Use of a two-phase partitioning bioreactor for degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by a Sphingomonas sp.

A two-phase partitioning bioreactor (TPPB) utilizing the bacterium Sphingomonas aromaticivorans B0695 was used to degrade four low molecular weight (LMW) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The TPPB concept is based on the use of a biocompatible, immiscible organic solvent in which high concentrations of recalcitrant substrates are dissolved. These substances partition into the cell-containing aqueous phase at rates determined by the metabolic activity of the cells. Experiments showed that the selected solvent, dodecane, could be successfully used in both solvent extraction experiments (to remove PAHs from soil) and in a TPPB application. Further testing demonstrated that solvent extraction from spiked soil was enhanced when a solvent combination (dodecane and ethanol) was used, and it was shown that the co-solvent did not significantly affect TPPB performance. The TPPB achieved complete biodegradation of naphthalene, phenanthrene, acenaphthene and anthracene at a volumetric consumption rate of 90 mg l(-1) h(-1) in approximately 30 h. Additionally, a total of 20.0 g of LMW PAHs (naphthalene and phenanthrene) were biodegraded at an overall volumetric rate of 98 mg l(-1) h(-1) in less than 75 h. Degradation rates achieved using the TPPB and S. aromaticivorans B0695 are much greater than any others previously reported for an ex situ PAH biodegradation system operating with a single species.

Substance abuse counselors' experiences with victims of incest.

Counselors delivering substance abuse treatment from within 39 treatment facilities throughout the United States were surveyed using the Substance Abuse Counselor Survey on Clients with Incest Histories (SACSCIH). The sample of 114 participants reported upon experiences and perceptions related to their incest-related training, identification of incest victims, prevalence of incest victims on their caseloads, and referral and treatment practices. Additionally, group comparisons provided information on differences based upon participants' gender, educational degree, recovery status, and experience with incest counseling.

Client perceptions of incest and substance abuse.

Clients receiving substance abuse treatment from 35 treatment facilities throughout the United States were surveyed using the Substance Abuse and Incest Survey-Revised (SAIS-R). A total of 732 participants responded to the survey; 518 (71%) were males, 204 (28%) were females, and 10 (1%) did not indicate gender. Participants had a mean age of 33.8 years, were predominately Caucasian (61.6%), never married (45.2%), were currently unemployed (69.4%), and had completed an average of 11.7 years of education. Of the entire sample, 266 (36.3%) reported having been victims of incest; 151 were males and 113 were females (2 did not indicate gender). The group reporting incest histories had a significantly greater percentage of females that did the group not reporting incest histories (chi 2 = 48.1, p < .001). Participants with incest histories were asked about their perceptions regarding incest, substance abuse, and counseling. Item responses were examined using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The factor analysis on SAIS-R perception items identified five factors that accounted for 68.9% of the variance; these factors were Stigma and Resistance to Counseling; Substance Abuse and Incest; Ambivalence; Fear and Anticipation; and Receptivity to Counseling. Results are presented and the implications for substance abuse treatment and counseling are discussed.

Substance abuse and past incest contact. A national perspective.

Seven hundred thirty-two volunteer participants enrolled in 35 substance abuse treatment facilities across the United States were surveyed to examine the prevalence and nature of incest contacts among adults receiving substance abuse treatment. Results indicated that approximately 36% of the sample reported histories of incest: by gender, 29% of the male and 55% of the female participants reported incest histories. Data are presented regarding the age during incest contact, frequency of contacts and involvement of force, alcohol, and drugs. In addition, comparisons between incest and nonincest groups of participants are presented. Implications for substance abuse treatment facilities and staff are presented.

Incest and substance abuse: implications for treatment professionals.

Seventy-seven volunteer participants enrolled in eight substance abuse treatment facilities were surveyed using the Substance Abuse and Incest Survey. Of the sample, 36 (48%) reported histories of incest. For participants reporting incest, data on substance abuse history, perceptions of the relationship between incest and substance abuse, and opinions regarding incest-related counseling in the context of substance abuse treatment are presented. Recommendations for substance abuse professionals and facilities are made, including intake screening, barriers to treatment, counselor education, and future research.