Flush System Research Articles

Simple and effective filtration system for drinking water production from harvested rainwater in rural areas.

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) for drinking water production has been a potential solution to mitigate water scarcity in rural areas. There was limited research focusing on the quality of treated rainwater. This study developed and tested the quality of a drinking water filtration system (DWFS) for treating harvested rainwater to support rural communities. Physiochemical and microbial quality assessments of first flush, pre-filtered and filtered rainwater over 12 months of the experiment were investigated. The findings are: (1) the first flush system used in this study (diameter of 90mm and length of 1m) showed a marked improvement in roof harvested rainwater quality (by about 75%), (2) the quality of the harvested rainwater could meet drinking water guidelines once treated by DWFS, which could eliminate harmful pathogens but bypass other essential constituents at permissible levels (e.g., suspended solids, dissolved compounds, metals and nutrients), and (3) the configured system offered a drinking water production capacity of 60L/h. It should be noted that the configured filter would need adjustments to be adopted in a different region.

Rural-urban disparities in basic sanitation access among households: a multivariable decomposition analysis of Ethiopian demographic and health survey 2019.

Disparities in access to basic sanitation services between rural and urban households pose significant challenges to public health and human development. Understanding the determinants contributing to this gap is vital for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving environmental and public health through evidence-based interventions. This study aims to analyze and understand the disparities in access to basic sanitation services between rural and urban households in Ethiopia. This study analyzed a sample of 8,663 weighted households, collected using stratified sampling techniques, utilizing the data from the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). The primary outcome was basic sanitation access, defined as access to flush or pour-flush systems, septic tanks, pit latrines, or composting toilets. A multivariable decomposition analysis was conducted to identify factors contributing to rural-urban disparities. Statistically significant variables were determined at a p-value of <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. The weighted proportion of basic sanitation access in Ethiopia was 13.78% (95% CI, 12.67-14.96), with significant disparities between rural (6.02%) and urban (27.15%) residents. Endowment factors accounted for 78.9% of this disparity, while behavioral coefficients contributed 22.1%. If the characteristics of respondents in rural and urban households had been similar, significant factors that would have narrowed the gap included the age of the household head (15-35 years), the absence of under-five children, smaller family size, and the attainment of secondary education, reducing the gap by 1.83, 2.07, 5.08, and 3.25%, respectively. Conversely, illiteracy and primary education levels widened the gap between rural and urban access to basic sanitation services by 16.85 and 0.23%, respectively. Additional factors exacerbating the rural-urban disparity included poverty (which widened the gap by 58.71%), residence in pastoralist regions (which widened the gap by 10.10%) or agrarian regions (which widened the gap by 7.03%), and access to water sources located more than 30 min away (which widened the gap by 7.91%). Significant disparities in access to basic sanitation services exist between rural and urban households in Ethiopia. Key factors contributing to these disparities include the age of the household head, education level, family size, region of residence, and water source proximity. Addressing these factors is essential for improving sanitation access and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Investigation of Rainwater Harvesting Quality with the Application of the First Flush System

Investigation of Rainwater Harvesting Quality with the Application of the First Flush System

Evaluation of Sanitation Technologies Across Sanitation Service Chain in Kericho Town, Kenya

In 2020, over half of the world's population resided in cities, with projections indicating that by 2050, this figure will rise to 70%. Providing adequate sanitation services in urban and peri-urban areas presents significant challenges due to the dense concentration of people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Poor sanitation practices in these areas can lead to the spread of diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates. The focus of the study was on Kericho town, Kenya, facing a notable sanitation challenge due to dilapidated sewer system and inadequate sanitation facilities . The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of sanitation technologies used in Kericho Town. Descriptive study design was adopted. Data collection methods included surveys, interviews, and observations, with a sample size of 409 households. The findings revealed that 66.5% of the population relies on pit latrines with slabs, 13.69% use pour/manual flush systems, 11.49% have ventilated improved pit latrines, 8.07% employ automatic cistern flush, and a minimal 0.24% practice open defecation. 25% of population discharged waste directly into the sewerage system whereby 5% were considered safely managed. Additionally, 4% of waste from user interfaces was discharged directly into open ground or open drains. 2% of population used septic tanks connected to soak pits, whereas 6% of population used septic tanks connected to open ground. Sludge from septic tanks, comprising 20%, was delivered to the WWTP by exhausters for further treatment, of which only 20% underwent treatment, with the remainder released untreated into the environment. 49% of the population used lined pits, while 14% used unlined pits. Approximately 20% of faecal sludge from the pits was exhausted, with only 20% of it considered safely treated, and the remainder released into the environment. Notably, open defecation accounted for less than 1% based on the survey findings. Consequently, the current trend in faecal sludge management in Kericho Town posed potential health hazards to the community unless measures such as rehabilitating the existing wastewater treatment plant are implemented.

An FDA-Validated, Self-Cleaning Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry System for Determining Small-Molecule Drugs and Metabolites in Organoid/Organ-on-Chip Medium.

As organoids and organ-on-chip (OoC) systems move toward preclinical and clinical applications, there is an increased need for method validation. Using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based approach, we developed a method for measuring small-molecule drugs and metabolites in the cell medium directly sampled from liver organoids/OoC systems. The LC-MS setup was coupled to an automatic filtration and filter flush system with online solid-phase extraction (SPE), allowing for robust and automated sample cleanup/analysis. For the matrix, rich in, e.g., protein, salts, and amino acids, no preinjection sample preparation steps (protein precipitation, SPE, etc.) were necessary. The approach was demonstrated with tolbutamide and its liver metabolite, 4-hydroxytolbutamide (4HT). The method was validated for analysis of cell media of human stem cell-derived liver organoids cultured in static conditions and on a microfluidic platform according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines with regards to selectivity, matrix effects, accuracy, precision, etc. The system allows for hundreds of injections without replacing chromatography hardware. In summary, drug/metabolite analysis of organoids/OoCs can be performed robustly with minimal sample preparation.

Microbial diversity in dairy manure environment under liquid-solid separation systems

ABSTRACT In dairy manure, a wide array of microorganisms, including many pathogens, survive and grow under suitable conditions. This microbial community offers a tremendous opportunity for studying animal health, the transport of microbes into the soil, air, and water, and consequential impacts on public health. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of manure management practices on the microbial community of manure. The key novelty of this work is to identify the impacts of various stages of manure management on microbes living in dairy manure. In general, the majority of dairy farms in California use a flush system to manage dairy manure, which involves liquid-solid separations. To separate liquid and solid in manure, Multi-stage Alternate Dairy Effluent Management Systems (ADEMS) that use mechanical separation systems (MSS) or weeping wall separation systems (WWSS) are used. Thus, this study was conducted to understand how these manure management systems affect the microbial community. We studied the microbial communities in the WWSS and MSS separation systems, as well as in the four stages of the ADEMS. The 16S rRNA gene from the extracted genomic DNA of dairy manure was amplified using the NovoSeq Illumina next-generation sequencing platform. The sequencing data were used to perform the analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) and multi-response permutation procedure (MRRP) statistical tests, and the results showed that microbial communities among WWSS and MSS were significantly different (p < 0.05). These findings have significant practical implications for the design and implementation of manure management practices in dairy farms.

Water and Sanitation Services Have a Profound Effect on the Life of Metropolis

The critical global issue of inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for a significant portion of the world's population, amounting to approximately 40%. In India, disparities exist in water and sanitation access between urban and rural areas. While 97% of urban regions have upgraded water supplies and 58% improved sanitation, rural areas show lower access rates at 90% for water and a mere 23% for sanitation. India's rivers suffer from severe water quality degradation due to untreated sewage, with inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure, particularly in swiftly growing urban areas like Delhi. Despite initiatives like the Ganga and Yamuna Action Plans, major rivers remain highly polluted. The flush toilet system further exacerbates the water crisis by consuming significant volumes of fresh water for waste disposal. This paper also underscores the link between water supplies, sanitation, and health, citing classifications of water-related infections and the pressing need to bridge the disparities in access. However, reports note progress in drinking water and sanitation coverage globally since 1990. The analysis concludes that India's cities struggle to meet basic living standards amidst rapid urbanization, emphasizing the profound impact of education, awareness, and service availability on residents' lives. Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Population, Access, Rural, Urban Rivers, Sewage, Pollution, Infrastructure, Health, Flush toilets, Disparities Key Words: Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Population, Access, Rural, Urban Rivers, Sewage, Pollution, Infrastructure, Health, Flush toilets, Disparities

К вопросу о необходимости корректировки СП 54.13330.2022. «СНИП 31-01-2003. Здания жилые многоквартирные»

The article discusses issues related to the need to adjust the enacted set of rules 53.13330.2022 on energy saving issues. This set of rules specifies the installation of cold and hot water meters, but other proposals for water supply and sanitation systems are not presented. In order to save water, it is recommended in the next edition of set of rules to specify information about the installation of single-lever faucets, thermostatic (with flow control), contactless (above the washbasin) and compact type toilets or with an installation with a double flush system in apartments.

Upaya Penghematan Air Gedung Perkantoran Industri Pupuk

Clean water is a basic human need. Company activities, especially in office areas, require the availability of water that is large enough to move during the work period. One of them is an office area in one of the Fertilizer Industries. The purpose of this research is to identify efforts to save clean water in the office area of one of the fertilizer industries to increase awareness of environmental conditions. This study was conducted by calculating the efficiency of water saving after water-saving efforts were made. Efforts made include monitoring water meters, using water-saving taps, using flushes in toilets, and using sprinklers in plants sprinklers. The use of water-saving faucets uses push taps where the faucet will close automatically when turned on after a while. And for the flush system used, namely dual flush toilets. The The dual flush system has two types of watering.

Contactless estimation of apple fruit respiration rate using machine learning models based on laser speckle imaging

This article presents the application of the laser speckle imaging method, a nondestructive and contactless method monitoring the gas exchange rate of intact apples. Red and infrared lasers in a typical setup for laser speckle imaging were used. A new parameter, speckle pattern relaxation time, has been proposed to evaluate speckle dynamics. Machine learning methods were used to develop a set of predictive models calibrated and validated against the respiration rate of two apple fruit cultivars measured with the flush system. The model with the highest performance used three variables: the speckle pattern relaxation time (τRED or τIR), fruit mass, and categorical variables describing apple varieties. This model provided satisfactorily low values of mean absolute prediction errors of 6.04%. Data from laser light scattering measurements combined with modern machine learning algorithms provided a nondestructive and fast method for estimating the apple fruit respiration rate. The developed solution has the potential for a wide range of industrial applications, especially in fruit storage, where the fruit respiration rate indicates optimal storage conditions.

6 Comparison of Ammonia Concentrations Between Flush and Pull-Plug Waste Management Systems in Wean-Finish Swine Barns

Abstract Pig manure contains a wide variety of corrosion-inducing chemicals such as ammonia. Ammonia production and its release are influenced by temperature and moisture in the barn environment. Increased concentrations of ammonia can negatively affect pig health and growth, as well as pose a risk to human health. Additionally, even at decreased concentrations, ammonia reacts with humidity and causes premature corrosion of barn equipment and is a threat to the structural integrity of livestock buildings. In this study, ammonia concentrations were monitored and compared between two 880 head wean-finish swine facilities with different types of waste management systems. Both facilities had shallow manure pits, one containing a flush system and one containing a pull plug system to remove manure from the barns into the lagoon. Ammonia, dry-bulb air temperature, and relative humidity levels were measured every0 min for an entire wean-finish cycle (approximately 20 weeks). Data will be compared between the facilities to evaluate the impact of the waste management systems on indoor air quality conditions. Potential implications for pig health and growth and facility maintenance will be explored. Results will provide information on best management strategies for swine facilities.

Effective first flush volumes in experimental household-scale rainwater catchment systems

Abstract Rainwater collection systems often include a first flush system to divert contaminants away from collected and stored rainwater. These have traditionally been designed for a set volume, to capture and divert the first 1–2 mL of rain deposited onto a roof. However, environmental and collection system parameters can vary the volume of the first flush necessary to effectively divert contaminants. Using a test-scale rainwater collection system in Amherst, Massachusetts (USA), a series of experiments were conducted to assess the quality of rainwater in the system per collection volume and time. This included a tracer study of an ideal contaminant, and water quality measurements of atmospheric rain, fractionated first flush, and the collection tank during rain events. First flush samples contained elevated dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations up to 40 mg/L, with high variability between the rain events. UV 254, DOC, and conductivity all trended together indicating a uniform wash-off of contaminants. Higher intensity storms increased roof wash-off deposition and environmental conditions affected the necessary first flush volumes. The majority of contaminants likely originated from roof wet and dry deposition. The design of first flush in rainwater harvesting systems needs to account for local precipitation patterns, storm intensity, and canopy conditions.

Reducing the time delay of oxygen transport to the neonate on continuous positive airway pressure support: A bench study.

Premature newborns often require oxygen support as part of their therapy. Systems for oxygen administration are developed to assure adequate oxygenation of newborns. Several factors were identified in the systems that contribute to the time delay between the change in the set inspiratory oxygen fraction and its actual delivery to tissues. In this study, we aimed to reduce the physical delay in oxygen delivery to newborns. We developed an O2 Flush System (O2-FS) that brings the source of oxygen as close to a patient as possible to make oxygen available for rapid delivery that compensates for the physical delay in the ventilator circuit. The O2-FS system is built around an electromechanical on/off valve. We validated the O2-FS concept in experiments with non-invasive Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) ventilators. The O2-FS accelerated oxygen delivery with all the tested systems and arrangements, typically by 5-15 s. We also observed that the application of supplemental oxygen increased the pressure in the ventilator circuit by 3-4 cmH2O which may mitigate the apneic pauses that are common in premature newborns. The O2-FS system may work as a universal accessory of the CPAP lung ventilator and shorten the distribution of oxygen to the patient during oxygen desaturation events, possibly eliminating or interrupting apneic pauses in neonates, for whom oxygen therapy is an essential treatment. In clinical practice, the O2-FS could help maintain normoxemic saturation values through adequate oxygen dosing in preterm neonates, thus reducing morbidity and mortality.

Determination of Microbiological Quality of Bread and Sanitation Conditions of Local Bakeries in Aliero Town, Kebbi State

Several variations and changes can occur during bread processing and storage that affect the quality and safety characteristics and acceptability of the bread. The study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of bread and the hygienic conditions of local bakeries in Aliero, Kebbi State. A total of 16 bread samples were obtained (3 from each bakery). Data on socio-demographics and sanitary conditions were collected through interviews and an observation checklist. Standard microbiological methods were used to enumerate, isolate and identify bacteria and fungi. The result of sanitary conditions shows that four bakeries (66%) use boreholes as a source of water supply, two (33%) use well and none of them use pipe borne. In addition, zero (0%) use a flush system of latrine, 66% have a pit latrine while 33% have no latrine facility. All (100%) have stored refuse also and adequately use open surfaces/ditch as a waste disposal method. The result of the study indicated the mean bacterial count (CFU/g) range is 7.4×105- 14.4x105, while the mean fungal count (CFU/g) range is 9.0×103- 1.1×103. Isolated bacteria include Escherichia coli (29.4%), Pseudomonas spp. (14.7%), Proteus spp. (20.6%), and Bacillus spp. (35.3%). Penicillium spp. (44%), Aspergillus spp. (8%), Rhizopus spp. (28%), Fusarium spp. (20%) were the fungi isolated and identified. Several types of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms were found to contaminate bread samples in the bakeries. Therefore, relevant regulatory agencies should ensure compliance with the guidelines and requirements for bread manufacturing. In addition, Educational programs have been recommended.

Design and development of a 2-liter flush system for squat latrine

Among the various energy resources water plays a vital role in our day today life. This source has been deploying every year due to bore well construction and because of climatic change caused by pollution. Wastage of water in public toilets is an important issue in our day today life. This paper provides an alternative solution to reduce the wastage of water in public toilet by modifying the structure of the public toilet construction for effective usage. Additionally by using the natural resources like lime and ash the toilet faeces are decomposed and it is converted to fertilizer. Initially the design of the toilet system was carried out using Solid works. The prototype design of the flush system was developed and its performances like consumption of water quantity, dimension of the toilet system, cost of implementation and environmental impacts caused by the toilet system was compared with the western type toilet system.

Enteral Nutrition and Hydration in Patients with Acute Stroke: Efficacy of an Automatic Pump System for Water Administration and Flushes-A Pilot Study.

Background: Enteral nutrition is often prescribed in acute stroke to meet energy and fluid needs in patients with dysphagia. Tubes clogging represent a common complication of enteral formula delivery, requiring substitution and influencing nutrition administration. Frequent water flushes are recommended as one of the most effective procedures to prevent tube occlusion, but it might be time demanding and not consistently performed by the healthcare staff. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an automatic flush pump, compared to a manual flush system, to prevent tubes’ occlusions in acute-stroke patients, as this might affect nutrition and hydration. Methods: Gastrointestinal symptoms, nutrition and hydration biomarkers were also monitored to determine the different devices’ safety. Sixty-two patients were included in the study and allocated to the “manual” or “automatic” flushes device. Results: The mean duration of data collection was 7 ± 2 days. Tube occlusions occurred in 22.6% of the patients in the “manual” group, whereas only one tube clogging was reported in the “automatic” group (p = 0.023). No significant differences between groups were reported for constipation and diarrhea frequency nor nutrition and hydration status. When the nurses were asked to simulate manual flush administration at the same frequency of the automatic device, they were able to meet the recommendations only 10% of the time. Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests the efficacy of automatic flush systems to prevent enteral tube clogging, without affecting health status compared to standard manual flush systems.

Impact of in-hospital versus ambulatory glucose variability on coronary plaque vulnerability in patients with coronary artery disease

AimThe impact of in-hospital and ambulatory glucose variability (GV) on lipid core plaques (LCP) is unclear. We evaluated the relation of GV during hospitalization and after discharge to LCPs. MethodsA total of 35 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) under near-infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS) guidance for acute myocardial infarction (MI) and stable coronary artery disease were prospectively included. LCP was evaluated with a lipid core burden index (LCBI) and a maximum LCBI in 4 mm (max LCBI4mm) in the non-target vessel using NIRS-IVUS. GV was measured by a flush glucose monitoring system. ResultsIn-hospital mean amplitude of glucose excursion (MAGE) was significantly higher than that after discharge (73.4±26.8 vs. 66.0±22.8 mg/dl, p=0.03). In the entire study population, LCBI and maxLCBI4mm in the non-target vessel were correlated with MAGE after discharge (r=0.51, p=0.002 and r=0.39, p=0.02), but not significantly correlated with in-hospital MAGE. The relations of MAGE to higher LCBI and maxLCBI4mm were more evident in patients with acute MI. ConclusionsGV was greater during hospitalization than after discharge in patients undergoing PCI. Greater GV after discharge was significantly associated with higher LCBI and maxLCBI4mm, suggesting that ambulatory GV may be closely link to coronary atherosclerosis.

Assessment Impacts of Ozone on Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Liquid Dairy Waste

Liquid dairy manure, which is produced in enormous quantities in flush dairy manure management systems, is commonly used as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. It provides nutrient benefits to crops and soils. While dairy waste is a well-accepted and widely used fertilizer, the presence of indicator organisms and human pathogens in manure may lead to pathogen contamination in crops and soils. This study is focused on the examination of ozone gas-based sterilization. In the past, ozone (O3) has been used for sanitizing various foods and solid surfaces, but the potential of O3 for eliminating human pathogens in liquid dairy waste is not studied yet. Pathogens such as Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 are reported to be present in liquid dairy manure, and this research evaluated the effects of various levels of ozone on the survival of these two pathogens. We designed a continuous type O3 treatment system that has four major components: (1) ozone generator using oxygen; (2) ozone concentration control by mixing with pure air; (3) continuous monitoring of ozone concentrations; and (4) ozone experiment chambers. Various levels of ozone (43.26, 87.40, and 132.46 mg·L−1) were produced in the ozone system, and subsequently, ozone was diffused through liquid manure. Liquid manure was exposed to ozone for multiple durations (30, 60, and 120 min). To determine the effectiveness of O3 in eliminating pathogens, time-series samples were collected and analyzed for determining the levels of S. typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7. Preliminary results showed that ozone concentrations of 132.46 mg/L, and exposure time of 120 min resulted in the reduced levels of E. coli and Salmonella. Low levels of ozone and limited exposure time were found to be less effective in pathogen removal potentially due to high solid contents. Additional studies carrying out experiments to evaluate the impacts of solids in combination with ozone concentrations will provide further insights into developing full-scale ozone-based treatment systems.

The effect of a first flush rainwater harvesting and subsurface irrigation system on E. coli and pathogen concentrations in irrigation water, soil, and produce

Climate change is stressing irrigation water sources, necessitating the evaluation of alternative waters such as harvested rainwater to determine if they meet water quality and food safety standards. We collected water, soil, and produce samples between June and August 2019 from two vegetable rain garden (VRG) sites in Frederick, Maryland that harvest rainwater using a first flush system, and deliver this water to produce through subsurface irrigation. The raised VRG beds include layers of gravel, sand, and soil that act as filters. We recorded the average surface soil moisture in each bed as well as antecedent precipitation. All water (n = 29), soil (n = 55), and produce (n = 57) samples were tested for generic E. coli using standard membrane filtration, and water samples were also tested for Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes by selective enrichment. No Salmonella spp. or L. monocytogenes isolates were detected in any water samples throughout the study period. Average E. coli levels from all harvested rainwater samples at both sites (1.2 and 24.4 CFU/100 mL) were well below the Good Agricultural Practices food safety guidelines. Only 7 % (3/44) of produce samples from beds irrigated with harvested rainwater were positive for E. coli. E. coli levels in soil samples were positively associated with average surface soil moisture (r2 = 0.13, p = 0.007). Additionally, E. coli presence in water samples was marginally associated with a shorter length of antecedent dry period (fewer days since preceding rainfall) (p = 0.058). Our results suggest that harvested rainwater collected through a first flush system and applied to produce through subsurface irrigation meets current food safety standards. Soil moisture monitoring could further reduce E. coli contamination risks from harvested rainwater-irrigated produce. First flush and subsurface irrigation systems could help mitigate climate change-related water challenges while protecting food safety and security.

Staff perceptions of the effects of malodours from toilets at two schools in Gauteng Province, South Africa

In any school system, sanitary facilities can have a major effect on the productivity of staff and students, thus safe, adequate sanitation is essential to the academic programme. This study is part of a pilot project to determine the perceptions staff have of the effects of malodours from toilets on productivity and morale, at two schools. One school (School A) is located on the periphery of an urban area and had a septic tank system with inadequate toilet maintenance. The other school (School B) was in a well-established urban area with a flush latrine system, connected to municipal sewage pipes. Through a self-administered questionnaire we determined that School A had a very poor sanitation system that produced unbearable malodours that affected health, productivity and morale at the school, whereas School B had a healthy, well-maintained sanitation system that produced little odour. The malodour at School A had a negative effect on pupil attendance and staff morale at the school. The significant finding of the research was that all staff who participated indicated that malodours from either a flush latrine or a septic tank system could affect productivity of staff and students in the school environment.