Estimation of the consumption level of four drugs in Beijing using wastewater-based epidemiology / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To estimate the consumption level of four drugs in Beijing using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). Methods: The primary sludge from one large wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) was collected in Beijing from July 2020 to February 2021. The concentrations of codeine, methadone, ketamine and morphine in the sludge were detected through solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The consumption, prevalence and number of users of four drugs were estimated by using the WBE approach. Results: Among 416 sludge samples, codeine had the highest detection rate (82.93%, n=345) with a concentration [M (Q1, Q3)] of 0.40 (0.22-0.8) ng·g-1, and morphine had the lowest detection rate (28.37%,n=118) with a concentration [M (Q1, Q3)] of 0.13 (0.09, 0.17) ng·g-1. There was no significant difference in the consumption of the four drugs on working days and weekends (all P values>0.05). Drug consumption was significantly higher in winter than that in summer and autumn (all P values <0.05). The consumption [M (Q1, Q3)] of codeine, methadone, ketamine and morphine in winter was 24.9 (15.58, 38.6), 9.39 (4.57, 26.72), 9.84 (5.18, 19.45) and 5.67 (3.57, 13.77) μg·inhabitant-1·day-1, respectively. For these drugs, there was an upward trend in the average drug consumption during summer, autumn and winter (the Z values of the trend test were 3.23, 3.16, 2.19, and 3.32, respectively and all P values<0.05). The prevalence [M (Q1, Q3)] of codeine, methadone, ketamine and morphine were 0.0056% (0.003 4%, 0.009 2%), 0.0148% (0.009 6%, 0.026 7%),0.0333% (0.0210%, 0.0710%) and 0.0072% (0.003 8%, 0.011 7%), respectively. The estimated number of drug users [M (Q1, Q3)] was 918 (549, 1 511), 2 429 (1 578, 4 383), 5 451 (3 444, 11 642) and 1 173 (626, 1 925),respectively. Conclusion: Codeine, methadone, ketamine and morphine have been detected in the sludge of WWTPs in Beijing, and the consumption level of these drugs varies in different seasons.

Tertiary hospital sewage as reservoir of bacteria expressing MDR phenotype in Brazil / Esgoto de hospital terciário como reservatório de bactérias expressando o fenótipo MDR no Brasil

High doses of antibiotics used in hospitals can affect the microbial composition of sewers, selecting resistant bacteria. In this sense, we evaluated the antibiotic resistance profile and the multiresistant phenotype of bacteria isolated in sewage from a tertiary hospital in the interior São Paulo state, Brazil. For bacteria isolation, 10 µL of sewage samples were sown in selective culture media and the isolates were identified using VITEK-2 automatized system. The antibiotic sensitivity test was performed by disk diffusion. High percentages of resistance were found for amoxicillin, ampicillin, ceftazidime, clindamycin, vancomycin and the multidrug-resistant phenotype (MDR) was attributed to 60.7% of the isolates. Our results show bacteria classified as critical/high priority by WHO List of Priority Pathogens (Enterococcus and Staphylococcus aureus resistant to vancomycin and Enterobacteriaceae resistant to carbapenems) in hospital sewage. Therefore, the implementation of disinfection technologies for hospital sewage would reduce the bacterial load in the sewage that will reach urban wastewater treatment plants, minimizing superficial water contamination and bacterial resistance spread in the environment.

Altas doses de antibióticos utilizados em hospitais podem afetar a composição microbiana dos esgotos, selecionando bactérias resistentes. Nesse sentido, avaliamos o perfil de resistência a antibióticos e o fenótipo multirresistente de bactérias isoladas em esgoto de um hospital terciário no interior do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Para o isolamento de bactérias, foram semeados 10 µL das amostras de esgoto em meios de cultura seletivos e os isolados foram identificados usando o sistema automatizado VITEK-2. O teste de sensibilidade aos antibióticos foi realizado por disco-difusão em ágar. Elevadas porcentagens de resistência foram encontradas para amoxicilina, ampicilina, ceftazidima, clindamicina, vancomicina e o fenótipo multirresistente (MDR) foi atribuído a 60,7% dos isolados. Nossos resultados mostram bactérias classificadas como prioridade crítica/alta pela Lista de Patógenos Prioritários da OMS (Enterococcus e Staphylococcus aureus resistentes à vancomicina e Enterobacteriaceae resistentes aos carbapenêmicos) no esgoto hospitalar. Sendo assim, implementação de tecnologias de desinfecção do esgoto hospitalar reduziriam a carga bacteriana no esgoto que chegará às estações de tratamento de esgoto urbanas, minimizando a contaminação dos ecossistemas hídricos receptores e a disseminação da resistência bacteriana no ambiente.

Avaliação da degradação de formol do efluente gerado no laboratório de anatomia por biorreatores anaeróbios e mapeamento dos pontos críticos de controle / Evaluation of formalin degradation of effluent generated in the anatomy laboratory by anaerobic bioreactors and mapping of critical control points

Diante das estratégias de ensino e aprendizagem adotadas na disciplina de Anatomia da Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (EERP/USP), que requer a conservação de peças cadavéricas em solução de formol, no Laboratório Multidisciplinar são gerados significantes volumes de efluentes contendo este composto. Considerando as características tóxicas dessa substância, tanto aos seres vivos quanto ao meio ambiente, torna-se imprescindível o gerenciamento e tratamento deste resíduo gerado antes do descarte na rede coletora de esgotos. Embora diferentes métodos, sejam eles químicos ou biológicos, possam ser utilizados para promover o tratamento prévio ao descarte de soluções contendo formol, o uso de tratamentos biológicos, como o reator anaeróbio, possibilita o tratamento de grandes volumes de resíduos, gera menor exposição ocupacional e possui reduzido custo do processo. No ano de 2017 a EERP/USP implementou o Reator Anaeróbio Horizontal de Leito Fixo (RAHLF), dimensionado para atender grandes volumes de efluentes com solução de formol gerados na unidade. Neste contexto, este estudo inédito em escala industrial, além de monitorar a eficiência da remoção da solução de formol dos efluentes gerados do sistema de biorreatores também caracterizamos os pontos críticos de controle do processo de tratamento do RAHLF, durante o período de fevereiro a junho e de setembro a novembro do ano de 2020. Os resultados na entrada do RAHLF apresentaram uma média de 480,19 ± 116,06 mg.L-1, com amplitude amostral de 238,37 mg.L-1 a 774,60 mg.L-1, já na saída do RAHLF demonstraram média de 1,39 ± 0,56 mg.L-1, com amplitude amostral de 0,04 mg.L-1 a 2,32 mg.L-1, evidenciando assim a eficiência na degradação do formol pelos biorreatores em média de 99,70%. A partir dos dados foi evidenciado que além do desempenho satisfatório do RAHLF para o pré-tratamento de água residuária contendo formol, o reator também apresentou estabilidade de operação durante o desenvolvimento do estudo. Com o conhecimento de todas as etapas e dos pontos críticos do processo foi possível a organização do fluxograma do processo, desde o local gerador até a disposição do efluente para a rede coletora de esgoto municipal. A partir do fluxograma, foi possível desenvolver protocolo de operação, visando minimizar ao máximo potenciais ocorrências de falhas durante o processo. Este estudo gerou conhecimento que contribui para melhor compreensão da biotecnologia anaeróbia implantada para alcançar a degradação da solução de formol no efluente do Laboratório Multidisciplinar da EERP/USP. A implantação e funcionamento adequado do biodigestor refletem o compromisso socioambiental da universidade com a sociedade e com o meio ambiente, na busca de ações que promovam tanto a saúde pública quanto a sustentabilidade ambiental. Os resultados constituirão também uma base de dados para outros gestores de biodigestores implantados na universidade, sendo de grande importância para a continuidade de investigações relacionadas com o tratamento dos efluentes em laboratórios de ensino

For the development of teaching and learning strategies adopted in the discipline of Anatomy at the University of São Paulo at College of Nursing in Ribeirão Preto (CNRP/USP), which requires the preservation of cadaveric parts in a formaldehyde solution, the Multidisciplinary Laboratory generates significant volumes of effluents containing this compound. Considering the toxic characteristics of this substance, both to living beings and to the environment, it is essential to manage and treat this wastewater before its disposal in the sewage collection system. Although different methods, whether chemical or biological, can be used to promote treatment prior to disposal of solutions containing formaldehyde, the use of biological treatments, such as the anaerobic reactor, allows the treatment of large volumes of waste, generates less occupational exposure and has reduced process cost. In 2017, EERP/USP implemented the Anaerobic Horizontal Fixed Bed Reactor (AHFBR), dimensioned to supply large volumes of wastewater with a formaldehyde solution generated at the unit. In this context, this unprecedented study on an industrial scale, in addition to monitoring the efficiency of the removal of the formaldehyde solution from the effluents generated from the bioreactor system, we also characterized the critical control points of the AHFBR treatment process, during the period from February to June and from September to November of 2020. The results of the affluent of the AHFBR presented an average of 480.19 ± 116.06 mg.L-1, with a sample range of 238.37 mg.L-1 to 774.60 mg. L-1, already in the effluent of the AHFBR obtained average of 1.39 ± 0.56 mg.L-1, with a sample range of 0.04 mg.L-1 to 2.32 mg.L-1, thus evidencing the efficiency in formaldehyde degradation by bioreactors on average of 99.70%. From the data, it evidenced that in addition to the satisfactory performance of the AHFBR for the pre-treatment of wastewater containing formaldehyde, the reactor also showed operating stability during the development of the study. With the knowledge of all the steps and critical points of the process, it was possible to organize the process flowchart, from the generating site to the disposal of the effluent to the municipal sewage collection network. From the flowchart, it was possible to develop an operation protocol, aiming to minimize as many potential occurrences of failures during the process as possible. This study generated knowledge that contributes to a better understanding of the anaerobic biotechnology implemented to achieve the degradation of the formaldehyde solution in the effluent of the Multidisciplinary Laboratory at CNRP/USP. The implantation and proper functioning of the biodigester reflect the university's socio-environmental commitment to society and the environment, in the search for actions that promote both public health and environmental sustainability. The results will also constitute a database for other managers of biodigesters implemented at the university, being of great importance for the continuity of investigations related to the treatment of effluents in teaching laboratories

Distribución de esteroides estrogénicos en plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales municipales / Distribution of estrogenic steroids in municipal wastewater treatment plants

En la actualidad, existe una preocupación creciente por la presencia de estrógenos en el medio acuático, donde pueden ser introducidos a partir de aguas residuales después de su eliminación incompleta en las plantas de tratamiento. Las aguas residuales sistemáticamente reciben estrógenos naturales y sintéticos, y por lo tanto una comprensión más profunda de la suerte de ellos en el medio ambiente es necesaria. Se evaluaron los niveles de estrógenos en los efluentes de las Plantas de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales (PTARs) Penha e Ilha do Governador, ambos de tipo convencional de flujo continuo de lodo activado con aireación prolongada. Fue utilizado como el parámetro de determinación de algunos compuestos de interés como estrógenos naturales [estrona (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3)) y sintéticos (17α-etinilestradiol (EE2)]. Las muestras individuales se recogieron posteriormente al tratamiento de cada PTAR y después de los procedimientos de laboratorio se realizó la determinación de estrógenos basado en la extracción en fase sólida (SPE) y la cromatografía líquida de alta resolución con detector de arreglo de diodos (HPLC-DAD). Las concentraciones fueron de: 0,7 a 5,2 μg/l y de 0,5 a 5,6 de E1; 0,9 a 7,7 y 1,2 a 9,2 μg/l para E2; 2,01 a 6,09 y 1,07 a 4,08 μg/l para EE2 en PTAR Penha y PTAR Ilha do Governador, respectivamente. La capacidad de eliminación de estrógenos fue eficaz, pero denota que la eliminación sistemática de la población es en la actualidad alta. Se recomienda instalar mecanismos para mitigar el consumo exagerado de estas sustancias o implementar una eliminación completa más eficaz.

Currently, there is a growing concern over the presence of estrogens in the aquatic environment, where they can be introduced from wastewater after their incomplete elimination in the treatment plants. Wastewater systematically receives natural and synthetic estrogens, and thus a deeper understanding of the fate of them in the environment is extremely necessary. It was evaluated estrogen levels in the effluent from the Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plants (SWTPs) Penha and Ilha do Governador, both of type conventional continuous-flow activated sludge with extended aeration. The determination of some target compounds as natural estrogens was used as the evaluation parameter [estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and synthetic (17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2)]. Individual samples were collected posterior treatment of each SWTP, and after laboratory procedures, the determination of estrogens was performed by a method based on solid phase extraction (SPE) and high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Concentrations ranged from 0.7 to 5.2 μg/l and from 0.5 to 5.6 for E1; 0.9 to 7.7 and 1.2 to 9.2 μg/l for E2; 2.1 to 6.9 and 1.7 to 4.8 μg/l for EE2 at SWTPs Penha and Ilha do Governador, respectively. The removal capacity of estrogens despite its effectiveness denotes that the systematic elimination by the population is high nowadays and urging mechanisms to mitigate the exaggerated consumption or to implement most effective complete removal.

Descripción de la microbiota bacteriana residente en el biosólido generado en la planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales San Fernando. Itagüí, Colombia / Description of bacterial microbiota in biosolids generated in the San Fernando wastewater treatment plant. Itagüí, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Caracterizar la microbiota bacteriana presente en los biosólidos generados en una de las plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales más grande de Colombia. Materiales y Métodos Se utilizó la plataforma de secuenciamiento 454 de la compañía Roche para secuenciar las regiones variables V1-V3 y V6-V9 del marcador molecular 16S rRNA y caracterizar la microbiota. Adicionalmente, se aplicaron estrategias filogenéticas para la identificación de especies bacterianas de importancia. Resultados Nuestros análisis muestran que los Phyla más abundantes son Chloro-flexi, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria y Firmicutes. Los géneros clasificados más abundantes fueron Pseudomonas, Dysgonomonas y Proteiniphilum. Sin embargo, el grupo dominante según la región variable V1-V3 es una Anaerolineaceae que no se ajusta a las especies descritas para esta familia. Conclusiones En las muestras de biosólido analizadas predominan bacterias ambientales que participan en los procesos de estabilización de la materia orgánica durante los tratamientos biológicos de tipo secundario y la digestión anaerobia. Se detectaron secuencias de especies dentro de la familia Anaerolineaceae, los análisis filogenéticos muestran que probablemente se trata de especies no descritas. En el momento del estudio, se encontró que en el sistema de digestión anaerobia se genera biosolido con una baja carga de bacterias potencialmente patógenas.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To describe bacterial microbiota in the biosolids generated in one of the largest wastewater treatment plants of Colombia. Materials and Methods Using NGS technology, 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon libraries were amplified and sequenced. The Roche 454 FLX Titanium platform was used, while the V1-V3 and V6-V9 hypervariable regions were amplified and analyzed independently. Amplicon processing and bacterial classification were performed using the AmpliconNoise pipeline and the RDP Classifier tool. Results The analysis showed that the most dominant Phyla in the biosolids were Chlo-roflexi, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. The most dominant genera were Pseudomonas, Dysgonomonas and Proteiniphilum; however, the dominant group according in the V1-V3 variable region was Anaerolineaceae, which does not conform to the species described for this family. Pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli/Shigella were not detected in the studied biosolid sample. Conclusions In the biosolids samples analyzed, environmental bacteria involved in organic matter stabilization processes during secondary biological treatments and anaerobic digestion were predominant. One of the dominant species in this sludge is a novel species of the Anaerolineaceae group. At the time of the study, it was found that the anaerobic digester system was able to maintain pathogenic bacteria at very low concentrations.(AU)

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

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

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

A presença de fármacos nos esgotos domésticos e sua remoção pelos processos de lodo ativado com oxigênio puro, lagoa aerada e reator anaeróbio de fluxo ascendente / Pharmaceuticals in domestic sewage and their removal by pure oxygen activated sludge, aerated basin and upflow anaerobic sludge blanket

Processos biológicos de tratamento de esgotos são largamente utilizados mundialmente e, apesar de serem eficientes na remoção de matéria orgânica, têm capacidades limitadas na remoção de poluentes orgânios emergentes, principalmente fármacos. Este trabalho avaliou a eficiência dos processos de tratamento de esgotos por lodos ativados com oxigênio puro, lagoas aeradas e reator anaeróbio de fluxo ascendente (RAFA) na remoção de seis fármacos selecionados - paracetamol, ibuprofeno, atenolol, sinvastatina, carbamazepina e clonazepam, com altos índices de utilização pela população. Para isto, foram analisadas amostras de esgoto bruto e de esgoto tratado oriundas de três estações de tratamento de esgotos em operação no Estado de São Paulo, sendo realizadas quatro campanhas de coleta, durante dois anos, em períodos hidrológicos de seca e chuva. A técnica analítica utilizada foi a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada à espectrometria de massas (LC-MS/MS), através de método estabelecido e validado para a execução desta pesquisa. Ibuprofeno, sinvastatina e clonazepam não foram identificados em nenhuma das amostras analisadas. Atenolol, paracetamol e carbamazepina foram detectados em todas as estações estudadas, observando-se remoção e liberação deles durante todos os processos de tratamento. A estação que adota o processo por lagoas aeradas mostrou maior eficiência na remoção de paracetamol e atenolol, sendo que um elevado tempo de detenção hidráulica empregado nela parece ter influenciado positivamente na eficácia de remoção destas subtâncias. A estação que utiliza lodos ativados com oxigênio puro apresentou remoções inferiores e maiores taxas de liberação dos fármacos paracetamol e carbamazepina. Já a estação que adota RAFA apresentou discreta superioridade na remoção de carbamazepina, e eficiências intermediárias para paracetamol e atenolol. A carbamazepina mostrou resistência à degradaçào pelos processos avaliados, porém a desinfecção do efluente final, por cloração, aparentemente elevou a remoção deste composto

Sewage biological treatment processes are the most used worldwide and, in general, they show organic matter removal high efficiency, however their pharmaceuticals removal capacity were quite limited. The aim of this study is verify the efficiency of sewage biological treatment processes per pure oxygen activated sludge, aerated basin and upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB), in removal of six selected drugs acetaminophen, ibuprofen, atenolol, simvastatin, carbamazepine and clonazepam, most frequently used by population. For this purpose, it was analyzed raw sewage and treated sewage samples from three sewage treatment plants localized at Sao Paulo, Brazil, in four collection stages, during two years, at dry and wet periods. The analytical technique of choice was high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), by developed and validated method for this study. Ibuprofen, simvastatin and clonazepam were not detected at any samples collected. Atenolol, acetaminophen and carbamazepine were identified at all plants investigated, with removal and production during all treatment processes here considered. Aerated basin plant was most efficient in acetaminophen and atenolol removal, and a high hydraulic detention time seem be better to remove these compounds. Pure oxygen activated sludge plant showed lower removal rates and higher production of acetaminophen and carbamazepine. Already the UASB plant revealed a little superiority in carbamazepine removal, and intermediary efficacy to acetaminophen and atenolol removal. Carbamazepine showed persistence in treatment processes evaluated, however final effluent disinfection, with chlorination, apparently raised this compound removal

Identificação de helmintos encontrados em uma estação de tratamento de esgoto de Feira De Santana, Bahia, Brasil / Identification of helminths found in a sewage treatment plant in Feira De Santana, Bahia, Brazil / Identificación de helmintos encontrados en una estación de tratamiento de alcantarilla De Feira De Santana, Bahía, Brasil

O objetivo desse trabalho foi fazer a descrição morfológica e a identificação de Nematoda encontrados em uma estação de tratamento de esgoto de Feira de Santana, BA, Brasil. Foram coletadas 56 amostras de 500 mL em todos os pontos das etapas aeróbias do tratamento. As amostras foram processadas para estudo em microscopia óptica de campo claro (MO) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Foram encontradas larvas L1e L4, classificadas de acordo com o tamanho. As larvas L1 apresentaram as seguintes medidas de comprimento Md = 255,0?m; diâmetro Md = 15,0?m; vestíbulo bucal Md = 10,0?m; esôfago Md = 82,5?m; e cauda Md = 26,2?m. As larvas L4 apresentaram as seguintes medidas de comprimento Md = 740,0?m; diâmetro Md = 42,0?m; vestíbulo bucal Md = 22,5?m; esôfago Md = 200,0?m; e cauda Md = 47,5?m. Fêmeas adultas também foram encontradas, caracterizando-se por apresentam esôfago rabditoide, maturação sexual com presença de ovos na tuba uterina em diferentes fases de formação embrionária. Alguns ovos foram vistos larvados, sugerindo um padrão de larviparidade. Os vermes foram considerados de vida livre e classificadas como da Ordem Rhabditida, Família Strongyloidae e Gênero Strongyloides.

The objective of this work was to morphologically describe and identify Nematoda found in a sewage treatment plant in Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil. A total of 56 samples with 500-mL each were collected at all points in the aerobic treatment stages. The samples were processed for bright light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). L1 and L4 larvae were found, classified according to size. L1 larvae presented the following measurements: Md=255.0-?m length; Md=15.0-?m diameter; Md=10.0-?m oral vestibule; Md=82.5-?m esophagus; and Md=26.2 ?m tail. L4 larvae presented the following measurements: Md=740.0-?m length; Md=42.0-?m diameter; Md=22.5-?m oral vestibule; Md=200.0-?m esophagus; and Md=47.5-?m tail. Adult females have also been found, characterized by rhabditoid esophagus, sexual maturation with presence of eggs in the uterine tube at different stages of embryo formation. Some eggs were seen at larvae stage, suggesting a pattern of larvae parity. The worms were considered as free-living and classified in the Rhabditida order, Strongyloidae Family and Strongyloides genus.

El objetivo de ese trabajo fue realizar la descripción morfológica y la identificación de Nematodo encontrados en una estación de tratamiento de alcantarilla de Feira de Santana, BAHIA, Brasil. Fueron recogidas 56 muestras de 500 mL en todos los puntos de las etapas aerobias del tratamiento. Las muestras fueron procesadas para estudio en microscopía óptica de campo claro (MO) y microscopia electrónica de barrido (MEB). Se encontraron larvas L1 y L4, clasificados según el tamaño. Las larvas L1 presentaron las siguientes medidas de longitud Md=255.0?m; diámetro Md=15.0?m; vestíbulo oral Md=10.0 µm; esófago Md=82,5?m; y cola Md=26.2?m. Las larvas L4 presentaron las siguientes medidas de longitud Md=740.0?m; diámetro Md=42.0?m; vestíbulo oral Md=22,5?m; esófago Md=200.0?m; y cola Md=47.5?m. También se han encontrado hembras adultas, caracterizándose por presentar esófago rabditoide, maduración sexual con presencia de huevos en las trompas uterina en diferentes etapas de la formación del embrión. Algunos huevos fueron vistos larvados, sugiriendo un estándar de larviparidad. Los gusanos fueron considerados de vida libre y clasificados como de Orden Rhabditida, Familia Strongyloidae y género Strongyloides.

Avaliação da presença de fósforo nos esgotos sanitários e da atual contribuição dos detergentes / The evaluation of phosphorus present in wastewater and the current contribution of detergents

A importância da gestão do aporte de nutrientes para melhoria da qualidade das águas é um assunto amplamente discutido. Diversos estudos são dedicados à avaliação da contribuição do fósforo presente nos esgotos sanitários para a ocorrência da eutrofização. As experiências vivenciadas em diversas localidades do mundo indicam que se necessita de uma série de medidas para controle das fontes pontuais e difusas de nutrientes, estando, dentre elas, a regulamentação do uso do fósforo nas formulações dos detergentes em pó destinados à limpeza de tecidos. Além de contribuir para a melhoria da qualidade dos corpos dágua e de auxiliar na preservação das reservas do nutriente, tal medida pode reduzir o aporte de fósforo nos sistemas de esgotos sanitários, permitindo a otimização dos custos com implantação, operação e manutenção. Por meio do presente trabalho, foram efetuadas análises no esgoto afluente de três estações de tratamento de esgotos (ETEs) situadas em diferentes regiões do estado de São Paulo, Brasil, bem como, foram analisadas trinta amostras de detergentes comercializados no território nacional. Verificou-se que os produtos atualmente comercializados no país possuem baixa concentração de fósforo, na faixa de 0,01 por cento em peso, situando-se sensivelmente abaixo do limite estabelecido pela legislação que regulamenta o assunto, que é de 4,8 por cento em peso. A atual contribuição dos detergentes para o total de fósforo presente nos esgotos, nas ETEs estudadas, pode ser considerada bastante reduzida, na faixa de 0,0014 g/hab.dia, o que corresponde a cerca de 0,17 por cento do total de fósforo presente nos esgotos. Necessita-se, agora, evoluir com o conteúdo das normas que regem esse tema, de forma que as mesmas reflitam as condições praticadas pelo setor produtivo. Necessita-se também, averiguar outras possíveis fontes que podem contribuir para o aumento da concentração de fósforo nos esgotos, bem como, efetuar o dimensionamento das demais fontes pontuais e difusas de nutrientes nas águas. Desta forma, será possível planejar medidas de gestão proporcionais e adequadas aos diferentes atores, e sugerir etapas para eventuais melhorias nos sistemas de saneamento básico, buscando a melhor utilização dos recursos financeiros e ambientais existentes, e atendendo às demandas sociais de cada região.

The importance of nutrient management contribution in order to improve water quality is a widely discussed subject. Several studies are devoted to the evaluation of the contribution to phosphorus present in sewage for an occurrence of eutrophication. Experiments in several locations around the world indicate a need of a series of measures to control point and diffuse sources of nutrients, among them, the legislation for the use of phosphorus in powder-detergent formulations intended for cleaning fabrics. In addition to contributing to improving quality of water bodies and assist in preservation of nutrient reserves, such a measure can reduce the intake of phosphorus in sewage systems, allowing the optimization of deployment costs, operation and maintenance. By the present study, analysis in sewage influent were performed in three Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) located in different areas of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and thirty samples of detergent sold in the country were analyzed as well. It was found that the products currently sold in the country have low phosphorus concentration in the range of 0.01 per cent by weight, standing significantly below the limit established by legislation regulating the subject, which is 4.8 per cent by weight. Thus, the current contribution of detergent to total phosphorus present in the sewage at the analysed WWTPs can be considered low, in the range of 0.0014 g/person.day, corresponding to less than 0.17 per cent from the total phosphorus present in sewage. Now evolving with the contents of the standart rules governing this issue becomes necessary, so that they reflect conditions as practiced by the productive sector. It is also needed to determine other possible sources which can contribute to increasing the concentration of phosphorus in sewage, as well as perform scaling of point and diffuse nutrient sources in the water. Thus, it will be possible to plan proportional and appropriate management measures for different actors and suggest steps for further improvements in basic sanitation systems, seeking the best use of existing financial and environmental resources and serving the social existing demands in each area.

Comparison between different models for rheological characterization of activated sludge

Activated sludge flow rheology is a very complicated phenomenon. Studies related to activated sludge tend to classify sludge as non-Newtonian fluid. Until now, several theories have been built to describe the complex behavior of activated sludge with varying degrees of success. In this article, seven different models for viscosity of non-Newtonian fluids [i.e., Power law, Bingham plastic, Herschel-Bulkley, Casson, Sisko, Carreau and Cross] were considered to evaluate their predictive capability of apparent viscosity of activated sludge. Results showed that although evaluating the constants in the four-parameter models is difficult, they provide the best prediction of viscosity in the whole range of shear rates for activated sludge. For easier prediction of viscosity at different mixed liquor suspended solids [2.74-31g/L], temperature [15-25°C] and shear rate [1-1000/s], simple correlations were proposed. Comparing the results with the experimental data revealed that the proposed correlations are in good agreement with real apparent viscosities

Analysis of shake flask experiments results conducted on residues from hydrometallurgical processes

Hydrometallurgical facilities processing sulfide based ores produce waste residues in the form of sludges that contain concentrations of metals, as well as metal sulfides. As a part of the waste characterization and risk assessment process, a statistical design of experiment was used to assess the significant factors and interactions in the residue leaching process. Two shake flask experiments, a 24 factorial design and 23 central composite design were employed to evaluate the effect of mixing time, test pH, solid/liquid ratio and residue type on acidity, alkalinity, sulfate and metal concentration and pH of the resulting filtered leachate. The results indicate that the variable tested mixing time and solid/liquid ratio most strongly affect metal concentration in the filtrate from waste residue samples tested over a moderate test pH range. When tests were conducted over a longer test period and at lower test pH values, test pH and residue type were dominant factors contributing to residue filtrate metal concentration

Wastewater characteristics and appropriate method for wastewater management in the hospitals

Hospitals generate relatively large quantities of wastewater that may contain various potentially hazardous materials; therefore the proper management of hospital wastewater is essential. In this cross-sectional study, the quality and quantity of wastewater in the hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences [TUMS], Tehran, Iran, were studied and the suitable method for wastewater management in the hospitals was determined. Monitoring of pH, TSS, BOD5, COD and total coliforms indicated that the quality of wastewater in the hospitals was similar to domestic wastewater. The wastewater production in the hospitals was determined to be in the range of 398 to 1090 L/d/[occupied bed]. The study on wastewater treatment and disposal methods demonstrated that discharge to municipal wastewater collection system is the best alternative for wastewater management in the hospitals, but this approach is not applicable for all of the hospitals. Baharloo, Cancer Institute, Children, Farabi, Imam Khomeini, Razi, Roozbeh, Shariati and Valiasr hospitals can be connected to municipal wastewater collection system at present. It is recommended that these hospitals' wastewater be discharged to municipal wastewater collection system. Amir Alam, Bahrami, Mirza Koochak Khan and Sina hospitals will be able to discharge their wastewater into sewerage network at second phase of Tehran sewerage project [in 2010] and Arash Hospital will be able to discharge its wastewater into sewerage network at third phase of Tehran sewerage project [in 2015]. These hospitals have to select onsite separate wastewater treatment alternative

Spatial distribution of heavy metals in sediments from the Gulf of Paria, Trinidad

Abstract:The Gulf of Paria receives heavy metal input from urban runoff,industrial and agricultural activity, sewage and domestic wastes:both from the west coast and from inland areas of Trinidad.Non-residual concentrations of nine metals,as well as total mercury concentrations,were used to determine spatial distributions of heavy metals in sediments in the Gulf of Paria.Surficial sediment samples were collected at 37 stations,which included the mouths of 11 major rivers that flow into the Gulf of Paria.Stations were sampled twice during the wet season (July 1998 and November/December 1998)and twice during the dry season (March 1999 and April 1999).Sediments were analyzed for aluminium (Al),cadmium (Cd),chromium (Cr),copper (Cu),iron (Fe), lead (Pb),manganese (Mn),nickel (Ni),zinc (Zn)and mercury (Hg).Total Organic Carbon (TOC)and grain size analyses were also performed on the sediments.Principal component analysis showed that sediments from river mouths subject to greatest land use and anthropogenic input,were distinct from other sediments in the Gulf of Paria.This was due to higher Pb,Zn,Cu and Hg concentrations (3.53-73.30 µg g-1 ,45.8-313.9 µg g-1 ,8.43-39.71 µg g-1 and 0.03-0.10 µg g-1 ,respectively).Sediments further from the coast were also distinct due to their higher Al,Fe,Cr and Mn concentrations (1.37-3.16 mg g-1 ,9.51-18.91 mg g-1 ,17.22-28.41 µg g-1 and 323.6 –1,564.2 µg g-1 ,respectively).Cd and Pb were higher in the wet season while Ni was higher in the dry season.Pb,Zn,Cu and Hg were correlated with each other and with TOC.Correlation was also observed between Al,Fe,Cr,Mn and Ni.Al,Fe,Cr and Mn were correlated with percentage clay in sediments.The results suggest that Pb,Zn, Cu and Hg are preferentially removed by organic matter,which settles at the river-mouths,while Al,Fe,Cr,Mn, and Ni become associated with clay minerals and are transported away from the coast

Radioactive waste from a nuclear medicine department

Sampling of irrigation water and sludge from the sewage treatment plant at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital was undertaken to assess the level of radioactivity due to radionuclides used in the Nuclear Medicine Department. Radionuclide identification and corresponding activity were determined with a high purity germanium detector. The radionuclide, Iodine-131 with its eight day half-life, was of major concern while attempting to maintain its concentration in the irrigation water at a level commensurate with World Health Organization Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality which specifies that the annual radiation dose from drinking water should not exceed 0.1 mSv. This was difficult to achieve while adhering to a strict local policy of keeping thyroid cancer patients in hospital following treatment with up to 10 GBq of I-131. The study provided a unique opportunity to measure radioactive sewage in a well contained system and provided baseline data for subsequent management decisions