Non-conventional water resources in coastal areas: a review of the use of reclaimed water

In an era of increasing concern for limited water resources a wise joint management of conventional and nonconventional water resources must be considered. Water scarcity aggravates in coastal zones which are often characterised by high population density, intense economic activity and tourism; meaning heavy seasonal water demands. The relationships between sea and land-water can also compromise the quality of available freshwater. In this context, the use of non-conventional water increases the availability of water supplies. Non-conventional water resources of low quality could be directed to meet several needs (like watering lawns, washing cars, flushing toilets and cooling systems, among others). Therefore, significantly more potable water would be available to meet human demand for safe water.

Producció de biopolímers amb cultius bacterians mixtes. Comparació de tres reactors discontinus seqüencials (SBR) amb diferents condicions operacionals

La producció de biopolímers (polihidroxialcanoats (PHA) i substàncies polimèriques extracel·lulars (EPS)) a nivell industrial, resulta una nova àrea d’investigació que recull diverses disciplines, entre elles les Ciències Ambientals. Aquest projecte final de carrera amb el títol: “Producció de biopolímers amb cultius bacterians mixtes”, s’ha desenvolupat sota la supervisió de la directora de projecte Dra. María Eugenia Suárez Ojeda del Departament d’Enginyeria Química de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) i s’ha dut a terme per l’estudiant Jordi Pérez i Forner de la Llicenciatura de Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Ciències de la UAB, en el Departament d’Enginyeria Química de la mateixa universitat. L’objectiu d’aquest projecte ha estat produir biopolímers simultàniament amb l’eliminació de fòsfor i matèria orgànica en aigües residuals per obtenir un residu final amb un alt valor afegit. Aquests biopolímers reuneixen les característiques necessàries per a poder competir amb els plàstics convencionals i així, reduir l’elevat consum del petroli i la generació de residus no biodegradables. En aquest projecte s’ha dut a terme la posta en marxa d’un reactor discontinu seqüencial (SBR) per a l’acumulació de biopolímers amb cultius bacterians mixtes. Diferents investigadors han estudiat que aquests tipus de cultius bacterians arriben a nivells de fins el 53-97% [Pijuan et al., 2009] de contingut de biopolímers a la biomassa, sometent als microorganismes a diferents situacions d’estrés ja sigui per dèficit de nutrients o per variacions en les fases de feast-famine (festí-fam). Durant el projecte, s’ha realitzat el monitoratge del reactor alimentat amb una aigua sintètica, elaborada en el laboratori, amb les característiques d’un aigua residual provinent de la industria làctica. S’ha sotmès als microorganismes a diferents condicions operacionals, una d’elles amb limitació de fòsfor com a nutrient i una tercera condició amb una variació a les fases feast-famine. D’altra banda, com a segon objectiu, s’ha analitzat el contingut de biopolímers a la biomassa de dos SBRs més, del grup de recerca Bio-GLS del Departament d’Enginyeria Química de la UAB, alimentats amb diferents fonts de carboni, glicerol i àcids grassos de cadena llarga (AGCLL), per observar les influències que té el tipus de substrat en l’acumulació de biopolímers. Els resultats obtinguts en la primera part d’aquest projecte han estat similars als resultats d’altres investigadors [Pijuan et al., 2009; Guerrero et al., 2012]. S’ha determinat que sotmetre als microorganismes a situacions d’estrés té un efecte directe pel que fa a l’acumulació de biopolímers. També s’ha observat com al mateix temps que acumulaven aquests compostos, els microorganismes desenvolupaven la seva tasca de depurar l’aigua residual, obtenint al final del cicle una aigua amb un baix contingut en matèria orgànica i altres contaminants com amoni i fòsfor, en aquest cas. En la segona part del projecte, s’ha observat com el tipus de substrat té un efecte directe pel que fa a l’acumulació de biopolímers i també a l’activitat metabòlica dels microorganismes. Per tant, s’ha conclòs que la producció de biopolímers mitjançant la depuració d’aigües residuals es una via d’investigació molt prometedora pel que fa als resultats obtinguts. Alhora que es tracta un residu, s’obté una producte residual amb un alt valor afegit que pot ser utilitzat per la producció de bioplàstics 100% biodegradables.

Mesoscale numerical analysis of the historical November 1982 heavy precipitation event over Andorra (Eastern Pyrenees)

From 6 to 8 November 1982 one of the most catastrophic flash-flood events was recorded in the Eastern Pyrenees affecting Andorra and also France and Spain with rainfall accumulations exceeding 400 mm in 24 h, 44 fatalities and widespread damage. This paper aims to exhaustively document this heavy precipitation event and examines mesoscale simulations performed by the French Meso-NH non-hydrostatic atmospheric model. Large-scale simulations show the slow-evolving synoptic environment favourable for the development of a deep Atlantic cyclone which induced a strong southerly flow over the Eastern Pyrenees. From the evolution of the synoptic pattern four distinct phases have been identified during the event. The mesoscale analysis presents the second and the third phase as the most intense in terms of rainfall accumulations and highlights the interaction of the moist and conditionally unstable flows with the mountains. The presence of a SW low level jet (30 m s-1) around 1500 m also had a crucial role on focusing the precipitation over the exposed south slopes of the Eastern Pyrenees. Backward trajectories based on Eulerian on-line passive tracers indicate that the orographic uplift was the main forcing mechanism which triggered and maintained the precipitating systems more than 30 h over the Pyrenees. The moisture of the feeding flow mainly came from the Atlantic Ocean (7-9 g kg-1) and the role of the Mediterranean as a local moisture source was very limited (2-3 g kg-1) due to the high initial water vapour content of the parcels and the rapid passage over the basin along the Spanish Mediterranean coast (less than 12 h).

Removal of Cadmium, Lead and Arsenic from Water by Lactic Acid Bacteria

A number of contaminants such as arsenic, cadmium and lead are released into the environment from natural and anthropogenic sources contaminating food and water. Chronic oral ingestion of arsenic, cadmium and lead is associated with adverse effects in the skin, internal organs and nervous system. In addition to conventional methods, biosorption using inactivated biomasses of algae, fungi and bacteria has been introduced as a novel method for decontamination of toxic metals from water. The aim of this work was to evaluate the applicability of lactic acid bacteria as tools for heavy metal removal from water and characterize their properties for further development of a biofilter. The results established that in addition to removal of mycotoxins, cyanotoxins and heterocyclic amines, lactic acid bacteria have a capacity to bind cationic heavy metals, cadmium and lead. The binding was found to be dependent on the bacterial strain and pH, and occurred rapidly on the bacterial surface, but was reduced in the presence of other cationic metals. The data demonstrates that the metals were bound by electrostatic interactions to cell wall components. Transmission electron micrographs showed the presence of lead deposits on the surface of biomass used in the lead binding studies, indicating involvement of another uptake/binding mechanism. The most efficient strains bound up to 55 mg Cd and 176 mg Pb / g dry biomass. A low removal of anionic As(V) was also observed after chemical modification of the cell wall. Full desorption of bound cadmium and lead using either dilute HNO₃ or EDTA established the reversibility of binding. Removal of both metals was significantly reduced when biomass regenerated with EDTA was used. Biomass regenerated with dilute HNO3 retained its cadmium binding capacity well, but lead binding was reduced. The results established that the cadmium and lead binding capacity of lactic acid bacteria, and factors affecting it, are similar to what has been previously observed for other biomasses used for the same purpose. However, lactic acid bacteria have a capacity to remove other aqueous contaminants such as cyanotoxins, which may give them an additional advantage over the other alternatives. Further studies focusing on immobilization of biomass and the removal of several contaminants simultaneously using immobilized bacteria are required.

Generalist hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial communities in the oil-polluted water column of the North Sea.

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of light crude oil on bacterial communities during an experimental oil spill in the North Sea and in mesocosms (simulating a heavy, enclosed oil spill), and to isolate and characterize hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria from the water column. No oil-induced changes in bacterial community (3 m below the sea surface) were observed 32 h after the experimental spill at sea. In contrast, there was a decrease in the dominant SAR11 phylotype and an increase in Pseudoalteromonas spp. in the oiled mesocosms (investigated by 16S rRNA gene analysis using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis), as a consequence of the longer incubation, closer proximity of the samples to oil, and the lack of replenishment with seawater. A total of 216 strains were isolated from hydrocarbon enrichment cultures, predominantly belonging to the genus Pseudoaltero monas; most strains grew on PAHs, branched and straight-chain alkanes, as well as many other carbon sources. No obligate hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria were isolated or detected, highlighting the potential importance of cosmopolitan marine generalists like Pseudoalteromonas spp. in degrading hydrocarbons in the water column beneath an oil slick, and revealing the susceptibility to oil pollution of SAR11, the most abundant bacterial clade in the surface ocean.

Mesoscale numerical analysis of the historical November 1982 heavy precipitation event over Andorra (Eastern Pyrenees)

From 6 to 8 November 1982 one of the most catastrophic flash-flood events was recorded in the Eastern Pyrenees affecting Andorra and also France and Spain with rainfall accumulations exceeding 400 mm in 24 h, 44 fatalities and widespread damage. This paper aims to exhaustively document this heavy precipitation event and examines mesoscale simulations performed by the French Meso-NH non-hydrostatic atmospheric model. Large-scale simulations show the slow-evolving synoptic environment favourable for the development of a deep Atlantic cyclone which induced a strong southerly flow over the Eastern Pyrenees. From the evolution of the synoptic pattern four distinct phases have been identified during the event. The mesoscale analysis presents the second and the third phase as the most intense in terms of rainfall accumulations and highlights the interaction of the moist and conditionally unstable flows with the mountains. The presence of a SW low level jet (30 m s-1) around 1500 m also had a crucial role on focusing the precipitation over the exposed south slopes of the Eastern Pyrenees. Backward trajectories based on Eulerian on-line passive tracers indicate that the orographic uplift was the main forcing mechanism which triggered and maintained the precipitating systems more than 30 h over the Pyrenees. The moisture of the feeding flow mainly came from the Atlantic Ocean (7-9 g kg-1) and the role of the Mediterranean as a local moisture source was very limited (2-3 g kg-1) due to the high initial water vapour content of the parcels and the rapid passage over the basin along the Spanish Mediterranean coast (less than 12 h).

Comparison of differential gene expression to water stress among bacteria with relevant pollutant-degradation properties.

Resistance to semi-dry environments has been considered a crucial trait for superior growth and survival of strains used for bioaugmentation in contaminated soils. In order to compare water stress programmes, we analyse differential gene expression among three phylogenetically different strains capable of aromatic compound degradation: Arthrobacter chlorophenolicus A6, Sphingomonas wittichii RW1 and Pseudomonas veronii 1YdBTEX2. Standardized laboratory-induced water stress was imposed by shock exposure of liquid cultures to water potential decrease, induced either by addition of solutes (NaCl, solute stress) or by addition of polyethylene glycol (matric stress), both at absolute similar stress magnitudes and at those causing approximately similar decrease of growth rates. Genome-wide differential gene expression was recorded by micro-array hybridizations. Growth of P. veronii 1YdBTEX2 was the most sensitive to water potential decrease, followed by S. wittichii RW1 and A. chlorophenolicus A6. The number of genes differentially expressed under decreasing water potential was lowest for A. chlorophenolicus A6, increasing with increasing magnitude of the stress, followed by S. wittichii RW1 and P. veronii 1YdBTEX2. Gene inspection and gene ontology analysis under stress conditions causing similar growth rate reduction indicated that common reactions among the three strains included diminished expression of flagellar motility and increased expression of compatible solutes (which were strain-specific). Furthermore, a set of common genes with ill-defined function was found between all strains, including ABC transporters and aldehyde dehydrogenases, which may constitute a core conserved response to water stress. The data further suggest that stronger reduction of growth rate of P. veronii 1YdBTEX2 under water stress may be an indirect result of the response demanding heavy NADPH investment, rather than the presence or absence of a suitable stress defence mechanism per se.

Uses of natural zeolite in the removal of Pb2+ from contaminated water

In this paper, we carry out a study on the process of sorption of lead in polluted waters usingnatural zeolites, with the objective of analyzing their behavior in the purification of water.Experiments are carried out under static and dynamic conditions to determine the influence of other metal ions, such as: Ca (II), Mg (II), K (I) and Na (I), on this process. We demonstrate that the affinity of Pb (II) with regard to zeolite is higher than that of the ions mentioned above. It allows us to use this material in the capture of lead in residual waters. A lineal model of regression was obtained using a computer program called Eureka which relates the capacity of interchange of zeolite with respect to the concentration of the metal ions present in waters. We also studied the selectivity of zeolite in the process of sorption of Pb (II) compared with other heavy metals like Zn (II) and Cd (II).The results achieved in both cases increase the expectancy about the usage of zeolite as a low cost material for purifing waters.

EDTA- and DTPA-functionalized silica gel and chitosan adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions

Adsorbents functionalized with chelating agents are effective in removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. Important properties of such adsorbents are high binding affinity as well as regenerability. In this study, aminopolycarboxylic acid, EDTA and DTPA, were immobilized on the surface of silica gel, chitosan, and their hybrid materials to achieve chelating adsorbents for heavy metals such as Co(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II). New knowledge about the adsorption properties of EDTA- and DTPA-functionalizedadsorbents was obtained. Experimental work showed the effectiveness, regenerability, and stability of the studied adsorbents. Both advantages and disadvantages of the adsorbents were evaluated. For example, the EDTA-functionalized chitosan-silica hybrid materials combined the benefits of the silica gel and chitosan while at the same time diminishing their observed drawbacks. Modeling of adsorption kinetics and isotherms is an important step in design process. Therefore, several kinetic and isotherm models were introduced and applied in this work. Important aspects such as effect of error function, data range, initial guess values, and linearization were discussed and investigated. The selection of the most suitable model was conducted by comparing the experimental and simulated data as well as evaluating the correspondence between the theory behind the model and properties of the adsorbent. In addition, modeling of two-component data was conducted using various extended isotherms. Modeling results for both one- and twocomponent systems supported each other. Finally, application testing of EDTA- and DTPA-functionalized adsorbents was conducted. The most important result was the applicability of DTPA-functionalized silica gel and chitosan in the capturing of Co(II) from its aqueous EDTA-chelate. Moreover, these adsorbents were efficient in various solution matrices. In addition, separation of Ni(II) from Co(II) and Ni(II) and Pb(II) from Co(II) and Cd(II) was observed in two- and multimetal systems. Lastly, prior to their analysis, EDTA- and DTPA-functionalized silica gels were successfully used to preconcentrate metal ions from both pure and salty waters

COD, TSS, nutrients and coliforms removals in UASB reactors in two stages treating swine wastewater

The performance of two upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors was evaluated in pilot scale (908 and 188 L), installed in series (R1 and R2), fed with swine wastewater with TSS around 5 and 13 g L-1. The UASB reactors were submitted to HDT of 36 and 18 h with VOL of 5.5 to 34.4 g COD (L d)-1 in the R1 and HDT of 7.5 e 3.7 h with VOL from 5.1 to 45.2 g COD (L d)-1 in the R2. The average removal efficiencies of COD ranged from 55 to 85% in the R1 and from 43 to 57% in the R2, resulting in values from 82 to 93% in the UASB reactors in two stage. Methane concentrations in the biogas were 69 to 74% with specific production from 0.05 to 0.27 L CH4 (g removedCOD)-1 in the R1 and of 0.10 to 0.12 L CH4 (g removedCOD)-1 in the R2. The average removal efficiencies were 61 to 75% for totalP, 39 to 69% for KN, 82 to 93% for orgN and 20 to 94% for Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn. The amN concentration were not reduced indicating the need to post-treatment for effluent disposal into water bodies. There were reductions of total coliforms from 99.8123 to 99.9989% and of thermotolerant coliforms from 99.9725 to 99.9999%. The conditions imposed to the UASB reactors in two stage provided high conversions of removedCOD into methane (up to 77%) and reductions of organic an inorganic pollution loads from swine wastewater.

Pasvik Water Quality Report Environmental Monitoring Programme in the Norwegian, Finnish and Russian Border Area

The Pasvik monitoring programme was created in 2006 as a result of the trilateral cooperation, and with the intention of following changes in the environment under variable pollution levels. Water quality is one of the basic elements of the Programme when assessing the effects of the emissions from the Pechenganikel mining and metallurgical industry (Kola GMK). The Metallurgic Production Renovation Programme was implemented by OJSC Kola GMK to reduce emissions of sulphur and heavy metal concentrated dust. However, the expectations for the reduction in emissions from the smelter in the settlement Nikel were not realized. Nevertheless, Kola GMK has found that the modernization programme’s measures do not provide the planned reductions of sulfur dioxide emissions. In this report, temporal trends in water chemistry during 2000–2009 are examined on the basis of the data gathered from Lake Inari, River Pasvik and directly connected lakes, as well as from 26 small lakes in three areas: Pechenganikel (Russia), Jarfjord (Norway) and Vätsäri (Finland). The lower parts of the Pasvik watercourse are impacted by both atmospheric pollution and direct wastewater discharge from the Pechenganikel smelter and the settlement of Nikel. The upper section of the watercourse, and the small lakes and streams which are not directly linked to the Pasvik watercourse, only receive atmospheric pollution. The data obtained confirms the ongoing pollution of the river and water system. Copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and sulphates are the main pollution components. The highest levels were observed close to the smelters. The most polluted water source of the basin is the River Kolosjoki, as it directly receives the sewage discharge from the smelters and the stream connecting the Lakes Salmijarvi and Kuetsjarvi. The concentrations of metals and sulphates in the River Pasvik are higher downstream from the Kuetsjarvi Lake. There has been no fall in the concentrations of pollutants in Pasvik watercourse over the last 10 years. Ongoing recovery from acidification has been evident in the small lakes of the Jarfjord and Vätsäri areas during the 2000s. The buffering capacity of these lakes has improved and the pH has increased. The reason for this recovery is that sulphate deposition has decreased, which is also evident in the water quality. However, concentrations of some metals, especially Ni and Cu, have risen during the 2000s. Ni concentrations have increased in all three areas, and Cu concentrations in the Pechenganickel and Jarfjord areas, which are located closer to the smelters. Emission levels of Ni and Cu did not fall during 2000s. In fact, the emission levels of Ni compounds even increased compared to the 1990s.

Modified nano- and microcellulose based adsorption materials in water treatment

In recent decades, industrial activity growth and increasing water usage worldwide have led to the release of various pollutants, such as toxic heavy metals and nutrients, into the aquatic environment. Modified nanocellulose and microcellulose-based adsorption materials have the potential to remove these contaminants from aqueous solutions. The present research consisted of the preparation of five different nano/microcellulose-based adsorbents, their characterization, the study of adsorption kinetics and isotherms, the determination of adsorption mechanisms, and an evaluation of adsorbents’ regeneration properties. The same well known reactions and modification methods that were used for modifying conventional cellulose also worked for microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). The use of succinic anhydride modified mercerized nanocellulose, and aminosilane and hydroxyapatite modified nanostructured MFC for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions exhibited promising results. Aminosilane, epoxy and hydroxyapatite modified MFC could be used as a promising alternative for H2S removal from aqueous solutions. In addition, new knowledge about the adsorption properties of carbonated hydroxyapatite modified MFC as multifunctional adsorbent for the removal of both cations and anions ions from water was obtained. The maghemite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) modified MFC was found to be a highly promising adsorbent for the removal of As(V) from aqueous solutions due to its magnetic properties, high surface area, and high adsorption capacity . The maximum removal efficiencies of each adsorbent were studied in batch mode. The results of adsorption kinetics indicated very fast removal rates for all the studied pollutants. Modeling of adsorption isotherms and adsorption kinetics using various theoretical models provided information about the adsorbent’s surface properties and the adsorption mechanisms. This knowledge is important for instance, in designing water treatment units/plants. Furthermore, the correspondence between the theory behind the model and properties of the adsorbent as well as adsorption mechanisms were also discussed. On the whole, both the experimental results and theoretical considerations supported the potential applicability of the studied nano/microcellulose-based adsorbents in water treatment applications.

Maximizing of water recovery in nanofiltration of mine process waters by using antiscalants

Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration are among the most effective and widely used desalination and water softening technologies. They can also be used to treat mining wastewaters and are capable of producing water of extremely high purity, regardless of the high concentrations of toxic heavy metals and extreme pH and salinity. However, challenges with recovering the salts and metals from mining wastewaters in exploitable form, as well as problems with scaling still limit the process efficiency and the ratio of purified water recoverable from process waters. To address the problem of membrane scaling caused by calcium sulfate, batch filtration experiments with the Desal-5 DL nanofiltration membrane, three commercial antiscalants and actual mine process water from a copper mine were performed. The aim of these experiments was to find process conditions where maximum water recovery would be achieved before significant scaling or irreversible membrane fouling would occur and to further improve water recovery by addition of antiscalants. Water recovery of 70 % was reached with the experimental setups by optimizing process conditions. PC-504T antiscaling agent was determined to be the most effective of the three antiscalants used and the addition of 5 ppm of PC-504T allowed the water recovery to be further increased from 70 % to 85 % before major scaling was observed. In these conditions 92 % calcium rejection was achieved.

Water chemistry management for future large experimental facilities

The thesis focuses on the water chemistry of the experimental test facilities and their reference VVER reactors. The main objective of the thesis is to provide recommendations for water chemistry management for laboratory facilities (VEERA, PACTEL) simulating the VVERs and for the large future facilities of the Lappeenranta University of Technology. In the beginning, the concept of nuclear power generation and the applicability of the nuclear power usage is discussed. Next, different water chemistry and water purification systems in primary and secondary circuits currently used at the power plant have been outlined. Also the construction geometry and design of test facilities PACTEL and VEERA, as well as the operation principles of their main equipment has been described. Finally, the appropriate water chemistry and water treatment system have been proposed for the existing and future experimental facilities of LUT.

Geochemistry and mineralogical association of heavy metal contaminants in fine grained sediment, Welland River, Southern Ontario /

This investigation of geochemistry and mineralogy of heavy metals in fine grained (<63^m) sediment of the Welland River was imdertaken to: 1) describe metal dispersion patterns relative to a source, identify minerals forming and existing at the outfall region and relate sediment particle size to chemistry; 2) to delineate sample handling, preparation and evaluate, modify and develop analytical methods for heavy metal analysis of complex environmental samples. Ajoint project between Brock University and Geoscience Laboratories was initiated to test a contaminated site of the Welland River at the base of Atlas Speciality Steels Co. Methods were developed and utilized for particle size separation and two acid extraction techniques: 1) Partial extraction; 2) Total extraction. The mineralogical assessment identified calcite, dolomite, quartz and clays. These minerals are typical of the carbonate-shale rock basement of the Niagara Peninsula. Minerals such as, mullite and ferrocolumbite were found at the outfall region. These are not typical of the local geology and are generally associated with industrial pollutants. Partial and total extraction techniques were used to characterize the sediments based on chemical distribution, elemental behaviour and analytical differences. The majority of elements were lower in concentration in the partial extraction technique; suggesting these elements are bound in an acid extractable phase (exchangeable, organic and carbonate phases). The total extraction technique yielded higher elemental concentrations taking difficult oxides and silicates into solution. Geochemical analyses of grain size separates revealed that heavy metal (Co, Ni, V, Mn, Fe, Ba) concentrations did not increase with decreasing grain size. This is a function of the anthropogenic mill scale input into the river. The background elements (Sc, Y, Sr, Mg, Al and Ti) showed an increase in concentration to the finest grain size suggesting that it is directly related to the local mineralogy and geology. Dispersion patterns ofmetals fall into two distinct categories: 1) the heavy metals (Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, V and Cr), and 2) the background elements (Be, Sc, Y, Sr, Al and Ti). The heavy metals show a marked increase in the outfall region, while the background elements show a significant decrease at the outfall. This pattern is attributed to a "dilution effect" ofthe natural sediments by the anthropogenic mill scale sediments. Multivariant statistical analysis and correlation coefficient matrix results clearly support these results and conclusions. These results indicate the outfall region ofthe Welland River is highly contaminated with to heavy metals from the industrialized area of Welland. A short distance downstream, the metal concentrations return to baseline geochemical levels. It appears, contaminants rapidly come out of suspension and are deposited in close proximity to the source. Therefore, it is likely that dredging the sediment from the river may cause resuspension of contaminated sediments, but may not distribute the sediment as far as initially anticipated.