Evaluation of microbial p-chloroaniline degradation in bioelectrochemical reactors in the presence of easily-biodegrading cosubstrates: Degradation efficiency and bacterial community structure.

This study aimed to illustrate p-Chloroaniline (p-CIA) biodegradation efficiencies in bioelectrochemical reactors under stimulation by a low-voltage electric field (0.2 V versus Ag/AgCl) in the presence of easily-degrading cosubstrates including glucose and acetate. The biodegradation efficiencies of closed-circuit bioreactors were compared with those of open-circuit reactors. Experimental results showed that the six different bioreactors provided different p-CIA biodegradation efficiencies. The highest biodegradation efficiency of 38.5 ±â€¯10.3 mg/l was obtained in a closed-circuit bioreactor with acetate and the lowest biodegradation efficiency of 15.7 ±â€¯9.4 mg/l was obtained in an open-circuit bioreactor. This difference may be attributed to the presence of electrical stimulation and acetate. The results for generated current and biodegradation efficiency indicated that acetate is a better cosubstrate than glucose. High-throughput sequencing technologies were used to characterise the bacterial community structure of the six bioreactors and revealed that different bacterial communities resulted in different treatment efficiencies.

Simultaneous autotrophic removal of sulphate and nitrate at different voltages in a bioelectrochemical reactor (BER): Evaluation of degradation efficiency and characterization of microbial communities.

The autotrophic removal of sulphate and nitrate in bioelectrochemical reactors was investigated at different external voltages (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 V) under anaerobic conditions. Sulphate and nitrate removal, nitrite accumulation, reduction trend of nitrate and sulphate and microbial community structure were explored. Results indicate the highest removal efficiencies of nitrate and sulphate at 43.3 ±â€¯2.8 and 7.1 ±â€¯0.2 mg·l-1·d-1 when the voltage is 0.6 V. Moreover, nitrite accumulation decreases with increased voltage from 0.2 V to 1.0 V. Illumina high-throughput sequencing results show similar richness and diversity of bacterial species with increased voltage from 0.2 V to 0.8 V. However, with further increased voltage to 1.0 V, bacterial diversity and richness decrease significantly. Overall, significant differences in community compositions are observed at different voltages.

"Anything that makes life's journey better." Exploring the use of digital technology by people living with motor neurone disease.

Our aim was to explore the attitudes of those living with motor neuron disease towards digital technology. Postal and online questionnaires surveyed 83 people with MND (pwMND) and 54 friends and family members (fMND). Five pwMND and five fMND underwent semi-structured interviews. 82% of pwMND and 87% of fMND use technology every day with iPads and laptops being the devices most commonly used. pwMND used technology to help them continue to participate in everyday activities such as socialising, entertainment and accessing the internet. The internet provided peer support and information about MND but information could be distressing or unreliable. Participants preferred information from professionals and official organisations. Participants were generally supportive of using of technology to access medical care. Barriers to technology, such as lack of digital literacy skills and upper limb dysfunction, and potential solutions were identified. More challenging barriers included language and cognitive difficulties, and the fear of becoming dependent on technology. Addressing the barriers identified in this research could help pwMND access technology. However, as healthcare delivery becomes more reliant on digital technology, care should be taken to ensure that those who are unable or unwilling to use technology continue to have their needs met in alternative ways.

Recent developments in biochar as an effective tool for agricultural soil management: a review.

In recent years biochar has been demonstrated to be a useful amendment to sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emission from the soil to the atmosphere. Hence it can help to mitigate global environment change. Some studies have shown that biochar addition to agricultural soils increases crop production. The mechanisms involved are: increased soil aeration and water-holding capacity, enhanced microbial activity and plant nutrient status in soil, and alteration of some important soil chemical properties. This review provides an in-depth consideration of the production, characterization and agricultural use of different biochars. Biochar is a complex organic material and its characteristics vary with production conditions and the feedstock used. The agronomic benefits of biochar solely depend upon the use of particular types of biochar with proper field application rate under appropriate soil types and conditions. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.