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Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) functioned as the intersection between the human society and nature environment, are receiving increasingly more attention on risk assessment of the acquisition of environmental antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) by pathogenetic populations during treatment. However, because of the general lack of robust resistome profiling methods, genotype, and resistance phenotype is still poorly correlated in human pathogens of sewage samples. Here we applied MinION sequencing to quantify the resistance genes of multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR) coliform bacteria, a common indicator for human enteric pathogens in sewage samples. Our pipeline could deliver the results within 30 h from sample collection and the resistome quantification was consistent to that based on the Illumina platform. Additionally, the long nanopore reads not only enabled a simultaneous identification of the carrier populations of ARGs detected, but also facilitated the genome reconstruction of a representative MAR strain, from which we identified an instance of chromosomal integration of environmental resistance gene obtained by plasmid exchange with a porcine pathogen. This study demonstrated the utilization of MinION sequencing in quick monitoring and simultaneous phylogenetic tracking of environmental ARGs to address potential health risk associated with them.

Copyright of Scire Salutis is the property of CBPC - Companhia Brasileira de Producao Cientifica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an effective way of recovering energy and nutrients from organic waste. However, several issues including the production of corrosive, highly odorous and toxic volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in digester biogas, and long digestion times to achieve sufficient pathogen reductions can limit its wider adoption. In this study, Kemira™ PIX-311 (ferric chloride), PAX XL-6 (aluminum chloride hydroxide sulfate), and PAX XL-19 (polyaluminum chlorohydrate) were added to the digester feeds to evaluate the effects on digester stability, organic removal, VSCs formation in digester headspace, pathogen removal and sludge dewaterability. After preliminary dose trials, two different doses of PIX-311, PAX XL-19, and a 1:1 mixture of PIX-311 and PAX XL-19 were selected. PAX XL-6 was removed from further study as dosing significantly increased VSC levels and the PAX XL-6 dosed digester exhibited signs of instability. During the total operation period of 100 days, addition of PIX-311, PAX XL-19, a combination of PIX-311, PAX XL-19 at concentrations of 4000 and 4500 mg/kg total solids (TS) to digester feed did not lead to process instability. Biogas yields of all metal added digesters were similar to that of the control (no metal addition) digester. PIX-311 achieved up to a 93% reduction in biogas VSCs, 82% better fecal coliform inactivation and exhibited improved dewaterability over the control digester. The PAX XL-19 dosed digester showed modest reductions in biogas VSC concentrations, pathogen levels and improved dewaterability versus the control. Metal addition can be an effective way to control odours from VSCs, pathogens and to improve dewaterability during AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culturable bacterial pathogens (Campylobacter, Salmonella, Listeria, Yersinia) and indicators (E. coli, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens) were quantified at six water resource recovery facilities that land apply anaerobically digested biosolids in Ontario, Canada. Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia were also quantified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Salmonella and Listeria were frequently detected in sludge and liquid biosolids (70‐100% of samples) but less often in fresh dewatered cake biosolids (50‐60%); with low levels in fresh cake (<100 cells/g dw). Yersinia were in 20 to 30% of samples, typically at very low levels (<10 cell/g dw). Giardia and Cryptosporidium were detected in 80 and 20% of cake biosolids at geometric means of 270 cysts/g dw and 70 oocysts/g dw, respectively. E. coli reduction was typically >2-log10 while pathogen reduction was variable. “Sudden increase” of pathogens was not observed, however, Salmonella and E. coli showed regrowth (at 1 to 3 orders of magnitude) after 2- to 3-day storage at 30 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial water quality of coastal beaches located in Durres, were monitored from January to December 2014 - 2015. Water samples were taken from 18 stations eventually distributed on this coast line. Fecal coliform and E. coli was estimated using standard Coliform MPN test. This test for fecal coliforms was determined by fermentation test on lactose broth for preliminary test, and on brilliant green bile confirmatory test. E. coli and fecal coliforms counts, showed a seasonal dependence, with highest values in summer and autumn suggesting a negative relationship with rainfall and a positive relationship with temperature. This could be due to the high number of people visiting the beaches in the coast line during summer time. Out of the 18 stations monitored only three showed the poorest water quality so the highest level of coliform and E. coli. The poorest water quality is especially in the urban discharged points and in the areas close to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarcity of water resources increases the pressure to develop methods for wastewater treatments. In this study, modifications of sand filter were made by installing vertical devices with different length to change the conditions inside the sand filter; consequently, the produced water may be suitable for reuse. We assessed the performance of modified sand filters cultivated with and without reed plant in changing the flow rate, removing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5 ), chemical oxygen demand (COD), removal of ammonia, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), removal of nitrate, total suspended solids (TSS), and fecal coliforms (FC). Two types of sand filters were used in this study: one sand filter was planted with reed bed and the second without reed bed. Results showed that modified sand filters had the ability to reduce the flow rate nearly 10 times lower than regular sand filter (horizontal flow). Moreover, removal of BOD5, COD, nitrogen compound, TSS, and FC was also significant. An interesting outcome of the study is that sand filter removed 52% of BOD5, 32% of COD, 39% of TKN, 35% of NH4 as result of NH3 conversion to NO3, 93% of FC, and 71% of TSS. It is evident that modified filters have higher efficiency in removing pollutants from wastewater. It can be concluded that application of sand filters will significantly improve the quality of treated wastewater. The study revalued that increasing retention time in the sand filters considerably increased the removal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fresh vegetables and ready-to-eat salads (RTES) are essential components of human diet. Despite their benefits, they remain a major public health concern, because they have been implicated in foodborne illness outbreaks in numerous countries. Aim: The present study aimed to assess the bacteriological quality of some fresh vegetables and RTES in Alexandria, Egypt. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 121 samples of vegetables and RTES that were randomly purchased from different markets, restaurants, and street vendors in three districts in Alexandria. All samples were subjected to heterotrophic plate count using pour plate method; detection and enumeration of total coliforms, fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli by multiple tube dilution method; and isolation and detection of Salmonella spp. using standard microbiological methods. Results: The aerobic colony count (ACC) for the 71 tested fresh vegetable samples ranged from 2.0 to 10.4 log CFU/g. Green pepper had the highest ACC mean value (8.4 log CFU/g), whereas lettuce showed the lowest ACC mean (5.1 log CFU/g). Fecal coliforms were detected in 90.1% of tested vegetable samples and 66% of the examined RTES samples. Of the 22 street-vended RTES samples, 18.2% were significantly unsatisfactory regarding E. coli. Salmonella spp. was not detected in any of the examined samples. Conclusion: All examined samples were contaminated and yielded growth of aerobic mesophilic bacteria with varying densities. According to the Public Health Laboratories guidelines, only street-vended RTES samples yielded unsatisfactory levels of E. coli, which indicates the need for close supervision and regular inspection of hygienic practices and preparation methods of street-vended salads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Científico Centro de Museos de Historia Natural is the property of Universidad de Caldas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Piped drinking water is often considered a gold standard for protecting public health but research is needed to explicitly evaluate the effect of centralized treatment systems on water quality in developing world settings. This study examined the effect of a new drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) on microbial drinking water quality at the point-of-use on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos using fecal indicator bacteria total coliforms and Escherichia coli. Samples were collected during six collection periods before and after operation of the DWTP began from the freshwater sources (n=4), the finished water (n=6), and 50 sites throughout the distribution system (n=287). This study found that there was a significant decrease in contamination by total coliforms (two orders of magnitude) and E. coli (one order of magnitude) after DWTP operation began (p<0.001). However, during at least one post-construction collection cycle, total coliforms and E. coli were still found at 66% and 28% of points-of-use (n=50), respectively. During the final collection period, conventional methods were augmented with human-specific Bacteroides assays - validated herein - with the goal of elucidating possible microbial contamination sources. Results show that E. coli contamination was not predictive of contamination by human wastes and suggests that observed indicator bacteria contamination may have environmental origins. Together these findings highlight the necessity of a holistic approach to drinking water infrastructure improvements in order to deliver high quality water through to the point-of-use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digester bales are a biotechnology that allows the use of organic waste in situ, since its final product (harvest) can be used as a soil conditioner or restorer. Furthermore, this biotechnology prevents organic waste from ending up in landfills that affect the quality of life of people and the environment. The aim of this research is to determine if the baled harvest is suitable for use as fertilizer for useful plants in urban agriculture. To do this, six bales located in different locations in Bogotá were sampled, whose safety will be determined through four microbiological parameters: presence of total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Salmonella and phytopathogenic fungi. The results obtained show that all the bales analyzed have the presence of total coliforms and Salmonella. Regarding fecal coliforms, the presence of Escherichia coli has been confirmed in some of the bales sampled. In this case, for phytopathogenic fungi were reported the presence of various genera such as Cladosporium and Fusarium and some biocontrollers such as Trichoderma and Gliocladium. Based on the above, it is established that, according to NTC 5167, it is not advisable to use the harvest in bales as fertilizer for horticultural crops, since it can affect human health. Demonstrating that the bales can continue to be used for the use of organic waste in situ, the restoration of soils and the fertilization of urban orchards and trees, but not as fertilizer in urban orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of wastewater treatment systems is measured in terms of physicochemical and biological parameters. In this study two-stages of treatment were evaluated for the phosphate and microbial removal from wastewater for agricultural purposes. Iron (oxy)hydroxide was incorporated into a natural clay for phosphate removal and essential oils (Eucalyptus globulus and Citrus limon) were used for microbial reduction from wastewater. An overall experimental evaluation was performed from synthetic wastewater and further validated in real wastewater in batch mode. Phosphate adsorption capacity of iron (oxy)hydroxide clay (PMFe 5) was three times higher than parent clay (PMFe 1). Phosphate removal by PMFe 5 was effective at neutral pH, which is attributed to physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms by means of hydrogen bonding adsorption and chemical complexation reactions, respectively. PMFe 5 removed phosphate and ammonium at 65.8% and 72.3%, respectively from real wastewater. On the other hand, the use of emulsions of Eucalyptus globulus and Citrus limon essential oils allowed the decrease of bacterial load from wastewater. The microbial reduction was more effective using Eucalyptus globulus than Citrus limon essential oil. The fecal and total coliforms were reduced to a maximum extent of 100% using Eucalyptus globulus at 100 mg L−1. Microbial content was reduced to 100% using Citrus limon at 1000 mg L−1. Thus, reusability of wastewater for irrigation purposes is possible using an iron clay and essential oils. The use of PMFe 5 as tertiary treatment stage could be crucial to recover phosphate–phosphorous from wastewater treatment plants reaching the regulatory levels. The content of total and fecal coliforms was also efficiently reduced using essential oils. On one hand, wastewater can be reused in irrigation activities according to the water quality standards. On the other hand, a nutrient enriched material can be provided as phosphate source for soil amendment application. The combination of both treatment technologies provides important agricultural supplies. [Display omitted] • An iron (oxy)hydroxide clay removed phosphate and ammonium from wastewater. • Essential oils were used for the reduction of total and fecal coliforms from wastewater. • Eucalyptus globulus essential oil at 100 mg L−1 reduced 100% of bacterial load. • Citrus limon essential oil 1000 mg L−1 reduced 100% of bacterial load. • Agricultural supplies obtained: nutrient-enriched clay and wastewater for irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the performance of two treatment plants in the City of Mashhad, one with an aerated lagoons system and the other one with waste stabilization ponds system were evaluated in regard to their efficiency in reduction of pathogenic microorganisms. For this purpose, over a period of one year (with 15-days intervals), samples were taken from the influent and effluent (prior to disinfection unit) of the above mentioned treatment plants. The samples then were analyzed for parameters such as temperature, pH, density of total coliforms (TC) and fecal coliforms (FC), dissolved oxygen and total suspended solids concentration. The results indicated that the aerated lagoons system was much more efficient in removal of indicator bacteria than the waste stabilization ponds during autumn and winter periods. However during the summer months, the waste stabilization ponds showed a higher efficiency in this regard. In general, the waste stabilization ponds system reduced the density of TC and FC by 0.21-2.15 log10 and 0.20-2.33 log10, respectively. In contrast, the levels of reduction in aerated lagoons system were in the range of 0.29-2.03 log10 for TC and 0.42-2.40 log10 for FC. Results indicated that solar intensity, pH and dissolved oxygen concentration were found to be the most significant parameters that reduced the microorganisms population in waste stabilization ponds, While, in the aerated lagoons system, the dissolved oxygen concentration in aerated basin and solar intensity play the most important role. In general, without receiving an adequate disinfection, the effluent from waste stabilization ponds and aerated lagoons cannot provide the microbiological standards required for irrigation of agricultural crops.

The availability of safe and pristine water is a global challenge when large numbers of natural and anthropogenic water resources are being depleted with faster rate. The remaining water resources are severely contaminated with various kinds of contaminants including microorganisms. Enterobacter is one of the fecal coliform bacteria of family Enterobacteriaceae. Enterobacter was earlier used as an indicator bacterium along with other fecal Coliforms namely Escherichia coli, Citrobacter and Klebsiella, but it is now known to cause various diseases in human beings. In this study, we have collected 55 samples from potable water and riverine system and proved their presence using their conserved sequences of 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA genes with the help of SYBR green real-time PCR, which showed very high specificity for the detection of Enterobacter. The Enterobacter counts in potable water were found to 1290 ± 32.89 to 1460 ± 39.42 cfu/100ml. The Enterobacter levels in surface water were 1.76 x104 ±492, 1.33 x104 ±334, 1.15 x104 ±308, 2.56 x104 ±802, 2.89 x104 ±962, 8.16 x104 ±3443 cfu/100ml; the levels of Enterobacter contamination associated with hydrophytes were 4.80 x104 ±1804, 3.48 x104 ±856, 8.50 x104 ±2074, 8.09 x104 ±1724, 6.30 x104 ±1738, 3.68 x104 ±949 cfu/10 g and the Enterobacter counts in sediments of the river, were 2.36 x104 ±703, 1.98 x104 ±530, 9.92 x104 ±3839, 6.80 x104 ±2230, 8.76 x104 ±3066 and 2.34 x104 ±732 cfu/10g at the sampling Site #1, Site # 2, Site # 3, Site # 4, Site # 5 and Site # 6 respectively. The assay could be used for the regular monitoring of potable water and other water reservoirs to check waterborne outbreaks.

En este artículo, se presentan los resultados obtenidos en la remoción de coliformes totales, coliformes fecales y salmonella-shigella, presentes en un licor mixto proveniente de la planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales San Fernando (Medellín, Colombia), mediante el uso de una batería de filtros empacados en zeolita clinoptilolita. La experimentación se desarrolló bajo condiciones controladas de caudal y pH, a temperatura ambiente. Se empleó zeolita natural tipo clinoptilolita la cual se activó con solución salina y secado, se empacó en una batería compuesta por dos filtros, uno de flujo descendente y otro de flujo ascendente, para facilitar el contacto de la solución contaminada y el material adsorbente (zeolita). Se realizaron cinco ensayos independientes y al final de cada uno de ellos se lavó y se activó el material zeolítico antes de comenzar el siguiente. En cada ensayo se tomaron tres muestras. Se encontró que la eficiencia de los filtros bajo las condiciones específicas de diseño fue significativamente alta en la remoción de los patógenos evaluados, y el porcentaje de remoción fue independiente del valor de la concentración a la entrada del filtro. Además, la eficiencia en la remoción de los patógenos evaluados no dependió del tipo de microorganismo.This article displays results obtained when total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and Salmonella shigella were removed from mixed liquor taken from San Fernando waste water treatment plant in Medellín, Colombia, by using a battery of filters packed in zeolite clinoptilolite. Experiments were developed under controlled conditions of flow and pH at room temperature. Natural clinoptilolite-type zeolite was used activated with saline solution and drying; it was packed in a battery consisting of two filters (a downward-flow filter and an upward-flow filter) in order to make contact of contaminated solution and adsorbent material (zeolite) easier. Five independent tests were conducted and zeolite matter was washed and activated at the end of each test before starting the next one. Three samples were taken in each test. It was found that efficiency of filters under specific conditions of design was significantly high when assessed pathogens were removed, and percentage of removal was independent from the concentration value at the filter entry. Besides, efficiency to remove pathogens assessed was not dependent on the type of microorganisms.

Chitosan, as a coagulant is used in water and wastewater treatment. It has similar performance in comparison with other conventional coagulants, and doesn’t have any disadvantages of them. However, its bactericidal property is lower than the metal based coagulants. In this study the potential synergistic effect of potassium permanganate, as a powerful oxidant, on the Chitosan fecal coliforms inactivation and turbidity removal has been investigated. Synthetic wastewater samples were prepared by mixing tap water with Bentonite and adding pure culture of fecal coliforms that provided by biological laboratory of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. After preparing synthetic samples of the wastewater and determining its turbidity and fecal coliforms concentration, various doses of Chitosan and Potassium Permanganate individually and in combination with each other, were injected to the samples. Afterwards supernatant of jar reactors were investigated for turbidity and fecal coliforms removal. Simultaneous use Chitosan and potassium permanganate has higher removal efficiency than the individual using of them. Highest applied combined dose (3 mg / L Chitosan and 1.5 mg / L potassium permanganate) reduced fecal coliform to a level less than 100 MPN/100mL , which is equivalent 4 log-inactivation of fecal coliforms. Simultaneous use of Chitosan and potassium permanganate in tertiary treatment of wastewater can led to produce lower turbidity, as well as higher microbial quality in the effluent, which can reduce the amount of required disinfectant, consequently disinfection by products formation lowered very much.

AIM: The water quality of a pond covered by macrophytes and used as a water supply for aquaculture was evaluated during the dry and rainy seasons; METHODS: Six points were established for water sampling, at water inflow and outflow. Samplings were carried out monthly between June 2008 and May 2009; RESULTS: Inflow points P1, P2 and P3 in the pond had higher nutrient concentrations and high trophic rates. Moreover, capybaras in the area caused sediment suspension and an increase in fecal coliforms. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in the concentrations of nutrients in water between the dry and rainy seasons. The outflow of water caused by rain carried the material around the pond directly into the water; CONCLUSIONS: The system studied was influenced by rain and lack of adequate management of the surrounding area. Water quality was deteriorated by increase in nutrient concentrations, fecal coliforms and reduction of dissolved oxygen in the water during the rainy season. This was due to allochthonous material from the area surrounding the pond that affected negatively the supply system.OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar durante as estações seca e estação chuvosa a qualidade da água de um viveiro, coberto por macrófitas, utilizado como sistema de abastecimento de água para aquicultura; MÉTODOS: Foram estabelecidos 6 pontos para a coleta das amostras de água na superfície do viveiro, envolvendo entradas e saídas da água. As coletas foram realizadas mensalmente entre junho de 2008 e maio de 2009; RESULTADOS: Os pontos P1, P2 e P3 devido à entrada de água no viveiro apresentaram maiores concentrações de nutrientes com elevado estado trófico e, a entrada de capivaras nestes locais promoveu a suspensão do sedimento e aumento de coliformes fecais. Há significativas diferenças (p < 0,05) nas concentrações de nutrientes na água entre seca e chuva, com o escoamento de água gerado pela precipitação carreando material do entorno do viveiro para a água; CONCLUSÕES: O sistema estudado sofre influência direta da precipitação e da ausência de manejo adequado da área do entorno. Durante a estação chuvosa a qualidade da água ficou comprometida com aumento da concentração de nutrientes, coliformes fecais e redução do oxigênio dissolvido na água, devido ao material alóctone proveniente da área ao redor do viveiro, afetando negativamente o sistema de abastecimento.

Guatavita es un municipio ubicado en el Departamento de Cundinamarca, Colombia. Posee recursos hídricos como ríos, quebradas, lagunas y nacimientos, que representan un alto porcentaje del agua con que se abastece. El municipio tiene 16 acueductos en funcionamiento, pero solo el que abastece a la población de la zona urbana cuenta con un sistema de tratamiento de agua. En la zona rural existen 14 acueductos con un sistema básico de pretratamiento. Se analizó la calidad bacteriológica del agua de consumo humano de la zona urbana y rural (veredas Corales, Potrero Largo y Carbonera Alta), por medio de los indicadores de contaminación: coliformes totales y Escherichia coli, mediante la técnica de filtración por membrana. El agua de consumo humano de la zona urbana cumplió con los parámetros establecidos en la Resolución 2115 de 2007 del Ministerio de Protección Social, contrario a la zona rural, donde se encontraron recuentos de los indicadores de contaminación fecal, superiores a lo establecido. Por lo tanto, este recurso debe ser considerado como "agua natural", no apta para consumo humano, según el Decreto 1594 de 1984, por lo que debe ser destinada para potabilización bajo un tratamiento convencional.Guatavita is a municipality in the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. Guatavita has water resources such as rivers, streams, lakes and springs, which provide a large proportion of the water consumed by the population. Sixteen water supply systems are in operation, but only the one supplying the urban area is equipped with water treatment facilities. In the rural area there are 14 aqueducts with a basic pretreatment system. An analysis was made of the bacteriological quality of the water for human consumption in urban and rural areas (districts of Corales, Potrero Largo and Carbonera Alta) based on two contamination indicators: total coliforms and Escherichia coli, using membrane filtration technique. The water for human consumption in the urban area complied with the parameters contained in Resolution 2115/2007 of the Ministry of Social Protection. In the rural area, however, fecal contamination indicators were above the established limits. Therefore, this resource should be viewed as "natural water" not suitable for human consumption, according to Decree 1594/1984, and destined for potabilization by conventional treatment.

This paper concerns the results of physical, chemical and microbiological studies to the soil after three breeding cycles of pigs in deep bed system at small scale. The physical and-chemical parameters included organic matter, pH, total phosphorus and total nitrogen. The microbiological analyses were: Salmonella spp., fecal coliforms and helmints eggs. For the statistical analysis of the results was applied to analysis of variance, using a mathematical model of simple classification. In the soil samples are not significant differences for organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus at the beginning and end of the three breeding cycles: (15.4 vs 14.4; 0.39 vs 0.43 and 0.45 vs 0.40) respectively. There was not an increase of fecal coliforms and Salmonella spp. in it and not found viable helmints eggs. It was concluded that the deep bedding system in the swine production at small-scale after three breeding cycles, not generates pollution to the soil.

This study evaluated the efficiency of two bioindicators, fecal coliforms and ecotoxicity tests, set out in CONAMA Resolution 274/00 and CONAMA Resolution 357/05, in assessment of water quality. For this study, Lake Paranoá, Federal District of Brazil, was chosen, since it is a water body directly contaminated by effluents from a sewage treatment plant. Four sampling points were chosen in accordance with the map of recreational water quality published weekly by CAESB/DF, after analysis of fecal coliforms. Samples from these points were collected for 6 months and tested on Danio rerio fish (acute toxicity) and on the microcrustacean Ceriodaphnia dubia (acute and chronic toxicity), besides measuring chemical and physico-chemical parameters. The data obtained show great consistency between the observed biological parameters, suggesting that in this urbanaquatic environment, under great anthropogenic pressure, the fecal coliform bioindicator seems to be more restrictive and enough to evaluate the safety of surface water. Este trabalho comparou a eficiência dos bioindicadores coliformes fecais ou termotolerantes e ensaios de ecotoxicidade, propostos pelas Resoluções Conama 274/00 e Conama 357/05, na avaliação da qualidade de água. Para a realização desse estudo foi escolhido o Lago Paranoá,Brasília, Distrito Federal, por ser um corpo hídrico impactado diretamente pelo lançamento de efluentes de uma estação de tratamento de esgotos. Foram definidos quatro pontos de acordo com o mapa de balneabilidade, publicado semanalmente pela Caesb/DF, em função do teor de coliformes termotolerantes. Amostras desses pontos colhidas durante seis meses foram testadas com o peixe Danio rerio (toxicidade aguda) e o com o microcrustáceo Ceriodaphnia dubia (toxicidade aguda e crônica), além da determinação de parâmetros químicos e físico-químicos. Os resultados obtidos mostraram grande equivalência entre osparâmetros biológicos observados, sugerindo que nesse ambiente sob grande influência antrópica, o bioindicador coliformes termotolerantes foi mais restritivo e suficiente para avaliar a segurança das águas superficiais.

The present work examined possible relationship between the Escherichia coli counts and the concentrations of free CO2, dissolved oxygen, reactive phosphorus, total ammonia, nitrite, pH, transparency and electric conductivity in water samples from the Lagoa da Maraponga (Fortaleza, Ceara State). Eight samplings were carried out every fifteen days to take samples under the waterfs surface at three sampling stations. Regression analyses were performed with the variable with the greatest Pearson coefficients searching for the best fitted curve to observed data. The correlation between the water pH and E. coli was best represented by the equation . = 7.63 . 2.92 * 10-4 x (r2 = 0.53; P = 0.06) where x is the E. coli count (MPN 100 mL-1) and y is the water pH. We concluded that the inflow of sewage and other affluent rich in organic matter decreases the lake's alkalinity and make it susceptible to the acidification process.O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o possivel relacionamento existente entre as contagens de Escherichia coli e as concentracoes de CO2 livre, oxigenio dissolvido, fosforo reativo,amonia total, nitrito, pH, transparencia e condutividade eletrica, em amostras de agua da lagoa da Maraponga (Fortaleza, Estado do Ceara). Foram realizadas oito campanhas, com periodicidade quinzenal, nas quais foram coletadas amostras de agua subsuperficial, em tres pontos de amostragem. Para a variavel que apresentou o maior coeficiente de correlacao linear em modulo, realizou-se a analise de regressao dos dados. Analisando-se matematicamente a relacao entre a concentracao de E. coli (NMP 100 mL-1), como variavel independente, e a concentracao o pH da agua da lagoa da Maraponga, como variaveldependente, chegou-se a equacao . = 7,63 . 2,92 * 10-4 x (r2 = 0,53; P = 0,06). Concluiuse que a entrada de esgotos e/ou afluentes ricos em materia organica na lagoa reduz a sua alcalinidade e a torna vulneravel ao processo de acidificacao.

A partir da atividade antibacteriana in vitro, predeterminada em doze plantas com indicativo etnográfico condimentar, testou-se este atributo in loco no modelo caldo com frango cozido. Primeiramente, procedeu-se ao treinamento de 10 avaliadores, segundo a legislação vigente quanto ao Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido, oportunizando conhecimentos prévios sobre as plantas salsa (Petroselinum sativum), manjerona branca (Origanum X aplii), manjerona preta (Origanum majorana), manjericão (Ocimum basilicum), sálvia (Salvia officinalis), tomilho (Thymus vulgaris), anis verde (Ocimum selloi), alfavaca (Ocimum gratissimum), alho nirá (Allium tuberosum), alho poró (Allium porrum), cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) e pimenta dedo-de-moça (Capsicum baccatum). Realizou-se, através da adição individualizada desses condimentos ao caldo com frango cozido, um Teste de Aceitação tipo escala hedônica, selecionando, dentre os doze condimentos, quatro deles que se destacaram sensorialmente, a pimenta dedo-de-moça, o alho nirá, o alho poró e o tomilho. Foi feito, então, um Teste de Aceitação de concentrações denominadas pequena, média e grande destes quatro condimentos, para determinação da intensidade sensorialmente melhor aceita. As quantidades eleitas (0,5 g de pimenta dedo-de-moça, 15 g de alho nirá, 15 g de alho poró e 5 g de tomilho) foram acrescidas ao caldo com frango cozido, sendo estes desafiados frente a Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) em concentração final de 10 UFC mL-1, limite tolerado pela legislação, tendo como grupo-controle o caldo com frango cozido sem condimentos. O crescimento bacteriano foi aferido a cada duas horas após a inoculação, até completar 24 horas de confronto, utilizando-se meio seletivo para coliformes termo-resistentes e incubação constante a 25ºC em DBO, sendo atribuídos valores arbitrários às variações logarítmicas de crescimento. Comparados ao controle, todos os tratamentos condimentados apresentaram, individualmente, atividade antibacteriana significativa, mesmo que sem significância quando comparados entre si. Contudo, em relação ao tempo de início da atividade antibacteriana, destacou-se a pimenta dedo-de-moça, enquanto que, em relação ao prolongamento dessa ação no tempo, destacou-se o alho nirá. As 12 plantas condimentares em estudo tiveram atestada a sensorialidade, sendo que as quatro plantas com destaque tiveram a atividade anti-coliforme termo-resistente comprovada in loco. Diferentes condimentos vegetais foram capazes de fornecer qualificação sensorial e sanitária em caldo com frango cozido, em condições domésticas de manuseio.Based on the in vitro antibacterial activity predetermined for 12 spice plants with ethnographic indicator, this feature was tested in loco in the model cooked chicken broth. First, ten evaluators were trained, according to the current legislation for Free and Informed Consent, providing previous knowledge about the plants parsley (Petroselinum sativum), marjoram (Origanum X aplii and Origanum majorana), basil (Ocimum basilicum), common sage (Salvia officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), anis-like spice (Ocimum selloi), african basilicum (Ocimum gratissimum), nirá garlic (Allium tuberosum), leek (Allium porrum), turmeric (Curcuma longa) and "dedo-de-moça" chili (Capsicum baccatum). Those spices were individually added to the chicken broth to perform a Hedonic Scale-like Acceptance Test, selecting four of the twelve spices that had higher sensory acceptance, "dedo-de-moça" chili, nirá garlic, leek and thyme. A new Acceptance Test was then performed using low, medium and high concentrations of those four spices to establish the most acceptable sensory intensities. The elected quantities (0.5 g "dedo-de-moça" chili, 15 g nirá garlic, 15 g leek and 5 g thyme) were added to the chicken broth, then challenged with Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) at a final 10 concentration of CFU/mL, the tolerated limit according to legislation. The control group was chicken broth without spices. The bacterial growth was measured at every two hours after the inoculation until 24 hours of confront were completed, using a selective medium for thermo-resistant coliforms, under constant incubation at 25ºC in DBO. Arbitrary values were assigned to the logarithmic growth variations. Compared to the control group, all the spiced treatments individually presented significant antibacterial activity, although the latter was not significant when treatments were compared with each other. However, as regards the antibacterial activity starting time, "dedo-de-moça" chili had the best results, whereas nirá garlic had the best results as regard the extension of this activity time. The 12 studied spice plants had their sensorial characteristics attested, and the four plants that had the best results had proved in loco anti-thermo-resistant coliform activity. Different spice plants were capable of providing sensory and sanitary qualification in chicken broth, under domestic conditions of manipulation.

O trabalho tem como objetivo estudar a contaminação microbiológica do perfil do solo com esgoto sanitário sob tratamento prévio. O experimento foi montado no delineamento em blocos casualizados (DBC) com três repetições. Os seguintes tratamentos foram usados: T - solo sem irrigação; MC - solo com aplicação de água doce e MR - solo com 350 aplicações de água residuária. Foram coletadas amostras de solo, um dia após a última aplicação do efluente para análise microbiológica. Os resultados comprovaram que no MR a contaminação por coliformes termotolerantes na superfície do solo foi mínima esem risco para a saúde do homem, chegando à ausência de contaminação a 1,00 m de profundidade.The microbiological contamination of soil by pretreated domestic sewage was analyzed. An experiment featuring randomized block design (RBD) with three replicates was undertaken. The treatments comprised: T – non-irrigated soil; MC - soil with fresh water; MR - soil with 350applications of wastewater. Soil samples were collected one day after the last effluent application of effluent so that microbiological analysis would be undertaken. Results show that the contamination of soil surface by fecal coliforms in the case of MR was minimum and without any risk to health human. Absence of contamination was reported up to 1,00 m depth.

Considerando que a superfície das carcaças bovinas pode se contaminar durante as diferentes etapas do abate e que a lavagem no final do processo tende a reduzir a população microbiana, o presente estudo foi realizado a fim de verificar a influência da temperatura e da pressão da água de lavagem sobre a população de microrganismos heterotróficos mesófilos, psicrotróficos, bolores e leveduras, coliformes totais e coliformes termotolerantes. Para tal, foram coletadas amostras, por suabe de esponja, em quatro pontos da superfície de 80 carcaças (flanco, pescoço, peito e alcatra). Vinte delas foram lavadas com água a 25°C e sem pressão artificial, 20 com água a 25°C sob pressão de 3atm, 20 com água a 40°C e sem pressão artificial e 20 com água a 40°C sob pressão de 3atm. Para efeito de controle, foram coletadas amostras, pelo mesmo método, de 20 carcaças sem lavar, totalizando 100 amostras. Os resultados evidenciaram que a água sob pressão em temperatura de 25oC foi mais eficiente na remoção de microrganismos do que a água aquecida, muito embora esse último caso promovesse uma limpeza mais visível das carcaças.The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of washing water temperature and pressure on mesophilic and psychrotrophic aerobic bacterial populations, yeasts and molds, total coliforms and fecal coliforms population, whereas the cattle carcass surface may become contaminated during the different slaughter procedures and the final carcass washing may reduce microbial population. Samples were taken by sponge swabbing in four areas of carcass surface (flank, neck, chest and rump), from which 20 were washed with water at 25°C and without artificial pressure, 20 with water under a pressure of 3atm, 20 with water at 40°C and without artificial pressure and 20 with water at 40°C under a pressure of 3atm. For control purpose and using the same method to collect more 20 carcasses samples were taken without washing,, totaling 100 samples. The results showed that the water at 25°C under 3atm pressure was more efficient to remove microorganisms from carcass surface than the heated water , although this latter promotes a more visible clean carcasses.

Assessment of the hygienic condition of 15 chicken shops in Alexandria revealed that carcass handling had the highest mean score percentages in all zones ranging from 69.7% to 83.3% but unfortunately personal hygiene was given the lowest score percentages ranging from 34.5% to 46.9%. Moreover, there were no significant differences among different zones concerning the mean score percentages of different sanitation checklist parameters. Bacteriological analysis of 198 samples; 135 chicken carcass’s washes, 45 scalding water samples and 18 defeathering machine washes revealed that washes collected after defeathering had the worst bacteriological profile regarding the counts of aerobic mesophiles (3.7×107 CFU/100 ml) and coliforms (8.0×104 MPN/100 ml). Carcass washes collected after evisceration and washing from most zones were contaminated with lower bacterial loads than either after scalding or defeathering, but they showed higher contamination with coagulase positive staphylococci Within the same zone, the defeathering machine washes were usually of worse bacteriological quality than scalding water.

Avaliou-se a influência da disposição de mangueiras gotejadoras nos canteiros e a injeção ou não de cloro na água de irrigação, nas condições sanitárias do solo e da alface americana irrigada (Lactuca sativa L.) com águas receptoras de efluentes urbanos. Foram realizadas análises microbiológicas de amostras de água do solo e da alface, no decorrer de todo o ciclo de cultivo. Objetivou-se determinar a possível existência de Salmonella spp. e de formas evolutivas de parasitos humanos e a quantidade de coliformes fecais, em pontos e épocas diferentes do experimento, impedindo assim o consumo da alface. Os resultados não indicaram a presença dos dois primeiros em nenhuma das amostras, mas sim de parasitos não humanos (nematóides) de vida livre no solo. Em relação à quantidade de coliformes fecais (NMP ml-1), o valor encontrado na cultura atende às exigências da Secretaria de Vigilância Sanitária do Ministério da Saúde brasileiro, porém a presença dos nematóides em quantidades superiores ao permitido pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) inviabiliza o seu consumo.One evaluated the influence of drip tape arrangement and the use of chloride in the irrigation water, on soil sanitary conditions and growing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), irrigated with receiving urban waters. Water, soil and lettuce microbiological analyses were performed during crop cycle. The objective was to determine the presence of Salmonella spp., evolutive forms of human parasites and the amount of fecal coliforms in different locations and time, avoiding the lettuce consumption. Although results did not indicate the presence of Salmonella spp. and evolutive forms of human parasites in none of the samples but non human parasites (nematodes) of free life in soil. Total fecal coliforms count (NMP ml-1) met is according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, Secretary of Health Surveillance requirements. Yet, the lettuce was not good for human consumption as the nematode presence was above the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

The lake in the protected Bakhtegan zone is the shelter to wildlife and very important from an ecological and environmental viewpoint. The lake has a unique diversity in terms of Halophilic and Halotolerant bacteria. Based on our experiments, from among the six genera of Halobacteriaceae, only the four Halobacterium, Haloarcula, Halococcus, and Haloferax genera were isolated, the greatest frequency (mean: 54%) belonging to Halobacterium and the least frequency (mean: 4%) belonging to Haloferax among the isolated genera. The Halotolerant bacteria isolated included Pseudomonas sp., Flavobacterium sp., Micrococcus sp. and Bacillus sp. genera. The greatest number of Halotolerant bacteria isolated from the lake water was Pseudomonas (mean: 72%). Furthermore, the number of total coliforms was greater than the number of fecal coliforms. Statistical analysis revealed that Halophilic and Halotolerant colonies had the same mean numbers only at Tashk and Gomban sampling sites but that the mean numbers obtained at Dehzir sampling site was significantly different from those obtained at the former two. It was also found that increasing salt concentration and pH level increased the number of halophilic colonies while increased levels of dissolved oxygen decreased their numbers. Salt concentration, pH level, and DO level had similar effects on the number of total and fecal coliform colonies.

A marketing innovation is the key factor of any product to be launched in the consumer market. This research anticipates that had already been patented worldwide launch of a product (non- chemical) pharmaceutical industry to be called KITLAB, which will change for the better the procedure and user form to collect a single sample of feces or urine be taken for laboratory examination. The objective of this paper is to show product innovation to make a collection of these hygienically correct. The methods and techniques are their main advantages it has over its competitors, since it enables the user to make a collection without handling, that is, that a sample collection (feces/urine), is made by everyone (men/women, adults/children) hygienically, in a very different way of unhygienic today make such collections, which are, at best, made directly on the floor without any care with possible contamination toilet that such unsuitable sites can provide samples. The results observed in a study commissioned assessment of market viability showed that the product had total public approval , and in addition , he has numerous competitive advantages over other existing competing products in the market because its use eliminates the so inconvenient, self - embarrassing and unhygienic way of making today a collection of stools, and more, it will give the user a personal satisfaction and comfort, finally, this product will eliminate the so uncomfortable handling necessary that still exists today.

Wetlands are very important ecosystems in the central coast of Peru. Many of these environments are affected by human populations, who also make use of them for recreational purposes. With the aim of making a microbiological diagnosis of one of the water bodies of the Regional Conservation Area (ACR) Wetlands of Ventanilla, where the surrounding population perform recreational activities, a monthly monitoring program was conducted from august 2014 to July 2015, using 15 monitoring stations. The quantity of total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis was determined. The presence or absence of Vibrio spp. and Salmonella spp. in four stations where the population has more access was also determined. To obtain the maximum permissible limits (MPL), the 2008 Peruvian Environmental Quality Standards for Water (ECA) were used. Of the 15 monitored stations, 6 had an annual average of Total Coliforms greater than the MLP (> 2000 MNP/100 mL), and 2 stations exceeded the MLP for thermotolerant coliforms (> 1000 MNP/100 mL). The presence of Vibrio spp. has been constant in three of the four stations evaluated. Salmonella spp. was absent in all points. The results show that human activities are altering this water body and can turn it into a reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms to human health; especially for the surrounding population that uses this small lake as a recreational area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se midió la presencia de microcistina en el Área Metropolitana de Costa Rica por la técnica de ELISA de inhibición competitiva y se cuantificó coliformes totales, coliformes termotolerantes, Escherichia coli (por medio de la técnica Numero Más Probable) y recuento total aerobio. Se realizaron dos etapas de muestreo, una durante la estación lluviosa del 2003 (abril-octubre) y otra durante la estación seca del 2004 (febrero-marzo), cada una con 30 muestras de agua. Se muestreó agua pretratada, semitratada y tratada. Se determinaron niveles de microcistina < 0.5 ppb durante la estación lluviosa del 2003, mientras que durante la estación seca, se detectaron concentraciones de microcistina > 0.5 ppb. Se informó la presencia de cianotoxinas en la Planta de Tratamiento de Tres Ríos. No se establece correlación entre los parámetros microbiológicos de calidad del agua y las concentraciones de microcistina en el agua. Los estudios deberían considerar la diversidad y toxicidad de cianobacterias en estas plantas, los efectos del tratamiento, y presencia de otros microorganismos y sustancias (dióxido de carbono, fósforo, Nitrógeno), sobre la presencia, estructura y efecto de estas toxinas.Microcystin in plants that treat water for human consumption in a tropical environment: the Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica. We measured microcystin levels in water of the Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica by competitive inhibition ELISA and we quantified total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli (by a Most Probable Number method) and aerobic count. We wanted to identify any cyanotoxin correlation with these parameters, as a public health risk. We sampled in the rainy season of 2003 (April-October) and in the dry season of 2004 (February-March) (30 samples/season). We sampled pre-treated, semi-treated and treated water. Microcystin levels < 0.5 ppb were found in the rainy season (and > 0.5 ppb in the dry season). Dry season levels exceeded World Health Organization limits (1.0 ppb). Cyanotoxins occurred in the Tres Ríos plant. We did not find a correlation between these microbiologic parameters of water quality and microcystin levels in water. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (3): 711-716. Epub 2006 Sept. 29.

Solar disinfection can significantly improve the microbiological quality of drinking water. Water samples of 0, 50, and 100 nephelometric turbidity units spiked with fecal coliforms (107 CFU/mL) were exposed to natural sunshine in 1 L quartz glass tubes fitted with three different design compound parabolic concentrators (CPC1), CPC2, and CPC3, with concentration factor of the solar radiation of 1. On clear days, the complete inactivation times (more than 7-log unit reduction in bacterial population) in the systems with CPC1, CPC2, and CPC3were 90, 20, and 15 min, respectively. The maximum obtained temperatures in the water samples were 57.9°C for CPC1, 77.7°C for CPC2, and 80°C for CPC3. The use of CPC2–3significantly improved the efficiency of the old CPCStechnique, since these systems shortened the exposure times to solar radiation and also minimized the negative effects of turbidity and also regrowth was zero in the disinfected samples. Overall, this technology has been proved to be a good method enhancement to inactivate micro-organisms under real conditions and represents a good alternative technique to drinking water treatment in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Identifying the sanitation efficacy of reducing fecal contaminations in the environment is important for evaluating health risks of the public and developing future management strategies to improve sanitation conditions. In this study, we estimated the fecal coliforms (FC) entering into the environment in 31 provinces in China under three sanitation scenarios. Our calculation results indicated that, the current FC release is disparate among regions, and the human releases in the rural regions were dominant, accounting for over 90% of the total human releases. Compared with the human release, the FC release from the livestock was of similar magnitude, but has a quite different spatial distribution. In China Women's Development Program, the Chinese government set the target to make over 85% of the population in the rural access to the toilets in 2020. If the target set by the Chinese government is achieved, a decrease of 34% (12–54%) in the FC releases would be anticipated. In the future, the improvement in sanitation and accesses to the safe drinking water in the less developed regions, such as Tibet, Qinghai, and Ningxia, should be considered as a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pervious concrete mix was optimized for the maximum compressive strength and the desired permeability at 7 mm/s with varying percentages of water-to-binder (W/B), fly ash-to-binder (FA/B), nano-iron oxide-to-binder (NI/B) and water reducer-to-binder (WR/B). The mass ratio of coarse aggregates in sizes of 4.75–9.5 mm to the binder was fixed at 4:1. Waste FA used in the study was not compliant with a standard specification for use as a mineral admixture in concrete. One optimum pervious concrete (Opt A) targeting high volume FA utilization had a 28-day compressive strength of 22.8 MPa and a permeability of 5.6 mm/s with a mix design at 36% W/B, 35% FA/B, 6% NI/B and 1.2% WR/B. The other (Opt B) targeting a less use of admixtures had a 28-day compressive strength and a permeability of 21.4 MPa and 7.6 mm/s, respectively, at 32% W/B, 10% FA/B, 0.5% NI/B and 0.8% WR/B. During 10 loads at a 2-h contact time each, the Opt A and Opt B achieved the average fecal coliform removals of 72.4% and 77.9% and phosphorus removals of 49.8% and 40.5%, respectively. Therefore, non-compliant waste FA could be utilized for a cleaner production of pervious concrete possessing a greater structural strength and compatible hydrological property and pollution control potential, compared to the ordinary pervious concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mallin, M.A.; Turner, M.I.H.; McIver, M.R.; Toothman, B.R., and Freeman, H.C., 2016. Significant reduction of fecal bacteria and suspended solids loading by coastal best management practices. The Town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, is a resort island that has periodic stormwater runoff problems, affecting local swimming and shellfishing waters from excessive fecal bacteria loading. In 2013-15, the planning, installation, and before-and-after monitoring of several types of best management practices (BMPs) designed to reduce pollutant loading to estuarine waters occurred. A straight pipe carrying runoff directly into estuarine Banks Channel was replaced by a buried infiltration chamber. The infiltration chamber did not reduce fecal bacteria concentrations but caused 93% stormwater discharge reduction, 96% fecal bacteria, 90% Enterococcus load reductions, and a 99% total suspended solids (TSS) load reduction to Banks Channel. Near the town's municipal area a number of curb cuts, reversed stormwater inlets, and regraded grassed swales were constructed to encourage infiltration of stormwater into the sandy soils of the island. Also in that area a large rain garden was constructed to collect and infiltrate stormwater that formerly drained directly into estuarine Lee's Cut. The set of stormwater volume reduction and treatment BMPs in the municipal area caused fecal coliform bacteria and Enterococcus concentration reductions of 57% and 71%, respectively, 50% stormwater discharge reduction, 28-55% fecal bacteria load reductions, and 99% TSS load reduction. The pollutant concentration and load decreases in the municipal area of Wrightsville Beach are particularly striking because the BMPs only capture about 50% of the runoff from the drainage area that enters the outfall into Lee's Cut. The BMPs installed and tested would be applicable to developed coastal areas in numerous locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study on surface water of Chalakudy River was conducted during Jan2013-Dec 2013 to assess the pollution load in the river due to the presence of Coliform bacteria in Chalakudy River. Physico chemical parameters of river water like pH, EC and TDS were analysed along with this microbiological analysis. Microbial contamination was detected as very high in the form of Total Coliform bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mallin MA, McIver MR, Wambach EJ, Robuck AR. 2016. Algal blooms, circulators, waterfowl, and eutrophic Greenfield Lake, North Carolina. Lake Reserv Manage. 32:168–181. Lake rehabilitation measures can sometimes have unintended consequences, including increasing certain eutrophication symptoms. An example involves Greenfield Lake, an urban blackwater impoundment within the City of Wilmington, North Carolina. This popular recreational impoundment has experienced noxious phytoplankton and macrophyte blooms, anoxia and hypoxia, and fish kills for many years. Chlorophyllaand biological oxygen demand are strongly correlated within the lake, indicating that decaying algal blooms are an important source of oxygen demand resulting in low dissolved oxygen. Nutrient addition bioassays demonstrated that the phytoplankton strongly responded to nitrogen (N) inputs. Spatially, ammonium, nitrate, and N/P ratios were higher in the upper lake compared with the lower lake, indicating tributary input of inorganic N, whereas phosphorus (P) was higher in the lower lake. A year-long survey indicated that waterfowl, especially cormorants, contributed somewhat to the lake's total N load but a considerable amount of P, particularly in winter. The lake sediments apparently function as P reservoirs, supplying P to the water column during summer, setting the stage for runoff-induced nitrate pulses and subsequent algal blooms. Lake restoration measures initiated in 2005 included installation of solar-powered circulators, introduction of grass carp, and herbicide treatments. These measures resulted in loss of surface macrophyte and algal mats and reduced dissolved oxygen violations but led to a significant increase in phytoplankton chlorophyllaand a tripling of chlorophyllastandard violations in comparison with pre-restoration years. The increased chlorophyllaviolations have led to inclusion of the lake on the North Carolina 303(d) list of impaired waters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background and Objectives: Qualitative evaluation of sewage sludge before any kind of application is essential. The present study was aimed to investigate Total coliform, Fecal coliform and Salmonella in sewage sludge produced at wastewater treatment plants in Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: Nine wastewater treatment plants were chosen in East Azerbaijan Province, and their sludge from drying bed was studied. Total coliforms, thermo-tolerant coliforms, and Salmonella spp., were surveyed during winter time, 2015. Total and thermos-tolerant coliforms were enumerated by EPA method 1680 and salmonella was counted using EPA method 1682. Results: In the case of total coliform, sludge sample from Jolfa with 1.82×106 MPN/g showed the highest contamination, while Sarab showed lowest fecal coliform count with 2.02×103 MPN/g. As in the case for fecal coliform, the bacteria count for thermo-tolerant coliforms was higher in Jolfa than other cities; on the other hand, Ahar with no fecal coliform count or less than 2.2 showed the minimum contamination rate to fecal coliforms. In case of Salmonella spp., sludge samples from Ahar and Bostan Abad did not show any salmonella. While sludge sample from Tabriz wastewater treatment plant was determined as the most contaminant sludge with bacteria count equal to 84 per g. Moreover, sludge sample from Sarab wastewater treatment plant showed the least contamination rate, and bacteria count was 6 per g. Conclusion: From the stand point of microbial quality, all sludge samples met class B standards set by USEPA, while none of them could provide class A standards. Thus, special precautions must be taken in case of soil amendments by the sludge produced from wastewater treatment plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mauritania is characterized by an arid climate with limited water resources. Nouakchott has experienced tremendous growth, from a population of several hundred people in 1960 to over 700,000 in 2005 according to the National Statistics Office, this growth has generated abnormal pressure on core infrastructure, particularly for drinking water and wastewater management. The water needs of the population of Nouakchott were exclusively met by the excessive exploitation of Idini aquifer’s well field. In late 2010, Mauritania began operating the Aftout Es Saheli project supplying the city with water pumped from the Senegal River. The aim of this paper is to present the evolution of the water situation in the city before and after the Aftout Es Saheli project, and to recommend ways to improve the management of this situation, especially in the peripheral neighborhoods. Our study focused on the water’s availability and physico-chemical and bacteriological qualities in both poor neighborhoods supplied by a high-risk informal distribution system and affluent neighborhoods supplied by the network. In this context, we note that, despite the dilapidated distribution system, the start-up of Aftout Es Saheli and the progressive eradication of the informal system have significantly improved the covering of the population’s water needs with an improving water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: World Health Organization, (WHO) estimates that more than 80% of poor health conditions in developing countries, is related to water and sanitation condition. The supply water and sanitary lines often overlap in our water supply system and water contaminated by fecal contents and become a major cause of GIT infections and outbreaks in human populations. Objective: The Objective of the study was to determine the fecal contamination level in tube well water across the distributing supply lines. Study Design: The study design was observational. Settings: Fatima Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine and Dentistry Shadman Lahore. Period: February 01, 2012 to May 29, 2012. Method: The study did not engage any ethical issues and conducted in five specific regions of Lahore. A 100 ml of water sample was collected in sterile container, from the tube well and after every 100 meter distance till 500 meters. The sample size was 250 from 45 tube wells and their distributing supply lines. It was then observed for fecal coliforms using prescribed scientific methods. Result: The results indicated that bacterial growth at baseline was 42.2%, and at extremity was 73.3%. The A Category water obtained at baseline is 60.0% and at the extreme level it is 26.7%. So by increasing distance from source of water the risk of fecal contamination and low quality of drinking water increases. Conclusion: It is concluded that as the distance increased from the main source of water, the frequency of bacterial growth increases and the quality of water become poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sousa, R.C.; Pereira, L.C.C., and Jiménez, J.A., 2016. Estuarine beaches of the Amazon coast: environmental and recreational characterization. In: Vila-Concejo, A.; Bruce, E.; Kennedy, D.M., and McCarroll, R.J. (eds.), Proceedings of the 14th International Coastal Symposium (Sydney, Australia). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 75, pp. 705-709. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The Amazon coast is rich in natural resources, with highly valued natural landscapes and ecological systems. These environments include estuarine beaches, which are important areas for recreational activities. The present study provides an environmental and recreational diagnosis of three of these estuarine beaches on the Amazon coast (Colares, Marudá, and Murubira). The study was conducted in July, 2012, 2013 and 2015. An set of variables was assessed: (i) physical variables (hydrodynamics), (ii) microbiological variables (thermotolerant coliform concentrations), (iii) recreational actvities and (iv) the spatial distribution of infrastructure and services. The results indicate that these beaches are moderately hydrodynamic, with tidal ranges of 3-5 m and wave heights of up to 1 m, which are attractive features for beachgoers. The lack of adequate urban planning has caused serious social and environmental problems (e.g. erosion, destruction of dunes and mangroves, inadequate disposal of solid waste). The quality of the water has been affected by the lack of an adequate public sanitation system and the presence of numerous illegal sewage outlets on these beaches, which contribute to the high thermotolerant coliform concentrations recorded. The following measures were recommended: (i) removal of sewage outlets; (ii) collection of garbage from the beach at the end of each day's recreation; (iii) the provision of trash cans along the coastline, and (v) the installation of public toilets. The results of the study emphasize the urgent need for the regulation and planning of the use of the coastal environments of the Amazon region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]