Dairy Farm Wastewater Research Articles

Quality Determination of Dairy Farm Wastewater in Dinajpur

At present environmental pollution is a talked about issue. Due to environmental pollution, humans and animals face threats. The scientist has pointed out that waste is one reason for climate change. Solid, liquid, gaseous etc. are different types of waste. The experiments were conducted to determine the chemical constituents present in dairy farm wastewater, wastewater management practice and environmental impact and compare it with the groundwater Dinajpur Sadar upazila. The data concerning the dairy farm wastewater in Dinajpur was obtained through a designed questionnaire, and separate area inspection interacting with the proprietor and workers in the dairy farm. Randomly collected samples from different dairy farms. The chemical constituents of the wastewater sample were determined by a laboratory experiment. The wastewater contained Mg, Na, Ca, Cl-, K, EC, P, HCO3-, pH, TDS, DO, COD, Zn, S, BOD, HT and NO3-. The Na, K, Ca and pH concentration of wastewater under the range in groundwater in Dinajpur. However, concentrations of P, TDS, Mg, EC, Cl-, HCO3- and HT are above the groundwater range in Dinajpur. The produced wastewater was disposed of either through drainage or piping systems on fellow land, ponds, open lakes, roadside land, urban drains, and rivers. The unplanned wastewater disposal creates bad odor, and environmental pollution, seduces the growth of mosquitoes decreases the water quality, soil quality and health hazards. Therefore, it can be concluded that the prevailing dairy farm wastewater disposal system not being satisfactory. The proper disposal system should be improved to reduce environmental impacts.

Interaction between microalgae and phycosphere bacteria in a binary cultivation system-based dairy farm wastewater treatment

The combination of microalgal culture and wastewater treatment is an emerging topic. This study investigated the use of different microalgae to treat different types of dairy farm wastewater. The results showed that the removal of ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus by mixed microalgae was over 99% and 80%, respectively. The highest production of protein in biomass and extracellular polymeric substances was observed in high-concentration wastewater. In the phycosphere, the abundance of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria increased, while that of Bacteroidota decreased. Phycosphere bacteria were strongly correlated with microalgal growth and the composition of extracellular polymeric substances, especially with bound extracellular polymeric substances relative to soluble extracellular polymeric substances. Genes associated with photosynthesis and respiration in phycosphere bacteria were upregulated, contributing to the material exchange capacity in the microalgal-bacterial systems. The interaction between microalgae and phycosphere bacteria thus represents the core of the binary cultivation system-based wastewater treatment and requires further investigation.

The Hard Reality of Biogas Production through the Anaerobic Digestion of Algae Grown in Dairy Farm Effluents

Much emphasis has been given to algal biomass growth in dairy farm wastewater. Most of the systems examined require productive land to be converted and/or freshwater use to dilute high concentrations of nutrients found in dairy effluent. A rotating algal biofilm (RABR) provides the capacity to grow algae without sacrificing productive land or freshwater. In theory, this system would overcome some of the economic and environmental challenges that other systems have. A combination of theoretical information, nutrient uptake formulas, and economic formulas were used to calculate the potential of biogas production from algae grown in an RABR with dairy effluents. The average nutrient uptake was 0.8 mgN/m2 per day and 0.1 mgP/m2 per day. The maximum methane production from the anaerobic digestion of algae was 112 m3/RABR·year. The minimum and maximum economic scenarios resulted in gross profits of NZD −2101 and −1922. After evaluating this system for the first time in the New Zealand dairy farming context, it was found that biogas production from an RABR is not a feasible option for New Zealand dairy farmers.

Identification of blaSHV and blaTEM extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae in the dairy wastewater, East Java Province, Indonesia

Abstract. Dameanti FNAEP, Yanestria SM, Effendi MH, Plumeriastuti H, Tyasningsih W, Ugbo EN, Sutrisno R, Safri MAAS. 2023. Identification of blaSHV and blaTEM extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae in the dairy wastewater, East Java Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6092-6099. Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in dairy cows causes various livestock production hazards and threatens public health because it acts as a Multi-Drug Resistance Bacteria (MDRB), especially Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) strains. Livestock wastewater is a repository for commensal isolates including K. pneumoniae and potentially can be a reservoir for ESBL spreaders for the environment. The aim of this study was to identify the blaSHV and blaTEM ESBL genes in K. pneumoniae from wastewater of dairy cattle farms in East Java Province. This study used a sample of 342 dairy farm wastewater isolated on 2% BPW media from 6 cities/regencies with the highest population of dairy cows in East Java, Indonesia, namely Pasuruan District, Malang District, Tulungagung District, Blitar District, Batu City and Kediri District. Samples were identified on MCA media, Gram staining, EMBA, and biochemical tests. Confirmation of ESBL phenotypically used the Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST) method and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test to detect the ESBL gene. The result showed that bacterial isolation and identification were 14.32% (49/342), confirmed K. pneumoniae. DDST confirmation results of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates from the wastewater of dairy farms in East Java obtained were 5.55% (19/342). The sample was continued with the PCR test showing positive for the blaSHV gene 63.1% (12/19) and blaTEM 31.57% (6/19). In conclusion, the ESBL gene blaSHV and blaTEM identification in K. pneumoniae isolates, indicate that wastewater from dairy farms has the potential to be a reservoir of ESBL carriers in the environment and pose a threat to public health in East Java Province, Indonesia.

Tracking the extracellular and intracellular antibiotic resistance genes across whole year in wastewater of intensive dairy farm

Monitoring the annual variation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in livestock wastewater is important for determining the high-risk period of transfer and spread of animal-derived antibiotic resistance into the environment. However, the knowledge regarding the variation patterns of ARGs, especially intracellular ARGs (iARGs) and extracellular ARGs (eARGs), over time in livestock wastewater is still unclear. Herein, we conducted a year-round study to trace the profiles of ARGs at a Chinese-intensive dairy farm, focusing on the shifts observed in different months. The results showed significant differences in the composition and variation between iARGs and eARGs. Tetracycline, sulfonamide, and macrolide resistance genes were the major types of iARGs, while cfr was the major type of eARG. The environmental adaptations of the host bacteria determine whether ARGs appear as intracellular or extracellular forms. The total abundance of ARGs was higher from April to September, which can be attributed to the favorable climatic conditions for bacterial colonization and increased antibiotic administration during this period. Integron was found to be highly correlated with most iARGs, potentially playing a role in the presence of these genes within cells and their similar transmission patterns in wastewater. The intracellular and extracellular bacterial communities were significantly different, primarily because of variations in bacterial adaptability to the high salt and anaerobic environment. The intracellular co-occurrence network indicated that some dominant genera in wastewater, such as Turicibacter, Clostridium IV, Cloacibacillus, Subdivision5_genera_incertae_sedis, Saccharibacteria_genera_incertae_sedis and Halomonas, were potential hosts for many ARGs. To the best of our knowledge, this study demonstrates, for the first time, the annual variation of ARGs at critical points in the reuse of dairy farm wastewater. It also offers valuable insights into the prevention and control of ARGs derived from animals.

Prevalence of multidrug resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from dairy cattle farm wastewater in East Java Province, Indonesia

Background and Aim: Antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae, especially extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers, has become a global public health problem. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) and ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae in wastewater from dairy farms. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on dairy farms in East Java Province from June to October 2022. In total, 342 dairy farm wastewater samples were isolated on buffered peptone water media from six cities/regencies with the highest dairy cattle population in East Java. Samples were identified using MacConkey agar media, Gram-staining,eosin-methylene blue agar, and biochemical tests. In total, 14.32% (49/342) samples contained K. pneumoniae. Positive isolates were tested for antibiotic sensitivity. Klebsiella pneumoniae resistant to beta-lactam was confirmed using the double-disk synergy test to confirm the presence of ESBL-producing bacteria. Results: The percentage of antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae was 98% resistance to ampicillin, 67.3% to cefotaxime, 46.9% to tetracycline, 49% to ciprofloxacin, 98% to streptomycin, 14.3% to sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim, and 83.7% to chloramphenicol. The prevalence of MDR in K. pneumoniae was 12.57% (43/342), with the highest prevalence in the five classes of antibiotics at 41.86% (18/43), and the prevalence of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae was 5.55% (19/342), with the highest prevalence in the districts of Blitar and Pasuruan at 26.31% (5/19). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae in wastewater samples from dairy farms was low, caution is recommended because they can be a reservoir for ESBL. Keywords: animal health, dairy cattle, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, human health, Klebsiella pneumoniae, wastewater.

Influence of growth media and internal recycle rate on nitrogen removal from high-strength wastewater in a low footprint anoxic-upflow/aerobic process

This research investigated the use of integrated fixed-film media in comparison to suspended-growth in a low-footprint upflow biological nitrogen removal (BNR) process to find a robust solution for treatment of high-strength dairy farm wastewater (DFW). Using real DFW and synthetic wastewater (SWW), two juxtaposed anoxic upflow bioreactor/aerobic systems (UBR-A) were operated under different internal recycle ratios (R) of 3 and 4 in both modes. Performance of the UBR-A system was sensitive to R, particularly in suspended-growth. The denitrification efficiency (ηD) and nitrate removal rates in this mode were significantly lower (p < 0.05) at R= 4 compared to R= 3 with both real DFW and SWW. With DFW, this was observed despite a higher COD/NO3-N of 20–50. In integrated fixed-film, ηD at R= 4 significantly improved to ∼95 % with both feeds. Whereas a COD/NO3-N > 9 was required to offset the imbalance caused by increased NO3-N loading at R= 4. Modeling of the denitrification potential controlled by R (PD-IR) and COD availability (PD-COD) showed that denitrification reciprocated with PD-IR. From the multiple regression analysis, nitrate removal was linearly correlated with growth medium, R, and wastewater type (p < 0.00001) accounting for 43 % of the variation. Nitrification efficiency was consistently higher > 90 % under all conditions but specific nitrification rates nearly doubled in integrated fixed-film mode. Correspondingly, the total nitrogen removal increased from 67 % to 80 % in DFW-system and 59–84 % in SWW-system at R= 4 compared to suspended growth at the same R. The study results add to the understanding of integrated media in BNR processes for high-strength wastewater treatment.

Performance evaluation of vertical constructed wetland units with hydraulic retention time as a variable operating factor

The current research intends to assess the impact of shorter hydraulic retention time (HRTs) and different sized filter material on the pollutant removal performance of two pilot-scale vertical sub-surface flow constructed wetlands (VSSF CW) to treat dairy wastewater. Two CWs (CW-1 & CW-2) were filled with 10 and 20 mm gravels, respectively, planted with Arundo donax, and operated at three different HRTs for treating dairy farm wastewater viz. 6, 12, and 24 h. Over three months, the effluent was tested for TSS, BOD5, TP, and NH4–N removal using standard procedures at regular intervals. Average concentrations of TSS, BOD5, TP, and NH4–N at the final outlets CW-1 and CW-2 were recorded in the range of; TSS: 44.7–118.7 mg L−1, BOD5: 8.1–33.9 mg L−1, TP: 13.7–22.2 mg L−1and NH4–N: 9.1–11.4 mg L−1, respectively. The highest removal of TSS (81.2%), BOD5 (90.2%), TP (65.1%), and NH4–N (82.5%) from wastewater was seen after a 12 h HRT, whereas maximum DO rise (579.0%) was reported after a 6 h HRT in 20 mm gravel-filled CW units. Short HRTs of 6, 12, and 24 h were found to be effective in removing all pollutants from wastewater and maintaining a constant treatment throughout the evaluation period. Results suggest that VSSF CW systems can be operated efficiently under short HRTs while still effectively removing contaminants from dairy wastewater.

Genomic features of a high-risk mcr-1.1-positive Escherichia coli ST10 isolated from cattle farm environment.

The environment plays an important role in the dissemination of clinically relevant antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and genes. In this study, we described genomic features of a plasmid-mediated colistin-resistant mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli strains (PK-3225) isolated from a dairy farm wastewater sample. After initial isolation and PCR detection of mcr-1-positive E. coli, whole-genome sequencing was performed using Illumina Hiseq 2500 followed by in silico analysis. Genetic context surrounding the mcr-1 gene was determined and SNP-based phylogenomic analysis was performed. Furthermore, plasmid analysis and conjugation assays were performed to determine transferability of mcr-1. E. coli PK-3225 belonged to ST10 and carried a broad resistome that included colistin (mcr-1), beta-lactam (blaTEM-IB), tetracycline (tetB), phenicol (catA1), macrolide (mdfA), trimethoprim (dfrA17), aminoglycosides (aadA5, aph(3")-Ib, aph(6)-Id), and sulphonamide (sul2) resistance genes. The draft genome of E. coli calculated as 4.9 Mbp. Conjugation experiment showed successful transfer of the mcr-1 gene to E. coli recipient strain J53. In silico analysis showed that mcr-1 was located on IncI2 plasmid of > 59 kb in length, with the nikB-mcr-1-pap2 gene array, and lack ISApl1. The phylogenomic analysis revealed that the PK-3225 was closely related to human ST10 E. coli from Brazil and USA. To our knowledge, this is the first draft genome sequence of mcr-1 carrying E. coli isolated from the farm environment in Pakistan. Considering the high burden of colistin resistance in Pakistan, presence of pandemic high-risk E. coli clones in the environment requires strict surveillance.

Biopurification of dairy farm wastewater through hybrid constructed wetland system: Groundwater quality and health implications

Groundwater is under heavily threat owing to enormous infilteration of dairy farm originated wastewater into it. The anoxic environment in the groundwater due to mixing of organic rich wastewater can produce significant alterations in the groundwater quality. It is therefore necessary to treat such wastewaters before discharging to surrounding areas. Therefore, in this study we evaluated a hybrid constructed wetland (CW) system(40 m2 area) consisting of three beds, i.e. Vertical (16 m2) – Horizontal (18 m2) – Vertical (6 m2) connected in series for the treatment of dairy farm wastewater under typical high humid climate in northern India. Tropical perennial plant such as Arundo donax L. was grown on both vertical beds, whereas Hibiscus esculentus L. and Solanum melongena L. were grown on the horizontal bed of the system.The average purification of TSS, BOD3, total N, and P was significant (p < 0.05) in HF bed and recorded as 92.2 ± 6.1, 95 ± 3.8, 83.6 ± 9.0 and 86.1 ± 10.0% respectively.The average load of BOD3, total N, and P in the influent and effluent was recorded (with no significant differences, p > 0.05) as 7.0 ± 7.17, 1.9 ± 0.7, 0.72 ± 0.5 g m−2 day−1and 0.3 ± 0.2, 0.3 ± 0.2 and 0.04 ± 0.01 g m−2 day−1 respectively.The average values of total biomass content of Arundo donax L. were differed significantly and recorded as 0.31 ± 0.06, 0.43 ± 0.17, and 0.43 ± 0.16 g g−1 fresh wt. in control, VF-1, and VF-2 respectively. Therefore, the hybrid CW system can be efficiently used for the treatment of dairy farm wastewater with implications on groundwater and health. Future research may focus on performance analysis of upgraded combined anaerobic reactor and hybrid CW system planted with series of macrophytes for on-site treatment of high strength dairy farm wastewater in tropical regions.

Prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli strains in dairy farm wastewater in Chiang Mai

We investigated the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli strains in dairy farm wastewater in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We analyzed wastewater samples collected from 150 dairy farms and found that 88.7% of the farms (n = 133) were positive for ESBL-producing E. coli. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was performed to characterize the presence of bla CTX-M, bla TEM, and blaSHV in ESBL-producing isolates. blaCTX-M was found in all isolates (n = 133), followed by blaTEM (80/133, 60.2%), whereas blaSHV was not detected in any isolate. blaCTX-M and blaTEM were present in 60.2% (80/133) of the isolates, and 39.8% (53/133) isolates carried bla CTX-M alone. Subgroup analysis showed that CTX-M-1 was the most prevalent subgroup among the isolates (129/133, 97.0%), followed by CTX-M-8 (2/133, 1.5%) and CTX-M-9 (2/133, 1.5%). The distribution of the phylogenetic groups was as follows: group A (100/133, 75.2%), followed by B1 (14/133, 10.5%), D (6/133, 4.5%), F (6/133, 4.5%), B2 (4/133, 3.0%), and E (3/133, 2.3%). Based on enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR) and dendrogram analysis, 24 isolates were classified into clades I (n = 21), II (n =1), and III (n =2). Minor genetic differences were found in all clade I isolates. Our data suggest that the circulating of ESBL-producing E. coli carried at least one bla gene strain distributed in dairy farm wastewater in Chiang Mai.

An Improved Vermicomposting System Provides More Efficient Wastewater Use of Dairy Farms Using Eisenia fetida

Dairy cattle farming produces large amounts of wastewater and it causes environmental pollution and eutrophication of rivers, but the nutrients in the waste could be recycled. Here, an improved vermicomposting system was applied to dairy farm wastewater, and wastewater with a nitrogen content of 100 mg/L and 200mg/L tested with different combinations of organic substrates such as cow manure and rice straw in rural solid waste. Results showed that earthworms could continuously grow, wastewater (N 100mg/L) mixed with rice straw corresponding to the most significant gained weight for Eisenia fetida earthworms (2.38 to 9.12-fold), and the earthworms’ weight was positively correlated with the C/N ratio, organic matter content, and pH. Compared to the initial state, the system significantly changed physicochemical parameters in nutrients, such as the percentages of total nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, which were found to increase in vermicomposting while organic matter content, C/N ratio, and cellulose declined as a function of the vermicomposting period, and the final vermicompost was better for the absorption of plants. These results suggest that continuous wastewater addition improved the effective transformation of organic waste to allow valorizing a broad range of organic residues, and avoid the risk of environmental pollution in dairy cattle farming.

Series Type Vertical Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands for Dairy Farm Wastewater Treatment

Agricultural and livestock farms are the major sources of freshwater pollution in rural areas in the Philippines. Small and unregulated dairy farms operate without appropriate wastewater treatment before discharge because it is too expensive to do so. With this scenario, the emergence of the need for a sustainable and cheaper alternative for wastewater treatment gave rise to the research and development studies of the efficiency of constructed wetlands. The study aims to analyze the treatment efficiency of series type vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands planted with Napier Grass (Pennisetum Purpureum Schumach) on University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Dairy Farm wastewater with a focus on fecal coliform concentration, electric conductivity, total dissolved solids content, nitrite and nitrate concentration and pH level. The study showed that after treatment using the vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands, all the parameters except the fecal coliform concentration were below the standard limits set by the Department of Agriculture with average removal efficiencies of 12.94% on Electric Conductivity (EC), 12.86% on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), 216.44% on Nitrite (NO2-N), -125.64% on Nitrate (NO3-N), and -25.64% on Fecal Coliforms (FC). With the results of the analysis, a design of series type vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland for dairy farm wastewater treatment is suggested. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091654 Full Text: PDF

Effect of filter media and hydraulic retention time on the performance of vertical constructed wetland system treating dairy farm wastewater

This study deals with the dairy wastewater treatment using laboratory scale vertical flow (VF) constructed wetlands with the &lt;i&gt;Canna indica&lt;/i&gt; plantation over wetland beds due to phytoremediation capabilities. Three laboratory scale VF CWs (CW-A, CW-B and CW-C) each with an area of 0.135 m2 filled with gravel (CW-A: 20 mm; CW-B:10 mm gravel) and sand (CW-C) receiving 0.04 m3 d-1 dairy wastewater were operated for the wastewater purification. Each unit was operated at three hydraulic retention times (HRTs) i.e. 12 h, 24 h and 48 h for assessing its effect on wastewater purification . Among all units, removal rates fluctuated as: total suspended solids (TSS): 64.2–74.5%; biochemical oxygen demand (BOD): 45.3 – 63.1%; ammonium nitrogen (NH4–N): 29.6 – 56.5% and phosphate phosphorous (PO4–P): 20.5 – 57.8% at different HRTs. Increase in HRT showed better removal of pollutants in all CWs. Moreover, maximum removal of pollutants excluding TSS and NH4-N was achieved in CW-B at 48 h HRT. CW-B with similar HRT provided maximum removal of PO4-P (57.8%), BOD (63.1%) and chemical oxygen demand (COD): 67.4%. Increase in the size of filter media, from sand (0.25 mm) to 20 mm gravel resulted in higher removal of NH4 -N from wastewater.

Bacteriophage has beneficial effects in a murine model of Klebsiella pneumoniae mastitis

Bovine mastitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae is usually treated with antibiotics, thereby potentially increasing antimicrobial resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy of a bacteriophage, isolated from dairy farm wastewater, as a treatment for a murine model of K. pneumoniae mastitis. A lytic bacteriophage CM8-1 was isolated, morphological and biological characteristics were assessed with transmission electron microscopy and double-layer plate, and its genome was sequenced and analyzed. Furthermore, effectiveness of this bacteriophage for treatment of a murine model of K. pneumoniae mastitis was evaluated based on the following mammary gland characteristics: morphological changes; number of K. pneumoniae; and mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. Bacteriophage CM8-1 had an incubation period of 30 min and a burst time of 20 min. Its viability and adsorption were stable at 30 to 50°C, but decreased significantly at >60°C, with no significant change in viability or infectivity at pH 6 to 10. In a murine model of K. pneumoniae mastitis, injecting bacteriophage CM8-1 into the mammary gland 2 h after inoculation with K. pneumoniae resulted in reductions in bacterial counts in the murine mammary gland, improvements in mammary gland tissue morphology, and reductions in mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Bacteriophage CM8-1 had stable biological characteristics and suppressed K. pneumoniae mastitis when injected into the mammary gland 2 h latera in mice bacterial inoculation.

Distribution characteristics and potential risks of heavy metals and antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli in dairy farm wastewater in Tai’an, China

Heavy metals and antimicrobial resistant bacteria in livestock and poultry environments can cause declines in production and significant economic losses, leading to potential environmental and public health issues. In this study, the heavy metal pollution status of livestock breeding water bodies in the Dawen river basin of Shandong Province in China was evaluated, and a total of 10 heavy metals were measured. In addition, antimicrobial susceptibility tests were conducted for Escherichia coli strains isolated from the water samples. The results showed that among all the metals, copper, zinc, and iron were detected at each sampling point, followed by nickel (detection rate of 95.74%), arsenic (detection rate of 89.36%), selenium (detection rate of 68.09%), lead (detection rate of 27.66%), and mercury (detection rate of 12.77%). Cadmium and hexavalent chromium were not detected. The contents of nine heavy metals were below the existing water standard values in China, whereas the iron pollution index in the water body in the study area was large and may pose a potential risk. A total of 17 E. coli isolates showed different resistance to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, quinolone antibiotics and chloramphenicol, but were mainly resistant to β-lactams and tetracyclines. The detection rate of the tetA resistance gene was relatively high, indicating the overuse of cephalosporins and tetracyclines. The results of the present study might provide evidence of metal pollution and theoretical basis on the treatment of colibacillosis in the livestock industries.

Environmental risk assessment of diclofenac residues in surface waters and wastewater: a hidden global threat to aquatic ecosystem.

Pharmaceuticals are chemical compounds employed as medicinal drugs. They have severe physic-chemical properties which make them destructive for non-target species. Consequently, their continuous addition in the environment may pose hazardous effects. Among these, diclofenac (DCF), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is extensively used in Pakistan which may lead to its accumulation in both terrestrial and aquatic environment. Present study aims to assess the presence and concentration of pharmaceutically active drug (DCF) in surface water and wastewater of twin cities of Pakistan (Rawalpindi and Islamabad). For this purpose, a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was adopted involving solid-phase extraction procedure. Wastewater samples were collected from various sites of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Results of HPLC analysis revealed that DCF was extant with considerably high concentration, not only in wastewater but also in surface water samples. Concentrations as high as 216μgL-1 was detected in Rawat industrial area and low as 8μgL-1 was detected in dairy farm wastewater samples collected from Taramri. However, maximum DCF levels in residential wastewater and hospital wastewater were detected to be 105μgL-1 and 34μgL-1, respectively. Moreover, the highest detected level (116μgL-1) was found in surface water of Sawan River. Further, results of ecological risk assessment revealed its possible toxic effects of DCF on various aquatic organisms.

Removal of Tetracycline Antibiotics from Dairy Farm Wastewater by Electrocoagulation Using Iron Electrodes

Removal of Tetracycline Antibiotics from Dairy Farm Wastewater by Electrocoagulation Using Iron Electrodes

Induction of Microbial Oxidative Stress as a New Strategy to Enhance the Enzymatic Degradation of Organic Micropollutants in Synthetic Wastewater.

Organic micropollutants (OMPs) are pervasive anthropogenic contaminants of receiving waters where they can induce various adverse effects to aquatic life. Their ubiquitous environmental occurrence is primarily attributed to discharge from wastewater treatment plants due to incomplete removal by common biological wastewater treatment processes. Here, we assess a new strategy for promoting the degradation of six representative OMPs (i.e., sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine, tylosin, atrazine, naproxen, and ibuprofen) by intentionally stimulating the production of microbial oxidoreductases to counter oxidative stress caused by oxygen perturbations. Mixed microbial cultures from a dairy farm wastewater were subjected to cyclic perturbations of dissolved oxygen (DO). A distance-based redundancy analysis was used to show that DO perturbations correlate with the abundance of Pseudomonadaceae and Rhodocyclaceae families, activities of peroxidases and cytochromes, and the degradation of OMPs. DO perturbation of 0.25 and 0.5 cycles/h led to most abundance of Pseudomonadaceae and Rhodocyclaceae families, showed higher activity of peroxidase and cytochrome, and gave largest removal of OMPs (removal of 92 ± 3% for sulfamethoxazole, 84 ± 3% for naproxen, 82 ± 3% for ibuprofen, 66 ± 2% for carbamazepine, 57 ± 15% for tylosin, and 88 ± 1% for atrazine).

Improving Performance of Treatment Wetlands: Evaluation of Supplemental Aeration, Varying Flow Direction, and Phosphorus Removing Filters

Pollutant removal was compared among subsurface flow constructed wetland (CW) mesocosms used for dairy farm wastewater treatment. Supplemental aeration, flow direction, and the use of phosphorus-reducing filters (PRFs) were varied among the CWs. The following were compared: (1) vertical flow CWs with and without supplemental aeration, (2) aerated CWs with horizontal and vertical flow directions, (3) single-cell and two-cell treatment systems, and (4) wetland-wetland systems (two CWs in series) and wetland-PRF systems (a CW followed by a PRF). The results from this investigation showed that, first, nearly all treatment strategies, either singly or in pairs, substantially reduced almost all the contaminants we tested. Second, supplemental aeration resulted in higher ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) removal efficiencies in aerated vertical flow CWs, compared to unaerated CWs. However, it caused no further improvement in dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), total suspended solids (TSS), E. coli, or BOD5 removal. Third, there was no difference between aerated horizontal and aerated vertical flow CWs in removal of any of the tested contaminants. Fourth, adding a second stage of treatment significantly improved DRP, TSS, E. coli, and NH4-N removal, but not BOD5. Finally, treatment systems with PRFs showed superior performance in DRP and E. coli removal.