effluents generally have associated high non-biodegradable organic loads. The preservation of the quality of terrestrial waters is a subject regulated by legislation, where the characterization of wastewater is required before its discharge, since it allows evaluating the environmental impact it produces and designing the appropriate system for its treatment. The Finlay Vaccine Institute, belongs to the BioCubaFarma group, is a full cycle company, has nine facilities, five of them are generators of large volumes of industrial wastewater. The current work presents the results obtained in the evaluation of the physical-chemical parameters of the liquid waste from the production process of monovalent conjugates, for this the liquid waste generated at the end of each stage of the process was sampled. Pollution indicators were determined: pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, total nitrogen and sedimentable solids. The results were compared with the maximum permissible limits established in NC-27: 2012 for the discharge of wastewater. The biodegradability index was also calculated. It was shown that some of the determined parameters do not comply with the discharge to release to the sewer system, which could have a negative impact on water resources(AU)

Presencia de Escherichia coli en la playa Pucusana, Lima, y su potencial efecto en la salud pública / Presence of by Escherichia coli in Pucusana Beach, Lima and its potential effect on public health

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar los valores de la bacteria e indicador fecal Escherichia coli (EC) para aguas de mar de uso seguro y recreacional de la playa Pucusana, Lima. Materiales y Métodos: Las campañas de muestreos se realizaron una vez por semana en el estío del 2019 y fueron procesados en el Laboratorio de Microbiología de la FCB de la Universidad Ricardo Palma mediante colimetría y el método del número más probable (NMP). Resultados: Se comprobó la presencia de EC en todas las muestras analizadas, con valores promedio superiores a 1000 NMP/100 ml. en todas las muestras recogidas. Diez cepas fueron enviadas al INS que determinó que no existe ningún serotipo patogénico, y de acuerdo con regulación peruana la calificación es inaceptable. Conclusiones: Se demuestra la carencia de salubridad ambiental y su relevancia en salud pública. Los factores de riesgo son producidos principalmente por la producción y vertido de las aguas residuales llevados por los colectores al mar y aunque una importante proporción de estas aguas son procesadas en la Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales PTAR Pucusana se identificaron vertimientos domésticos y municipales que descargan al Pacífico, problemática que debe tener un buen manejo y fiscalización ambiental porque deteriora el medio ambiente sobre todo los mares.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the values o f the bacteria and fecal indicator Escherichia coli (EC) for seawater of safe and recreational use of the Pucusana beach, Lima. Materials and Methods: The campaigns of samplings were carried out once a week in the summer of 2019 and were processed in the microbiology laboratory of the Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB) of the Ricardo Palma University using colimetry and the method of the most probable number (NMP). Results: The presence of EC was verified in all the analyzed samples, with average values higher than 1000 MPN/100 ml. in all collected samples. Conclusions: The lack of environmental health and its relevance in public health is demonstrated. The risk factors are produced mainly by the production and discharge of wastewater. residuals carried by the collectors to the sea and although an important proportion of these waters are processed at the PTAR Pucusana Wastewater Treatment Plant. Domestic and municipal discharges that discharge into the Pacific were identified, a problem that must have good management and environmental control because it deteriorates the environment and the seas.

Emergency medical disposal for a case with the wound suspected of radioactive waste water contamination / 中国辐射卫生

A patient with scalp laceration suspected of radioactive waste water contamination had the wound ruled out of radioactive contamination, psychological fear eliminated, and well-healed wound, through rapid emergency medical response and scientific and effective disposal. The treatment process and psychological intervention for batch wounded after a nuclear accident are still applicable to patients with a small amount of sudden radioactive contamination. This article summarizes the relevant disposal process for reference.

Evaluation and design of volume of intermittent decay pool for nuclear medical radioactive waste water / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To provide the calculation method for evaluating and designing the volume of nuclear medicine intermittent decay pool, so as to provide technical reference for medical institutions, environmental impact assessment institutions and management departments, etc.Methods:By constructing a mathematical model and deriving the calculation formula, the relationship between the volume of intermittent decay pool and the radioactivity level of wastewater was established.Results:There were differences in the number of diagnosis and treatment of patients, the amount of nuclide used and the amount of waste water produced in the nuclear medicine department at different medical institutions, so the evaluation and design of the intermittent decay pool were also different as a result . But the result should meet the relevant requirements of the standards GB 18871-2002 and HJ 1188-2021: the total activity discharged every month ≤10 ALImin, and the activity discharged once≤1 ALImin; gross alpha activity ≤1 Bq/L, gross β activity ≤10 Bq/L, 131I activity concentration ≤10 Bq/L; the temporary storage time after filled with radioactive wastewater ≥10 times longest half-life, and the temporary storage time of 131I in patient waste water ≥180 d. Conclusions:The calculation method provided in this paper can be used to evaluate and design the volume of intermittent decay pool in nuclear medicine departments.

Efluentes hospitalarios como reservorio de enterobacterias productoras de betalactamasas y carbapenemasas

Con el objetivo de determinar la presencia de enterobacterias productoras de betalactamasas (bla) en muestras de efluentes hospitalarios, se realizó un estudio en dos hospitales de nivel II y III de Lima, Perú. Se identificó y caracterizó el perfil de resistencia de las bacterias aisladas mediante el sistema MicroScan para 18 antimicrobianos, y mediante PCR convencional se determinó la presencia de los genes de resistencia a betalactamasas de espectro de extendido (BLEE) (bla CTX-M, bla SHV, bla TEM, bla PER) y carbapenemasas (bla KPC , bla NDM , bla VIM , bla IMP). Se identificaron 32 aislados (20 enterobacterias y 12 bacterias gramnegativas). Todas las bacterias aisladas presentaron multirresistencia. Se halló la presencia de genes BLEE (bla TEM) y carbapenemasas (bla KPC y bla IMP) en los hospitales evaluados. La liberación de estos microorganismos a la vía pública y la falta de tratamiento de los efluentes hospitalarios podría ser un importante problema de salud pública.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of beta-lactamase- (bla) producing Enterobacteriaceae in hospital effluent samples from two level II and III hospitals in Lima, Peru. The resistance profile of the isolated bacteria was identified and characterized using the MicroScan system for 18 antimicrobials, and the presence of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) (blaCTX-M ,bla SHV bla TEM ,bla PER) and carbapenemases (bla KPC ,bla NDM ,bla VIM ,bla IMP) resistance genes was determined by conventional PCR. Thirty-two isolates were identified (20 Enterobacteriaceae and 12 gram-negative bacteria). All the isolated bacteria showed multidrug resistance. ESBL (bla TEM) and carbapenemase (blaKPC, blaIMP) genes were found in samples from the hospitals that we evaluated. The release of these microorganisms to public areas and the lack of treatment of the hospital effluents could be an important public health problem.

Development of biodegradation process for Poly(DL-lactic acid) degradation by crude enzyme produced by Actinomadura keratinilytica strain T16-1

Background: Plastic waste is a serious problem because it is difficult to degrade, thereby leading to global environment problems. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources, and it can be degraded by various enzymes produced by microorganisms. This study focused on the scale-up and evaluated the bioprocess of PLA degradation by a crude microbial enzyme produced by Actinomadura keratinilytica strain T16-1 in a 5 L stirred tank bioreactor. Results: PLA degradation after 72 h in a 5 L bioreactor by using the enzyme of the strain T16-1 under controlled pH conditions resulted in lactic acid titers (mg/L) of 16,651 mg/L and a conversion efficiency of 89% at a controlled pH of 8.0. However, the PLA degradation process inadvertently produced lactic acid as a potential inhibitor, as shown in our experiments at various concentrations of lactic acid. Therefore, the dialysis method was performed to reduce the concentration of lactic acid. The experiment with a dialysis bag achieved PLA degradation by weight loss of 99.93%, whereas the one without dialysis achieved a degradation of less than approximately 14.75%. Therefore, the dialysis method was applied to degrade a commercial PLA material (tray) with a conversion efficiency of 32%, which was 6-fold more than that without dialysis. Conclusions: This is the first report demonstrating the scale-up of PLA degradation in a 5 L bioreactor and evaluating a potential method for enhancing PLA degradation efficiency.

Detection of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated from river waters flowing to the Guanabara Bay and from clinical samples of hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Detección de enterobacterias multirresistentes aisladas en aguas de los ríos que desembocan en la bahía de Guanabara y en muestras de hospitales de Río de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract Introduction: The use of antibiotics in humans, animal husbandry and veterinary activities induces selective pressure leading to the colonization and infection by resistant strains. Objective: We evaluated water samples collected from rivers of the Guanabara Bay, which have suffered minor and major environmental degradation, and clinical samples of hospital origin to detect evidence of the presence of resistance genes to aminoglycosides, beta-lactam antibiotics and fluoroquinolones in strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae subsp. ozaenae and Escherichia coli. Materials and methods: For isolation of the water strains we employed culture media containing 32 μg/ml cephalotin and 8 μg/ml gentamicin. The strains from clinical materials were selected using culture media containing 8 μg/ml gentamicin. The strains were identified and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), plasmid DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect genes encoding enzymes modifying aminoglycosides (EMA), extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and plasmid mechanisms of quinolone resistance (PMQR). Results: The AST of the isolates recovered from water samples showed multidrug-resistance profiles similar to those found in isolates recovered from clinical materials. All isolates from water samples and 90% of the isolates from clinical samples showed at least one plasmid band. In the PCR assays, 7.4% of the isolates recovered from water samples and 20% of those from clinical materials showed amplification products for the three antimicrobial classes. Conclusion: We believe that the detection of microorganisms presenting genetic elements in environments such as water is necessary for the prevention and control of their dissemination with potential to infect humans and other animals in eventual contact with these environments.

Resumen Introducción. El uso de antibióticos en seres humanos, en la industria pecuaria y en las actividades veterinarias induce una presión selectiva que resulta en la colonización e infección con cepas resistentes. Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de genes de resistencia a aminoglucósidos, betalactámicos y fluoroquinolonas en cepas de Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae subsp. ozaenae y Escherichia coli, obtenidas de muestras de agua de los ríos que desembocan en la bahía de Guanabara y de muestras clínicas de hospitales de Río de Janeiro. Materiales y métodos. En la selección de las cepas resistentes obtenidas de las muestras de agua de los ríos, se emplearon medios de cultivo que contenían 32 μg/ml de cefalotina y 8 μg/ ml de gentamicina. En el caso de las muestras de especímenes clínicos, se usaron medios de cultivo que contenían 8 μg/ml de gentamicina. Las cepas se identificaron y se sometieron a pruebas de sensibilidad antimicrobiana, extracción de ADN plasmídico y pruebas de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) para detectar los genes que codifican aquellas enzimas que modifican los aminoglucósidos, las betalactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE) y los mecanismos de resistencia a las quinolonas mediados por plásmidos. Resultados. Se encontraron perfiles de resistencia a los antimicrobianos similares en los dos grupos. En todas las bacterias obtenidas de las muestras de agua y en 90 % de las muestras clínicas, se evidenciaron bandas de plásmidos asociados con la transferencia de genes de resistencia. En las pruebas de PCR, se obtuvieron productos de amplificación de los genes de resistencia para las tres clases de antimicrobianos analizados, en el 7,4 % de las bacterias recuperadas de las muestras de agua y en el 20 % de aquellas recuperadas de las muestras clínicas. Conclusión. La detección de microorganismos con elementos genéticos que confieren resistencia a los antibióticos en ambientes como el agua, es una estrategia necesaria para prevenir y controlar la diseminación de estos agentes patógenos con potencial para infectar a humanos y a otros animales en dichos ambientes.

Enterobacterias productoras de b-lactamasas de espectro-extendido y plásmido-ampc en aguas de riego, zona maica, cochabamba / Extended-spectrum b-lactamase and plasmid ampc b-lactamase-producing enterobacteriaceae in water sources for irrigation in maica's zone, cochabamba

Introducción: Las enterobacterias han ido adquiriendo mecanismos de resistencia a los antimicrobianos, como la producción de Beta Lactamasas de Espectro Extendido (BLEE) que otorga resistencia a varios beta-lactámicos. Estas bacterias, capaces de causar infecciones intrahospitalarias y comunitarias difíciles de tratar, se están diseminando y habitan reservorios ambientales, como aguas;y es considerado un problema de salud pública. Situación desconocida en nuestro medio. Objetivo: Identificar Enterobacterias productoras de BLEE y AmpC en agua de los ríos Tamborada y Rocha, utilizados para el riego de cultivos en la zona Maica de Cochabamba. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y cuantitativo. Se analizaron 70 muestras de agua: 44 del rio Tamborada y 26 del Rocha. Las muestras se cultivaron en Agar MacConkey con Cefotaxima (2 μm/ml). Las bacterias que crecieron se identificaron con agar cromogénico y pruebas bioquímicas. Las cepas productoras de BLEE y tipo AmpC se determinaron por difusión y aproximación de discos: Cefotaxima, ceftazidima, Amoxicilina/Acido clavulánico para BLEE y Cefoxitin para AmpC. Resultados: Se aislaron 23 cepas de Escherichia coli (E. coli) productoras de BLEE (32,8%) de las 70 muestras y 22 muestras (resistentes a cefoxitin) que podrían tener además resistencia tipo AmpC. Conclusión: E. coli productoras de BLEE y probablemente AmpC están circulando en ambientes de nuestro medio como ser agua de Ríos Tamborada y Rocha, esto representa un problema de salud pública, más si consideramos que estas aguas son utilizadas en riego de verduras que abastecen los mercados de Cochabamba y pueden diseminar estas bacterias entre la población.

Introduction: Enterobacteria have been acquiring antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, such as the production of extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) thatgives resistance to several beta-lactams.These bacteria, capable of causing intrahospital and community infections difficult to treat, are spreading and inhabit environmental reservoirs, such as water; and is considered a public health problem. Unknown situation in our environment. Objective: Identify Enterobacteria producing BLEE and AmpC in water from the Tamborada and Rocha rivers, used for irrigation of crops in the Maica area of Cochabamba. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study. 70 water samples were analyzed: 44 from the Tamborada river and 26 from Rocha.The samples were grown in MacConkey Agar with Cefotaxime (2 μm/ml). Bacteria that grew were identified with chromogenic agar and biochemical tests.The ESBL and AmpC type producing strains were determined by diffusion and approximation of discs: Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid for ESBL; and Cefoxitin for AmpC. Results: 23 strains of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (32.8%) were isolated from the 70 samples. 22 of these isolates (resistant to cefoxitin) could also have AmpC resistance. Conclusion: E. coli producers of ESBL and probably AmpC are circulating in our environment such as waters of Rocha and Tamborada rivers, which represent a public health problem, more if we consider that these waters are used in irrigation of vegetables that they supply Cochabamba markets and can spread these bacteria among the population.

Huevos de helmintos como indicadores de contaminación de origen fecal en aguas de riego agrícola, biosólidos, suelos y pastos / Helminth eggs as parasitic indicators of fecal contamination in agricultural irrigation water, biosolids, soils and pastures

Resumen Introducción. La disposición de las aguas residuales y de los biosólidos provenientes de los sistemas de depuración es una práctica común en la agricultura debido a su alta concentración de nutrientes, lo cual mejora el rendimiento de las cosechas. Sin embargo, la presencia en ellos de microorganismos patógenos de origen fecal genera riesgos sanitarios para los agricultores y los consumidores. Objetivo. Determinar la presencia y la concentración de huevos de helmintos en aguas utilizadas para riego agrícola, así como en biosólidos, suelos y pasto. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron y analizaron muestras de agua, biosólidos, suelos y pasto, para la detección y el conteo del total de huevos de helmintos y de huevos viables, y para la evaluación de su comportamiento en aguas utilizadas en el riego agrícola y el cultivo de pasto para ganado lechero en los que se habían utilizado biosólidos como enmienda orgánica. Resultados. En las aguas se encontraron concentraciones totales de 0,1 a 3 huevos de helmintos por litro y de 0,1 a 1 huevos viables de helmintos por litro. En biosólidos y suelos, hubo entre 3 y 22 huevos de helmintos por 4 g de peso seco, y entre 2 y 12 huevos viables por 4 g de peso seco. En los pastos, hubo un número total de menos de 2 a 9 huevos de helmintos por g de peso fresco y menos de 1 a 3 huevos viables por g de peso fresco. La permanencia en cada una de las matrices varió de días a meses, lo cual puede representar un riesgo sanitario para la población que trabaja en los cultivos y para los consumidores. Conclusiones. La presencia de huevos de helmintos en las matrices evaluadas confirmó el riesgo sanitario de este tipo de entornos, por lo cual es importante su control e inclusión en las normas sobre el uso de aguas residuales y biosólidos en la agricultura.

Abstract Introduction: A very common practice in agriculture is the disposal of wastewater and biosolids from water treatment systems due to their high nutrient content, which substantially improves crop yields. However, the presence of pathogens of fecal origin creates a sanitary risk to farmers and consumers. Objective: To determine the presence and concentration of helminth eggs in irrigation waters, biosolids, agricultural soils, and pastures. Materials and methods: Water, biosolids, soil, and pasture samples were collected and analyzed for helminth egg detection, total eggs and viable eggs counts. The behavior of helminth eggs was evaluated in irrigation waters and dairy cattle grassland, where biosolids had been used as an organic amendment. Results: Concentrations between 0.1-3 total helminth eggs/L, and 0.1-1 viable helminth eggs/L were found in water. In biosolids and soil, we found 3-22 total helminth eggs/4 g of dry weight, and 2-12 viable helminth eggs/4 g of dry weight, and in grass, we found <2-9 total helminth eggs/g of fresh weight, and <1-3 viable helminth eggs/g of fresh weight. The presence of helminth eggs in each matrix varied from days to months, which may represent a sanitary risk to farmers as well as to consumers. Conclusions: The presence of helminth eggs in the assessed matrixes confirms the sanitary risk of such practices. Therefore, it is important to control and incorporate regulations related to the use of wastewater and biosolids in agriculture.

Basic thought and key technology on resource recycling of waste water from pharmaceutical process of Chinese materia medica according to clean production / 中草药

The pollution and destruction of water environment has become one of the main environmental problems in today’s world, and the resource recycling of wastewater from pharmaceutical process of Chinese materia medica (CMM) is the important content in the research of water environment comprehensive prevention and control of water pollution purification. Furthermore, it is the inevitable choice on the green development and industrial upgrading of CMM industry. The wastewater produced in the pharmaceutical process of CMM has the characteristics of unstable composition, many kinds of organic pollutants and varied from different factories, and all belongs to one of the high concentration organic wastewater which is difficult to handle. In this article, the basic thought of “primary treatment-secondary treatment based on resource of effective compositions-third treatment” is been put up according to the characteristic compositions and source of wastewater. In view of the application of a large number of industrial water treatment new technology and new method, the method of using membrane to deal with wastewater is proposed, because of the technology advantages and the rapid growth of market share in water-making and wastewater treatment. Meanwhile, membrane is able to establish effective way of energy saving and environmental friendly integrated technology group. This study provides a new way for the reduction and resource utilization of CMM wastewater.

Formulation and evaluation of folic acid conjugated gliadin nanoparticles of curcumin for targeting colon cancer cells.

Preparation of folic acid (FA) conjugated (FA-CUR-GNPs) and non-conjugated (CUR-GNPs) gliadin nanoparticles of curcumin were successfully formulated by desolvation method for oral delivery of drug for targeting colon cancer cell. F1, F3, F5 (conjugated) and F2, F4, F6 (Non-conjugated) were formulated using various drug-polymer ratio (1:2). They were further characterized by FTIR, Mass spectroscopy, NMR, solubility studies, entrapment efficiency, TEM, particle size, surface charge, In-vitro release studies, In vivo toxicity studies and simultaneously evaluated. F3 (curcumin 10mg, gliadin 20mg and FA 5mg) and F4 (curcumin 10mg and gliadin 20 mg) were found as the optimized formulation among both the categories. For F3 and F4 formulations; average particle size (168.1 and 195.7nm), zeta potential (-16.5 and -24.4mV), cumulative % drug release (92.92 and 94%) and In vivo toxicity studies were conducted and compared with the control (phosphate-buffer saline, pH 6.8) reveals no toxicity. From the characterization and evaluation studies it was identified that F4 (FA-CUR-GNPs) had better solubility, In vitro release profile and no specified In-vivo toxicity than F3 (CUR-GNPs) formulation with nano-range particle size throughout the experiment. Improved bioavailability and increase targeting capacity toward colon cancer tumor cells were successfully achieved.

Evidencia de circulación del virus de la hepatitis A, subgenotipo IA, en muestras ambientales en Antioquia, Colombia / Evidence of the circulation of hepatitis A virus, subgenotype IA, in environmental samples from Antioquia, Colombia

Introducción. El virus de la hepatitis A (HAV) es un importante patógeno que se transmite por vía fecal-oral. La epidemiología de la infección está directamente relacionada con el acceso de la población al agua potable y con la infraestructura de alcantarillado. Objetivo. Determinar la presencia del HAV e identificar el genotipo en muestras de agua de abastecimiento y agua residual en ocho municipios, un corregimiento y una vereda del departamento de Antioquia, noroccidente de Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hicieron tres muestreos seriados de diciembre de 2012 a abril de 2014 en la fuente principal de abastecimiento de los acueductos y en el principal vertimiento de aguas residuales de cada municipio. Las muestras se concentraron por filtración y ultrafiltración tangencial, y por las técnicas de polietilenglicol y floculación con leche descremada, respectivamente. A partir del ARN total de cada muestra, se amplificaron la región VP3-VP1 para la detección del genoma viral y la región VP1-2B para la genotipificación. Resultados. El genoma del HAV se detectó en las fuentes de agua de abastecimiento de Puerto Berrío, Frontino y Nutibara, y en las muestras de aguas residuales provenientes de los municipios de Arboletes, Zaragoza y Venecia. Mediante el análisis de las secuencias se identificó el subgenotipo IA del virus. Conclusión. Este estudio permitió detectar la presencia del HAV en 6,6 % de las muestras de agua de abastecimiento y en 13,3 % de las muestras de agua residual de los municipios en estudio. Se reporta por primera vez la circulación del subgenotipo IA en muestras ambientales en Antioquia.

Introduction: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is an important pathogen, typically transmitted via the faecal-oral route. The epidemiology of the infection is directly related to drinking water access and adequate disposal of sewage water. Objective: To determine the presence and identify the genotype of HAV in environmental samples from eight municipalities and two villages in Antioquia, northwestern Colombia. Materials and methods: Three serial samplings were done between December, 2012, and April, 2014. Water samples were obtained from drinking water plants prior to treatment, as well as from the main reserve of wastewater in each municipality included in the study. Viral concentrations for the two types of sample sources were determined by filtration/tangential ultrafiltration and polyethyleneglycol plus flocculation with skimmed milk, respectively. Total ARN was subsequently obtained from each sample and the VP3-VP1 region amplified for detection of the viral genome. The genotype was determined by amplification of the VP1-2B region. Results: The HAV genome was detected in samples from drinking water plants at Puerto Berrío, Frontino and Nutibara, and in wastewater samples from the municipalities of Arboletes, Zaragoza and Venecia. HAV subgenotype IA was identified using phylogenetic analysis. Conclusion: In this study, HAV was identified in 6.6% of the samples from drinking water plants and 13.3% of wastewater samples. This is the first report of HAV subgenotype IA circulating in environmental samples from Antioquia.

Wastewater use in agriculture and potential effects on meso and macrofauna soil / Utilização de efluentes na agricultura e potenciais efeitos na meso e macrofauna do solo

ABSTRACT: The use of wastewater in agriculture has been practiced on an increasing scale over the past decades because of its fertilizing potential and the reduction in demand for surface water and groundwater. However, this practice may bring harm when performed without planning, not respecting the capacity of the soil to recycle organic waste. The most common problems are contamination of surface and groundwater via leaching and runoff, as well as accumulation of nutrients and potentially polluting elements that compromise chemical, physical and biological characteristics of the soil. The biological compartment, represented by the micro, meso and macrofauna, plays an important role in nutrient cycling, decomposition of organic matter, particle movement and transport of materials at different depths, helping to maintain soil physical and chemical characteristics. In this sense, this paper aims to discuss the effect of using different kinds of wastewater in agriculture on soil biology, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, as well as emphasizing the need to conduct investigations that enhance the positive aspects of wastewater use associated with edaphic processes.

RESUMO: O uso de efluentes na agricultura vem sendo praticado em escala crescente ao longo das últimas décadas em virtude de seu potencial fertilizante e da redução na demanda de águas superficiais e subterrâneas. No entanto, tal prática pode trazer prejuízos quando realizada sem planejamento, não respeitando a capacidade de suporte do solo para a reciclagem de resíduos orgânicos. Os problemas mais comuns são a contaminação de águas superficiais e subterrâneas, via lixiviação e escoamento superficial, bem como o acúmulo de nutrientes e elementos potencialmente poluentes que comprometem as características químicas, físicas e biológicas do solo. O compartimento biológico, representado pela micro, meso e macrofauna, desempenha importante papel na ciclagem de nutrientes, decomposição da matéria orgânica, movimentação das partículas e transporte de materiais em diferentes profundidades, contribuindo para a manutenção das características físicas e químicas do solo. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo discutir o efeito do uso de diferentes efluentes na agricultura sobre a biologia do solo, destacando aspectos positivos e negativos, bem como enfatizar a necessidade de conduzir investigações que potencializem os aspectos positivos do uso de efluentes associados aos processos edáficos.

Bioremediation of Slaughter House Waste Water by Rhodobacter Sp. Gskrlmbku-02.

Biological treatment of waste waters is a sustainable alternative for waste treatment to existing treatment methods. Microbial metabolism effects pH, BOD, COD, DO and concentration of suspended solids present in slaughter house waste water. Rhodobacter sp. GSKRLMBKU-02 from paper mill waste water was used in the present study to remediate slaughter house waste water. Treatment with this bacterium caused a significant decrease in some of the parameters tested for waste water. Remediation of slaughter house waste water of Warangal by Rhodobacter sp. GSKRLMBKU-02 showed a 28% decrease in DO, 52% decrease in BOD, 76% decrease in COD and organic matter decreased to the extent of 55%. Further a reduction in the levels of Chloride (68%), sulphates (69%) and bicarbonates (34%) were also noticed due to the growth of this bacterium.

Aprovechamiento de cromo eliminado en aguas residuales de curtiembres (San Benito, Bogotá), mediante tratamiento con sulfato de sodio / Chromium rcovereed and re-sed from tannery residual water (located in sann benito, bogotá), by treatment with sodyum sulphate

El proceso de curtido consiste en transformar la piel de ganado vacuno u otros animales, en cuero, mediante la aplicación de taninos que son sustancias de origen vegetal, o también de cromo. Este elemento es un contaminante cuya concentración máxima permisible en vertimientos industriales es de 1 mg/L, según la Resolución 1074 de 1997 del Departamento Administrativo de Medio Ambiente (DAMA), para el Distrito Capital, por la cual se establecen estándares ambientales en materia de vertimientos. Se evaluó la factibilidad técnica para recuperar y reutilizar cromo de las aguas residuales del proceso de curtido de una curtiembre en San Benito (Bogotá), precipitándolo con soda cáustica 4 M y regenerándolo con sulfato de sodio y ácido fórmico grado industrial en reemplazo de ácido sulfúrico, regulado por estupefacientes, para reutilizar la sal de cromo en el mismo proceso de curtido. Su implementación minimiza contaminación de aguas con cromo y disminuye costos de producción. Se redujo el contenido de cromo del agua residual del proceso de curtido en 99,9% desde concentraciones promedio de 2.475 mg/L hasta niveles inferiores a 1,0 mg/L, permitiendo reutilización del agua para lavado de pieles saladas que ingresan al proceso, después de tratamiento con hidroxicloruro de aluminio e hipoclorito de sodio, disminuyendo significativamente su consumo. Se determinó la calidad del cuero obtenido mediante pruebas de encogimiento y resistencia a la flexión. Los procesos de reutilización de materiales producidos como desecho en procesos de curtiembres son fundamentales en la sostenibilidad ambiental de estas industrias.

The tan processes consist in the transformation of cattle or other animal skin in leather through the application of tannins which are substances from vegetal origin, or also with chromium. This element is a pollutant which maximum allowed concentration from industrial disposal is 1 mg/L, under Resolution 1074 of 1997 from the Administrative Department of the Environment (ADE) for the Capital District which establishes environmental standards on dumping. Technical feasibility for chrome recovery and reuse of wastewater from the tanning process in a tannery in San Benito (Bogotá) was evaluated, accelerating it with 4 M caustic soda and regenerating it with sodium sulfate and formic acid (industrial grade) in place of sulfuric acid, regulated by drugs, to reuse the chromium salt in the tanning process. Its implementation minimizes water pollution with chromium and decreases production costs. Chromium content of residual water in the tanning process decreased 99.9% from average concentrations of 2,475 mg / L to levels below 1,0 mg/L, allowing reuse water for salted skins wash that start the process after treatment with aluminum chloride hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite, reducing its consumption significantly. The quality of leather obtained was determined by shrinkage tests and bending strength. Processes of materials produced reuse as waste in tan processes are fundamental to the environmental sustainability of these industries.

Copper induction and differential expression of laccase in Aspergillus flavus

Aspergillus flavus was isolated from soil and exhibited laccase activity under both constitutive and copper induced conditions. Spiking the medium with 1 mM copper sulfate resulted in an increase in the activity which reached 51.84 U/mL, a distinctive protein band was detected at 60 kDa. The extracellular enzyme was purified 81 fold using gel filtration chromatography and resulted in two different laccase fractions L1 and L2, the latter had a higher enzymatic activity which reached 79.57 U/mL and specific activity of 64.17 U/μg protein. The analysis of the spectrum of the L2 fraction showed a shoulder at 330 nm which is characteristic for T2/T3 copper centers; both copper and zinc were detected suggesting that this is an unconventional white laccase. Primers of laccase gene were designed and synthesized to recover specific gene from A. flavus. Sequence analysis indicated putative laccase (Genbank ID: JF683612) at the amino acid level suggesting a close identity to laccases from other genera containing the copper binding site. Decolorization of textile waste water under different conditions showed possible application in bioremediation within a short period of time. The effect of copper on A. flavus was concentration dependent.

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.

Rapid reassessment of the eutrophication status of Kingston Harbour, Jamaica using the zooplankton community / Reevaluación rápida del estado de eutrofización del puerto de Kingston, Jamaica utilizando la comunidad de zooplancton

Previous extensive studies of zooplankton distribution in the eutrophic Kingston Harbour established that it was being continuously contaminated. We assessed the community in 2011, 17 years after a previous study and five years after the introduction of a tertiary waste water system. Sampling was conducted for four weeks at eight stations identical to those sampled in a previous study. We used horizontal surface tows with a 200µm net. A total of 73 zooplankton taxa were identified and copepods dominated with 20 species. Mean total abundances were high, ranging from a minimum of 2 383 animals m-3 in the southern region of Hunts Bay to 194 166 animals m-3at the Inner Harbour. Five zooplankton taxa (Acartia tonsa, Paracalanus spp., Temora turbinata, Penilia avirostris and Lucifer faxoni) that were previously identified as indicators, were again important in the Harbour. The overall zooplankton abundances were similar and in some cases higher than the previous study. There was no significant improvement in the water quality since the introduction of the treatment system at Soapberry. This may be a result of unknown nutrient inputs or of nutrient remaining in the sediments.

Extensos estudios previos de la distribución de zooplancton en el Puerto de Kingston estableció que ha sido contaminado continuamente. Evaluamos la comunidad en el 2011, 17 años después de un estudio previo y cuatro años después de la introducción de un sistema de lagunas de aguas residuales terciarias. Utilizamos arrastres superficiales horizontalescon una red de 200 µm. Se identificó un total de 73 taxones de zooplancton y copépodos de los cuales los predominaron 20 especies. La media de las abundancias totales fueron altas y los valores oscilaron entre un mínimo de 2 383 animales m-3 en la zona sur de Bahía Hunts a 194 166 animales m-3 en lo interior del puerto. Cinco taxones de zooplancton (Acartia tonsa, Paracalanus spp., T. turbinata, Penilia avirostris y Lucifer faxoni) identificados previamente como indicadores, fueron importantes de nuevo en la Bahía. La abundancia total de zooplancton fue similar y en algunos casos superior a la del estudio anterior. No hubo mejoría significativa en la calidad del agua desde la introducción del sistema de tratamiento terciario en Soapberry. Esto puede ser resultado de la entrada continua de nutrientes desconocidos y no regulados en los sedimentos.

The Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Multi-drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Aquatic Environments in Egypt.

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the effect of different doses of gamma radiation on Multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from River Nile at Rosetta branch and associated drains in Egypt. Place and Duration of Study: The study was started with samples collection in August 2010 through April 2011 in the Microbiology Dep., Central Laboratory for Environmental Quality Monitoring (CLEQM), National Water Research Center (NWRC), Cairo, Egypt and the National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt. Methodology: Water samples were processed using membrane filtration, 144 strains of P. aeruginosa were isolated and identified and their antibiotic susceptibility was determined against 20 different antibiotics using agar disc diffusion method. Irradiation of bacterial isolates was processed using gamma irradiation unit of cobalt (Co60) and the D10-value was calculated from the survival curve. Results: Isolates were categorized as multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPA). 125 (86.8%) were found to be extensively drug resistant (XDR) and 19 (13.2 %) were characterized as possible pan drug resistant (PDR). The highest resistance (100%) was mostly directed to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin, carbenicillin, methicillin, cephalothin, kanamycin, vancomycin, tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin and chloramphenicol. More than 75% of isolates were sensitive to norfloxacin (82.6%), piperacillin (81.2%), amikacin (79.2%) and tobramycin (77.8%). 63.2%, 26.4% and 14.6% of isolates were sensitive to ofloxacin, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone, respectively. The viable counts of MDRPA decreased with increasing radiation doses of gamma rays up to the lethal dose (3 kGy). The counts of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 kGy irradiated samples were respectively 7.8, 6.5, 4.7, 2.3& 1 log10 and the D10-value calculated from the survival curve was 0.27 kGy. Conclusion: Contaminated fresh water may act as reservoirs for antibiotic resistant pathogens. Regular monitoring of Multi-drug resistant pathogens in aquatic environments should be adopted constantly. Gamma radiation demonstrates a potential value for wastewater treatment and pollution control.