Hydroinformatics based decision.making integrating modelling, sampling and profiling: the Ria Formosa case

A Waste Water monitoring program aiming to help decision making is presented. The program includes traditional and inboard sensor sampling, hydrodynamic and water quality modeling and a GIS based database to help the decision making of manager authorities. The focus is in the quality of waters receiving discharges from Waste Water Treatment Plants. Data was used to feed model simulations and produce hydrodynamic, effluent dispersion and ecological results. The system was then used to run different scenarios of discharge flow, concentration and location. The results enable to access the current water quality state of the lagoon and are being used as a decision making tool by the waste water managers in the evaluation phase of the treatment plant project to decide the location and the level of treatment of the discharge.

Environmental impact assessment: looking at sediments in Nootka Sound for traces of pulp mill effluent

Senior thesis written for Oceanography 445

Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae–bacteriophage combination from the caecal effluent of a healthy woman

A recent study characterizing bacteriophage populations within human caecal effluent demonstrated the presence of numerous Podoviridae, Siphoviridae and Myoviridae within this material (Hoyles et al., 2014, Res Microbiol 165, 803–812). Further to this work, anaerobic bacteria were isolated on fastidious anaerobe agar from the caecal effluent of a healthy 31-year-old woman. Ten colonies were selected at random, streaked to purity and screened against the remaining caecal effluent (filter-sterilized, 0.45 μm pore size) in an attempt to isolate lytic bacteriophages. Bacteriophages within the effluent [2×105 ± 2.65×103 (n=3) pfu/ml] were active against five of the isolates, all identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as Klebsiella pneumoniae. One of the five isolates, L4-FAA5, was characterized further and found to be K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae capsule type K2 rmpA+, and was used to propagate a bacteriophage (which we named KLPN1) to purity. Bacteriophage KLPN1 was a member of the Siphoviridae with a rosette-like tail tip and exhibited depolymerase activity, demonstrated by the formation of plaque-surrounding haloes that increased in size over the course of incubation. When screened against a panel of 21 clinical strains representing unknown K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae capsule types and types K1, K2, K5, K20, K54 and K57, KLPN1 infected only K2 strains, but did not exhibit depolymerase activity against these. Whole-genome sequence analysis of KLPN1 showed the bacteriophage to have a genome of 49,037 bp (50.53 GC mol%) comprising 73 predicted ORFs, of which 22 encoded genes associated with structure, host recognition, packaging, DNA replication and cell lysis. The host recognition-associated gene was a potential depolymerase. This is the first report of the isolation of a bacterium–bacteriophage combination from the human caecum, and only the third member of the Siphoviridae known to infect K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae.

Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae–bacteriophage combination from the caecal effluent of a healthy woman

A sample of caecal effluent was obtained from a female patient who had undergone a routine colonoscopic examination. Bacteria were isolated anaerobically from the sample, and screened against the remaining filtered caecal effluent in an attempt to isolate bacteriophages (phages). A lytic phage, named KLPN1, was isolated on a strain identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae (capsular type K2, rmpA+). This Siphoviridae phage presents a rosette-like tail tip and exhibits depolymerase activity, as demonstrated by the formation of plaque-surrounding haloes that increased in size over the course of incubation. When screened against a panel of clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, phage KLPN1 was shown to infect and lyse capsular type K2 strains, though it did not exhibit depolymerase activity on such hosts. The genome of KLPN1 was determined to be 49,037 bp (50.53 %GC) in length, encompassing 73 predicted ORFs, of which 23 represented genes associated with structure, host recognition, packaging, DNA replication and cell lysis. On the basis of sequence analyses, phages KLPN1 (GenBank: KR262148) and 1513 (a member of the family Siphoviridae, GenBank: KP658157) were found to be two new members of the genus “Kp36likevirus”.

An uncertainty and sensitivity analysis applied to the prioritisation of pharmaceuticals as surface water contaminants from wastewater treatment plant direct emissions

In this study, the concentration probability distributions of 82 pharmaceutical compounds detected in the effluents of 179 European wastewater treatment plants were computed and inserted into a multimedia fate model. The comparative ecotoxicological impact of the direct emission of these compounds from wastewater treatment plants on freshwater ecosystems, based on a potentially affected fraction (PAF) of species approach, was assessed to rank compounds based on priority. As many pharmaceuticals are acids or bases, the multimedia fate model accounts for regressions to estimate pH-dependent fate parameters. An uncertainty analysis was performed by means of Monte Carlo analysis, which included the uncertainty of fate and ecotoxicity model input variables, as well as the spatial variability of landscape characteristics on the European continental scale. Several pharmaceutical compounds were identified as being of greatest concern, including 7 analgesics/anti-inflammatories, 3 β-blockers, 3 psychiatric drugs, and 1 each of 6 other therapeutic classes. The fate and impact modelling relied extensively on estimated data, given that most of these compounds have little or no experimental fate or ecotoxicity data available, as well as a limited reported occurrence in effluents. The contribution of estimated model input variables to the variance of freshwater ecotoxicity impact, as well as the lack of experimental abiotic degradation data for most compounds, helped in establishing priorities for further testing. Generally, the effluent concentration and the ecotoxicity effect factor were the model input variables with the most significant effect on the uncertainty of output results.

High occurrence of hepatitis E virus in samples from wastewater treatment plants in Switzerland and comparison with other enteric viruses.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for many enterically transmitted viral hepatitides around the world. It is currently one of the waterborne diseases of global concern. In industrialized countries, HEV appears to be more common than previously thought, even if it is rarely virulent. In Switzerland, seroprevalence studies revealed that HEV is endemic, but no information was available on its environmental spread. The aim of this study was to investigate -using qPCR- the occurrence and concentration of HEV and three other viruses (norovirus genogroup II, human adenovirus-40 and porcine adenovirus) in influents and effluents of 31 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Switzerland. Low concentrations of HEV were detected in 40 out of 124 WWTP influent samples, showing that HEV is commonly present in this region. The frequency of HEV occurrence was higher in summer than in winter. No HEV was detected in WWTP effluent samples, which indicates a low risk of environmental contamination. HEV occurrence and concentrations were lower than those of norovirus and adenovirus. The autochthonous HEV genotype 3 was found in all positive samples, but a strain of the non-endemic and highly pathogenic HEV genotype I was isolated in one sample, highlighting the possibility of environmental circulation of this genotype. A porcine fecal marker (porcine adenovirus) was not detected in HEV positive samples, indicating that swine are not the direct source of HEV present in wastewater. Further investigations will be necessary to determine the reservoirs and the routes of dissemination of HEV.

The effects of plants(Typha Latifolia)and root-bed medium on the treatment of domestic sewage within a vertical flow constructed wetland /

The effect that plants {Typha latifolia) as well as root-bed medium physical and chemical characteristics have on the treatment of primary treated domestic wastewater within a vertical flow constructed wetland system was investigated. Five sets of cells, with two cells in each set, were used. Each cell was made of concrete and measured 1 .0 m X 1 .0 m and was 1.3 m deep. Four different root-bed media were tested : Queenston Shale, Fonthill Sand, Niagara Shale and a Michigan Sand. Four of the sets contained plants and a single type of root-bed medium. The influence of plants was tested by operating a Queenston Shale set without plants. Due to budget constraints no replicates were constructed. All of the sets were operated independently and identically for twenty-eight months. Twelve months of data are presented here, collected after 16 months of continuous operation. Root-bed medium type did not influence BOD5 removal. All of the sets consistently met Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) requirements (<25 mg/L) for BOD5 throughout the year. The 12 month average BOD5 concentration from all sets with plants was below 2.36 mg/L. All of the sets were within MOE discharge requirements (< 25 mg/L) for suspended solids with set effluent concentrations ranging from 1.53 to 14.80 mg/L. The Queenston Shale and Fonthill Sand media removed the most suspended solids while the Niagara Shale set produced suspended solids. The set containing Fonthill Sand was the only series to meet MOE discharge requirements (< Img/L) for total phosphorus year-round with a twelve month mean effluent concentration of 0.23 mg/L. Year-round all of the root-bed media were well below MOE discharge requirements (< 20mg/L in winter and < 10 mg/L in sumnner) for ammonium. The Queenston Shale and Fonthill Sand sets removed the most total nitrogen. Plants had no effect on total nitrogen removal, but did influence how nitrogen was cycled within the system. Plants increased the removal of suspended solids by 14%, BOD5 by 10% and total phosphorus by 22%. Plants also increased the amount of dissolved oxygen that entered the system. During the plant growing season removal of total phosphorus was better in all sets with plants regardless of media type. The sets containing Queenston Shale and Fonthill Sand media achieved the best results and plants in the Queenston Shale set increased treatment efficiency for every parameter except nitrogen. Vertical flow wetland sewage treatment systems can be designed and built to consistently meet MOE discharge requirements year-round for BOD5, suspended solids, total phosphorus and ammonium. This system Is generally superior to the free water systems and sub-surface horizontal flow systems in cold climate situations.

Some ecological factors affecting the input and population level of total and faecal coliforms and salmonella in Twelve Mile Creek, Lake Ontario and sewage waters near St. Catharines, Ontario

Some Ecological Factors Affecting the Input and Population Levels of Total and Faecal Coliforms and Salmonella in Twelve Mile Creek, Lake Ontario and Sewage Waters Near St. Catharines, Ontario. Supervisor: Dr. M. Helder. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of some ecological factors on sewage-Dorne bacteria in waters near St. Catharines, Ontario. Total and faecal coliform levels and the presence of Salmonella were monitored for a period of a year along with determination of temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, nitrate N, total phosphate P and ammonium N. Bacteriological tests for coliform analysis were done according to APHA Standard Methods by the membrane filtration technique. The grab sampling technique was employed for all sampling. Four sample sites were chosen in the Port Dalhousie beach area to determine what bacteriological or physical relationship the sites had to each other. The sample sites chosen were the sewage inflow to and the effluent from the St. Catharines (Port Dalhousie) Pollution Control Plant, Twelve Mile Creek below the sewage outfall and Lake Ontario at the Lakeside Park beach. The sewage outfall was located in Twelve Mile Creek, approximately 80 meters from the creek junction with the beach and piers on Lake Ontario. Twelve Mile Creek normally carried a large volume of water from the WeIland Canal which was diverted through the DeCew Generating Station located on the Niagara Escarpment. An additional sample site, which was thought to be free of industrial wastes, was chosen at Twenty Mile Creek, also in the Niagara Region of Ontarioo 3 There were marked variations in bacterial numbers at each site and between each site, but trends to lower_numbers were noted from the sewage inflow to Lake Ontario. Better correlations were noted between total and faecal coliform population levels and total phosphate P and ammonium N in Twenty Mile Creek. Other correlations were observed for other sample stations, however, these results also appeared to be random in nature. Salmonella isolations occurred more frequently during the winter and spring months when water temperatures were minimal at all sample stations except the sewage inflow. The frequency of Salmonella isolations appeared to be related to increased levels of total and faecal coli forms in the sewage effluent. However, no clear relationships were established in the other sample stations. Due to the presence of Salmonella and high levels of total and faecal coliform indicator organisms, the sanitary quality of Lake Ontario and Twelve Mile Creek at the sample sites seemed to be impaired over the major portion of the study period.

Isolation and identification of native microalgae for biodiesel production

La demande croissante en carburants, ainsi que les changements climatiques dus au réchauffement planétaire poussent le monde entier à chercher des sources d’énergie capables de produire des combustibles alternatifs aux combustibles fossiles. Durant les dernières années, plusieurs sources potentielles ont été identifiées, les premières à être considérées sont les plantes oléagineuses comme source de biocarburant, cependant l’utilisation de végétaux ou d’huiles végétales ayant un lien avec l’alimentation humaine peut engendrer une hausse des prix des denrées alimentaires, sans oublier les questions éthiques qui s’imposent. De plus, l'usage des huiles non comestibles comme sources de biocarburants, comme l’huile de jatropha, de graines de tabac ou de jojoba, révèle un problème de manque de terre arable ce qui oblige à réduire les terres cultivables de l'industrie agricole et alimentaire au profit des cultures non comestibles. Dans ce contexte, l'utilisation de microorganismes aquatiques, tels que les microalgues comme substrats pour la production de biocarburant semble être une meilleure solution. Les microalgues sont faciles à cultiver et peuvent croitre avec peu ou pas d'entretien. Elles peuvent ainsi se développer dans des eaux douces, saumâtres ou salées de même que dans les terres non cultivables. Le rendement en lipide peut être largement supérieur aux autres sources de biocarburant potentiel, sans oublier qu’elles ne sont pas comestibles et sans aucun impact sur l'industrie alimentaire. De plus, la culture intensive de microalgues pour la production de biodiesel pourrait également jouer un rôle important dans l'atténuation des émissions de CO2. Dans le cache de ce travail, nous avons isolé et identifié morphologiquement des espèces de microalgues natives du Québec, pour ensuite examiner et mesurer leur potentiel de production de lipides (biodiesel). L’échantillonnage fut réalisé dans trois régions différentes du Québec: la région de Montréal, la gaspésie et le nord du Québec, et dans des eaux douces, saumâtres ou salées. Cent souches ont été isolées à partir de la région de Montréal, caractérisées et sélectionnées selon la teneur en lipides et leur élimination des nutriments dans les eaux usées à des températures différentes (10 ± 2°C et 22 ± 2°C). Les espèces ayant une production potentiellement élevée en lipides ont été sélectionnées. L’utilisation des eaux usées, comme milieu de culture, diminue le coût de production du biocarburant et sert en même temps d'outil pour le traitement des eaux usées. Nous avons comparé la biomasse et le rendement en lipides des souches cultivées dans une eau usée par apport à ceux dans un milieu synthétique, pour finalement identifié un certain nombre d'isolats ayant montré une bonne croissance à 10°C, voir une teneur élevée en lipides (allant de 20% à 45% du poids sec) ou une grande capacité d'élimination de nutriment (>97% d'élimination). De plus, nous avons caractérisé l'une des souches intéressantes ayant montré une production en lipides et une biomasse élevée, soit la microalgue Chlorella sp. PCH90. Isolée au Québec, sa phylogénie moléculaire a été établie et les études sur la production de lipides en fonction de la concentration initiale de nitrate, phosphate et chlorure de sodium ont été réalisées en utilisant de la méthodologie des surfaces de réponse. Dans les conditions appropriées, cette microalgue pourrait produire jusqu'à 36% de lipides et croitre à la fois dans un milieu synthétique et un milieu issu d'un flux secondaire de traitement des eaux usées, et cela à 22°C ou 10°C. Ainsi, on peut conclure que cette souche est prometteuse pour poursuivre le développement en tant que productrice potentielle de biocarburants dans des conditions climatiques locales.

Exploring the Diversity of Physiology for Applications in Wastewater Treatment and Biofuels Production

A recently established strain collection of freshwater microalgae native to Quebec was examined for physiological diversity. The 100 strains appeared very heterogeneous in terms of growth when they were cultured at 10±2 °C or 22±2 °C on the secondary effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WW) and defined BBM medium. Scatterplots were used to examine the diversity in physiology that might be present in the collection. These showed a number of interesting results. There was a fair amount of dispersion in growth rates by media type independent of temperature. Surprisingly considering that all the isolates had been initially enriched on BBM, the distribution was quite symmetrical around the iso-growth line, suggesting that enrichment on BBM did not seem to bias the cells for growth on this medium versus WW. As well, considering that all the isolates had been initially enriched at 22 °C, it is quite surprising that the distribution of specific growth rates was quite symmetrical around the iso-growth line with roughly equal numbers of isolates found on either side. Thus enrichment at 22 °C does not seem to bias the cells for growth at this temperature versus 10°C. The scatterplots obtained when the percentage lipid of cultures grown on BBM were compared with cultures grown on WW at either 10 °C or 22 °C made it apparent that lipid production was favored by growth on WW at either temperature and that lipid production does not seem to be particularly favored by one temperature over the other. When the collection was queried for differences with respect to sampling location, statistical analysis showed that roughly the same degree of physiological diversity was found with samples from the two different aggregate locations.

Toxicity of Effluent from a Titanium Dioxide Factory on some Marine Animals

Toxicity of effluent from a titanium dioxide factory containing sulphuric acid residue with soluble iron metallic salts and insoluble material such as silica, etc. on fishes, decapods and molluscs was studied. The effluent caused changes in pH and oxygen depletion of the sea water. Sublethal effects of the precipitate of ferrous salts were also studied. Dilutions of effluent up to 1:150 were LC100 for all organisms used while 1:200 dilution was LC50 for fishes at 36 hr and for other organisms at 48 hr. But death of organisms at this concentration was caused by pH changes and oxygen depletion and did not account for the effects of the precipitate. Below this level precipitation started soon after mixing with sea water causing death of organisms by choking their gills and siphons. Dilutions,< 1:1000 were 96 hr LCO.

Haematology of Fenneropenaeus indicus in response to environmental alterations and microbial infections

Aquaculture has developed to become one of the fastest growing food producing sectors in the world.Today India is one among the major shrimp producing countries in the world.There are extensive and intensive shrimp culture practices. In extensive shrimp culture, shrimps are stocked at low densities (< 25 PLs m'2)in large ponds or tidal enclosures in which little or no management is exercised or possible. Farmers depend almost entirely on natural conditions in extensive cultures. Intensive shrimp culture is carried out in high densities (>200 PLs m'2). Much of the world shrimp production still comes from extensive culture.There is a growing demand for fish and marine products for human and animal consumption. This demand has led to rapid growth of aquaculture, which some times has been accompanied by ecological impacts and economic loss due to diseases. The expansion of shrimp culture always accompanies local environmental degradation and occurrence of diseases.Disease out breaks is recognised as a significant constraint to aquaculture production. Environmental factors, water quality, pollution due to effluent discharge and pathogenic invasion due to vertical and horizontal transmission are the main causes of shrimp disease out breaks. Nutritional imbalance, toxicant and other pollutants also account for the onset of diseases. pathogens include viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.Viruses are the most economically significant pathogens of the cultured shrimps world wide. Disease control in shrimp aquaculture should focus first on preventive measures for eliminating disease promoting factors.ln order to design prophylactic and proactive measures against shrimp diseases, it is mandatory to understand the immune make up of the cultivable species, its optimum culture conditions and the physico chemical parameters of the rearing environment. It has been proven beyond doubt that disease is an end result of complex interaction of environment, pathogen and the host animal. The aquatic environment is abounded with infectious microbes.The transmission of disease in this environment is extremely easy, especially under dense, culture conditions. Therefore, a better understanding of the immune responses of the cultured animal in relation to its environmental alterations and microbial invasions is essential indevising strategic measures against aquaculture loss due to diseases. This study accentuate the importance of proper and regular health monitoring in shrimps employing the most appropriate haematological biomarkers for application of suitable prophylactic measures in order to avoid serious health hazards in shrimp culture systems.

Studies on taxonomy and ecology of Mysidacea from the EEZ of India

Members of the order Mysidacea are important component in marine and estuarine plankton inhabiting all regions of the oceans. There are many brackish water species and few species occur in fresh water, some have become adapted to the specialized environments of caves and wells. They are omnivores, responsible for remineralisation of a substantial portion of the detritus in the water column. They form an important link in the food chain (between microbial producers and secondary consumers) and therefore play a major role in the cycling of energy within the aquatic ecosystem. In tropical and subtropical waters, swarms of mysids are exploited commercially and marketed as preserved cooked food. Mysids have been used in fish farming as live feed resource. They are also excellent experimental organism, extremely useful in the studies of potential impact of various pollutants in the aquatic environment. Mysids are also used in wood pulp effluent plants.Considering the significant role of mysids in the productivity of tropical and coastal ecosystems,the present study has been undertaken to extend our knowledge on the systematics, species composition, distribution,abundance and ecology of mysid fauna of the Indian EEZ and adjoining areas. The present study therefore will undoubtedly fumish valuable information on Mysidacea of the Indian waters.

Characterization of Wastes from Natural Rubber and Rubber Wood Processing Industries and Their Utilization for Biomethanation

The research work which was carried out to characterization of wastes from natural rubber and rubber wood processing industries and their utilization for biomethanation. Environmental contamination is an inevitable consequence of human activity. The liquid and solid wastes from natural rubber based industries were: characterized and their use for the production of biogas investigated with a view to conserve conventional energy, and to mitigate environmental degradation.Rubber tree (flevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.), is the most important commercial source of natural rubber and in india. Recently, pollution from the rubber processing factories has become very serious due to the introduction of modern methods and centralized group processing practices.The possibility of the use of spent slurry as organic manure is discussed.l0 percent level of PSD, the activity of cellulolytic, acid producing,proteolytic, lipolytic and methanogenic bacteria were more in the middle stage of methanogenesis.the liquid wastes from rubber processing used as diluents in combination with PSD, SPE promoted more biogas production with high methane content in the gas.The factors that favour methane production like TS, VS, cellulose and hemicellulose degradation were favoured in this treatment which led to higher methane biogenesis.The results further highlight ways and means to use agricultural wastes as alternative sources of energy.

Algae in industrial effluent treatment

The present research is based on two broader aspects of pollution assessment ,and treatability of petroleum and petrochemical effluents by algae. The objectives of the investigation are to study the algal ecology and trophic status of an oil refinery effluent holding pond , isolate and identify pure cultures of algae, study the role of algae in petroleum and petrochemical effluent treatment, develop strains of algae tolerant to toxic effluents, study the biotreatment potential of the tolerant algal strains developed The thesis comprises of six chapters. The first chapter gives the significance and objectives of the present study. The second chapter describes the methodology, and results of studies on the algal ecology, and trophic status of the effluent holding pond of Cochin Refineries Ltd., Ambalamugal, Kochi. The third chapter deals with the isolation, and development of pure cultures of algae, the algal bioassay of the refinery effluent, and the analyses of Chitrapuzha river water. The analysis, and assessment of the algal growth potential of the petrochemical effluent of Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd., Ambalamugal, Kochi. are summarised in the fourth chapter The fifth chapter deals with the algal growth potential in phenol and phenolic effluent, and subsequent absorption of phenol and total dissolved solids. The summary and conclusion of the present study are given in the sixth chapter.