Bioremediation of Herbicide Velpar K (R) In Vitro in Aqueous Solution with Application of EM-4 (Effective Microorganisms)

This work assessed the bioremediation of herbicide Velpar K (R), in vitro in aqueous solution, used against weeds in sugar cane in Sao Paulo state. The herbicide contained Hexazinone and Diuron. It was used the microbial inoculant denominated Effective Microorganisms (EM-4), pool of microorganisms from soil that contained lactic and photosynthetic bacteria, fungi, yeasts and actinomycetes for bioremediation. Results for the depth of cultivation on agar-agar inoculated with EM-4 showed the microorganisms growth in the concentrations between 0.2% and 1.0% of the Velpar K (R) in the gel. The analysis of high performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC) showed that the EM-4 was effective for the bioremediation of the herbicide, which reached the values of 80% for diuron and 70% for hexazinone after 21 days in solution of 2:1 of Velpar K (R)/EM-4 ratio. These results could be useful for planning the bioremediation of contaminated areas with Velpar K (R).

Bioremediation of herbicide velpar K® in vitro in aqueous solution with application of EM-4 (effective microorganisms)

This work assessed the bioremediation of herbicide Velpar K®, in vitro in aqueous solution, used against weeds in sugar cane in São Paulo state. The herbicide contained Hexazinone and Diuron. It was used the microbial inoculant denominated Effective Microorganisms (EM-4), pool of microorganisms from soil that contained lactic and photosynthetic bacteria, fungi, yeasts and actinomycetes for bioremediation. Results for the depth of cultivation on agar-agar inoculated with EM-4 showed the microorganisms growth in the concentrations between 0.2% and 1.0% of the Velpar K®in the gel. The analysis of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that the EM-4 was effective for the bioremediation of the herbicide, which reached the values of 80% for diuron and 70% for hexazinone after 21 days in solution of 2:1 of Velpar K®/EM-4 ratio. These results could be useful for planning the bioremediation of contaminated areas with Velpar K®.

制革废水生物强化处理及中水回用试验研究

制革行业是轻工行业中仅次于造纸业的高耗水、重污染行业，作为劳动密集型行业，在解决大量人口就业问题的同时，也对所在地区环境造成了严重污染。目前我国制革行业每年排放废水8,000~12,000万吨，废水中含铬约3,500 t，SS为1.2×105 t，COD为1.8×105 t，BOD为7×104 t，对水体污染严重。 本研究在对厌氧酸化工艺进行研究、一级好氧处理段进行工艺比选研究的基础上，获得了匀质调节—SBBR—BAF的生物处理工艺，并依托该工艺进行了生物强化处理的研究，考察了菌剂的强化运行效果及其处理水回用的可行性。 研究表明，在进水COD＞3,000 mg/L，厌氧酸化具有很好的抗冲击作用，保证了好氧工艺出水COD＜200 mg/L；在进水COD＜3,000 mg/L，可只通过好氧处理实现出水COD＜200 mg/L。厌氧酸化停留时间选择不当，会导致厌氧出水硫化物浓度升高，严重影响好氧系统，会使好氧活性污泥因中毒而解絮。 研究表明，当进水COD为2,000~2,500 mg/L，NH4+-N为130~146 mg/L时，COD、NH4+-N去除率SBBR分别为93.8%~96.6%和14.5%~55.9%，SBR分别为88.8%~94.9%和13%~50.7%，表明SBBR优于SBR。同时，研究发现SBBR污泥增长率为0.05 kgVSS/kgCOD，仅为SBR0.57 kgVSS/kgCOD的8.8%。此外，研究发现SBBR在停止运行后经3个运行周期可回复原油能力，而SBR池经9个周期培养也不能恢复，说明SBBR恢复能力明显优于SBR。 研究表明，以匀质调节—SBBR—BAF为主的制革废水处理工艺，出水水质稳定，进水COD 801~2,834 mg/L、NH4+-N 87~203 mg/L，出水COD＜80 mg/L、NH4+-N＜10 mg/L，基本达到中水回用标准；操作简单灵活，没有污泥回流系统，污泥产率低，污泥处理费用低；工艺基本不需要添加化学药剂，既节约成本、又避免了二次污染；两级生物膜使得该工艺具有很强的耐冲击负荷能力，特别适合制革废水水质水量波动大的特点。 研究表明，高效菌对系统的启动具有一定的促进作用，强化系统生物膜6天可以成熟，对照系统生物膜9天可以成熟。同时高效菌能加速COD降解，缩短停留时间，强化系统6~8 h可使COD＜200 mg/L，对照系统8~10 h可使COD＜200 mg/L。长期运行表明，强化系统的SBBR在COD和NH4+-N的去除率都优于对照系统的SBBR。最终出水COD强化系统平均为53 mg/L、对照系统为74 mg/L。在模拟循环过程中，强化系统均有更高的稳定性。可实现8次理论循环，而对照系统只能实现4次理论循环。 研究表明，通过合理的工艺设计，可以实现猪皮制革废水达到《污水综合排放标准GB8976-1996》一级标准，同时满足工厂部分用水要求。通过添加高效微生物，可提高生物处理系统处理能力，使处理水能够满足工厂的多次回用。 As a labour-intensive industry, tanning has created large amount of working opportunities as well as caused severe contamination to environment. And it is one of the highest water-consuming and polluting industry, only second to manufacturing. At present time, Chinese leather industry emits wastewater about 80,000,000~120,000,000 t annually, which contains chromium about 3,500 t, SS 1.2×105 t, COD 1.8×105 t, BOD 7×104 t and ambient riverhead has been polluted greatly. Based on the research of anaerobic acidification and comparison of SBBR and SBR, biotreatment process (Homogenization—SBBR—BAF) had been established to amend the disadvantages of traditional sewage treatment such as too much sludge, high cost of advanced treatment and NH4+-N can not reach the emission standard. Research on the bioaugmentation was also been carried out. Researches showed, when COD of influent was beyond 3,000 mg/L, anaerobic acidification could resist strong impact, thus COD of effluent was less than 200 mg/L; when COD of influent was less than 3,000 mg/L, only throughout aerobic sewage treatment could COD of effluent beless than 200 mg/L. False residence tiome of anaerobic acidification would lead to the higher effluent concentration of sulfide and disintegration of aerobic activated sludge. Researches showed SBBR worked a better than SBR: when influent between 2,000 and 2,500 mg/L, NH4+-N between 130 mg/L and 146 mg/L, COD, NH4+-N removal rate of SBBR was 93.3%~96.6%, 14.5%~55.9% respectively while COD, NH4+-N removal rate of SBR was 88.8%~94.9%, 13%~50.7% respectively. Sludge growth rate of SBBR was 8.8% of that of 0.05 kgVSS/kgCOD. Besides, SBBR could recovered after 3 operating periods while SBR worked no better after 9 operating periods.Therefore, SBBR excelled SBR. Researches showed, effluent quantity of tannery wastewater treatment process (Homogenization—SBBR—BAF) was stable. When COD of influent was between 801 and 2,834 mg/L, NH4+-N was between 87 mg/L and 203 mg/L, COD of effluent was less than 80 mg/L, NH4+-N was less than 10 mg/L, which achieved the standard of reuse. This biotreatment was featured in low cost, easy and flexible management, less sludge, no inverse sludge system. Besides, this technique required no chemical, which could lower the cost and avoid secondary pollution. Great resistant of impact due to two membranes and was suitable for tannery wastewater which was featured by fluctuation of influent quality and quantity. Researches showed effective microorganisms promotes the startup of the process.Biofilm in the bioaugmentation process matured with 6 days while biofilm in normal process matured with 9 days. Effective microorganisms could accelerate the degradation of COD and shorten the residence time. Aggrandizement system could make COD<200 mg/L with 6 to8 hours while cntrolling system could make COD<200 mg/L with 8 to 10 hours. Long-term operating shows that SBBR in the bioaugmentation system worked better than the normal system in the treatment of COD and NH4+-N. The average COC of effluent in bioaugmentation system was 53 mg/L, normal system was 74 mg/L. In the simulative circulation process,aggrandizement process, which could fulfill 8 times theoretical circulation, works more stably than controlling process which could only fulfill 4 times theoretical circulation. Researches showed that reasonable design could make the wastewater meet the first grade of discharging standard of National Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard (GB8976-1996), and partially meet the demand of water using of the factory. Adding effective microorganisms could enhance the biotreatment and make the effluents reuse many times.

Viabilidade do controle da mancha púrpura e efeitos nos aspectos físicos, químicos e biológicos do solo e na produção do alho pelos microrganismos eficazes

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Innovative techniques for sport turf managing: Agronomic and phyisiological implications

The growing substrate of the putting greens is considered a key factor for a healthy turf ecosystem. Actually detailed study on the effects of growth promoting bacteria and biostimulants on a professional sport turf are very limited. This thesis aimed to study the effectiveness of different microorganisms and biostimulants in order to improve the knowledge relative to the relationship between the beneficial microflora and root apparatus of sport turfs. The research project was divided in three principal steps: Initially, commercial products based on biostimulants and microorganisms were tested on a Lolium perenne L. essence grown in a controlled-environment. The principal evaluations were the study of the habitus of plants, biomass production and length of leaves and roots. Were studied the capacity of colonization of microorganisms within root tissues and rhizosphere. In the second step were developed two different biostimulant solutions based on effective microorganisms, mycorrhizae and humic acids. This test was conducted both on an Agrostis stolonifera putting green (Modena Golf & Country Club) in a semi-field condition and within a growth chamber on a Lolium perenne L. essence. Fungicide and chemicals applications were suspended in order to assess the effectiveness of the inoculants for nutrition and control of pests. In the last step, different microorganism mixes and biostimulants were tested on an experimental putting green in the Turf Research Center (TRC) (Virginia Tech, United States) in a real managing situation. The effects of different treatments were studied maintaining all chemicals and mechanicals managements scheduled during a sport season. Both growth-chamber and field results confirmed the capacity of microorganisms based biostimulants to promote the physiologic conditions of the plants, improve the growth of the roots and enhance the aesthetic performance of the turf. Molecular analysis confirmed the capacity of microorganisms to colonize the root tissues.

Sustainable development in Darjeeling Hills, India : ecological and socio-economic aspects for small-scale farmers with supportive observations from Kanagawa, Japan

Organic farming means a holistic application of agricultural land-use, hence, this study aimed to assess ecological and socio-economic aspects that show benefits of the strategy and achievements of organic farming in comparison to conventional farming in Darjeeling District, State of West Bengal, India and Kanagawa Prefecture/Kanto in Central Japan. The objective of this study has been empirically analysed on aspects of crop diversity, yield, income and sales prices in the two study regions, where 50 households each, i.e. in total 100 households were interviewed at farm-level. Therefore, the small sample size does not necessarily reflect the broad-scale of the use and benefit of organic farming in both regions. The problems faced in mountainous regions in terms of agriculture and livelihoods for small-scale farmers, which are most affected and dependant on their immediate environment, such as low yields, income and illegal felling leading to soil erosion and landslides, are analyzed. Furthermore, factors such as climate, soils, vegetation and relief equally play an important role for these farmers, in terms of land-use. To supplement and improve the income of farmers, local NGOs have introduced organic farming and high value organic cash crops such as ginger, tea, orange and cardamom and small income generating means (floriculture, apiary etc.). For non-certified and certified organic products the volume is given for India, while for Japan only certified organic production figures are given, as there are several definitions for organic in Japan. Hence, prior to the implementation of organic laws and standards, even reduced chemical input was sold as non-certified organic. Furthermore, the distribution and certification system of both countries are explained in detail, including interviews with distribution companies and cooperatives. Supportive observations from Kanagawa Prefecture and the Kanto region are helpful and practical suggestions for organic farmers in Darjeeling District. Most of these are simple and applicable soil management measures, natural insect repelling applications and describe the direct marketing system practiced in Japan. The former two include compost, intercropping, Effective Microorganisms (EM), clover, rice husk charcoal and wood vinegar. More supportive observations have been made at organic and biodynamic tea estates in Darjeeling District, which use citronella, neem, marigold, leguminous and soil binding plants for soil management and natural insect control. Due to the close ties between farmers and consumers in Japan, certification is often neither necessary nor wanted by the producers. They have built a confidence relationship with their customers; thus, such measures are simply not required. Another option is group certification, instead of the expensive individual certification. The former aims at lower costs for farmers who have formed a cooperative or a farmers' group. Consumer awareness for organic goods is another crucial aspect to help improve the situation of organic farmers. Awareness is slightly more advanced in Kanto than in Darjeeling District, as it is improved due to the close (sales) ties between farmers and consumers in Kanto. Interviews conducted with several such cooperatives and companies underline the positive system of TEIKEI. The introduction of organic farming in the study regions has shown positive effects for those involved, even though it still in its beginning stages in Darjeeling District. This study was only partly able to assess the benefits of organic agriculture at its present level for Darjeeling District, while more positively for the organic farmers of Kanto. The organic farming practice needs further improvement, encouragement and monitoring for the Darjeeling District farmers by locals, consumers, NGOs and politicians. The supportive observations from Kanagawa Prefecture and the Kanto region are a small step in this direction, showing how, simple soil improvements and thus, yield and income increases, as well as direct sales options can enhance the livelihood of organic farmers without destroying their environment and natural resources.

A review of thermochemical conversion of microalgae

Microalgae are very effective microorganisms for CO2 capturing and a promising source of lipids for biodiesel as well as other interesting compounds. Many different ways of exploitation of these organisms are being tested. This work presents a review of the state of the art of the research and development of thermochemical conversion of microalgae with a special focus on pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction. Aspects related to the type of reactors, the products obtained and the analytical applications are covered. The actual reaction scheme of pyrolysis of microalgae is extremely complex because of the formation of over hundreds of intermediate products. Various kinetic models reported in the literature and in a previous study with experimental validations are presented in this review to provide the current status of the study.

Enrichment of nitrifying microbial communities from shrimp farms and commercial inocula

Nitrifying bacteria were selected from shrimp farm water and sediment (natural seed) in Thailand and from commercial seed cultures. The microbial consortia from each source giving the best ammonia removal during batch culture pre-enrichments were used as inocula for two sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). Nitrifiers were cultivated in the SBRs with 100 mg NH4-N/I and artificial wastewater containing 25 ppt salinity. The two SBRs were operated at a 7 d hydraulic retention time (HRT) for 77 d after which the HRT was reduced to 3.5 d. The amounts of ammonia removed from the influent by microorganisms sourced from the natural seed were 85% and 92% for the 7 d HIRT and the 3.5 d HRT, respectively. The ammonia removals of microbial consortia from the commercial seed were 71% and 83% for these HRTs respectively. The quantity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) was determined in the SBRs using the most probable number (MPN) technique. Both AOB and NOB increased in number over the long-term operation of both SBRs. According to quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probing, AOB from the natural seed and commercial seed comprised 21 +/- 2% and 30 +/- 2%, respectively of all bacteria. NOB could not be detected with currently-reported FISH probes, suggesting that novel NOB were enriched from both sources. Taken collectively, the results from this study provide an indication that the nitrifiers from shrimp farm sources are more effective at ammonia removal than those from commercial seed cultures.

Nanoindentation Relaxation Study and Micromechanics of Cement-Based Materials

Ce travail évalue le comportement mécanique des matériaux cimentaires à différentes échelles de distance. Premièrement, les propriétés mécaniques du béton produit avec un bioplastifiant à base de microorganismes efficaces (EM) sont etudiées par nanoindentation statistique, et comparées aux propriétés mécaniques du béton produit avec un superplastifiant ordinaire (SP). Il est trouvé que l’ajout de bioplastifiant à base de produit EM améliore la résistance des C–S–H en augmentant la cohésion et la friction des nanograins solides. L’analyse statistique des résultats d’indentation suggère que le bioplastifiant à base de produit EM inhibe la précipitation des C–S–H avec une plus grande fraction volumique solide. Deuxièmement, un modèle multi-échelles à base micromécanique est dérivé pour le comportement poroélastique de la pâte de ciment au jeune age. L’approche proposée permet d’obtenir les propriétés poroélastiques requises pour la modélisation du comportoment mécanique partiellement saturé des pâtes de ciment viellissantes. Il est montré que ce modèle prédit le seuil de percolation et le module de Young non drainé de façon conforme aux données expérimentales. Un metamodèle stochastique est construit sur la base du chaos polynomial pour propager l’incertitude des paramètres du modèle à travers plusieurs échelles de distance. Une analyse de sensibilité est conduite par post-traitement du metamodèle pour des pâtes de ciment avec ratios d’eau sur ciment entre 0.35 et 0.70. Il est trouvé que l’incertitude sous-jacente des propriétés poroélastiques équivalentes est principalement due à l’énergie d’activation des aluminates de calcium au jeune age et, plus tard, au module élastique des silicates de calcium hydratés de basse densité.

Efficient surface modification of biomaterial to prevent biofilm formation and the attachment of microorganisms

Biomaterials play a fundamental role in disease management and the improvement of health care. In recent years, there has been a significant growth in the diversity, function, and number of biomaterials used worldwide. Yet, attachment of pathogenic microorganisms onto biomaterial surfaces remains a significant challenge that substantially undermines their clinical applicability, limiting the advancement of these systems. The emergence and escalating pervasiveness of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains makes the management of biomaterial-associated nosocomial infections increasingly difficult. The conventional post-operative treatment of implant-caused infections using systemic antibiotics is often marginally effective, further accelerating the extent of antimicrobial resistance. Methods by which the initial stages of bacterial attachment and biofilm formation can be restricted or prevented are therefore sought. The surface modification of biomaterials has the potential to alleviate pathogenic biofouling, therefore preventing the need for conventional antibiotics to be applied.

Detection of microorganisms using biosensors-a smarter way towards detection techniques.

Along with useful microorganisms, there are some that cause potential damage to the animals and plants. Detection and identification of these harmful organisms in a cost and time effective way is a challenge for the researchers. The future of detection methods for microorganisms shall be guided by biosensor, which has already contributed enormously in sensing and detection technology. Here, we aim to review the use of various biosensors, developed by integrating the biological and physicochemical/mechanical properties (of tranducers), which can have enormous implication in healthcare, food, agriculture and biodefence. We have also highlighted the ways to improve the functioning of the biosensor.

Fermentation of omega-3 and carotenoid producing marine microorganisms

 The objective of the thesis was to understand and develop the process of fermentation in marine microorganisms for the production of omega-3 fatty acids and carotenoids. Among marine microorganisms, thraustochytrids that belong to phytoplankton group was identified as sources of omega-3 fatty acids and other valuable co-products. In this research, more efficient and cost-effective production of omega-3 oils and other value added products was discussed by addressing the below key objectives. Fermentation strategy using lower cost raw materials, particularly carbon. Screening for new strains that can naturally produce high levels of PUFAs together with useful co-products that can be harvested along with the omega-3 oil.

Photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms present on complete dentures. A clinical investigation

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Endophytic microorganisms from coffee tissues as plant growth promoters and biocontrol agents of coffee leaf rust

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

In vitro evaluation of the effectiveness of irrigants and intracanal medicaments on microorganisms within root canals

Aim To evaluate in vitro the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). chlorhexidine (CHX) and live intracanal medicaments on microorganisms within root canals.Methodology Ninety-six human single-rooted extracted teeth were used. After removing the crowns, canal preparation was completed and the external root Surfaces were coated with epoxy resin. Following sterilization. The teeth were contaminated with Candida albicans and enterococcus faecalis. and were incubated at 37 +/- 1 degreesC for 7 days. The teeth were divided according to the irrigant solution or intracanal medicament: group 1. sterile physiologic solution (SPS) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)(2)) paste: group 2. SPS and camphorated paramonochlorophenol (CPMC): group 3.SPS and tricresol formalin: group 4, SPS and CaOH2 + CPMC paste: group 5, SPS and PMC furacin; group 6.2.5%, NaOCl without intracanal medication: group 7, 2.0% CHX without intracanal medication and group 8, SPS Without intracanal medication (control group). Microbiological samples were collected with sterile paper points, and bacterial growth was determined. The data were submitted to the analysis of variance (ANOVA. P = 0.05).Results For C. albicans, groups 3 and S were statistically less effective than groups 1, 2. 4 and 5 (Kruskal-Wallis (K-W) = 65.241; gl = 7; P = 0.001). For E. faecalis, groups 6 and 8 were statistically less effective than groups 1-4 and 7 (K-W = 61.048; gl = 7; P = 0.001).Conclusions Ca(OH)(2) + CPMC paste was the most effective intracanal medicament for the elimination of the two microorganisms; 2.0% CHX solution was more effective than 2.5% NaOCl against E. faecalis.