Enhanced bioremediation of RDX and Co-Contaminants perchlorate and nitrate using an anaerobic dehalogenating consortium in a fractured rock aquifer.

The potential neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects of the explosives compound RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) on human health requires groundwater remediation strategies to meet low cleanup goals. Bioremediation of RDX is feasible through biostimulation of native microbes with an organic carbon donor but may be less efficient, or not occur at all, in the presence of the common co-contaminants perchlorate and nitrate. Laboratory tests compared biostimulation with bioaugmentation to achieve anaerobic degradation of RDX, perchlorate, and nitrate; a field pilot test was then conducted in a fractured rock aquifer with the selected bioaugmentation approach. Insignificant reduction of RDX, perchlorate, or nitrate was observed by the native microbes in microcosms, with or without biostimulation by addition of lactate. Tests of the RDX-degrading ability of the microbial consortium WBC-2, originally developed for dehalogenation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds, showed first-order biodegradation rate constants ranging from 0.57 to 0.90 per day (half-lives 1.2 to 0.80 days). WBC-2 sustained degradation without daughter product accumulation when repeatedly amended with RDX and lactate for a year. In microcosms with groundwater containing perchlorate and nitrate, RDX degradation began without delay when bioaugmented with 10% WBC-2. Slower RDX degradation occurred with 3% or 5% WBC-2 amendment, indicating a direct relation with cell density. Transient RDX daughter compounds included methylene dinitramine, MNX, and DNX. With WBC-2 amendment, nitrate concentrations immediately decreased to near or below detection, and perchlorate degradation occurred with half-lives of 25-34 days. Single-well injection tests with WBC-2 and lactate showed that the onset of RDX degradation coincided with the onset of sulfide production, which was affected by the initial perchlorate concentration. Biodegradation rates in the pilot injection tests agreed well with those measured in the microcosms. These results support bioaugmentation with an anaerobic culture as a remedial strategy for sites contaminated with RDX, nitrate, and perchlorate.

Influence of Body Position on Shoulder and Trunk Muscle Activation During Resisted Isometric Shoulder External Rotation.

BACKGROUND: External rotation (ER) strengthening of the shoulder is an integral component of rehabilitative and preventative programs for overhead athletes. A variety of shoulder ER strengthening exercises are reported, including those intended to integrate the core musculature. The purpose of this study was to examine ER torque and electromyographic (EMG) activation of shoulder and trunk muscles while performing resisted isometric shoulder ER in 3 positions (standing, side lying, and side plank). HYPOTHESIS: Significantly greater force and shoulder muscle activation would be generated while side lying given the inherent stability of the position, and greater trunk muscle activation would be generated in the less stable plank position. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental repeated-measures study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. METHODS: A convenience sample of 25 healthy overhead recreational athletes (9 men, 16 women) participated in this study. EMG electrodes were placed on the infraspinatus, posterior deltoid, middle trapezius, multifidi, internal obliques, and external obliques. EMG signals were normalized to a maximal isometric contraction. Participants performed resisted isometric ER in standing, side-lying, and side plank positions. Results were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni corrections (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in ER torque between positions (α = 0.05). A significant difference in EMG activity of shoulder and trunk musculature between positions was found in 7 of the 8 muscles monitored. Significantly greater EMG activity in the infraspinatus, middle trapezius, and the nondominant external and internal obliques was found in the side plank position as compared with standing and side lying. CONCLUSION: While there was no difference in ER torque between the 3 exercise positions, EMG activity of the shoulder and trunk muscles was dependent on body position. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If a clinician is seeking to integrate trunk muscle activation while performing shoulder ER strengthening, the side plank position is preferred as compared with standing or side lying.

Acoustically enhanced multicomponent NAPL ganglia dissolution in water saturated packed columns.

The impact of acoustic pressure waves on multicomponent nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) ganglia dissolution in water saturated columns packed with glass beads was investigated. Laboratory data from dissolution experiments with two and three component NAPL mixtures suggested that acoustic waves significantly enhance ganglia dissolution due to the imposed oscillatory interstitial water velocity. The dissolution enhancement was shown to be directly proportional to the acoustic wave frequency. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the greatest dissolution enhancement in the presence of acoustic waves is associated with the component of the NAPL mixture having the smallest equilibrium aqueous solubility. Finally, square shaped acoustic waves were shown to lead to greater NAPL dissolution enhancement compared to sinusoidal and triangular acoustic waves. The results of this study suggested that aquifer remediation using acoustic waves is a promising method particularly for aquifers contaminated with NAPLs containing components with very low equilibrium aqueous solubilities.