Biological Stage Research Articles

Features of Degassing from Overburden Rock Massifs: A Case Study Using Radon

Overburden rock massifs resulting from open-pit coal mining are very common objects in the world’s mining regions. These locations pose a significant challenge as the global mining industry expands. These dumps are capable of self-burning for quite a long time. The displacement and sliding of these massifs can cause catastrophic consequences. In addition, these objects emit a significant amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is necessary to manage such objects and implement appropriate measures to limit their impact on the environment. In this work, we studied soil radon volume activity (VAR) and radon flux density (RFD) on the surface of the overburden rock massif of coal-bearing mining rocks and also made visual fixation of disturbances in the body of the massif, which appeared in the process of its movement. We found anomalies of VAR and RFD on the surface of the overburden extending from north to south. These anomalies were extended along the strike of the faults found in the body of the massif. Additionally, the radon anomalies coincided with the anomalies of methane gas emission previously measured for this object. Thus, we determined that the exit of gases from the body of the massif is carried out through fault (weakened) zones in the body of the massif. According to the results of the study, we propose to carry out radon monitoring in order to detect the spontaneous ignition process of the massif or the increase of its mobility. This will also allow us to take appropriate measures to stabilize the massif or to extinguish the dump before or simultaneously with the biological stage of reclamation.

Correlation between odour and hydrogen sulphide concentrations from municipal wastewater treatment plant immissions

The study focused on odours generated by hydrogen sulphide (H2S) immissions from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in a city of 2 million people. Odour awareness was vital to monitor environmental pollution and human’s safety. H2S was released from decomposition of organic matter, sulphites (SO32-) and sulphates (SO42-) by anaerobic microorganisms used in the biological stage of wastewater treatment. H2S was responsible for odours coming from the treatment plant. Long exposure (8 hours) to 2-5 ppm causes headaches and watery eyes, and 50 ppm irritates the airways. Maximum permissible concentrations for H2S are 0.006 ppm (24 hours) and 0.011 ppm (30 minutes). In Romania there are no limits on the concentration of odours. The sludge pumping station from the wastewater treatment plant registered the highest odour concentration at 36.000 OUE/m3, with significant levels of H2S primarily found there. Nevertheless, the activated sludge aeration system effectively eliminated around 99% of the H2S through degradation and absorption processes. The correlation between H2S and odour has been proved by a direct proportional relationship with a ratio of 25.000. Experimental determinations and mathematical modelling, using the Aermod View program, contributed to a deeper understanding of the impact of odours on the environment and on sensitive receptors, showed maximum odour concentrations of 38.8 ouE/m3 at the site of the municipal wastewater treatment plant and 5 ÷7 ouE/m3 at receptors, but without affecting residential areas.

A Statement of the MDS on Biological Definition, Staging, and Classification of Parkinson's Disease.

A Statement of the MDS on Biological Definition, Staging, and Classification of Parkinson's Disease.

Clinical Variables Contributing to Identification of Mild Cognitive Impairment Individuals With Defined ATN Profile

AbstractBackgroundThe framework globally used to classify Alzheimer’s Disease stages for research purposes includes three core biomarkers: A) Aβ burden; T) tau pathology; and N) neuronal injury. A lack of consensus exists in linking cognitive and behavioral tests used in everyday clinical practice to biological stages of dementia as defined by the ATN classification. The aim of the current study is to identify the clinical variables that best classify individuals into biologically defined cognitive profiles.MethodA total of 751 subjects, from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort, were categorized into seven ATN groups: 112 cognitively unimpaired with ATN‐; 46 cognitively unimpaired with ATN or AT+; 65 cognitively unimpaired with T, N or TN+; 128 amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) with ATN‐; 223 aMCI with ATN or AT+; 94 aMCI with T, N or TN+ and 83 dementia with ATN or AT+. The groups for which the features exhibited differences during data exploration were classified employing 28 cognitive, behavioral, and demographic features using a supervised machine learning algorithm, specifically, a random forest classifier in combination with a synthetic oversampling technique.ResultWe found that the selected features were not able to distinguish between all seven groups and in particular between the three cognitively unimpaired groups. Therefore, classification was only performed for the three ATN‐defined aMCI groups achieving 58% overall accuracy. The Logical Delayed Recall was the most relevant feature (explaining 17% of the variance), followed by the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Subscale 13 (16%), Everyday Cognition Informant (8%), and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale 4 (8%). Marital status, Everyday Cognition Patient and sex were not relevant (0%).ConclusionCognitive and behavioral tests were not able to accurately distinguish cognitively unimpaired individuals with different biological profiles. Although accuracy could be improved, our first results showed that a test of delayed memory, one of general cognition, and one on activities of daily living are relevant variables for distinguishing between patients with aMCI and different biological profiles. During diagnosis, treatment monitoring, or in research contexts, these variables might be informative in differentiating the three ATN‐defined aMCI profiles, especially when biomarkers are not available.

Biological staging of Alzheimer's disease

Biological staging of Alzheimer's disease

Treatment and outcomes in breast cancer patients: A cross section study from the EUSOMA breast centre network

IntroductionThe present study was designed to describe tumour features and treatments for patients with breast cancer. It also aimed at assessing the risk of distant metastases in relation to biological profiles, disease stages and treatment. MethodsData were analysed from 81,882 patients in the EUSOMA database (disease stages at diagnosis 0-IV; median age 61 years; range 20–100 years). All patients were treated between January 2016 and December 2021 in 53 Breast Centres within the EUSOMA certification process in 13 European countries. Cases were classified as HR+ /HER2-, HR+ /HER2 + , HR-/HER2 + or HR-/HER2- and data were analysed accordingly. ResultsUnivariable and multivariable analyses for distant metastases were conducted on a subset of 38,119 cases with information on whether or not they had developed them. Potential determinants included sub-group type, Ki67 value, disease stage, adjuvant systemic therapies and post-operative radiation therapy. In multivariable analysis, the HR-/HER2 + and HR-/HER2- sub-groups were associated with a higher risk of distant metastases than HR+ /HER2–. Ki67 > 20 % and advanced stage disease also carried a high risk. Radiation therapy emerged as a protective factor against distant metastases. ConclusionsPresent results show a large patient database offers an information stream that can be applied to reduce uncertainties in clinical practice. Database parameters need to be updated dynamically for outcome monitoring. Molecular prognostic factors, gene-expression signatures, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and circulating tumoral DNA should be added.

Enhancing Ecological Efficiency in Biological Wastewater Treatment: A Case Study on Quality Control Information System

This study aimed to improve the control system of the biological stage of wastewater treatment using the quality control information system to support the concept of environmental efficiency management. In this case, the object of the study was the treatment facilities of Sumy city (Ukraine). For automatic control of wastewater quality, pH, oxidation reduction potential (ORP), electrical conductivity, and temperature indicators were taken, as well as hydrobiological analysis of activated sludge and mathematical modelling. The pH of wastewater at the input system has systematically unacceptable values (above 8.5 were recorded). Unacceptable concentrations of sulphur-containing toxicants arrive at the entrance of treatment facilities (0.22–1.3 mg/L). The response of activated sludge biocenosis to increasing concentrations of hydrogen sulphide in wastewater was analysed. Furthermore, a mathematical model of monoculture population growth, with two factors that affect population growth (nutrient concentration and monoculture production concentration), was implemented for the initial assessment of possible negative effects on wastewater treatment. The differential equation of the population dynamics of the i-th species of microorganisms in activated sludge was described. The applied system of automated monitoring of wastewater parameters with expert assessment of activated sludge and a unified mathematical model of approaches allows for a complex system of decision-making support to be realised. However, this requires the construction of mathematical models that would take into account the cause–effect relations that operate under conditions of incomplete technological information and the potential presence of emergencies due to natural disasters and military activities.

Assessment of Denitrification and Nitrification Processes during Landfill Leachate Treatment

Landfill leachate is generated from waste degradation in landfill sites, and its treatment includes biological or combined treatment with physico-chemical methods. A frequently applied technology in the biological stage of landfill leachate treatment plants is based on denitrification and nitrification. Nevertheless, with the availability of a huge number of scientific reports, the management of denitrification and nitrification (D/N) processes in the frame of real wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is rather difficult and always remains a critical technological problem. This study aims to perform a comparative assessment between denitrification and nitrification processes during landfill leachate treatment in three different situations in the WWTP of the Municipal Enterprise for Waste Treatment in Sofia City, Bulgaria. The comparative assessment is based on the biotransformation effectiveness of ammonium ions in the course of nitrification and of nitrates in the course of denitrification. Mixed samples (wastewater and activated sludge) were taken from the sequencing batch reactors operating in the mode of denitrification and nitrification. All physico-chemical (pH, dissolved oxygen, organics concentration, BOD5:COD, nitrogen and phosphorous) and biological (sludge volume index, sludge biotic index, quantity of aerobic heterotrophs, denitrifiers and nitrifiers, total dehydrogenase activity) indicators were investigated in the samples from the biobasins in the mode of denitrification and nitrification. The conditions for the implementation of the two processes were compared, along with the state of the activated sludge in the different reactors. The obtained results showed that denitrification was the critical process in the technology on the base of D/N. A major factor that managed the denitrification was the lower concentration of biodegradable organic matter which led to a deformation of the activated sludge structure, a decrease in the count of heterotrophic microorganisms, a decrease in the total activity of the activated sludge and an inhibition of the nitrate reductase activity. The nitrification processes were accomplished with high intensity. The results confirmed that D/N could be optimized and controlled using specific wastewater treatment technology parameters and purposely applied indicators.

The Effect of Growth and Body Surface Area on Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing: A Cohort Study in Preadolescent Female Swimmers.

The performance of young swimmers is the result of a multifactorial process that is influenced by anthropometric characteristics and biological maturation. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of stages of biological maturation and body surface area on cardiopulmonary fitness indicators in preadolescent female swimmers, for whom menstruation has not started. Thirty female preadolescent swimmers (age 13.4 ± 1.0 years) participated in this study. We recorded anthropometric and morphological characteristics, stages of biological maturation, and pulmonary function parameters, and the swimmers underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The cut-off was set for body surface area (BSA) at 1.6 m2 and for biological maturation stages at score 3. The BSA results showed differences in variabilities in maximal effort oxygen pulse (p < 0.001), oxygen uptake (p < 0.001), ventilation (p = 0.041), tidal volume (p < 0.001), and oxygen breath (p < 0.001). Tanner stage score results showed differences in variabilities in maximal effort breath frequency (p < 0.001), tidal volume (p = 0.013), and oxygen breath (p = 0.045). Biological maturation stages and BSA were correlated during maximal effort with oxygen breath (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), oxygen uptake (p = 0.002; p < 0.001), and oxygen pulse (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). In conclusion, the findings of our study showed that the girls who had a smaller body surface area and biological maturation stage presented lower values in maximal oxygen uptake and greater respiratory work.

SARS-CoV-2 removal in municipal wastewater treatment plants: Focus on conventional activated sludge, membrane bioreactor and anaerobic digestion

This work focuses on the removal of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the various stages of a full-scale municipal WWTP characterised by two biological processes in parallel: (i) conventional activated sludge (CAS) and (ii) membrane bioreactor (MBR). The monitoring was carried out during the Omicron wave in 2022, a period characterised by a high concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in influent wastewater. The average concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in influent wastewater was 3.7 × 104 GU/L. In the primary sedimentation, the removal of SARS-CoV-2 was not appreciable. The largest log removal value of SARs-CoV-2 occurred in the biological stages, with 1.8 ± 0.9 and 2.2 ± 0.7 logs in CAS and MBR systems. The mean concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in the CAS and MBR effluents were 6.8 × 102 GU/L and 6.4 × 102 GU/L, respectively. The MBR effluent showed more negative samples, because small particles are retained by membrane and cake layer.The analysis of the different types of sludge confirmed the accumulation of SARS-CoV-2 in primary (5.2 × 104 GU/L) and secondary sludge (3.5 × 104 GU/L), due to the affinity of enveloped viruses towards biosolids. A SARS-CoV-2 concentration in the digested sludge equal to 4.8 × 104 GU/L denotes a negligible reduction in the mesophilic anaerobic digester at temperature of 31–33 °C.

Ecological Assessment of Drilling Sludge and Development of a Method for their Bioremediation in Western Siberia

The article considers the issue of bioremediation of drilling sludge. The aim of the research is studying of the microbiological processes occurring in soils based on drilling sludge, with their subsequent application for the biological stage of reclamation of disturbed lands. Microbiological characteristics of drilling sludge and four samples of soils based on it with the addition of diatomite, dolomite flour, peat, gypsum, glauconite, humic preparation Rostock in different proportions were studied. Crops were shown on agarized medium: meat-peptone agar (MPA), starch-ammonia agar (SAA), Munz medium, Chapek medium, depending on the determined group of microorganisms. The total number of microflora, the number of saprophytes, microorganisms growing on starch-ammonia agar (SAA), hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria (PSB), micromycetes and actinomycetes were estimated. The mineralization coefficient is calculated. The total number of microflora in the samples ranged from 51 to 271 million CFU/g. The share of saprophytes was 16.724.8% of the total amount of microflora. The proportion of microorganisms growing on SAA was 15.6-36.6%. The minimum number of PSB was 2.0 million CFU/g of soil; the maximum was 22.0 million CFU/g. The mineralization coefficient varies from 0.81 to 1.63, which indicates different rates of mineralization processes. The number of micromycetes determined on the Chapek medium ranged from 0.01 to 3.33 million CFU/g, on SAA from 0.03 to 10.4 million CFU/g. At the same time, the number of micromycetes is much lower than the number of bacteria, which is normal for soils. The number of actinomycetes varied from 0.2 to 7.3 million CFU/g. The largest number of actinomycetes was noted when peat and humic preparation Rostock were introduced. The share of actinomycetes in the total number of microflora on the SAA ranged from 0.6 to 14%. There is a development of the total number of microflora, an increase in the diversity of microbocenosis, which indicates a decrease in the concentrations of water-soluble salts, petroleum products and the presence of an additional food source in the form of peat. Based on the data obtained, a conclusion was made about the possibility of using soils based on drilling sludge with the addition of peat and humic preparation Rostock for the reclamation of disturbed lands.

SEED GERMINATION AND GROWTH DYNAMICS OF SEEDLINGS OF SCOTS PINE (PINUS SYLVESTRIS L.) WITH A CLOSED ROOT SYSTEM ON DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES

The relevance of the study is due to the great needs of growing high-quality planting material in a short time for forestry reclamation on disturbed lands both during oil and gas exploration and during oil and gas production. The paper presents the results of studies of germination energy, germination and growth dynamics of Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings grown in RKL-81 cassettes in a greenhouse in 2022 and 2023. At the same time, the renewal of forests is possible after the technical and biological stages of recultivation when creating forest crops from indigenous forestforming species. In 2022 and 2023, experiments were conducted on different types of peat-based substrate, differing in density, nutrient content and additional components from a complex of humic acids and salts, mineral fertilizers, trace elements, strains of friendly soil microflora and mycorrhiza. Pre-sowing seed treatment and agrophysical properties of substrates affected the energy of seed germination and germination, as well as an increase in the total number of germinated seeds during the first month. Good germination results were obtained in 2022 with pre-sowing seed treatment with Borogum-M, Rich-Micro, Bionex-Kemi preparations in low-density peat, filled with the starting composition of fertilizers. However, the biometric indicators of seedlings were slightly higher on the substrate with the addition of humic acids and salts, mineral fertilizers, trace elements, strains of soil microflora and mycorrhiza. In 2023, agroperlite was added to one of the peat substrates to reduce density and increase porosity. The germination energy, germination rate and dynamics of the emergence of seedlings on this substrate turned out to be the highest (from 93 to 100%). It is proposed to grow pine seedlings during one growing season on low-density peat with the addition of agroperlite and a complex of mineral and organic components, including soil microflora and mycorrhiza. This will speed up the process of obtaining the planting material of scots pine for forestry reclamation on disturbed lands both during oil and gas exploration and during oil and gas production.

Macro and microscopic maturation stage key of green crab (Carcinus maenas, Linnaeus 1758): Reproductive cycle and differences among estuarine systems

Gonadal histology is a helpful tool to validate species' macroscopic maturity stages in fisheries biology. Regardless of the many studies on Carcinus maenas, there are still few concerning gonads tissue histology and description of maturity stages. In Portugal, information regarding this species' biology to help support the regulation of crab fisheries, including the minimum landing size, has not yet been defined. In this work, the macro and microscopic characteristics of the reproductive cycle of C. maenas, oogenesis, and spermatogenesis development stages along the Portuguese coast are described, and a new macroscopic scale based on the histological analyses is suggested. During 2019 and 2020, adult C. maenas (both males and females) were collected from the Ria de Aveiro estuary, Rio Sado estuary, and Ria Formosa lagoon, respectively, North, Center, and South Portugal. No-significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in carapace width and individual weight between all systems. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in gonad weight, gonadosomatic index, and Fulton's condition index between the Rio Sado estuary and Ria Formosa lagoon. Furthermore, significant differences (P < 0.05) in the oocyte diameter between the northern and southernmost locations suggest a geographic variation related to the local environmental conditions of each system. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed maturity stage and carapace width an association, and a similar morphometry between Ria de Aveiro and Ria Formosa. Temperature was correlated to both maturity stage and carapace width in Ria de Aveiro and Ria Formosa. From the histological analysis and based on microscopic criteria, it was observed that females previously classified within the late macroscopic development stage 2 should be considered mature, so a classification change in the current ovary's developmental stage is proposed. These findings can allow fisheries researchers to reclassify the estimations of maturity ogives and help support the regulation of this species' fishery. The proposed macroscopic scale was validated by histological analyses and can be used elsewhere.

Carbon accounting of A2O process based on carbon footprint in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant

The traditional carbon accounting model for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) only calculates the total amount of each greenhouse gas (GHG), which has no guiding significance for the net zero carbon transformation of WWTPs under the goal of carbon neutrality, and the system boundary is only within the WWTPs. In this paper, the accounting boundary is extended to the outside of the plant, and the CO2 produced by the pumping pump outside the plant and the sludge transport is included in the accounting, which improves the accuracy of the results. In addition, the WWTP is divided into three stages, which are the pretreatment stage, biological treatment stage, and sludge treatment stage. The emission sources in each stage are calculated in detail to determine the key emission reduction targets in each stage. The research shows that the main carbon emission source in the pretreatment stage is indirect CO2 produced by chemicals, the main carbon emission source in the biological treatment stage is N2O emission, and the main carbon emission source in the sludge treatment stage is indirect CO2 produced by electricity consumption. We also found that the carbon intensity of the biological treatment stage was 1.8 times that of the other two stages. Therefore, carbon emission reduction in the biological stage is the focus of plant emission reduction.

Sequence stratigraphic analysis of Devonian organic-rich shales in northern Guangxi

Deep-water sediments are widely developed in Devonian sedimentary strata around the world. The Devonian's unique climate change, relative sea-level fluctuations, biological evolutionary stages and tectonic activities resulted in the widespread deposition of organic-rich shales across the globe in this era. The Devonian deep-water facies shales in northern Guangxi are widely distributed along the syn-sedimentary faults, such as the Ziyun–Luodian–Nandan–Du'an ancient fault zone and the Yishan fault, forming a series of special depositional successions under the deep-water system. Based on the stratigraphic cyclicity and spatial distribution of the Devonian strata, in conjunction with the total organic carbon content (TOC) of the dark shales at the Tonggong, Luzhai, Dongxing and Shuiyuan sections, it is determined that the Devonian system in northern Guangxi can be divided into 13 third-order sequences. Additional, the organic-rich shales, which are mainly composed of carbonaceous Tentaculitic shales in SQ5–SQ11 (1) developed in the TSTs of SQ5–SQ9 and mainly distributed in the Nandan–Hechi region in the west of the study area, and (2) developed in the HSTs of SQ10–SQ11 and extended along the fault zone from Nandan to the Luzhai region in the east of the study area. The spatial and temporal distribution of these Devonian organic-rich shales indicate that their formation is controlled by a relative sea-level change. The current study provides important clues for future unconventional oil and gas exploration and development in northern Guangxi.

Oxo-Additives for Polyolefin Degradation: Kinetics and Mechanism

This review considers the recent investigations in the scope of biodegradability of synthetic polymers, spanning polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and their corresponding composites, with a focus on the influence of oxo-additives (mostly transition metal salts). The types of oxo-additives and the mechanisms of oxidation acceleration are discussed. Furthermore, the influence of oxo-additives on both physicochemical and biological stages of degradation is evaluated (laboratory and field experiments with microorganisms/fungi action) with recent standards suggested for degradation estimation. Comparisons of the metal salts are given with respect to catalysis, as well as the synergetic influence of additives. The additives presented on the commercial market are also discussed.

Recombinant sugarcane cystatin CaneCPI-5 promotes osteogenic differentiation

Cysteine proteases orchestrate bone remodeling, and are inhibited by cystatins. In reinforcing our hypothesis that exogenous and naturally obtained inhibitors of cysteine proteases (cystatins) act on bone remodeling, we decided to challenge osteoblasts with sugarcane-derived cystatin (CaneCPI-5) for up to 7 days. To this end, we investigated molecular issues related to the decisive, preliminary stages of osteoblast biology, such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Our data showed that CaneCPI-5 negatively modulates both cofilin phosphorylation at Ser03, and the increase in cytoskeleton remodeling during the adhesion mechanism, possibly as a prerequisite to controlling cell proliferation and migration. This is mainly because CaneCPI-5 also caused the overexpression of the CDK2 gene, and greater migration of osteoblasts. Extracellular matrix remodeling was also evaluated in this study by investigating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities. Our data showed that CaneCPI-5 overstimulates both MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities, and suggested that this cellular event could be related to osteoblast differentiation. Additionally, differentiation mechanisms were better evaluated by investigating Osterix and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) genes, and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling members. Altogether, our data showed that CaneCPI-5 can trigger biological mechanisms related to osteoblast differentiation, and broaden the perspectives for better exploring biotechnological approaches for bone disorders.

Perspectives on oral chronic graft-versus-host disease from immunobiology to morbid diagnoses.

Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (cGVHD) is a major long-term complication, associated with morbidity and mortality in patients following allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for immune hematopoietic disorders. The mouth is one of the most frequently affected organs after HCT (45-83%) and oral cGVHD, which may appear as the first visible sign. Manifestations present with mucosal lichenoid lesions, salivary gland dysfunction and limited oral aperture. Diagnosis of oral cGVHD severity is based on mucosal lesions with symptoms of sensitivity and pain and reduced oral intake. However, diagnostic difficulties arise due to subjective definitions and low specificity to cover the spectrum of oral cGVHD. In recent years there have been significant improvements in our understanding of the underlying oral cGVHD disease mechanisms. Drawing upon the current knowledge on the pathophysiology and biological phases of oral cGVHD, we address oral mucosa lichenoid and Sjogren's Syndrome-like sicca syndromes. We consider the response of alloreactive T-cells and macrophages to recipient tissues to drive the pathophysiological reactions and biological phases of acute inflammation (phase 1), chronic inflammation and dysregulated immunity (phase 2), and subsequent aberrant fibrotic healing (phase 3), which in time may be associated with an increased malignant transformation rate. When formulating treatment strategies, the pathophysiological spectrum of cGVHD is patient dependent and not every patient may progress chronologically through the biological stages. As such there remains a need to address and clarify personalized diagnostics and management to improve treatment descriptions. Within this review, we highlight the current state of the art knowledge on oral cGVHD pathophysiology and biological phases. We address knowledge gaps of oral cGVHD, with a view to facilitate clinical management and improve research quality on lichenoid biology and morbid forms of oral cGVHD.

Can Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Their Symbiotic Bacteria Suppress Fruit Fly Pests? A Review.

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are serious pests that affect fruit production and marketing. Both third instar larvae and pupae are biological stages that persist in the soil until adult emergence. Entomopathogenic nematodes (ENs) are biological control agents that are used to control agricultural pests in greenhouse or field conditions. Several studies have been carried out under laboratory and field conditions showing how ENs can be applied within an area-wide integrated pest management approach to control fruit fly species in orchards and backyard fruit trees. In this review, we analyze how soil physical characteristics and biotic factors affect the performance of these biological control agents. Of the reviewed papers, more than half evaluated the influence of soil texture, humidity, temperature, and other factors on the performance of infective juveniles (IJs). Abiotic factors that significantly influence the performance of IJs are temperature, humidity, and texture. Among the biotic factors that affect IJs are fungi, bacteria, mites, insects, and earthworms. We conclude that ENs have the potential to be applied in the drip area of fruit trees that are infested by fruit flies and contribute to their suppression. This approach, in conjunction with an area-wide pest management approach, may contribute to pest suppression and increase the sustainability of agroecosystems.

Assessment of the Impact of a New Industrial Discharge on an Urban Wastewater Treatment Plant: Proposal for an Experimental Protocol

Assessing the compatibility of industrial discharges with the biological process of a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) may represent a critical task. Indeed, either focusing only on chemical characterization or ecotoxicity tests designed to assess the impact on surface waters may lead to questionable or misleading conclusions. The feasibility of an industrial connection to the sewer should better take into account the features of the downstream WWTP, in particular by studying the potential effects on the biomass of that specific plant. With this aim, a multi-step experimental protocol applicable by water utilities has been proposed: (step 1) calculation of the flow rate/load ratio between industrial discharge (ID) and urban wastewater (WW); (step 2) analysis of the modified operating conditions of the biological stage; (step 3) experimental assessment of the impact of the ID on the WWTP biomass by means of respirometric tests. An application of this protocol is presented in this work as a case study, namely a new ID (average flowrate 200 m3 d−1) coming from an aqueous waste treatment plant (AWTP) to be connected to the public sewer. The integrated evaluation of results showed that no negative impacts could be expected on the downstream urban activated sludge WWTP (treating a flow rate of around 45,000 m3 d−1).