Plastic Buckets Research Articles

Socioeconomic and Ecological Factors Influencing Aedes aegypti Prevalence, Abundance, and Distribution in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

This study examined household risk factors and prevalence, abundance, and distribution of immature Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, and their association with socioeconomic and ecological factors at urban zonal and household levels in the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. During the 2011 monsoon, 826 households in 12 randomly selected administrative wards were surveyed for vector mosquitoes. Results revealed that the abundance and distribution of immature Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, and pupae-per-person indices did not vary significantly among the zones with varied socioeconomic status. Of 35 different types of identified wet containers, 30 were infested, and among the 23 pupae-positive container types, nine were defined as the “most productive” for pupae including: disposable plastic containers (12.2% of 550), sealable plastic barrels (12.0%), tires (10.4%), abandoned plastic buckets (9.6%), flower tub and trays (8.5%), refrigerator trays (6.5%), plastic bottles (6.4%), clay pots (4.9%), and water tanks (1.6%). When the function of the containers was assessed, ornamental, discarded, and household repairing and reconstruction-related container categories were found significantly associated with the number of pupae in the households. The purpose of storing water and income variables were significant predictors of possession of containers that were infested by vector mosquitoes.

INHERITANCE PATTERN OF YELLOW FOLIAGE COLOUR AND ACTIVITIES OF TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENT IN COWPEA Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp

Foliage colour may affect the photosynthetic activities of a plant and consequently yield. Differences in the green foliage colour of plants often reflect differences in chlorophyll concentration of the leaves. This study investigated the inheritance pattern of a yellow foliage mutant in cowpea. Seeds of a nuclear yellow foliage mutant and three green foliage cowpea lines were planted in plastic buckets filled with garden soil on the roof top garden of Department of crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria and crossed to produce six generations per cross comprising parents, F 1 , F 2 and BC. The various generations were and on the field at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and data were collected on phenotypic traits. The nuclear yellow foliage mutant segregated in the ratio 3green:1yellow, thus indicating that the trait was controlled by monogenic recessive gene. Some F 2 and BC plants of the yellow foliage mutant exhibited variegation for leaf colour indicating gene instability resulting from the action of transposable element. The frequencies of reversion from the yellow to green of F 3 progenies vary widely within and between progeny rows. Of a total of 309 individual plants that were scored, 55% were variegated, 23% were green while 22% exhibited the yellow phenotype. The gene symbol yfc-3 was assigned to the recessive condition, while yfc-3 un was assigned to the unstable allele of yellow foliage.

Drawers Chests and Wardrobes

Drawers Chests and Wardrobes James Bradley Wells (bio) Second-story window drains cello chords down.On the windowsill the feline’s oilyeyelids bask in racks of sunlight. Glory,that appetite to collect such polished stones,to stash them in a chest of drawers, to collectcicada exoskeletons, steepled deer antlers,papery skin of king snake molted midsummer,black widow lanterns, flickering ear hairs of foxes.America is not the sort of countrywhere muslin, batiste become well lavenderedover winter. The wardrobe does not stand sentryfor daydreamers sitting inside. No American wardrobestores moon’s shine, but glory for grappled things:ejected undergarments on the lawn,how the Orthodox priest intones Attend,droves of knucklebones and protruding tree roots,eczematous lesions of lead paint. Life begins well.Spent hope staggers more than a newborn foal.One becomes attuned to how anotherfills a closet. Fickle disintegrationof papyrus rolls in mind’s archives. Carnationbouquets in a plastic bucket beside the roadpreach the avarice of rose. Blood weepingfrom carcass onto the butcher’s block. Do weno longer know what it means to work onlyfor the sake of glory? I do not want a weakeningsense of loss for moments of beholding.I have turned away when dipteral awedrove home its dreadful point, but like bee bodiesworking in their hive mirror rhizomessquirming in the soil, I should be readyto travel to a foreign land to witnessthe marvelous green of Seriphos quartz, readyto attend cello ribcage grappled by growling legs,shoulder sinews delivering it—cello’s flanks flushedwith a muscled adagio that ghosts through an openwindow, gusts of limbs and melody limber. [End Page 55] James Bradley Wells James Bradley Wells is the author of the poetry collection Bicycle (Sheep Meadow Press, 2013) and the chapbook The Kazantzakis Guide to Greece (Finishing Line Press, 2015). He is an Associate Professor of Classical Studies at DePauw University and lives in Bloomington, Indiana. Copyright © 2016 Middlebury College Publications

Bio-Sand Filter (BSF): A Simple Water Treatment Device for Safe Drinking Water Supply and to Promote Health in Hazard Prone Hard-to-Reach Coastal Areas of Bangladesh

This study investigated a locally assembled ‘Bio-Sand Filter (BSF)’ water treatment device for low cost household level drinking water supply in hazard-prone hard-to-reach coastal areas of Bangladesh to promote health. The device was made using locally available materials (plastic bucket, sand and gravel). Overall study results revealed a greater portion of turbidity reduction (>99%) in the filtrate. The filter was found to reduce 1.5-log of total coliform and 1.6-log of fecal coliform, though it is not capable of consistently meeting the WHO guideline to be less than 1CFU per 100 ml for both fecal and total coliform. The chlorination results showed that 2.4 mg/L chlorine doses were effective in post treatment of the filtrate and meet the recommended WHO guidelines to have free chlorine at least 0.5 mg/L to 1.0 mg/L in the stored water after 24hr to protect water from recontamination. The results led to the conclusion that one device could provide enough drinking water (24 to 50 L) to satisfy the needs of a large representative household. The filters reduce the risks of contamination between the water source and at the point of consumption through improving water quality that can be translated into improved health outcomes.

Effect of Habitat Modifications on Predation Potential of <i>Anisops sardea</i> (Hemiptera: Notonectidae) against Larvae of Culex vishnui, Vector of Japanease Encephalitis

To prevent emergence of insecticide resistance in vector population & biological magnification of toxic insecticides through food chain, more attention is now put on application of biological control system to reduce the population of vectors. Present study was carried out to assess the effect of habitat modifications on the predatory ability of Anisops sardea (Hemiptera: Notonectidae) against immature of Culex Vishnui (Diptera: Culicidae) group of mosquitoes in laboratory and semi-field bioassay.To study the effect of habitat modifications, laboratory based predatory experiments were carried with A. sardea as predator and Cx.vishnui group of mosquitoes as prey species. To determine prey preference of predator species, predatory experiment was done in presence of mosquitoes belongs to different genera. For a long-term study on predation rate, for 15 consecutive days, 10 adult individuals of A. sardea were kept in a plastic bucket of 20 L capacity in open natural condition and number of mosquito larvae consumed/per day was calculated.Result of single factor ANOVA analysis revealed that habitat modifications have significant effect on the predatory rate of A sardea as calculated F value (34.10) is significantly higher than table value (F crit =2.156). Pair wise ‘t test’ revealed significant variations in the predation rate when different habitat combinations were analyzed. Results of selectivity index, niche breadth and food breadth were also evaluated. Long term bioassay in semi-field condition revealed that predatory rates were almost similar throughout the study period.Considering the habitat specificity, prey preference and the rate of predation in semi field condition, it can be concluded that A. sardea can be used as potential biological control agent against Culex Vishnui group of mosquitoes.

Evaluating the Impacts of Selected Packaging Materials on the Quality Attributes of Cassava Flour (cvs. TME 419 and UMUCASS 36)

The influence of packaging materials (plastic bucket, low density polyethylene [LDPE] bags and paper bags) on quality attributes of the flour of 2 cassava cultivars (TME 419 and UMUCASS 36) stored at 23 ± 2 °C and 60% relative humidity (RH) were investigated for 12 wk. Cassava flour from each package type was evaluated for proximate composition, physicochemical properties and microbial growth at 4-wk intervals. Total color difference (∆E) of both cassava flour cultivars increased with storage duration. Flour packed in plastic bucket had the lowest change in color (3.2 ± 0.42) for cv. "TME 419ˮ and (4.1 ± 0.87) for cv. "UMUCASS 36ˮ at the end of week 12. Total carotenoid decreased across all treatment, and after the 12 wk storage, the highest total carotenoid retention (1.7 ± 0.02 and 2.0 ± 0.05 μg/mL) was observed in flour packed in plastic bucket. However, cassava flour in paper bag had the lowest microbial count of 3.4 ± 0.03 and 3.4 ± 0.08 log cfu/g for total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and fungi, respectively.

The effects of stage of growth and additives with or without cellulase on fermentation andin vitrodegradation characteristics ofLeymus chinensissilage

AbstractThis study evaluated the effects of different combinations of added lactic acid bacteria and cellulase applied at two growth stages on chemical composition andin vitrorumen digestibility ofLeymus chinensissilage. Fresh grass was harvested at early heading stage (S1) and late heading stage (S2), respectively, and ensiled with five additives: 200 U cellulase (C) kg−1fresh matter (FM), 1 × 105colony‐forming units (cfu)Lactobacillus plantarum(LP) g−1FM, 1 × 105 cfuLb. casei(LC) g−1FM,LP+C,LC+C and a control (CK). Four replicates of each treatment were weighed into 5‐L plastic buckets, and the mini silos were stored at ambient temperature (~30°C) for 60 d.Leymus chinensisharvested at S2 showed relatively higher neutral detergent fibre content, coliform bacteria count and lower crude protein content than S1. All additives decreased thepHand ammonia nitrogen (NH3‐N) content ofL. chinensissilage (P < 0·001) except C.LP+C andLC+C decreased fibre content and increased water‐soluble carbohydrate content (P < 0·001). The silages were further anaerobically incubatedin vitroat 39°C for 48 h with buffered rumen fluids of lactating cows.Leymus chinensisharvested at S2 showed lowerin vitrodry‐matter disappearance,NH3‐N, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) content and higher average gas production rate (P < 0·05) than S1. In conclusion,Leymus chinensisshould not be harvested too late. Compared with other treatments, a combination ofLb. casei(LC) with cellulase resulted in better fermented silage, but further testing is needed to confirm its efficacy.

Determination test of the leakage rate and over-expansion property of the expander

Objective To measure the leakage rate in the process of expansion in vivo and in normal saline and the over-expansion property of the expander. Methods We chose 17 cases that were treated with the skin expansion. We recorded total injected saline volume intentionally in these cases before the second surgery, and recorded the remainder of the volume of saline postoperatively. We injected normal saline into 8 expanders, respectively, exceeding 50% of the volume-rating; and subsequently put these expanders into plastic bucket filled with saline. 30 days after, we measured the remaining volume of the normal saline. We injected 100 ml normal saline into 4 expanders, respectively, of which nominal volume was 100 ml, and then left these expanders in saline and measured the remainder volume of the saline 30 days later. In the second time, we injected 150 ml and repeated the above-mentioned process. It was repeated 7 times until the injection volume reached 400 ml. We processed the data and depicted a curve of effective expansion. Results The results showed that the leakage rate reached (29.0±12.5)% in vivo. Experiments in vitro confirmed that 85.0% (8.0/9.4) of the saline leaked through the injection port and 14.8% (1.4/9.4) leaked through the membrane of the expander. In addition, over-expansion performance index test confirmed that the over-expansion property of an expander was about twice the nominal volume. Conclusions The expander is not completely sealed structure. Normal saline can leak through the injection part and the membrane of the expander. The over-expansion property of an expander is limited. When the volume injected into the expander exceeds a certain value, the effective expansion performance is not increased with it. Key words: Expander; Natural leakage rate; Over-expansion

Response of Foliar Application of Nitrogen Compounds on Sugarcane Grown Under Waterlogging Stress

Present study was aimed to assess the effect of foliar applications of nitrogen compounds (potassium nitrate, urea and calcium nitrate) on physio-biochemical attributes in sugarcane plants (Saccharum spp. hybrids, CoLk 94184) subjected to waterlogging. Single bud setts were planted in earthen pots filled with soil. The treatments included control (T1), waterlogged (WL) (T2), WL + potassium nitrate (0.5 %) (T3), WL + urea (0.3 %) (T4) and WL + calcium nitrate (0.4 %) (T5). Waterlogging was imposed by placing planted pot into a larger plastic bucket and filling it with water up to 2 cm above the soil surface. After 2, 6 and 10 weeks of waterlogging, plants were sampled for growth, biochemical and molecular studies. Results obtained indicated decrease in shoot weight, leaf area and activity of nitrate reductase (NR) and increase in root weight, plant height, MDA, proline contents and peroxidase activity due to waterlogging compared to control plants. As compared to waterlogged treatment (T2), application of nitrogen compounds increased leaf area, shoot weight and NR activity and decreased MDA content. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) gene expression was up-regulated due to waterlogging (T2) and WL + nitrogen compounds in both leaf and root tissues; increase was highest in leaves of WL + urea (T4) and roots of WL + calcium nitrate treatment. Findings suggested beneficial effect of all tested nitrogen compounds on growth and biochemical attributes under waterlogged condition.

High moisture airtight storage of barley and triticale: Effect of moisture level and grain processing on nitrogen and phosphorus solubility

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage time, grain processing (whole vs. rolled) and the combination of phytase, xylanase, β-glucanase and protease on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) solubility during high moisture airtight (HMA) storage of barley and triticale at various moisture levels (20, 23, 26 and 29% moisture) and to compare HMA storage of cereals with dry storage for 49 days. Dry stored barley and triticale (10 and 13% moisture, respectively) were kept in 10L plastic buckets for 0 and 49 days. HMA stored cereals were kept in airtight bags (400g per bag) at 15°C for 0, 14, 29 and 49 days. The cereals were dry stored or HMA stored in rolled or whole form without or with an enzyme combination. Samples in triplicate were measured for dry matter (DM), pH, N and P solubility, phytate P and total P. HMA storage of rolled barley and rolled triticale at 26 and 29% moisture increased N and P solubility and decreased ratio of phytate P to total P (Phytate P:Total P as a measure of phytate degradation) compared with grains before storage (P<0.05) and dry storage at d 49 (P<0.05). The added enzyme combination increased P solubility in all barley groups by 8–16% points (P<0.001) but only increased N solubility by 4% points in HMA stored rolled barley at 29% moisture at d 49 (P<0.001) compared with no enzyme addition. The enzyme combination also increased N (3 and 5% points on average) and P solubility (8 and 15% points) in HMA stored rolled triticale at 26 and 29% moisture, respectively (P<0.05). The inclusion of the enzyme combination during storage of rolled barley and rolled triticale for 49 days increased phytate degradation (23 and 39% points, respectively) and N (16 and 24% points, respectively) and P solubility (25 and 52% points, respectively) in HMA storage at 29% moisture to a greater extent compared with dry storage (P<0.05). At d 49, increasing moisture levels increased P solubility (rolled barley, whole and rolled triticale) and N solubility (whole and rolled triticale) linearly and decreased Phytate P:Total P (rolled barley) linearly. There was a positive linear correlation between P and N solubility of HMA stored rolled barley and triticale. Overall, HMA storage of rolled barley and rolled triticale at 29% moisture with the enzyme combination is the suitable condition for increasing N and P solubility.

Workaholic ferrets: Does a two-chamber consumer demand study give insight in the preferences of laboratory ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)?

Although provision of environmental enrichment is an effective tool to refine laboratory animal experiments, it is currently unknown which enrichments ferrets prefer. This study aimed to assess the suitability of a closed economy, two-chamber consumer demand set-up to determine ferrets’ preferences for selected enrichments. Twelve female ferrets were housed in a set-up consisting of a home and enrichment chamber (EC) connected by a weighted door. The maximum weights the ferrets pushed for food (MPPfood) and an empty chamber (MPPempty) were determined to evaluate the maximum push capacity of the animals and as a control. Although the ferrets pushed significantly more for food (1325±213g) than for the empty chamber (1169±193g), the weight difference was minor (MPPempty was 89±13% of MPPfood). To evaluate the ferrets’ underlying motivation to push for the empty chamber, a second study was performed in which MPPempty was tested in seven alternative set-ups. The first three set-ups included adapted versions of the standard design (set-up A1, A2 and A3), intended to determine the functional value of the empty chamber. The four other set-ups (set-up B0, B1, B3, B4) aimed to evaluate the attractiveness of the door elements by allowing the ferrets to choose whether or not to use the weighted door to enter EC. Results demonstrated no significant differences in MPPempty between the A-set-ups, indicating that the value of the empty chamber could not be reduced by adapting the set-up. MPPempty reduced when allowing the ferrets free access to EC, demonstrating that the empty chamber had reinforcing properties. Nevertheless, the ferrets were still motivated to use the weighted door despite being granted free access to EC, indicating that the door also has reinforcing properties. The ferrets decreased the use of the weighted door most when, in a set-up with free access to EC, the nest box in the home cage (53±22% of MPPfood) was replaced by a manipulable plastic bucket (26±13% of MPPfood). These results indicate that availability of items in the home chamber may influence the results, which should be taken into account when designing motivation studies similar to the one performed in this study. The lack of differences between MPPfood and MPPempty furthermore demonstrates that the two-chamber set-up is not suitable for evaluating the ferrets’ motivation for enrichments, thus necessitating other alternatives, such as a three- or multi-chamber consumer demand study, to be explored.

NUTRITIVE VALUE OF FRESH, DRIED (HAY) AND ENSILED VINES OF FOUR SWEET POTATO (Ipomoea batatas) VARIETIES GROWN IN SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

&lt;p&gt;Chemical composition and in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) of fresh, dried (hay) and ensiled vines of two early maturing (Belela and Temesgen) and two medium maturing varieties (Beletech and Tulla) were investigated. Hay was made by sun drying for 3 days. Silages were S1: vine alone, S2: vine+2%molasses, S3: vine+4% molasses, S4: vine+10% sweet potato root (SPR, % of wilted vine weight), S5: vine+20%SPR and S6: vine+30%SPR. They were ensiled in plastic buckets (8 liter) with airtight press cape in triplicate for 90 days in a lab at room temperature of 22&lt;sup&gt;0&lt;/sup&gt;C. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Hay of Belela, Temesgen, Beletech and Tulla had 17.5, 13.9 and 15.2 %CP (%DM); 36.3, 35.6, 40.5 and 38.8% NDF (%DM) and 81.1, 82.2, 75.0 and 76.7% IVTDMD, respectively, were found. There was a decrease in pH of silages (p&amp;lt;0.05), with increasing levels of both molasses and SPR, respectively (3.91-3.66 and 3.91-3.64 in Belela; 3.92-3.72 and 3.92-3.68 in Temesgen; 3.99-3.81 and 3.99-3.75 in Beletech; 4.02-3.92 and 4.02-3.74 in Tulla); CP (19.8-15.8 and 9.8-13.9 in Belela; 20.0-14.2 and 20.0-12.3 in Temesgen; 17.2-11.2 and 17.2-10.9 in Beletech; 17.9-14.3 and17.9-11.6 inTulla); NDF (29.9-27.7 and 29.9-22.9 in Belela; 26.4-25.0 and 26.4.0-20.8 in Temesgen;36.1-29.3 and 36.1-25.4 in Beletech; 34.5-29.0 and 34.5-24.4 in Tulla); ADF (26.7-18.2 and 26.7-15.5 in Belela; 25.5-17.1 and 25.5-14.7 in Temesgen;30.0-20.2 and 30.0-16.0 in Beletech;29.3-19.1 and 29.3-16.2 in Tulla); and ADL (7.1-4.6 and 7.1-3.5 in Belela; 6.9-4.1 and 6.9-2.7 in Temesgen;9.1- 5.1 and 9.1-4.9 in Beletech; 7.9-5.0 and 7.9-4.1 in Tulla) but increased IVTDMD ( 82.5-85.7 and 82.5-87.4, in Belela; 82.1-86.1 and 82.1-88.2 in Temesgen; 79.1-84.1 and 79.1-86.1 in Beletech; 78.9-84.0 and 78.9-85.6 in Tulla). Silages at all additive levels had acceptable pH and good IVTDMD, but 4% molasses, 20 and 30% SPR gave higher IVTDMD. Hay had lower nutrient content and IVTDMD than fresh vine and silages. In conclusion, Belela and Temesgen had better nutritive value than Beletech and Tulla; silage making was better than hay making. Animal evaluation is recommended for further confirmation of the results.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Key words: Chemical composition; In vitro true dry matter digestibility; Sweet potato varieties&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Key words: Chemical composition; In vitro true dry matter digestibility; Sweet potato varieties&lt;/p&gt;

Efeitos de inoculantes microbianos e do subproduto da produção de aminoácidos sobre a fermentação, composição química e estabilidade aeróbia da silagem de milho

O uso de inoculantes microbianos no Brasil vem aumentando nos últimos anos, embora com resultados conflitantes. Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da adição de um subproduto da produção de aminoácidos ou inoculantes microbianos sobre as características fermentativas, bromatológicas e estabilidade aeróbia da silagem de milho. Os tratamentos foram: Controle (silagem de milho sem aditivo), SPA (silagem de milho com adição de 1 % de subproduto da produção de aminoácidos), Pioneer (silagem com inoculante bacteriano Pioneer 1174®, contendo S. faecium e L. plantarum) e Mercosil (silagem com inoculante bacteriano Mercosil Mais 11C33®, contendo L. buchneri, L. plantarum e E. faecium). Os teores de MS, CHOs e DIVMS não foram alterados (p&gt;0,05) por nenhum dos aditivos. O tratamento com o SPA aumentou (p

DECOMPOSIÇÃO DA SERAPILHEIRA FOLIAR E RESPIRAÇÃO EDÁFICA EM UM REMANESCENTE DE CAATINGA NA PARAÍBA

A serapilheira é uma das principais fontes de transferência de nutrientes para o solo, assumindo preponderância no processo de ciclagem de nutrientes em ecossistemas florestais. O trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a decomposição de uma mistura foliar de 10 espécies da Caatinga, em paralelo com a respiração edáfica. O estudo foi realizado no Sítio Riachão, localizado no Município de Pombal, PB. A taxa de decomposição foi determinada por medidas de perda de massa, com o auxílio de sacolas de náilon (288) que continham 10,0 g de folhas das espécies. A respiração edáfica foi mensurada através da liberação de CO2 com o auxílio de baldes plásticos durante turnos de 24 h. As coletas foram realizadas a intervalos de 45 dias. Ao longo de um ano de avaliação, foram decompostos 67% do material foliar. A respiração edáfica foi mais intensa no período noturno e em períodos em que houve maiores precipitações pluviométricas. A relação C/N foi relativamente baixa, indicativo de maior taxa de mineralização. A precipitação pluviométrica e outras variáveis ambientais são importantes fenômenos que influenciam a atividade dos microrganismos no solo, fazendo que se torne mais intensa a decomposição da serapilheira.

English

Quality changes of kola nut (Cola acuminata) as affected by processing methods and short-term storage environments were investigated. The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Laboratory of the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria. The treatments comprised of: three different colour plastic buckets – red, green, white and three inner linings - Newbouldia laevis leaves, Spondias mombin leaves and Black polyethylene sheets giving a 3 × 3 × 3 treatment combinations. The N. laevis, S. mombin and Black polyethylene sheets were laid inside the buckets as beddings for the kola nuts. About 0.45 kg of kola nuts (coated and uncoated) numbering 20 nuts were put in each storage container. Sensory quality of the nuts after storage was determined with quantitative descriptive analysis in expert panel, using six quality attributes. Physical parameters measured were; weight loss, pest incidence and sprouting incidence. Weight loss was significantly lower in white plastic storage container for coated kola nut while green plastic container reduced weight loss for uncoated. Black polyethylene sheet as inner-ling of the storage container significantly (P≤ 0.05) reduced weight loss and pest incidence in coated kola nut compared to uncoated. N. laevis and S. mombin significantly reduced weight loss in kola nuts. It is evident in this study that coated kola nut genotype were kept better than the uncoated kola nut. Key words: Processing methods, kola nut, storage treatments, quality characteristics

BIODEGRADATION OF DIESEL OIL IN SOIL AND ITS ENHANCEMENT BY APPLICATION OF BIOVENTING AND AMENDMENT WITH BREWERY WASTE EFFLUENTS AS BIOSTIMULATION-BIOAUGMENTATION AGENTS

The purpose of this study is to investigate and evaluate the effects of natural bioattenuation, bioventing, and brewery waste effluents amendment as biostimulation-bioaugmentation agent on biodegradation of diesel oil in unsaturated soil. A microcosm system was constructed consisting of five plastic buckets containing 1 kg of soil, artificially contaminated or spiked with 10% w/w of diesel oil. Biodegradation was monitored over 28 days by determining the total petroleum hydrocarbon content of the soil and total hydrocarbon degrading bacteria. The results showed that combination of brewery waste effluents amendment and bioventing technique was the most effective, reaching up to 91.5% of diesel removal from contaminated soil; with the brewery waste effluents amendment (biostimulation-bioaugmentation), the percentage of diesel oil removal was 78.7%; with bioventing, diesel oil percentage degradation was 61.7% and the natural bioattenuation technique resulted in diesel oil removal percentage be not higher than 40%. Also, the total hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria (THDB) count in all the treatments increased throughout the remediation period. The highest bacterial growth was observed for combined brewery waste effluents amendment with bioventing treatment strategy. A firstorder kinetic model was fitted to the biodegradation data to evaluate the biodegradation rate and the corresponding half-life time was estimated. The model revealed that diesel oil contaminated-soil microcosms under combined brewery waste effluents amendment with bioventing treatment strategy had higher biodegradation rate constants, k as well as lower half-life times, t1/2 than other remediation systems. This study showed that the microbial consortium, organic solids, nitrogen and phosphorus present in the brewery waste effluents proved to be efficient as potential biostimulation-bioaugmentation agents for bioremediation processes of soils contaminated with diesel oil.

Comportamiento del índice de plasticidad de una pasta arcillosa madurada naturalmente

En este trabajo, se determinó la influencia de la maduración de la pasta arcillosa sobre la propiedad tecnológica plasticidad. Paratal fin, se realizó el tratamiento de una mezcla de arcilla pulverizada provenientes de 3 diferentes sitios de la región de San Juande Oriente, a las cuales se les determinó su distribución de tamaño de partículas, el índice de plasticidad, tipo de suelo yhumedad. Las pastas arcillosas se elaboraron con dos tipos de arena (arrollo y playa) con las proporciones de mezclas usadaspor artesanos locales. Seguidamente, se dejó reposar en baldes plásticos oscuros durante 16 días, para que la pasta se madurara.El seguimiento al proceso se realizó tomando una muestra cada 2 días, y midiéndole el índice de plasticidad para determinar lainfluencia de la maduración en esta propiedad. Por último, se realizó la prueba de sensibilidad al secado y el grado decontracción de las pastas arcillosas maduradas. Las pastas elaboradas presentaron un índice de plasticidad inicial en un rangoentre 17 y 19, después de 16 días de maduración se alcanzó un índice de plasticidad con valores entre 22 y 25 para ambas pastas,presentando una tendencia a incrementar linealmente en función del tiempo. Sin Embargo, las pastas elaboradas con arena dearroyo alcanzaron más rápido un valor de plasticidad máximo (25). Al mismo tiempo, se determinó que las pastas sufrieron unacontracción (entre 7 y 14%), con un leve agrietamiento en la superficie del bloque, más no en el cuerpo.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/nexo.v27i2.1943

Healthcare waste generation and management practice in government health centers of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BackgroundHealthcare wastes are hazardous organic and inorganic wastes. The waste disposal management in Addis Ababa city is seen unscientific manner. The waste management practice in the health facilities are poor and need improvement. This study will help different organizations, stakeholders and policy makers to correct and improve the existing situation of healthcare waste legislation and enforcement and training of staff in the healthcare facilities in Addis Ababa. The study aimed to assess the existing generation and management practice of healthcare waste in selected government health centers of Addis Ababa.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted to quantify waste generation rate and evaluate its management system. The study area was Addis Ababa. The sample size was determined by simple random sampling technique, the sampling procedure involved 10 sub-cities of Addis Ababa. Data were collected using both waste collecting and measuring equipment and check list. The Data was entered by EPI INFO version 6.04d and analyzed by and SPSS for WINDOW version15.ResultsThe mean (±SD) healthcare waste generation rate was 9.61 ± 3.28 kg/day of which (38%) 3.64 ± 1.45 kg/day was general or non-hazardous waste and (62%) 5.97 ± 2.31 kg/day was hazardous. The mean healthcare waste generation rate between health centers was a significant different with Kurskal-Wallis test (χ2 = 21.83, p-value = 0.009). All health centers used safety boxes for collection of sharp wastes and all health centers used plastic buckets without lid for collection and transportation of healthcare waste. Pre treatment of infectious wastes was not practiced by any of the health centers. All health centers used incinerators and had placenta pit for disposal of pathological waste however only seven out of ten pits had proper covering material.ConclusionSegregation of wastes at point of generation with appropriate collection materials and pre- treatment of infectious waste before disposal should be practiced. Training should be given to healthcare workers and waste handlers. Incinerators must be constructed in a manner that facilitates complete combustion and the lining of placenta pit should be constructed in water tight material.

NEW DATA ABOUT MACROZOOBENTHOS OF BEYSUGSKY ESTUARY (SEA OF AZOV)

Abstract. Aim. Beysugsky Estuary is one of the biggest estuaries of the Azov-Kuban’ lowland. Like the other water bodies in the South of Russia, this one is subject to strong anthropogenic load: detachment of the freshwater part for establishing the Beysug spawning area; regulation of the flow of the rivers feeding the estuary; destruction of the Yasenskaya spit and narrowing of the Bugaz mouth; disorganized tourism. The ongoing reformation of the ecosystem makes it necessary to carry out the analyses of the modern state of the biota of this water body and uncover reasons and regularities of its change. Location. Beysug Estuary of the Sea of Azov. Methods. Quantitative zoobenthos samples were taken with the Petersen dredger (sampling area 0,034 m2) from board of the inflatable “Zodiac” boat. Qualitative samples were taken in the coastal zone by hand and with the dredge. All the samples taken were washed through the bag made of mill sieve with mesh size 0,5 mm, and then were fixed in a plastic bucket by 4 % formaldehyde (quantitative samples) or 70 % ethyl alcohol (qualitative samples). Taking and processing of samples were carried out in field and laboratory environment using common methods. 22 samples at 7 stations were taken in total. Results. Macrozoobenthos was presented by 14 invertebrate species. Estuarine fauna is the depleted version of the euryhaline one of the Sea of Azov with Holocene relic macrophyte-dwelling elements. Biodiversity and quantitative characters of the estuarine communities decrease from west to east. Pelophylic detritophages predominated in the benthic communities of the estuary. The results of this research are meant to be used for uncovering historical ways of forming of benthic fauna and clearing up the dependence of community structure on the seawater influence, freshwater flow, regulation of freshwater and seawater sources, nature of changing of faunas at salinization of estuaries connected with the sea and the river network by the system of channels. Main conclusions. Major factors effecting composition, structure and distribution of benthic communities in the Beysug Estuary are: 1) bottom sediments’ structure (mostly clayey silts of pelite and, in certain parts, alevropelite fractions; 2) bathymetry of the water body (70 % of the estuary presented by 0,6–1 m depths, southern part of the estuary up to 2 m); 3) salinity, which varies from 6 ‰ in the east up to 10 ‰ in the west; 4) presence of macrophytes, solitarily occurring in the western part of the estuary.

Assessment of physicochemical characteristics and hygienic practices along the value chain of raw fruit juice vended in Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania.

Fresh fruit juice is an essential component of human diet and there is considerable evidence of health and nutritional benefits. However, nature of the fruits used in juicing and unhygienic processes in the value chain may cause poor quality of juice. This cross- sectional study was conducted to assess physicochemical characteristics and hygienic practices along the value chain of raw fruit juice vended in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 90 juice vendors were interviewed. Ninety juice samples were collected and analysed for physicochemical quality. The pH of juices ranged between 2.7 and 6.4, acidity 0.01% and 1.3% and, total soluble solids ranged between -1.5 and 18.04 °Brix. Most juices (67.8%) had -Brix levels below Codex recommended values classified as weak and watery. Juices were made of mango, passion, tamarind, sugar cane and mixture of these fruits sourced from open markets in the city. Water for washing of fruits and dilution of juices was from deep wells (53.3%) and taps (46.7%). About one third (37.8%) of the juice vendors didn't wash the fruits before juicing and 44.4% didn't boil water for juice dilution. Juice extraction was done by kitchen blenders, boiling in water and squeezing by simple machines. Juice pasteurization was not done. The majority of vendors (78.9%) stored juices in plastic buckets and juice was sold in glass cups, reused plastic bottles and disposable cups. Vending sites were restaurants, bus stands and along roadsides. The majority of premises (78.9%) were in unhygienic condition that likely encouraged or introduced contaminants to the juices. It is concluded that, the overall handling, preparation practices and physicochemical quality of raw fruit juices vended in Dare es Salaam City are poor. The government should educate the vendors on food safety and hygiene as well as enforcing regular monitoring of the quality of street fruit juices.