Genomic characteristics of hepatitis A virus epidemic strains in Zhuanghe from 2020 to 2021 / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To analyze the genomic characteristics of hepatitis A virus(HAV)in environmental sewage in Zhuanghe from 2020 to 2021 and compare them with those in case samples.Methods Eighteen sewage samples(environmental sewage)were collected from the entry point of the sewage treatment plant in Zhuanghe from July to December 2021,and the viral RNA was extracted. After reverse transcription,VP1-2A region was amplified by nested PCR,sequenced and spliced.The five HAV nucleotide sequences(321 bp)obtained were analyzed for phylogenetic tree by using bioinformatics software.Results The HAV of environmental sewage samples in 2021 were all 1A subtype,and the nucleotide sequence homology of VP1-2A region was 98. 7%-100%. The nucleotide sequence homology was 97. 8%-100% with that of the hepatitis A case samples from Zhuanghe in 2020,which could be evolutionarily divided into two branches.Conclusion Subtype 1A was the dominant genotype of HAV in environmental sewage in Zhuanghe,which was different from the genome of the case sample,and also had the same genome of some strains. By comparing the similarities between HAV nucleic acid in environmental sewage and that in case samples,we can better understand the circulation of HAV,so as to make an early warning for the epidemiological monitoring of hepatitis A.

Assessment of Biodrainage Potential of Existing Plant Species Along the Sewage Drains of Vedapatti Drainage Stretch, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

The proper disposal of manufacturing and consumer waste, including sewage sludge, is one of the numerous environmental issues facing today's society. In addition to posing serious health concerns to humans, anthropogenic activities are a major source of environmental pollution and can result in an overabundance of pollutants entering the terrestrial ecosystem. The goal of the current study was to determine how existing tree and plant species near sewage drains were affected by the bioaccumulation of carcinogenic metals (Cd, Ni, Co, and Cr) together with other heavy metals. These heavy metals found in the sewage are hazardous to the health of both people and the environment. To further understand how well these plant species adapted to the metal-contaminated soil, many biological parameters, including stomatal density, leaf length, leaf area index, and stress hormone levels, were investigated. For every species included in the study, soil samples were taken near the sewer drains and the rhizosphere. The plant species' leaves and roots (where feasible) were also harvested. To check for metal buildup in the wood, various tree species had their trunks harvested. All of these samples go through an acid digestion process using an aquaregia combination. Following digestion, the samples are examined using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES) for the presence of heavy metals. In this study, we briefly address the findings on the accumulation of heavy metals by certain plant species.

Política Pública de Saneamento Básico no Brasil: ideias, instituições e desafios no Século XXI / Basic Sanitation Policy in Brazil: ideas, institutions and challenges in the Twenty-first Century

Resumo Este trabalho aborda os desafios contemporâneos do setor de saneamento básico brasileiro. As características de rentabilidade e dinamismo setorial puseram os serviços estatais de A & E no foco da agenda das reformas estruturais sob o argumento de que os governos não dispõem de recursos necessários para universalizar a cobertura. A agenda da reforma dos serviços de A & E advoga a concessão a empresas privadas da comercialização do abastecimento de água e do tratamento do esgotamento sanitário. Em convergência com esta agenda de reforma estrutural, a aprovação em 15 de julho de 2020 da Lei 14.026 alterou em profundidade o marco legal do saneamento, adotando integralmente a pauta da desestatização do setor. O novo marco regulatório veta o contrato de programa, torna obrigatória a licitação para contratação do serviço de saneamento, estabelece diretrizes nacionais para que estados e municípios acessem recursos federais e institui o regime de regulação nacional por meio da Agência Nacional de Águas e Saneamento Básico. O modelo cooperativo praticado no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) pode servir como referência para a construção de um pacto social no setor.

Abstract This paper describes the challenges currently facing Brazil's basic sanitation sector. The sector's characteristic profitability and dynamism have brought State-run Water & Sewage (W&S) services into the spotlight of the structural reform agenda on the argument that governments do not have the resources necessary to universalize coverage. There is a pattern of W&S services' operating with a surplus, which helps explain the intense dispute in recent years in favour of legal changes to the market position of CESBs and local providers to favour an expanding role for private agents. Converging with the structural reform agenda, Law 14,026, sanctioned on 15 July 2020, made far-reaching changes to the legal framework for sanitation and provided for the State's complete withdrawal from the sector. The new regulatory framework prohibited programme contracts, required tender processes for sanitation service contracts, encouraged regionalization without CESBs, set out national guidelines for States and municipalities to access federal funding and introduced a national regulation regime under the National Waters and Basic Sanitation Agency. The model of cooperation that operates in the SUS could serve as a reference for constructing a social pact in the sector.

Effect of Incorporation of Sewage Sludge and Fly Ash on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Okra in Inceptisols of Prayagraj U.P

The present research was conducted to determine whether it would be feasible to grow Okra in amended soil utilising sewage sludge and fly ash. Different types of nutrients and heavy metals were found in both soil amendments and for growth of the plant and crop yield they are used as ameliorate in acidic soils. In the research trial, soil properties like Bulk density, Particle density and pH are found to be positively non-significant and Pore space, Water holding capacity, EC, OC, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, Manganese, Zinc and copper are found to be positively significantly low to medium range, which comprises yellowish brown sandy loam textured neutral to alkaline soil that is non-saline in nature among all the treatment combination applied.

Whole genomic features analysis of coxsackievirus B3 strains isolated in Tianjin / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To genotype and analyze whole genomic features of Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) isolated in Tianjin, to improve evolution information of CVB3 virus in Tianjin, and to provide basis for surveillance and early warning of related diseases. Methods　Viral RNA was extracted from five CVB3 strains isolated in Tianjin, whole genome sequence of the virus was amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced by next-generation sequencing method, and phylogenetic and recombinant analysis were carried out. Results　The open reading frame 1(ORF) of the five CVB3 strains contained 6 555 nucleotides and encoded 2 185 amino acids, and ORF2 was composed of sequences encoding 68 amino acids. The nucleotide sequence similarity ranged from 78.3%-100%, and the amino acid sequence similarity ranged from 95.7%-100%. Compared with the CVB3 prototype strain, the nucleotide sequence similarity of the five viruses was between 78.2%-79.1%, and the similarity of amino acid sequences was 94.9%-95.3%. All five viruses exhibited a T151A mutation on the VP2 protein. Additionally, the encephalitis isolate showed a K158E mutation on the VP2 protein, while one of the sewage isolates had a C234T mutation in 5' noncoding region. The five strains belonged to two different genotypes, among which the encephalitis isolate in 2016 belonged to the D genotype, while the sewage isolates in 2021 belonged to the E genotype. This is also the first report of E genotype CVB3 in northern China. The CVB3 strain may have recombinant events in non-structural protein regions, in which encephalitis isolate may recombine with a Coxsackievirus B5 (CVB5) strain, while sewage isolates may have recombinant events with a strain of ECHO virus 18 (E18). Conclusions　The CVB3 isolates in Tianjin belong to D and E genotypes, and recombination events may exist in non-structural protein region of the viral genome. The results of CVB3 virus genome analysis in sewage suggests presence of CVB3 infection in the population of Tianjin, and its epidemic dominant genotype may have changed.

Prevalence of multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from selected residential sewages in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria

The global surge in Multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria is an issue of great concern. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been implicated in several nosocomial infections, where it has caused grave complications in immunocompromised patients. This is the first study to report the prevalence of MDR P. aeruginosa isolated from residential sewage in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria. Pseudomonads count, isolation, biochemical characterization and antibiogram were carried out using standard microbiological procedures. This study examined sixty (60) samples from selected residential sewage in the study site collected at different intervals between July and September 2021. A total of 40 (66.7%) P. aeruginosa were isolated from the analyzed sewage samples. The highest (2.84x104) pseudomonad count was recorded from sewage samples collected from Kadangaru. Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from this sample site showed the highest (100%) resistance to cephalosporins (cefuroxime) and nitrofurantoin. Similarly, isolates from Miami area also demonstrated the highest (95%) resistance to a cephalosporin (ceftazidime). All (100%) isolates used in this study showed MDR resistance to tested antibiotics. The occurrence of MDR P. aeruginosa from a residential sewage site that may contaminate drinking water sources in the study area is of public health threat to the inhabitants. Surveillance and molecular epidemiology of antibiotics resistant bacteria are urgently needed in the study area.

High prevalence of hepatitis A and E viruses in environmental and clinical samples from West Argentina

ABSTRACT Environmental surveillance of water sources is important to monitoring viral hepatitis transmission in clinical settings. This study investigated the circulation of hepatitis A (HAV) and E (HEV) viruses in sewage and clinical samples from Argentina. Between 2016 and 2017, 80 raw sewage samples and 86 clinical samples (stool and serum) from suspected cases of hepatitis A and hepatitis E were obtained. HAV and HEV were tested by both real-time and nested PCR. Positive samples were sequenced for genotype determination and phylogenetic analysis. Overall, HAV was recovered in 39% of sewage samples and 61.1% of clinical samples. HEV was detected in 22.5% of sewage samples and 15.9% of clinical samples. HAV was found more frequently in sewage during the winter and in clinical samples in spring; HEV was more prevalent in sewage during summer and in clinical samples in autumn. All HAV isolates belonged to genotype IA and HEV isolates belonged to genotype 3, the most prevalent genotypes in South America. High prevalence of HAV and HEV in environmental and clinical samples in Mendoza, Argentina was observed. These findings reinforce the importance of environmental surveillance and implementation of health strategies to control the spread of HAV and HEV in developing countries.

Avaliação da presença de fármacos em lodo de estação de tratamento de esgotos, antes e após processo de biorremediação por compostagem / Evaluation of the presence of drugs in sewage treatment station sludge before and after the bioremediation process by composting

Resumo A presença de fármacos residuais no ambiente é um problema crescente e de abrangência global, com ampla quantidade de pesquisas visando sua quantificação. Porém, seu comportamento e efeitos, tanto no ambiente quanto para o ser humano, ainda não são bem conhecidos. Neste trabalho foram avaliados sete fármacos: Atenolol, Carbamazepina, Clonazepan, Ibuprofeno, Paracetamol, Sinvastatina e Fluoxetina, em amostras de lodo proveniente de uma estação de tratamento de esgotos do sistema público. A extração dos compostos na matriz foi baseada na sua lixiviação em água e a quantificação analítica foi determinada por um sistema de cromatógrafo líquido de ultra performance, acoplado ao espectrômetro de massas. Os resultados indicam a possível movimentação de alguns fármacos da fase aquosa para a sólida. Observou-se que a compostagem do lodo pode favorecer a biodegradação ou mobilização dos compostos, pois houve redução significativa nas concentrações, quando comparados os valores obtidos antes e após o processo de compostagem. A não detecção de um composto não significa necessariamente que ele tenha sido degradado por microrganismos, entretanto, estudos pretéritos chegaram a resultados semelhantes, o que corrobora para a adequação da proposta metodológica e dos procedimentos adotados, contribuindo para a produção de resultados confiáveis.

Abstract The presence of residual drugs in the environment is a growing global issue, with many studies seeking to quantify it. However, its behavior and effects, both on the environment and on humans are still mostly unknown. In this study, seven drugs were evaluated: Atenolol, Carbamazepine, Clonazepam, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Simvastatin, and Fluoxetine, from samples of sludge from a sewage treatment plant of the public system. The extraction of the compounds from the matrix was based on the leaching of the compounds in water and the analytical quantification was determined by an ultra-performance liquid chromatograph system, coupled to the mass spectrometer. The data indicate the possible movement of some drugs from aqueous to solid phase. We observed that the composting of the sludge could favor the biodegradation or mobilization of the compounds since there was a significant reduction in the concentrations, when comparing the values obtained before and after the composting process. The non-detection of a compound does not necessarily mean that it has been fully degraded by microorganisms; however, past studies reached similar results, which corroborates the adequacy of the methodological proposal and the adopted procedures, contributing to the production of reliable results.

Reutilización de aguas negras mediante un sistema de biofiltros en el cementerio ecológico de Huancayo, 2021 / Reuse of sewage through a biofilter system in the ecological cemetery of Huancayo, 2021

El agua es esencial para la supervivencia de todos los organismos vivos. Por lo tanto, la reutilización de aguas residuales domésticas para fines de agua no potable es una probable solución para las áreas más necesitadas en agua en todo el mundo. La descarga de aguas residuales domésticas e industriales en los recursos hídricos superficiales y subterráneos es extremadamente dañina para el medio ambiente. La tecnología de biofiltración es una plataforma de tratamiento versátil que se aplica para el tratamiento de agua potable. Se logra cuando los desinfectantes no pueden pasar por un filtro, los microbios crecen y se desarrollan en medios granulares y finalmente conlleva a la aparición de biopelículas activas. El objetivo del siguiente artículo es ofrecer al distrito de Huancayo, Perú una alternativa para reciclar las aguas residuales en esta localidad. Los resultados de este trabajo permitieron el diseño de biofiltro para el tratamiento de agua servidas de la ciudad de Huancayo, en Perú para ser utilizado en el cementerio ecológico de dicha ciudad. El caudal a ser manejado durante el tratamiento de aguas servidas fue de 0,35L/s; esto permitió un bioflitro con las siguientes características: 13,78m de largo y 6,89m de largo con una profundidad de 0,8m adecuados para el tratamiento de estas aguas servidas. Los cálculos de degradación de materia orgánica según los parámetros de DBO y DQO permitieron una remoción de la carga orgánica de 78mg/m2 al día. Estos resultados fueron excelentes para poder mantener la calidad de vida del ecosistema(AU)

Water is essential for the survival of all living organisms. Therefore, the reuse of domestic wastewater for non-potable water purposes is a likely solution for the areas most in need of water throughout the world. The discharge of domestic and industrial wastewater into surface and groundwater resources is extremely harmful to the environment. Biofiltration technology is a versatile treatment platform that is applied for the treatment of drinking water. It is achieved when disinfectants cannot pass through a filter, microbes grow and thrive in granular media, and ultimately leads to the appearance of active biofilms. The objective of the following article is to offer the district of Huancayo, Peru an alternative to recycle wastewater in this town. The results of this work allowed the design of a biofilter for the treatment of wastewater from the city of Huancayo, in Peru to be used in the ecological cemetery of said city. The flow to be managed during the sewage treatment was 0.35 L/s; this allowed a biofliter with the following characteristics: 13.78 m long and 6.89 m long with a depth of 0.8 m suitable for the treatment of these sewage. The organic matter degradation calculations according to the BOD and COD parameters allowed a removal of the organic load of 78 mg/m2 per day. These results were excellent to be able to maintain the quality of life of the ecosystem(AU)

Circulación de genes de virulencia asociados a Escherichia coli diarrogénica en aguas residuales del Gran Área Metropolitana de Costa Rica / Circulation of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli associated virulence genes in Costa Rican Great Metropolitan Area wastewaters

Resumen Introducción: la enfermedad diarreica es una de las principales causas de muerte en niños menores de cinco años. Uno de los agentes etiológicos bacterianos más reconocido es Escherichia coli, que puede causar infecciones a través de diversos mecanismos asociados a la adquisición de genes de virulencia. Metodología: se recolectaron muestras de aguas residuales en los afluentes y los efluentes de cinco plantas de tratamiento de la Gran Área Metropolitana, durante tres días consecutivos, en los meses de marzo, mayo, octubre y diciembre del año 2013, a fin de cuantificar la concentración de E. coli, mediante la técnica de fermentación en tubos múltiples, y evaluar la presencia de los genes de virulencia aatA, bfpA, eaeA, ipaH, lt, st, stx1 y stx2, vinculados con patotipos de E. coli diarrogénica, con la técnica de PCR punto final. Resultados: el estudio reveló niveles de E. coli similares a los encontrados en afluentes de otras regiones del mundo, en cambio, los efluentes presentaron concentraciones superiores a los 4 Log10 NMP/100 mL. La circulación anual de genes de virulencia fue relacionada con los patotipos enterotoxigénica, productores de toxina Shiga/enterohemorrágica, enteroagregativa y enteropatógena. No se detectaron genes referentes a la variedad enteroinvasora. Además, se determinó que no todas las plantas de tratamiento remueven significativamente la carga de E. coli. Conclusiones: el flujo de E. coli diarrogénica es común en nuestro país y su diseminación en el ambiente es posible cuando los efluentes se descargan en cuerpos de aguas superficiales

Abstract Introduction. Diarrheic disease is one of the most important diseases causes in children under five years. One of the most recognized etiological agents is Escherichia coli. This bacterium has the capacity of causing infections by multiple mechanisms associated with the acquisition of different virulence genes. Methodology: water samples were collected from the affluents and effluents of five wastewater treatment plants located in the Costa Rican Great Metropolitan Area, during three sequential days, in March, May, October, and December from 2013. The aim was to quantify E. colis concentration by multiple tubes fermentation method and to evaluate the presence of aatA, bfpA, eaeA, ipaH, lt, st, stx1, and stx2 virulence genes, related with diarrheagenic E. coli, by PCR end-point method. Results: The study revealed that the levels of E. coli into the affluents are similar to those reported in other world regions. The effluents concentration presented higher than 4 Log10 NMP/100 mL level of E. coli. A year-round circulation of virulence genes was demonstrated, and it was associated with enterotoxigenic, Shiga-toxin producers/ enterohemorrhagic, enteroaggregative, and enteropathogenic pathotypes. Genes related to enteroinvasive variety did not were detected. Not all wastewater treatment plants removed E. coli efficiently. Conclusions: Diarrheagenic E. coli circulation is common in our county with the possibility of dissemination to the environment by effluents wastewater discharge in surface water bodies.

Desempenho energético e pegada de carbono de um sistema de esgotamento sanitário centralizado no nordeste brasileiro / Energy performance and carbon footprint of a centralized sewage system in northeastern Brazil

RESUMO O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a operação e manutenção de um sistema de esgotamento sanitário centralizado, composto de três subsistemas, que atende 367 mil habitantes no Nordeste do Brasil. A avaliação do ciclo de vida considerou um inventário amplo de operação e manutenção do sistema de esgotamento sanitário com as redes de coleta, estações de tratamento de esgoto, disposição do esgoto tratado no corpo hídrico e gestão do lodo. O arranjo tecnológico das estações de tratamento de esgoto avaliadas incluiu o reator do tipo upflow anaerobic sludge blanket, seguido de lagoa aerada e lagoa de polimento em um subsistema, e upflow anaerobic sludge blanket seguido de reator de lodo ativado por aeração prolongada em dois subsistemas. O desempenho energético utilizou o método de demanda de energia acumulada e a pegada de carbono empregou o método de potencial de aquecimento global de 100 anos do Painel Intergovernamental sobre Mudanças Climáticas. O sistema de esgotamento sanitário avaliado demandou 5,12 MJ·m−3 e emitiu 4,08 kg CO2eq·m−3. As maiores contribuições do sistema de esgotamento sanitário avaliado foram a eletricidade, com 62% da demanda energética, e as emissões diretas para o ar, com 94% da pegada de carbono, sendo as emissões dos reatores upflow anaerobic sludge blanket com 76% da pegada de carbono. A identificação dos aspectos e impactos ambientais do sistema de esgotamento sanitário avaliado apoia a inovação tecnológica e gerencial para otimizar o desempenho energético e mitigar as emissões de gases de efeito estufa.

ABSTRACT This aim of this work was to evaluate the operation and maintenance of a centralized wastewater treatment system, composed of three subsystems, which serves 367 thousand inhabitants in northeastern Brazil. The life cycle assessment considered a comprehensive inventory of the wastewater treatment system operation and maintenance with the collection networks, wastewater treatment plants, disposal of the treated wastewater in the water body and sludge management. The technological arrangement of the evaluated wastewater treatment plants included the Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket reactor, followed by aerated and polishing ponds in one subsystem, and Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket followed by extended aeration activated sludge in two subsystems. The energy performance used the cumulative energy demand method and the carbon footprint used the global warming potential method for 100 years of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The evaluated wastewater treatment system presented 5.12 MJ·m−3 and 4.08 kg CO2eq·m−3. The largest contribution of the evaluated wastewater treatment system was the electricity use with 62% of the energy demand and direct emissions to the air with 94% of the carbon footprint, being direct emissions from Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket reactors with 76% of the carbon footprint. The identification of environmental aspects and impacts of the evaluated wastewater treatment system supports technological and management innovations to optimize its energy performance and mitigate greenhouse gases emission.

Optimization and validation of the analytical methods to detect common illicit drugs in sewage / 中国药科大学学报

@#The waste water-based epidemiology is an important technique to fight against drug abuse by analyzing the concentration of illicit drugs in urban sewage, which can monitor the abuse of drugs.An SPE-UPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the analysis of 12 common drugs and their metabolites involving amphetamine and morphine.It was shown that the best result was achieved when hydrochloric acid/ acetonitrile (5∶95) was added to acidify the sample during the concentration process, guaranteeing the anti-across contamination of the analysis of organic nitrogen basic trace components, and improve the stability, specificity, and accuracy of the method.The optimized method meets the analytical requirements of complex sewage samples, and has been successfully applied to the assessment of urban drug abuse through sewage analysis.

Tertiary hospital sewage as reservoir of bacteria expressing MDR phenotype in Brazil

Abstract 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.

Resumo 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.

Impact of treated sewage on meiobenthic nematodes: a case study from the Tunisian Refining Industries Company

Abstract The main objective of the current study was to assess the impact of the water taken from the Tunisian Refining Industries Company on meiobenthic nematodes, before and after a series of treatments in decantation basins followed by its discharge in Bizerte bay, Tunisia. The comparison of environmental parameters of the two types of water was clearly indicative of an improvement in the quality of treated waters after a significant reduction in their loads in hydrocarbons. Overall, the water retained a good quality after being treated by Tunisian Refining Industries Company before discharge in the sea. At the end of the experiment, differential responses were observed according to the richness of sediment in organic matter and hydrocarbons. Thus, it was apparent that the nematode assemblage exposed to the treated waters was closer to controls and associated to higher values of abundance, than that under untreated ones. It was also assumed that the species Microlaimus honestus De Man, 1922, Paramonohystera proteus Wieser, 1956 and Cyartonema germanicum Juario, 1972 are sensitive bioindicators of bad environmental statues and of hydrocarbon presence in the environment. On the other hand, Metoncholaimus pristiurus (Zur Strassen, 1894) Filipjev, 1918 would rather be classified as a positive bioindicative species of this type of pollutants.

Resumo O principal objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o impacto da água retirada da Tunisian Refining Industries Company sobre os nematoides meiobentônicos, antes e depois de uma série de tratamentos em bacias de decantação seguidos de seu descarte na baía de Bizerte, Tunísia. A comparação dos parâmetros ambientais dos dois tipos de água foi claramente indicativa de uma melhoria na qualidade das águas tratadas após uma redução significativa das suas cargas em hidrocarbonetos. No geral, a água reteve uma boa qualidade após ser tratada pela Tunisian Refining Industries Company antes da descarga no mar. Ao final do experimento, foram observadas respostas diferenciais de acordo com a riqueza de sedimentos em matéria orgânica e hidrocarbonetos. Assim, ficou claro que a assembleia de nematoides exposta às águas tratadas estava mais próxima dos controles e associada a maiores valores de abundância do que nas não tratadas. Também foi assumido que as espécies Microlaimus honestus De Man, 1922, Paramonohystera proteus Wieser, 1956 e Cyartonema germanicum Juario, 1972 são bioindicadores sensíveis de más estátuas ambientais e da presença de hidrocarbonetos no meio ambiente. Por outro lado, Metoncholaimus pristiurus (Zur Strassen, 1894) Filipjev, 1918 preferiria ser classificado como uma espécie bioindicativa positiva deste tipo de poluentes.

Impact of treated sewage on meiobenthic nematodes: a case study from the Tunisian Refining Industries Company / Impacto de esgoto tratado em nematoides meiobentônicos: um estudo de caso da Tunisian Refining Industries Company

The organization of the roots, ganglia and the peripheral distribution of the cranial nerves of the fully formed embryos of Oreochromis niloticus are examined in the transverse serial sections. These nerves carry fibers, which were also analyzed. The results of this study demonstrated that the glossopharyngeal nerve originates by means of only one root, which leaves the cranium through the glossopharyngeal foramen. This nerve gives fibers (visceromotor) to the first internal and external levator arcus branchialis muscles. There is a single epibranchial (petrosal) ganglion located extracranially. Nervus glossopharyngeus has three rami; pharyngeus, pretramticus and posttrematicus. The ramus pharyngeus carries only viscerosensory fibers; general for the pharyngeal epithelium and special ones for the pseudobranch. General viscerosensory fibers are also carried by rami pretrematicus and posttrematicus for the pharyngeal epithelial lining. The special sensory fibers are carried by the ramus pretrematicus for the taste buds and by ramus posttrematicus for the gill filaments. The ramus pretrematicus also carries visceromotor fibers for the first adductor arcus branchialis and to the first obliquus ventralis muscles.

A organização das raízes, gânglios e a distribuição periférica dos nervos cranianos dos embriões totalmente formados de Oreochromis niloticus são examinados nas seções transversais seriais. Esses nervos carregam fibras, que também foram analisadas. Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que o nervo glossofaríngeo se origina por meio de apenas uma raiz, que sai do crânio pelo forame glossofaríngeo. Este nervo fornece fibras (visceromotoras) para os primeiros músculos levantadores do arco branquial interno e externo. Existe um único gânglio epibranquial (petroso) localizado extracranialmente. Nervus glossopharyngeus tem três ramos; faríngeo, pretramticus e póstrematicus. O ramo faríngeo contém apenas fibras viscerossensoriais ­ gerais para o epitélio faríngeo e especiais para o pseudobrânquio. Fibras viscerossensoriais gerais também são transportadas por ramos pretrematicus e posttrematicus para o revestimento epitelial da faringe. As fibras sensoriais especiais são transportadas pelo ramus pretrematicus para as papilas gustativas e pelo ramus posttrematicus para os filamentos branquiais. O ramo pretrematicus também carrega fibras visceromotoras para o primeiro adutor arcus branchialis e para o primeiro músculo oblíquo ventral.

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.

Impact of treated sewage on meiobenthic nematodes: a case study from the Tunisian Refining Industries Company / Impacto de esgoto tratado em nematoides meiobentônicos: um estudo de caso da Tunisian Refining Industries Company

The main objective of the current study was to assess the impact of the water taken from the 'Tunisian Refining Industries Company' on meiobenthic nematodes, before and after a series of treatments in decantation basins followed by its discharge in Bizerte bay, Tunisia. The comparison of environmental parameters of the two types of water was clearly indicative of an improvement in the quality of treated waters after a significant reduction in their loads in hydrocarbons. Overall, the water retained a good quality after being treated by 'Tunisian Refining Industries Company' before discharge in the sea. At the end of the experiment, differential responses were observed according to the richness of sediment in organic matter and hydrocarbons. Thus, it was apparent that the nematode assemblage exposed to the treated waters was closer to controls and associated to higher values of abundance, than that under untreated ones. It was also assumed that the species Microlaimus honestus De Man, 1922, Paramonohystera proteus Wieser, 1956 and Cyartonema germanicum Juario, 1972 are sensitive bioindicators of bad environmental statues and of hydrocarbon presence in the environment. On the other hand, Metoncholaimus pristiurus (Zur Strassen, 1894) Filipjev, 1918 would rather be classified as a positive bioindicative species of this type of pollutants.

O principal objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o impacto da água retirada da "Tunisian Refining Industries Company" sobre os nematoides meiobentônicos, antes e depois de uma série de tratamentos em bacias de decantação seguidos de seu descarte na baía de Bizerte, Tunísia. A comparação dos parâmetros ambientais dos dois tipos de água foi claramente indicativa de uma melhoria na qualidade das águas tratadas após uma redução significativa das suas cargas em hidrocarbonetos. No geral, a água reteve uma boa qualidade após ser tratada pela "Tunisian Refining Industries Company" antes da descarga no mar. Ao final do experimento, foram observadas respostas diferenciais de acordo com a riqueza de sedimentos em matéria orgânica e hidrocarbonetos. Assim, ficou claro que a assembleia de nematoides exposta às águas tratadas estava mais próxima dos controles e associada a maiores valores de abundância do que nas não tratadas. Também foi assumido que as espécies Microlaimus honestus De Man, 1922, Paramonohystera proteus Wieser, 1956 e Cyartonema germanicum Juario, 1972 são bioindicadores sensíveis de más estátuas ambientais e da presença de hidrocarbonetos no meio ambiente. Por outro lado, Metoncholaimus pristiurus (Zur Strassen, 1894) Filipjev, 1918 preferiria ser classificado como uma espécie bioindicativa positiva deste tipo de poluentes.

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.

Desenvolvimento de lodo granular aeróbio em reatores em batelada sequencial com baixa velocidade de sedimentação / Development of aerobic granular sludge in sequencing batch reactors with low sedimentation speed

RESUMO Diversos trabalhos têm mostrado a formação de lodo granular aeróbio em reatores nos quais são impostas elevadas velocidades de sedimentação, da ordem de 10 a 12 m.h−1. Aparentemente, quando a velocidade de sedimentação é inferior a 3,8 m.h−1, a fração de lodo floculado é predominante, visto que o lodo suspenso não é eliminado de forma efetiva do reator. Outros estudos, entretanto, mostram a formação de lodos granulares aeróbios para velocidades menores que essa, apontando a possibilidade da formação desse tipo de biomassa em velocidades ainda menores. Assim, este trabalho avaliou a formação desse tipo de lodo em reatores que tratam esgoto sanitário, com relação altura/diâmetro unitária, para velocidades de sedimentação de 1,8 e 1,2 m.h−1, verificando as eficiências de remoção de matéria orgânica e nitrogênio. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que é possível formar lodo aeróbio granular para a faixa de velocidade de estudo, porém com baixa estabilidade estrutural para diâmetros de 1,2 mm ou mais. Essa instabilidade dos grânulos contribui para a baixa eficiência de remoção de matéria orgânica e nitrogênio nos reatores.

ABSTRACT Several studies have shown the formation of aerobic granular sludge in reactors where high sedimentation rates are imposed, varying from 10 to 12 m.h−1. Apparently, when the settling velocity is less than 3.8 m.h−1, the fraction of flocculated sludge is predominant, since the suspended sludge is not effectively eliminated from the reactor. Other studies, however, show the formation of aerobic granular sludge at velocities lower than this, pointing to the possibility of formation of this type of biomass at even lower speeds. Thus, this work evaluated the efficacy of this type of sludge in reactors treating sewage, with H/D ratio (height/diameter), for sedimentation velocities of 1.8 and 1.2 mh−1, verifying the efficiencies of organic matter and nitrogen. The results indicated that it is possible to form aerobic granular sludge for the study velocity range, but with low structural stability from diameters of approximately 1.2 mm. This instability of the granules contributes to the low efficiency of removal of organic matter and nitrogen in the reactors.

Concessão privatista do saneamento e a incidência da Covid-19 em favelas do Rio de Janeiro / Privatizing sanitation concessions and the incidence of COVID-19 in slums in Rio de Janeiro

RESUMO O objetivo foi avaliar a relação espacial dos indicadores de saneamento (acesso à água e ao esgoto), considerando a modelagem da concessão da Companhia Estadual de Águas e Esgotos do Rio de Janeiro (Cedae), e a sua possível relação com a incidência da Covid-19, nos bairros com e sem áreas de favelas. Os dados de casos confirmados da Covid-19 analisados foram obtidos no Painel Saúde do Rio de Janeiro. Foi considerado o fracionamento do município em quatro blocos regionais. Nos 163 bairros da cidade, a taxa de incidência média foi de 9,78 casos/1.000 hab. Os bairros com as menores taxa de incidência foram aqueles com predominância de aglomerados subnormais (favelas), baixa renda per capita e cobertura de saneamento, sugerindo maior lacuna de testagem e subnotificação de casos. Reduzir a inequidade e o racismo estrutural deveria ser prioritário. A sindemia da Covid-19 contribuiu fortemente para perdas socioeconômicas e de saúde pública significativas. Em um cenário de reconstrução, é imprescindível retomar o compromisso para com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Agenda 2030 das Nações Unidas.

ABSTRACT This assessment aimed to evaluate the putative spatial relationship between sanitation indicators (access to water and sewage) considering the Rio de Janeiro State Water and Sewage Company (CEDAE) parameters and the COVID-19 incidence among districts with and without slum areas. The data of confirmed COVID-19 cases analyzed were obtained from the Rio de Janeiro Health Panel. We considered the division of the municipality into four regional blocks. The mean COVID-19 incidence was 9.78 cases/1,000 inhabitants in the 163 city districts. The lowest COVID-19 incidence rate was most reported in slum regions, with lower per capita income and sanitation coverage, suggesting a significant gap in testing and case underreporting. Reducing inequality and structural racism should be a priority. The COVID-19 syndemic strongly contributed to significant socioeconomic and public health losses. Our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 agenda of the United Nations is pivotal in a backdrop of reconstruction.