Wastewater

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 50(2), 203 - 9
Technical and sanitary aspects of wastewater disinfection by UV irradiation for landscape irrigation; Lazarova V et al.; Water reuse for landscape irrigation requires the production of high quality virus-free effluents to minimize risk for human health . In order to establish the relevance of MS2 phages as an appropriate biodosimeter for UV design, a pilot plant study has been carried out with different types of wastewater effluents . The two pilot systems tested (low-pressure high output and medium-pressure UV units) were able to achieve 4 and 5 log MS2 reduction in tertiary filtered effluent at high calculated UV doses of 170 _ 10 and 300 mJ/cm2, respectively . UV disinfection was extremely efficient for MS2 inactivation in high quality effluents after reverse osmosis: detention times as low as one second and UV dose of 40 mJ/cm2 were sufficient to reach 5 log inactivation of MS2 . UV irradiation also produced rapid inactivation of human pathogens such as poliovirus type 1 and indigenous enteroviruses at UV doses up to 3 times lower that those for MS2 disinfection . It was concluded that accurate UV unit design for a given type of wastewater could be ensured by pilot tests using laboratory-propagated MS2 as biodosimeter and collimated-beam tests as the calibration-check.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 50(2), 121 - 30
Alternative treatment strategy for tannery water reuse and material recovery; Nacheva MP et al.; Most tanneries use conventional systems for treatment of the mixture of all production effluents . Such an approach makes it possible to meet environmental regulations, but because of the high cost of the treatment facilities, its implementation has been scarce, especially in developing countries . With the waste reduction-elimination concept in view, an alternative strategy for water management is proposed based on individual treatment of the effluents from different processing steps to obtain multiquality recycled water for various reuse purposes, materials recovery and complete reuse of treated water . The methodology includes a database generation of tanneries in Mexico, a mass balance and pollution index determination, formulation of water management scenarios and technical-economical evaluation . To replace the traditionally used sulfde oxidation, a sulfide recovering was proposed . Chromium, grease and protein recovery were considered too . The proposed alternative allows a 90% fresh water reduction, the recovery of more than 95% of chromium and sulfide, 90% of grease, 65% of protein and zero discharge of wastewater . Simultaneous implementation of various water saving methods using in-house wastewater treatment techniques for recovering of chemicals and sub-products reduces substantially the cost of water management.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 50(2), 107 - 12
Treatment techniques for the recycling of bottle washing water in the soft drinks industry; Ramirez Camperos E et al.; The soft drink production is an important sector in the manufacturing industry of Mexico . Water is the main source in the production of soft drinks . Wastewater from bottle washing is almost 50% of the total wastewater generated by this industry . In order to reduce the consumption of water, the water of the last bottle rinse can be reused in to the bottle pre-rinse and pre-washing cycles . This work presents the characterization of the final bottle washing rinse discharge and the treatability study for the most appropriate treatment system for recycling . Average characteristics of the final bottle wash rinse were as follows: Turbidity 40.46 NTU, COD 47.7 mg/L, TSS 56 mg/L, TS 693.6 mg/L, electrical conductivity 1,194 microS/cm . The results of the treatability tests showed that the final rinse water can be used in the pre-rinse and pre-washing after removing the totality of the suspended solids, 80% of the COD and 75% of the dissolved solids . This can be done using the following treatment systems: filtration-adsorption-reverse osmosis, or filtration-adsorption-ion exchange . The installation of these treatment techniques in the soft drink industry would decrease bottle washing water consumption by 50%.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 50(2), 91 - 8
Removal of detergents by activated petroleum coke from a clarified wastewater treated for reuse; Ramirez Zamora RM et al.; The removal of detergents from clarified wastewaters by activated petroleum coke (CAPA) was assessed . These substances, owing to their foamy properties, constitute a problem for ammonia removal by the air stripping process that could be installed in a wastewater treatment train to produce reclaimed water . CAPA was evaluated as a more economical alternative than a commercial activated carbon . Experimental work was divided in three stages: 1) production and characterisation of materials; 2) pretreatment of raw wastewater through the Fenton's reagent or coagulation-flocculation process with Al2(SO4)3; and 3) adsorption and bio-adsorption tests of clarified effluents . These tests were carried out in the laboratory in discontinuous and continuous reactors, the former by the "point-by-point" technique, with and without a previous fixing of bacteria, and the latter by the Rapid Small Scale Column Test . Detergents content, color, COD and UV254nm were measured in raw and treated wastewaters . Results show that the best pretreatment for the adsorption process was coagulation-flocculation rather than Fenton's method . Oxidation by this process decreased the adsorptive properties of detergents . Biomass fixed on the CAPA particles significantly increased the UV254nm and COD removal efficiencies (20% and 170% respectively) . The breakthrough curves showed that CAPA could attain the expected detergents removal efficiency (66%) for the alum effluent.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 50(2), 69 - 75
Reclaimed municipal wastewater as source of water and nutrients for plant nurseries; Gori R et al.; A three year experimental activity was carried out to evaluate the possibility of reusing Reclaimed Wastewater (RWW) in Pistoia's nursery area (Central Italy) . The research was aimed at: 1 . identifying the best tertiary treatment facilities in order to make the effluent in compliance with the current Italian legislation for RWW reuse, 2 . evaluating the effects of RWW irrigation on some ornamental, 3 . quantifying fertilizing value and environmental impacts of RWW irrigation . In this paper the results of the last year experimental activity are presented . Experimental results indicated that filtration and disinfection with peracetic acid plus UV were very effective in indicator bacteria removal; as a matter of fact, neither Escherichia coli nor Total Coliforms were detected in any samples of pilot plant effluent . Results of an agronomical experiment indicated the suitability of the tertiary effluent for the irrigation: at the end of the growing season a higher (or equal) total dry mass was detected in RWW irrigated plants than well-water (WW) irrigated ones . Finally, the tertiary effluent can be considered as an important source of fertilizer for container-grown plants . As a matter of fact RWW irrigation showed to be able to replace at least one of the traditional fertilization treatments.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 50(2), 61 - 8
Role of irrigation and wastewater reuse: comparison of subsurface irrigation and furrow irrigation; Choi C et al.; Two different irrigation systems, subsurface drip irrigation and furrow irrigation, are tested to investigate the level of viral contamination and survival when tertiary effluent is used in arid and semi-arid regions . The effluent was injected with bacteriophages of PRD1 and MS2 . A greater number of PRD1 and MS2 were recovered from the lettuce in the subsurface drip-irrigated plots as compared to those in the furrow-irrigated plots . Shallow drip tape installation and preferential water paths through cracks on the soil surface appeared to be the main causes of high viral contamination in subsurface drip irrigation plots, which led to the direct contact of the lettuce stems with the irrigation water which penetrated the soil surface . The water use efficiency of the subsurface drip irrigation system was higher than that of the furrow irrigation system . Thus, subsurface drip irrigation is an efficient irrigation method for vegetable crops in arid and semi-arid regions if viral contamination can be reduced . Deeper installation of drip tapes, frequent irrigations, and timely harvests based on cumulative heat units may further reduce health risks by ensuring viral die-off under various field conditions.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 50(2), 39 - 46
Setting up microbiological water reuse guidelines for the Mediterranean; Bahri A et al.; Water reuse is a widespread practice in most Mediterranean countries . Some countries have no wastewater treatment facilities and direct reuse of raw wastewater is occurring while others have a well-established national reuse policy . Water reuse microbiological standards, when existing, significantly differ from one country to another . Some countries have adopted regulations close to the California's Water Recycling Criteria whereas other countries have chosen criteria based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines . California standards are technologically based requirements aimed at eliminating the presence of pathogens . The WHO guidelines relied on epidemiological evidences though few were available . Their revision on the basis of new epidemiological investigations and quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) provided by Blumenthal et al., together with added QMRA data, helped proposing Mediterranean guidelines . Acceptable annual risks related to bathing and potable water drinking were taken as benchmarks . This proposal is designed to protect individuals against realistic maximum exposures and to provide minimum and affordable requirements which should constitute the basis of water reuse regulations in every country of the region . Inadequacies of the actual knowledge do not allow a definitive position regarding the guideline limits; other scientific and technical basis are still required.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 50(2), 31 - 8
Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater in agriculture: revisiting WHO guidelines; Carr RM et al.; The use of wastewater in agriculture is occurring more frequently because of water scarcity and population growth . Often the poorest households rely on this resource for their livelihood and food security needs . However, there are negative health implications of this practice that need to be addressed . WHO developed Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater in Agriculture in 1989 . The Guidelines are currently being revised based on new data from epidemiological studies, quantitative microbial risk assessments and other relevant information . WHO guidelines must be practical and offer feasible risk management solutions that will minimize health threats and allow for the beneficial use of scarce resources . To achieve the greatest impact on health, guidelines should be implemented with other health measures such as: health education, hygiene promotion, provision of adequate drinking water and sanitation, and other health care measures.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 50(2), 9 - 15
Strategic options for sustainable water management at new developments: the application of a simulation model to explore potential water savings; Alegre N et al.; Research on appropriate technologies and infrastructures to support water reuse has progressed rapidly over recent decades and there are now a wide range of source--treatment--reuse options for planners to choose from . Although the economics of water reuse schemes favours application to new developments rather than retrofit projects, there are few studies which have sought to address strategic option selection issues for large developments . The potential advantages of using treatment and reuse systems in new developments require an understanding of the relationships between a wide variety of social, environmental, technological, and operational factors . The operational effectiveness and economic efficiency of specific technology choices will vary as a function of network configuration, wastewater characteristics, how different technologies respond to dynamic loading (variability of feed strength and flow) and potential spiking, as well as equipment reliability, climate and household behaviour . Using a commercially available software package, the study reports the design and implementation of a low resolution simulation tool to explore sustainable water management options for a live case study site in the south of England (a peri-urban development of 4,500 new homes) with particular reference to opportunities for rainwater harvesting, and water reuse.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 50(2), 1 - 8
Towards sustainability in water recycling; Sala L et al.; Those like us who believe in and spread the gospel of planned wastewater reclamation and reuse usually emphasize that this is a step towards sustainability in water resource management, but this is something that is very seldom analyzed . This paper discusses, from a critical point of view, issues such as goals in water reuse and influence on water demands, ecological analysis of the cycle of the main pollutants, health aspects and treatment requirements, energy consumption and measurable environmental benefits, in order to provide a set of criteria to assess sustainability in water recycling projects and to decrease the impact of the cultural water cycle on the environment.

Water Environ Res, 2004 May-Jun, 76(3), 197 - 204
Effects of nitrosation on the formation of cyanide in publicly owned treatment works secondary effluent; Zheng A et al.; Cyanide has been detected in the effluents of some publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) at levels exceeding the influent concentration . The presence of nitrite ion (NO2-) as a common constituent in domestic wastewater effluents may play an important role in the formation of cyanide through reaction with certain kinds of organic compounds, especially aromatic compounds . Laboratory studies with seven organic compounds (aniline . p-toluidine, phenol, 1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene, L-serine, glycine, and benzoic acid) revealed that cyanide can be formed by reaction of nitrite with some of these compounds . The most substantial free cyanide (HCN . CN-) production observed at 25 degrees C was 0.15 mg/L from reaction of 0.01 mM 1.2.4-trihydroxybenze with 5 mg/L nitrite for 72 hours . Substantial free cyanide formation was also observed at pH 2-4 in experiments with POTW effluents when reactive organics and nitrite were both added to wastewater . Formation of cyanide through nitrosation was strongly pH dependent, being most significant at low pH (2 to 4) and negligible at neutral-to-high pH . This result points to nitrous acid (HNO2) as being more reactive than the dissociated NO2- ion . The reaction of these nitrite species with organics also occurs in conventional analyses for total cyanide which involve distillation under strongly acidic conditions . Sufficient sample pretreatment with sulfamic acid at the time of sampling, not at the time of analysis . is highly recommended to prevent biasing analytical measurement of total cyanide in POTW effluents.

Anal Bioanal Chem, 2004 Oct, 380(3), 551 - 5 Epub 2004 Aug 27.
Rapid determination of mono and dinitrophenols by DPP, in the presence of lead and cadmium and using concentrated CaCl2 electrolyte; Lubbad I et al.; The contamination of drinking water and industrial wastewaters is a critical environmental problem . The nitrophenol, dinitrophenol, cadmium, and lead contaminants are classified as hazardous compounds . Their rapid determination may be obtained using differential pulse polarography with concentrated electrolyte . CaCl2, which is very soluble to levels exceeding 5 mol l(-1), allows separation of coalescent peaks at 0.1 mol l(-1) . A systematic study undertaken from 0.1 to 5 mol l(-1) shows good separation of lead and cadmium from the organic compounds, and optimization of the electrolyte concentration according to the objective is described . Preconcentration of real samples is necessary because pollution levels are usually very low.

Environ Int, 2004 Oct, 30(8), 995 - 1007
Evaluation of the pollution of the surface waters of Greece from the priority compounds of list II, 76/464/EEC directive, and other toxic compounds; Lekkas T et al.; The pollution of the surface waters of Greece from the priority compounds of 76/464/EEC Directive was evaluated . The occurrence of 92 toxic compounds, 64 of which belong to priority compounds of List II, candidates for List I, of 76/464/EEC Directive, was studied in surface waters and wastewater through the developed network of 62 sampling stations, which covers the whole Greek territory . The analytical determination was performed by Purge and Trap-Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry for volatile and semivolatile organic compounds (VOCs), Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detection for organochlorine insecticides, Gas Chromatography-Nitrogen Phosphorous Detection for organophosphorous insecticides, High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array Detection for herbicides, and Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) for metals and the toluene extractable organotin compounds . The concentrations of VOCs and insecticides detected in the surface waters of Greece were very low, whereas the concentrations of herbicides and metals ranged generally at moderate levels . VOCs were detected almost exclusively in the rivers and very rarely in the lakes, while the frequency of occurrence of insecticides, herbicides and metals was similar for rivers and lakes . Water quality objectives (WQO) and emission limit values (ELV) have been laid down in national legal framework for a number of compounds detected in the samples, in order to safeguard the quality of surface waters from any future deterioration.

East Mediterr Health J, 2001 Nov, 7(6), 1056 - 60
Overview of the water and wastewater reuse crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean Region; Al-Salem SS; Many countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region have very limited water resources . The situation will worsen in the future as populations grow and demands rise, and water/wastewater reuse will become imperative . This paper reviews the current situation in the Region as regards water use/reuse and management, and gives suggestions for how to ensure sufficient water resources for the future

Huan Jing Ke Xue, 2004 Jan, 25(1), 107 - 10
{Survey sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water of Hangzhou by K(OC)* values}; Chen BL et al.; Ten polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were simultaneously measured in 9 surface water samples of Qiantang River and Hangzhou Canal in Hangzhou, China, in December of 2002 . It was observed that the sum of PAHs concentrations ranged from 1.104 to 9.663 microg x L(-1) in surface water, from 132.7 to 7343 microg x kg(-1) dry sediments, and from 59.71 to 219.5 microg x kg(-1) dry soils . The accumulative coefficients of PAHs in sediments and soils (K) and apparent partition coefficients normalized by solid organic carbon contents (K(OC)*) were calculated . In Hangzhou Canal, K and K(OC)* values in sediments increased with downstream, and ratio of K(OC)* on sediment to K(OC)* on soil were much larger than 1 . Those indicated that Hangzhou Canal was heavily polluted by PAHs released from factory wastewater and PAHs in sediment were mainly sources of PAHs in surface water . In Qiantang River, K and K(OC)* values in sediments decreased with the downstream, and the ratio of K(OC)* on sediment to K(OC)* on soil near 1, and ratio fOC of sediment to fOC of soil approximate to 1, which showed that PAHs in Qiantang River were attributed to soil runoff.

Huan Jing Ke Xue, 2004 Jan, 25(1), 40 - 4
{Construction of plasmid with green fluorescent protein gene for analysis of yeasts in yeast wastewater treatment}; Han Y et al.; Green fluorescent protein (GFP) can be utilized in analysis of the characteristics and distribution of a targeted strain in microbial communities . This study is the first step to establish a dynamic yeast monitoring technique in a wastewater treatment system using yeast by constructing a fluorescent yeast containing gfp gene . The gfp gene was inserted into pACT1-URA3, a powerful plasmid for introducing a foreign gene into Candida boidinii, and then transformed into E . coli JM109 . The gfp gene was expressed, though not very highly . The results of the electrophoresis and polymerase chain reaction suggested that the newly constructed plasmid containing gfp gene might not exist in free form in the cells, but in some special way such as interaction with the chromosome.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2002 Aug, 37(7), 1361 - 77
Coagulation for treatment of paint industry wastewater; Dovletoglou O et al.; In the present study, the coagulation of paint industry wastewater was examined . Ferrous and aluminum sulphate and polyaluminum chloride (PACl) were used as coagulation agents and the influence of the coagulant dose and effective pH on the quality of treated wastewater was investigated . Optimum pH for FeSO4 addition was near 9.7, the required coagulant dose was about 2 g/L and average process efficiency varied between 30 and 80% in COD and between 70 and 99% in turbidity terms, for a wide spectrum of wastewater batches . In the case of Al2(SO4)3, no pH adjustment was needed and process efficiency varied between 70 and 95% in COD and between 90 and 99% in turbidity terms, for an effective dose of 2.5 g/L . Further improvement of process efficiency was possible by raising the pH of the supernatant liquid after alum-sludge sedimentation to 10 . In the case of PACl optimum pH was around 7 and process efficiency was about 98% based on both quality parameters, for an effective dose of 4 g/L . Cationic polyelectrolytes were proved to have a higher potential vs . coagulation than anionic ones when acting as primary coagulants . Combination of Al2(SO4)3 or PACl with polyelectrolytes resulted in high process efficiencies, while maintaining liquid pH values at acceptable limits.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2002 Aug, 37(7), 1327 - 35
Plant species in a two-year-old free water surface constructed wetland treating domestic wastewater in the island of Crete; Manios T et al.; A free water surface wetland treating domestic wastewater for the village of Pompia in Southern Crete was constructed in early 1999 and became operational on September 1st of the same year . The total surface area of the wetland was 5700m2, designed for 1200 people equivalent . Arundo donax (giant reed) was used for the vegetation of the bed . Approximately 4-6 plants were introduced per square meter . Two years later the wetland was well covered with plants . The Arundo donax was developed as the dominant specie covering more than 95% of the wetland's surface, reaching its maximum developing potential in both density (70-90 plants per m2) and size (5-7 m) . More than 30 other plants were identified most of them in the banks of the wetland.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2002 Aug, 37(7), 1307 - 25
The use of ozone, ozone plus UV radiation, and aerobic microorganisms in the purification of some agro-industrial wastewaters; Benitez FJ et al.; The oxidation of the pollutant organic matter present in wastewaters generated during different stages in the black table-olive industry was investigated by using ozone alone or combined with UV radiation; by using aerobic microorganisms; and finally, by aerobic degradation of the previously ozonated wastewaters . In the ozonation processes, the removal of substrate (COD) and aromatic compounds, the decreases in BOD5 and pH, and the ozone consumed in the reaction were evaluated . A kinetic study was conducted that led to the evaluation of the stoichiometric ratio for the chemical reaction, as well as the rate constants for the substrate reduction and ozone disappearance . In the single aerobic degradation treatment, the evolution of substrate and biomass was monitored during the process, and a kinetic study was performed by applying the Contois model to the experimental data, giving the specific biokinetic constant, the cell yield coefficient, and the rate constant for the microorganism death phase . Finally, a combined process was performed, consisting in the aerobic degradation of pre-ozonated wastewaters, and the effect of such chemical pretreatment on the substrate removal and kinetic parameters of the later biological stage is discussed.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2002 Aug, 37(7), 1263 - 75
Electrocatalytic degradation of phenol in acidic and saline wastewater; Zhou M et al.; The electrocatalytic degradation of low concentration of phenol (100 800mgL(-1)) as a model contaminant for wastewater treatment was studied on modified beta-PbO2 anode . Various affected factors such as current density (7.5-30 mAcm(-2)), reaction temperature (5-60 degrees C), pH (2-6), salinity of the electrolyte (0.5-10 g L(-1) K2SO4), and circulation rate (100-2400 mLmin(-1)) were investigated . Phenol at a concentration level of 100 mg L(-1) could be completely degraded within 30 min under the current density of 7.5 mA cm(-2) with the addition of K2SO4 (1.0 g L(-1)) at pH 5.6 and temperature 60 degrees C . The method showed promising application for treating phenolic wastewater of high salinity and acidity . Analysis of the intermediates of the phenol degradation products indicated good catalytic characteristics of the anode for breaking down the aromatic compounds to organic acids . The overall degradation of phenol was considered a controlled process of mass-transfer . According to the proposed model and Arrhenius's Law, the activation energy was calculated 23.8 kJ mol(-1).

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2004 Oct, 59(2), 263 - 72
Evaluation of wastewater effluents by small-scale biotests and a fractionation procedure; Pessala P et al.; Municipal and industrial effluents were screened with a battery of biotests and with a modified toxicity identification evaluation Phase I procedure . The acute toxicities of the effluent samples were low and the submitochondrial reverse electron-transport (RET) test was the most sensitive toxicity test . Estrogenic effects were found in almost all effluent samples, and genotoxicity was detected in one concentrated effluent sample . The fractionation methods we used proved to be especially effective at tracking toxicity caused by metals and organic contaminants, with the RET test being particularly suited to evaluating pH-dependent toxicity . The used solid-phase extraction columns with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic binding properties turned out to be suitable for removing or reducing organic toxicity-causing substances from the effluent samples . The results of this study show that the use of only conventional acute toxicity tests for effluent assessment will not be sufficient-the genotoxic, hormonal, and even bioaccumulative potential of the effluents and effluent fractions should be evaluated as well.

Huan Jing Ke Xue, 2004 May, 25(3), 164 - 7
{Adsorption of cation-nonionic mixed surfactants onto sediment and their effects on adsorption of nitrobenzene from water}; Zhu LZ et al.; Adsorption behaviors of nitrobenzene, a nonionic surfactant (Triton X-100), a cation surfactant (CPC) and their mixture onto a sediment were investigated . The adsorption of Triton X-100 onto the sediment is enhanced with increasing of co-existed CPC at relatively low concentrations but decreased at relatively high concentrations . The adsorption of CPC onto the sediment decreased a little with increasing of co-existed Triton X-100 . In natural waters, cation surfactants and nonionic surfactants will be largely adsorbed by soils or sediments . The adsorption of nitrobenzene onto sediment is linear and enhanced by the co-existed Triton X-100 or CPC, and will be significantly enhanced by the mixture of CPC-Triton X-100 . Therefore, cation-nonionic mixed surfactants are potentially used to enhance adsorption of organic contaminants onto soils or sediments and to prepare organobentonite for improving their performance in wastewater treatment.

Huan Jing Ke Xue, 2004 May, 25(3), 73 - 7
{On-line control of external carbon addition to predenitrification process}; Wang ZH et al.; With domestic wastewater of low ratio of carbon and nitrogen (C/N), the control of external carbon dosage was studied for the predenitrification process with continuous flow . The objective is to keep the external carbon usage as low as possible while nitrate plus nitrite concentrations (NOx(-)-N) of outflow under demand . The experimental results show that nitrogen removal efficiency couldn't be improved by increasing total recirculating rate with total recirculating rate more than 2 for lack of carbon source and removal efficiency of TN couldn't be largely improved by double dosage of carbon source with constant recirculating rate when NOx(-)-N concentration reaches about 2 mg/L . Based on the analysis of the relationship between the external carbon addition and total recirculating rate, a control method was proposed . The external carbon dosage is controlled by keeping NOx(-)-N concentration of anoxic zone at the level of 2 mg/L, and the total recirculating rate is determined by stated effluent NOx(-)-N concentration . The control method not only can determine the reference point of carbon dosage, but also can optimize the usage of carbon addition . It is easy to be carried out in wastewater treatment plants.

Water Res, 2004 Sep, 38(16), 3596 - 604
Investigation of isolation and immobilization of a microbial consortium for decoloring of azo dye 4BS; Fang H et al.; Eight high-effective decolorization strains were isolated by enrichment using Direct Fast Scarlet 4BS as sole source of carbon and energy . The optimal microbial consortium consisting of fungus 8-4(*) and bacterium 1-10 was selected by optimizing combination decolorization experiments with these eight freely suspended strains, whose decolorization activity was higher than individual strains due to synergistic reaction with each other . The optimal microbial consortium was also immobilized using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the carrier . This paper optimized the immobilization and operational conditions, investigated the effect of the environmental factors (temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen (DO)) and initial dye concentration on the rate of decolorization by immobilized microbial consortium . The results showed that the optimal decolorization activity was observed in pH range (5-8), temperature range (25-40 degrees C) under shaking culture of high DO level . Decolorization with the optimal microbial consortium gave a relatively high maximum decolorization activity (ca . 81.25 mgl(-1)h(-1)), which occurred at a dye concentration of 1000 mgl(-1), suggesting the applicability of the strains in remediation of wastewater containing high azo dye concentrations . The immobilized beads could be reused for more than 30 cycles, without losing any degradation capacity . The changes of UV-visible spectra and the change curve of COD of 4BS solution before and after decolorization cultivation and the proliferation and distribution of microbial consortium in gel beads were also microscopically observed, which could be used for conferring the decolorization mechanisms of dye 4BS.

Water Res, 2004 Sep, 38(16), 3587 - 95
Post-treatment of banknote printing works wastewater ultrafiltration concentrate; Zhang G et al.; A novel process of vortex settling and stage-2 ultrafiltration (UF) with alternating feed direction was used to further concentrate the concentrate produced by a stage-1 UF employed for treatment of banknote printing works wastewater . In this post-treatment process, the final concentrate volume for incineration was reduced by 4-5 times while the permeate of the stage-2 UF could be further reused in the banknote printing operation . It was noted vortex settling facilitated settling of the printing ink and the strategy of regularly alternating feed direction in the UF resulted in a higher permeate flux compared to the corresponding flux for operation without alternating feed direction . The hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the vortex settling tank (VST) used in the pilot-scale experiment was 14 min while feed direction to the stage-2 UF was alternated once every hour . Based on the pilot-scale experimental results, a full-scale system was set up . An economic analysis showed that the novel system was a cost-effective option for post-treatment of stage-1 UF concentrate . The treatment system has been successfully implemented at several Chinese banknote printing companies.

Water Res, 2004 Sep, 38(16), 3558 - 68
Distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface waters, sediments and soils of Hangzhou City, China; Chen B et al.; Ten polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were simultaneously measured in 17 surface water samples and 11 sediments of four water bodies, and 3 soils near the water-body bank in Hangzhou, China in December 2002 . It was observed that the sum of PAHs concentrations ranged from 0.989 to 9.663 microg/L in surface waters, from 132.7 to 7343 ng/g dry weight in sediments, and from 59.71 to 615.8 ng/g dry weight in soils . The composition pattern of PAHs by ring size in water, sediment and soil were surveyed . Three-ring PAHs were dominated in surface waters and soils, meanwhile sediments were mostly dominated by four-ring PAHs . Furthermore, PAHs apparent distribution coefficients (K(d)) and solid f(oc)-normalized K(d) (e.g . K(oc)= K(d) / f(oc)) were calculated . The relationship between logK(oc) and logK(ow) of PAHs for field data on sediments and predicted values were compared . The sources of PAHs in different water bodies were evaluated by comparison of K (oc) values in sediments of the river downstream with that in soils . Hangzhou section of the Great Canal was heavily polluted by PAHs released from industrial wastewater in the past and now PAHs in sediment may serve as sources of PAHs in surface water . PAHs in Qiantang River were contributed from soil runoff . Municipal road runoff was mostly contributed to West Lake PAHs.

Water Res, 2004 Sep, 38(16), 3503 - 10
Toxicity potential of disinfection agent in tannery wastewater; Tisler T et al.; Wastewater from a tannery was investigated using chemical-specific analyses and assessment of the acute toxicity of the whole effluent over a 2-year period . The wastewater samples were overloaded with organic and inorganic compounds, and measured concentrations of the chemical parameters as well as dilution factors estimating acute toxicity, frequently exceeded the permissible limits for the discharge of wastewater from a tannery into the receiving stream . In the later part of the monitoring programme, the toxicity of the samples was significantly increased in comparison to the previous samples . The agent for hide disinfection was assumed to be the reason for the increased toxicity of the wastewater samples, and the extremely high acute and chronic toxicity of the agent to bacteria, algae, daphnids, and fish confirmed this suspicion . The most sensitive species was Daphnia magna; the 48 h EC50 was 0.70 x 10(-5)v/v% and the 21d IC25 was 0.40 x 10(-6)v/v% of the agent . After withdrawal of this highly toxic agent for hide disinfection from the technological process in the tannery, the toxicity of the wastewater declined to the previous level.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 50(1), 263 - 70
Evaluating real-time PCR for the quantification of distinct pathogens and indicator organisms in environmental samples; Lebuhn M et al.; We evaluated quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and RTqPCR (for RNA species) for their ability to quantify microorganisms and viruses in problematic environmental samples such as cattle manure, digester material, wastewater and soil . Important developments included a standard spiking approach which compensated for methodological bias and allowed sample-to-sample comparison and reliable quantification . Programme CeTe was developed to calculate endogenous concentrations of target organisms (nucleic acid copies) for each sample separately from the generated standard curves . The approach also permitted assessment of the detection limit of the complete method, including extraction . It varied from sample to sample, due to different extraction efficiencies and variable co-extraction of PCR inhibitors . False negative results were thereby avoided . By using this approach we were able to optimise a DNA extraction protocol from the different tested sample types . Protocols for the extraction of RNA species from environmental samples were also optimised . DNA was (almost) not degraded after lethal shock (autoclaving) in the sterile environment . In contrast, the parallel selective cultivation and qPCR results for various microbial parameters from an anaerobic digester chain suggested that DNA from decaying organisms was readily recycled in metabolically active environments . It may, therefore, be used to determine viable organisms in samples exhibiting substantial metabolic turnover . It is proposed that our standard spiking approach, including data evaluation by the program CeTe, should be considered in future standardisation and norms for the quantification of nucleic acid containing organisms in environmental and product samples.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 50(1), 259 - 62
Series of surveys for enteric viruses and indicator organisms in Tokyo Bay after an event of combined sewer overflow; Katayama H et al.; Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) have been recognised as one of the serious sources of pollution to the water environment during rain events, although field surveys to investigate the effect of their magnitude and duration on receiving waters have been very limited . The fates of enteric viruses (norovirus G1, G2, enteroviruses) and coliforms were determined in the wastewater treatment plant on a fine day and on a rainy day . Not all microorganisms were reduced in the primary treatment, but were reduced in the secondary treatment . Occurrences of enteric viruses and levels of coliforms were surveyed in the receiving coastal area after a CSO event, with the profiles of the enteric viruses in the coastal seawater being almost at the same positive ratio for 4 d after the CSO event.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 50(1), 247 - 51
Detection of infectious pathogenic viruses in water and wastewater samples from urbanised areas; Sano D et al.; Regardless of the remarkable improvement in sanitary conditions in urbanised areas, infectious diseases caused by pathogenic viruses in water have been reported year after year . The actual situation for the behaviour of pathogenic viruses in urbanised society should be understood . In this study, infectious enteroviruses and adenoviruses in water and wastewater samples from urbanised areas were investigated . Infectious enteroviruses were continuously detected from sewage and sewage sludge during the summer season . The detection of infectious viruses in sewage and sewage sludge was facilitated by the enzymatic virus elution (EVE) method . The concentration of infectious enteroviruses in positive samples of sewage and sewage sludge was >400 virions/L . Infectious viruses were also detected from water samples at levels >4 virions/L.

Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom, 2004, 18(18), 2131 - 45
Quantitative determination of trace concentrations of tetracycline and sulfonamide antibiotics in surface water using solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography/ion trap tandem mass spectrometry; Yang S et al.; The occurrence of human and veterinary pharmaceutical compounds in surface waters (e.g . streams, lakes and reservoirs) is an important emerging environmental issue . There is a need for robust, sensitive and reliable analytical methods for measuring these compounds in a variety of natural water and wastewater matrices . This paper describes a method for the determination of seven tetracycline (TC) and six sulfonamide (SA) compounds in pristine and wastewater-influenced surface water using solid-phase extraction, and LCQ Duo ion trap liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with positive electrospray ionization (ESI(+)) and selected reaction monitoring (SRM) . The seven TCs and six SAs analyzed using this method include oxytetracycline (OTC), chlortetracycline (CTC), tetracycline (TC), democlocycline (DMC), doxycycline (DXC), meclocycline (MCC), minocycline (MNC), sulfathiazole (STZ), sulfamerazine (SMR), sulfamethazine (SMT), sulfachloropyridazine (SCP), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and sulfadimethoxane (SDM) . This study discusses the effects of flow rate, LC column diameter and LC column temperature on UV and/or mass peak quality of the different analytes . Several product ions for MS/MS detection have been identified and compared for ion trap and triple quadrupole LC/MS/MS instruments . Statistical analysis for determination of the method detection limit (MDL), accuracy and precision of the method is described . Matrix effects are evaluated in deionized, pristine and wastewater-influenced river water . The method is applied to evaluate the occurrence of these compounds in a small watershed in northern Colorado .

Indian J Environ Health, 2003 Jul, 45(3), 221 - 6
Wastewater quality status of the Tally nulla in Calcutta; Saha T et al.; The study of the Tally nulla wastewater system showed that the entire canal system is completely anoxic and unsuitable for sustaining aquatic life . Color and odor have exceeded the threshold limit . Tidal exchange is seemed to take place only up to six km . from the confluence zone of the river hooghly . Beyond this, comparatively higher ionic load in the water mass is encountered in both seasons . The fresh water during rainy season decreases the chemical load by dilution along with an increase in bacterial populations in the system indicating significant contamination with disease causing bacteria and pollution with excreta . This may become environmental hazards of the public health in course of any type of interaction with the waste water.

Indian J Environ Health, 2003 Jul, 45(3), 203 - 8
Poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) and malachite green: a new reagent system for the microdetermination of phosphate in water and wastewater; Singh K et al.; A selective and sensitive method is described for the microdetermination of phosphate in water and wastewater employing a new reagent system . The method is based on the reaction between ammonium molybdate, PVA (stabilizer) and malachite green (lambdamax 600nm) . Beer's law is obeyed up to 10ppm . The use of PVA as a substitute for Tween 20 makes more soluble the malachite green-phosphomolybdic acid complex; it becomes more sensitive and less of reagents are needed to obtain the same sensitivity as when Tween 20 is used as a stabilizer . It offers advantages like reliability, non-interference by silicates and reproducible in addition to its simplicity, instant colour development and allows economy in reagents such as ammonium molybdate and malachite green . It's cost is less than half of the Tween 20 method . This method is more suited for the measurements for the range of 0.01 to 10 mg p/L.

Res Microbiol, 2004 Sep, 155(7), 596 - 603
Panus tigrinus efficiently removes phenols, color and organic load from olive-mill wastewater; D'Annibale A et al.; This study was aimed at assessing the potential of the white-rot fungus Panus tigrinus CBS 577.79 in removing organic load, color and toxic phenols from agro-industrial effluent olive-mill wastewater (OMW) . The influence of wastewater composition on P . tigrinus degradative capability was investigated in shaken cultures using two different OMWs . The initial soluble COD of 85,000 mg l(-1) led to a delay in removal of color, organic load and phenol by the fungus . This was associated with delayed onset of laccase and Mn-dependent peroxidase . On the other hand, P . tigrinus, when grown on OMW with an initial soluble COD content of 43,000 mg l(-1), promptly and efficiently removed the aforementioned components . Chromatographic analyses showed that 4-hydroxy-substituted simple phenols were predominantly removed . The polymeric aromatic fraction underwent simultaneous polymerization and depolymerization . This study is a contribution to the understanding of the degradative specificity of P . tigrinus on OMW aromatic components and provides good indications for possible future applications of the fungus.

Environ Pollut, 2004 Nov, 132(2), 231 - 43
In situ and laboratory bioassays to evaluate the impact of effluent discharges on receiving aquatic ecosystems; Smolders R et al.; Effluents are a main source of direct and often continuous input of pollutants into aquatic ecosystems with long-term implications on ecosystem functioning . Therefore, the study of the effects of effluent exposure on organisms, populations or communities within the framework of impact assessment has a high ecological relevance . The aim of this study was to assess the toxicological impact of two effluents, one household wastewater treatment effluent (Effluent 1) and one industrial effluent (Effluent 2), on the receiving aquatic ecosystem using two test species under both in situ and laboratory conditions . Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were exposed under laboratory conditions in an online monitoring flow-through system (receiving different concentrations of Effluent 2) and under in situ conditions along the pollution gradient established by these two effluent discharges . Bioassays focussed on growth and condition related endpoints (i.e . condition, growth, lipid budget), since these are key functional processes within organisms and populations . Under laboratory conditions, increasing concentrations of the industrial effluent (Effluent 2) had a negative effect on both zebra mussel and carp energy reserves and condition . Under in situ conditions, the same negative impact of Effluent 2 was observed for zebra mussels, while Effluent 1 had no apparent effect on exposed zebra mussels . Carp growth and condition, on the other hand, were significantly increased at the discharge sites of both effluents when compared to the reference site, probably due to differences in food availability . The results indicate that a combination of in situ and laboratory exposures can illustrate how ecological processes influence bioassay studies . The incorporation of indirect, ecological effects, like changes in food availability, provides considerable benefit in understanding and predicting effects of effluents on selected species under realistic exposure conditions .

Chemosphere, 2004 Oct, 57(3), 233 - 9
Electrochemical decolourisation of structurally different dyes; Sanroman MA et al.; The electrochemical decolourisation of structurally different dyes (bromophenol blue, indigo, poly R-478, phenol red, methyl orange, fuchsin, methyl green and crystal violet) by means of the application of DC electric current was assessed . It was found that the electrochemical process allowed a colour removal of all dyes studied, although the decolourisation rate largely depended on the chemical structure of the different dyes . Nearly complete decolourisation was achieved for bromophenol blue followed by methyl orange and methyl green, whereas phenol red was hardly decolourised (30% in 60 min) . In mixtures of two dyes, the decolourisation rate became similar for both dyes . However, the addition of a redox mediator, (Co(2+/3+)) clearly enhanced the degradation rate of all tested dyes, but the simplest dye molecules were attacked firstly, followed by dyes with more complex chemical structures . The results revealed the suitability of the process to effectively decolourise wastewaters from dyeing process.

Chemosphere, 2004 Oct, 57(3), 215 - 24
Contrasting effects of manure and compost on soil pH, heavy metal availability and growth of Chenopodium album L . in a soil contaminated by pyritic mine waste; Walker DJ et al.; Chenopodium album L . was found to be one of the initial plant species colonising a heavy metal-contaminated site, polluted by pyritic (sulphide-rich) waste from the Aznalcollar mine spill (South-western Spain) . This indicates its importance in the re-vegetation of this soil . In a pot experiment, C . album was sown in soil collected from the contaminated site, either non-amended or amended with cow manure or compost produced from olive leaves and olive mill wastewater, in order to study the effect on heavy metal bioavailability and soil pH . In non-amended and compost-amended soils, soil acidification, probably resulting from oxidation and hydrolysis of sulphide, led to increases in the concentrations of soluble sulphate and plant-available Cu, Zn and Mn in the soil (extractable with 0.1 M CaCl(2)) . Under these conditions, shoot growth of C . album was negligible and shoot concentrations of Zn (2,420-5,585 microg g(-1)) and Mn (5,513-8,994 microg g(-1)) were phytotoxic . Manure application greatly increased shoot growth and reduced the shoot concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Mn, and their plant-available concentrations in the soil . These effects appeared to be related to an increase of soil pH, due to an inhibition of sulphide oxidation/hydrolysis, relative to the non-amended soil . For metal sulphides-contaminated soil, liable to acidification, manure application appears to be able to enhance the initial stages of re-vegetation, by species such as C . album.

Biosens Bioelectron, 2004 Sep 15, 20(2), 315 - 21
A high sensitivity amperometric biosensor using a monomolecular layer of laccase as biorecognition element; Vianello F et al.; Laccases from various sources were tested, and laccase from Rigidoporus lignosus was found to be the most active towards syringaldazine and ABTS, which are typical substrates of this class of enzymes, and towards the phenols found in olive oil mill wastewaters . This laccase was covalently immobilised by carbodiimide chemistry, on a self-assembled monolayer of 3-mercaptopropionic acid deposited on a gold surface . A flow biosensor, using the monolayer of laccase as bioelement and a glassy carbon electrode as amperometric transduction system, was developed . Although the amount of the immobilised enzyme (about 140 ng/cm2 effective surface area) was tiny, the biosensor showed a sensitivity of 3 nA/microM when 1,4-hydroquinone was used as substrate, and a half-life of 35 days . The proposed device permits detection of phenols in aqueous solutions at concentrations in the low micromolar range, i.e . below European Community limits . The biosensor was successfully used to detect phenols in wastewaters from an olive oil mill after minimal sample preparation (incubation of the aqueous sample with sodium borohydride for a few minutes) to suppress the current due to oxidised compounds present in the wastewaters.

Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2004 Jun, 117(3), 165 - 74
Enzymatic degradation of trichloroethylene using enzyme extracts isolated from a bacterial consortium; El-Zahab B et al.; Degradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) using crude enzyme extracts from a bacterial consortium was examined for wastewater treatment . The effects of pH, chemical induction, and cofactor were investigated . Enzyme extracts showed an optimal activity (3.03 +/- 0.03 mg of TCE/{mg of protein x d}) at neutral pH (6.5-7.5) . In an attempt to increase the production of effective enzymes for TCE degradation, chemical induction using both toluene and TCE in the growth of the bacterium consortium was conducted . Although the induction increased the overall production of protein by about fourfold, the activity of the extracts was only slightly improved (up to 3.40 mg of TCE/{mg of protein x d}), indicating that the induction did not specifically enhance the production of TCE-degrading enzymes . Interestingly, the addition of a cofactor (up to 0.02 mg/mL), NADH, led to an initial reaction rate of 5.30 +/- 0.05 mg of TCE/(mg of protein x d) . This observation demonstrated that the availability of the cofactor played an important role in determining the overall degradation reaction rates . The observations with NADH were in agreement with the assumption that toluene monooxygenases (which are NADH dependent) are the key enzymes for the degradation reactions . Copryright 2004 Humana Press Inc.

Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2004 Jul-Sep, 118(1-3), 371 - 81
Decolorization of Ranocid Fast Blue dye by bacterial consortium SV5; Mathew S et al.; Synthetic dyes are not uniformly susceptible to degradation in conventional wastewater treatment processes . A number of biotechnological processes have been suggested as of potential interest in combating these pollutants in an ecofriendly manner . We determined the optimal parameters necessary for the bacterial consortium SV5 to decolorize Ranocid Fast Blue dye . The best results were obtained with a 0.1% (w/v) concentration of both starch and yeast extract supplemented in Bushnell Hass Medium under static conditions at a temperature of 37 degrees C in less than 24 h with an initial dye concentration of 100 ppm.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(11-12), 311 - 8
Stirred anaerobic sequencing batch reactor containing immobilized biomass: a behavior study when submitted to different fill times; Borges AC et al.; The effect of the filling stage on the behavior of a mechanically stirred anaerobic sequencing batch reactor containing biomass immobilized on 1 cm polyurethane foam cubes was investigated . The reactor was made of acrylic with a capacity of 6.3 L, treating per cycle 2.5 L synthetic low-strength wastewater with a concentration of 500 mgCOD/L, at 30+/-1 degrees C . Eight-hour cycles (tC) and agitation of 500 rpm were utilized . At the beginning of each cycle 60% of the wastewater volume was treated, sufficient to completely cover the bed . The remaining volume was added at different fill times (tF) of 10, 120, 240, 260 and 480 min . The results obtained showed that ratios of tF/tC < or = 0.5 enabled organic matter removal higher than 75% and 70% for filtered and non-filtered samples, respectively . Ratios of tF/tC > 0.5, despite operation stability, resulted in loss of efficiency and formation of viscous material, similar to extra-cellular polymeric substances.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(11-12), 303 - 10
Effects of feeding strategies on the performance of an anaerobic discontinuous reactor containing immobilized biomass with circulation system for liquid-phase mixing; Orra AA et al.; Data on the influence of feeding strategy on the performance of a fed-batch anaerobic sequencing reactor containing biomass immobilized on polyurethane foam and subjected to liquid phase circulation are presented and discussed . Six-hour cycles, temperature of 30 degrees C and circulation flow rate of 6 L/h were used . During each cycle 890 mL of synthetic domestic wastewater, with organic matter concentration of 500 mgCOD/L were fed to the reactor . The feeding strategies were implemented using fill times of 6 min (batch mode), 60, 120, 240 (fed-batch/batch mode) and 360 min (fed-batch mode) . The system attained high efficiency and stability for all the operating conditions, and the substrate removal efficiency based on filtered samples presented a slight decrease from 85% to 81% when fill time was increased from 6 min to 360 min . A model considering a first-order kinetic equation was fitted to the experimental data . The apparent kinetic parameters for both batch and fed-batch phases were estimated, thus permitting evaluation of the influence of the feeding strategy on the reactor performance . The current system may be considered flexible in terms of the operating conditions it is subjected to.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(11-12), 295 - 301
UASB reactor for domestic wastewater treatment at low temperatures: a comparison between a classical UASB and hybrid UASB-filter reactor; Lew B et al.; The performance of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and a hybrid UASB-filter reactor was investigated and compared for the treatment of domestic wastewater at different operational temperatures (28, 20, 14 and 10 degrees C) and loading rates . For each temperature studied a constant CODt removal was observed as long as the upflow velocity was lower than 0.35 m/h . At these upflow velocities similar removals were observed for both reactor types at 28 and 20 degrees C, 82 and 72% respectively . However, at 14 and 10 degrees C the UASB reactor showed a better COD removal (70% and 48%, respectively) than the hybrid reactor (60% and 38%) . COD removal resulted from biological degradation and solids accumulation in the reactors . At 28 degrees C, a constant 200 g sludge mass was observed in both reactors and COD removal was attributed to biological degradation only . At lower temperatures, solids accumulation was observed in addition to biological degradation with an increase in reactor sludge as the temperature decreased . The decrease in biological degradation at lower temperatures was offset by solids accumulation and explains the similar overall COD removal efficiency observed at 28 degrees C, 20 degrees C and 14 degrees C . The decrease in temperature was also followed by an increase in the effluent TSS concentration in both reactors . At 14 and 10 degrees C a lower effluent TSS concentration and better performance was observed in the UASB reactor.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(11-12), 77 - 82
Anaerobic ammonium oxidation of ammonium-rich waste streams in fixed-bed reactors; Fux C et al.; The feasibility of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) in fixed-bed reactors was evaluated on laboratory and pilot scales . Using synthetic wastewater, the specific nitrogen removal rate was increased from 0.05-0.1 kgNm(-3)(reactor)d(-1) to 0.35-0.38 kgNm(-3)(reactor)d(-1) within a year (T= 22-27 degrees C) in all applications . However, the anammox activity was seriously and repeatedly inhibited at prolonged high nitrite concentrations (e.g . six days at 30-50 gNO2-Nm(-3)) and recovery was always a lengthy process . But even at a moderate nitrite concentration (11+/-10 gNO2-Nm(-3)), the observed specific growth rate was only 0.018 d(-1) at 26.4+/-0.8 degrees C, which corresponds to approximately 0.025 d(-1) at 30 degrees C (doubling time: 28 days) . In a second experimental period for another 250 days, one of the laboratory reactors was fed with partially nitrified sludge liquors from a domestic wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) . In this case, the specific elimination rate was as high as 3.5 kgNm(-3)(reactor)d(-1) at 26-27 degrees C . Independently of the feed, the average nitrogen elimination rate lay between 80-85% in all applications . An appropriate hydraulic design is essential to prevent clogging and local nitrite inhibition in fixed-bed reactors.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(11-12), 41 - 6
Aerobic granular sludge in an SBR-system treating wastewater rich in particulate matter; Schwarzenbeck N et al.; Aerobic granular sludge was successfully cultivated in a lab-scale SBR-system treating malting wastewater with a high content of particulate organic matter (0.9 gTSS/L) . At an organic loading rate (CODtotal) of 3.4 kg/(m3 x d) an average removal efficiency of 50% in CODtotal and 80% in CODdissolved was achieved . Fractionation of the COD by means of particle size showed that particles with a diameter less than 25-50 microm could be removed at 80% efficiency, whereas particles bigger than 50 microm were only removed at 40% efficiency . Tracer experiments revealed a dense sessile protozoa population covering the granules . The protozoa appeared to be responsible for primary particle uptake from the wastewater.

J Hazard Mater, 2004 Aug 30, 112(3), 269 - 78
Photocatalytic degradation of model textile dyes in wastewater using ZnO as semiconductor catalyst; Chakrabarti S et al.; Semiconductor photocatalysis often leads to partial or complete mineralization of organic pollutants . Upon irradiation with UV/visible light, semiconductors catalyze redox reactions in presence of air/O2 and water . Here, the potential of a common semiconductor, ZnO, has been explored as an effective catalyst for the photodegradation of two model dyes: Methylene Blue and Eosin Y . A 16 W lamp was the source of UV-radiation in a batch reactor . The effects of process parameters like, catalyst loading, initial dye concentration, airflow rate, UV-radiation intensity, and pH on the extent of photo degradation have been investigated . Substantial reduction of COD, besides removal of colour, was also achieved . A rate equation for the degradation based on Langmuir-Hinshelwood model has been proposed.

J Hazard Mater, 2004 Aug 30, 112(3), 207 - 13
Treatment of electroplating wastewater containing Cu2+, Zn2+ and Cr(VI) by electrocoagulation; Adhoum N et al.; The performance of electrocoagulation, with aluminium sacrificial anode, in the treatment of metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+ and Cr(VI)) containing wastewater, has been investigated . Several working parameters, such as pH, current density and metal ion concentrations were studied in an attempt to achieve a higher removal capacity . Results obtained with synthetic wastewater revealed that the most effective removal capacities of studied metals could be achieved when the pH was kept between 4 and 8 . In addition, the increase of current density, in the range 0.8-4.8 A dm(-2), enhanced the treatment rate without affecting the charge loading, required to reduce metal ion concentrations under the admissible legal levels . The removal rates of copper and zinc were found to be five times quicker than chromium because of a difference in the removal mechanisms . The process was successfully applied to the treatment of an electroplating wastewater where an effective reduction of (Cu2+, Zn2+ and Cr(VI)) concentrations under legal limits was obtained, just after 20 min . The electrode and electricity consumptions were found to be 1 g l(-1) and 32 A h l(-1), respectively . The method was found to be highly efficient and relatively fast compared to conventional existing techniques.

J Hazard Mater, 2004 Aug 30, 112(3), 183 - 90
Removal of heavy metal ions from water by using calcined phosphate as a new adsorbent; Aklil A et al.; Calcined phosphate (CP) has been employed in our laboratories as a heterogeneous catalyst in a variety of reactions . In this study, CP was evaluated as a new product for removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution . Removal of Pb2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ on the CP was investigated in batch experiments . The kinetic of lead on CP adsorption efficiency and adsorption process were evaluated and analysed using the theories of Langmuir and Freundlich . The influence of pH was studied . The adsorption capacity obtained at pH 5 were 85.6, 29.8, and 20.6 mg g(-1) for Pb2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+, respectively . We hypothesize at pH 2 and 3, the dissolution of CP and precipitation of a fluoropyromorphite for lead and the formation of solid-solution type fluorapatite for copper . The results obtained show that CP is a good adsorbent for these toxic heavy metals . The abundance of natural phosphate, its low price and non-aggressive nature towards the environment are advantage for its utilisation in point of view of wastewater and wastes clean up.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2005 Jan, 66(4), 377 - 83 Epub 2004 Aug 05.
A screen-printed biosensor using pyruvate oxidase for rapid determination of phosphate in synthetic wastewater; Kwan RC et al.; A screen-printed phosphate biosensor based on immobilized pyruvate oxidase (PyOD, E.C . 1.2.3.3) has been developed for monitoring phosphate concentrations in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) system . The enzyme was immobilized by a nafion matrix and covered a poly(carbamoyl) sulfonate (PCS) hydrogel on a screen-printed electrode . PyOD consumes phosphate in the presence of pyruvate and oxygen and generates hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), carbon dioxide and acetylphosphate . The electroactive H(2)O(2), monitored at +420 mV vs Ag/AgCl, is generated in proportion to the concentration of phosphate . The sensor has a fast response time (2 s) and a short recovery period (2 min) . The time required for one measurement using this phosphate biosensor was 4 min, which was faster than the time required using a commercial phosphate testing kit (10 min) . The sensor has a linear range from 7.5 muM to 625 muM phosphate with a detection limit of 3.6 muM . There was good agreement (R(2)=0.9848) between the commercial phosphate testing kit and the phosphate sensor in measurements of synthetic wastewater in a SBR system . This sensor maintained a high working stability (>85%) after 12 h of operation and involved a simple operation procedure . It therefore serves as a useful tool for rapid and accurate phosphate measurements in the SBR system and probably for process control.

Environ Sci Technol, 2004 Jul 15, 38(14), 4040 - 6
Electricity generation using an air-cathode single chamber microbial fuel cell in the presence and absence of a proton exchange membrane; Liu H et al.; Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are typically designed as a two-chamber system with the bacteria in the anode chamber separated from the cathode chamber by a polymeric proton exchange membrane (PEM) . Most MFCs use aqueous cathodes where water is bubbled with air to provide dissolved oxygen to electrode . To increase energy output and reduce the cost of MFCs, we examined power generation in an air-cathode MFC containing carbon electrodes in the presence and absence of a polymeric proton exchange membrane (PEM) . Bacteria present in domestic wastewater were used as the biocatalyst, and glucose and wastewater were tested as substrates . Power density was found to be much greater than typically reported for aqueous-cathode MFCs, reaching a maximum of 262 +/- 10 mW/m2 (6.6 +/- 0.3 mW/L; liquid volume) using glucose . Removing the PEM increased the maximum power density to 494 +/- 21 mW/m2 (12.5 +/- 0.5 mW/L) . Coulombic efficiency was 40-55% with the PEM and 9-12% with the PEM removed, indicating substantial oxygen diffusion into the anode chamber in the absence of the PEM . Power output increased with glucose concentration according to saturation-type kinetics, with a half saturation constant of 79 mg/L with the PEM-MFC and 103 mg/L in the MFC without a PEM (1000 omega resistor) . Similar results on the effect of the PEM on power density were found using wastewater, where 28 +/- 3 mW/m2 (0.7 +/- 0.1 mW/L) (28% Coulombic efficiency) was produced with the PEM, and 146 +/- 8 mW/m2 (3.7 +/- 0.2 mW/L) (20% Coulombic efficiency) was produced when the PEM was removed . The increase in power output when a PEM was removed was attributed to a higher cathode potential as shown by an increase in the open circuit potential . An analysis based on available anode surface area and maximum bacterial growth rates suggests that mediatorless MFCs may have an upper order-of-magnitude limit in power density of 10(3) mW/m2 . A cost-effective approach to achieving power densities in this range will likely require systems that do not contain a polymeric PEM in the MFC and systems based on direct oxygen transfer to a carbon cathode.

Environ Sci Technol, 2004 Jul 15, 38(14), 4019 - 25
Transformation of aromatic ether- and amine-containing pharmaceuticals during chlorine disinfection; Pinkston KE et al.; Many of the human pharmaceuticals detected in municipal wastewater effluent, surface water, and groundwater contain functional groups that could undergo transformation reactions during chlorine disinfection . To assess the potential importance of these reactions to the environmental fate of pharmaceuticals, the rate of transformation of a group of compounds was measured over a pH range of 5-10 . Several of the pharmaceuticals reacted rapidly with free chlorine (i.e., HOCl/OCl-) and would be expected to undergo transformation under the conditions typically encountered in many chlorine disinfection systems . For compounds containing aromatic ether functional groups, the rate of transformation was strongly affected bythe other substituents on the ring . The amine-containing pharmaceuticals underwent a rapid reaction with hypochlorous acid to form chlorinated amines, which could be converted back into the parent compound by reaction with thiosulfate . In the absence of thiosulfate, the chlorinated amines slowly decomposed to form species that could not be converted back into the parent compound . The reaction rates of the pharmaceuticals with combined chlorine (i.e., chloramines) were significantly slower, and transformation of the compounds would not be expected under the conditions encountered during chloramination.

Environ Sci Technol, 2004 Jul 15, 38(14), 4012 - 8
Removal of chlorophenols from wastewater using red mud: an aluminum industry waste; Gupta VK et al.; Removal of toxic substances from wastewaters using low-cost alternatives to activated carbon is an important area in environmental sciences . Efforts have been made to convert red mud, an aluminum industry waste, into a low-cost potential adsorbent, and the final material has been used for the removal of phenol, 2-chlorophenol, 4-chlorophenol, and 2,4-dichlorophenol from wastewater . It is pertinent to mention that phenol and chlorophenols are highly carcinogenic and an priority class of pollutants which needs to be removed from effluents before discharge into water bodies . 2,4-Dichlorophenol and 4-chlorophenol are sorbed by the developed adsorbent up to 94-97%, while the removal of 2-chlorophenol and phenol was up to 50-81% . The removal of phenols and its derivatives was achieved up to 98% by column experiments at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min . The order of removal was 2,4-dichlorophenol > 4-chlorophenol > 2-chlorophenol > phenol, and the removal takes place through a particle diffusion mechanism . The adsorption was found to be endothermic in nature and follows both Langmuir and Freundlich models . Estimation of the phenols was carried out by capillary electrophoresis, and the adsorbent has been successfully tried for the removal of chlorophenols from a wastewater . The developed process is very useful, economic, rapid, and reproducible for the removal of phenols.

J Chromatogr A, 2004 Jul 9, 1042(1-2), 155 - 62
Determination of perfluorocarboxylic acids in aqueous matrices by ion-pair solid-phase microextraction-in-port derivatization-gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry; Alzaga R et al.; A rapid, selective and simple analytical procedure using tetrabutylammonium as ion pair in conjunction with solid-phase microextraction followed by in-port derivatization-GC-negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry was developed . The procedure allows an accurate determination of perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acids in aqueous samples at ng L(-1) levels (i.e . method detection limit 20 ng L(-1) forperfluorodecanoic acid) improving previous GC methods in terms of analysis time and sensitivity . Ammonia as reagent gas in the negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry increased the sensitivity at least 3-fold compared to methane for perfluorocarboxylic acid butyl esters . The developed procedure was successfully applied to effluents from wastewater treatment plants (i.e . 0.05-8.2 microg L(-1)) and harbor seawaters.

J Chromatogr A, 2004 Jul 9, 1042(1-2), 113 - 21
Simultaneous determination of fluoroquinolone, sulfonamide, and trimethoprim antibiotics in wastewater using tandem solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry; Renew JE et al.; A robust and sensitive method for the detection of fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides and trimethoprim has been developed . Wastewater samples were acidified and extracted through an anion-exchange cartridge in tandem with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) cartridge, a procedure that reduced interferences from wastewater organic matter . The extracted antibiotics were analyzed using liquid chromatography electrospray mass spectrometry and selected ion monitoring . Quantification of antibiotics was assessed both by internal standard and standard addition methods . Average recoveries for a range of wastewater matrices were 37 to 129% for a 1 microg/L spiking concentration . The method detection limits (MDLs) of antibiotics in deionized water, final and secondary effluent ranged from 2 to 7 ng/L, from 20 to 50 ng/L, and from 30 to 90 ng/L, respectively . Assessment of matrix interference shows that signal suppression and MDL increases with higher amounts of organic matter in the sample . Analyses of samples from two municipal wastewater treatment plants indicate that ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are present in the secondary effluents at median concentrations of 100-160, 205-305, 395-575, and 40-705 ng/L, respectively.

Environ Sci Technol, 2004 Jul 1, 38(13), 3723 - 30
Reduction of nitroglycerin with elemental iron: pathway, kinetics, and mechanisms; Oh SY et al.; Nitroglycerin (NG) is a nitrate ester used in dynamites, propellants, and medicines and is therefore a common constituent in propellant-manufacturing and pharmaceutical wastewaters . In this study we investigated the reduction of NG with cast iron as a potential treatment method . NG was reduced stepwise to glycerol via 1,2- and 1,3-dinitroglycerins (DNGs) and 1- and 2-mononitroglycerins (MNGs) . Nitrite was released in each reduction step and was further reduced to NH4+ . Adsorption of NG and its reduction products to cast iron was minimal . A reaction pathway and a kinetic model for NG reduction with cast iron were proposed . The estimated surface area-normalized reaction rate constants for NG and NO2- were (1.65 +/- 0.30) x 10(-2) (L x m(-2) x h(-1)) and (0.78 +/- 0.09) x 10(-2) (L x m(-2) x h(-1)), respectively . Experiments using dialysis cell with iron and a graphite sheet showed that reduction of NG to glycerol can be mediated by graphite . However, reduction of NO2- mediated by graphite was very slow . NG and NO2- were also found to reduce to glycerol and NH4+ by Fe2+ in the presence of magnetite but not by aqueous Fe2+ or magnetite alone . These results indicate that in a cast iron-water system NG may be reduced via multiple mechanisms involving different reaction sites, whereas nitrite is reduced mainly by iron and/ or adsorbed Fe2+ . The study demonstrates that iron can rapidly reduce NG to innocuous and biodegradable end products and represents a new approach to treat NG-containing wastewaters.

Anal Sci, 2004 Jul, 20(7), 1013 - 7
Direct fluorescence quantification of chromium(VI) in wastewater with organic nanoparticles sensor; Wang L et al.; Under ultrasonic irradiation, organic fluorescence nanoparticles have been prepared by a reprecipitation method . Compared with single organic fluorophores, these nanoparticles are brighter, more stable against photobleaching and more water-soluble . They also have high room-temperature fluorescence quantum yields (approximately 20%) and a long fluorescence lifetime (approximately 0.2 micros) . Based on the fluorescence quenching of nanoparticles by chromium(VI), a method for the selective determination of chromium(VI) without the separation of chromium(III) in water was developed . Under the optimal conditions, the linear range of the calibration curve was 7.0 x 10(-6) - 1.0 x 10(-4) mol L(-1) . The detection limit was 2.8 x 10(-6) mol L(-1) . The method is characterized by a short reaction time, stable fluorescence signals, simplicity and high selectivity . The present assay has been applied to the selective quantification of Cr(VI) in wastewater with satisfactory results.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol . 2004 Jul 29; {Epub ahead of print}
beta-Glucan synthase induction in mushrooms grown on olive mill wastewaters; Reverberi M et al.; beta-1-3-Glucan synthase activity and its induction by olive mill wastewaters (OMW) was studied in ten fungal strains ( Auricularia auricula-judae, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus eryngii, Stropharia aeruginosa, Agrocybe aegerita, P . pulmonarius, Armillaria mellea, P . ferulae, P . ostreatus, P . nebrodensis) . A microtiter-based enzymatic assay on beta-1-3-glucan synthase activity was carried out on all mycelia growth both on the control medium and on OMW . Among the fungi assayed, L . edodes beta-1-3-glucan synthase was highly enhanced in OMW . The main components of OMW, i.show $132#e . phenols and lipids, were added separately to the control medium, to highlight the mechanism of L . edodes beta-1-3-glucan synthase induction . A Southern blot analysis and PCR with degenerated primers were carried out to detect the presence of fks1-like genes in these Basidiomycetes . The sequences obtained from the ten Basidiomycota were remarkably similar to fks1 from Filobasidiella neoformans . Spectrofluorimetric and RT-PCR analyses of beta-1-3-glucan synthase were performed on the mycelia of L . edodes . In this fungus, a strong stimulation of beta-1-3-glucan synthase mRNA and protein was recorded in the presence of OMW and phenols.

Bioresour Technol, 2004 Dec, 95(3), 301 - 7
Analysis of the performance of an anaerobic digestion system at the Regina Wastewater Treatment Plant; Zhao HW et al.; From the performance analysis of the anaerobic digestion system at the Regina Wastewater Treatment Plant, it was found that the anaerobic digestion system at the Regina plant was generally operated in a stable condition as indicated by pH, volatile acids and alkalinity levels . The operation of the anaerobic digestion system was not optimal because of the low volatile solids concentration and low volatile solids loading rate, especially because of high HRT . Two options, thickening the primary sludge and increasing the volatile solids loading rate, were recommended for the optimal operation of the digestion system . After examining a number of kinetic models, it was found that the Chen-Hashimoto model could be used to predict the volumetric methane production rate and the first-order model could be used to predict the efficiency of volatile solids reduction . The study showed that utilization of digester gas for power production was the best alternative for the excess digester gas . 13.3% of the electrical demand and 35.5% of the plant's total energy could be met based on digester gas wasted, assuming 25% as the conversion efficiency.

Bioresour Technol, 2004 Dec, 95(3), 259 - 68
Influence of salts and phenolic compounds on olive mill wastewater detoxification using superabsorbent polymers; Davies LC et al.; For a selection of nine commercially available superabsorbent polymers, the absorption capacity was evaluated for the principal absorption-inhibition constituent of OMW, mineral salts and for phytotoxic-components, the phenolic compounds . A double exponential model was established for electrical conductivities ranging 4.2-25,000 microS cm(-1) . For solutions of phenolic compounds ranging 0-0.5 g l(-1), a distribution coefficient near unit was achieved, while for OMW, the phenolic compounds were concentrated inside the gel as the distribution coefficient was 1.4 . Correction of OMW pH towards neutrality was found to increase the absorption capacity by up to 35% . The phytotoxicity was assessed by the germination of Lepidium sativum . Inhibition in plant growth occurred for all OMW dilutions without superabsorbent polymers application . For 5% of OMW (COD 5 gl(-1) and 200 ppm of phenolic compounds) immobilised in PNa2 (1 gl(-1)), plant growth was promoted being observed a 120% growth germination, thus indicating that olive mill wastewater detoxification occurred.

Ann Chim, 2004 May-Jun, 94(5-6), 447 - 56
Octadecyl silica membrane disks modified with a new Schiff's base for the preconcentration of lead and copper before their determination in water samples; Ganjali MR et al.; A simple and fast method for the extraction and determination of ppt level of Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions using octadecyl-bonded silica membrane disks modified by a new tetradentates Schiffs base {Bis(2,4-dimethoxy benzaldehyde) ethylen diimine}(TDSB) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry is described . Extraction efficiency, and influence of flow rate, pH, type and the least amount of acid for stripping of Cu2+ and Pb2+ from the modified disks and break through volume were evaluated . The maximum capacity of the membrane disks modified by 5 mg of TDSB used was found to be 347 +/- 7 and 470 +/- 6 microg of copper and lead, respectively . The concentration factor is 500 (for 2500 mL water sample and flow rate of 20 mL min(-1)) and detection limit of the proposed method is 12.5 and 150.5 pg/ml for Cu2+ and Pb2+, respectively . The method was applied to the determination of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions from various water, wastewater, black tea, and hot pepper samples.

Ann Chim, 2004 May-Jun, 94(5-6), 399 - 408
Improving primary treatment of urban wastewater with lime-induced coagulation; Marani D et al.; The enhancement of primary treatment efficiency through the coagulation process may yield several advantages, including lower aeration energy in the subsequent biological unit and higher recovery of biogas from sludge digestion . In this work sewage coagulation with lime was studied at pilot plant level, using degritted sewage from the city of Rome . The work aimed at optimising the operating conditions (coagulant dosage or treatment pH, and mixing conditions in the coagulation and flocculation tanks), in order to maximise the efficiency of suspended Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal and to minimise sludge production . Lime dosage optimisation resulted in an optimal treatment pH of 9 . Lime addition up to pH 9 may increase COD removal rate in the primary treatment from typical 30-35% of plain sedimentation up to 55-70% . Within the velocity gradients experimented in this work (314-795 s(-1) for the coagulation tank and 13-46 s(-1) for the flocculation tank), mixing conditions did not significantly affect the lime-enhanced process, which seems to be controlled by slow lime dissolution . Sludge produced in the lime-enhanced process settled and compacted easily, inducing an average 36% decrease in sludge volume with respect to plain settling . However excess sludge was produced, which was not accounted for by the amount of suspended solids removed . This is probably due to incomplete dissolution of lime, which may be partially incorporated in the sludge.

Water Res, 2004 Aug-Sep, 38(14-15), 3389 - 99
Aerobic granulation with industrial wastewater in sequencing batch reactors; Arrojo B et al.; Granular sludge formation was promoted in two laboratory scale sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), R1 and R2 fed with industrial wastewater produced in a laboratory for analysis of dairy products . Both reactors were operated under similar conditions during most of the experimental period . However, an anoxic phase between 10 and 30 min was included at the beginning of every cycle of operation of R1, but not in R2 . Organic and nitrogen loading rates applied to both systems were high, up to 7 g COD/(L d) and 0.7 g N/(L d) . Nitrogen removal efficiency was 70% in both units even considering that R2 was operated always under aerobic conditions . Granules with similar morphology were developed in both systems . Size distribution was comprehended between 0.25 and 4.0 mm for both systems . The presence of TSS in the effluent of the SBRs was strongly affected by either the length of the withdrawal period or by the particulated COD to biomass ratio (CODp/VSS) applied to the systems . The lower concentrations of TSS in the effluent were attained when the systems were operated with a CODp/VSS ratio lower than 0.12 g COD/g VSS . There was a strong reduction of the average TSS content in the effluent from 450 to 200 and 150 mg TSS/L when the length of the withdrawal period was diminished sequentially from 3 to 1 and 0.5 min, respectively . This was caused by a more intensive washout of small suspended biomass aggregates that took place when the length of this period was shortened.

Water Res, 2004 Aug-Sep, 38(14-15), 3373 - 81
The role of zeolites in wastewater treatment of printing inks; Metes A et al.; The adsorption of residual organic pollutants from flocculated printing ink wastewater onto several synthetic zeolites was investigated as a finishing method for additional reduction of TOC . The nonselective removal of total organic content was studied . The amount of adsorbed organics was largest for ZSM-5 and NH4-Beta while the other zeolites studied showed lower efficiency, suggesting that adsorption is independent of pore structure . The adsorption rates of organic pollutants were fast . Although the TOC removal increases with increasing amount of zeolite, because of the necessity of additional filtration to lower turbidity to required levels, 5.0 g/L of zeolite was found to be optimum . The 88% reduction of TOC obtained with a single flocculation treatment was improved with the combination of flocculation and adsorption with ZSM-5 which resulted in the overall TOC efficiency of 95% . The addition of zeolites in decantated supernatant water, obtained after flocculation, was also studied in order to assess the effect of floc on zeolite capacity . A decrease in adsorption capacity occurred only if a coagulant concentration less than optimal was applied . Removal efficiency then decreased by around 10% . It was concluded that flocculation followed by adsorption with zeolites is an effective treatment method for this kind of wastewater.

Water Res, 2004 Aug-Sep, 38(14-15), 3287 - 96
Application of multi-wavelength fluorometry for on-line monitoring of an anaerobic digestion process; Morel E et al.; This work examined the use of multi-wavelength fluorometry for on-line monitoring of an anaerobic digestion process . Experiments were carried out in a laboratory-scale anaerobic digestor fed with either synthetic or agricultural (cheese factory) wastewater . An in-line fiber optic probe installed in the external recirculation loop of the reactor was used to acquire fluorescence spectra with an interval of 5-10 min . The spectra were compared with analytical measurements taken at the same time to develop regression models, which were then used to predict concentrations of chemical oxygen demand, volatile fatty acids, and other key process parameters . A comparison of partial least squares (PLS), nonlinear principal components regression, and step-wise regression models on an independent set of data showed that the PLS model gave the best prediction accuracy.

Water Res, 2004 Aug-Sep, 38(14-15), 3155 - 66
Routine monitoring of antibiotics in water and wastewater with a radioimmunoassay technique; Yang S et al.; Antibiotics are one of a group of pharmaceutical compounds that have been found in lakes and streams throughout the world and the occurrence of these compounds in the environment has raised concerns regarding the toxicity to aquatic organisms and the emergence of strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria . The objective of this study was to assess the use of a relatively simple coupled solid-phase extraction (SPE)/radioimmunoassay (RIA) method for screening and/or monitoring tetracycline (TC) and sulfonamide (SA) compounds in water . Cross-reactivity of TCs and SAs was used to determine the specificity of the assays . The results indicate that TC, oxytetracycline (OTC), chlortetracycline (CTC) of the investigated 5 TCs, and sulfamethazine (SMT), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), sulfadimethoxane (SDM) and sulfathiazole (STZ) of the investigated 6 SAs in water matrix cross-react to a similar degree within each family in RIA and SPE/RIA . Water samples were collected across a watershed in northern Colorado in addition to the influent and effluent of a wastewater treatment plant . SPE/RIA analysis of these samples was compared with SPE/liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS) quantification of 5 TC and 6 SA compounds . Results of the study indicate that SPE/RIA can be an effective technique for monitoring antibiotic compounds in waters suspected to be contaminated with these compounds . The coupled method provides a sufficiently low detection limit (0.05 microg/L) to screen large sample sets at environmentally relevant concentrations . The method provides a semi-quantitative composite measurement of similar compounds in an antibiotic family without complex and expensive analytical equipment.

Environ Pollut, 2004 Nov, 132(1), 61 - 71
Microbial acidification and pH effects on trace element release from sewage sludge; Qureshi S et al.; Leaching of sludge-borne trace elements has been observed in experimental and field studies . The role of microbial processes in the mobilization of trace elements from wastewater sludge is poorly defined . Our objectives were to determine trace element mobilization from sludge subjected to treatments representing microbial acidification, direct chemical acidification and no acidification, and to determine the readsorption potential of mobilized elements using calcareous sand . Triplicate columns (10-cm diameter) for incubation and leaching of sludge had a top layer of digested dewatered sludge (either untreated, acidified with H2SO4, or limed with CaCO3; all mixed with glass beads to prevent ponding) and a lower glass bead support bed . Glass beads in the sludge layer, support layer or both were replaced by calcareous sand in four treatments used for testing the readsorption potential of mobilized elements . Eight sequential 8-day incubation and leaching cycles were operated, each consisting of 7.6 d of incubation at 28 degrees C followed by 8 h of leaching with synthetic acid rain applied at 0.25 cm/h . Leachates were analyzed for trace elements, nitrate and pH, and sludge layer microbial respiration was measured . The largest trace element, nitrate and S losses occurred in treatments with the greatest pH depression and greatest microbial respiration rates . Cumulative leaching losses from both microbial acidification and direct acidification treatments were > 90% of Zn and 64-80% of Cu and Ni . Preventing acidification with sludge layer lime or sand restricted leaching for all trace elements except Mo . Results suggested that the primary microbial role in the rapid leaching of trace elements was acidification, with results from direct acidification being nearly identical to microbial acidification . Microbial activity in the presence of materials that prevented acidification mobilized far lower concentrations of trace elements, with the exception of Mo . Trace elements mobilized by acidification were readsorbed by calcareous sand when present.

J Environ Sci (China), 2004, 16(3), 476 - 81
Performance of a subsurface-flow constructed wetland in southern China; Shi L et al.; The operational performance of a full-scale subsurface-flow constructed wetland, which treated the mixed industrial and domestic wastewater with BOD5/COD mean ratio of 0.33 at Shatian, Shenzhen City was studied . The constructed wetland system consists of screens, sump, pumping station, and primary settling basin, facultative pond, first stage wetland and secondary stage wetland . The designed treatment capacity is 5000 m3/d, and the actual influent flow is in the range of < 2000 to > 10000 m3/d . Under normal operational conditions, the final effluent quality well met the National Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard (GB 8978-1996), with the following parameters(mean values): COD 33.90 mg/L, BOD, 7.65 mg/L, TSS 7.92 mg/L, TN 9.11 mg/L and TP 0.56 mg/L . Seven species of plants were selected to grow in the wetland: Reed, Sweetcane flower Silvergrass, Great Bulrush, Powdery Thalia and Canna of three colours . The growing season is a whole year-round . The seasonal discrepancy could be observed and the plants growing in the wetland are vulnerable to lower temperature in winter . The recycling of the effluent in the first stage of the wetland system is an effective measure to improve the performance of the wetland system . The insufficient DO value in the wetland system not only had significant effect on pollutants removal in the wetland, but also was unfavourable to plant growth . The recycling of effluent to the inlet of wetland system and artificial pond to increase DO value of influent to the wetland is key to operate the subsurface constructed wetland steadily and effectively.

J Environ Sci (China), 2004, 16(3), 443 - 6
Flocculation performance of a novel synthesized flocculant with low ecological risk; Zhang KS et al.; Combined flocculants with low ecological risk are urgently required in water supply and wastewater treatment in China . A novel flocculant was thus developed under the condition of low ecological risk (noted as CAS) . The experiments to examine wastewater treatment performance of the new product showed that there was favourable performance in the flocculation process in contrast to commercial flocculants in treating kaolin suspensions, municipal effluent and domestic wastewater . Flocculation performance included the turbidity removal rate, sediment character and a decrease in COD (chemical oxygen demand) . The sediment time of flocculation is short and the removal rate of turbidity treated by CAS is high compared with PAC (polyaluminum-chloride), PAM (polyacrylamide) and the combined addition of PAC and PAM . The optimal concentration required to affect flocculation processes is dependent on kaolin concentration and the character of the wastewater within the range examined . It also showed that CAS is effective to treat wastewater with high turbidity.

J Environ Sci (China), 2004, 16(3), 367 - 70
An innovative integrated oxidation ditch with vertical circle (IODVC) for wastewater treatment; Xia SB et al.; The oxidation ditch process is economic and efficient for wastewater treatment, but its application is limited in case where land is costly due to its large land area required . An innovative integrated oxidation ditch with vertical circle (IODVC) system was developed to treat domestic and industrial wastewater aiming to save land area . The new system consists of a single-channel divided into two ditches(the top one and the bottom one by a plate), a brush, and an innovative integral clarifier . Different from the horizontal circle of the conventional oxidation ditch, the flow of IODVC system recycles from the top zone to the bottom zone in the vertical circle as the brush is running, and then the IODVC saved land area required by about 50% compared with a conventional oxidation ditch with an intrachannel clarifier . The innovative integral clarifier is effective for separation of liquid and solids, and is preferably positioned at the opposite end of the brush in the ditch . It does not affect the hydrodynamic characteristics of the mixed liquor in the ditch, and the sludge can automatically return to the down ditch without any pump . In this study, experiments of domestic and dye wastewater treatment were carried out in bench scale and in full scale, respectively . Results clearly showed that the IODVC efficiently removed pollutants in the wastewaters, i.e., the average of COD removals for domestic and dye wastewater treatment were 95% and 90%, respectively, and that the IODVC process may provide a cost effective way for full scale dye wastewater treatment.

J Environ Sci (China), 2004, 16(3), 364 - 6
Degradation of nitrobenzene in wastewater by gamma-ray irradiation; Zhang SJ et al.; The degradation of nitrobenzene (NB) by gamma-ray irradiation was studied . The influences of dose rate and initial NB concentration were investigated in details . At a dose rate of 55 Gy/min, the degradation kinetics was pseudo-first-order at NB concentrations from 0.2 mmol/L to 4.0 mmol/L . At an initial NB concentration of 0.8 mmol/L, the degradation of NB at various dose rates also followed pseudo-first-order kinetics . Dissolved oxygen was found to have a positive effect on NB degradation . The degradation products were identified as nitrophenol, nitrosobenzene, and hydroquinone, and so on . Based on the product analysis, possible degradation pathways of nitrobenzene were proposed.

Indian J Environ Health, 2003 Apr, 45(2), 133 - 8
Acute toxicity of lake water to fishes; Rani PS et al.; The present study investigates the acute toxicity of Hussainsagar lake water to fishes . In this context, experiments were conducted on three species of fishes (Cyprinus carpio, Tilapia mozambica and Lebistus reticularis), using 5, 10 and 20% volume of Jeedimetla nallah wastewater and were observed for the signs of survival within the specified period of time . The TLm value for 96 hours test period was found to be 17% . Similarly Toxicity studies were carried out on Hussainsagar lake water with dilutions varying from 10-100% . Absence of mortality during 96 hours of test period indicates that there is no acute toxicity of Hussainsagar lake water to fishes.

Indian J Environ Health, 2003 Apr, 45(2), 121 - 32
Design of Upelow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket reactor for treatment of organic wastewaters; Ghangrekar MM et al.; The Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Reactor is widely applied anaerobic wastewater treatment method all over the world . Uniform distribution of wastewater at reactor bottom is necessary to establish proper contact between sludge and wastewater . In addition, proper functioning of Gas-Liquid-Solid (GLS) separator is crucial to ensure maximum sludge retention in the reactor and to achieve maximum COD removal rate in the reactor . Hence, proper design of reactor is necessary for appropriate functioning of various components for a given wastewater flow rate and COD concentration . The design procedure for UASB reactor taking due consideration to the GLS design and design of inlet arrangement is discussed in this paper for various wastewater strength and flow rates . A software is developed to make economical design of UASB reactor for different type of wastewater by adopting maximum loading conditions, based on literature recommendations, and at the same time to satisfy all design recommendation, as far as possible.

Indian J Environ Health, 2003 Apr, 45(2), 113 - 20
Treatment of textile dyeing wastewater using UV/solar photofenton oxidation processes; Sarayu G et al.; Colour removal of effluent from textile dyeing and finishing industry is becoming important because of aesthetic as well as environmental concerns . Conventional treatment methods have several limitations . Hence emerging technologies like advanced oxidation processes which were based on generation of hydroxyl free radicals (OH) were investigated . In the present work, photofenton oxidation process was used to treat textile dyeing wastewater and the study was carried out at different Fenton molar ratio's (H2O2/Fe2+) like 25:1, 50:1, 75:1, 100:1 . It was found that maximum decolourisation occurred at a fenton molar ration of 50:1 and pH 3 . A maximum colour removal of 97% was achieved after a contact time of 30 minutes and 70% COD reduction was observed after a contact time of 60 minutes in UV photofenton oxidation process . Whereas 80% colour removal and 50-55% COD reduction was observed after a contact time of 2 hrs in solar photofenton oxidation process.

Environ Toxicol, 2004 Aug, 19(4), 351 - 8
Assessment of toxic interactions of heavy metals in a multicomponent mixture using Lepidium sativum and Spirodela polyrrhiza; Montvydiene D et al.; The toxicities of copper, chromium, cadmium, nickel, manganese, zinc, and lead ions and various concentrations of mixtures of them were studied using the aquatic plant Spirodela polyrrhiza and the terrestrial plant Lepidium sativum . The composition of the model mixture was based on average analytical data of the annual amounts of representative heavy metals (HM) in wastewater discharged from the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (Lithuania) during 1996 . The observed and predicted effects of the HM mixture on tested plants were evaluated and compared with the prediction models used in describing the toxic interactions of heavy metals in the mixture . The type of toxic interaction at each tested concentration of the mixture was assessed by a statistical approach that tested the null hypothesis of additive toxicity (Ince et al., 1999) and the mixture toxicity index (MTI; Konemann, 1981) . For both plant organisms the effect of the HM mixture calculated using the MTI was synergistic . However, assessment of the HM interaction type at 50% effect concentrations using the hypothesis of additive toxicity showed a synergistic effect for Spirodela polyrrhiza and an additive effect for Lepidium sativum . Though the results obtained using both prediction models for assessing the HM mixture's toxicity were similar, in our opinion, the additive toxicity model is more suitable than the MTI model because the former allows evaluation of the impact of various mixture concentrations, not only those with a 50% effect .

Environ Toxicol, 2004 Aug, 19(4), 336 - 41
The medicinal leech as a convenient tool for water toxicity assessment; Petrauskiene L; Medicinal leeches previously were used in various toxicological and pharmacological studies because they are sensitive and easy to keep under laboratory conditions . Toxicological studies using leeches became restricted when their natural sources decreased dramatically . We breed medicinal leeches under laboratory conditions and have the possibility of using them for various investigations . The aim of the current study was to investigate changes in behavioral and physiological responses of leeches exposed to a heavy metal model mixture (HMMM) . The composition of the HMMM was determined on the basis of the average annual amounts of representative metals (Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Pb) in wastewater discharging from the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant . An annual average was considered a concentration of 1% . Animals were exposed to 0.13%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% concentrations of the HMMM . The avoidance responses, changes in body weight, feeding behavior, and excretion rates of the leeches were recorded . Avoidance response was observed in animals treated with 1% and 2% concentrations of the HMMM during the first 2 h of exposure . A decrease in body weight was recorded after a 4-week exposure to all tested concentrations . Disturbances in feeding behavior were observed after a 4-week exposure to 0.13%-2% concentrations . An increase in the defecation rate was observed during the 5-week exposure to 0.25%-2% concentrations . The excretion rate via nephridia was decreased during postfeeding period after exposure to 0.25%-2% concentrations . The avoidance response of medicinal leeches can be used as an express method for water quality assessment, whereas physiological responses may be used for the assessment of chronic toxicity of polluted environments .

Environ Toxicol, 2004 Aug, 19(4), 302 - 9
Toxicity assessment of wastewaters, river waters, and sediments in Austria using cost-effective microbiotests; Latif M et al.; The toxicity and chemical quality of surface water and sediment in the River Traun in Austria were studied because of recurrent fish mortality in some alpine rivers over the last few years . The analyses were carried out on samples collected during winter and summer upstream and downstream of two municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and on effluents taken at the points of discharge of these two plants . Toxicity tests were performed on 20 samples of surface water, effluent, and sediment pore water . The test battery was composed of microbiotests with protozoans (Protoxkit F), microalgae (Algaltoxkit F), crustaceans (Daphtoxkit F magna and Thamnotoxkit F), and a higher plant (seed germination and root elongation assay on cress) . Direct contact tests were performed on whole sediment with crustaceans (Ostracodtoxkit F) . The physical-chemical characteristics of the surface water, effluent, and sediment pore water samples analyzed were conductivity, total hardness, pH, O(2), BOD(5), TOC, DOC, AOX, NH(4), NH(3), NO(2), PO(4)--P, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn . The toxicity data were expressed as percentage mortality or percentage inhibition, depending on the effect criterion of the respective assay . None of the water samples collected upstream and downstream of the WWTPs showed any significant (short-term) toxicity in either winter or in summer, but the effluents of the first municipal wastewater treatment plant were toxic to some of the test biota . All the sediment pore water samples induced serious inhibition of root growth of cress, and several pore waters were toxic to other test biota as well, particularly at the outlets of the WWTPs . The toxic character of some sediments was confirmed by direct contact tests with the ostracod crustacean . The chemical analyses did not reveal particularly high concentrations of any chemical that is very toxic . As a result no direct causal relationship could be established between the detected toxic effects and the chemical composition of the surface waters or sediment pore waters . The outcome of this preliminary study again highlights the need to complement chemical analyses with toxicity tests to determine the toxic hazard to aquatic environments that may be threatened by contamination . Furthermore, the investigations also confirmed the need to apply a battery of tests for an ecologically meaningful evaluation of the hazards of waters, sediments, and wastewaters . Finally, the results of the 360 bioassays performed show that culture-independent microbiotests are practical and reliable tools for low-cost toxicity monitoring of aquatic environments .

Biotechnol Lett, 2004 May, 26(10), 819 - 22
Odorous swine wastewater treatment by purple non-sulfur bacteria, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, isolated from eutrophicated ponds; Kim MK et al.; Three strains of phototrophic, purple, non-sulfur bacteria, isolated from eutrophic ponds, were used to treat odorous swine wastewater . One isolate, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, when cultured in swine wastewater without supplementation for 7 d, removed odorous organic acids (170 mg l(-1)), COD (10,000 mg l(-1)) and phosphate (180 mg l(-1)).

Chemosphere, 2004 Sep, 56(10), 1011 - 7
Decolorizing of lignin wastewater using the photochemical UV/TiO2 process; Chang CN et al.; Studies on applying the photochemical UV/TiO2 oxidation process to treat the lignin-containing wastewater for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), color and reducing A254 (the absorption at the wavelength of 254 nm) have been carried out . The data obtained in this study demonstrate that the UV/TiO2 process is effective in oxidizing the lignin thus reducing the color and DOC of the wastewater treated . The combined UV/TiO2 treatment can achieve better removal of DOC and color than the UV treatment alone . Color removal, based on American Dye Manufacture Index (ADMI) measurement, is greater than 99% if the pH is maintained at 3.0 with the addition of 1 g l(-1) TiO2 . When 10 g l(-1) TiO2 is applied, the oxidation reduction potential (ORP) value is reached to result in an 88% removal of both DOC and color . A model was developed based on the variation of ORP during the photochemical reaction to simulate the decoloring process . The proposed model can be used to predict the color removal efficiency of the UV/TiO2 process.

Chemosphere, 2004 Sep, 56(10), 973 - 80
Feed-forward dose control of wastewater chlorination using on-line pH and ORP titration; Yu RF; In this study, a simple automatic pH-ORP titration device was developed for identifying the various ammonia concentrations and chlorine dose requirements for wastewater chlorination by identifying the peaks in the ORP-slope profiles and knees/valleys in the pH profiles . In addition, breakpoint chlorination experiments have shown that the ORP values at the monochloramine humps and breakpoints are linearly correlated with the ammonia concentrations . Therefore, a feed-forward control strategy, based on the chlorine/ammonia weight ratio (Cl/N), is proposed in this paper, to control the chlorine doses for a continuous wastewater chlorination experiment in a laboratory-scale reactor . The result of this continuous wastewater chlorination experiment has shown that the pH-ORP titration was able to precisely determine the variations of ammonia concentrations in the chlorination influent . Under this control strategy, effective and stable disinfection efficiencies in terms of total coliform count were obtained.

Chemosphere, 2004 Sep, 56(10), 889 - 94
Treatment of refectory oily wastewater by electro-coagulation process; Xu X et al.; Electro-coagulation was used to treat refectory wastewater with high oil and grease contents . Different operational conditions were examined, including pH, current density, reaction time, conductivity, electrode distance and inlet concentration . The optimum current density was 10-14 A m(-2) within 30 min depending on the wastewater properties tested . Conductivity had little effect on the treatment efficiency . Although the addition of extra salts (e.g., sodium chloride) to the wastewater did not help increase the pollutant removal efficiency, it could save the power consumption significantly . The COD(Cr) and oil removal efficiency descended with increasing electrode distance . The optimal electrode distance was determined to be 10 mm for this equipment in consideration of the treatment cost and efficiency together . The pH effect on the performance of the electro-coagulation process was not very significant in the range of 3-10 . The removal efficiency of oil and COD(Cr) under normal condition exceeded 95% and 75%, respectively.

Rev Biol Trop, 2000 Dec, 48 Suppl 1, 225 - 31
{Cooper, cadmium and lead in the fish Cyprinodon dearborni, in the sediments and in the water of two lagoons in Venezuela}; Toledo J et al.; The concentration of copper, cadmium and lead in superficial sediment, water and the fish Cyprinodon dearborni was determined in two coastal lagoons of Sucre State, Venezuela . Chacopata lagoon is hyper saline while Los Patos lagoon is hypo saline and receives significant wastewater from Cumana city . Water, sediment and fish samples were collected in February 1998 . In the laboratory, samples underwent acid digestion and were analyzed by atomic absorption spectophotometry . The mean values of the metals in C . dearborni from the Chacopata lagoon were: 159.26 +/- 210.68 microg/g for Cu, 44.71 +/- 45.58 microg/g for Cd, and 9.31 +/- 23.34 microg/g for Pb, while for Los Patos lagoon the mean values were: 64.88 +/- 16.30, 19.48 +/- 5.81 and 22.85 +/- 20.00, respectively . In the water column, the metal concentration ranges were: 2.3-11.6, 3.9-5.4 and 21-32 mg/l for copper, cadmium and lead, respectively . These results suggest that metal levels in sediment, water column and organisms in both lagoons do not differ, except for lead, even though only Los Patos receives waste water.

Water Res, 2004 Jul, 38(13), 3043 - 50
Removal of water pollutants with activated carbons prepared from H3PO4 activation of lignin from kraft black liquors; Gonzalez-Serrano E et al.; Activated carbons with a high BET surface area and a well-developed porosity have been prepared from pyrolysis of H3PO4-impregnated lignin precipitated from kraft black liquors . Impregnation ratios within the range of 1-3 and activation temperatures of 623-873 K have been used, giving rise to carbons with different porous and surface chemical structure . Increasing the activation temperature and the impregnation ratio leads to a widening of the porous structure with a higher relative contribution of mesoporosity . The potential application of these carbons for the removal of water pollutants has been investigated by measuring their adsorption capacities for phenol, 2,4,5-trichlorophenol and Cr (VI) as representative of toxic contaminants found in industrial wastewaters . The results obtained compare well and even favorably with those reported in the literature for other activated carbons . An impregnation ratio and an activation temperature around 2 g H3PO4/g lignin and 700 K, respectively, are recommended as the best combination of operating conditions to prepare activated carbons for aqueous phase applications although at lower values of these two variables carbons with good adsorption capacities are also obtained.

Water Res, 2004 Jul, 38(13), 3009 - 16
The combined effect of step-feed and recycling on RBC performance; Ayoub GM et al.; The effect of step-feed and recycling on the efficiency of treatment in rotating biological contractors (RBCs) was investigated . Experiments were conducted on a RBC system consisting of two three-stage units . The two units were operated in parallel, one unit as a control with a single feed point and the other in a step-feed mode . Seven experimental runs were conducted, using a simple synthetic wastewater, in which hydraulic loading rates were maintained constant at about 0.094 m3/m2d and variable COD concentrations (800-1200 mg/L), NH3-N concentrations (104-116 mg/L), step-feed ratios (60/40 and 70/30), and recirculation modes . Results indicate that improvements in the treatment efficiencies of RBC systems may be attained by operating the system in a step feed mode as compared to a single point feed mode . Further improvements may also be obtained by inducing effluent recirculation to the inlet stage . In both cases, levels of improvement have shown to be more pronounced for NH3-N removals and DO residual concentrations as compared to COD removals . The combined effect of step feed and recirculation of system effluent on NH3-N removal efficiencies is appreciable . Comparing removal efficiencies between the control, step feed and the combined step-feed/recirculation modes shows an increase of about 26% . For COD removals, the effect is not that pronounced as the results for the combined modes of operation indicate a limited increase in overall removal efficiency of about 3% . Supplementing step feed by a recircutation system also markedly improved DO residuals in stages 1 and 2 and to a lower extent in stage 3 of the system . Changing the ratio in the step feed system from 60/40% to 70/30% exhibited a slight improvement in NH3-N removal efficiencies as well as improved residual DO concentrations but very limited effect on COD removals . The use of a simple synthetic wastewater in the experiments may limit extrapolation of the findings to actual operation.

Chemosphere, 2004 Sep, 56(9), 843 - 51
Adsorption of bisphenol-A, 17 beta-estradiole and 17 alpha-ethinylestradiole to sewage sludge; Clara M et al.; Adsorption of bisphenol-A (CAS 85-05-7), 17 beta-estradiole (CAS 50-28-2) and 17 alpha-ethinylestradiole (CAS 57-63-6) to activated and to inactivated sludge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) was investigated, thus allowing to distinguish between pure adsorption and biosorption . For the investigated substances the determination of the adsorption kinetics is based on experiments performed according to the OECD guideline 106 and on free concentration measurements in the liquid phase . The description of the adsorption behaviour occurred via Freundlich Adsorption Isotherms . Additionally specific adsorption coefficients KD, KOM and KOC were calculated . The results of these calculations were compared to KOC values obtained with a HPLC method according to the OECD guideline 121 . All substances showed a high adsorption affinity to the adsorbent and in spite of the application of very high initial concentrations no saturation level could be reached . Within a contact time of 24 h, no difference between the adsorption to activated and inactivated sludge could be detected . The calculated KD values were within a range of about KD = 1000 l kg(-1) for the investigated compounds and showed a clear concentration dependency in the case of bisphenol-A . Adsorption was also found to depend on pH . The experimentally determined KOC values of the investigated substances were significantly higher than the results obtained with the HPLC method described in OECD guideline 121.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(10), 217 - 23
Experience and lessons learned from sewage sludge pyrolysis in Australia; Bridle TR et al.; Management of sewage sludge via "publicly acceptable" methods is becoming increasingly difficult, primarily due to health and environmental concerns with respect to reuse of the product in agriculture . Consequently thermal processes are gaining popularity with significantly increased interest being shown in pyrolysis and gasification processes, due to their "non-incineration status" . One such process is the ENERSLUDGE technology which has been developed and commercialised by Environmental Solutions International Ltd (ESI) . The world's first commercial ENERSLUDGE plant is located at the Subiaco Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) that was handed over to the client, the Water Corporation of Western Australia in June 2001 . Extensive design knowledge and operational experience has now been accumulated from this commercial pyrolysis facility and future applications of the technology will benefit immensely from the lessons learned and experience gained from this facility.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(10), 179 - 84
The influence of operating experiences in the design of the IVAR thermal drying plant expansion in Stavanger, Norway; Tornes O et al.; The Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant of North Jaeren (IVAR IKS) serves the Stavanger conurbation with a population equivalence of 240,000 . The site was the first in Norway to operate a thermal drying and a pelletising plant for municipal sludge . Since the start up in 1992, IVAR has encountered most of the operational problems typically associated with thermal drying processes . Considerable modifications have been made and lessons learnt resulting in the plant being one of the few thermal drying facilities in Norway which continues to operate successfully . In general, thermal drying is often considered as a costly, energy demanding and complex process requiring careful attention to safety aspects such as risks of self-combustion, fires and dust explosions . The paper presents general considerations of operating experiences influencing the procurement and design stage of the new extended IVAR thermal drying plant . Furthermore, topical issues important for resolution of thermal drying problems are also discussed . Mass and energy balances for the Stavanger plant are presented.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(10), 171 - 8
Characterization and evaluation of potential reuse options for wastewater sludge and combined sewer system sediments in Mexico; Jimenez B et al.; Combined sewer systems generate sediments that have characteristics similar to those of primary sludge . Mexico City has such a system composed of a network of pipes, regulation structures (dams, basins) and open channels . The annual generation of sediments is estimated at 2.8 Mm3, which includes 0.41 Mm3 of sludge . As a result, the total capacity for transporting water is reduced considerably, making it necessary to extract yearly an approximate 0.85 Mm3 of those materials and to send them to a final disposal site with a capacity that is being exhausted . As part of the local Governmental effort, this project evaluates the quality of sediments from 6 dams, 4 regulation basins, 2 open channels, and 3 transfer stations . Also, sludge from 20 wastewater treatment plants was sampled . The results showed an important presence of lead and hydrocarbons in some sediments, and some sludge samples contained arsenic and nickel above the limits . Moreover, microbial levels exceeded the limits in all the sediments and sludge samples . Erosion was linked to the generation of an important amount of sediments based on lead concentration . A classification was established to determine the degree of contamination of the sediments as well as the required treatment to allow their potential reuse.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(10), 155 - 62
Integrated, long term, sustainable, cost effective biosolids management at a large Canadian wastewater treatment facility; Leblanc RJ et al.; The Greater Moncton Sewerage Commission's 115,000 m3/d advanced, chemically assisted primary wastewater treatment facility located in New Brunswick, Canada, has developed an integrated, long term, sustainable, cost effective programme for the management and beneficial utilization of biosolids from lime stabilized raw sludge . The paper overviews biosolids production, lime stabilization, conveyance, and odour control followed by an indepth discussion of the wastewater sludge as a resource programme, namely: composting, mine site reclamation, landfill cover, land application for agricultural use, tree farming, sod farm base as a soil enrichment, topsoil manufacturing . The paper also addresses the issues of metals, pathogens, organic compounds, the quality control program along with the regulatory requirements . Biosolids capital and operating costs are presented . Research results on removal of metals from primary sludge using a unique biological process known as BIOSOL as developed by the University of Toronto, Canada to remove metals and destroy pathogens are presented . The paper also discusses an ongoing cooperative research project with the Universite de Moncton where various mixtures of plant biosolids are composted with low quality soil . Integration, approach to sustainability and "cumulative effects" as part of the overall biosolids management strategy are also discussed.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(10), 67 - 72
The fundamentals of wastewater sludge characterization and filtration; Scales PJ et al.; The move to greater emphasis on the disposal of wastewater sludges through routes such as incineration and the added cost of landfill emplacement puts high demands on dewatering technology for these sludges . A clear problem in this area is that wastewater sludges are slow and difficult to dewater and traditional methods of laboratory measurement for prediction of filtration performance are inadequate . This is highly problematic for the design and operational optimisation of centrifuges, filters and settling devices in the wastewater industry . The behaviour is assessed as being due to non-linear behaviour of these sludges which negates the use of classical approaches . These approaches utilise the linear portion of a t versus V2 plot (where t is the time to filtration and V is the specific filtrate volume) to extract a simple Darcian permeability . Without this parameter, a predictive capacity for dewatering using current theory is negated.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(10), 1 - 10
What is the potential for utilizing the resources in sludge?
Kroiss H.
The successful strategy for water protection by biological wastewater treatment results in a sludge production of about 20 to 40 kg dry matter per population equivalent and year . In the context of regional material fluxes, sewage sludge has a low resource potential and a low pollution potential despite the fact that it can be characterised as a sink, concentrating wastewater compounds . The mass flow of nutrients (N, P) in the sewage sludge is comparatively small as compared to the losses of nutrients in agriculture . The most valuable element in the sludge is phosphorus, as the availability of phosphorus for the production of low-cost mineral fertiliser is limited . The most economical means of P-recycling is agricultural sludge application, which can also be seen as the option with the lowest loss of all valuable compounds of the sludge, and the lowest increase of entropy . The reliability of this disposal route for the treatment plant operator depends on several major pre-requisites: * reliability in regard to hygiene * reliability in regard to long-term soil protection public acceptance (politicians, media) * acceptance by all parties involved in sludge application and its consequences (farmers, farmer unions, land owners, food industry, food trade, retailers, consumers, consumer associations, NGOs, etc.) Only the first two prerequisites can be based on scientific research and risk assessment . As a consequence, only for these two aspects can quality criteria and adequate procedures be developed and introduced into a legal framework and quality assurance procedures . The latter two pre-requisites must be addressed in terms of sociology, psychology and political science and have a strong educational aspect.

J Environ Qual, 2004 Jul-Aug, 33(4), 1247 - 55
Influence of nutrient levels on uptake and effects of mercury, cadmium, and lead in water spinach; Gothberg A et al.; In Southeast Asia the aquatic macrophyte water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.) is a popular vegetable that is cultivated in freshwater courses . These often serve as recipients for domestic and other sorts of wastewater that often contain a variety of pollutants, such as heavy metals . In addition, fertilizers are frequently used where water spinach is cultivated commercially for the food market . To estimate the importance of ambient nutrient concentrations for accumulation of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in water spinach, plants were exposed to nutrient solutions of different strength and with varying metal concentrations . Metal-induced toxic effects, which might possibly affect the yield of the plants, were also studied . The lower the nutrient strength in the medium was, the higher the metal concentrations that accumulated in the different plant parts and the lower the metal concentration in the medium at which metal-induced toxic effects occurred . Accordingly, internal metal concentrations in the plants were correlated to toxic effects . Plants exposed to metals retained a major proportion of the metals in the roots, which had a higher tolerance than shoots for high internal metal concentrations.

Waste Manag Res, 2004 Jun, 22(3), 171 - 6
Detection and enumeration of Cryptosporidium sp . oocysts in sewage sludge samples from the city of Florianópolis (Brazil) by using immunomagnetic separation combined with indirect immunofluorescence assay; Iacovski RB et al.; In the last few decades, agricultural reclamation of sewage sludge has increased in many countries . However, this practice must be adopted under recommended conditions to limit the risks associated with the presence of potential pathogens, including protozoan parasites such as Cryptosporidium . In the present work, we evaluated immunomagnetic separation (IMS) combined with an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) in order to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts in sewage sludge samples obtained from the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (MWTP) operating in the city of Florianopolis, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil . Integrated application of spontaneous sludge sedimentation and centrifugation of the supernatant, purification and concentration of oocysts through immunomagnetic separation as well as detection and quantification by means of indirect immunofluorescence using highly specific monoclonal antibodies, proved to be an effective multiple-analysis tool for monitoring the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in urban sewage sludge samples . Among 27 samples collected from MWTP, 20 (74.07%) were positive for Cryptosporidium sp . The efficiency of recovery by using the internal control ColorSeed (Biotechnology Frontiers Inc., Sydney, NSW, Australia) was medially 39.96 +/- 11.20% . Actually, oocysts were recovered from 100% of the positive samples tested and the number of Cryptosporidium oocysts found in the samples ranged from one to four . These results demonstrated a high recovery rate of Cryptosporidium oocysts in sewage sludge samples by using IMS-IFA analysis . In conclusion, such an approach can be applied to monitor the presence of the parasite and to determine the potential contamination of sludge destined for soil application.

Waste Manag Res, 2004 Jun, 22(3), 131 - 41
Towards a cleaner production in developing countries: a case study in a Chilean tannery; Rivela B et al.; A Chilean leather tanning industry (tannery) was studied in terms of input/output (I/O) analysis of beamhouse, tanyard and retanning processes . The physical-chemical characterization of 19 streams were investigated . Streams from the beamhouse process and some streams from the retanning process were found to have high organic contents ranging from 2.5 to 18.1 g COD L(-1) . The pH ranged between 3.45 and 12.28 . Sulphur was found in most of the streams whereas chromium was detected in two wastewaters from the tanyard and in seven streams from the retanning process . Pollution prevention opportunities were evaluated and an appropriate treatment strategy was proposed . The main emphasis was on determining waste reduction measures that can be easily implemented and are not particularly expensive . Measures for reduction at source were proposed to reduce water and chemicals consumption and wastewater pollution . A so-called S(index) strategy was used to evaluate proposals on segregation and specific treatment of the main chromium- and sulphur-containing wastewaters . It was suggested that some streams may be re-used, but it is necessary to apply anaerobic or aerobic treatment first, depending on their organic load . Solid wastes were also evaluated and a proposal for their reduction and disposal was made.

Chemosphere, 2004 Aug, 56(8), 783 - 90
Distribution characteristics of nonylphenols in the artificial Lake Shihwa, and surrounding creeks in Korea; Li D et al.; Nonylphenols were determined from the water, suspended particle, and sediment samples taken from the Lake Shihwa in Korea and its surrounding creeks flowing through municipal and industrial areas, and into the lake . The nonylphenols were detected at the concentration ranges of 0.0-41.3 microg/l, 0.0-116.6 and 0.3-31.7 mg/kg in water, suspended particle and sediment samples respectively . The contamination levels of nonylphenols were increased along the down stream . Considerably high levels of nonylphenols were found at the industrial area compared to the municipal area . No remarkable differences were found between the isomer patterns of nonylphenols for the sample matrices of each sampling site, i.e . water, suspended solids and sediment . Strong correlations between water and sediment with 10(5.2) of the mean partition coefficient (Koc ) were observed . These indicate that most of nonylphenols came from industrial wastewater at high level . It is thought that the water quality of the Lake Shihwa is affected greatly by industrial environments surrounding.

Environ Microbiol, 2004 Aug, 6(8), 780 - 90
Analysis and glycosyl composition of the exopolysaccharide isolated from the floc-forming wastewater bacterium Thauera sp . MZ1T; Allen MS et al.; Conditions were developed for the reproducible production, isolation and characterization of a novel microbial extracellular polysaccharide believed to be involved in transient viscous bulking at an industrial wastewater treatment plant . The exopolysaccharide was extracted from cell-free culture supernatants of Thauera sp . strain MZ1T grown on a minimal medium with succinate . The purified polymer was found to be approximately 260 kDa in size by gel-permeation chromatography . The GC-MS analysis of the alditol acetate and per-O-trimethylsilyl methyl glycoside derivatives revealed that the exopolysaccharide was composed of four monosaccharides including: rhamnose, galacturonic acid, N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylfucosamine . Glucose, which also appeared at low levels, is most likely from a co-eluting glucan . The FTIR and NMR spectroscopic analyses further revealed the presence of esterified component groups on the polymer . These results represent the first published description of a polysaccharide from a member of the genus Thauera, and lay the foundation for a deeper understanding of the factors potentially involved in zoogloeal cluster formation and viscous bulking.

Indian J Exp Biol, 2003 Aug, 41(8), 900 - 4
Biosorption of Baftkar textile effluent; Assadi MM et al.; Decolourization of wastewater from a textile plant by a marine Aspergillus niger was studied . The fungus was previously isolated from Gorgan Bay in the Caspian Sea . The kinetics of decolourization was studied by varying energy sources . The best decolourization was achieved when sucrose was used as source of carbon and energy . NH4+ ion was demonstrated to be the best nitrogen source . Color reduction was found to increase from 80-97% as inoculum concentration increased from 0.04-1.0 g/L . A minimum inoculum of 0.2 g/L is necessary to achieve decolourization . The optimal temperature for the growth of A . niger on Baftkar wastewater is found to be 30 degrees C . 90-96% colour reduction is achieved in 19-20 hr of contact of mycelium cell with the wastewater . Colour reduction in a continuous column reactor of 70% was obtained using treated mycelium (NaOH, 90 degrees C) after 1 hr.

Gene, 2004 Jul 21, 336(2), 231 - 40
Complete nucleotide sequence and organization of the naphthalene catabolic plasmid pND6-1 from Pseudomonas sp . strain ND6; Li W et al.; Pseudomonas sp . strain ND6, which was isolated from industrial wastewater in Tianjin, China, was capable of dissimilating naphthalene as sole carbon and energy sources . We identified one plasmid, pND6-1, which was associated with the metabolism of naphthalene and determined the complete nucleotide sequence of pND6-1 (101,858 bp) using a whole-genome-shotgun approach . Computational analyses indicated that the naphthalene metabolism of the strain ND6 is associated with this plasmid . This is the first report of a complete sequence of naphthalene catabolic plasmid . pND6-1 encodes 102 putative coding sequences (CDSs) . Among them, 23 CDSs were predicted to be involved in naphthalene catabolism, 14 were predicted to be involved in transposition and integration, 2 encoded putative transporters, 3 were putative transcriptional regulators, and 9 were proteins necessary for plasmid replication and partitioning . Most of the naphthalene catabolic genes of pND6-1 have 99-100% identity in amino acid sequences homologous to their nearest counterparts found in plasmid pDTG1, NAH7 and in a chromosome region in Pseudomonas stutzeri AN10 except for two duplicated genes (ND013 and ND016) . Results of this study indicated that globally distributed naphthalene catabolic genes are highly conserved among different bacterial species.

Bioresour Technol, 2004 Nov, 95(2), 135 - 43
Anaerobic ponds treatment of starch wastewater: case study in Thailand; Rajbhandari BK et al.; Anaerobic ponds are particularly effective in treating high-strength wastewater containing biodegradable solids as they achieve the dual purpose of particulate settlement and organic removal . Performance of an anaerobic pond system for treatment of starch wastewater containing high organic carbon, biodegradable starch particulate matter and cyanide was assessed under tropical climate conditions . Approximately 5000 m3/d of wastewater from starch industry was treated in a series of anaerobic ponds with a total area of 7.39 ha followed by facultative ponds with an area of 29.11 ha . Overall COD and TSS removal of over 90% and CN removal of 51% was observed . Active biomass obtained from the anaerobic ponds sediments and bulk liquid layer exhibited specific methanogenic activity of 20.7 and 11.3 ml CH4/g VSS d, respectively . The cyanide degradability of sludge at initial cyanide concentration of 10 and 20 mg/l were determined to be 0.43 and 0.84 mg CN-/g VSS d, respectively . A separate settling column experiment with starch wastewater revealed that a settling time of approximately 120 min is sufficient to remove 90-95% of the influent TSS.

Bioresour Technol, 2004 Nov, 95(2), 115 - 9
Coagulant selection and sludge conditioning in a slaughterhouse wastewater treatment plant; Al-Mutairi NZ et al.; Attempts were made in this study to examine the effectiveness of polymer addition to the aeration tank effluent prior to sludge flotation as practiced in a slaughterhouse wastewater treatment plant . The plant currently uses 10 mg/l of polymer prior to sludge flotation, but alternative, less-expensive, chemicals such as alum could be equally effective . Therefore, experiments were conducted using the Standard Jar test to determine the performance of both alum (Al2SO4.6H2O) and organic polymer . The dosages used for alum ranged between 0 and 1000 mg/l, whereas polymer dosages varied between 0 and 90 mg/l . The (optimal) removal efficiency for suspended solids in the mixed liquor was obtained at 400 mg/l for alum and 30 mg/l for polymer . It is evident that addition of alum or polymer results in significant removal of suspended solids reaching up to 99% for alum and 96% for polymer but alum produced a more compacted sludge . Removal of filterable COD was much lower in both cases since the chemicals used target the colloidal and suspended portion of the COD rather than the soluble (filterable) part of the COD.

Indian J Exp Biol, 2003 Sep, 41(9), 1076 - 87
Synthetic dye decolourization by white rot fungi; Murugesan K et al.; Synthetic dyes are integral part of many industrial products . The effluents generated from textile dyeing units create major environmental problems and issues both in public and textile units . Industrial wastewater treatment is one of the major problems in the present scenario . Though, the physical and chemical methods offer some solutions to the problems, it is not affordable by the unit operators . Biological degradation is recognized as the most effective method for degrading the dye present in the waste . Research over a period of two decades had provided insight into the various aspects of biological degradation of dyes . It is observed that the white rot fungi have a non-specific enzyme system, which oxidizes the recalcitrant dyes . Detailed and extensive studies have been made and process developed for treatment of dye containing wastewaters by white rot fungi and their enzyme systems . An attempt is made to summarize the detailed research contributions on these lines.

Indian J Exp Biol, 2003 Sep, 41(9), 945 - 66
Microbial biomass: an economical alternative for removal of heavy metals from waste water; Gupta R et al.; Today indiscriminate and uncontrolled discharge of metal contaminated industrial effluents into the environment has become an issue of major concern . Heavy metals, being non-biodegradable and persistent, beyond a permissible concentration form unspecific compounds inside the cells thereby causing cellular toxicity . The only alternative to remove them from the wastewater is by immobilizing them . The conventional methods adopted earlier for this purpose included chemical precipitation, oxidation, reduction, filtration, electrochemical treatment, evaporation, adsorption and ion-exchange resins . These methods require high energy inputs especially when it refers to dilute solutions . Here microbial biomass offers an economical option for removing heavy metals by the phenomenon of biosorption . Non-living or dead biomass sequester metal(s) on their cell surface due to certain reactive groups available like carboxyl, amine, imidazole, phosphate, sulphydryl, sulfate and hydroxyl . The process can be made economical by procuring spent biomass from industry or naturally available bulk biomass . A batch or a continuous process of removal of heavy metals directly from effluents can be developed in a fixed bed reactor using the immobilized biomass . Further biosorption potential of the biomass can be improved by various physical and chemical treatments . The availability of variety of microbial biomass and their metal binding potential makes it a economical and sustainable option for developing effluent treatment process for removal and recovery of heavy metals.

Environ Technol, 2004 May, 25(5), 555 - 63
Common effluent treatment plant (CETP) for wastewater management from a cluster of small scale tanneries; Pathe PP et al.; Effluent treatment plants need land for construction, capital cost, power and specialized manpower for their operation and maintenance . Because of these constraints, small scale tanneries can not afford to have their own effluent treatment facilities and therefore, combined effluent from all tanneries are to be brought to a centralized place for treatment . This facility is called a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) . For operation and maintenance of CETP, small scale tanners formed a co-operative society . The expenses for operation and maintenance of CETP are being shared by participating tanneries . Wastewater management for the cluster of small scale tanneries was studied in details and various measures were incorporated to improve performance of the CETP and also to improve treated effluent quality to confirm standard prescribed by regulatory agencies . Performance of existing CETP was evaluated . Based on the results, bench scale laboratory treatability studies were conducted for improvement in treated effluent quality and also to suggest appropriate modifications to the CETP . These studies are detailed in this paper.

Environ Technol, 2004 May, 25(5), 533 - 42
A pilot study on phosphate and nitrate removal from secondary wastewater effluent using a selective ion exchange process; Kney AD et al.; A pilot study was conducted at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Easton, Pennsylvania, for the removal of varying concentrations of phosphate (HPO4(2-)) and nitrate NO3- using a newly developed ion exchange material referred to as Polymeric Ligand Exchanger (PLE) . The PLE was prepared by immobilizing copper (II) ions onto a commercially available chelating resin, DOW-3N . The loaded copper ions act as ligand exchanger sites that selectively bind with target ligands such as phosphate and nitrate . This pilot study was the final experimental testing phase of the PLE toward the full process development for the selective removal of both phosphate and nitrate using secondary effluent from a fully operational WWTP . In order to establish the effectiveness of the PLE, a commercially available activated alumina (AA) was also tested for comparison . Effluent phosphorus and nitrate concentration of less than 0.1 mg l(-1) were achieved for up to 500 bed volumes; phosphorous was reduced from an average concentration of 4.0 mg l(-1) and nitrate from average concentration of 16.4 mg l(-1) . In accord with prior laboratory observations, the pilot test results showed that the PLE could selectively remove phosphate from secondary municipal wastewater effluent under normal conditions (pH, ionic strength, dissolved organic carbon content) . In addition, the pilot study provided new evidence that nitrate could be removed from secondary municipal wastewater effluent and concurrently with phosphate . The selective ion exchange process provides an alternative for concurrent removal of the eutrophic-enhancing nutrients, phosphate and nitrate.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2004 Jul, 39(7), 1867 - 79
Removal of ammonium from tannery wastewater by electrochemical treatment; Min KS et al.; The removal of ammonium from coagulated tannery wastewaters was investigated by an electrochemical method using Ti/IrO2 as an anode . Operating variables including the current density, pH and chloride concentration were considered in order to determine their effect on the ammonium removal efficiency . A maximum ammonium removal rate of 78.9% was achieved after 30 min of electrochemical treatment with 4 A dm(-2) of current density . During the electrolysis, it had been observed that the ammonium removal was accompanied with an elimination of the organics . Generation of hydroxyl radical was identified during the experiment with hydroxyl radical probe compound of pCBA . Chloride ion worked as the scavenger of hydroxyl radical . Role of free chlorine was the main oxidant for the elimination of ammonium and organic substances . As a result, the biodegradability of tannery wastewater increased after electrochemical treatment . The energy consumed per 1 kg of ammonium removal was 26.6 kWh for initial NH4-N concentration of 870 mg L(-1).

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2004 Jul, 39(7), 1819 - 32
Feasibility analysis of in-plant control for water minimization and wastewater reuse in a wool finishing textile mill; Erdogan AO et al.; This study evaluates the feasibility of water minimization and wastewater reuse for a wool finishing textile mill . The evaluation process is based upon a detailed analysis on water use, process profile and wastewater characterization, indicating a potential for 34% reduction in water consumption and for 23% of wastewater recovery for reuse . Wastewater reuse requires treatment and results in a remaining wastewater stream with stronger character and consequently more costly to treat . The feasibility includes technical considerations for appropriate treatment alternatives and related cost factors for water consumption, treatment for reuse and for discharge either to sewer or to receiving media.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2004 Jul, 39(7), 1767 - 79
Removal of nitriles from synthetic wastewater by acrylonitrile utilizing bacteria; Wang CC et al.; This study describes the ability of two bacteria strains, isolated from an ABS resin manufacturing wastewater treatment system, to remove high acrylonitrile concentrations . Straight chain aliphatic nitrile compound (propionitrile, allyl cyanide); branch chain aliphatic nitrile compound (isobutyronitrilc) and aromatic nitrile compound (benzonitrile) removal by Comamonas testosteroni and Acidovorax sp . was also investigated . The results are: Comamonas testosteroni and Acidovorax sp . can remove acrylonitrile completely up to 1904.8 mg/L within 66.6 h and 1538.5 mg/L within 143.3 h, respectively . Comamonas testosteroni degraded acrylonitrile faster than Acidovorax sp., and accumulated much more acrylic acid in the medium than Acidovorax sp . The addition of acrylamide to the medium was removed by Comamonas testosteroni and Acidovorax sp . Both strains utilized acrylic acid, a metabolic by-product of acrylonitrile, as a carbon source and ammonium nitrogen, a metabolic by-product of acrylonitrile, as a nitrogen source for growth . Comamonas testosteroni and Acidovorax sp . removed propionitrile completely up to 1352.8 mg/L and 975.7 mg/L within 166.9 h, respectively . With isobutyronitrile as a substrate, more than 97.8% could be removed within 169.8 h by Comamonas testosteroni up to 1352.8 mg/L, and by Acidovorax sp . up to 975.7 mg/L . These two strains could remove allyl cyanide completely up to 775 mg/L within 49.1 h and benzonitrile completely up to 442.7 mg/L within 31.1 h . Because Comamonas testosteroni and Acidovorax sp . have good degrading ability for removing nitrile compounds they are expected to play an important role in the treatment of nitrile compounds.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2004 Jul, 39(7), 1729 - 38
Implementation of the Anammox process for improved nitrogen removal; Guven D et al.; Stringent standards for nitrogen discharge necessitate the implementation of new systems for the sustainable removal of ammonium from wastewater . One of such systems is based on the process of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox), which is a new powerful tool especially for strong nitrogenous wastewaters . In this study, the Anammox process performance was tested with synthetic wastewater in a completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) . The reactor was operated for 511 days and fed with increasing amounts of ammonium and nitrite . In this period, an increase of ammonium and nitrite utilization rates were observed as a result of the increase of nitrogen loads in the influent . After 272 days, about 60% of the biomass was removed from the reactor and the system was restarted . Throughout 511 days 90% of the ammonium and more than 99% of the nitrite were converted mainly to dinitrogen (N2) and nitrate . The microbial community in the reactor was characterized with Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) . The study showed that the population in the reactor was dominated by the deep-branching planctomycete Candidatus "Brocadia anammoxidans" strain Dokhaven 2.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2004 Jul, 39(7), 1695 - 704
Effects of pH and substrate on the competition between glycogen and phosphorus accumulating organisms; Cokgor EU et al.; This article evaluates effects of pH and substrate on the competition between glycogen (GAOs) and phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAOs) . A sequencing batch reactor system was operated for enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) with acetate as the sole carbon source and acetate added domestic wastewater at different influent acetate/phosphate ratios . Some batch tests were performed using acetate added domestic wastewater at different influent acetate, phosphate ratios, with different initial pH values of acetate and domestic wastewater mixture . The resulting experimental data supported the presence of GAOs for all tested HAC P ratios, especially under P limiting conditions for acetate as sole carbon source . Strong evidence is observed that acetate added domestic wastewater system had higher PAOs fraction than acetate system as sole source carbon, with using model components, namely substrate uptake, glycogen utilization and P release.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2004 Jul, 39(7), 1681 - 94
Advanced treatment of biotreated textile industry wastewater with ozone, virgin/ozonated granular activated carbon and their combination; Arslan-Alaton I et al.; Biotreated textile wastewater (CODo = 248 mg L(-1); TOCo = 58 mg L(-1); A620 = 0.007 cm(-1); A525 = 0.181 cm(-1); A436 = 0.198 cm(-1)) was subjected to advanced treatment with ozonation, granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption in serial and simultaneous applications . Experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of applied ozone dose, ozone absorption rate, specific ozone absorption efficiency, GAC dose, and reaction pH on the treatment performance of the selected tertiary treatment scheme . In separate experiments, the impact of virgin GAC ozonation on its adsorptive capacity for biotreated and biotreated + ozonated textile effluent was also investigated . Ozonation appeared to be more effective for decolorization (kd = 0.15 min(-1) at pH = 3), whereas GAC adsorption yielded higher COD removal rates (54% at pH = 3) . It was also found that GAC addition (4 g/L) at pH = 7 and 9 enhanced the COD abatement rate of the ozonation process significantly and that the sequential application of ozonation (at pH = 3-11, 675 mg L(-1) O3) followed by GAC adsorption (at pH = 3-7, 10 g L(-1) GAC) resulted in the highest treatment performances both in terms of color and COD reduction . Simultaneous application of GAC and ozone at acidic and alkaline pH seriously inhibited COD abatement rates as a consequence of competitive adsorption and partial oxidation of textile components and GAC . It could also be established that ozone absorption efficiency decreased after color removal was complete . Ozonation of biotreated textile wastewater with 113 mg L(-1) ozone resulted in an appreciable enhancement of GAC adsorptive capacity in terms of residual color removal . Ozonation of GAC at relatively low doses (= 10.8 mg/g GAC) did not improve its overall adsorption capacity.

J Agric Food Chem, 2004 Jul 14, 52(14), 4501 - 7
Treatment of cork process wastewater by a successive chemical-physical method; Beltran de Heredia J et al.; In cork processing, the operation of boiling the raw cork generates large volumes of wastewater which are more often than not released directly into the environment untreated . Even when the wastewater is treated, this is usually by retention in evaporation ponds . This procedure, however, causes bad odors and may pollute surface water and groundwater . The present study evaluates a physicochemical method involving Fenton oxidation and coagulation/flocculation for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total polyphenols (TP), and aromatic compounds (A) from cork manufacturing process wastewater . The experimental variables studied were the dosages of iron salts (from 0.001 to 0.2 mol/L) and hydrogen peroxide (between 0.06 and 1 mol/L) . The integrated Fenton-coagulation/flocculation process reduced the COD of the effluent by from 22% to 85% . The removal of total polyphenols ranged from 4% to 98%, and of aromatic compounds from 2% to 97% . A further two experiments were performed modifying the manner in which the reagents were added, splitting the reagent dose (of hydrogen peroxide and ferrous salt) into two and three fractions . Finally, an economic study was made of the chemical costs deriving from the application of this purification system . The cost of a treatment with an {H2O2}(o)/COD(o) ratio of 1.8 g/g (splitting the reagent dose into three fractions) that yields a COD removal of 73% was estimated to be 11.5 euros/m(3) of wastewater.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(9), 227 - 31
Tastes associated with products in contact with drinking water; Marchesan M et al.; Over the past 9 years the Australian Water Quality Centre (AWQC) has conducted testing in accordance with Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4020--"Products for use in contact with drinking water" (1999) . A test included as part of this standard is taste of water extracts . This test assesses the ability of products to impart discernible taste to drinking water using panellists trained in accordance with Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater--Flavour Profile Analysis 2170 B (1999) . Over 1000 products from companies worldwide, have been assessed at the AWQC in accordance with AS/NZS 4020 including pipes, valves, tap fittings and numerous other products used in contact with water . The products must not impart any discernible taste to obtain compliance and be deemed suitable for use in contact with drinking water . This study compiles the products assessed and the types of tastes obtained from both chlorinated and non-chlorinated extracts . In particular the study focuses on taste associated with polyethylene pipes, coatings and valves, which in some instances have been problematic . Analysis revealed that most taste problems occur when chlorinated water has been used in extraction experiments and this is in line with consumer complaints regarding taste imparted by plumbing products . The collation of this data provides a valuable assessment for manufacturers, the water industry and consumers.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(9), 201 - 9
Development of an odor wheel classification scheme for wastewater; Burlingame GA et al.; Overall, in the air pollution control field, odor concentration and intensity as well as hedonic rating have been well studied to the point where some level of standardization is being developed or is already in place . However, there has been no standardization with respect to odor quality characterization . There is now sufficient understanding of the types of odorous compounds that can arise from wastewater treatment processes to develop an odor classification scheme . This article presents the first wastewater odor wheel or classification scheme that should form the foundation for the evolution of odor quality data reporting with links to chemical causes.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(9), 137 - 43
Non-specific monitoring to resolve intermittent pollutant problems associated with wastewater treatment and potable supply; Stuetz RM; An online monitoring system based on an array of non-specific sensors was used for the detection of chemical pollutants in wastewater and water . By superimposing sensor profiles for defined sampling window, the identification of data points outside these normal sensor response patterns was used to represent potential pollution episodes or other abnormalities within the process stream . Principle component analysis supported the detection of outliers or rapid changes in the sensor responses as an indicator of chemical pollutants . A model based on the comparison of sensor relative responses to a moving average for a defined sample window was tested for detecting and identifying sudden changes in the online data over a 6-month period . These results show the technical advantages of using a non-specific based monitoring system that can respond to a range of chemical species, due to broad selectivity of the sensor compositions . The findings demonstrate how this non-invasive technique could be further developed to provide early warning systems for application at the inlet of wastewater treatment plants.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(9), 107 - 14
Statistical comparison of the triangle test and the two-of-five test for taste and odor evaluation; Gallagher DL; The Triangle test and 2-of-5 test are compared for their ability to evaluate tastes and odors in water and wastewater utilities . Both tests have varying statistical sensitivities . The 2-of-5 test is more sensitive and more powerful than the Triangle test, and generally requires fewer panelists for the same level of statistical confidence . This paper presents a method for determining the number of panelists for either test, and compares the results.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(9), 89 - 98
Use of headspace solid-phase microextraction to characterize odour compounds in subsurface flow constructed wetland for wastewater treatment; Huang Y et al.; A headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) preconcentration method was applied to the analysis of some of the major odorous compounds occurring in wastewater using GC/MS or GC/NPD detection . The detection limit for volatile amines, volatile fatty acids, and volatile alkylsulphides ranged from 3 to 100, 2 to 150, and 0.0006 to 0.035 microg/L, respectively . The SPME method was used to examine the fate of odorous compounds in the subsurface flow constructed wetlands (SFCW) operated under different hydraulic loading rate (HLR), bed aspect ratio, and granular medium size . Among the experimental conditions evaluated in the SFCW beds, HLR was found to be the most important factor influencing the evolution of the studied compounds . There were also significant differences among bed types in the behaviour of ammonia (NH3), acetic acid (Ac), isovaleric acid (IsoA), propionic acid (PrA), and dimethylsulphide . Aspect ratio and medium granular size were minor factors influencing SFCW performance . The major odour compounds by mass in the effluent of SFCW with different operational conditions were NH3 and Ac . Further removal of these two compounds is considered as very important from the viewpoint of chemical composition . On the other hand, Relative Odour Intensity (ROI: ratio between the absolute concentration to the odour threshold concentration) suggested that PrA and IsoA were the two major compounds responsible for odour intensity . Thus, further removal of these two compounds is viewed as very important for the effluent deodorization, especially for PrA . From our results, this compound appears to be produced by processes occurring in the SFCW.

J Environ Monit, 2004 Jul, 6(7), 599 - 605 Epub 2004 May 24.
Organophosphate flame retardants and plasticisers in wastewater treatment plants; Meyer J et al.; Previous studies have revealed that chlorinated and non-chlorinated organophosphorous flame retardants and plasticisers are important contaminants in German surface waters and it has been demonstrated that wastewater treatment plants contribute to the emission of these substances . In this study temporal development as well as elimination efficiency were determined in two wastewater treatment plants (STP) in the Ruhr/Rhine area at different stages of the wastewater treatment process . The samples were analysed for the non-chlorinated organophosphate esters tri-n-butylphosphate (TnBP), tri-iso-butylphosphate (TiBP), tris-(butoxyethyl)-phosphate (TBEP) and triphenylphosphate (TPP) and the chlorinated organophosphate esters tris-(2-chloro, 1-methylethyl)-phosphate (TCPP), tris-(2-chloro-, 1-chloromethylethyl)-phosphate (TDCP) and tris-(2-chloroethyl)-phosphate (TCEP) . The study showed that there were significant differences in the elimination of chlorinated and non-chlorinated organophosphorous flame retardants . The elimination rates ranged from 57-86% for TiBP, TnBP and TBEP at both STP's . No elimination of the chlorinated flame retardants TCPP, TDCP and TCEP was observed in any of the sampled STPs . At both STPs the first treatment steps and the final filtration did not contribute to the elimination of the non-chlorinated organophosphorous flame retardants while the aeration step did . At both STPs the efficiency of the cleaning process concerning the flame retardants was comparable . Thus the type of construction of the STP was not relevant for the elimination of these substances . Additionally a strong day-to-day variation was observed, while in one STP a temporal trend for TCPP during the week was found.

Mar Pollut Bull, 2004 Jul, 49(1-2), 61 - 70
Stable isotope evidence for the environmental impact of a land-based fish farm in the western Mediterranean; Vizzini S et al.; Isotopic examination (delta(13)C and delta(15)N) of organic matter sources and consumers was used to assess the impact and trace the dispersal of wastewater from a land-based fish farm in western Mediterranean . The results provide evidence of the non-negligible effect of aquaculture facilities on the natural stable isotopic composition of organisms . Aquaculture waste entered the food web, altering the natural isotopic composition of organic matter sources at the base and the upper trophic levels . Nitrogen-rich fish waste mainly affected delta(15)N values, while delta(13)C showed less alteration . Waste seemed to disperse widely enough to affect the isotopic composition at the study site about 500 m from the outfall, while sites at 1 and 2 km from the outfall showed values that were similar to each other and different from those of the impacted site . The impact was detected at different ecosystem levels, although primary producers were more affected by fish farm waste taking up aquaculture-derived nutrients.

J Chromatogr A, 2004 Jun 4, 1038(1-2), 141 - 55
Solid-phase extraction-high-performance liquid chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry for analysis of trace concentrations of macrolide antibiotics in natural and waste water matrices; Yang S et al.; A method using solid-phase extraction (SPE) combined with high-performance liquid chromatography-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) has been developed for determination of trace concentrations of erythromycin-H2O (ETM-H2O), roxithromycin (RTM) and tylosin (TLS) in natural and waste water matrices . These macrolides (MLs) were extracted from water samples using Oasis HLB cartridges, and the average recovery was 93.6 +/- 8.6, 92.1 +/- 10.0, and 94.3 +/- 8.9% for ETM-H2O, RTM and TLS in surface water, respectively . For water from the influent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), the average recovery was 84.8 +/- 14.0, 83.2 +/- 13.1, and 86.1 +/- 13.4% for ETM-H2O, RTM and TLS, respectively . Method detection limits in a natural water matrices were 0.07, 0.03, and 0.05 microg/l for ETM-H2O, RTM, and TLS, respectively . Fragment or product ions from MS spectra using in-source collision-induced dissociation and MS-MS spectra have been identified . The accuracy and day-to-day variation of the method fell within acceptable ranges . The method was evaluated by studying the occurrence of the three macrolides on a river and a WWTP in northern Colorado . None of the antibiotics were detected in the stream except immediately downstream of a WWTP, a result consistent with their presence in the influent and effluent of the treatment facility.

Environ Toxicol Chem, 2004 Jul, 23(7), 1709 - 18
Toxicity of oil sands to early life stages of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas); Colavecchia MV et al.; The present study examines the effects of exposure to oil sands on the early life stages (ELS) of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) . Sediments within and outside natural oil sand deposits were collected from sites along the Athabasca River (AB, Canada) . The ELS toxicity tests were conducted with control water, natural oil sands, reference sediments, and oil-refining wastewater pond sediments . Eggs and larvae were exposed to 0.05 to 25.0 g sediment/L and observed for mortality, hatching, malformations, growth, and cytochrome P4501A induction as measured by immunohistochemistry . Natural bitumen and wastewater pond sediments caused significant hatching alterations and exposure-related increases in ELS mortality, malformations, and reduced size . Larval deformities included edemas, hemorrhages, and spinal malformations . Exposure to reference sediments and controls showed negligible embryo mortality and malformations and excellent larval survival . Sediment analyses using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed high concentrations of alkyl-substituted polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) compared to unsubstituted PAHs in natural oil sands (220-360 microg/g) and oil-mining wastewater pond sediments (1,300 microg/g) . The ELS sediment toxicity tests are rapid and sensitive bioassays that are useful in the assessment of petroleum toxicity to aquatic organisms.

J Hazard Mater, 2004 Aug 9, 112(1-2), 133 - 41
Adsorption of Paraquat dichloride from aqueous solution by activated carbon derived from used tires; Hamadi NK et al.; The removal of pesticide from wastewater under different batch experimental conditions, using a car tire derived activated carbon was investigated . The pesticide utilized in the study was Paraquat dichloride (1,1-dimethyl-4,4-bipyridyl dichloride), which is a well known herbicide . The adsorbent was produced from the pyrolysis and activation of used tires (TAC) . The performances of this adsorbent and a commercial activated carbon F300 (CAC) have been compared . It was determined that the adsorption of Paraquat was weakly pH dependent . The effects of particle size, carbon dosage, temperature and the initial concentration of the Paraquat were studied . Further experiments investigating the regeneration capabilities of the tire-supplied carbon were performed . The regenerated carbons that were washed with basic pH solution were found to have the best sorption capacity recovery . It was found that the rate of sorption of Paraquat onto the carbon is very fast with almost 90% of the maximum possible adsorption taking place in the first 5 min . Nevertheless, the batch sorption kinetics was fitted for a first-order reversible reaction, a pseudo-first-order reaction and a pseudo-second-order reaction . The pseudo-second-order chemical reaction model appears to provide the best correlation . The applicability of the Langmuir isotherm for the present system has been evaluated at different temperatures . The isotherms show that the sorption capacity of CAC decreases with temperature and the dominant mechanism of CAC adsorption is physical sorption.

J Hazard Mater, 2004 Aug 9, 112(1-2), 123 - 31
Reduction of colorants in nylon flock dyeing effluent; Fan Q et al.; The batch dyeing of fiber materials such as staple fibers and flock is usually carried out by exhaustion methods . However, the dyeing of flock fibers, either nylon, PET or acetate, with acid or disperse dyes is not 100% efficient in terms of dye utilization . Therefore, the remaining dyes in the spent dye bath are generally not reused, and are usually discharged with minimum treatment, together with the dyeing chemicals into the sewage wastewater system causing environmental pollution . We found that the colorants and chemical auxiliaries in the fiber dyeing effluents can be reduced by: (1) optimizing the acid dyeing conditions such as salt addition and pH control; (2) reuse of the spent dye bath that remain after the original dyeing process . In the lab scale trials, we have successfully raised the acid dye exhaustion to over 90% by optimizing the dyeing conditions . The reuse of the spent acid dye bath also showed promising results with dye exhaustion ranging from 91 to 93% after four times of reuse.

J Hazard Mater, 2004 Aug 9, 112(1-2), 115 - 22
Kinetic and equilibrium studies in removing lead ions from aqueous solutions by natural sepiolite; Bektas N et al.; The capacity of sepiolite for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solution was investigated under different experimental conditions . The Langmuir and Freundlich equations, which are in common use for describing sorption equilibrium for wastewater-treatment applications, were applied to data . The constants and correlation coefficients of these isotherm models for the present system at different conditions such as pH, temperature and particle size were calculated and compared . The equilibrium process was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum sorption capacity was found to be 93.4 mg/g for the optimal experimental condition . The thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG(o), DeltaH(o) and DeltaS(o)) for lead sorption on the sepiolite were also determined from the temperature dependence . The influences of specific parameters such as the agitation speed, particle size and initial concentration for the kinetic studies were also examined . The sorption kinetics were tested for first order reversible, pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order reaction and the rate constants of kinetic models were calculated . The best correlation coefficients were obtained using the pseudo-second order kinetic model, indicating that lead uptake process followed the pseudo-second order rate expression.

J Hazard Mater, 2004 Aug 9, 112(1-2), 95 - 103
Comparison of disperse and reactive dye removals by chemical coagulation and Fenton oxidation; Kim TH et al.; The composition of wastewater from the dyeing and textile processes is highly variable depending on the dyestuff type and typically has high COD and color . This study examined the decolorization of some of the most commonly used disperse and reactive dyestuffs by combination of chemical coagulation and Fenton oxidation . In addition, performances between Fe3+ coagulation and Fenton oxidation of dye solutions were compared by measuring COD and dye removals, distributions of zeta potential, concentration of suspended solid were investigated . Fenton oxidation in combination with Fe3+ coagulation has shown to effectively remove COD and dye . About 90% of COD and 99% of dye removals were obtained at the optimum conditions . Compared to reactive dyes, disperse dyes have lower solubility, higher suspended solids concentrations and lower SCOD/TCOD ratios . The COD and dye removed per unit Fe3+ coagulant added for disperse dye solutions were higher than those for reactive dye solutions . Therefore, the disperse dye solutions are more easily decolorized by chemical coagulation than reactive dye solutions . Conversely, reactive dye solutions have higher applicability of Fenton oxidation than disperse dye solutions due to their higher solubility, lower suspended solids concentrations and higher SCOD/TCOD ratios . The COD and dye removed per Fe2+ Fenton reagent added for reactive dye solutions are respectively higher than those for disperse dye solutions.

J Hazard Mater, 2004 Aug 9, 112(1-2), 55 - 62
Decolorization of dye solution containing Acid Red 14 by electrocoagulation with a comparative investigation of different electrode connections; Daneshvar N et al.; This study was performed to investigate the variables that influence the efficiency of decolorization of a solution containing an azo dye (Acid Red 14) by electrocoagulation (EC) in order to compare the efficiency of different electrode connections for color removal . Current density, time of electrolysis, interelectrode distance, and pH of the solution were the variables that most influenced color removal . Initially, a simple electrochemical cell was prepared with an anode and a cathode . Then the effect of each variable was studied separately using synthetic wastewater in a batch mode . The efficiency of the method tested was determined by measurement of color removal and reduction of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) . For dye solutions with COD of approximately 30 ppm and dye concentrations less than 150 ppm, high color removal (93%) was obtained when the pH ranged from 6 to 9, time of electrolysis was approximately 4 min, current density was approximately 80 A/m2, the temperature was approximately 300 K, and interelectrode distance was 1 cm . During the EC process under these conditions, the COD decreased by more than 85% . In the second series of experiment, the efficiency of EC cells with monopolar electrodes in series and parallel connections and an EC cell with bipolar electrodes were compared with results using a simple electrochemical cell . The experimental results showed that an EC cell with several electrodes was more effective than a simple electrochemical cell in color removal . The results also showed that an EC cell with monopolar electrodes had a higher color removal efficiency than an EC cell with bipolar electrodes . Furthermore, within an EC cell, the series connection of the monopolar electrodes was more effective for the treatment process than the parallel connection in color removal.

J Environ Qual, 2004 May-Jun, 33(3), 873 - 81
Plant and soil responses to biosolids application following forest fire; Meyer VF et al.; Soil stability and revegetation is a great concern following forest wildfires . Biosolids application might enhance revegetation efforts and enhance soil stability . In May 1997, we applied Metro Wastewater Reclamation District (Denver, CO, USA) composted biosolids at rates of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 Mg ha(-1) to a severely burned, previously forested site near Buffalo Creek, CO to improve soil C and N levels and help establish eight native, seeded grasses . The soils on the site belong to the Sphinx series (sandy-skeletal, mixed, frigid, shallow Typic Ustorthents) . Vegetation and soils data were collected for four years following treatment . During the four years following treatment, total plant biomass ranged from approximately 50 to 230 g m(-2) and generally increased with increasing biosolids application . The percentage of bare ground ranged from 4 to 58% and generally decreased with increasing biosolids rate . Higher rates of biosolids application were associated with increased concentrations of N, P, and Zn in tissue of the dominant plant species, streambank wheatgrass {Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn . & J.G . Sm) Gould subsp . lanceolatus}, relative to the unamended, unfertilized control . At two months following biosolids application (1997), total soil C and N at soil depths of 0 to 7.5, 7.5 to 15, and 15 to 30 cm showed significant (P < 0.05) linear increases (r2 > 0.88) as biosolids rate increased . The surface soil layer also showed this effect one year after application (1998) . For Years 2 through 4 (1999-2001) following treatment, soil C and N levels declined but did not show consistent trends . The increase in productivity and cover resulting from the use of biosolids can aid in the rehabilitation of wildfire sites and reduce soil erosion in ecosystems similar to the Buffalo Creek area.

J Environ Qual, 2004 May-Jun, 33(3), 844 - 51
Ammonia volatilization from marsh-pond-marsh constructed wetlands treating swine wastewater; Poach ME et al.; Ammonia (NH3) volatilization is an undesirable mechanism for the removal of nitrogen (N) from wastewater treatment wetlands . To minimize the potential for NH3 volatilization, it is important to determine how wetland design affects NH3 volatilization . The objective of this research was to determine how the presence of a pond section affects NH3 volatilization from constructed wetlands treating wastewater from a confined swine operation . Wastewater was added at different N loads to six constructed wetlands of the marsh-pond-marsh design that were located in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA . A large enclosure was used to measure NH3 volatilization from the marsh and pond sections of each wetland in July and August of 2001 . Ammonia volatilized from marsh and pond sections at rates ranging from 5 to 102 mg NH3-N m(-2) h(-1) . Pond sections exhibited a significantly greater increase in the rate of NH3 volatilization (p < 0.0001) than did either marsh section as N load increased . At N loads greater than 15 kg ha(-1) d(-1), NH3 volatilization accounted for 23 to 36% of the N load . Furthermore, NH3 volatilization was the dominant (54-79%) N removal mechanism at N loads greater than 15 kg ha(-1) d(-1) . Without the pond sections, NH3 volatilization would have been a minor contributor (less than 12%) to the N balance of these wetlands . To minimize NH3 volatilization, continuous marsh systems should be preferred over marsh-pond-marsh systems for the treatment of wastewater from confined animal operations.

Environ Sci Technol, 2004 Jun 1, 38(11), 3068 - 73
Solving problems resulting from solutions: evolution of a dual nutrient management strategy for the eutrophying Neuse River Estuary, North Carolina; Paerl HW et al.; In estuaries, phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) inputs generally control freshwater and saltwater primary production, respectively . Improved wastewater P removal and a P-detergent ban in the late 1980s decreased P loading to the nutrient over-enriched Neuse River Estuary, NC, without a contemporaneous reduction in N loading . This led to a decrease in upstream freshwater phytoplankton production and a reduction in nuisance algal blooms . While this nutrient management approach appeared to be effective in reducing the symptoms of freshwater eutrophication, it may have also diminished the upstream algal N filter, promoting N enrichment, relative to P enrichment, and eutrophication of the more saline downstream N-limited waters . Recent N controls implemented by the State of North Carolina should help address the problem . These findings underscore the need for watershed- and basin-scale, dual nutrient (N and P) reduction strategies that consider the entire freshwater--marine continuum as well as hydrologic variability (e.g., hurricanes, floods, droughts) when formulating long-term controls of estuarine eutrophication.

Water Res, 2004 Jul, 38(12), 2939 - 47
Municipal-treated wastewater reuse for plant nurseries irrigation; Lubello C et al.; Results of an experiment aimed at assessing the possibility of reusing reclaimed wastewater for nursery ornamental plants are presented . Tests were carried out in Pistoia (Italy) . A pilot plant for tertiary treatment (filtration and peracetic acid + UV disinfection) of the local wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent was set up . An experimental plot with six containerized ornamental species was irrigated with the tertiary effluent and growth and physiological parameters were monitored . A control plot irrigated with fertigated water (nutrient-enriched groundwater) was also set up in order to compare the plants response to different kinds of irrigation water . The refinery treatment by filtration and disinfection with Peracetic Acid (PAA) and UV together was very effective in bacteria removal . The value of 2 MPN of Total Coliforms in 100 ml set by Italian law (until June 2003) for unrestricted irrigation was constantly satisfied . Agronomic results indicate no major limitations to the use of a tertiary effluent as an irrigation source in an ornamental plant nursery . The nutrient content of the tertiary effluent was able to maintain good plant growth as well as fertigated water for most of the tested species.

Water Res, 2004 Jul, 38(12), 2811 - 20
Electrochemical removal of chromium from wastewater by using carbon aerogel electrodes; Rana P et al.; A study has been carried out to determine the feasibility of electrochemical removal of chromium ions from industrial wastewater using carbon aerogel electrodes . In this work the effect of key variables including pH (2-7), concentration 2-8 (mg/l), and charge 0.3-1.3 (A h) was determined . The metal ion removal was significantly increased at reduced pH and high charge conditions . The metal concentration in the wastewater can be reduced by 98.5% under high charge (0.8A h) and acidic conditions (pH 2) . The effect of the independent parameters--pH, effluent concentration and charge on the percentage removal was depicted by a quadratic equation obtained using Box-Behnken model . The regression analysis gave a R2 value of 0.9469 shows a close fit between the experimental results and the model predictions . The model was further used to optimise the parameters to maximise the percentage Cr-removal to more than 98%.

Water Res, 2004 Jul, 38(12), 2795 - 809
Factors affecting the rejection of organic solutes during NF/RO treatment--a literature review; Bellona C et al.; The incomplete rejection of certain pesticides, disinfection by-products, endocrine disrupting compounds, and pharmaceutically active compounds has been reported during full- and pilot-scale high-pressure membrane applications . Since the removal of these compounds in water and wastewater treatment applications is of great importance where a high product water quality is desired, an understanding of the factors affecting the permeation of solutes in high-pressure membrane systems is needed . In this paper, findings of a comprehensive literature review are reported, targeting membrane rejection mechanisms and factors affecting rejection . The following key solute parameters were identified to primarily affect solute rejection: molecular weight (MW), molecular size (length and width), acid disassociation constant (pKa), hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity (log Kow), and diffusion coefficient (Dp) . Key membrane properties affecting rejection that were identified include molecular weight cut-off, pore size, surface charge (measured as zeta potential), hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity (measured as contact angle), and surface morphology (measured as roughness) . In addition, feed water composition, such as pH, ionic strength, hardness, and the presence of organic matter, was also identified as having an influence on solute rejection . From the knowledge gained during the literature review, a rejection diagram was proposed, which qualitatively allows prediction of solute rejection if certain solute and membrane properties are known.

J Med Entomol, 2000 Jan, 37(1), 58 - 64
Soil chemistries define aquatic habitats with immature populations of the Culicoides variipennis complex (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae); Schmidtmann ET et al.; Aquatic habitats with immature populations of the Culicoides variipennis (Coquillett) complex were sampled across the United States and tested for soil chemistry parameters . Indicators of organic loading, phosphate, percentage of organic matter, and nitrate were high for C . variipennis and C . sonorensis, reflecting the common occurrence of larvae in sediments contaminated with livestock waste; these factors were low in western playa lake habitats with immature C . occidentalis . Levels of salt-forming ions and indicators of salinity, notably sodium, chloride, magnesium, sulfate, boron, and conductivity, were elevated in substrates supporting all 3 species, with values that declined from very high to high across the arid west to moderate east of the Mississippi river, and differed significantly among species . Concentrations of boron differed most strongly among habitats of the respective species, ranging from exceptionally high values in playa lake substrates with C . occidentalis, to high and moderate levels in western and southeastern sites with C . sonorensis, to moderate levels for substrates in the east with C . variipennis . The presence of C . sonorensis in dairy wastewater lagoons and saline springs in geographic regions that are otherwise inhabited by C . variipennis may reflect salinity factors that regulate the distribution of the C . variipennis complex.

Chemosphere, 2004 Aug, 56(5), 411 - 23
Elucidation of the behavior of tannery wastewater under advanced oxidation conditions; Schrank SG et al.; Diverse advanced oxidation process (AOP) techniques applying UV, TiO2/UV, O3 and O3/UV were used to degrade pollutants contained in tannery wastewater . The total mineralization of these pollutants is desirable, but it is quite energy consuming and sometimes impossible . Therefore the objective was to achieve an enhancement of biodegradability, preferentially with a decrease in toxicity in parallel . This work demonstrates that the dominant pollutants were chemically degraded by oxidation, while changes in carbon content were only marginal . These results were obtained monitoring the total organic carbon content (TOC), chemical and biochemical oxygen demand (COD and BOD), and substance-specific pollutant content by application of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS) . Daphnia magna toxicity testing performed in parallel proved a decrease in toxicity after AOP treatment of the tannery wastewater.

Euro Surveill . 2004 May 1;9(5) {Epub ahead of print}
Current situation of human diphyllobothriasis in Europe; Dupouy-Camet J et al.; Diphyllobothriasis, a parasitosis caused by the flatworm Diphyllobothrium latum, is contracted by consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish . The aim of this study was to evaluate the situation of this parasitosis during the past 20 years in Europe through the analysis of databases and search engines (Medline, Cabi Helminthological abstracts,Yahoo, Google), and through a questionnaire sent to a network of European parasitologists and to microbiological laboratories located on the shores of the large Alpine lakes . This study has shown that several dozen cases have been reported each year in Finland and Sweden, that there have been numerous cases in the French or Italian speaking areas of subalpine lakes, and that sporadic cases only have been observed in Austria, Spain, Greece, Romania, Poland and Norway . Over 30 cases have been identified on the Swiss shores of Lake Maggiore since 1990, and 70 cases on the Swiss and French shores of Lake Leman between 1993 and 2002 . Eight to 12% of perch fillets from Lake Leman and 7.8 % of perch from Lake Maggiore were infested with larvae . Contamination sources include marinated fish fillets in northern Europe, 'carpaccio di persico' in northern Italy, and perch and charr consumed raw or undercooked around Lake Leman . Factors allowing the continuation of the parasitic cycle include the continued dumping of wastewater into lakes, yachtsmen who also fish, and a possible animal reservoir.

Water Res, 2004 Jun, 38(11), 2746 - 56
Wastewater reuse potential analysis: implications for China's water resources management; Chu J et al.; It has been recognized that wastewater reuse or reclamation serves as an efficient and valuable way to cope with the scarcity of water resources and severity of water pollution . This paper presents the systematic framework of wastewater reuse potential estimation . Based on the regional disparities in China, a linear programming optimization model is developed to explore the potential wastewater reuse quantities, under physical and economic constraints . Sensitivity analysis and Robust Counterpart (RC) optimization are performed to discuss the influences of key parameters and the reuse quantity's decision making under uncertainty . Based on the model, effectiveness of different policy scenarios of water price changes are simulated and evaluated, providing information regarding China's water and wastewater management.

Sci Total Environ, 2004 Jul 26, 328(1-3), 265 - 73
Leaching behaviour of pharmaceuticals in soil-testing-systems: a part of an environmental risk assessment for groundwater protection; Oppel J et al.; The leaching behaviour of six selected pharmaceuticals was tested in different soils . Leaching experiments are a part of environmental risk assessment to estimate the distribution and fate of these pharmaceuticals in the environment . Based on the results of this assessment their mobility in soil and their potential to contaminate groundwater was evaluated . When assessing the leaching behaviour of these compounds, the influence of the properties (e.g . grain size distribution, pH, Corg) of different soils has to be taken into account . The test results indicated that the leaching potential found could be rated as low for diazepam, ibuprofen, ivermectin and carbamazepine . Therefore, contamination of the groundwater with these substances seems to be unlikely if the groundwater level is covered with sufficient layers of the soils investigated . Clofibric acid and iopromide were very mobile under the experimental conditions and thus, groundwater contamination would be possible if the soil is exposed to these pharmaceuticals, i.e . wastewater irrigation . These results are more or less in agreement with groundwater monitoring data found in the literature for ibuprofen and diazepam which were in general not present in groundwater, while clofibric acid and iopromide were frequently detected . However, a discrepancy was found for carbamazepine, since it occurs very often in groundwater . This discrepancy might be explained by the fact that the leaching tests were performed with soil, whereas in reality the groundwater contamination occurs mainly over river sediments and sub soil from receiving waters .

Sci Total Environ, 2004 Jul 26, 328(1-3), 219 - 36
The geochemistry of Seine River Basin particulate matter: distribution of an integrated metal pollution index; Meybeck M et al.; Spatial analysis (1994-2001) and temporal trends (1980-2000) for particulate-associated metals at key stations in the Seine River Basin have been determined using a new metal pollution index (MPI) . The MPI is based on the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn, normalized to calculated background levels estimated for each particulate matter samples for four fractions (clays and other aluminosilicates, carbonates, organic matter, and quartz) . Background levels ascribed to each fraction were determined from a specific set of samples collected from relatively pristine areas in the upper Seine basin and validated on prehistoric samples . The unitless MPI is designed to vary between 0 for pristine samples to 100 for the ones extremely impacted by human activities and to assess the trends of general metal contamination and its mapping . Throughout the Seine basin, MPI currently range from 1 to 40, but values exceeding 100 have been found in periurban streams and the Eure tributary . Based on the MPI spatial distribution, the Seine River Basin displays a wide range of anthropogenic impacts linked to variations in population density, stream order, wastewater discharges and industrial activities . Correlations between the MPI and other trace elements indicate that anthropogenic impacts also strongly affect the concentrations of Ag, Sb, and P, marginally affect the concentrations of Ba, Ni, and Cr, and appear to have little effect on the concentrations of Li, Be, V, Co, and the major elements . Temporal MPI trends can also be reconstituted from past regulatory surveys . In the early 1980s, MPI were 2-5 times higher than nowadays at most locations, particularly downstream of Greater Paris where it reached levels as high as 250 (now 40), a value characteristic of present Paris urban sewage . The exceptional contamination of the Seine basin is gradually improving over the last 20 years but remains very high .

Sci Total Environ, 2004 Jul 26, 328(1-3), 119 - 30
Urban contribution of pharmaceuticals and other organic wastewater contaminants to streams during differing flow conditions; Kolpin DW et al.; During 2001, 76 water samples were collected upstream and downstream of select towns and cities in Iowa during high-, normal- and low-flow conditions to determine the contribution of urban centers to concentrations of pharmaceuticals and other organic wastewater contaminants (OWCs) in streams under varying flow conditions . The towns ranged in population from approximately 2000 to 200,000 . Overall, one or more OWCs were detected in 98.7% of the samples collected, with 62 of the 105 compounds being found . The most frequently detected compounds were metolachlor (pesticide), cholesterol (plant and animal sterol), caffeine (stimulant), beta-sitosterol (plant sterol) and 1,7-dimethylxanthine (caffeine degradate) . The number of OWCs detected decreased as streamflow increased from low- (51 compounds detected) to normal- (28) to high-flow (24) conditions . Antibiotics and other prescription drugs were only frequently detected during low-flow conditions . During low-flow conditions, 15 compounds (out of the 23) and ten compound groups (out of 11) detected in more than 10% of the streams sampled had significantly greater concentrations in samples collected downstream than in those collected upstream of the urban centers . Conversely, no significant differences in the concentrations were found during high-flow conditions . Thus, the urban contribution of OWCs to streams became progressively muted as streamflow increased .

Waste Manag Res, 2004 Apr, 22(2), 115 - 28
Numerical analysis of the anaerobic co-digestion of the organic fraction from municipal solid waste and wastewater: prediction of the possible performances at Olmeto plant in Perugia (Italy); Viotti P et al.; Anaerobic digestion is mainly used for sewage sludge stabilization and for treatment of waste that has a high organic content . It also represents a powerful method for obtaining energy by means of natural gas production . Co-digestion particularly combines different organic substrates to generate a homogeneous mixture as input to the anaerobic reactor in order to increase process performance . Reactions kinetics and knowledge of process analysis represent the keys for good planning and correct management . In this paper a model to simulate the main reactions involved in anaerobic co-digestion is presented . The model was created to analyse the possible performance of the treatment plant in Olmeto, Marsciano (Perugia) in Italy . The plant is still in an experimental phase with regard to the co-digestion process and numerical simulations represent a useful tool during development of the correct management procedures for the operational phase and a good methodoly for addressing further pilot plant experiments.

Biomed Environ Sci, 2004 Mar, 17(1), 87 - 100
Water quality assessment of the River Nile system: an overview; Wahaab RA et al.; OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the present article is to assess and evaluate the characteristics of the Nile water system, and identify the major sources of pollution and its environmental and health consequences . The article is also aimed to highlight the importance of water management via re-use and recycle of treated effluents for industrial purpose and for cultivation of desert land . METHOD: An intensive effort was made by the authors to collect, assess and compile the available data about the River Nile . Physico-chemical analyses were conducted to check the validity of the collected data . For the determination of micro-pollutants, Gas Chromatography (GC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were used . Heavy metals were also determined to investigate the level of industrial pollution in the river system . RESULTS: The available data revealed that the river receives a large quantity of industrial, agriculture and domestic wastewater . It is worth mentioning that the river is still able to recover in virtually all the locations, with very little exception . This is due to the high dilution ratio . The collected data confirmed the presence of high concentrations of chromium and manganese in all sediment samples . The residues of organo-chlorine insecticides were detected in virtually all locations . However, the levels of such residues are usually below the limit set by the WHO for use as drinking water . The most polluted lakes are Lake Maryut and Lake Manzala . Groundwater pollution is closely related to adjacent (polluted) surface waters . High concentrations of nutrients, E . coli, sulfur, heavy metals, etc . have been observed in the shallow groundwater, largely surpassing WHO standards for drinking water use . CONCLUSION: A regular and continuous monitoring scheme shall be developed for the River Nile system . The environmental law shall be enforced to prohibit the discharge of wastewater (agricultural, domestic or industrial) to River Nile system.

Huan Jing Ke Xue, 2004 Mar, 25(2), 89 - 93
{Treatment of wastewater containing Cr(VI) by LDH synthesizing in situ}; Chen TH et al.; The objective of this work was to investigate the efficiency and factors impacting of removal Cr(VI) from wastewater by layer double hydroxide synthesizing in situ . Principle of the method may be described as follow: Mg2+ and Al3+ hydrolysis and forms Mg/Al-LDH by adding Mg2+, Al3+ and NaOH into wastewater containing Cr(VI), Cr(VI) anions are selectively intercalated into interlayer of LDH to balance positive structural charge . While Mg2+ and Al3+ co-precipitates and forms LDH, the Cr(VI) in wastewater is removal by settle of LDH synthesizing in situ, which are confirmed by analysis of X-ray diffraction on settle and chemical analysis on aqueous . The results indicate that factors of impacting on efficiency of removal Cr(VI) include in amount of adding Mg2+ and Al3+, Mg/Al ratio, pH and concentration of Cr(VI) in wastewater . The maximal removal efficiency of Cr(VI) can be reached when pH values are between 8.5 and 9, and Mg/Al ratios are between 1:1 and 2:1, meanwhile, Mg and Al added can be taken good use of . This technology has present extraordinary efficiency of wastewater treatment.

Huan Jing Ke Xue, 2004 Mar, 25(2), 81 - 4
{Decolorization conditions for reactive brilliant blue KN-R by three fungi}; Jin ZH et al.; Seventeen strains with wideranging decolorization ability were screened from contaminated soil and were applied on the decoloring of dye wastewater . Three strains were selected due to their high decolorization capacity on azo dyes, anthraquinone dyes and triphenylmethane dyes . The three strains were named as Strain I, Strain II, Strain III . This three superior strains were identified as penicillium link (Strain I & strain II) and Cephalosporium corda (strain III) . Using aqueous samples, the influences of several factors on decolorization were reported, such as pH, carbon source, temperature and so on . And then applying of these strains for treatment of actual wastewater have also been done . The results showed that the optimal pH, temperature and carbon source were 5-9, 18-37 degrees C and 0.5% respectively, under those conditions the decolorization removal rate was 70% . And these fungi have a good prospect for the treatment of dye wastewater.

Huan Jing Ke Xue, 2004 Mar, 25(2), 61 - 6
{Speciation and distribution characters of rare earth elements in the Baotou Section of the Yellow River}; He J et al.; As a whole of water column, suspended matter and surface sediment in the mainstream and the branch taking up industry wastewater, speciation and distribution characters of rare earth elements (REEs) were investigated systemically in the Baotou section of the Yellow River . This study shows that rare earth elements in the mainstream of the Baotou section of the Yellow River mainly exist in suspended particles, and the dissolved contents are in extremely minute quantities . REEs mainly exist in dissolved particles in the branch taking up industry wastewater, and suspended sigma REE and dissolved sigma REE are obviously higher than those in the mainstream . The change of sigma REE of dissolved particles in water phase along the Baotou section of the Yellow River is very similar to that of sigma REE of suspended particles, and consistent along the main river, it is that sigma REE increase appreciably from the control profile to the keystone discharged section, come to a head in the D site and reduce in the E site . This distribution pattern indicates pile industry wastewater of Baotou to rare earth elements in the mainstream of the Yellow River, particularly LREE . The REE distribution in the mainstream of the Baotou section of the Yellow River is the same, with LREE enrichment and Eu depletion . But LREE origin of D site is different from the other sites by excursion of LREE distribution curve and other geochemical parameters, they are origin of industry wastewater piled, otherwise the other four sites are origin of loess altiplano . And HREE are origin of loess altiplano in all the sites . The speciation characteristics of REE in the sediments and suspended matter are quite similar with the amount in as follows: residual >> bound to carbonates, bound to Fe-Mn oxides > bound to organic matter >> exchangeable . REEs exchangeable in surface sediment and suspended matter in the branch taking up industry wastewater are higher than those in the mainstream, it confirms that REEs in the mainstream mainly exist in suspended particles, and mainly exist in dissolved particles in the branch.

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2004 Aug, 65(2), 143 - 8 Epub 2004 Jun 09.
The effects of extracellular polymeric substances on the formation and stability of biogranules; Liu YQ et al.; Biogranulation is a promising biotechnology developed for wastewater treatment . Biogranules exhibit a matrix microbial structure, and intensive research has shown that extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a major component of the biogranule matrix material in both anaerobic and aerobic granules . This paper aims to review the role of EPS in biogranulation, factors influencing EPS production, the effect of EPS on cell surface properties of biogranules, and the relationship of EPS to the structural stability of biogranules . EPS production is substantially enhanced when the microbial community is subject to stressful culture conditions, and the stimulated EPS production in the microbial matrix in turn favours the formation of anaerobic and aerobic granules . EPS can also play an essential role in maintaining the integrity and stability of spatial structure in mature biogranules . It is expected that this paper can provide deep insights into the functions of EPS in the biogranulation process.

Curr Opin Microbiol, 2004 Jun, 7(3), 206 - 9
Microbial risk assessment: don't forget the children; Nwachuku N et al.; Quantitative microbial risk assessment is a rapidly developing field with a purpose to quantify risks of infection, disease and mortality from the environmental exposure of pathogens . It is currently being applied to the development of standards for drinking water, wastewater re-use and foods . A growing body of evidence indicates that the greatest risk of infection for enteric pathogens is for persons less than 19 years of age . Children are more likely to become ill from consumption of contaminated drinking water and recreational activities . These increased risks may be because immunological, neurological and digestive systems are still developing . In addition, children are more environmentally exposed to pathogens . For some enteric pathogens children may be the greatest at risk population.

Environ Monit Assess, 2004 Jul, 95(1-3), 117 - 24
Appropriate preservation of dairy wastewater samples for environmental analysis; Ulery AL et al.; Thousands of gallons of water are used in dairies to wash cows before milking and for cleaning equipment . The wastewater generated contains elevated levels of organic matter and pollutants, including nitrogen that once converted, may contaminate groundwater with nitrate . This study was conducted to determine the amount of sulfuric acid needed to preserve wastewater samples from a New Mexico dairy in the southwestern U.S . Titrations of wastewater from a local dairy using full strength (18 M) sulfuric acid were performed to determine the amount of acid needed to bring the pH of the sample to below two, the recommended pH for sample preservation . An average of 0.33 mL of acid was required for every 100 mL of wastewater . Due to sample variability, we recommend that 0.4 mL sulfuric acid be added for every 100 mL dairy wastewater sample to ensure adequate acidification . This quantity is twice the amount currently recommended in U.S . Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(7), 8 - 16
Applying sustainable water management concepts in rural and urban areas: some thoughts about reasons, means and needs; Wilderer PA; Serving the world population with adequate drinking water and sanitation is an important prerequisite, not only to hygienic safety, but to prosperity and political stability as well, and will foster the adaptive capacity of the societies in the developing countries and beyond . To avoid hygienic and political disasters impacting the world economy, investment in water supply and sanitation must urgently be made . Whether the classical system of urban water supply and sanitation is appropriate to satisfy the needs of the developing world, however, and whether this system meets the general criteria of sustainability is questionable . The costs and the time needed for installation of sewers and wastewater treatment plants are tremendous . In water shortage areas, the amount of tap water required to transport pollutants to the treatment plant is hardly affordable . Recovery and re-introduction of valuable substances, including water, into the urban cycle of materials is impossible because of mixing and dilution effects inherent in the system . Decentralized water and wastewater management should be seriously taken into account as an alternative . Source separation of specific fractions of domestic and industrial wastewater, separate treatment of these fractions and recovery of water and raw materials including fertilizer and energy are the main characteristics of modern high-tech on-site treatment/reuse systems . Mass production of the key components of the system could reduce the costs of the treatment units to a reasonable level . On-site units could be installed independently of the development stage of the urban sewer system . In conjunction with building new housing complexes a stepwise improvement of the hygienic situation in urban and peri-urban areas could be achieved, therefore . Remote control of the satellite systems using modern telecommunication methods would allow reliable operation, and comfort for the users . Intensive research is required, however, to develop this system and bring it to a standard allowing efficient application worldwide.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(8), 19 - 25
Environmental education for all engineers; Jahan K et al.; Environmental engineering education at universities is a rapidly changing field globally . Traditionally it has resided in the civil engineering program addressing water and wastewater quality, treatment, design and regulatory issues . In recent years environmental engineering has become a much broader field encompassing water, wastewater, soil pollution, air pollution, risk assessment, ecosystems, human health, toxicology, sustainable development, regulatory aspects and much more . The need to introduce environmental engineering/green engineering/pollution prevention/design for the environment concepts to undergraduate engineering students has become recognized to be increasingly important . This need is being driven in part through the US Engineering Accreditation Commission Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology criteria 2000 . Thus there has been a major shift in environmental engineering education and it no longer resides only within the civil engineering discipline . This paper focuses on the development of innovative curricula for a brand new engineering program at Rowan University that integrates environmental education for all engineers . A common course known as "engineering clinic" was developed for all engineering students throughout their eight semesters of engineering education . One of the clinic goals is to integrate engineering design and the environment . The program, in its seventh year, indicates successful implementation of environmental education in all four engineering disciplines in their course work and clinics.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(8), 1 - 10
Environmental engineering education for developing countries: framework for the future; Ujang Z et al.; This paper presents the existing philosophy, approach, criteria and delivery of environmental engineering education (E3) for developing countries . In general, environmental engineering is being taught in almost all major universities in developing countries, mostly under civil engineering degree programmes . There is an urgent need to address specific inputs that are particularly important for developing countries with respect to the reality of urbanisation and industrialisation . The main component of E3 in the near future will remain on basic sanitation in most developing countries, with special emphasis on the consumer-demand approach . In order to substantially overcome environmental problems in developing countries, E3 should include integrated urban water management, sustainable sanitation, appropriate technology, cleaner production, wastewater minimisation and financial framework.

J Environ Sci Health B, 2004 May, 39(3), 483 - 90
A comparison of swine wastewater treatment using real-time and fixed-time two-stage sequencing batch reactors; Lo KV et al.; This study compared the swine wastewater treatment of two identical lab-scale two-stage sequencing batch reactors (TSSBR) under similar conditions except that one was operated on a fixed-time mode and the other on a real-time mode . While both TSSBR systems performed very well, the real-time TSSBR performed far better then the fixed-time TSSBR, in every aspect of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous removal . The removals of COD, TOC, were at 97% and for BOD5 even at 99.7% . In terms of NH4-N and TKN removals, the real-time TSSBR achieved removal of over 98% . For phosphorus removals (Ortho-P and total P) the results from the real-time TSSBR was quite remarkable at 97.7%.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2004 Jun, 70(6), 3776 - 80
Distribution of Giardia duodenalis genotypes and subgenotypes in raw urban wastewater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Sulaiman IM et al.; Giardia cysts in 131 raw wastewater samples from Milwaukee, Wis., were genotyped by sequence analysis of the triosephosphate isomerase gene which showed the presence of two distinct genotypes (assemblages A and B) of Giardia duodenalis . Of the 131 samples, 111 belonged to assemblage A, and the remaining samples belonged to assemblage B . A high degree of genetic polymorphism was evident within the assemblage B cluster, with 10 distinct subgenotypes identified, eight of which have not been reported before.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2004 Jun, 70(6), 3346 - 51
Evidence for the presence of Simkania negevensis in drinking water and in reclaimed wastewater in Israel; Kahane S et al.; Simkania negevensis is a recently discovered chlamydia-like intracellular microorganism which has been associated with bronchiolitis in infants and with community-acquired pneumonia in adults; a high seroprevalence of antibodies to the microorganism has been found in various population groups . S . negevensis can be grown in various cell lines as well as in free-living amoebae such as Acanthamoeba polyphaga . In this study, evidence for the existence of Simkania or Simkania-like microorganisms in drinking water and in reclaimed wastewater is presented for the first time . Detection of the microorganism was made possible by the development of a specific and sensitive filter membrane immunoassay and was confirmed by PCR detection of microbial DNA in the water samples . The common presence of S . negevensis in water sources together with the high seroprevalence of antibodies to it and early age of acquisition of infection may implicate water as a source of infection . The possible significance of this finding for public health and for municipal water testing and treatment needs to be further examined.

Environ Toxicol Chem, 2004 May, 23(5), 1129 - 35
Physicochemical and toxicological studies on 4-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid in aqueous solutions; Lopez JL et al.; Physicochemical characterization of hazardous compounds often is required for the development of structure-reactivity correlations . Physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of target pollutants require determination for an efficient application of wastewater treatments . In the present work, we chose a chloro-nitro-aromatic derivative (4-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid {CDNBA}), as a model compound on which to perform physicochemical and toxicological studies . Several properties of CDNBA are not available in the literature, although many aromatic nitro-compounds are considered hazardous materials . Measurements of solubility in water, acid dissociation constant, and kinetic parameters for the nucleophilic substitution of chlorine atom in alkaline media are reported . We also performed cytotoxicity studies of CDNBA and ultraviolet-irradiated CDNBA solutions . From the analysis of CDNBA solubility in water at different temperatures, an enthalpy of solution of 23.2 +/- 2.5 kJ/mol was found . The study of the acid dissociation constant Kc by using conductivity measurements and the modified Gran's method yielded values for the equilibrium constant Ka of 2.36 x 10(-3) and 2.26 x 10(-3), respectively . The bimolecular rate constant for the reaction of CDNB- and hydroxyl ion (HO) measured at room temperature and 0.1 M of ionic strength was 5.92/M x s, and the activation energy for this process was 70.7 +/- 3.4 kJ/mol . Cytotoxicity assays with aqueous suspensions of Tetrahymena pyriformis showed lethal effects due to the pH change induced by CDNBA . On the other hand, in buffered solutions, a value of 104.47 microM was observed for the median effective concentration, that is, the concentration of CDNBA at which the proliferation was restricted to one half of the blank . Irradiation of CDNBA solutions increased the toxicity, suggesting the formation of intermediate products with higher cytotoxicity effects.

Environ Sci Technol, 2004 May 1, 38(9), 2729 - 36
Highly efficient liquid-phase photooxidation of an azo dye methyl orange over novel nanostructured porous titanate-based fiber of self-supported radially aligned H2Ti8O17 x 1.5H2O nanorods; Bao N et al.; Novel nanostructured porous fibers of self-supported, radially aligned H2Ti8O17 x 1.5H2O nanorods were prepared from layered H2Ti4O9 x 1.2H2O tetratitanate fibers by novel solvothermal reaction in glycerine at 150-250 degrees C . The H2Ti8O17 x 1.5H2O fibers with diameters of 0.5-1.5 microm and lengths of 10-20 microm consist of multi-scale nanopores and nanostructures . They also are of high crystallinity, large surface area of 127 m2 g(-1), and stable phase up to 350 degrees C . Photocatalytic activity of the H2Ti8O17 x 1.5H2O fibers was evaluated in aqueous photooxidation of an azo dye methyl orange in the presence of UV irradiation and 02, using P-25 as the standard sample . Both the photocatalytic activity and the dispersity-agglomeration property of H2Ti8O17 x 1.5H2O fibers are pH-controllable . Highly photooxidative activity, superior to that of P-25, occurs at pH 6.0-11.0 due to certain distinguishable material characteristics and to large amounts of adsorbed reactants of surface active OH* free radicals, surface hydroxyl OH, O2*-, O*OH, and methyl orange . The agglomeration of H2Ti8O17 x 1.5H2O fibers becomes more serious from pH 2.0 to pH 5.0 and from pH 6.0 to pH 11.0 . Well-dispersed H2Ti8O17 x 1.5H2O fibers occur at pH 6.0 . Both the total photodegradation of waste chemicals and the entire sedimentation of H2Ti8O17 x 1.5H2O fibers can be timed to end simultaneously at suitable pH value . The photocatalyst-free reaction solution is then easily removed, and the fresh wastewater is added again . Standard unit operation processes of chemical engineering are used to design a continuous, low-cost, large-scale, liquid-phase photocatalysis technique based on the H2Ti8O17 x 1.5H2O fibers.

Environ Sci Technol, 2004 May 1, 38(9), 2568 - 73
Atmospheric concentrations and deposition of polychorinated biphenyls to the Hudson River Estuary; Totten LA et al.; The first estimates of atmospheric deposition fluxes of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to the Hudson River Estuary are presented . Concentrations of PCBs were measured in air, aerosol, and precipitation at nine sites representing a variety of land-use regimes at regular intervals from October 1997 through May 2001 . Highest concentrations in the gas phase were observed at urban sites such as Camden and Jersey City (sigmaPCB concentrations averaged 3250 and 1260 pg m(-3), respectively) . In great portions of the state encompassing forested, coastal, and suburban environments, gas-phase sigmaPCB concentrations were essentially the same (averaging 150-220 pg m(-3)) . This spatial trend suggests that atmospheric PCBs arise from highly localized, urban sources which influence atmospheric concentrations and deposition fluxes over a distance of a few tens of kilometers . Atmospheric sigmaPCB deposition fluxes (gas absorption + dry particle deposition + wet deposition) ranged from 7.3 to 340 microg m(-2) yr(-1) and increased with proximity to urban areas . While the magnitude of the fluxes increased with urbanization,the relative proportions of wet, dry, and gaseous deposition remained largely constant . Because the Hudson River Estuary is adjacent to urban areas such as Jersey City, it is subject to higher depositional fluxes of PCBs . These depositional fluxes are at least 2-10 times those estimated for the Chesapeake Bay and Lake Michigan . Inputs of PCBs to the Hudson River Estuary from the upper Hudson River and from wastewater treatment plants are 8-18 times atmospheric inputs, and volatilization of PCBs from the estuary exceeds atmospheric deposition of low molecular weight PCBs.

J Colloid Interface Sci, 2004 Jul 15, 275(2), 360 - 7
Binding of ionic surfactants to purified humic acid; Koopal LK et al.; The binding of organic contaminants to dissolved humic acids reduces the free concentration of the contaminants in the environment and also may cause changes to the solution properties of humic acids . Surfactants are a special class of contaminants that are introduced into the environment either through wastewater or by site-specific contamination . The amphiphilic nature of both surfactants and humic acids can easily lead to their mutual attraction and consequently affect the solution behavior of the humics . Binding of an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) and two cationic surfactants (dodecyl- and cetylpyridinium chloride, DPC and CPC) to purified Aldrich humic acid (PAHA) is studied at pH values of 5, 7, and 10 in solutions with a 0.025 M ionic strength (I) . Monomer concentrations of the surfactants are measured with a surfactant-selective electrode . At I = 0.025 M, no significant binding is observed between the anionic surfactant (SDS) and PAHA, whereas the two cationic surfactants (DPC, CPC) bind strongly to PAHA over the pH range investigated . The binding is due both to electrostatic and hydrophobic attraction . The initial affinity increases with increasing pH (i.e., negative charge of PAHA) and tail length of the surfactant . Binding reaches a pseudo-plateau value (2-5 mmol/g) when the charge associated with PAHA is neutralized by that of the bound surfactant molecules . The pseudo-plateau values for DPC and CPC are very similar and depend on the solution pH . The cationic surfactant-PAHA complexes precipitate when the charge neutralization point is reached . This occurs at approximately 10% of the critical micelle concentration or CMC . This type of phase separation commonly occurs during surfactant binding to oppositely charged polyelectrolytes . For CPC, the precipitation is complete, but in the case of DPC, a noticeable fraction of PAHA remains in solution . At very low CPC concentrations (less than 0.1% of the CMC), CPC binding to PAHA is cooperative . The investigated range of concentrations for DPC was too limited to reach a similar conclusion . The results of this study demonstrate that the fate of humic acids will be strongly affected by the presence of low cationic surfactant concentrations in aqueous environmental systems .

J Hazard Mater, 2004 Jun 18, 109(1-3), 37 - 44
Removal of sulfide, sulfate and sulfite ions by electro coagulation; Murugananthan M et al.; The removal of various species of sulfur from beamhouse of tannery wastewater and also from synthetic samples was studied by electro-flotation technique . Consumable anodes of iron and aluminum and insoluble anode of titanium were tested as anodes . It was found that iron and aluminum anodes were effective for the removal of suspended solids, sulfide, sulfite and sulfate . Progress of simultaneous coagulation of suspended solids during electro-flotation was measured using particle size analysis . Coagulation was found to be essential for effective flotation of suspended solids . Metal ions generated in situ by electrolytic oxidation of anode were found to react with dissolved sulfide ions . Metal sulfides thus formed as colloidal suspension were coagulated and floated simultaneously by hydrogen bubbles generated from cathode . Simultaneous occurrence of precipitation, coagulation and flotation was observed during electro-flotation . X-ray diffraction studies were conducted to identify the nature of sulfide phase formed during electrolytic precipitation . The effect of pH, current density and initial concentration of pollutants was studied and the results are discussed . The removal of sulfite and sulfate ions is explained by zeta-potential measurements.

Toxicol Lett, 2004 Jun 15, 151(1), 63 - 8
Heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Cu) in the Karoon waterway river, Iran; Diagomanolin V et al.; Environmental pollution is a world-wide problem, heavy metals belonging to the most important pollutants . The progress of industries has led to increased emission of pollutants into ecosystems . Karoon is the biggest and only navigable river in the South of Iran . Along the Karoon industrial units such as piping, steel, paint making, agriculture, paper mill, fish cultivation, abbottiors, electroplating industries drain their wastewater into the river . In this study, the concentrations of heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Cu) in the Karoon river have been determined . Samples were collected from 16 stations along the river, in winter and spring 1996 . Heavy metal concentrations were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry . The minimal and maximal concentrations of these metals in winter were 69.3-110.7, 1.7-118.3, and 5.5-70.3 microg/l, for Ni, Cr, and Cu, respectively . The minimal and maximal concentrations of these metals in spring were 41.0-60.7, 0.7-19.8, and 0.5-28.7 microg/l, for Ni, Cr, and Cu, respectively . The results show that the pollution has increased along the river, down to the estuary at the Persian Gulf.

J Hazard Mater, 2004 Jan 30, 106(2-3), 127 - 32
Electrodialytic removal of cadmium from wastewater sludge; Jakobsen MR et al.; This paper presents for the first time laboratory results demonstrating electrodialytic removal of Cd from wastewater sludge, which is a method originally developed for soil remediation . During the remediation a stirred suspension of wastewater sludge was exposed to an electric dc field . The liquid/solid (ml/g fresh sludge) ratio was between 1.4 and 2 . Three experiments were performed where the sludge was suspended in distilled water, citric acid or HNO3 . The experimental conditions were otherwise identical . The Cd removal in the three experiments was 69, 70 and 67%, respectively, thus the removal was approximately the same . Chemical extraction experiments with acidic solutions showed that 5-10 times more Cd could be extracted from decomposed sludge than from fresh sludge . It is likely that the mobilization of Cd during decomposition of the sludge contributes to the efficient removal of Cd by the electrodialytic method . Extraction experiments and electrodialytic remediation using distilled water as enhancement agent showed that 0.3% Cd could be extracted from decomposed sludge during 1 week in closed flasks, whereas 69% was removed during 2 weeks of electrodialytic remediation in a stirred solution in contact with atmospheric air . A combination of aerobic decomposition and electrodialytic treatment could be a promising method for Cd removal from wastewater sludge, and thus Cd could be removed without the addition of chemicals to the sludge .

J Hazard Mater, 2004 Jan 30, 106(2-3), 93 - 9
Poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate-n-vinyl imidazole) beads for heavy metal removal; Kara A et al.; Poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate-n-vinyl imidazole) {poly(EGDMA-VIM)} hydrogel (average diameter 150-200 microm) was prepared by copolymerizing ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) with n-vinyl imidazole (VIM) . The copolymer hydrogel bead composition was characterized by elemental analysis and found to contain 5 EGDMA monomer units each VIM monomer unit . Poly(EGDMA-VIM) beads had a specific surface area of 59.8 m2/g . Poly(EGDMA-VIM) beads were characterized by swelling studies and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) . These poly(EGDMA-VIM) beads with a swelling ratio of 78% were used for the heavy metal removal studies . Chelation capacity of the beads for the selected metal ions, i.e., Cd(II), Hg(II) and Pb(II) were investigated in aqueous media containing different amounts of these ions (10-750 mg/l) and at different pH values (3.0-7.0) . Chelation rate was very fast . The maximum chelation capacities of the poly(EGDMA-VIM) beads were 69.4 mg/g for Cd(II), 114.8 mg/g for Pb(II) and 163.5 mg/g for Hg(II) . The affinity order on molar basis was observed as follows: Hg(II) > Cd(II) > Pb(II) . Chelation behavior of heavy metal ions could be modelled using both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms . pH significantly affected the chelation capacity of VIM incorporated beads . Chelation of heavy metal ions from synthetic wastewater was also studied . The chelation capacities are 45.6 mg/g for Cd(II), 74.2 mg/g for Hg(II) and 92.5 mg/g for Pb(II) at 0.5 mmol/l initial metal concentration . Regeneration of the chelating-beads was easily performed with 0.1 M HNO3 . These features make poly(EGDMA-VIM) beads potential candidate adsorbent for heavy metal removal .

Sci Total Environ, 2004 Jul 5, 327(1-3), 175 - 84
Pollution loads in urban runoff and sanitary wastewater; Taebi A et al.; While more attention has been paid in recent years to urban point source pollution control through the establishment of wastewater treatment plants in many developing countries, no considerable planning nor any serious measures have been taken to control urban non-point source pollution (urban stormwater runoff) . The present study is a screening analysis to investigate the pollution loads in urban runoff compared to point source loads as a first prerequisite for planning and management of receiving water quality . To compare pollutant loads from point and non-point urban sources, the pollutant load is expressed as the weight of pollutant per hectare area per year (kg/ha.year) . Unit loads were estimated in stormwater runoff, raw sanitary wastewater and secondary treatment effluents in Isfahan, Iran . Results indicate that the annual pollution load in urban runoff is lower than the annual pollution load in sanitary wastewater in areas with low precipitation but it is higher in areas with high precipitation . Two options, namely, advanced treatment (in lieu of secondary treatment) of sanitary wastewater and urban runoff quality control systems (such as detention ponds) were investigated as controlling systems for pollution discharges into receiving waters . The results revealed that for Isfahan, as a low precipitation urban area, advanced treatment is a more suitable option, but for high precipitation urban areas, urban surface runoff quality control installations were more effective for suspended solids and oxygen-demanding matter controls, and that advanced treatment is the more effective option for nutrient control.

Water Environ Res, 2004 Mar-Apr, 76(2), 183 - 8
Comparison of oxygen-transfer measurement methods under process conditions; Capela S et al.; The objective of this paper is to compare the following four methods of measuring oxygen transfer in wastewater treatment plants under process conditions: the offgas, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), reaeration, and in situ oxygen uptake rate (OUR) methods . Comparative tests were performed under controlled conditions in a pilot column and in six full-scale oxidation ditches equipped with fine-bubble diffusers and slow-speed mixers . The offgas and H2O2 methods give similar results (differences between the oxygen-transfer coefficients under field conditions {k(L)a(f)} from each method lower than 10%) . The reaeration procedure gives more random results (differences from -5 to -43% compared with values obtained using the offgas method) . The in situ OUR method, in the presence of a horizontal flow of mixed liquor, leads to an estimate of k(L)a(f) to within 15% of the offgas value.

Water Environ Res, 2004 Mar-Apr, 76(2), 121 - 9
Water-extractable phosphorus in biosolids: implications for land-based recycling; Brandt RC et al.; Phosphorus-based nutrient management will inevitably be required for land application of biosolids . Water-extractable phosphorus (WEP) in livestock manures is an indicator of phosphorus loss from agricultural watersheds and this study evaluated its use for biosolids . The WEP to total phosphorus percentage (PWEP) in 41 biosolids (representing a variety of wastewater and solids treatment processes) was compared to dairy and poultry manures and triple superphosphate fertilizer . The mean PWEP for conventionally treated and stabilized biosolids was 2.4%, which was significantly lower than inorganic fertilizer (85%), dairy manure (52%), and poultry manure (21%) . Low biosolids PWEP is attributed to elevated aluminum and iron content from chemical additions during wastewater treatment and solids dewatering operations . Facilities using biological phosphorus removal had the highest mean biosolids PWEP (approximately 14%), whereas heat-dried biosolids had the lowest average PWEP (< approximately 0.5%) . Paired samples of digested cake and the corresponding biosolids treated by processes to further reduce pathogens (i.e., thermal treatment, composting, and advanced alkaline stabilization) showed that these processes tended to reduce biosolids PWEP . Biosolids composition and processing mode exert a controlling influence on the potential for off-site phosphorus migration at land-application sites . Nutrient management policies for land-based recycling should account for the widely varying potential of organic amendments to cause soluble phosphorus losses in runoff and leaching.

Water Environ Res, 2004 Mar-Apr, 76(2), 113 - 20
Formation of free cyanide and cyanogen chloride from chloramination of publicly owned treatment works secondary effluent: laboratory study with model compounds; Zheng A et al.; The potential generation of cyanide species in wastewater upon chlorination in the presence of residual ammonia (resulting in chloramine formation) was investigated in experiments with synthetic solutions and publicly owned treatment works (POTW) secondary effluent . This study demonstrated that low concentrations (approximately 5 to 25 microg/L as cyanide) of cyanogen chloride (CNCI), a highly toxic cyanide species not measured in total or free cyanide analyses, could be detected as a result of chloramination reactions in POTW secondary effluent . The potential for chloramination of nitrogen-bearing organic compounds to yield CNCl and/or free cyanide was demonstrated in experiments with synthetic solutions spiked with selected precursor organics: L-serine, benzene, catechin, and humic acid . The amino acid L-serine yielded the largest concentrations of CNCI upon chloramination . Additionally, detectable cyanide (approximately 10 microg/L) was observed in solutions of L-serine and in POTW secondary effluent that was chloraminated followed by dechlorination to prevent destruction of any free cyanide produced . Thus, chlorination of POTW secondary effluent containing residual ammonia can lead to chloramination of organic compounds and the resulting production of CNCl and free cyanide.

Water Environ Res, 2004 Mar-Apr, 76(2), 101 - 12
The occurrence of cyanide formation in six full-scale publicly owned treatment works; Zheng A et al.; This paper presents results from an intensive monitoring program implemented at six full-scale publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) to investigate the fate and formation of cyanide in wastewater treatment processes, with a focus on chlorination and dechlorination processes . A review of historical monitoring data for cyanide species in these POTWs was also conducted . This POTW monitoring program provided a database for the investigation of cyanide formation in wastewater secondary treatment . Data from participating POTWs showed evidence of cyanide formation in this 1-year monitoring effort, although the cyanide formation pattern varied significantly from one plant to another and among seasons . Generally, the chlorination of thiocyanate (SCN-) seems to be the most important mechanism for the formation of cyanide in wastewater treatment processes, especially in chlorination and dechlorination . This hypothesis is supported by the findings of a related laboratory study of mechanisms of cyanide formation in POTWs . It is recommended that POTWs monitor SCN in influent and secondary effluent to identify its presence and adjust chlorine dose appropriately.

Environ Manage, 2003 Dec, 32(6), 735 - 46
Components of the total water balance of an urban catchment; Mitchell VG et al.; A daily model was used to quantify the components of the total urban water balance of the Curtin catchment, Canberra, Australia . For this catchment, the mean annual rainfall was found to be three times greater than imported potable water, and the sum of the output from the separate stormwater and wastewater systems exceeded the input of imported potable water by some 50% . Seasonal and annual variations in climate exert a very strong influence over the relative magnitude of the water balance components; this needs to be accounted for when assessing the potential for utilizing stormwater and wastewater within an urban catchment.

Water Res, 2004 May, 38(10), 2505 - 14
Making chlorine greener: investigation of alternatives to sulfite for dechlorination; Bedner M et al.; Inorganic and organic chloramines pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems that are exposed to discharges of treated and disinfected wastewater . Conventionally practiced dechlorination with sulfite reduces the most refractory organic chloramines too slowly to produce wastewater effluents that meet current ecosystem protection criteria in the United States (i.e . total residual chlorine < or =0.011mg Cl(2)/L in freshwaters) . Seeking faster dechlorinating agents, we have measured the rates that four test chloramines (NH(2)Cl, N-Cl-piperidine, N-Cl-leucylalanine and N-Cl-alanylalanine) react with 10 selected reducing agents at pH 7.4 and pH 8.4 . The aqueous-phase reducing agents that offer speed advantages over sulfite alone include dithionite, thiosulfate, and iodide-mediated sulfite . Ascorbic acid was the most reactive of the sulfur-free agents but was found to be slow relative to sulfite . The potential biological oxygen demand might constrain the choice of aqueous reductants . Metallic iron is shown to reduce inorganic and organic chloramines effectively . The implications of these results for wastewater chlorine reduction and analysis are discussed.

Bioresour Technol, 2004 Sep, 94(2), 219 - 22
Heavy metals removal by the microalga Scenedesmus incrassatulus in continuous cultures; Pena-Castro JM et al.; The microalga Scenedesmus incrassatulus was grown under continuous regime in the presence of chromium(VI), cadmium(II) and copper(II), as single metal species and as mixtures of two or three metals, in a laboratory scale system . We used an artificial wastewater with low free ion activities (as determined by MINEQL+) due to the presence of EDTA (a strong chelating agent) but with total concentrations not suitable for acceptable environments . Chromium(VI) and cadmium(II) had positive interaction that increased the removal percentages of both these metals; we could not, however, detect any interaction with copper(II) . S . incrassatulus was able to remove all the tested metals to some extent (25-78%), but bivalent metals were not removed as efficiently as reported in batch cultures, probably due to the high pH values there recorded . Chromium(VI) was more efficiently removed in continuous cultures than in batch culture, because the uptake of chromate could be favored by actively growing algae .

Bioresour Technol, 2004 Sep, 94(2), 215 - 8
Influence of the origin of the inoculum and the acclimation strategy on the degradation of 4-chlorophenol; Moreno G et al.; The influence of the inoculum source and the acclimation strategy on the 4-chlorophenol (4CP) degradation in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was studied . Three different sources of inocula were obtained from the aeration tank of domestic, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants . The acclimation was performed using two strategies, the first one fixing the reaction time, independent of the removal efficiency (fixed time) and the second one fixing a removal efficiency of 90% as 4CP (variable time) . The degradative activity was followed for each condition . Bacterial identification was carried out at the beginning and at the end of the experiments . Variable time strategy produced a microbial community with higher specific activity compared with those obtained for the fixed time strategy . The microbial activity was dependent of the origin of the inoculum . Each inoculum presented different specific activity to 4CP degradation . It was observed that the use of the fixed time strategy for the acclimation reduced the bacterial community diversity .

Bioresour Technol, 2004 Sep, 94(2), 129 - 35
Pecan shell-based granular activated carbon for treatment of chemical oxygen demand (COD) in municipal wastewater; Bansode RR et al.; The present investigation was undertaken to compare the adsorption efficiency of pecan shell-based granular activated carbon with the adsorption efficiency of the commercial carbon Filtrasorb 200 with respect to uptake of the organic components responsible for the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of municipal wastewater . Adsorption efficiencies for these two sets of carbons (experimental and commercial) were analyzed by the Freundlich adsorption model . The results indicate that steam-activated and acid-activated pecan shell-based carbons had higher adsorption for organic matter measured as COD, than carbon dioxide-activated pecan shell-based carbon or Filtrasorb 200 at all the carbon dosages used during the experiment . The higher adsorption may be related to surface area as the two carbons with the highest surface area also had the highest organic matter adsorption . These results show that granular activated carbons made from agricultural waste (pecan shells) can be used with greater effectiveness for organic matter removal from municipal wastewater than a coal-based commercial carbon .

Environ Pollut, 2004 Jul, 130(2), 229 - 38
Tracing sewage pollution using linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) in surface sediments at the south end of the Southern California Bight; Macias-Zamora JV et al.; Distribution and isomeric composition of LABs in surface marine sediments were evaluated at the southern end of the southern California Bight . LABs are used as tracers of wastewater discharges . The area studied extends from the Mexico-USA border to the Todos Santos Bay, Baja California in the south . The area was partitioned into a northern, central and a southern stratum . GC-MS was used for the analysis of LABs concentration . The average value of total LABs concentration was 17.4, 32.0 and 24.9 ng/g for the north, central and southern strata, respectively . LABs were not correlated with either sediments grain size (%<63 microm) or sediment organic carbon contents . The highest concentrations values of LABs were found in the northern and central strata near the 200 m isobath . Based on the I/E index, the estimated average percentage degradation was 21.3, 15.9, and 8.4% for the northern, central and southern strata respectively . Based on the isomeric composition of LABs, the largest degradation value was found in the northern stations . Internal isomers did not show significant enrichment, however, short-chained isomers (LAB(10), LAB(11)) showed enrichment . It was found that 67 out of the 68 stations measured had concentrations above detection limits . This suggests extensive contact of wastewater discharges with marine sediments in the area . An estimate of the amount of LABs per year based on detergent consumption per capita is provided.

Methods Mol Biol, 2004, 268, 163 - 76
Detection and differentiation of Cryptosporidium oocysts in water by PCR-RFLP; Xiao L et al.; Consumption of contaminated water has been implicated as a major source of Cryptosporidium infection in various outbreak investigations and case control studies . Surveys conducted in various regions of the United States demonstrated the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in 67-100% of wastewaters, 24-100% of surface waters, and 17-26.8% of drinking waters . The identity and human infective potential of these waterborne oocysts are not known, although it is likely that not all oocysts are from human-infecting Cryptosporidium species . Likewise, the source of the oocyst contamination is also not fully clear . Farm animals and human sewage discharge are generally considered to be the major sources of surface water contamination with C . parvum . Because Cryptosporidium infection is common in wildlife, it is conceivable that wildlife can also be a source for Cryptosporidium oocysts in waters . The presence of host-adapted Cryptosporidium spp . and genotypes makes it possible to develop molecular tools to assess the human infection potential and source of Cryptosporidium oocysts in water.Currently, the identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts in environmental samples is largely made by the use of immunofluorescent assay (IFA) after concentration processes (Environmental Protection Agency {EPA} recommended information collection rule {ICR} method or method 1622/1623 or similar techniques) . Because IFA detects oocysts from all Cryptosporidium parasites, the species distribution of Cryptosporidium parasites in environmental samples cannot be assessed . Although many surface water samples contain Cryptosporidium oocysts, it is unlikely that all these oocysts are from human-pathogenic species or genotypes, because only five genotypes of Cryptosporidium parasites (the C . parvum human and bovine genotypes, C . meleagridis, C . canis, and C . felis) are responsible for most human infections . Information on the source of C . parvum contamination is necessary for effective evaluation and selection of management practices for reducing C . parvum contamination of surface water and the risk of cryptosporidiosis . Thus, identification of oocysts to species and genotype levels is of public health importance.

J Air Waste Manag Assoc, 2002 Jan, 52(1), 76 - 83
Use of treated bark for the removal of lipids from water; Haussard M et al.; Raw, biologically treated bark and bark impregnated with transition metal ions were used to retain the lipids from synthetic emulsions . Several experimental parameters affecting the lipid removal efficiency (RE) were studied (initial concentration of lipids, temperature, time, pH, carboxylic acid chain length, etc.) . Saturated bark was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and light microscopy, and the treated bark wetting index was determined . Results show that lipid removal can exceed 95% of the initial concentration at a pH lower than 7 . The uptake of lipids by these sorbents varied from 0.2 to 2.5 g/g of dry bark . Trials for regenerating the sorbent saturated by lipids allowed the recovery of approximately 95% of lipids . The calorific value of the saturated bark was approximately 79% that of domestic fuel and can be considered as an energy source, thus avoiding its waste disposal . These results may upgrade the treatment of wastewater generated by several industrial sectors, such as the food industry, surface treatment, and so on.

Environ Res, 2004 Jun, 95(2), 184 - 97
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorobiphenyls in wastewaters and sewage sludges from the Paris area (France); Blanchard M et al.; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were investigated during 1999-2000 in the sewerage system to the Seine Aval treatment plant which drains the Paris area (France) . Contamination of sludges from storage chambers indicated a local origin typical of motor car traffic with PAH concentrations (Sigma16) ranging from 14 to 31 mg kg(-1) of dry weight, pyrene/fluoranthene ratios ranging between 1.12 and 1.48 and PCB concentrations (Sigma7) ranging from 0.07 to 0.65 mg kg(-1) of dry weight . In the same way, sludges from sand removal tanks displayed PAH values related to the importance of traffic whereas PCBs were rather characteristic of a diffuse origin . Among the five sewers entering the Seine Aval treatment plant, Clichy Argenteuil, which drains a large industrial area, was the most polluted one (PAHs as Sigma3, 10 kg year(-1); PCBs as Sigma7, 3.5 kg year(-1)) . Seasonal variations were observed for PAHs with higher levels in winter in relation with the occurrence of combustion processes . Ninety-eight percent of the PAHs and 76% of the PCBs were extracted during the treatment plant processes, the primary clarifier of which retained 50% of the pollutants . Fluoranthene and PCB concentrations in the final dehydrated sludge (mean values) were 1.07 and 0.623 mg kg(-1) of dry weight, respectively . For PCBs, a significant correlation was found (r=0.668, P<0.001) between wastewater and dehydrated sludge concentrations . Yearly measured amounts of PAHs (Sigma3) were twice higher in sludges (76.3 kg) than in precipitations (37.7 kg) whereas those of PCBs (Sigma7) brought by total atmospheric fallout (17.6 kg) and sludges (21.1 kg) did not differ significantly.

J Chromatogr A, 2004 May 21, 1036(2), 183 - 8
Cloud point extraction for high-performance liquid chromatographic speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions; Tang AN et al.; Cloud point extraction (CPE) was applied as a preconcentration step for HPLC speciation of chromium in aqueous solutions . Simultaneous preconcentration of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions was achieved by CPE with diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) as the chelating agent and Triton X-114 as the extractant . Baseline separation of the DDTC chelates of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) was realized on a RP-C18 column with the use of a mixture of methanol-water-acetonitrile (65:21:14, v/v) buffered with 0.05 M NaAc-HAc solution (pH 3.6) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 ml min(-1) . The precision (R.S.D.) for eight replicate injections of a mixture of 100 microg l(-1) of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were 0.6 and 0.5% for the retention time, 4.1 and 4.6% for the peak area measurement, respectively . The concentration factor, which is defined as the concentration ratio of the analyte in the final diluted surfactant-rich extract ready for HPLC separation and in the initial solution, was 65 for Cr(III) and 19 for Cr(VI) . The linear concentration range was from 50 to 1000 microg l(-1) for Cr(III) and 50-2000 microg l(-1) for Cr(VI) . The detection limits of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were 3.4 and 5.2 microg l(-1), respectively . The developed method was applied to the speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in snow water, river water, seawater and wastewater samples.

Int J Food Microbiol, 2004 May 1, 92(3), 307 - 15
Heterotrophic plate count methodology in the United States; Reasoner DJ; In the United States (US), the history of bacterial plate counting (BPC) methods used for water can be traced largely through Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (Standard Methods) . The bacterial count method has evolved from the original Standard Methods (1st edition, 1905) plate count which used nutrient gelatin and incubation at 20 degrees C for 48 h, to the HPC method options in the latest edition of Standard Methods that provide greater flexibility of application, depending on the data needs of the water analyst . The use of agar-agar as a gelling agent, replacing gelatin, allowed the use of higher incubation temperatures and resulted in the "body temperature count" (37 degrees C) found in the 3rd through the 8th edition of Standard Methods . The change from 37 degrees C incubation to 35+/-0.5 degrees C accommodated laboratories that did both milk and water analyses . By using a single temperature, fewer incubators were needed . The term "standard plate count" (SPC) first appeared in 1960 (11th edition) along with plate count agar . Incubation at 20 degrees C for the plate count was dropped from the 13th to 15th editions and few changes were made in the SPC method from the 11th edition through the 13th editions . Plate count analysis of bottled waters was included in the 14th edition (1975), calling for incubation at 35+/-0.5 degrees C for 72+/-4 h . Perhaps the most significant changes in plate count methods occurred with the 16th edition (1985) . The term heterotrophic plate count replaced the standard plate count, and the spread plate (SP) and membrane filter (MF) methods were added along with new media for pour and spread plates (R2A agar and NWRI agar, both low nutrient) and for the membrane filter method (mHPC medium) . The use of low nutrient media, lower incubation temperature, and longer incubation times, results in higher plate count results for most water samples . The options currently available, including low and high nutrient media, incubation temperatures (20 degrees C, 28 degrees C or 35 degrees C), plating methods (pour plate (PP), spread plate and membrane filter) and range of incubation times (24, 48, 72 h and 5-7 days) provide great flexibility in the application of the HPC analysis to drinking water.

Water Res, 2004 May, 38(9), 2276 - 83
Atrazine degradation in anaerobic environment by a mixed microbial consortium; Ghosh PK et al.; Atrazine degradation by anaerobic mixed culture microorganism in co-metabolic process and in absence of external carbon and nitrogen source was studied at influent atrazine concentration range of 0.5-15 mg/l . Wastewater of desired characteristic was prepared by the addition of various constituents in distilled water spiked with atrazine . In co-metabolic process, dextrose of various concentrations (150-2000 mg/l) was supplied as external carbon source . The reactors were operated in sequential batch mode in which 20% of treated effluent was replaced by the same amount of fresh wastewater everyday, thus maintaining a hydraulic retention time (HRT) equal to 5 days . In co-metabolic process, 40-50% of influent atrazine degradation was observed . First-order atrazine degradation rate (expressed in day(-1)) was better in co-metabolic process (5.5 x 10(-4)) than in absence of external carbon source (2.5 x 10(-5)) or carbon and nitrogen source (1.67 x 10(-5)) . In presence of 2000 mg/l of dextrose, atrazine degradation was between 8% and 15% only . Maximum atrazine degradation was observed from wastewater containing 300 mg/l of dextrose and 5mg/l of atrazine . Influent atrazine concentration did not have much effect on the methanogenic bacteria which was clear from methane gas production and specific methanogenic activity (SMA).

Environ Monit Assess, 2004 Jun, 94(1-3), 163 - 78
Environmental impacts of dispersed development from federal infrastructure projects; Southerland MT; Dispersed development, also referred to as urban growth or sprawl, is a pattern of low-density development spread over previously rural landscapes . Such growth can result in adverse impacts to air quality, water quality, human health, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, agricultural land, military training areas, water supply and wastewater treatment, recreational resources, viewscapes, and cultural resources . The U.S . Environmental Protection Agency (U.S . EPA) is charged with protecting public health and the environment, which includes consideration of impacts from dispersed development . Specifically, because federal infrastructure projects can affect the progress of dispersed development, the secondary impacts resulting from it must be assessed in documents prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) . The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has oversight for NEPA and Section 309 of the Clean Air Act requires that U.S . EPA review and comment on federal agency NEPA documents . The adverse effects of dispersed development can be induced by federal infrastructure projects including transportation, built infrastructure, modifications in natural infrastructure, public land conversion and redevelopment of properties, construction of federal facilities, and large traffic or major growth generation developments requiring federal permits . This paper presents an approach that U.S . EPA reviewers and NEPA practitioners can use to provide accurate, realistic, and consistent analysis of secondary impacts of dispersed development resulting from federal infrastructure projects . It also presents 24 measures that can be used to mitigate adverse impacts from dispersed development by modifying project location and design, participating in preservation or restoration activities, or informing and supporting local communities in planning.

Environ Mol Mutagen, 2004, 43(4), 235 - 42
DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of individuals residing near a wastewater drain and using underground water resources; Gandhi G et al.; Mahal is a linear village settlement situated about 0.5 km from an open waste-water drain, the Tung Dhab drain, which carries effluents from local industrial sites . Villagers generally have a low-to-middle socio-economic status and use ground water or a combination of ground water and tap water for drinking and for their other daily activities . The land in and around Mahal is used for agriculture and is irrigated by water from the Tung Dhab . The drain water contains heavy metals, and there is a possibility that these and other contaminants may reach the ground water table of Mahal and thereby compromise the health of the residents . The comet assay was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes from Mahal villagers and revealed statistically significant increases in DNA damage as compared to a control group that does not use ground water . DNA damage was also significantly related to the age of the villagers and to the length of residence in the village . In the absence of other environmental exposures, it is concluded that the elevated DNA damage in the villagers is a consequence of continuous utilization of contaminated ground water .

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2004 Apr, 39(4), 1107 - 27
Decolorization of azo dyes under batch anaerobic and sequential anaerobic/aerobic conditions; Isik M et al.; Batch anaerobic and sequential anaerobic upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB)/aerobic continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) were used to determine the color and COD removals under anaerobic/aerobic conditions . Two azo dyes namely "Reactive Black 5 (RB 5)," "Congo Red (CR)," and glucose as a carbon source were used for synthetic wastewater . The course of the decolorization process approximates to first order and zero order kinetics with respect to dye concentration for RB 5 and Congo Red azo dyes, respectively, in batch conditions . The decolorization kinetic constant (K0) values increased from 3.6 to 11.8 mg(L h)(-1) as increases in dye concentrations from 200 to 3200 mg L(-1) for CR . Increases in dye concentrations from 0 to 3200 mg L(-1) reduce the decolorization rate constant (k1) values from 0.0141 to 0.0019 h(-1) in batch studies performed with RB 5 . Decolorization was achieved effectively under test conditions but ultimate decolorization of azo dyes was not observed at all dye concentrations in batch assay conditions . Dye concentrations of 100 mg L(-1) and 3000 mg L(-1) of glucose-COD containing basal medium were used for continuous studies . The effect of organic loadings and HRT, on the color removal efficiencies and methane gas productions were monitored . 94.1-45.4% COD and 79-73% color removal efficiencies were obtained at an organic system during decolorization of Reactive Black 5 . 92.3-77.0% COD and 95.3-92.2% decolorization efficiencies were achieved at a organic loading rate of 1.03-6.65 kg (m3 day)(-1) and a HRT of 3.54-0.49 for Congo Red treatment . The results of this study showed that, although decolorization continued, COD removal efficiencies and methane gas production were depressed at high organic loadings under anaerobic conditions . Furthermore, VFA accumulation, alkalinity consumption, and methane gas percentage were monitored at organic loading as high as 2.49-4.74 kg (m3 day)(-1) and 24.60-30.62 kg (m3 day)(-1), respectively, through the decolorization of RB 5 and CR dyes in the UASB reactor.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2004 Apr, 39(4), 1095 - 106
Activated carbons application to remove nonionic surfactants from wastewater produced by an Italian metallurgic plant; Baciocchi R et al.; The performance of different activated carbons for the removal of nonionic surfactants from metallurgic wastewater was assessed through lab scale experiments . Two different matrices were used: a simple one, obtained by dissolving different amounts of a single nonionic surfactant (Triton X100) in distilled water, and a complex matrix, prepared as above but using surfactants-free wastewater from an Italian metallurgic plant as solvent . In this way the main operative parameters that affect the adsorption process in the simple matrix have been studied avoiding the interference due to the complex matrix: then the results were utilized to define and optimize the tests carried out on the complex matrix . The adsorption equilibrium experimental data were best fitted with a Langmuir isotherm, allowing defining the contact time and the proper design parameters for the adsorption column . The different tests were performed on four different activated carbon types, and the removal efficiency and the treatment cycle duration for each of the tested carbons were discussed and compared . The experimental results showed that the saturation adsorption capacity is not notably correlated either with the pH value or with the water matrix, whereas the slope of the isotherm, defined by the Henry constant, is sensibly higher at strong acidic or alcaline conditions, with a minimum value at nearly neutral pH . Therefore, it was concluded that the removal efficiency is maximized when the operative pH was in the 2-4-unit value range . The best activated carbon, in terms of removal efficiency, resulted to be a mineral activated carbon, characterized by the highest iodine number, and thus with the largest porosity . Removal efficiencies were in the 60 to 80% range.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2004 May, 39(5), 1301 - 18
Activated carbon from peach stones using phosphoric acid activation at medium temperatures; Kim DS; In the present study, the activation features of phosphoric acid have been investigated using waste peach stones as the raw material in the production of granular activated carbon . Thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis was conducted to characterize the thermal behavior of peach stone and titration method was used to evaluate the adsorption capacity of the produced activated carbon . It was observed that the iodine value of the activated carbon increased with activation temperature . However, temperatures higher than 500 degrees C caused a thermal destruction, which resulted in the decrease of the adsorption capacity . Activation longer than 1.5 h at 500 degrees C resulted in thermal degradation of the porous structure of the activated carbon . The adsorption capacity was enhanced with increasing of amounts of phosphoric acid, however, excessive phosphoric acid caused a decrease in the iodine value . In addition, it was found that the carbon yields generally decreased with activation temperature and activation time . Scanning electron microscopy analysis was conducted to observe the changes in the poros structure of the activated carbon produced in different temperatures . Activation of carbon by phosphoric acid was found to be superior to that by CaCl2 and gas activation . The activated carbon produced from peach stone was applied as an adsorbent in the treatment of synthesized wastewater containing cadmium ion and its adsorption capacity was found to be as good as that of the commercial one.

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng, 2004 May, 39(5), 1251 - 61
Color removal of reactive dyes from water by clinoptilolite; Armagan B et al.; The adsorption of reactive dyes on Gordes (Turkey) clinoptilolite was investigated by a series of batch and column adsorption experiments . Three reactive dyes (Everzol Black, Everzol Red, Everzol Yellow) were used in laboratory studies . Synthetic wastewaters were used and the ability of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) and their modified form were examined . The adsorption results, in batch and column reactor, indicate that natural zeolite have limited adsorption capacities of the reactive dyes but are substantially improved upon modifying their surfaces with quaternary amines (HTAB) . The degree of hydrophilicity is found to play an important role in the uptake of reactive dyes.

J Environ Sci (China), 2004, 16(2), 230 - 3
Effect of preozonation on improvement of settleability of solid in highly concentrated organic wastewater of Japanese wheat and sweet potato spirit-distillery; Tateda M et al.; Solid-liquid separation of the wastewater is very difficult because of high viscosity and high SS concentration . In this study, the effectiveness of preozonation on improving the settleability of the solids in wheat and sweet potato wastewaters was investigated using a bench-scale system and pilot treatment system respectively . Results showed that solid-liquid separation in the wheat wastewater was greatly improved by the decanter in the system (SS reduction from 24100 mg/L to 100 mg/L) . However, preozonation practice did not show a significant effect on solid-liquid separation of the sweet potato wastewater . Effect of preozonation on solid-liquid separation between wheat and sweet potato wastewater showed different.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(5-6), 435 - 42
Tertiary treatment of biologically treated piggery wastewater using vibratory shear-enhanced RO membrane; Lee J et al.; This study presents a good example for the tertiary treatment of biologically treated piggery wastewater using vibratory shear enhanced RO membrane (VSEP RO) . Through a simple process combination, utilizing Bioceramic SBR(BCS) and VSEP RO, at Gimhae plant livestock wastewater is treated excellently to meet the strict effluent standards . Application of RO membrane directly to the biologically treated effluent has been successful without any pretreatment to reduce high suspended solids . The combination of VESP UF followed by RO filtration processes produced a higher recovery rate in the 3-week pilot test.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(5-6), 421 - 5
Iron-mediated removal of ammonium from strong nitrogenous wastewater from food processing; Ivanov V et al.; The combination of microbial reduction and further microbial oxidation of iron was applied to the treatment of food-processing wastewater and recovery of ammonium . Fe2+ ions were formed by iron-reducing bacteria under anaerobic conditions . Ammonium was recovered by co-precipitation with negatively charged iron hydroxides produced during oxidation of Fe2+ by iron-oxidizing bacteria under microaerophilic conditions . The value-added by-product of this process can be used as a slowly released ammonium fertilizer.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(5-6), 405 - 12
Agricultural recycling of the by-product concentrate of livestock wastewater treatment plant processed with VSEP RO and bio-ceramic SBR; Yoon Y et al.; One of the problems in a reverse osmosis process for livestock wastewater treatment is disposal of the by-product concentrate . The agricultural recycling of the concentrate is more cost saving than a further treatment . Application of the concentrate reduces the chemical fertilizer amendment . The agricultural recycling of the concentrate from the Kimhae livestock wastewater treatment plant, processed with the VSEP RO and bio-ceramic SBR, was studied . The concentrate includes non-biodegradable humic ubstance and residual inorganic ions (NH4+, NO3-, PO4(3-), K+, etc.) . The contents of N, P and K were 1,650, 382 and 2,059 mg L(-1), respectively . The total acidity of humic acids extracted from the concentrate was 5.17 cmol(+) g(-1), composed of 2.38 cmol(+) g(-1) of carboxylic group and 2.79 cmol(+) g(-1) of phenolic hydroxyl group . Coliforms and E . coli were not detected in the concentrate . The yield of rice plant with the concentrate applied to it resulted in similar production to that with chemical fertilizer applied . The water extractable nitrate content of the concentrate-applied land did not exceed that of chemical fertilizer applied, at soil depths of 30 and 60 cm . The percolated amount of nitrate into the water table in arable land with the concentrate applied showed a similar level to that treated with the chemical fertilizer.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(5-6), 381 - 8
Application of chemical precipitation for piggery wastewater treatment; Lee SH et al.; Several series of experiments were conducted to investigate the treatment of piggery wastewater using chemical precipitation (CP) where various types of coagulants such as aluminium sulfate (Al2(SO4)3), poly aluminium chloride (PAC), ferric chloride (FeCl3), ferric sulfate (Fe2(SO4)3), ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and ferrous chloride (FeCl2) were used . Throughout the experiments, CP was found to achieve high removal efficiencies for organic compounds and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from the piggery wastewater . Experimental results showed the optimal doses of FeCl3, Fe2(SO4)3, FeCl2 and FeSO4 was 2.0 g/L, while 0.31 g/L and 2.5 g/L were the optimum dose for PAC and Al2(SO4)3, respectively . The pH range 4-5 resulted in the best performance to all coagulants except FeCl2 and FeSO4, whose optimum pH were more than 6 . Percentage removal efficiencies for COD were in the ranges of 70-80%, 90-95% for SS, 80-90% for organic-N and TP . Those removal efficiencies were achieved within 5 min of operation . Three times of repetition in CP resulted in higher removal efficiencies for COD, SS and colour up to 74%, 99% and 94% respectively, in which Al2(SO4)3 was used as the coagulant . Removal efficiencies of various water quality parameters in a continuously operated reactor were similar to those of the batch experiments . Biodegradable ratios (BOD5/COD) increased up to 65% after the application of CP.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(5-6), 367 - 72
Nitrogen and phosphorus removal from swine wastewater by intermittently aerated dynamic-flow system; Hur HW et al.; This study was performed to evaluate the effects of the volume fraction of an anaerobic reactor (VFAR) and SRT on the removal of T-N and T-P in both an intermittently aerated system (IAS) and intermittently aerated dynamic-flow system (IADS), respectively . When the VFAR in the total volume of reactor from both IAS and IADS are 13%, 7%, and 0% at 5 days of SRT, the removal efficiencies of T-P were 80-87%, 62-65% and <30%, respectively . However, it was observed from this study that the removal efficiencies of T-N and T-P were not correlated to VFAR at a predetermined SRT, producing greater than 5000 mg/L of MLVSS . Also, IADS was shown to have the greater buffer capacity and adaptability to resist the shock due to the loading of high concentration of N . Furthermore, IADS achieved over 80% of removal efficiency of N even at much lower C/N ratio of 4.7 . Therefore, it seems that IADS has the significant advantages over other biological nutrients removal processes.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(5-6), 289 - 94
Performance of constructed wetland treating wastewater from seafood industry; Yirong C et al.; Wastewater from seafood industry contains high concentrations of organic matter, nitrogen compounds, and solid matter . Constructed wetland can be used as tertiary treatment and for nutrient recycling . This research studied the performance of nitrogen and suspended solids removal efficiency of a constructed wetland treating wastewater from a seafood-processing factory located at Songkhla, southern Thailand . The existing constructed wetland has dimensions of 85 m, 352 m and 1.5 m in width, length and depth respectively, with an area of about 29,920 m2 . The water depth of 0.30 m is maintained in operation with plantation of cattails (Typha augustifolia) . Flow rate of influent ranged between 500-4,660 m3/d . Average hydraulic retention time in the constructed wetland was about 4.8 days . Influent and effluent from the constructed wetland were collected once a week and analyzed for pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), Suspended solid (SS), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), organic nitrogen (Org-N), nitrate (NO3-N), and nitrite (NO2-N) . The average removal efficiencies of BOD5, SS, TKN, NH3-N, and Org-N were 84%, 94%, 49%, 52% and 82%, respectively . It was found that the constructed wetland acting as a tertiary treatment process provided additional removal of BOD5, SS and TKN from wastewater from the seafood industry.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(5-6), 229 - 35
Activity of sulphate reducing bacteria according to COD/SO4(2-) ratio of acrylonitrile wastewater containing high sulphate; Byun IG et al.; This study was performed to evaluate the biodegradability of acrylonitrile wastewater, microbial inhibition effect of acrylonitrile wastewater on removal efficiency and the activity of sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) according to COD/sulphate ratio . Acrylonitrile wastewater was hardly biodegradable in a biodegradability test, however, SRB activity was 57% for overall consumption of electron donor and it was relatively high value compared to 17% of reference test with glucose . COD removal of acrylonitrile wastewater was improved to 57% and 61% from 20% as the COD/sulphate ratio were 0.5 and 0.3 by sulphate addition to acrylonitrile wastewater . First order reaction rate constants k on organic removal of acrylonitrile wastewater were 0.001, 0.004 and 0.004 at each COD/sulphate ratio of 0.9, 0.5 and 0.3 . Thus it was suggested that the activity of SRB was a significant factor for removing organics and sulphate simultaneously in acrylonitrile wastewater.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(5-6), 215 - 22
Ammonium nitrogen removal from slurry-type swine wastewater by pretreatment using struvite crystallization for nitrogen control of anaerobic digestion; Kim BU et al.; Precipitation of ammonium together with phosphate and magnesium is a possible alternative for lowering the nitrogen content of wastewater . In this study we examine the removal of ammonium nitrogen and phosphorus from slurry-type swine wastewater containing high concentrations of nutrients by the addition of phosphoric acid along with either calcium oxide or magnesium oxide, which leads to the crystallization of insoluble salts such as hydroxyapatite and struvite . The struvite crystallization method showed a high capacity for the removal of nitrogen when magnesium oxide and phosphoric acid were used as the magnesium and phosphate sources, respectively . When it was applied to swine wastewater containing a high concentration of nitrogen, the injection molar ratio of Mg2+:NH4+:PO4(3-) that gave maximum ammonium nitrogen removal was 3.0:1.0:1.5.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(5-6), 73 - 9
Factors affecting nitrogen removal by nitritation/denitritation; Jenicek P et al.; Nitrogen removal from wastewater with high nitrogen concentration and low COD/N ratio via nitrite is advantageous . The specific character of the sludge liquor enables the application of such a method . The factors affecting process efficiency were studied . From the factors followed pH, NH4+/NH3 and NO2-/HNO2 concentration and distribution seem to be most important, using sequencing batch reactor technology and treating wastewater with high NH4+ concentration (above 1 g/l) . The efficient oxidation of N-NH4+ to nitrite was achieved at a minimal nitrate production . Primary sludge was used as an internal source of substrate for the denitritation because of the organic substrate deficiency of the sludge liquor . The denitritation can be controlled by dosing of the primary sludge and can be complete . There are two operational alternatives of sludge liquor pretreatment: without pH control--lower operational costs and N-removal up to 65% and with pH control--higher operational costs and N-removal close to complete.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(5-6), 39 - 46
Nitrogen removal by recycle water nitritation as an attractive alternative for retrofit technologies in municipal wastewater treatment plants; Gil KI et al.; The recycle water from sludge processing in municipal wastewater treatment plants causes many serious problems in the efficiency and stability of the mainstream process . Thus, the design approach for recycle water is an important part of any biological nutrient removal system design when a retrofit technology is required for upgrading an existing plant . Moreover, the application of nitrogen removal from recycle water using the nitritation process has recently increased due to economic reasons associated with an effective carbon allocation as well as the minimization of aeration costs . However, for the actual application of recycle water nitritation, it has not been fully examined whether or not additional volume would be required in an existing plant . In this paper, the addition of recycle water nitritation to an existing plant was evaluated based on a volume analysis and estimation of final effluent quality . It was expected that using the reserve volume of the aeration tank in existing plants, recycle water nitritation could be applied to a plant without any enlargement . With the addition of recycle water nitritation, it was estimated that the final effluent quality would be improved and stabilized, especially in the winter season.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(5-6), 35 - 7
Some thoughts about future perspectives of water and wastewater management; Wilderer PA; The ideals of sustainability have a longer history than is sometimes realised, as they can be traced back to the insights of Von Carlowitz in 1713 . However in the intervening centuries early successes in sanitation based on the "flushing sewer" led engineers to focus too much on sewerage-based solutions that are increasingly uneconomic and unequal to the challenges arising from population growth and urbanisation . The future strategy for globally sustainable sanitation will surely involve source separation and recycling and reuse: these are the technologies that environmental scientists and engineers should now be addressing.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(5-6), 23 - 33
The environmental, economic and societal consequences of inadequate nitrogen pollution controls; Randall CW; Because adequate nutrient controls were not established in the USA and other countries when there were past opportunities to do so, nutrient pollution of estuaries and coastal waters has resulted in the impairment of ecosystems and major reductions or collapse of fisheries at numerous sites around the world, resulting in major economic and societal impacts . The root problem is that political policies and processes have permitted municipalities, developers, industries and farmers to expand and operate without paying the full cost of their activities . Their expanded activities have occurred at the expense and displacement of those who rely on the productivity and recreational value of our estuarine and coastal waters . Some governments have developed remedial nutrient control programs, but most of them have been poorly conceived, under funded and inadequately enforced, resulting in small increments of progress that tend to be lost because of inadequate land use and immigration controls . It is proposed that establishment of comprehensive nutrient controls is needed throughout the world to preserve and protect estuarine and coastal waters, and to protect or re-establish fisheries, for both economic and societal stability . Nitrogen is the key nutrient for the establishment of control strategies . It is recommended that nutrient recovery from wastewaters and controlled reuse of both water and nutrients be widely implemented as a part of nutrient control strategies.

Water Sci Technol, 2004, 49(5-6), 7 - 13
Human acceleration of the nitrogen cycle: drivers, consequences, and steps toward solutions; Howarth RW; Human activity has greatly altered the nitrogen cycle on Earth over the past few decades, with major effects on both human health and the ecological functioning of natural ecosystems, particularly coastal marine systems where nitrogen is now the largest pollution problem . Agriculture is the largest driver of this change, with pollution from fossil-fuel combustion being a smaller but still significant driver globally . Much of the nitrogen pollution from agriculture derives from animal-production systems, both as a direct result of nitrogen leakage to the atmosphere and waters from these systems, and from the demand for increased crop production that these animal-production systems demand . Wastewater from urban centers is also a significant component of the nitrogen problem, contributing 12% of the nitrogen pollution in rivers in the US, 25% in Europe, and 33% in China . Wastewater sources dominate the inputs of nitrogen to some coastal ecosystems, but globally and in most regions the non-point sources are larger . Many technical solutions to reducing nitrogen pollution exist, so to some extent the current problem reflects policy and political failures . Nonetheless, further technical solutions can and should be developed . These should recognize the significantly greater mobility of nitrogen than phosphorus in the environment.

Water Sci Technol, 2003, 48(10), 55 - 62
Assessment of sustainable water management for rapidly developing urban regions in Guangzhou City, China; Eastcott JL et al.; The Shawan River will be the focal point in the development of the Panyu District, the southern-most district of Guangzhou City in the Guangdong Province of South China . In this research, through the use of two scenarios, the future water quality of the Shawan River was predicted with relation to changes in the water quantity utilized to fuel industrial and domestic development . The worst-case scenario used, simulated the situation if no wastewater treatment was employed, and the best-case scenario simulated the situation if 90% of the pollution load was removed . The period of simulation was for the years 2020 and 2050 . Three flowrates were used in the evaluation, those of: the 90% probability of the month of lowest flow (37.2 m3/s); and the range of flowrates within the low flow period, that is, the dry season from November to February (307 and 432 m3/s) . Subsequently, two countermeasures (industrial and domestic water savings)--sustainable initiatives--were nested within the two scenarios to ascertain improvements in water quality as a direct result of reduction in water quantity used . The industrial water saving countermeasure showed the greatest improvement in water quality . For the 90% probability of lowest flow for the worst-case scenario, this countermeasure equated to a 63% decrease in BOD . For the low flow period flowrates the background concentration of pollutants was more influential than improvements imparted by the countermeasures to the future predicted water quality . It was recommended that industrial countermeasures be used that take into account water saving, water recycling, the use of brackish water for cooling, and the implementation of economic pricing initiatives . Also that inter-district governmental policy initiatives be introduced to prevent upstream pollution from influencing downstream proposals, further enhancing sustainable water management of the Shawan River.

Water Sci Technol, 2003, 48(10), 39 - 46
Measures for structural improvement with regard to the good status of water bodies--estimation of expenditure for a river basin in Germany; Grunebaum T et al.; To achieve the objective of "good chemical and ecological status" in water bodies as stipulated by the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) in particular, a package of measures geared to improving the water bodies' hydromorphology will be required . These upgrading measures can, to some extent, also be seen as an alternative to still more advanced measures in the field of wastewater treatment and stormwater treatment in the context of status improvement in water bodies . On account of the very high level of wastewater and stormwater treatment already achieved, additional efforts in this specific area would, as experience has shown, not only be extremely costly, but produce just moderate if not minor results . In an estimate of the funding required to achieve "good status" by hydromorphological change, undertaken for the Ruhr River Basin (German state of North Rhine-Westphalia), it was found that costs would be in the range of {symbol: see text} 200 million to {symbol: see text} 1 billion . This translates into inhabitant-specific costs of {symbol: see text} 100 to {symbol: see text} 500 per capita . All measures are to be put into practice within the scope of an integrated water body development concept, optimised with regard to space and time.

Water Sci Technol, 2003, 48(10), 25 - 32
Sustainable stormwater concepts as an essential instrument for river basin management; Becker M et al.; The Emscher system, with its open wastewater drains, has been undergoing reconstruction since 1990 . The watercourses, now relieved of the burden of wastewater, are being reconstituted as close to nature as possible . An important precondition, for which naturally orientated rainwater management concepts must be implemented in this densely populated region, is a homogenized run-off . Emschergenossenschaft has in recent years provided financial and conceptual support for the implementation of such changes . Present-day experience demonstrates that disconnection of 10% of impervious areas within the next fifteen years is a realistic target and consequently the aim for next year's work . As detailed studies using precipitation run-off models document, this will decisively improve the flood and minimum water situations of the small tributary watercourses in particular, which is important regarding the aims of the EU WFD.

J Environ Manage, 2004 Jan, 70(1), 43 - 7
Photocatalytic degradation of organic wastes by electrochemically assisted TiO2 photocatalytic system; Chen J et al.; Photocatalytic degradation of organic wastes with nanosized titanium dioxide particles has been studied for a long time in order to offer an appropriate method for wastewater treatment, but its practical application is greatly limited by the slow process . In this work, an electrochemically assisted TiO2 photocatalytic system was set-up by combining a TiO2 photocatalytic cell with a three-electrode potentiostatic unit . The composite system revealed high photocatalytic activity towards organic wastes mineralization . After continuous treatment for 0.5 h, the maximum absorption of rhodamine 6G (R-6G) was reduced by more than 90%; chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) of textile dye wastewater (TDW) were decreased by 93.9 and 88.7%, respectively . The biodegradability of TDW was also improved because the COD/BOD5 ratio decreased from 2.1 to 1.2 . All these results indicated that the composite system could be used for effective organic wastes mineralization or as a feasible detoxification and color removal pretreatment stage for biological post treatment.

J Chromatogr A, 2004 May 7, 1035(2), 195 - 202
Quantification from highly drifted and overlapped chromatographic peaks using second-order calibration methods; Comas E et al.; For determining low levels of pesticides and phenolic compounds in river and wastewater samples by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), solid phase extraction (SPE) is commonly used before the chromatographic separation . This preconcentration step is not necessarily selective for the analytes of interest and it may retain other compounds of similar characteristics as well . In this case, we present, humic and fulvic acids caused a large baseline drift and overlapped the analytes to be quantified . The inaccurate determinations of the area of the peaks of these analytes made it difficult to quantify them with univariate calibration . Here we compare three second-order calibration algorithms (generalized rank annihilation method (GRAM), parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS)) which efficiently solve this problem . These methods use second-order data, i.e., a matrix of responses for each peak, which is easily obtained with a high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) . With these methods, the area does not need to be directly measured and predictions are more accurate . They also save time and resources because they can quantify analytes even if the peaks are not resolved . GRAM and PARAFAC require trilinear data . Biased and imprecise concentrations (relative standard deviation, %R.S.D . = 34) were obtained without correcting the time-shift . Hence, a time-shift correction algorithm to align the peaks was needed to obtain accurate predictions . MCR-ALS was the most robust to the time-shift . All three algorithms provided similar mean predictions, which were comparable to those obtained when sulfite was added to the samples . However, the predictions for the different replicates were more similar for the second-order algorithms (%R.S.D . = 3) than the ones obtained by univariate calibration after the sulfite addition (%R.S.D . = 13).

J Biotechnol, 2004 May 27, 110(2), 159 - 70
Stability of the ANAMMOX process in a gas-lift reactor and a SBR; Dapena-Mora A et al.; In the last years, the ANAerobic AMMonium OXidation (ANAMMOX) process has been put forward as a promising alternative to treat ammonium rich wastewaters . An ANAMMOX gas-lift reactor and a sequential batch reactor (SBR) were operated during around 200 days in this study, reaching nitrogen loading rates (NLRs) of 2.0 and 0.75 g l(-1) per day, respectively . The efficiency in the nitrite (limiting substrate) removal was 99% . The ammonium and nitrite influent concentrations were increased stepwise until biomass in the reactors started to float . These flotation events coincided with periods when the NLR exceeded the maximum specific ANAMMOX activity (MSAA) of the sludge . The MSAA, determined in batch experiments, was 0.9 and 0.44 g g(-1) per day for biomasses from the gas-lift reactor and the SBR, respectively . Flotation of the biomass occurred most likely due to a granule density decrease caused by dinitrogen gas accumulation inside the granules and an apparent breakage of the granules . Further research is needed to understand this phenomenon and to optimise the corresponding strategies to counteract the flotation.

J Hazard Mater, 2004 May 20, 108(3), 161 - 9
Phytotoxicity and heavy metals speciation of stabilised sewage sludges; Fuentes A et al.; The presence of heavy metals in the sludges produced in wastewater treatment restricts plants growth and hence their use for agricultural purposes . This study looks at different types of sludges (aerobic, anaerobic, unstabilised and sludge from a waste stabilisation pond) and compares the distribution of the heavy metals that they contain according to the treatment that they have undergone . The sewage sludges were subjected to chemical characterisation and phytotoxicity testing (in absence of substrate) to provide a preliminary assessment of their suitability for land application . In addition, the total quantity of metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ca, K, Fe, Mg, Ni, Na, Pb and Zn) was determined . The Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) method for heavy metal speciation was followed . It was confirmed that the total concentration of heavy metals did not exceed the limits set out by European legislation and that the stabilisation treatment undergone by the sludges strongly influenced the heavy metal distribution and the phases to which they were associated . The sludge extracts did not exert any significant adverse effect on the relative seed germination (RSG) of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) or cress (Lepidium sativum L.), although the reduction in germination index (GI) indicates that some characteristics existed did have an adverse effect on root growth.

Chemosphere, 2004 Jul, 56(2), 141 - 7
Competitive adsorption characteristics of Co2+, Ni2+, and Cr3+ by IRN-77 cation exchange resin in synthesized wastewater; Kang SY et al.; Adsorption properties of Co2+, Ni2+, and Cr3+ on an Amberlite IRN-77 cation exchange resin were investigated in batch systems . Levels of adsorption rapidly approached an equilibrium state within 1 h . The adsorption characteristics of each metal onto the resin were accurately represented by Langmuir isotherms . Co2+ and Ni2+, which have an equivalent electrovalence, displayed similar levels of adsorption onto the resin when they coexisted in the solution . However, when Cr3+ was added to the solution it competitively replaced Co2+ and Ni2+ ions that had been previously adsorbed onto the resin, resulting in the desorption of these metals into the solution . The result was likely due to a higher adsorption affinity of Cr3+ relative to Co2+ and Ni2+ . This implies that interactively competitive adsorption of multi-cations onto the resin should be thoroughly considered when contemplating the efficient operation of an ion exchange process in the treatment of industrial wastewater.

Chemosphere, 2004 Jul, 56(2), 133 - 40
Decomposition of 2-mercaptothiazoline in aqueous solution by ozonation; Chen YH et al.; This study investigates the ozonation of 2-mercaptothiazoline (2-MT) . The 2-MT is one of the important organic additives for the electroplating solution of the printed wiring board industry and has been widely used as a corrosion inhibitor in many industrial processes . It is of concern for the aquatic pollution control especially in the wastewaters . Semibatch ozonation experiments in the completely stirred tank reactor are performed under various concentrations of input ozone . The concentrations of 2-MT, sulfate, and ammonium are analyzed at specified time intervals to elucidate the decomposition of 2-MT during the ozonation . In addition, the time variation of the dissolved ozone concentration (C(ALb)) is continuously monitored in the course of experiments . Total organic carbon (TOC) is chosen and measured as a mineralization index of the ozonation of 2-MT . The results indicate that the decomposition of 2-MT is efficient, while the mineralization of TOC is limited via the ozonation only . Simultaneously, the yield of sulfate with the maximum value of about 47% is characterized by the increases of TOC removal and ozone consumption . These results can provide some useful information for assessing the feasibility of the treatment of 2-MT in the aqueous solution by the ozonation.

Chemosphere, 2004 Jul, 56(2), 107 - 12
Petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surficial sediments of Xiamen Harbour and Yuan Dan Lake, China; Ou S et al.; Surficial sediments were sampled from nine stations in Xiamen Harbour and two stations in Yuan Dan Lake during April 2002 . Sediment samples were extracted by organic solvents, separated by silica gel column chromatography and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass selective detector (GC-MSD) . Selected ion monitoring was at M/Z=57 for petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) and individual M/Zs for each of the 15 typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nine alkylated PAHs . The results showed that concentrations of PHCs and total PAHs in the sediments of Yuan Dan Lake were 1397 microg g(-1) (dry weight, dw) and 1377 ng g(-1) (dw), respectively . The ranges for PHCs and total PAHs in the sediments from Xiamen Harbour were 133-943 microg g(-1) (dw) and 98-309 ng g(-1) (dw), respectively . Shipping activities, industrial wastewater discharges, fuel oil spillage from ships and vehicles were the main sources of PHCs and PAHs in the Harbour . In addition, the widespread use of coal for industrial processes and domestic consumption accounted for the second largest source of PAHs in the sediments, while atmospheric transport and deposition of PAHs are also important.

Chemosphere, 2004 Jul, 56(2), 91 - 106
Selective removal of the heavy metal ions from waters and industrial wastewaters by ion-exchange method; Dabrowski A et al.; By ion exchange undesirable ions are replaced by others which don't contribute to contamination of the environment . The method is technologically simple and enables efficient removal of even traces of impurities from solutions . Examples of selective removal of heavy metal ions by ion-exchange are presented . They include removal of Pb(II), Hg(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), V(IV,V), Cr(III,VI), Cu(II) and Zn(II) from water and industrial wastewaters by means various modern types of ion exchangers.

Environ Int, 2004 Aug, 30(6), 761 - 7
Long-term variations of folic acid concentrations in the Northern Adriatic; Plavsic M; Folic acid (FA), which belongs to B-group vitamins has recently been recognized as possible nutrient for some phytoplankton species (a diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum) . The beneficial role of FA in human health is widely documented . In some countries food fortification with FA has already become mandatory . FA is also used under commercial name of Dosfolat for the treatment of industrial and domestic wastewaters . This is an exploratory study on seasonal and depth variability of FA concentrations in the Northern Adriatic Sea (station 101-max depth 30 m, under the Po River influence) . Seawater samples were analysed in the period from February 1998 to February 2003 based on monthly determinations . Those preliminary findings showed that in the upper layer (10 m) FA concentrations were in the range from 0.1 to 28 nM . In the lower layer (20-30 m) FA concentrations were in the range from 0.1 to 12 nM . It was found that phytoplankton and microorganisms which are responsible for the production of FA in the Northern Adriatic (Station 101) were situated at the depth from 5 to 10 m . The observed water column and seasonal distributions depended on a sensitive balance between the production and the consumption of FA.

Eur J Epidemiol, 2004, 19(3), 259 - 62
Epidemiological evidence for vaccinating wastewater treatment plant workers against hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus; Arvanitidou M et al.; Exposed to sewage workers of a wastewater treatment plant and a control group in Thessaloniki, Greece, were examined for antibodies against hepatitis A (anti-HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection markers . The main objective of this study was to investigate for epidemiological evidence so as to recommend vaccination of the occupationally exposed workers against these viral infections . Antibodies against hepatitis A virus were detected in 65.7% of the wastewater treatment plant workers and in 32.6% of the control group . The prevalence of anti-HAV was significantly higher in less educated persons and was increasing with age (p < 0.001), whereas in logistic regression analysis the adjusted seroprevalence of wastewater treatment plant workers was 3.5 times higher (p < 0.01) than the control population . Serologic evidence of past HBV infection was observed in 32.4% of the exposed to sewage population and in 5.8% of the controls . Multivariate analysis showed that variables significantly and independently related to previous HBV infection was occupational exposure to sewage (OR: 5.81; 95% CI: 2.07-16.29) and age over 40 years old (OR: 4.49; 95% CI: 1.51-13.33) . These results support the vaccination policy of young and sensitive to hepatitis A and B virus wastewater treatment plant workers in our region.

Environ Technol, 2004 Feb, 25(2), 185 - 91
Removal of phosphorus from water using lignocellulosic material modified with iron species from acid mine drainage; Shin EW et al.; Lignocellulosic biosorbents, including juniper fiber, show promise as sorbents for removing pollutants from wastewater run-off because of their low cost . In this study, juniper fiber modified with iron species from acid mine drainage (AMD) was tested for its capacity to remove phosphorus from water compared to unmodified juniper fiber . In batch tests, the maximum adsorbate loading (Qmax) of phosphorus onto the modified adsorbent was 1.83 mg g(-1) at pH 4.0, obtained by fitting the isotherm results to the Langmuir isotherm model . This value is similar to the sorption capacity of other conventional adsorbents such as goethite, which implies that the modified lignocellulosic material would be effective as a sorbent for removing phosphorus from water . In the kinetic test, the pseudo-second order kinetic model fitted well the sorption of phosphorus onto the modified filter medium, showing the kinetic constant (k) of 8.09 x 10(-2) g(mg min)(-1) at initial phosphorus concentration of 10 mg l(-1).

Environ Sci Technol, 2004 Apr 1, 38(7), 2209 - 16
Fate of volatile organic compounds in constructed wastewater treatment wetlands; Keefe SH et al.; The fate of volatile organic compounds was evaluated in a wastewater-dependent constructed wetland near Phoenix, AZ, using field measurements and solute transport modeling . Numerically based volatilization rates were determined using inverse modeling techniques and hydraulic parameters established by sodium bromide tracer experiments . Theoretical volatilization rates were calculated from the two-film method incorporating physicochemical properties and environmental conditions . Additional analyses were conducted using graphically determined volatilization rates based on field measurements . Transport (with first-order removal) simulations were performed using a range of volatilization rates and were evaluated with respect to field concentrations . The inverse and two-film reactive transport simulations demonstrated excellent agreement with measured concentrations for 1,4-dichlorobenzene, tetrachloroethene, dichloromethane, and trichloromethane and fair agreement for dibromochloromethane, bromodichloromethane, and toluene . Wetland removal efficiencies from inlet to outlet ranged from 63% to 87% for target compounds.

Environ Sci Technol, 2004 Apr 1, 38(7), 2126 - 32
Multimedia fate model for hexachlorocyclohexane in Tianjin, China; Cao H et al.; A level III fugacity model was applied to characterize the fate of gamma-HCH in Tianjin, China, before the 1990s when the contamination reached its maximum at steady state . Geometric means were used as model inputs . The concentrations of gamma-HCH in air, surface water, soil, sediment, crops, and fish as well as transfer fluxes across the interface between the compartments were derived under the assumption of steady state . The calculated concentrations were validated by independent data collected from the literature . There was generally good agreement between the estimated and the observed concentrations, and the differences were all less than 0.6 log units for air, water, soil, sediment, and fish and approximately 1 order of magnitude for crops . Around 97% of gamma-HCH accumulated in soil and sediment . Wastewater irrigation was not an important pathway for delivering gamma-HCH to soil as compared to the dominant source of agricultural application . Degradation and advective airflow carried much gamma-HCH out of the system . Sensitivities of the model estimates to input parameters were tested, and a coefficient of variation normalized sensitivity coefficient was defined for the test . The most influential parameters were degradation rates in sediment and soil, application rates, concentrations in wastewater, and adsorption coefficients . Monte Carlo simulation was conducted for model uncertainty analysis . The model was run 20 000 times using randomly generated data from predefined log-normal distribution density functions . All calculated concentrations and fluxes were log-normally distributed . The dispersions of the calculated and observed concentrations were compared in terms of coefficients of variation to distinguish between true variability and model uncertainty.

Environ Toxicol, 2004 Jun, 19(3), 250 - 6
Direct and interactive effects of ecologically relevant concentrations of organic wastewater contaminants on Rana pipiens tadpoles; Fraker SL et al.; Organic wastewater contaminants (OWCs) have recently been documented in several aquatic ecosystems . We examined the effects of three OWCs (caffeine, acetaminophen, and triclosan) on the activity level, startle response, survivorship, and growth of northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpoles . We conducted two experiments: one on the effects of acetaminophen and triclosan alone and in combination, and the other on the effects of caffeine and acetaminophen alone and in combination . In both experiments acetaminophen had no effect on activity, startle response, survivorship, or final mass . In experiment 1, tadpoles exposed to triclosan were less active than controls . Tadpoles exposed to the highest triclosan concentration had lower startle response and survivorship than in the other concentrations and in the control . Tadpoles exposed to the intermediate triclosan concentrations were heavier than in other treatments, but not in the control . In experiment 2, tadpoles exposed to the highest caffeine concentration were the most active . Acetaminophen increased the effect of caffeine on activity . More tadpoles exposed to caffeine exhibited a startle response than did control tadpoles . Survivorship was 100% for all caffeine treatments . There was a tendency (P = 0.06) for tadpoles exposed to higher concentrations of caffeine to be smaller . In general, the interactive effects were not important . Our results show that ecologically relevant levels of some OWCs can have both behavioral and physiological effects on R . pipiens tadpoles . Thus, amphibians may be affected by exposure to levels of OWCs that appear to be widespread in aquatic ecosystems .

Environ Pollut, 1996, 94(3), 283 - 91
Retention and distribution of heavy metals in mangrove soils receiving wastewater; Tam NF et al.; The distribution and chemical fractionation of heavy metals retained in mangrove soils receiving wastewater were examined by soil column leaching experiments . The columns, filled with mangrove soils collected from two swamps in Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China, were irrigated three times a week for 150 days with synthetic wastewater containing 4 mg l(-1) Cu, 20 mg l(-1) Zn, 20 mg l(-1) Mn and 0.4 mg l(-1) Cd . Soil columns leached with artificial seawater (without any heavy metals) were used as the control . At the end of the leaching experiments, soil samples from each column were divided into five layers according to its depth viz . 0-1, 1-3, 3-5, 5-10 and > 10 cm, and analyzed for total and extractable heavy metal content . The fractionation of heavy metals in the surface soil samples (0-1 cm) was investigated by the sequential extraction technique . In both types of mangrove soils, the surface layer (0-1 cm) of the columns receiving wastewater had significantly higher concentrations of total Cu, Cd, Mn and Zn than the control . Concentrations declined significantly with soil depth . The proportion of exchangeable heavy metals in soils receiving wastewater was significantly higher than that found in the control, about 30% of the total heavy metals accumulated in the soil masses of the treated columns were extracted by ammonium acetate at pH 4 . The sequential extraction results show that in native mangrove soils (the soils without any treatment), the major portion of Cu, Zn, Mn and Cd was associated with the residual and precipitated fractions with very low concentrations in more labile phases . However, in mangrove soils receiving wastewater, a significantly higher percentage of Mn, Zn and Cd was found in the water-soluble and exchangeable fractions . Copper appeared to be more strongly adsorbed in mangrove soils than the other heavy metals . In general, heavy metal accumulation in the surface mangrove soils collected in Hong Kong was higher than those in the PRC, although the metals in the latter soil type were more strongly bound . These findings suggest that whether the heavy metal retained in managrove soils becomes a secondary source or a permanent sink would depend on the kinds of heavy metals and also the types of mangrove soils.

Environ Pollut, 1997, 96(3), 351 - 9
Evaluation of adverse biological effects induced by pollution in the Bilbao Estuary (Spain); Saiz-Salinas J; The physical nature of the Bilbao Estuary (Spain) has been highly modified since the end of the last century, mainly by means of dyking, canalization, and dredging to meet the needs of navigation . Together with its industrial use, the estuary is also used for the disposal of domestic sewage . Until the completion of a sewerage plan in the year 2002, the sewage of about 1 million people and the wastes from industries will continue to be discharged into this 15-km-long estuary with a limited freshwater flow of 25 m(3) s(-1) . An abrupt decrease in faunal abundance followed by defaunation characterized the biotic response to the disturbance in almost three-quarters of its tideway . Relationships between biotic and environmental variables were investigated using the BIO-ENV procedure of the PRIMER computer package . Gross organic enrichment, water oxygen depletion and anaerobic sediment conditions appear to be the dominant anthropogenic influences on the Bilbao Estuary . It is concluded that the level of wastewater discharges into the estuary may substantially drop below that concentration which assures the protection and propagation of native heterotrophic resources within sediments . Biological monitoring is thus essential to assess the efficacy of the sewerage plan promoted by the local Water Authority.

Environ Pollut, 1997, 96(3), 311 - 9
Removal of nitrogenous compounds by catalytic wet air oxidation . Kinetic study; Deiber G et al.; Aqueous wastes containing organic pollutants can be efficiently treated by wet air oxidation (WAO), i.e . oxidation by molecular oxygen in the liquid phase, under high temperature (200-325 degrees C) and pressure (up to 150 bar) . However, organic nitrogen can be relatively resistant to oxidation and can be harmful to the environment . In the course of treatment, organic nitrogen (N-Org) is converted into ammonia (NH(3)), while organic carbon (C-Org) is converted mainly into carbon dioxide (CO(2)) . This can be done without catalysts . In the presence of {Formula: see text} composite oxides, it is possible to transform ammonia into molecular nitrogen at a temperature close to 260 degrees C . The direct conversion of organic nitrogen into molecular nitrogen also can be achieved using the same catalyst . This paper discusses the results obtained during the treatment of nitrogenous compounds like aniline, nitrophenol, beta-alanine and ammonia . Laboratory investigations were conducted in a stirred batch reactor with {Formula: see text} composite oxides as catalysts . Very limited amounts of nitrites and nitrates were observed with amines, but more significant quantities were found with nitro-compounds . The kinetics of oxidation of ammonia, organic compounds, and more particularly aniline, were investigated . The treatment of a real waste (process wastewater) was also investigated . The dependence of the transformation rate on various parameters (amount of catalyst, temperature, etc.) was established . The rates of oxidation are described by first-order kinetic laws with respect to the various nitrogen species (aniline, NH(3)) . Several parallel pathways are considered for the transformation of organic nitrogen, amongst which is an interaction with the catalyst surface . The orders with respect to oxygen and catalyst are established.

Environ Pollut, 1997, 97(1-2), 147 - 52
Detoxification of tannery waste liquors with an electrolysis system; Vlyssides AG et al.; This paper describes an electrochemical treatment and detoxification of tannery waste liquors (TWL) . In this technique, TWL was passed through an electrolytic cell using a {Formula: see text} anode and a stainless steel 304 cathode . Owing to the strong oxidizing potential of the chemicals produced (chlorine, oxygen, hydroxyl radicals and other oxidants) the organic and inorganic pollutants (ammonia, sulfides and chromium) were wet oxidized to carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide . In addition, chromium was precipitated as Cr(2)(SO(4))(3) . Experiments were run in a batch, laboratory-scale, pilot-plant, and the results are reported herein . After 30 min and 3 h of electrolysis at 0.26 A cm(-2), 45 degrees C and pH 9, total chemical oxygen demand (COD) was reduced by 52 and 83% and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD(5)) was reduced by 35 and 66%, respectively . Additionally, total suspended solids (TSS) were reduced by 8.6 and 26%, total phenolic compounds were reduced by 95.6 and 99.4% . Ammonia, sulfides and soluble chromium were reduced by 100% in both cases, while the mean anode efficiency was 81 g h(-1) A(-1) m(-2) and 1.9 g h(-1) A(-1) m(-2) . Also, the mean energy consumption was 4.8 kwh kg(-1) of COD reduced and 200 kwh kg(-1) of COD reduced for 0.5 and 3 h, respectively . These results strongly indicate that this electrolytic method of total oxidation of TWL cannot be cost effective for wide use . However, it can be used as an effectivepretreatment stage for detoxification of the wastewater, owing to great efficiency especially with respect to COD and toxicity (phenolics) reduction.

Environ Pollut, 1998, 99(1), 133 - 6
Fixed bed adsorption of acid dyes onto activated carbon; Walker GM et al.; The context of the study here is the adsorption of acid dyes from wastewater arising from a nylon carpet printing plant which currently receives no treatment . Since nylon is a particularly difficult fibre to dye, acid dyes are required for successful coloration . However, their presence, in high concentrations, in aqueous effluent arising from the plant can create major problems with respect to disposal . A treatment method based on adsorption onto granular activated carbon (GAC F400) in a fixed column configuration is described and breakthrough data of the dyes determined . The breakthrough data were correlated using a model based on liquid and pore diffusion with a good fit of experimental results obtained . Trends in the effective diffusivity used in the model correlated with other authors . A slight decrease in effective diffusivity was found with decrease in particle size and was attributed to interactions between the relatively large molecular sized dye and the microspore structure found in granular activated carbon.

Environ Pollut, 1998, 99(3), 365 - 77
Metal mobility at an old, heavily loaded sludge application site; Richards BK et al.; This study was undertaken to determine the present distribution and mobility of sludge-applied metals at an old land application site . Trace metals concentrations were determined for soils (using 4 M HNO(3) extracts), soil leachates (collected with passive wick lysimeters over a 2.5-year period), and plant tissue from a field site which received a heavy loading of wastewater sludge in 1978 and an adjacent control plot . Blue dye was used to indicate preferential percolate flowpaths in the sludge plot soil for sampling and comparison with bulk soil metals concentrations . After nearly 20 years, metals in the sludge plot leachate were found at significantly greater concentrations than in the control plot, exceeding drinking water standards for Cd, Ni, Zn, and B . Annual metals fluxes were only a fraction of the current soil metal contents, and do not account for the apparent substantial past metals losses determined in a related study . Elevated Cd, Cu, and Ni levels were found in grass growing on the sludge plot . Despite heavy loadings, fine soil texture (silty clay loam) and evidence of past and ongoing metals leaching, examination of the bulk subsoil indicated no statistically significant increases in metals concentrations (even in a calcareous subsoil horizon with elevated pH) when comparing pooled sludge plot soil profiles with controls . Sampling of dyed preferential flow paths in the sludge plot detected only slight increases in several metals . Preferential flow and metal complexation with soluble organics apparently allow leaching without easily detectable readsorption in the subsoil . The lack of significant metal deposition in subsoil may not be reliable evidence for immobility of sludge-applied metals.

Environ Pollut, 1998, 99(3), 339 - 45
Evaluation of biomarkers in caged fishes and mussels to assess the quality of waters in a bay of the NW Mediterranean Sea; Stien X et al.; Specimens of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were placed in cages for 1 month in spring and autumn at different locations in the Bay of Cannes (NW Mediterranean) . Biochemical markers evaluated were: ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities in fish livers and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in fish muscle . EROD and GST activities were higher in front of the outlet for the wastewater plant of Cannes and in the harbour than outside the marina . High EROD and GST activities may be induced by petrol hydrocarbons and/or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) . AChE was low in the muscles of the fish caged in the harbour compared with samples from the other cages . Low AChE activity could suggest the presence of organophosphorus and carbamate compounds in seawater from the harbour . Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were caged off Cannes for the same periods as the fishes . Heavy metal, metallothionein (MT) concentrations and lysosomal membrane stability were evaluated in the digestive gland of the mussels . Results show low heavy metal and MT concentrations, implying low metal concentrations in the surrounding waters . High lysosomal membrane stability revealed a good physiological status of these animals after caging . The whole set of data indicates that seawater in the Bay of Cannes appeared to be unpolluted as regards pollutants which may induce the measured biomarkers, except in restricted areas.

Environ Pollut, 1998, 101(1), 123 - 30
Modelling of phosphorus removal from aqueous and wastewater samples using ferric iron; Fytianos K et al.; Batch laboratory scale experiments were conducted to investigate the removal of phosphate from aqueous and municipal wastewater samples by addition of FeCl(3).6H(2)O . The effect of pH, Fe-dose and initial phosphate concentration were assessed . Optimum phosphate removal, 63% for 1:1 molar addition of Fe(III) was observed at pH 4.5 . However, a 155% excess of Fe-dose was necessary for complete phosphorus removal . Phosphorus removal from municipal wastewater was slightly higher than that observed for the aqueous solutions . A chemical precipitation mathematical model was developed and tested with the available experimental data . The model included a total of 15 chemical reactions and 4 solid phases with the option of single-phase precipitation or two-phase co-precipitation . The resulting system of non-linear algebraic equations was solved numerically, using the Wijngaarden-Dekker-Brent method.

Environ Pollut, 1998, 101(1), 67 - 75
Sorption and desorption of Cu and Cd by macroalgae and microalgae; Zhou JL et al.; The sorption and desorption of Cu and Cd by two species of brown macroalgae and five species of microalgae were studied . The two brown macroalgae, Laminaria japonica and Sargassum kjellmanianum, were found to have high capacities at pHs between 4.0 and 5.0 while for microalgae, optimum pH lay at 6.7 . The presence of other cations in solution was found to reduce the sorption of the target cation, suggesting a competition for sorption sites on organisms . Sorption isotherms obeyed the Freundlich equation, suggesting involvement of a multiplicity of mechanisms and sorption sites . For the microalgae tested, Spirulina platensis had the highest capacity for Cd, followed by Nannochloropsis oculata, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Platymonas cordifolia and Chaetoceros minutissimus . The reversibility of metal sorption by macroalgae was examined and the results show that both HCl and EDTA solutions were very effective in desorbing sorbed metal ions from macroalgae, with up to 99.5% of metals being recovered . The regenerated biomass showed undiminished sorption performance for the two metals studied, suggesting the potential of such material for use in water and wastewater treatment.

Environ Pollut, 1998, 101(1), 43 - 8
Release of metals from homogeneous soil columns by wastewater from an agricultural industry; Madrid L et al.; The effect of discharging olive mill wastewater (OMW) in soils on the release of metals previously retained by them is simulated by leaching homogeneous soil columns with a solution of the residue after passing solutions of Cu or Zn through the columns . The effect of other residues, previously added to the soil as composts in field experiments, on the behaviour observed in the laboratory is also discussed . OMW shows a strong power for releasing the metals retained . Previous addition of a compost made from olive mill sludge and plant refuse to the soil causes a significant reduction of the release of retained metal by liquid OMW . Previous addition of concentrated sugarbeet vinasse causes much less significant effects.

Environ Pollut, 1999 Sep, 106(3), 351 - 7
Horizontal distribution of butyltins in surface sediments from an enclosed bay system, Korea; Shim WJ et al.; Tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT), and monobutyltin (MBT) compounds were quantitatively determined from surface sediment samples (total 59 stations) covering a whole basin where harbors, shipyards, and aquaculture farms were located . Butyltin compounds were detected from all the stations covering 640 km(2) of an enclosed bay system . TBT concentrations ranged from 4 to 382 ng/g as tin on a dry weight basis, and total butyltin concentrations, from 27 to 1763 ng/g . Horizontal distribution of TBT concentration showed apparent negative gradients from harbors and shipyards, indicating that its contamination was closely related to boating and dry-docking activities . However, TBT concentrations were decreased steeply from source areas . Elevated DBT and MBT levels in creeks imply the possible input of DBT from industrial wastewater . Total butyltin concentrations in sediments are significantly correlated with particulate organic carbon concentration for the subset of stations that are distant from source areas.

Environ Pollut, 2000 Jun, 108(3), 453 - 62
Heavy metals in the fine fraction of coastal sediments from Baja California (Mexico) and California (USA); Villaescusa-Celaya JA et al.; The concentrations of heavy metals in the fine fraction (<63 microm) of 19 surficial sediment samples from the border region of Baja California (Mexico) and California (USA) were determined . The concentration ranges (in microg g(-1)) of the metals were: Cu, 4.9-23; Zn, 39-188; Ni, 16-44; Cr, 56-802; Pb, 6-21; Cd, 0.08-0.64; Ag, 0.01-0.28; and Mn, 392-1506; the intervals (percentage) for Fe and Al were 1.36-4.6 and 3.61-8.55, respectively . The heavy metals in these sediments indicate a relative enrichment of Cr (>3000%), Zn (>350%), Ni (>300%) and Cu (>150%) off the wastewater outfall at Punta Bandera in Tijuana, Baja California, with respect to non-polluted sediments of the region . Pb, Cd and Ag have low concentrations off the same outfall and enrichment factors are generally lower than 300% (Pb) and lower than 150% (Cd and Ag) . This suggests that these metals have a different origin, or that they are controlled by a different geochemical mechanism than the former . The concentrations of Mn, Fe and Al occurred within ranges typical for coastal areas and probably reflect the mineralogical composition of the sediments of the region.

Environ Pollut, 1987, 43(4), 313 - 21
The effect of temperature on the growth and biochemical activities of Escherichia coli in sewage; Gaddad SM et al.; Studies on the role of individual species of bacteria in wastewater treatment methods, especially the effect of environmental factors and enzyme activities, are limited . In the present investigation Escherichia coli, isolated from a stabilisation pond, was grown in sterile sewage at various temperatures, ranging from 10 degrees to 50 degrees C, and its growth and associated biochemical activities were studied . A temperature of 30 degrees C was found to be optimum for the growth, BOD removal, NH(3)-N release and the activities of protease and catalase . E . coli which was once considered to be of little value in wastewater treatment, also accounted for a considerable reduction in BOD and NH(3)-N release . At optimum and lower temperatures, the catalase activity was proportional to the viable cell count of the bacterium . Dissolved oxygen exhibited an inverse relationship with bacterial growth and protease activity was more pronounced during the declining phase of bacterial growth.

Environ Pollut, 1988, 50(3), 243 - 51
Lead removal from wastewater by cementation utilising a fixed bed of iron spheres; Agelidis T et al.; A lead-ion cementation system was investigated using an iron sphere-packed bed . The extent of lead removal and excess iron consumption in similar conditions to those of lead-bearing wastewater was determined experimentally . Determinations were made for packed spheres of several diameters, beds of different lengths, and different flow conditions . The experimental data were compared by means of rate coefficients and were correlated with empirical equations . The efficiency of lead removal was tested using wastewater from the manufacture of storage batteries.

Environ Pollut, 1989, 58(1), 19 - 34
Wastewater nutrient removal by Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Scenedesmus sp; Tam NF et al.; Two different species of photosynthetic microalgae, Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Scenedesmus sp., were grown in settled and activated sewage filtrates at two different inoculum sizes, aimed to reduce nutrient load from wastewater . Higher growth rates were recorded in cultures with higher inoculum size, and algal cells usually grew better in settled sewage than in activated sewage . As algae started to grow and multiply, both nitrogen and phosphorus content in wastewater decreased significantly . The removal rate was rapid during the first week of growth and more than 2/3 of wastewater N and P was reduced . After the initial period, the removal rate slowed down . At the end of this study, more than 80% of total-P and inorganic N present in settled sewage were reduced but such removal efficiency was lower in activated sewage . In general, high inoculum size of algal cells provided more N and P removal than low inoculum, and Chlorella cells performed better than Scenedesmus . These results suggest that cultivation of Chlorella seems to be one of the feasible methods to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering the nearby coastal water, thus preventing the eutrophication problem . It is also clear that algal ponds with high inoculum size might be more suitable to be installed as a secondary rather than a tertiary treatment process.

Environ Pollut, 1990, 65(2), 93 - 108
The comparison of growth and nutrient removal efficiency of Chlorella pyrenoidosa in settled and activated sewage; Tam NF et al.; The microscopic green alga, Chlorella pyrenoidosa was grown in settled and activated sewage under two different culture systems, batch and semi-continuous . Good growth was obtained in both types of wastewater and the algal production was comparable to and even higher than that found in commercial Bristol medium . The semi-continuous culture supported more growth than the batch system . There was a close relationship between algal growth and the amount of nutrient removed from both settled and activated sewage . A more rapid drop in NH(4)(+)-N was found in settle rather than activated sewage . The NH(4)(+)-N of settled sewage dropped from its initial 27 to 5 mg litre(-1) in both culture systems . On the other hand, the NO(3)(-)-N of activated sewage started to decrease from Day 2 onwards and the final NO(3)(-)-N concentration was less than 1 mg litre(-1) (over 90% removal efficiency) . The amount of total inorganic nitrogen being reduced due to algal culture was similar in both types of sewage . The changes of phosphate content followed the same trend in both sewage, the P concentration increased slightly in the first two days then decreased, especially in the semi-continuous cultures . The final ortho-P in the sewage treated by Chlorella in semi-continuous culture was less than 5 mg litre(-1) (about 62% reduction) . Such removal efficiency was slightly lower than those reported in previous studies . In general, the semi-continuous algal culture appeared to be a more suitable and efficient way for wastewater treatment than the batch system . With respect to the total reduction of wastewater inorganic N and P by means of Chlorella cells, there was no significant difference between settled and activated sewage.

Environ Pollut, 1992, 76(1), 51 - 60
Effects of adsorbent dose and size on phosphate-removal from wastewaters; Bhargava DS et al.; Laboratory scale production of rinsed tamarind nutshell activated carbon (TNSAC) was done by the method of single stage chemical activation, with zinc chloride as an activation agent . Using this adsorbent, adsorption studies were conducted in agitated batch flow reactors with a fixed initial phosphate concentration and with varying adsorbent particle sizes and doses, The highest percentages adsorbed, for an adsorbent dose of 4 g litre(-1), were 57% and 44%, respectively, for adsorbent particle sizes of 106.1 microm and 232.4 microm . Two different models have been developed for predicting the percentage of phosphates adsorbed . Both models manifested high coefficients of correlation, indicating their robustness . The adsorption isotherms developed were observed to resemble the form of Freundlich isotherms . A generalized model has been developed for predicting the adsorptive capacity with respect to the stated test conditions . This model exhibited good coefficients of correlation.

Environ Pollut, 1992, 76(3), 219 - 23
Treatment of wastewater effluents with Phillipsite-rich tuffs; Garcia Hernandez JE et al.; The presence of abundant zeolites in association with volcanic pumiceous materials in Tererife (Canary Islands) prompted us to study their properties as a water purifying bed for inorganic contaminants, pathogenic bacteria, and soluble organic matter . The experimental model used was a chemical percolation reactor with a constant flux of solution, where the fixation kinetics were studied by comparing the input and the output solutions . The ammonium and phosphate retention values found after 10 days of constant percolation were 70% and 14%, respectively . In addition, a high reduction of soluble organic matter was observed, as well as the total removal of the bacteria species studied . The N?P?K values of the soluble and exchangeable nutrients indicate the potential capacity of the bed as a slow-release fertilizer.

Environ Pollut, 1993, 80(2), 147 - 52
Hydrogen peroxide mediated photodegradation of phenol as studied by a flash photolysis/HPLC technique; Lipczynska-Kochany E; The technique of flash photolysis followed by high-performance liquid chromatography has been applied to the study of the photodegradation of phenol (I) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide . Progress of the reaction of I (0.1 mM) in undegassed aqueous solution {Formula: see text} was observed by using multiple flashes (16 J) . Analysis after a single flash indicated that catechol and hydroquinone were the primary products of the reaction . The reaction was found to be independent of pH in the range 7.0-9.0, but the yield of degradation oecreased at {Formula: see text} and at {Formula: see text} . The effects of the hydrogen peroxide concentration and flash energy on the chemical yield of the pollutant degradation, and product formation, were investigated as well . The mechanism of the reaction is discussed . A possibility of the application of flashlamps as powerful sources of the UV irradiation in industrial reactors for wastewater treatment is suggested.

Environ Pollut, 1993, 82(3), 255 - 61
Waste Fe(III)/Cr(III) hydroxide as adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution and chromium plating industry wastewater; Namasivayam C et al.; Fe(III)/Cr(III) hydroxide, a waste material from the fertilizer industry, has been used for the adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution, over a range of initial metal ion concentrations (5-30 mg litre(-1)), agitation times (1-180 min), adsorbent dosages (100-1200 mg per 50 ml), temperatures (24, 29 and 38 degrees C) and pH values (4.5-10) . The adsorption of Cr(VI) increased with the initial concentration of Cr(VI) and with temperature . The process of uptake follows both the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherm models . The applicability of Lagergren and empirical kinetic models has also been investigated . Almost quantitative removal of Cr(VI) at 10 mg litre(-1) in a 50-ml solution by 500 mg of adsorbent was found at an equilibrium pH of 5.6 . The efficiency of chromium removal was also tested using wastewater from the chromium plating industry.

Environ Pollut, 1994, 83(3), 277 - 82
Retrieval of heavy metal ions from solution via ferritisation; Mandaokar SS et al.; The paper summarises the results of the studies on retrieval of heavy metal ions in solution by ferritisation and its potential application in waste-water treatment . The optimum procedure for ferritisation of heavy metal ions in solution has been evolved with respect to pH, concentration of {Formula: see text}, rate and time of aeration and temperature . The recommended procedure consists of controlled aeration of the solution containing heavy metal ions and ferrous ions at pH 9.5-10.5 at about 50 degrees C, until the black, granular, magnetic ferrite separates out . The metal ferrites can also be formed, even without heating or forced aeration, by ageing the mixed metal hydroxide precipitate at pH 10 to 11 . The metal ferrites formed have been characterised by X-ray diffractometry . The laboratory-scope experiments conducted with synthetic heavy metal solutions as well as actual wastewater from a tanning industry showed that heavy metal ions can be effectively removed from solution to sub-ppm levels . The metal ferrites thus recovered may find commercial application as microwave absorbers, catalysts, metal scavengers, etc . This technique seems to have potential application in simultaneous, one step removal of different heavy metal ions from industrial wastewaters.

Environ Pollut, 1994, 84(1), 1 - 6
Effects of two herbicidal wastewaters on Chlorella sp . and Phaeodactylum tricornutum; Okay OS et al.; The effects on Chlorella sp . and Phaeodactylum tricornutum of two industrial wastewaters known to contain the herbicide residues of Trifluralin and Propanil have been determined by monitoring the number of cells, the chlorophyll fluorescence and the carbon dioxide assimilation simultaneously for a period of 14 days . The growth of the diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, was inhibited by concentrations of herbicidal waste of the order of 0.1-0.5%, apparently beacuse the rate of reproduction was reduced . Chlorella sp . cells, on the other hand, whilst dramatically inhibited by 1% concentrations of herbicidal waste, were able to recover over a period of 14 days . If discharged at concentrations below 0.01%, the industrial wastes appeared not to affect phytoplankton.

Environ Pollut, 1994, 84(2), 167 - 78
Wastewater management for Istanbul: Basis for treatment and disposal; Orhon D et al.; A number of studies have so far been conducted to assess the magnitude of pollution generated by domestic and industrial sources in the Istanbul Metropolitan Area . They indicate that a management scheme for wastewater treatment and disposal should involve a total discharge of 15.4 m(3) s(-1) with a potential pollution load of 330 tons BOD(5) day(-1) for 1990 . A scheme of this magnitude inevitably requires careful evaluation of receiving water characteristics, both from an oceanographic and a quality standpoint . In this paper significant water quality parameters related to the Black Sea-Bosphorus Strait-Marmara Sea System are reviewed and incorporated in the evaluation of treatment and disposal alternatives . In this context, the pollution exchange between the Mamara Sea and Bosphorus is quantified, pollutant contents of the Mamara Sea and discharges from the Istanbul Metropolitan Area are compared, and a number of scenarios are evaluated to define the optimum treatment and disposal strategy.

Environ Pollut, 1994, 85(2), 205 - 15
Distribution and heavy metal pollution of the suspended particulate matter on the barcelona continental shelf (North-Western Mediterranean); Palanques A; The distribution of heavy metal pollution associated with suspended particulate matter on the Barcelona continental shelf has been studied to evaluate the environment l impact of anthropogenic metals in this Mediterranean area . The main sources of heavy metal pollution on this continental shelf are the Besos River and the sewage sludge produced in the Barcelona-Besos wastewater treatment plant . The levels of Pb, Cr, Cu, Cd and Ni are very high around the mouths of the river and the pipeline of the wastewater treatment plant . The highest suspended sediment and heavy metal concentrations are along the inner and mid-shelf due to aggregation processes and the low energy of the dominant currents flowing in the study area . However, a significant amount of polluted suspended sediment is transferred to the slope by advective processes . This amount may be increased significantly by the action of wave-induced currents during strong storms . Trawl fishing may also contribute to the shelf-slope transfer of contaminated particles.

Environ Pollut, 1994, 85(3), 315 - 9
Petroleum hydrocarbons in the nearshore marine sediments of the United Arab Emirates; Abu-Hilal AH et al.; The concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were determined in nearshore sediment samples collected from 28 sampling sites along the United Arab Emirates shorelines on the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and seven major creeks (khors) extending from them . Concentrations were highly variable and ranged between {Formula: see text} dry weight, and the highest values obtained were in the top sediment (1 cm) layer near a fuel filling station and port areas . Locally high levels of TPH were found in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman semi-enclosed creeks where boat activities and land-based wastewater discharges are most common . Data support the premise that port activities, fuel filling stations and land-based wastewater discharges are major sources of pollution in the study area . Correlations with sediment grain size, total organic carbon (TOC) and distance from pollution sources are discussed.

Environ Pollut, 1996, 91(2), 183 - 5
Chlorinated hydrocarbons in coastal bottom sediments of the Japan Sea; Tkalin AV; Data on distribution of chlorinated hydrocarbons in coastal bottom sediments of different areas of the Japan Sea are presented . Results obtained during the autumn 1994 expedition in Peter-the-Great Bay were compared with the data of previous surveys in the D.P.R . Korea coastal zone and Tatarsky Strait (Sakhalin Island) . Concentrations of DDT metabolites and HCH isomers appear to be related mainly to pesticide usage in agriculture . Mean concentrations of total DDTs decreased from 12.5 ng g(-1) in the D.P.R.K . coastal zone to 2.2 ng g(-1) at Sakhalin Island shelf, whereas total HCH concentrations decreased from 3.4 to 0.4 ng g(-1) . Differences in chemical composition of pesticides used in the D.P.R.K . and Russia were evident . The importance of further monitoring of persistent organochlorines in bottom sediments and the need for regulation of wastewater discharges is stressed.

Environ Pollut, 1996, 92(2), 113 - 8
The effect of papermill wastewater and organic amendments of sodium accumulation by potted cottonwoods; Howe J et al.; In this experiment, the impacts of pulp mill effluent irrigation, Fraser cottonwood (Populus deltoides 'Fraser') seedlings, and pulp sludge and manure soil amendments on sodium accumulation and distribution in the soil profile were evaluated during a 6 month greenhouse study . Sludge soil amendments and wastewater irrigation did not reduce stem biomass production of the cottonwood . Increased stem biomass production associated with manure soil amendments resulted in greater total uptake of sodium into stem material . This uptake was 0.002% of wastewater sodium inputs . In containers with seedlings, sodium concentrations were less in the surface horizon and more in the lower horizons than in containers with no seedlings . Infiltration rates and total sodium accumulation in the soil profile were not affected by the presence of Fraser cottonwood or the application of sludge or manure amendments to soil.

Environ Pollut, 1996, 93(2), 169 - 74
Wastewater discharges may be most hazardous to fish during winter; Lemly AD; Winter Stress Syndrome (WSS) is a condition of severe lipid depletion in fish brought on by external stressors in combination with normal reductions in feeding and activity during cold weather . Fish can develop this syndrome in response to chemical stressors such as water pollutants, or biological stressors such as parasites . Substantial mortality can result, potentially changing year-class strength and population structure of the affected species, and altering community-level ecological interactions . Aquatic contaminants should be evaluated in the context of seasonal metabolic changes that normally occur in test organisms . WSS could be an important, but as yet unquantified, cause of mortality in many circumstances . Wastewater discharges may pose a greater toxic threat to fish during winter than at other times of the year . A comprehensive protocol for aquatic hazard assessment should include testing for WSS.

Water Res, 2004 Apr, 38(8), 2095 - 102
Salt tracer experiments in constructed wetland ponds with emergent vegetation: laboratory study on the formation of density layers and its influence on breakthrough curve analysis; Schmid BH et al.; Constructed wetlands are a rapidly expanding and intensively studied wastewater treatment system . One of the main types in use is the free water surface (FWS) wetland or wetland pond . In studies on these ponds, salt tracer experiments are a convenient tool to determine travel time distributions, which are, in turn, related to hydraulic and sedimentation (trapping) as well as nutrient removal efficiencies . Typically, flows encountered in constructed wetland ponds are characterized by low Reynolds numbers, at times even within the laminar flow regime . In such conditions the injection of salt may cause strong density effects, thereby threatening the usefulness of the recorded breakthrough curves . The processes and mechanisms governing the formation of density stratification due to salt tracer injections into wetland ponds with emergent vegetation were studied in the laboratory . The results reported are expected to be useful in the planning of future field tracer experiments.

Water Res, 2004 Apr, 38(8), 1941 - 51
Groundwater recharge with reclaimed municipal wastewater: health and regulatory considerations; Asano T et al.; Groundwater recharge with reclaimed municipal wastewater presents a wide spectrum of technical and health challenges that must be carefully evaluated prior to undertaking a project . This review will provide a discussion of groundwater recharge and its management with special reference to health and regulatory aspects of groundwater recharge with reclaimed municipal wastewater . At present, some uncertainties with respect to health risk considerations have limited expanding use of reclaimed municipal wastewater for groundwater recharge, especially when a large portion of the groundwater contains reclaimed wastewater that may affect the domestic water supply . The proposed State of California criteria for groundwater recharge are discussed as an illustration of a cautious approach . In addition, a summary is provided of the methodology used in developing the World Health Organization's Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality to illustrate how numerical guideline values are generated for contaminants that may be applicable to groundwater recharge.

J Environ Manage, 2004 May, 71(1), 59 - 65
The ability of selected cladoceran species to utilize domestic wastewaters in Mexico City; Nandini S et al.; The population growth patterns of four cladocerans, viz . Alona rectangula, Ceriodaphnia dubia, Moina macrocopa and Daphnia pulex on wastewaters from a treatment plant at Iztacalco, Mexico City were analyzed in this study . Crude wastewater (tank A) did not support A . rectangula and all animals in the replicates died after 5 days . A . rectangula with partially treated wastewater (tank B) showed growth curves similar to controls where algal density was 1 x 10(6) cells ml(-1) . With wastewater from tank C (last stage before treatment with purifying agents such as chlorine), the populations maintained a low density (7 ind . ml(-1)) . In wastewaters from tanks A and B, C . dubia showed no positive population growth, but in water from tank C, they maintained a low density (2 ind . ml(-1)) . D . pulex showed no positive growth in all replicates involving wastewater . Only in controls (diet of algae Chlorella), the population density increased with time . M . macrocopa showed higher population growth in crude wastewaters than controls . Partially treated wastewater from tank B also resulted in a greater population growth than in the controls . However, when wastewater from the tank C was used, the population declined after day 12 . Under comparable conditions, A . rectangula reached much higher peak abundances (55 ind . ml(-1)) than the rest of the cladoceran species . The rates of population growth (r) of the tested cladoceran species followed trends similar to the peak population densities . A . rectangula had the highest growth rates (0.25 per day) in controls and from the wastewater from tank B . The r-values were negative for A . rectangula and C . dubia in crude wastewater . For M . macrocopa the r-values were higher (0.19) in crude wastewater than in algae (0.15) . However, r-values of M . macrocopa became negative when cultured in treated wastewater from tank C.

J AOAC Int, 2004 Jan-Feb, 87(1), 166 - 71
Extraction and determination of phenolic derivatives in water samples by using polyoxyethylene surfactants and liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection; Santana CM et al.; Methodology based on the cloud-point phenomenon was applied to the comparative study of 3 different polyoxyethylene nonionic surfactants in order to extract and preconcentrate a group of phenolic derivatives in water samples; these phenolic compounds, which were determined by liquid chromatography with UV detection, included 11 pollutants given priority by the U.S . Environmental Protection Agency . The optimum conditions for the extraction and preconcentration of phenolic compounds were established for each surfactant . The surfactant that gave the best extraction and preconcentration of the analytes under study was polyoxyethylene 6 lauryl ether (C12E6) with detection limits of <3.5 microg/L for all the phenolic compounds tested . The method was applied to seawater and depurated wastewater samples.

Biotechnol Bioeng, 2004 May 5, 86(3), 332 - 43
Effects of hydraulic retention time and sulfide toxicity on ethanol and acetate oxidation in sulfate-reducing metal-precipitating fluidized-bed reactor; Kaksonen AH et al.; The effects of hydraulic retention time (HRT) and sulfide toxicity on ethanol and acetate utilization were studied in a sulfate-reducing fluidized-bed reactor (FBR) treating acidic metal-containing wastewater . The effects of HRT were determined with continuous flow FBR experiments . The percentage of ethanol oxidation was 99.9% even at a HRT of 6.5 h (loading of 2.6 g ethanol L(-1) d(-1)), while acetate accumulated in the FBR with HRTs below 12 h (loading of 1.4 g ethanol L(-1) d(-1)) . Partial acetate utilization was accompanied by decreased concentrations of dissolved sulfide (DS) and alkalinity in the effluent, and eventually resulted in process failure when HRT was decreased to 6.1 h (loading of 2.7 g ethanol L(-1) d(-1)) . Zinc and iron precipitation rates increased to over 600 mg L(-1) d(-1) and 300 mg L(-1) d(-1), respectively, with decreasing HRT . At HRT of 6.5 h, percent metal precipitation was over 99.9%, and effluent metal concentrations remained below 0.08 mg L(-1) . Under these conditions, the alkalinity produced by substrate utilization increased the wastewater pH from 3 to 7.9-8.0 . The percentage of electron flow from ethanol to sulfate reduction averaged 76 +/- 10% and was not affected by the HRT . The lowest HRT did not result in significant biomass washout from the FBR . The effect of sulfide toxicity on the sulfate-reducing culture was studied with batch kinetic experiments in the FBR . Noncompetitive inhibition model described well the sulfide inhibition of the sulfate-reducing culture . (DS) inhibition constants (K(i)) for ethanol and acetate oxidation were 248 mg S L(-1) and 356 mg S L(-1), respectively, and the corresponding K(i) values for H(2)S were 84 mg S L(-1) and 124 mg S L(-1) . In conclusion, ethanol oxidation was more inhibited by sulfide toxicity than the acetate oxidation .

Ultrason Sonochem, 2004 May, 11(3-4), 197 - 203
Ultrasound pre-treatment for enhanced biodegradability of the distillery wastewater; Sangave PC et al.; Studies were carried out to the find out the efficacy of the ultrasonic irradiation as a pre-treatment step for the treatment of one of the polluting industrial effluents, the distillery spentwash . Experiments were carried out on the fresh and stored effluent samples . The effect of the ultrasound exposure on the biodegradability of the effluent was monitored by carrying out its subsequent aerobic oxidation . A comparison has been made between the efficacies of the pre-treated samples with the untreated samples . The results indicate that the ultrasound seems to increase the attractiveness of the conventional aerobic oxidation process by increasing their initial rates of degradation.

Ultrason Sonochem, 2004 May, 11(3-4), 143 - 7
Ultrasonic bath with longitudinal vibrations: a novel configuration for efficient wastewater treatment; Bhirud US et al.; Efficacy of a novel configuration for large-scale wastewater treatment applications has been investigated using formic acid degradation as a model reaction . The reactor is first characterized using energy efficiency measurements and the optimum operating volume for maximum transfer of supplied energy and hence maximum cavitational effects has been established . Effect of initial concentration of the pollutant on the rates of degradation has been investigated . Comparison has been also made with the conventional ultrasonic horn in terms of energy efficiency and cavitational yield for the model reaction . With an aim of possible reduction in the total treatment time, some intensification studies have been undertaken considering hydrogen peroxide as an additional source of free radicals.

Chemosphere, 2004 Jun, 55(10), 1377 - 85
Evaluation on estrogenicity and oxidative hepatotoxicity of fossil fuel industrial wastewater before and after the powdered activated carbon treatment; Chen FA et al.; There are 10 manufacturers who produce fossil fuel products in the Da-Hse Industrial District, Kaohsiung County, southwestern Taiwan . Before discharging the wastewater into the nearby aquatic environment, the pretreated wastewater from these manufacturers must be processed in a treatment plant which includes four major processing units: equalization, a primary clarifier, an aeration basin, and a final clarifier . In order to estimate the potential environmental risks of industrial wastewater from each manufacturer and the treatment efficiency of the powdered activated carbon treatment (PACT) system used in this wastewater treatment plant, in vitro bioassays for estrogenicity and oxidative hepatotoxicity were carried out using a stably transfected human breast cancer cell line, MVLN, and a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HepG2, respectively . Estrogenic substances occurred in nine of 10 pretreated wastewaters from these manufacturers in which the relative luciferase activity ranged from 18.9% to 98.0% for 1-fold-condensed wastewaters corresponding to the concentration of the original wastewater . The estrogenicity was highest at the influent of the treatment plant and decreased through the treatment process . About 81% estrogenicity clearance was found through all processing units . On the other hand, oxidative hepatotoxic substances existed in seven of 10 pretreated wastewaters from these manufacturers in which relative TBARs activity ranged from 18.5% to 43.0% for 1-fold-condensed wastewater . The TBARs of influent samples apparently decreased through the processing units until the aeration basin, but abruptly rose in the final clarifier, which was a result of the addition of an active charcoal-retrieving agent with the molecular formula of (C(2)H(3))(n)CONHCH(2)N(CH(3))(3)Cl and which had high TBARs activity . No TBARs activity being found in effluent samples could be a consequence of allowing sufficient time for coagulation between the active charcoal and its retrieval agent which decreased the residual active charcoal-retrieving agent . We concluded that the industrial wastewater treatment plant using the PACT system in the Da-Hse Industrial District is suitable for removing estrogenic substances and oxidative hepatotoxic substances discharged from these industrial manufacturers.

Chemosphere, 2004 Jun, 55(9), 1235 - 43
The role of ferrous ion in Fenton and photo-Fenton processes for the degradation of phenol; Kavitha V et al.; The efficiency of different Fenton-related oxidative processes such as Fenton, solar-Fenton and UV-Fenton were examined using phenol as a model compound in simulated and industrial wastewater . A batch study was conducted to optimize parameters like pH, hydrogen peroxide concentration and ferrous ion concentration governing the Fenton process . At optimum conditions, different Fenton-related processes were compared for the degradation of phenol . Increased degradation and mineralisation efficiency were observed in photo-Fenton processes as compared to conventional Fenton process . The maximum mineralising efficiency for phenol with Fenton, solar and UV-Fenton processes were 41%, 96% and 97% respectively . In Fenton process, carboxylic acids like acetic acid and oxalic acid were formed as end products during the degradation of phenol while in photo-Fenton processes, both these ions were identified during the early stages of phenol degradation and were oxidized almost completely at 120 min of the reaction time . In photo-Fenton processes (solar and UV light) complete degradation were observed with 0.4 mM of Fe2+ catalyst as compared to 0.8 mM of Fe2+ in conventional Fenton process . In Fenton and solar-Fenton processes, an iron reusability study was performed to minimize the amount of iron used in treatment process . The efficacy of Fenton and solar-Fenton processes was applied to effluent from phenol resin-manufacturing unit for the removal and mineralisation of phenol .

Chemosphere, 2004 Jun, 55(9), 1207 - 12
Discoloration of methylene blue and wastewater from a plant by a Fe/Cu bimetallic system; Ma LM et al.; Using a Fe/Cu bimetallic system (Fe/Cu system), the discoloration of both methylene blue in aqueous solution and the colored wastewater from a plant was investigated under the anaerobic condition in batch or continuous reactors . Results show that the Fe/Cu system effectively removed the color with over 88% of color removal efficiency for both methylene blue solution and the wastewater from the plant in batch test . Color removal efficiencies increased rapidly with Fe/Cu dosage and reaction time, respectively, at initial time and slowly to stable values . Optimum pH was neutral range . In addition, in continuous test it also removed the color of the wastewater from the plant with 63% of discoloring efficiency under the condition of 2 h of hydraulic retention time and neutral range of pH (7.0-8.3) . High discoloring efficiencies with low chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies were found in all experiments . The reduction of chromophores in pollutants was the main mechanism of the discoloration in the Fe/Cu system . Copyright 2004 Elsevier Ltd.

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