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Discharge from Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) can result in the emission of organic micropollutants (OMPs) and microplastics (MPs) into the aquatic environment. To prevent this harmful release, a pilot plant consisting of an ozonation followed by a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter was operated at a WWTP in Germany, and its side-effects on the concentrations of nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) compounds were measured. Over 80% of OMPs and transformation products were removed during the operating time (around 6000 bed volumes) no matter the ozone dose (from around 0.1 to 0.5 mgO3/mgDOC), except for Diatrizoic acid, whose breakthrough appeared at 3500 BV. Formation of the oxidation by-product, NDMA, increased with higher ozone doses, but the concentration remained below 100 ng/L. Bromate was formed at a higher ozone dose (>0.4 mgO3/mgDOC) but at a low concentration—below 10 µg/L. The MP particles detected in the inflow (PE, SBR, PP, and PS) were effectively eliminated to a high degree, with a removal rate of at least 92%. Carbon parameters (COD, DOC, and SAC254) were removed further by the pilot plant, but to different extents. As expected, nitrate was formed during ozonation, while nitrite's concentration decreased. Further, nitrite decreased and nitrate increased within the GAC filter, while ammonium was eliminated by at least 90%. Total P concentration decreased after the pilot, but the concentration of PO4-P increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Background Environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance pose a threat to human and animal health. Aquatic biofilms impacted by wastewater effluent (WW) are known environmental reservoirs for antibiotic resistance; however, the relative importance of biotic factors and abiotic factors from WW on the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within aquatic biofilms remains unclear. Additionally, experimental evidence is limited within complex aquatic microbial communities as to whether genes bearing low sequence similarity to validated reference ARGs are functional as ARGs. Results To disentangle the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on ARG abundances, natural biofilms were previously grown in flume systems with different proportions of stream water and either ultrafiltered or non-ultrafiltered WW. In this study, we conducted deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing of 75 biofilm, stream, and WW samples from these flume systems and compared the taxonomic and functional microbiome and resistome composition. Statistical analysis revealed an alignment of the resistome and microbiome composition and a significant association with experimental treatment. Several ARG classes exhibited an increase in normalized metagenomic abundances in biofilms grown with increasing percentages of non-ultrafiltered WW. In contrast, sulfonamide and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase ARGs showed greater abundances in biofilms grown in ultrafiltered WW compared to non-ultrafiltered WW. Overall, our results pointed toward the dominance of biotic factors over abiotic factors in determining ARG abundances in WW-impacted stream biofilms and suggested gene family-specific mechanisms for ARGs that exhibited divergent abundance patterns. To investigate one of these specific ARG families experimentally, we biochemically characterized a new beta-lactamase from the Planctomycetota (Phycisphaeraceae). This beta-lactamase displayed activity in the cleavage of cephalosporin analog despite sharing a low sequence identity with known ARGs. Conclusions This discovery of a functional planctomycete beta-lactamase ARG is noteworthy, not only because it was the first beta-lactamase to be biochemically characterized from this phylum, but also because it was not detected by standard homology-based ARG tools. In summary, this study conducted a metagenomic analysis of the relative importance of biotic and abiotic factors in the context of WW discharge and their impact on both known and new ARGs in aquatic biofilms. Video Abstract

Background: Environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance pose a threat to human and animal health. Aquatic biofilms impacted by wastewater effluent (WW) are known environmental reservoirs for antibiotic resistance; however, the relative importance of biotic factors and abiotic factors from WW on the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within aquatic biofilms remains unclear. Additionally, experimental evidence is limited within complex aquatic microbial communities as to whether genes bearing low sequence similarity to validated reference ARGs are functional as ARGs. Results: To disentangle the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on ARG abundances, natural biofilms were previously grown in flume systems with different proportions of stream water and either ultrafiltered or non-ultrafiltered WW. In this study, we conducted deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing of 75 biofilm, stream, and WW samples from these flume systems and compared the taxonomic and functional microbiome and resistome composition. Statistical analysis revealed an alignment of the resistome and microbiome composition and a significant association with experimental treatment. Several ARG classes exhibited an increase in normalized metagenomic abundances in biofilms grown with increasing percentages of non-ultrafiltered WW. In contrast, sulfonamide and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase ARGs showed greater abundances in biofilms grown in ultrafiltered WW compared to non-ultrafiltered WW. Overall, our results pointed toward the dominance of biotic factors over abiotic factors in determining ARG abundances in WW-impacted stream biofilms and suggested gene family-specific mechanisms for ARGs that exhibited divergent abundance patterns. To investigate one of these specific ARG families experimentally, we biochemically characterized a new beta-lactamase from the Planctomycetota (Phycisphaeraceae). This beta-lactamase displayed activity in the cleavage of cephalosporin analog despite sharing a low sequence identity with known ARGs. Conclusions: This discovery of a functional planctomycete beta-lactamase ARG is noteworthy, not only because it was the first beta-lactamase to be biochemically characterized from this phylum, but also because it was not detected by standard homology-based ARG tools. In summary, this study conducted a metagenomic analysis of the relative importance of biotic and abiotic factors in the context of WW discharge and their impact on both known and new ARGs in aquatic biofilms. DkJa1T-YWptaXXeH_hsDtB Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns related to environmental risks associated with pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have led researchers to seek methods for assessing and monitoring these contaminants in the aquatic environment. Identifying and validating risk assessment tools that can evaluate ecological concerns and risks associated with PPCPs is critical. Herein, the suitability of a dose-related risk and effect assessment model, which estimates predicted environmental concentrations and allowed comparisons with predicted no effect concentrations determined, in combination with in vitro analyses of the whole effluent toxicity, was verified for the characterization of a PPCP hazard. Concentrations of the most utilized PPCPs in Norway were measured in influent and effluent samples and used to parameterize the fate model. Greater than 90% removal was attained for 12 out of 22 detected PPCPs. Removal was not dependent on the class or the concentration of the specific substance and varied between 12% and 100%. The PPCPs detected in the discharged wastewater were utilized to assess individual contributions to the risk of the effluent, and no risk was identified for the targeted 30 PPCP. The simulations provided valuable information regarding the discharge plume distribution over time, which can aid planning of future environmental monitoring investigations. Bioassays (using fish liver cells, PLHC-1) were used for assessing overall effluent toxicity, through cell viability, production of reactive oxygen species, and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activities. The present study may allow regulators to use risk-based strategies over removal criteria for monitoring studies and confirms the importance to take PPCP contamination into consideration when establishing environmental regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petrochemical industries can potentially be sources of microplastics. This is the first report that studies the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in different parts of a petrochemical site, and process of changes in microplastics from the place of production to reaching open waters. Samples were taken from 10 points. In order to identify the microplastics, NaCl and ZnCl2 solutions were used for extraction and then H2O2 was used for cleaning and with using different filters, two groups of size were divided. Then, using a stereomicroscope and ATR-FTIR their abundance, color and shape and the type of polymers were determined. The number of microplastics in the soil samples varied from 1483 ± 475 items/Kgdws to 4620 ± 983 items/kgdws, the industrial WWTP sludge, the number of microplastics detected varied from 1233 ± 225 items/L to 1433 ± 372 items/L and in WWTP effluent was determined to be 276 ± 76 items/10 L. on average, 66.38 % and 33.62 % of the detected microplastic particles were in the size range of 0.45μ-20μ and 20μ-2mm, respectively. Also on average, 75.89 % and 24.11 % of the particles were in the density range of 1.2–2 g/cm3 and less than 1.2 g/cm3, respectively. On average, 68.33 %, 14.35 %, 10.55 %, and 6.77 % of the microplastics were in the form of fiber, film, pellet and other, respectively. On average, 29.84 %, 56.27 %, 1.02 %, 2.88 %, 0.97 %, and 8.99 % of the microplastics were black, white, red, blue, green and other respectively. 61 %, 23 %, 8 %, 4 % and 4 % of the investigated particles were classified as PES, PET, PE, PE and unknown, respectively. The results indicate that by moving away from the place of production of PES fibers, microplastics have undergone physical and chemical changes and their nature is changing. Results showed that the petrochemical industries can be potentially a microplastic source. It is a warning that if not taken into consideration will be a serious threat to environmental health.

Wastewater treatment plants release complex mixtures of chemicals into the aquatic environment as wastewater effluent (WWE); however, the effects of these mixtures are still poorly understood. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) are a culturally important species in the Pacific Northwest and are a vital food resource for southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) that are listed as ‘critically endangered’ under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Chinook populations have declined drastically in this region and have failed to show significant recovery despite regional-to-federal efforts, resulting in many populations being listed as threatened under the ESA. One source of stress to juvenile Chinook is chemical pollution from WWE during their outmigration along river corridors and residency in estuaries. In this study, we investigated effects of WWE on juvenile Chinook health in a ten-day exposure to dilutions of WWE from 0.1% to 20%. At the end of the exposure, we measured endpoints associated with endocrine disruption, brain function, osmoregulation, stress, and metabolism. Exposure to WWE significantly (α = 0.1 for all analyses) induced vitellogenesis, indicating endocrine system disruption. We saw significant reductions in plasma glucose, an indication of stress, and brain Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity, an enzyme essential for neuronal signaling. Lastly, metabolism was affected as evidenced by altered total protein, cholesterol, and albumin in plasma, a drastic decrease in whole body lipid content, and a significant increase in visible liver anomalies. We compared contaminant concentrations in exposure water with effects concentrations from the literature for chemicals known to induce vitellogenin or inhibit brain NKA. For most contaminants, concentrations in exposure waters were several orders of magnitude below effects concentrations in the literature. The exception was estrogenic hormones, which were detected at similar concentrations in this study compared to concentrations in other studies that induced vitellogenin. Based on comparisons to the literature, contaminants measured in this study could not explain the inhibition of brain NKA; however, WWE mixtures contain many quantified and undetected compounds that are likely acting together to cause harmful effects in Chinook. This research highlights the need for improved wastewater treatment to improve aquatic health and mitigate effects to threatened species like Puget Sound Chinook salmon.

Targeted metabolomic analysis was conducted on juvenile Chinook salmon exposed for 10 days to wastewater effluent (WWE) from a large urban treatment plant. Exposures included five dilutions of WWE (20%, 5.3%, 1.4%, 0.4%, and 0.1%) and a control with 7 replicates per treatment. Liver was extracted from fish and analyzed via liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for 361 endogenous metabolites, of which 185 were detected. Control-versus-treatment comparisons identified several metabolites that were associated with altered biochemical pathways observed for all treatments, including several that are important for energy generation and utilization. These altered pathways are crucial for fish health and may be an early indicator of potential adverse effects on growth, reproduction, behavior, and immune function. Juvenile ocean-type Chinook salmon spend several days to weeks in the nearshore estuary where they may encounter high concentrations of WWE contaminants. They are exposed to a wide range of potent pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial compounds from WWE that have the potential to affect physiological homeostasis and disrupt their normal life cycle.

Urban water contamination has become a pressing concern due to the surge in urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, resulting in increased pollution levels and the introduction of emerging contaminants (ECs) into the environment. The widespread use of pharmaceuticals (PhACs), driven by medical advancements and economic progress, has led to their presence in aquatic systems, posing risks to both ecosystems and human health. These compounds are released into the environment via effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as they are inefficient in totally removing PhACs. This study focused on PhACs in wastewater, surface water and groundwater of a small city like Freiberg region in Germany. Samples were collected along Münzbach's path, encompassing hospital discharges and WWTP. Analysis for the measurement of PhACs was conducted via Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Results revealed that about 46 out of 54 analyzed PhACs were detected across matrices, with positive findings of 46 substances in wastewater, 37 in surface water, and 19 in groundwater. Among 54 analyzed PhACs, six of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) like atenolol (ATL), carbamazepine (CBZ), caffeine (CAF), diclofenac (DCF), metformin (MET), and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) were focused in this study. Five of the six APIs were present in all matrices, with MET and CAF widely distributed in an aqueous system. CBZ and DCF were found in wastewater and surface water, ATL was scarce in surface water, while SMX was absent in groundwater. It was observed that PhAC concentration was reduced from wastewater to groundwater, with the highest levels near the WWTP, decreasing as effluents flowed through surface water Münzbach and Freiberger Mulde. It was also observed that the groundwater near the surface water shows the presence of APIs mainly due to the hyporheic zone connecting the surface water and groundwater. Overall, PhAC compounds reflect the city population and their age, the water cycle, and the hydrochemical processes of the compounds themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment plants release complex mixtures of chemicals into the aquatic environment as wastewater effluent (WWE); however, the effects of these mixtures are still poorly understood. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) are a culturally important species in the Pacific Northwest and are a vital food resource for southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) that are listed as 'critically endangered' under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Chinook populations have declined drastically in this region and have failed to show significant recovery despite regional-to-federal efforts, resulting in many populations being listed as threatened under the ESA. One source of stress to juvenile Chinook is chemical pollution from WWE during their outmigration along river corridors and residency in estuaries. In this study, we investigated effects of WWE on juvenile Chinook health in a ten-day exposure to dilutions of WWE from 0.1% to 20%. At the end of the exposure, we measured endpoints associated with endocrine disruption, brain function, osmoregulation, stress, and metabolism. Exposure to WWE significantly (a = 0.1 for all analyses) induced vitellogenesis, indicating endocrine system disruption. We saw significant reductions in plasma glucose, an indication of stress, and brain Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity, an enzyme essential for neuronal signaling. Lastly, metabolism was affected as evidenced by altered total protein, cholesterol, and albumin in plasma, a drastic decrease in whole body lipid content, and a significant increase in visible liver anomalies. We compared contaminant concentrations in exposure water with effects concentrations from the literature for chemicals known to induce vitellogenin or inhibit brain NKA. For most contaminants, concentrations in exposure waters were several orders of magnitude below effects concentrations in the literature. The exception was estrogenic hormones, which were detected at similar concentrations in this study compared to concentrations in other studies that induced vitellogenin. Based on comparisons to the literature, contaminants measured in this study could not explain the inhibition of brain NKA; however, WWE mixtures contain many quantified and undetected compounds that are likely acting together to cause harmful effects in Chinook. This research highlights the need for improved wastewater treatment to improve aquatic health and mitigate effects to threatened species like Puget Sound Chinook salmon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted metabolomic analysis was conducted on juvenile Chinook salmon exposed for 10 days to wastewater effluent (WWE) from a large urban treatment plant. Exposures included five dilutions of WWE (20%, 5.3%, 1.4%, 0.4%, and 0.1%) and a control with 7 replicates per treatment. Liver was extracted from fish and analyzed via liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for 361 endogenous metabolites, of which 185 were detected. Control-versus-treatment comparisons identified several metabolites that were associated with altered biochemical pathways observed for all treatments, including several that are important for energy generation and utilization. These altered pathways are crucial for fish health and may be an early indicator of potential adverse effects on growth, reproduction, behavior, and immune function. Juvenile ocean-type Chinook salmon spend several days to weeks in the nearshore estuary where they may encounter high concentrations of WWE contaminants. They are exposed to a wide range of potent pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial compounds from WWE that have the potential to affect physiological homeostasis and disrupt their normal life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) use large amounts of water for cooling; recirculating cooling water systems (RCWS) take water and discharge it to the environment, concentrate natural constituents, and introduce chemicals used to maintain the chemical regime of the NPP. Changes in organic matter (OM) content can be caused by natural processes as well as human activities. The subject of the research is OM discharges with return water from RCWS NPPs. The research was carried out using the example of the RCWS Rivne NPP and the water of the Styr River, from which the Rivne NPP uses water. The relevance of the research lies in the assessment of the nonradiative environmental impact of the NPP, with the establishment of a correlation between the OM content and the technological modes of operation of the Rivne NPP. The study results show that the concentrations of the total organic carbon (TOC), the chemical oxygen demand (COD), and the 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) are significantly related to the technological mode of operation of the RCWS of the NPP, which is determined by the concentration cycles (in the range of 1.5–5.0) using regression analysis. Therefore, the changes in OM content are correlated with the technological modes of water intake and discharge. The values of the measured environmental concentration (MEC) and the predicted environmental concentration (PEC) are comparable, and the difference between MEC and PEC does not exceed 16%. The proposed formulas were statistically tested by comparing the observed with the predicted BOD5, TOC, and COD and ranged from 27% (COD) to 6–75% (BOD5 and TOC). Moreover, according to the environmental assessment, the Styr River water in the area of influence of the Rivne NPP discharges is classified as class IV, category 6—"poor," and BOD-5–class II, category 2—"good." The novelty of the research is the multicomponent evaluation of the OM content by various indicators of TOC, COD, and BOD5 control and determination of the dynamics of their changes with the establishment of variability factors. Thus, the practical value of the study lies in the possibility of applying the methods to other power plants using RCWS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rivers in Africa have experienced dire pollution as a result of the poor management of wastewater effluent emanating from water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). An integrated wastewater resource recovery model was developed and applied to identify ideal wastewater resource recovery technologies that can be used to recover valuable resources from a mixture of wastewater effluents in a case study in the Burgersfort WRRF in the Limpopo province, South Africa. This novel model incorporates the process of biological nutrient removal (BNR) with an extension of conventional methods of resource recovery applicable to wastewater. The assessment of results of effluent quality from 2016 to 2022 revealed that ammonia, chemical oxygen demand, total coliform, fecal coliform, and Escherichia coli levels were critically non-compliant with the permissible effluent guidelines, indicating a stable upward trend in terms of concentrations, and scored a very bad wastewater quality index rating. All variables assessed showed a significant loading, except for orthophosphates, and significant correlations were observed among the variables. The results of the integrated wastewater resource recovery model revealed a high probability of reclaiming recoverable resources such as nutrients, sludge, bioplastics, biofuel, metals, and water from wastewater, which have economic, environmental, and social benefits, thereby improving the effluent quality of a WRRF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulating the concentrations of pollutants in industrial wastewater through wastewater treatment as practiced worldwide without regulating their pollution loads and wastewater discharge rate alongside, is not enough for protection of the environment and public health. This work investigated why some companies in the Niger Delta do not treat their wastewater; with the aim of providing a solution. The aforesaid prompted this work to invent the “Novel Pollution Prevention Process for Regulating Industrial Wastewater” introducing additional controls namely pollution load and wastewater discharge rate controls for better protection of the environment and public health. Questionnaire survey, wastewater analysis, discharge rate measurement, mathematical modeling and design were the methods adopted. Results revealed that pollution load and wastewater discharge rate should be regulated alongside concentrations of pollutants. Results showed that cost is the major factor responsible for the inability of some companies to treat their wastewater in the Niger Delta. Results revealed that pollution load is a qualitative measure of environmental damage caused by a pollutant and that the larger the pollution load, the larger the environmental damage and vice versa. Results showed that industry can apply the novel pollution prevention process to determine the environmentally-friendly wastewater discharge rate, environmentally-friendly pollution load of pollutants and the corresponding production rate of finished goods. Results revealed that when the concentration of a pollutant in industrial wastewater is not compliant and discharge rate is excessive, pollution load control can protect the environment and public health while regulatory agencies take appropriate measures to make the company comply with the allowable concentration limits of the pollutant. The “novel pollution prevention process for regulating industrial wastewater” has global applicability. It can be applied in every country.

Wastewater effluent discharges from treatment plants (WTP) are among the most pervasive stressors in urban rivers, however, their impact on the different levels of biological organization is poorly understood. This study examined the effects of wastewater effluent outflow on different trophic levels in an urban river and measured physicochemical features; bacterial, periphyton, and riparian forest composition; as well as the abundance, density, and biomass of freshwater fish at both pre- and post-WTP effluent discharge sites. Strong modification of the riparian vegetation was seen downstream from the WTP with a dominance in the richness of exotic plants. The highest values of conductivity, total bacterial composition, periphyton, and nutrients were detected in post-WTP sites. The freshwater fish recorded in the pre-WTP reaches had the highest abundance values for all species recorded. However, the exotic Brown Trout appeared to be indirectly favoured by the nutrient subsidy from the WTP discharges since the biggest individuals were recorded at post-WTP river reaches. Although the river assessed runs through an underdeveloped region in the country; our findings indicated a strong deterioration in environmental conditions and a complex relationship between the biotic responses to effluent pollution. Adequate treatment of effluent discharges is a crucial issue for urban rivers. Management actions are required because the consequences of chronic exposure on aquatic wildlife are unknown. Mostly, Patagonian aquatic systems have not yet reached an ecological tipping point, so it is recommended that restoration plans incorporate improvements in sewage treatment to avoid further degradation of ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Septic tanks without proper construction and insulation entail a significant risk to the environment. In this study, the environmental impacts of a permeably designed septic tank on shallow groundwater contamination are investigated, and changes in water quality in the period after its elimination in 2014 are assessed. For the purpose of evaluating the pollution level of the site, 10 monitoring wells were installed around the septic tank in 2012 and long-term monitoring was carried out. Analytical measurements revealed a significant level of groundwater contamination in the operational period of the septic tank. Extremely high concentrations of NH4+ (>90 mg/L) were observed in the closest monitoring wells, and in most of the wells, concentrations exceeded the relevant contamination limit. δD and δ18O isotopic ratios of monitoring wells within 1 m from the septic tank indicate continuous recharge of sewage water originating from deeper aquifers. The groundwater dome resulting from the wastewater discharge exceeded 1.1 m, within a distance of 25 m. Statistical analyses also revealed significant changes in water quality depending on the monitoring well location from the septic tank. In the period after the septic tank elimination, considerable changes have been detected. Following the cessation of the wastewater discharge, the groundwater dome around the septic tank disappeared; therefore, differences in groundwater levels have decreased from more than 1 m to a few cm. Significant positive changes were detected in the water quality parameters investigated after the dismantling of the septic tank. Five years after the cessation of the pollutant supply, concentrations still exceeded the contamination limit in most of the monitoring wells, indicating slow decontamination processes with a permanently high level of pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and is often detected in aquatic environments. Here, we measured the acute toxicity of citalopram at environmentally relevant concentrations to zebrafish embryos/larvae and utilized RNA-seq to reveal potential mechanisms of toxicity. We also assessed behavioral outcomes in larval zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were exposed continuously to embryo rearing medium (ERM), or one concentration of 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 μg/L citalopram for 7 days post-fertilization (dpf). No acute toxicity was noted for citalopram over 7-days in developing zebrafish, nor were there any effects on hatch rates; however, exposure resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in heart rate at 2 dpf. Reactive oxygen species were also increased in 7-day old larvae zebrafish exposed to 100 μg/L citalopram. There were 29 genes differentially expressed in fish exposed to 10 μg/L citalopram [FDR <0.05] and 79 genes differentially expressed in fish exposed to 1000 μg/L citalopram [FDR <0.05]. In the 1000 μg/L citalopram treatment, there were several transcripts downregulated related to muscle function, including myhz2 , myhz1 , and myom1. Twenty-five gene set pathways were shared between exposure concentrations including 'IL6 Expression Targets', 'Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Resistance in Congenital Hypothyroidism', and 'GFs/TNF - > Ion Channels.' Enrichment of KEGG pathways revealed that 1000 μg/L citalopram altered processes related to the proteosome and cardiac muscle contractions. Larval zebrafish at 7 dpf showed hypoactivity with exposure to ≥10 μg/L citalopram. This may be related to the downregulation of transcripts involved in muscle function. Overall, our results show that citalopram as a pharmaceutical pollutant may have an adverse influence on aquatic species' ability to survive by reducing their abilities to elude predators (e.g. cardiac output, locomotor activity). This study improves mechanistic understanding of the potential harm citalopram may cause fish and contributes to environmental risk assessments for SSRIs in aquatic species. [Display omitted] • Heart rate was decreased in a dose-dependent manner with citalopram exposure. • Citalopram increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in larval fish. • Transcripts related to muscle and cardiac function were affected by citalopram. • Citalopram caused hypoactivity in larval fish at higher concentrations of exposure. • Citalopram did not affect anxiolytic behaviors at any concentration tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) enter lakes through various pathways, including effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), surface runoff, and improperly disposed of plastic waste. In this study, the extent of MPs pollution in Uiam Lake in fall of 2022 and spring of 2023 was assessed by determining both the number (n/m3) and mass concentrations (μg/m3) of MPs. Moreover, the correlation between water quality parameters and MP properties was analyzed, and an ecological risk assessment was conducted. MPs abundance was higher in spring than in fall, probably due to the lifting of coronavirus disease-19 restrictions, melting of ice, higher rainfall, and faster wind speed. Fragment was the dominant shape of the MPs collected, while polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyester/polyethylene terephthalate were the frequently detected polymer types of MPs in fall and spring, respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation between the number concentration of MPs and the total nitrogen, total phosphorus (T-P), and total organic carbon levels; in contrast, there was no significant relationship between the mass concentration of MPs and all water quality parameters. However, the abundance (μg/m3) of PVC and polymethyl methacrylate MPs were positively correlated with T-P and electrical conductivity. The pollution load index, polymer hazard index, and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were generally higher when the mass unit of MPs was used due to the presence of large-sized MPs composed of highly hazardous polymers (e.g., polyurethane, PVC, and alkyd). For instance, the PERI value of the WWTP effluent was at the very high level (>1200) in both seasons, regardless of the abundance unit of MPs. Therefore, WWTP effluents may have increased the ecological toxicity of MPs pollution in Uiam Lake. [Display omitted] • Polyvinyl chloride and polyester MPs were dominant in fall and spring, respectively. • Fragment MPs with size of 10–100 μm were the predominant shape and size. • The total MPs mass concentrations and water quality values were not clearly related. • PVC and PMMA abundance (μg/m3) were positively related with EC and T-P (ρ > 0.44). • The potential ecological risk of the wastewater treatment effluent was the highest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To defuse risks of antibiotic residues in effluent to achieve safe wastewater reuse, direct hydrolysis of the functional group responsible for the antibacterial activity, such as the of β-lactam ring in β-lactam antibiotics, has been recognized as an efficient and cost-effective strategy. However, the instability of natural hydrolases limits their use in treating antibiotic-containing wastewater. Herein, inspired by the active site of natural hydrolase, a Ce-based nanohydrolase was created for rapid hydrolysis of β-lactam antibiotics. The typical β-lactam antibiotic, penicillin G (PG), could be totally removed by the nanohydrolase within 2 min with a hydrolysis efficiency of 44%, and the hydrolysis efficiency could reach 98% within 10 min. It revealed that Ce(IV) in the nanohydrolase adsorbed PG via Lewis acid-Lewis base interaction to activate the β-lactam ring, while the -OH on Ce(III) served as nucleophile to attack the β-lactam ring, thereby promoting the hydrolysis of PG. The Ce-based nanohydrolase also showed good catalytic hydrolysis performance towards other commonly used β-lactam antibiotics and structurally related chemicals, implying its substrate universality. In addition to having high hydrolytic activity similar to that of natural hydrolases, this nanohydrolase exhibited extraordinary reusability and potential for practical applications that natural hydrolases do not possess. This work offers an innovative strategy to eliminate the risks of hydrolysable micropollutants in wastewater effluents and also provides reference for designing better nanohydrolase., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) led to the high consumption of antibiotics such as azithromycin as well as corticosteroids such as prednisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone used to treat the disease. Seemingly, the concentrations of these four Covid-19 drugs increased in wastewater effluents and surface water resources. This is due to the failure of traditional wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs) to eliminate pharmaceuticals from wastewater. Therefore, the objective of the current research was to review the present state of literature on the occurrence of four Covid-19 drugs in water resources, the associated risks and toxicity, their fate, as well as the emergence of combined pollutants of Covid-19 drugs and heavy metals. From late 2019 to date, azithromycin was observed at concentrations of 935 ng/L, prednisone at 433 ng/L, prednisolone at 0.66 ng/L, and dexamethasone at 360 ng/L, respectively, in surface water resources. These concentrations had increased substantially in water resources and were all attributed to pollution by wastewater effluents and the rise in Covid-?19 infections. This phenomenon was also exacerbated by the observation of the pseudo-persistence of Covid-19 drugs, long half-life periods, as well as the excretion of Covid-19 drugs from the human body with about 30?90% of the parent drug. Nonetheless, the aquatic and human health toxicity and risks of Covid-19 drugs in water resources are unknown as the concentrations are deemed too low; thus, neglecting the possible long-term effects. Also, the accumulation of Covid-19 drugs in water resources presents the possible development of combined pollutants of Covid-19 drugs and heavy metals that are yet to be investigated. The risks and toxicity of the combined pollutants, including the fate of the Covid-19 drugs in water resources remains a research gap that undoubtably needs to be investigated., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflicts of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare and therefore hope that the manuscript will be acceptable for publication in its current form., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The influence of biofouling on zooplankton ingestion rates of plastics in freshwater environments has received limited attention. We investigated how biofouling of microplastics in wastewater effluent and in fresh surface water influences Daphnia magna's microplastic consumption. The differences in ingestion of the biofouled as compared with the virgin microplastics were higher for the surface water by a factor of seven compared with a factor of two for the effluent. The intake of biofouled microplastics by D. magna was higher compared with virgin plastics, but the reason for this preference should be further investigated. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1977–1981. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with the use of a COOH-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube–coated glassy carbon electrode (f-MWCNT-coated GCE) to investigate the electrochemical oxidation of ciprofloxacin (CIP). The electrochemical behavior of CIP is investigated using cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry in PBS buffer aqueous solutions. Cyclic voltammograms have shown that (1) CIP provided a well-defined irreversible oxidation peak at a potential of around 1 V and (2) modifying glassy carbon electrode surface by MWCNT leads to a significant improvement 3.6 and 1.5 folds of the electrochemical response as compared to that at bare GCE, and MWCNT-coated GCE, respectively. This improvement in the electrocatalytic activity of the electrode is attributed to the decrease of the charge transfer resistance. The influence of some controlled parameters (scan rate, pH, successive potential scans, and SMX concentration) on the electrochemical oxidation of CIP is studied. It has been shown that CIP oxidizes according to a diffusion-controlled mechanism involving the transfer of one electron and two protons. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the zwitterionic form of CIP is thermodynamically more reactive to electrochemical oxidation than the cationic and anionic forms. Under optimized conditions, a linear calibration curve was obtained by square wave voltammetry for CIP in the concentration range 5–100 µM with a detection limit of 0.16 µM. The f-MWCNT-coated GCE showed great improvement, as compared to bare GCE, in the anodic oxidation reactivity of CIP with high simplicity of preparation, selectivity, repeatability, and reproducibility. Also, CIP analytical determination was performed successfully, using f-MWCNT-coated GCE, in-hospital effluent, treated domestic wastewater effluent, and natural water source, allowing promising and feasible applications in on-site environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review centred on the existence of phenol, which is a widespread organic pollutant. It is crucial to study it owing to its toxic effects, even at low concentrations, and the high likelihood of contaminating natural waters, in addition to wastewater from agricultural wastewater or urban wastewater. To make matters worse, it contributes to substance formation during the process of disinfection and oxidation. It is also common practice to dump commercial wastewater which has nearly identical characteristics to urban wastewater into community sewers. Various methods have been explored for eliminating the phenolic compound. This report has concentrated on phenol degradation through aerobic pathways and anaerobic pathways as well as numerous microorganisms involved in the degradation of the phenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With their large, diverse microbial communities chronically exposed to sub-inhibitory antibiotic concentrations, wastewater treatment works (WWTW) have been deemed hotspots for the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, with growing concern about the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) into receiving surface waters. This study explored (1) the prevalence of ARG and ARB in local WWTW, (2) the effect of sub-inhibitory antimicrobial exposure on ARG copy numbers in pure cultures from WWTW, and (3) two WWTW with different treatment configurations. For each WWTW, qPCR determined the prevalence of mcr3, sul1, sul2, and blaKPC during the treatment process, and culture methods were used to enumerate and identify ARB. Bacterial colonies isolated from effluent samples were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing and their respective minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined. These were compared to the MICs of whole community samples from the influent, return activated sludge, and effluent of each WWTW. Resistance genes were quantified in 11 isolated cultures before and after exposure to sub-MIC concentrations of target antibiotics. The numbers of ARG and ARB in both WWTW effluents were notably reduced compared to the influent. Sul1 and sul2 gene copies increased in cultures enriched in sub-MIC concentrations of sulfamethoxazole, while blaKPC decreased after exposure to amoxicillin. It was concluded, within the parameters of this study, that WWTW assist in reducing ARG and ARB, but that sub-inhibitory exposure to antimicrobials has a varied effect on ARG copy number in pure cultures.

Water scarcity is one of the main challenges in sustainable agricultural development particularly in developing countries therefore, irrigation of food crops with wastewater effluent has become a common practice in order to meet the growing food demand. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of wastewater irrigation on bacterial community and antibiotic resistance dynamics in soil and vegetables in an agricultural setting. To determine bacterial diversity, occurrence and overall dynamics of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in effluent irrigated soil and vegetables, 16S rRNA gene metagenomics, shotgun metagenomics and molecular PCR technique were utilized. A shift in bacterial community profile was observed as notable reduction in proteobacteria and increase in firmicutes phyla from the microcosm soil following wastewater effluent irrigation. Shotgun metagenomics revealed diverse ARGs belonging to at least nine different classes of antibiotics in the effluent wastewater. However, only blaTEM (beta-lactamase) and aadA (aminoglycoside) resistance gene sequences were identified in microcosm soil following irrigation and only blaTEM was detected on effluent irrigated vegetable surfaces (spinach and beetroots). From the study, only blaTEM gene was identified across all samples; effluent wastewater, effluent-treated soil, and vegetables. The data suggests a possible dissemination and persistence of the beta-lactamase blaTEM gene from effluent wastewater into agricultural soil and vegetables. This study enhances our understanding of antibiotic resistance spread and highlights the importance of monitoring antibiotic resistance in agro-systems, which is critical for informing policies aimed at sustainable use of wastewater effluent in water-stressed countries.

This recent study aims to evaluate the efficacy of membrane filtration on recovery of water resource from agro-waste such as bagasse, crop-based pulp and paper mill waste. A mini pilot scale membrane system having a combination of pre-treatment filter unit (pre-filter, sediment filter and pre-carbon filter), ultra-filtration and reverse osmosis with spiral wound configuration were employed to evaluate the water reuse efficacy of effluent coming from the secondary clarifier of the conventional treatment plant of the mill. The operational conditions were optimized using Taguchi method at pH 8, temperature 32 °C, and pressure 2 bar and a flow rate of 60 l/hr. The qualities of the effluent from the secondary clarifier, and the permeate from both the combination, viz. Combination 1 (pre-treatment + ultra-filtration) and Combination 2 (pre-treatment + ultra-filtration+ reverse osmosis) were analyzed and the percentage reduction in pH, TDS, TSS, BOD, COD, Color, Lignin, Potassium and Sodium were calculated. The elimination of TDS, COD and BOD with Combination 1 was not promising (88%) the contaminants in both paper mill effluents. The obtained qualities of water from all the combinations were compared with the tolerance standard for reuse as process water. The quality of effluent from the secondary clarifier did not agree with any class of water quality. The permeate from the combination of pre-treatment and UF sufficiently reduced the TSS to reach the requirement. However, the combination of (pre-treatment + UF + RO) adequately complied with the quality standard required for reuse in the making of all grades of paper.

Municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents are significant sources of organic and inorganic pollutants to aquatic ecosystems. Several studies have shown that the health of aquatic organisms can be adversely impacted following exposure to these complex chemical mixtures. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of in situ exposure in the St. Lawrence River (QC, Canada) of juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens) to a major WWTP effluent. Perch were caged at a reference site in the St. Lawrence River and downstream of a WWTP effluent-influenced site for one, three, and six weeks. Fish kept in controlled laboratory setting were also examined at the beginning of the experiment to evaluate the potential effect of caging on fish. Liver metabolites and gill oxidative stress biomarkers as well as body condition of perch were investigated at four time points (zero, one, three, and six weeks). Nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) stable isotopes as well as tissue concentrations of halogenated flame retardants and trace metals were also analyzed. Results indicated that body condition of perch caged in the effluent increased after three and six weeks of exposure compared to that of reference fish. Perch caged at the WWTP effluent-influenced site also had higher muscle δ13C and slightly depleted muscle δ15N after three and six weeks of exposure, suggesting differences in sewage-derived nutrient assimilation between sites. Concentrations of Σ34 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) were 2-fold greater in perch exposed downstream of the WWTP compared to those caged at the reference site. Metal concentrations in kidney of perch after three weeks of exposure were significantly lower at the effluent-influenced site. Kidney concentrations of Cd, Cu, Se, As, Zn and Fe were, however, higher after six weeks of exposure, supporting that metal accumulation is time- and element-specific. The metabolomes of perch from the effluent-influenced and reference sites were similar, but were distinct from the laboratory control fish, suggesting a caging effect on fish. Seven liver metabolites (glucose, malate, fumarate, glutamate, creatinine, histamine, and oxypurinol) were significantly more abundant in perch from cages than in the laboratory control perch. The combination of metabolomics and physiological variables provides a powerful tool to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of action of complex environmental pollutant mixtures in wild fish.

Several pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) were evaluated using the fish plasma model (FPM) for juvenile Chinook salmon exposed to effluent from a large urban wastewater treatment plant. The FPM compares fish plasma concentrations to therapeutic values determined in human plasma as an indication of potential adverse effects. We used human C max values, which are the maximum plasma concentration for a minimum therapeutic dose. Observed and predicted plasma concentrations from juvenile Chinook salmon exposed to a dilution series of whole wastewater effluent were compared to 1%C max values to determine Response Ratios (RR) ([plasma]/1%C max) for assessment of possible adverse effects. Several PPCPs were found to approach or exceed an RR of 1, indicating potential effects in fish. We also predicted plasma concentrations from measured water concentrations and determined that several of the values were close to or below the analytical reporting limit (RL) indicating potential plasma concentrations for a large number of PPCPs that were below detection. Additionally, the 1%C max was less than the RL for several analytes, which could impede predictions of possible effect concentrations. A comparison of observed and predicted plasma concentrations found that observed values were frequently much higher than values predicted with water concentrations, especially for low log 10 Dow compounds. The observed versus predicted values using the human volume of distribution (Vd), were generally much closer in agreement. These data appear to support the selection of whole-body concentrations to predict plasma values, which relies more on estimating simple partitioning within the fish instead of uptake via water. Overall, these observations highlight the frequently underestimated predicted plasma concentrations and potential to cause adverse effects in fish. Using measured plasma concentrations or predicted values from whole-body concentrations along with improved prediction models and reductions in analytical detection limits will foster more accurate risk assessments of pharmaceutical exposure for fish. [Display omitted] • Fish Plasma Model was used to assess risk based on water and tissue levels. • Several plasma values exceeded 1%C max indicating increased risk of adverse effects. • Predicted plasma for many compounds was below detection limit but likely present. • 1%C max levels often less than detection limit for predicted plasma pharmaceuticals. • Predicted plasma value from tissue usually closer to observed than water predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetracyclines are among the most commonly used antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections and the improvement of agricultural growth and feed efficiency. All compounds in the group of tetracyclines (tetracycline, chlorotetracycline, doxycycline, and oxytetracycline) are excreted in an unchanged form in urine at a rate of more than 70%. They enter the aquatic environment in altered and unaltered forms which affect aquatic micro- and macroorganisms. This study reviews the occurrence, fate, and removal techniques of tetracycline contamination in Europe. The average level of tetracycline contamination in water ranged from 0 to 20 ng/L. However, data regarding environmental contamination by tetracyclines are still insufficient. Despite the constant presence and impact of tetracyclines in the environment, there are no legal restrictions regarding the discharge of tetracyclines into the aquatic environment. To address these challenges, various removal techniques, including advanced oxidation, adsorption, and UV treatment, are being critically evaluated and compared. The summarized data contributes to a better understanding of the current state of Europe's waters and provides insight into potential strategies for future environmental management and policy development. Further research on the pollution and effects of tetracyclines in aquatic environments is therefore required. [Display omitted] • The average degree of tetracycline contamination in European waters varied from 0 to 20 ng/L. • Tetracyclines have the ability to change the bacterial activity and abundance in water, soil. • Tetracyclines may have negative impact on the ecosystem after entering to the aquatic environment. • Tetracyclines are effectively removed from wastewater by UV treatment, adsorption and oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Euglena gracilis, a unicellular flagellated microalga, is regarded as one of the most promising species as microalgal feedstock for biofuels. Its lipids (mainly wax esters) are suitable for biodiesel and jet fuel. Culture of E. gracilis using wastewater effluent will improve the economics of E. gracilis biofuel production. Enhancement of the productivity of E. gracilis biomass is critical to creating a highly efficient biofuels production system. Certain bacteria have been found to promote microalgal growth by creating a favorable microenvironment. These bacteria have been characterized as microalgae growth-promoting bacteria (MGPB). Co-culture of microalgae with MGPB might offer an effective strategy to enhance microalgal biomass production in wastewater effluent culture systems. However, no MGPB has been identified to enhance the growth of E. gracilis. The objectives of this study were, therefore, to isolate and characterize the MGPB effective for E. gracilis and to demonstrate that the isolated MGPB indeed enhances the production of biomass and lipids by E. gracilis in wastewater effluent culture system. Results A bacterium, Emticicia sp. EG3, which is capable of promoting the growth of microalga E. gracilis, was isolated from an E. gracilis-municipal wastewater effluent culture. Biomass production rate of E. gracilis was enhanced 3.5-fold and 3.1-fold by EG3 in the co-culture system using a medium of heat-sterilized and non-sterilized wastewater effluent, respectively, compared to growth in the same effluent culture but without EG3. Two-step culture system was examined as follows: E. gracilis was cultured with or without EG3 in wastewater effluent in the first step and was further grown in wastewater effluent in the second step. Production yields of biomass and lipids by E. gracilis were enhanced 3.2-fold and 2.9-fold, respectively, in the second step of the system in which E. gracilis was co-cultured with EG3 in the first step. Conclusion Emticicia sp. EG3 is the first MGPB for E. gracilis. Growth-promoting bacteria such as EG3 will be promising agents for enhancing E. gracilis biomass/biofuel productivities.

Abstract Background Microalgae are a promising biomass feedstock for biofuels production. The use of wastewater effluent as a nutrient medium would improve the economics of microalgal biofuels production. Bacterial communities in aquatic environments may either stimulate or inhibit microalgal growth. Microalgal productivity could be enhanced if the positive effects of indigenous bacteria could be exploited. However, much is unknown about the effects of indigenous bacteria on microalgal growth and the characteristics of bacterial communities associated with microalgae in microalgae–effluent culture. To assess the effects of the indigenous bacteria in wastewater effluent on microalgal growth, three microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella vulgaris, and Euglena gracilis, were cultured in two municipal wastewater effluents and one swine wastewater effluent with and without indigenous bacteria for 7 days. Results All microalgae grew better in all effluents with indigenous bacteria than without bacteria. Biomass production of C. reinhardtii, C. vulgaris, and E. gracilis increased > 1.5, 1.8–2.8, and > 2.1-fold, respectively, compared to the axenic cultures of each microalga. The in situ indigenous bacterial communities in the effluents therefore promoted the growth of the three microalgae during 7-day cultures. Furthermore, the total numbers of bacterial 16S rRNA genes in the 7-day microalgae–effluent cultures were 109‒793 times the initial numbers. These results suggest that the three microalgae produced and supplied organic carbon that supported bacterial growth in the effluent. At the phylum and class levels, Proteobacteria (Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria) and Bacteroidetes (Sphingobacteriia and Saprospirae) were selectively enriched in all microalgae–effluent cultures. The enriched core bacterial families and genera were functions of the microalgal species and effluents. These results suggest that certain members of the bacterial community promote the growth of their “host” microalgal species. Conclusion To enhance their own growth, microalgae may be able to selectively stimulate specific bacterial groups from among the in situ indigenous bacterial community found in wastewater effluent (i.e., microalgae growth-promoting bacteria: MGPB). The MGPB from effluent cultures could be used as “probiotics” to enhance microalgal growth in effluent culture. Wastewater effluent may therefore be a valuable resource, not only of nutrients, but also of MGPB to enable more efficient microalgal biomass production.

The effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plants is a major point source of contamination in Canadian waterways. The improvement of effluent quality to reduce contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, before being released into the environment is necessary to reduce the impacts on organisms that live in the river downstream. Here, we aimed to characterize the metabolic and gill physiological responses of rainbow (Etheostoma caeruleum), fantail (Etheostoma flabellare), and greenside (Etheostoma blennioides) darters to the effluent in the Grand River from the recently upgraded Waterloo municipal wastewater treatment plant. The routine metabolism of darters was not affected by effluent exposure, but some species had increased maximum metabolic rates, leading to an increased aerobic scope. The rainbow darter aerobic scope increased by 2.2 times and the fantail darter aerobic scope increased by 2.7 times compared to the reference site. Gill samples from effluent-exposed rainbow darters and greenside darters showed evidence of more pathologies and variations in morphology. These results suggest that darters can metabolically adjust to effluent-contaminated water and may also be adapting to the urban and agricultural inputs. The modification and damage to the gills provide a useful water quality indicator but does not necessarily reflect how well acclimated the species is to the environment due to a lack of evidence of poor fish health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effluent from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is one of the main sources of pollution that seriously affect the physicochemical parameters in water bodies. This occurs particularly when partially treated or untreated effluent is released to various aquatic ecosystems. This constitutes a potential danger to the general environment. To safeguard the lives of human, aquatic and other living organisms, regular monitoring of wastewater effluent to ascertain their compliance with both national and international regulatory limits for water quality improvement is very crucial. This research work was carried out using standard methods to evaluate ten physicochemical parameters from the effluent of two WWTPs in Cape Town, South Africa. Our findings were: temperatures (16.90–25.33 °C), pH (5.85–7.85), EC (923.00–1294.17 µS/cm), TDS (590.72–828.27 mg/L), DO (1.30–5.50 mg/L), SO42− (3.23–163.18 mg/L), COD (23.70–898.58 mg/L), BOD (9.17–252.44 mg/L), Cl− (48.17–378.48 mg/L) and PO43− (0.10–11.32 mg/L). Temperature, pH and SO42− levels in the two WWTPs were within the recommended limit for wastewater discharge by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), South Africa and the United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). However, other parameters did not comply fully with both DWAF and USEPA standards. The result showed that effluents from these WWTPs are possible sources of pollution to the receiving water bodies and calls for enhancement of the WWTPs operations to ensure safe effluent discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yan, X. and Mohammadian, A., 2020. Evolutionary prediction of the trajectory of a rosette momentum jet group in flowing currents. Journal of Coastal Research, 36(5), 1059–1067. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This study proposes a new approach to predicting the trajectory of a rosette momentum jet group in flowing currents, using multigene genetic programming (MGGP), which is an evolutionary-based artificial intelligence (AI) technique. The MGGP algorithm is used to develop explicit mathematical models that predict the dimensionless coordinates of the jet centerline trajectory as functions of the jet-to-ambient velocity ratios, the Reynolds numbers, the dimensionless jet angle, and the dimensionless travel distance. Experimental data are used to train the models, and the optimal models are identified using the Pareto-optimal approach, based on a performance–complexity trade-off. The same data, and some additional unseen data, are used to assess the performances of the developed models. The results show that the MGGP predictions have a good match with both the training and testing experimental datasets. The best MGGP model is also found to be superior to the best single-gene genetic programming (SGGP) model. This study demonstrates the suitability and capability of the MGGP technique in developing models for predicting the trajectory of a rosette momentum jet group in flowing currents, which can be used in many applications in the field of coastal science and engineering, such as the design of coastal outfall systems and assessment of environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemcatcher® and POCIS passive sampling devices are widely used for monitoring polar organic pollutants in water. Chemcatcher® uses a bound Horizon Atlantic™ HLB-L sorbent disk as receiving phase, whilst the POCIS uses the same material in the form of loose powder. Both devices (n = 3) were deployed for 21 days in the final effluent at three wastewater treatment plants in South Wales, UK. Following deployment, sampler extracts were analysed using liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Compounds were identified using an in-house database of pharmaceuticals using a metabolomics workflow. Sixty-eight compounds were identified in all samplers. For the POCIS, substantial losses of sorbent (11–51%) were found during deployment and subsequent laboratory analysis, necessitating the use of a recovery factor. Percentage relative standard deviations varied (with 10 compounds exceeding 30% in both samplers) between individual compounds and between samplers deployed at the three sites. The relative performance of the two devices was evaluated using the mass of analyte sequestered, measured as an integrated peak area. The ratio of the uptake of the pharmaceuticals for the POCIS versus Chemcatcher® was lower (1.84x) than would be expected on the basis of the ratio of active sampling areas (3.01x) of the two devices. The lower than predicted uptake may be attributable to the loose sorbent material moving inside the POCIS when deployed in the field in the vertical plane. In order to overcome this, it is recommended to deploy the POCIS horizontally inside the deployment cage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discharging microplastics into the environment with treated wastewater is becoming a major concern around the world. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) release microplastics into terrestrial and aquatic habitats, mostly from textile, laundry, and cosmetic industries. Despite extensive research on microplastics in the environment, their removal, and WWTP management strategies, highlighting their environmental effects, little is known about microplastics' fate and behaviour during various treatment processes. Microplastics interact with treatment technologies differently due to their diverse physical and chemical characteristics, resulting in varying removal efficiency. Microplastics removed from WWTPs may accumulate in soil and harm terrestrial ecosystems. Few studies have examined the cost, energy use, and trade-offs of large-scale implementation of modern treatment methods for the removal of microplastics. To safeguard aquatic and terrestrial habitats from microplastics' contamination, focused and efficient management techniques must bridge these knowledge gaps. This review summarizes microplastic detection, collection, removal and management strategies. A compilation of treatment process studies on microplastics' removal efficiency and their destiny and transit paths shows recent improvement. Bioremediation, membrane bioreactor (MBR), electrocoagulation, sol-gel technique, flotation, enhanced filtering, and AOPs are evaluated for microplastic removal. The fate and behaviour of microplastics in WWTPs suggest they may be secondary suppliers of microplastics to receiving ecosystems. Innovative microplastic removal strategies and technologies such as nanoparticles, microorganism-based remediation, and tertiary treatment raise issues. These new WWTP technologies are examined for feasibility, limitations, and implementation issues. Pretreatment modifies microplastic size, adsorption potential, and surface morphology to remove microplastics from WWTPs. Membrane bioreactors (MBR) can remove 99.9% of microplastics more efficiently than other approaches. MBR systems require membrane cleaning and fouling control, which raises operational and capital costs. To reduce MPs, plastic alternatives and strict controls, including microplastic waste transformation, should be prioritized. Microplastics must be controlled through monitoring policy execution and awareness. [Display omitted] • Discharging microplastics (MPs) via industrial wastewater is a pressing global issue. • MPs harm soil and ecosystems requiring a search for effective removal technologies. • Membrane bioreactor (MBR) showed effectiveness in removing more than 99.9 % of MPs. • Despite being expensive, bioremediation is demonstrated as an effective approach. • Plastic alternatives and stringent control approaches should be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulating the concentrations of pollutants in industrial wastewater through wastewater treatment as practiced worldwide without regulating their pollution loads and wastewater discharge rate alongside, is not enough for protection of the environment and public health. This work investigated why some companies in the Niger Delta do not treat their wastewater; with the aim of providing a solution. The aforesaid prompted this work to invent the "Novel Pollution Prevention Process for Regulating Industrial Wastewater" introducing additional controls namely pollution load and wastewater discharge rate controls for better protection of the environment and public health. Questionnaire survey, wastewater analysis, discharge rate measurement, mathematical modeling and design were the methods adopted. Results revealed that pollution load and wastewater discharge rate should be regulated alongside concentrations of pollutants. Results showed that cost is the major factor responsible for the inability of some companies to treat their wastewater in the Niger Delta. Results revealed that pollution load is a qualitative measure of environmental damage caused by a pollutant and that the larger the pollution load, the larger the environmental damage and vice versa. Results showed that industry can apply the novel pollution prevention process to determine the environmentally-friendly wastewater discharge rate, environmentally-friendly pollution load of pollutants and the corresponding production rate of finished goods. Results revealed that when the concentration of a pollutant in industrial wastewater is not compliant and discharge rate is excessive, pollution load control can protect the environment and public health while regulatory agencies take appropriate measures to make the company comply with the allowable concentration limits of the pollutant. The "novel pollution prevention process for regulating industrial wastewater" has global applicability. It can be applied in every country., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Author.)

The information acquired by high resolution quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS) allows target analysis as well as retrospective screening for the presence of suspect or unknown emerging pollutants which were not included in the target analysis. Targeted quantification of eight azole antifungal drugs in wastewater effluent as well as new and relatively simple retrospective suspect and non-target screening strategy for emerging pollutants using UHPLC-QTOF-MS is described in this work. More than 300 (parent compounds and transformation products) and 150 accurate masses were included in the retrospective suspect and non-target screening, respectively. Tentative identification of suspects and unknowns was based on accurate masses, peak intensity, blank subtraction, isotopic pattern (mSigma value), compound annotation using data bases such as KEGG and CHEBI, and fragmentation pattern interpretation. In the targeted analysis, clotrimazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and posaconazole were detected in the effluent wastewater sample, fluconazole being with highest average concentration (302.38 ng L−1). The retrospective screening resulted in the detection of 27 compounds that had not been included in the target analysis. The suspect compounds tentatively identified included atazanavir, citalopram, climbazole, bezafibrate estradiol, desmethylvenlafaxine, losartan carboxylic acid and cetirizine, of which citalopram, estradiol and cetirizine were confirmed using a standard. Carbamazepine, atrazine, efavirenz, lopinavir, fexofenadine and 5-methylbenzotriazole were among the compounds detected following the non-targeted screening approach, of which carbamazepine was confirmed using a standard. Given the detection of the target antifungals in the effluent, the findings are a call for a wide assessment of their occurrence in aquatic environments and their role in ecotoxicology as well as in selection of drug resistant fungi. The findings of this work further highlights the practical benefits obtained for the identification of a broader range of emerging pollutants in the environment when retrospective screening is applied to high resolution and high accuracy mass spectrometric data. Image 1 • LC-MS target azole antifungal quantification and retrospective screening for untargeted compounds were applied to wastewater. • Target analysis revealed the occurrence of fluconazole at relatively higher concentration than the other azoles. • Retrospective suspect and non-target screening enabled further detection of 27 emerging pollutants. • Estradiol, atrazine and carbamazepine were among the compounds detected using the retrospective screening. The work provides practical evidence for the potential of retrospective screening on detecting wider range of emerging pollutants in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effluents containing disinfection byproducts (DBPs) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) may be discharged to the receiving water bodies or reused for irrigation, landscaping, and environmental supplies as well as a source to replenish groundwater. Thus the formation and risk of the DBPs in disinfected wastewater effluents should be concerned. In this study, the occurrence of 44 DBPs including 6 trihalomethanes (THMs), 9 haloaceticacids (HAAs), 2 haloketones (HKs), 9 halonitromethanes (HNMs), 9 haloacetonitriles (HANs) and 9 nitrosamines (NAs) was investigated in 12 chlorinated WWTP effluents from five cities of East China. The contribution of each class of DBPs to the total DBPs concentration and additive toxicity was calculated. The average concentrations of the 6 classes of DBPs were ranked as follows: HAAs (47.0 μg/L) > THMs (28.0 μg/L) > HANs (9.9 μg/L) > HNMs (2.9 μg/L) > HKs (0.79 μg/L) > NAs (0.69 μg/L). The significant positive correlations were observed between the formation of THMs and HAAs, THMs and HANs, as well as HAAs and HANs. The results showed that HAAs and THMs were the dominant DBPs on a mass concentration basis and accounted for 54% and 29%, respectively in the total measured DBPs, but they made a minor contribution to the calculated DBP-associated cytotoxicity. HANs and NAs dominated the DBP-associated cytotoxicity, accounting for 50% and 34% on an additive toxicity basis despite the minor contributions to the mass concentration with 10% and 1%, respectively. The risk quotients for three taxonomic groups (fish, daphnid, and green algae) were calculated to assess the ecological risk of DBPs, and the results demonstrated that both HAAs and HANs had high ecological risk for green algae in chlorinated wastewater effluents. Image 1 • Higher concentration and frequency of NDEA were detected than NDMA in WWTP effluents. • N-DBPs including HANs and NAs were the main contributors for the cytotoxicity. • HAAs and HANs had high ecological risks for green algae in chlorinated effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organic matter present in wastewater effluents (EfOM), is likely to have different properties than the organic matter present in the receiving water. The properties of EfOM will affect the fate of contaminants of emerging concern because EfOM is a source of photochemically produced reactive intermediates (PPRIs) capable of transforming contaminants. Effluent water samples were taken seasonally from sixteen wastewater treatment plants in Minnesota and two effluent dominated rivers in California and Arizona. Samples (n = 94) were tested for water chemistry, light absorption characteristics, and excited state triplet organic matter (3EfOM∗) and singlet oxygen (1O 2) production. Based on analysis of spectral parameters, EfOM had higher molecular weight and lower aromatic content than organic matter present in stormwaters from Minnesota, which are representative of human-impacted natural organic matter (NOM) containing waters. The second order rate constant for the reaction of the 3EfOM∗ probe 2,4,6-trimethylephenol (k T,TMP) for the effluents was 7.79 (±3.03) × 108 M−1s−1, and this value was used to calculate apparent quantum yields for 3EfOM∗ production, which ranged from 0.006 to 0.114. The quantum yield for the production of singlet oxygen ranged from 0.007 to 0.064. Processes in the wastewater treatment train, season, and water chemistry parameters did not serve as predictors of 3EfOM∗ or 1O 2 production. Among the parameters measured, Spearman rank correlations were strongest between quantum yields of 1O 2 and 3EfOM∗ and E2/E3 (absorption at 250 nm/absorption at 365 nm). This relationship, however, is weaker than that previously observed for NOM. The efficiency of 1O 2 production from 3EfOM∗ was 54%. Results indicate that 2,4,6-trimethylphenol samples nearly all of the triplets in EfOM that have sufficient energy to produce 1O 2 , which may not be the case for NOM. Image 1 • Effluent waters have similar water chemistry and spectral characteristics. • EfOM has higher molecular weight and is less aromatic than NOM. • 2,4,6-Trimethylphenol efficiently reacts with EfOM triplet excited states (3EfOM∗). • E2/E3 is the best predictor of 3EfOM∗ and 1O 2 production by EfOM. • The ratio of quantum yields for 1O 2 to 3EfOM∗ production is 0.54 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, photochemical degradation of two emerging pharmaceutical chemicals, mefenamic acid (MF) and triclosan (TCS), was investigated to clarify the role of treated wastewater effluent matrices on their environmental photolysis. Target compounds were individually exposed to simulated sunlight in different media: ultrapure buffered water and synthetic field water with treated municipal wastewater effluent. The results in ultrapure buffered water showed that the direct photolysis processes in aquatic environments are not relevant to the elimination of MF. However, in samples containing treated wastewater effluent, photochemical degradation of MF was clearly enhanced. Our results indicate that MF undergoes indirect photolysis by reactive intermediates produced in an effluent matrix. Further quenching experiments suggested that photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals and excited triplet state dissolved organic matter drive the degradation of MF. In contrast to MF, TCS photochemical degradation proceeds through rapid direct photolysis. TCS was quickly degraded in ultrapure buffered water but it is considerably hampered in samples containing wastewater effluent. The declined degradation of TCS in the synthetic field water was discussed in terms of underlying optical filter effects by coexisting chromophoric substances. Results emphasize the importance of taking local water chemistry into consideration when predicting natural attenuation of pharmaceutical chemicals in receiving areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]