Free Ammonia Levels Research Articles

Population dynamics during startup of thermophilic anaerobic digesters: The mixing factor

Two thermophilic digesters were inoculated with manure and started-up under mixed and stagnant conditions. The Archaea in the mixed digester (A) were dominated by hydrogenotrophic Methanobateriaceae (61%) with most of the methane being produced via syntrophic pathways. Methanosarcinales (35%) were the only acetoclastic methanogens present. Acetate dissipation seems to depend on balanced hydrogenotrophic-to-acetotrophic abundance, which in turn was statistically correlated to free ammonia levels. Relative abundance of bacterial community was associated with the loading rate. However, in the absence of mixing (digester B), the relationship between microbial composition and operating parameters was not discernible. This was attributed to the development of microenvironments where environmental conditions are significantly different from average measured parameters. The impact of microenvironments was accentuated by the use of a non-acclimated seed that lacks adequate propionate degraders. Failure to disperse the accumulated propionate, and other organics, created high concentration niches where competitive and inhibiting conditions developed and favored undesired genera, such as Halobacteria (65% in B). As a result, digester B experienced higher acid levels and lower allowable loading rate. Mixing was found necessary to dissipate potential inhibitors, and improve stability and loading capacity, particularly when a non-acclimated seed, often lacking balanced thermophilic microflora, is used.

Colorectal Carcinogenesis: A Cellular Response to Sustained Risk Environment

The current models for colorectal cancer (CRC) are essentially linear in nature with a sequential progression from adenoma through to carcinoma. However, these views of CRC development do not explain the full body of published knowledge and tend to discount environmental influences. This paper proposes that CRC is a cellular response to prolonged exposure to cytotoxic agents (e.g., free ammonia) as key events within a sustained high-risk colonic luminal environment. This environment is low in substrate for the colonocytes (short chain fatty acids, SCFA) and consequently of higher pH with higher levels of free ammonia and decreased mucosal oxygen supply as a result of lower visceral blood flow. All of these lead to greater and prolonged exposure of the colonic epithelium to a cytotoxic agent with diminished aerobic energy availability. Normal colonocytes faced with this unfavourable environment can transform into CRC cells for survival through epigenetic reprogramming to express genes which increase mobility to allow migration and proliferation. Recent data with high protein diets confirm that genetic damage can be increased, consistent with greater CRC risk. However, this damage can be reversed by increasing SCFA supply by feeding fermentable fibre as resistant starch or arabinoxylan. High protein, low carbohydrate diets have been shown to alter the colonic environment with lower butyrate levels and apparently greater mucosal exposure to ammonia, consistent with our hypothesis. Evidence is drawn from in vivo and in vitro genomic and biochemical studies to frame experiments to test this proposition.

Effect of maize silage addition on biomethane recovery from mesophilic co-digestion of chicken and cattle manure to suppress ammonia inhibition

The aim of this study is to evaluate the biogas recovery potential if mesophilic (35±2°C) anaerobic co-digestion of two different types of manure sources (from chicken and cattle) is applied at a biogas plant. In order to evaluate the improvement in biogas production in the presence of the co-substrate, maize silage is digested together with the animal manure. Results indicated that daily biomethane and total energy (power+heat) productions improved about 1.2 fold when maize silage is co-digested with cattle and chicken wastes. The heat and power energy potentials from the produced biogas were determined using the conversion rates of a CHP unit. Significant energy recovery could be achieved for both cases; i.e. total methane productions were calculated as 5800 and 6580m3/day corresponding to total energy productions of some 45.05×103 and 51.06×103kWh without and with maize silage addition, respectively. A heat analysis was also performed where the resulting biomethane productions were the basis of the heat requirements. Results indicated that the major part of the heating requirements consisted of slurry heating to the operating temperature (in this study 35°C). When the overall heat requirements are compared to the heat potential from a CHP unit, it is clear that the heat produced is sufficient for successful mesophilic co-digestion giving energy savings as well as the excess heat can be utilized elsewhere in the premises of the biogas plant. Hence, treatment plants including co-digestion of chicken and cattle manure with a suitable co-substrate are becoming net producers of renewable energy if appropriate energy recovery technology is provided. Although the improvement in biogas and energy savings demonstrated that co-digestion of these two different organic wastes is viable with maize silage as the co-substrate, the co-digester needs control due to possible inhibition by high free ammonia levels especially from the chicken livestock.

Reactivation of effluent granular sludge from a high-rate Anammox reactor after storage

In this study, effluent sludge from a high-rate Anammox reactor was used to re-start new Anammox reactors for the reactivation of Anammox granular sludge. Different start-up strategies were evaluated in six upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors (R(1)-R(6)) for their effect on nitrogen removal performance. Maximal nitrogen removal rates (NRRs) greater than 20 kg N/m(3)/day were obtained in reactors R(3)-R(5), which were seeded with mixed Anammox sludge previously stored for approximately 6 months and 1 month. A modified Boltzmann model describing the evolution of the NRR fit the experimental data well. An amount of sludge added to the UASB reactor or decreasing the loading rate proved effective in relieving the substrate inhibition and increasing the NRR. The modified Stover-Kincannon model fit the nitrogen removal data in the Anammox reactors well, and the simulation results showed that the Anammox process has great nitrogen removal potential. The observed inhibition in the Anammox reactors may have been caused by high levels of free ammonia. The sludge used to seed the reactors did not settle well; sludge flotation was observed even after the reactors were operated for a long time at a floating upward velocity (F(s)) of greater than 100 m/h. The settling sludge, however, exhibited good settling properties. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the Anammox granules consisted mainly of spherical and elliptical bacteria with abundant filaments on their surface. Hollows in the granules were also present, which may have contributed to sludge floatation.

Importance of the operating pH in maintaining the stability of anoxic ammonium oxidation (anammox) activity in moving bed biofilm reactors

Two bench-scale parallel moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBR) were operated to assess pH-associated anammox activity changes during long term treatment of anaerobically digested sludge centrate pre-treated in a suspended growth partial nitrification reactor. The pH was maintained at 6.5 in reactor R1, while it was allowed to vary naturally between 7.5 and 8.1 in reactor R2. At high nitrogen loads reactor R2 had a 61% lower volumetric specific nitrogen removal rate than reactor R1. The low pH and the associated low free ammonia (FA) concentrations were found to be critical to stable anammox activity in the MBBR. Nitrite enhanced the nitrogen removal rate in the conditions of low pH, all the way up to the investigated level of 50mg NO2-N/L. At low FA levels nitrite concentrations up to 250mg NO2-N/L did not cause inactivation of anammox consortia over a 2-days exposure time.

The pathway of in-situ ammonium removal from aerated municipal solid waste bioreactor: nitrification/denitrification or air stripping?

In-situ ammonium removal from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill is an attractive method due to its economic advantages. In this study, two simulated MSW bioreactors with different degrees of initial bio-stabilization were utilized to investigate the effects of intermittent aeration mode and the addition of activated sludge on the removal of ammonium. The results showed that up to 90% of ammonium could be removed and the amount of NO(x)-N produced was less than 1% of NH4 (+)-N removed in both reactors. The pH values increased rapidly and finally arrived at a high level of 8.5-8.8. The efficiency of ammonium removal was improved by increasing the continuous aeration time, but it was not affected by the addition of activated sludge. A portion of liquid escaped from the reactors in the form of vapour, and as high as 195-258 mg L(-1) of NH(4) ( +)-N was detected in the vapour collector. According to calculation, nitrification was inhibited by the high level of free ammonia in the bioreactors. As a result, air stripping was enhanced and became the primary pathway of ammonium removal. Therefore, controlling free ammonia concentration was essential in ammonium removal from the aerated MSW bioreactor.

Application of struvite precipitation as a pretreatment in treating swine wastewater

In this study, the effect of the pretreatment of NH 4-N by struvite precipitation on biological nitrogen removal was investigated in treating swine wastewater. Evaluation was mainly focused on nitrification which occurred in the activated sludge system after struvite precipitation. Laboratory experiments were performed at four different hydraulic retention times (HRT), i.e., 48, 32, 24 and 16 h. Results of the long-term operation of systems showed that the struvite precipitation used as the pretreatment of raw swine wastewater enhanced the nitrification performance in activated sludge system by reducing the applied loading rates of NH 4-N and TCOD in all operating conditions. The reduction of the applied NH 4-N loading rate kept the levels of free ammonia (FA) concentration in biological reactors low and it prevented nitrite accumulation. In addition, the struvite precipitation elicited the biological denitrification reaction and PO 4-P removal by increasing the ratios of carbon-to-nitrogen and carbon-to-phosphorus of wastewater after struvite precipitation. The struvite precipitation also enhanced the biological TCOD removal performance by reducing the toxic effect of FA. Triplicate INT-dehydrogenase tests clearly showed that FA inhibited the degradation of organic matter in activated sludge system. Finally, the struvite precipitation contributed to high TCOD, T-N and PO 4-P removals of 83, 90, and 97% by facilitating biological reaction at a short HRT of 16 h.

Nitrogen Removal from Digested Black Water by One-Stage Partial Nitritation and Anammox

This study assessed the technical feasibility to treat digested black water from vacuum toilets (> 1000 mg NH4(+)-N L(-1)) in a lab-scale oxygen-limited autotrophic nitrification/denitrification (OLAND) rotating biological contactor. After an adaptation period of 2.5 months, a stable nitrogen removal rate of ca. 700 mg N L(-1) d(-1) was reached over the subsequent 5 months. Suppression of the nitrite oxidizing bacteria at free ammonia levels above 3 mg N L(-1) resulted in a nitrogen removal efficiency of 76%. The favorable ratios of both organic and inorganic carbon to nitrogen guaranteed endured anammox activity and sufficient buffering capacity, respectively. Quantitative FISH showed that aerobic and anoxic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB and AnAOB) made up 43 and 8% of the biofilm, respectively. Since a part of the AerAOB was probably present in anoxic biofilm zones; their specific ammonium conversion was very low, in contrast to the high specific AnAOB activity. DGGE analysis showed that the dominant AerAOB and AnAOB species were resistant to the transition from synthetic medium to digested black water. This study demonstrates high-rate nitrogen removal from digested black water by one-stage partial nitritation and anammox, which will allow a significant decrease in operational costs compared to conventional nitrification/ denitrification.

Interaction between temperature and ammonia in mesophilic digesters for animal waste treatment

Four anaerobic sequencing batch reactors (ASBRs) were operated during a period of 988 days to evaluate the effect of temperature, ammonia, and their interconnectivity on the methane yield of anaerobic processes for animal waste treatment. During period 1 (day 0–378), the methane yield was 0.31 L CH 4/g volatile solids (VS) for all digesters (with no statistical differences among them) at a temperature and total ammonium-N levels of 25 °C and ∼1200 mg NH 4 +-N/L, respectively. During period 2 (day 379–745), the methane yield at 25 °C decreased by 45% when total ammonium-N and ammonia-N were increased in two of the four ASBRs to levels >4000 mg NH 4 +-N/L and >80 mg NH 3-N/L, respectively. During period 3 (day 746–988), this relative inhibition was reduced from 45% to 13% compared to the low-ammonia control reactors when the operating temperature was increased from 25 °C to 35 °C (while the free ammonia levels increased from ∼100 to ∼250 mg NH 3-N/L). The 10 °C increase in temperature doubled the rate constant for methanogenesis, which overwhelmed the elevated toxicity effects caused by the increasing concentration of free ammonia. Thus, the farmer/operator may alleviate ammonia toxicity by increasing the operating temperature within the mesophilic range. We extrapolated our data to correlate temperature, ammonia, and methane yield and to hypothesize that the difference between high- and low-ammonia reactors is negligible at the optimum mesophilic temperature of 38 °C.

Free ammonia and free nitrous acid inhibition on the anabolic and catabolic processes of Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter

The inhibitory effects of free ammonia (FA) and free nitrous acid (FNA) on the catabolic and anabolic processes of Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter were investigated using a method that allows decoupling the growth and energy generation processes. Lab-scale sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were operated for the enrichment of Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter. Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization (FISH) analysis showed that the reactors were 82% and 73% enriched with Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, respectively. Batch tests were carried out to measure the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) by the enriched cultures at various FA and FNA levels, in the presence (OUR with CO2 ) or absence (OUR without CO2) of inorganic carbon (CO2, HCO*3 and CO 2*3). FA up to 16.0 mgNH3-N.L(-1) was not found to have any inhibitory effect on either the catabolic or anabolic processes of the Nitrosomonas culture, but both these processes were inhibited by FNA. While an FNA level of 0.40-0.63 mgHNO2-N.L(-1) inhibited the energy production capability of Nitrosomonas by 50%, the growth process of the culture was completely inhibited by FNA at a concentration of 0.40 mgHNO2-N.L(-1). Both FA and FNA were found to have strong inhibition on the anabolic processes of Nitrobacter, but with limited inhibitory effects on the catabolism of this culture. The biosynthesis of Nitrobacter was totally inhibited at an FA level of 6.0 mgNH3-N.L(-1) (or above) or an FNA level of 0.02 mgHNO2-N.L(-1) (or above). At the same level of FA, the energy production capability of Nitrobacter was only inhibited by 12%, whereas an FNA level of up to 0.024 mgHNO2-N.L(-1) did not show any inhibition on the energy production of Nitrobacter. Further, these inhibitory effects appears to be much stronger on Nitrobacter than on Nitrosomonas, supporting that FA and FNA inhibition may play a major role in the elimination of nitrite oxidizing bacteria in processes treating wastewater containing a high level of nitrogen.

Factors affecting the activity of anammox bacteria during start up in the continuous culture reactor

Factors affecting cultivation of extremely slow-growing bacteria (anaerobic ammonium oxidiser, doubling time 11 days) were investigated by using upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors which can maintain high solid retention time. The effects of concentrations of DO, free ammonia (FA), and nitrite on activation of anammox activity were tested during the start-up period. The reactor was inoculated with granular sludge collected from a full-scale UASB reactor used for treating brewery wastewater, and sludge from a piggery wastewater treatment plant and rotating biological contactor treating sewage. Results of continuous operation showed that concentrations of DO, free ammonia (FA) and nitrite in the reactors played a key role in stimulating the anammox activity during start-up period. It is crucial to keep DO below 0.2 ppm, FA below 2 mg/L and nitrite nitrogen below 35 mg/L to cultivate anammox cells in the continuous bioreactor. When the levels of DO, FA and nitrite in the influent were controlled at less than the inhibition levels, the anammox activity increased gradually in the anaerobic condition. Addition of hydrogen sulphide into the reactor enhanced anammox activity in the continuous culture. Through the SEM, TEM and FISH analysis, anammox bacteria were detected in the granular sludge after 3 months of continuous operation.

Co-digestion of ruminal content and blood from slaughterhouse industries: influence of solid concentration and ammonium generation

At the present time, organic solid wastes from industries and agricultural activities are considered to be promising substrates for biogas production via anaerobic digestion. Moreover solids stabilisation is required before reutilization or disposal. Slaughterhouses are among the most important industries in Uruguay and produce 150,000 tons of ruminal content (RC) and 30,000 tons of blood per year. In order to determine the influence of the solids and blood contents, the ammonia inhibition and the inoculum adaptation co-digestion batch tests were performed. A set of experiences with TS concentration of 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% and different ratios of RC/blood were carried out using an inoculum from an UASB reactor. In all experiences fast blood hydrolisation was observed. A higher methane production was detected in the experiences with higher TS content. However, the fraction of solids degradation was lower in these experiences. A plateau in the biogas production was found. The free ammonia level, which was above the reported inhibitory levels, could explain this behaviour. After the inhibition period the biogas production restarted probably due to the biomass acclimatisation to the ammonia. In order to determine the inoculum adaptation a new experiment was performed. The inoculum used was the sludge coming from the first set of experiences. Based upon batch tests a 3.5 m3 pilot reactor was designed and started up. Ammonia inhibition was avoided by the start-up strategy and in two weeks the biogas production was 3.5 m3/d. The VS stabilisation with a solid retention time of 20 days was of 43%. The pilot reactor working at steady state had a TS concentration of 3-4% with a ratio of RC/blood of 10:1 at the entrance.

Effect of high dietary intakes of vitamin E and n-3 HUFA on immune responses and resistance to Edwardsiella tarda challenge in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus, Temminck and Schlegel)

A feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of high dietary intake of vitamin E (supplied as dl-α-tocopheryl acetate) and n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid (n-3 HUFA) on the non-specific immune response and disease resistance in Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Nine practical diets were formulated to contain one of three levels of vitamin E namely, 0, 80 or 200 mg kg−1 (the total α-tocopherol contents in the diets were 21, 97 and 213 mg kg−1 based on analysis), and at each vitamin E level with one of three n-3 HUFA levels i.e. 0.5%, 1.5% or 2.0%. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of Japanese flounder (initial body weight: 40.5±1.0 g, mean±SD) in a re-circulation rearing system. Fish were fed twice daily to apparent satiation at 07:00 and 18:00 hours for 12 weeks. During the experimental period, water temperature was maintained at 18±1°C, salinity 31–35 g L−1, and pH 7.8–8.2. Dissolved oxygen was not less than 6 mg L−1, and there were negligible levels of free ammonia and nitrite. The results showed that the increase in dietary n-3 HUFA from 0.5% to 1.0% significantly decreased muscle α-tocopherol contents in fish-fed diets with 21 and 97 mg α-tocopherol kg−1 diet (P<0.05). In 1.0% HUFA groups, alternative complement pathway activity (ACH50) of fish fed the diet containing the 213 mg α-tocopherol kg−1 diet was significantly higher than noted for fish fed the diet containing 97 mg α-tocopherol kg−1 diet (P<0.05). Fish fed the diet with 213 mg α-tocopherol kg−1 and 2.0% n-3 HUFA had the highest lysozyme activity (131.7 U mL−1) among all the dietary treatments. Fish fed the diets containing 97 and 213 mg α-tocopherol kg−1 with 1.0% n-3 HUFA had significantly higher respiratory burst activity than those fed the diets containing 21 mg α-tocopherol kg−1 with 0.5 and 1.0% n-3 HUFA (P<0.05). In the disease resistance experiment, high intake of dietary vitamin E with 213 mg α-tocopherol kg−1 significantly decreased cumulative mortality and delayed the days to first mortality after a 7-day Edwardsiella tarda challenge (P<0.05). In addition, under the experimental conditions, dietary vitamin E and n-3 HUFA had a synergistic effect on the non-specific immune responses and disease resistance in Japanese flounder (P<0.05).

Analyze Free Ammonia Before It's Too Late

This article discusses a study done by the Washington Aqueduct, Washington, D.C. at the request of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to study its chloramination practices for minimizing the amount of free ammonia in the distribution system. One objective of the study was to determine a viable holding time window for the analysis of free ammonia in which the free ammonia level would not significantly increase from that at the time of sample collection. Previous practices are discussed, along with the field study method. Results are given and it was concluded that, considering the role that free ammonia plays in the nitrification process, a maximum holding time of 48 hrs. for free ammonia analysis is recommended. Further resources on this subject are listed.

Methanogenic diversity in anaerobic bioreactors under extremely high ammonia levels

To evaluate the effects of high free ammonia nitrogen on methanogens, five laboratory scale UASB reactors seeded with different sludges were operated for 450 days. Throughout the experimental period, free ammonia concentration was gradually elevated up to 750 mg/l. Changes in methanogenic population were investigated by using 16S rDNA/rRNA based molecular methods such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), cloning and DNA sequencing. Generally, in all of the reactors, moderately high COD removal was achieved in the range of 77–96%. However, in three of the reactors, propionate degradation and in one of them, acetate removal was influenced more severely. In no way, neither of the phases was inhibited in reactor 4 (R4), which was seeded with a biomass concentrated from a landfill leachate. On the other hand, as free ammonia level elevated, instead of a community shift, single coccus shaped Methanosarcina cells previously predominant at low free ammonia concentrations turned into stringent multicellular units, in all of the reactors.

Community Changes During Start-up in Methanogenic Bioreactors Exposed to Increasing Levels of Ammonia

To investigate the methanogenic population dynamics during the start-up under gradually increasing free ammonia levels, five mesophilic UASB reactors seeded with different sludges were operated for 140 days. Changes in the methanogenic community investigated by using 16S rDNA/rRNA based molecular methods such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH), cloning and DNA sequencing. Free ammonia nitrogen (FAN) in the reactors was gradually increased from 50 to 130 mg l-1 by increasing total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) from 1000 to 2500 mg l-1 in the feed and keeping reactor pH at 7.7 in the active zone. Even at highest FAN level, COD and VFA removal efficiencies above 90 and 98% were obtained, respectively. However, Methanosaeta-related species mainly prevailing in seed sludges were substituted for Methanosarcina as the abundant methanogens although reactor performances were almost comparable and constant.

Improvement of the sensory properties of dry-fermented sausages by the addition of free amino acids

The addition of free amino acids in the manufacture of dry-fermented sausages, as a method to enhance their flavour, was evaluated. For this purpose, three batches of dry-fermented sausages were manufactured: a control batch (C), and the same formula treated with 0.159% (g/100 g sausage) of a mixture of valine, isoleucine and leucine (58/35/66) (w/w) (batch L1) or treated with 1.01% of a “pool” of free amino acids (batch L2) (gly/asn/his/arg/thr/ala/pro/tyr/val/met/ile/leu/phe/trp/lys/asp/glu/ser /gln/cys) (19/19/105/41/55/ 69/90/10/58/27/35/66/35/62/110/56/106/18/19/10) (w/w). The pH values, dry matters and water activities of experimental sausages did not show significant differences ( p < 0.05) among different batches. However, an increase in the microbial counts (lactic acid bacteria and micrococci) and in the level of free amino acids and ammonia was observed in batches L1 and L2. A higher amount of volatile compounds was also detected in both experimental batches (L1 and L2), particularly those compounds derived from amino acid breakdown, such as branched aldehydes and their corresponding alcohols. In the sensory analysis, bach L1 showed a better overall quality than the control and batch L2.

Anthelmintic efficacy of genistein, the active principle of Flemingia vestita (Fabaceae): alterations in the free amino acid pool and ammonia levels in the fluke, Fasciolopsis buski

The crude root-peel extract of Flemingia vestita, its active principle genistein and the reference flukicide oxyclozanide were tested against Fasciolopsis buski, the giant intestinal trematode. The amino acid composition of F. buski was demonstrated using HPLC and it was observed that the free amino acid (FAA) pool of the control worm consisted of aspartate, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, glutamine, proline, glycine, alanine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, lysine, histidine, arginine, phosphoserine, taurine, citrulline, ornithine, β-alanine, and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA). Of the amino acids detected valine was found to be the maximum in quantitative analysis. In qualitative analysis the FAA pool of the parasites under various treatments remained same as that of the control; however, quantitatively the level of various FAAs in the parasite was significantly affected. The treated parasites showed a marked decrease in the levels of arginine, ornithine, tyrosine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, alanine, glycine, proline, serine, threonine, and taurine following treatment with 20 mg/ml of crude peel extract, 0.5 mg/ml of genistein and 20 mg/ml of the reference drug, though an increase in the levels of glutamic acid, glutamine, phosphoserine, citrulline and GABA was noticeable. Enhanced levels of GABA and citrulline under the influence of genistein may be implicated in alterations of nitric oxide release and consequent neurological change (e.g. paralysis) in the parasite. Ammonia in the tissue homogenate as well as in the incubation medium showed a quantitative increase compared to the controls after treatment with the various test materials. The ammonia level increased by 40.7%, 66.4% and 18.16% in treatments with F. vestita, genistein and oxyclozanide, respectively, at the mentioned dosages. The changes in the levels of the amino acids and nitrogen components post treatment suggest that the amino acid metabolism in the parasite may have been altered under the influence of the test materials.

Acute Interactive Effects of Lindane and Dimethoate on Cerebral and Peripheral Tissues in Rats

A number of studies have shown that interaction of certain combinations of pesticides can lead to enhancement of toxicity. In view of this, acute interactive effects of lindane and dimethoate were studied in rats randomized into four groups of six each. The first group was treated with lindane p.o. 10 mg/kg, the second group was treated with dimethoate p.o. 20 mg/kg, the third group was given dimethoate p.o. 20 mg/kg to rats pretreated (one hour before) with lindane p.o. 10 mg/kg and the fourth group serving as control was given oil only. The animals were sacrificed one hour after the exposure to determine the brain cortex and corpus striatum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, blood glucose level, glycogen content in cerebral and peripheral tissues and free ammonia level in the brain. There was a si gnificantly greater inhibition of brain cortex and corpus striatum AChE activity ( p <0.001) and enhancement of effect on free ammonia level in the brain of rats ( p <0.05) dosed with lindane + dimethoate than in rats treated either with lindane or dimethoate. The hyperglycemic action of both lindane and dimethoate when given alone was off-set in the group treated with both lindane and dimethoate ( p <0.05 and 0.001 respectively). Further, treatments with dimethoate of rats pretreated with lindane antagonised the effect of lindane on glycogen content in liver, brain and triceps ( p <0.05) but not in the diaphragm. The study signifies the importance of co-exposure in the risk assessment of chemicals in the environment laden with xenobiotics.

FACTORS AFFECTING NITRITE BUILD-UP IN NITRIFYING BIOFILM REACTOR

Nitrite build-up in a nitrifying biofilm reactor for direct denitrification from the nitrite stage was investigated. At least three factors were found to influence the nitrite build-up: (i) the relative specific growth rates of Nitrosomonas to Nitrobacter, μNs/ μNb in the biofilm; (ii) the relative initial ratio between Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter on the support surface, (Mao)Ns/(Mao)Nb; (iii) the level of free ammonia, particularly at greater than 0.1 mg N/l that can be inhibitory to Nitrobacter. Results showed that without free ammonia inhibition, the first two factors determined the degree of nitrite build-up. The effect of (Mao)Ns and (Mao)Nb on nitrification kinetics were more significant than the specific growth rates of Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter. By regulating effects of these three factors, extremely high concentrations of nitrite build-up could occur in a biofilm reactor. This offers a potential for achieving direct denitrification through a nitrate shunt.