Removal Of Microorganisms Research Articles

Leukocyte profiles in bull semen and their relationship with sperm quality parameters

The role of leukocytes in semen remains controversial, with both beneficial effects, such as the removal of microorganisms and abnormal sperm, and harmful effects, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and reduced fertility potential. Research on this topic in farm animals is limited. This study investigated correlations between differential leukocyte counts in bull semen and sperm parameters, both fresh and post-thaw. A total of 44 ejaculates from 36 adult bulls were collected using the artificial vagina method. Semen cytology was performed with Diff-Quick staining, and leukocytes were quantified under an optical microscope. Sperm parameters analyzed included ejaculate volume, motility (fresh and post-thaw), concentration, and morphology (major, minor, and total defects). Lymphocytes predominated (82%), followed by macrophages (13%), neutrophils (4%), and eosinophils (1%). Neutrophils showed weak negative correlations with major defects (r = -0.36, P = 0.027) and total defects (r = -0.328, P = 0.047), as well as a moderate negative correlation with post-thaw motility (r = -0.515, P = 0.0012) in Spearman’s correlation analysis. In contrast, lymphocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils showed no significant correlations with sperm parameters. These findings suggest that among leukocyte populations, only neutrophils negatively impact sperm morphology in fresh semen and motility in thawed semen.

Total coliforms, E. coli, Enterococcus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. removal in vertical tubular photobioreactor with and without support medium.

Unsafe water has severe implications for human health. Among sanitary wastewater treatment technologies, those that treat effluent in the most natural way possible (avoiding chemicals) need to be employed to minimize environmental damage upon release. Microalgae-based systems are one of the more economical and sustainable methods. Some studies have suggested that the use of photobioreactors incorporating a supporting medium for biofilm formation surpasses suspension reactors in both biomass productivity and effluent treatment efficiency. Therefore, the aim of this study was investigated whether the use of a supporting medium in vertical tubular photobioreactors (T-PBRs) could improve the pathogens removal (total coliforms, E. coli, Enterococcus spp., and Staphylococcus spp.) and analyzed the efficiency under light and dark photoperiods to optimize removal and wastewater treatment in microalgae systems. The novelty of this study is that it is the first time a support medium addition in a T-PBRs has been evaluated for pathogen and microorganism removal from sanitary wastewater. All four pathogens showed better removal in T2-PBR (with support medium) - >90%, and especially during light sampling periods. E. coli was the microorganisms with highest removal efficiency (4.43 log-Re - 99.99%).

The Role of Membranes in Modern Winemaking: From Clarification to Dealcoholization.

The utilization of membrane technologies in winemaking has revolutionized various stages of production, offering precise and efficient alternatives to traditional methods. Membranes, characterized by their selective permeability, play a pivotal role in enhancing wine quality across multiple processes. In clarification, microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes, such as ceramic or polymeric membranes (e.g., polyethersulfone or PVDF), effectively remove suspended solids and colloids, resulting in a clearer wine without the need for chemical agents. During stabilization, membranes such as nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes, often made from polyamide composite materials, enable the selective removal of proteins, polysaccharides, and microorganisms, thereby improving the wine's stability and extending its shelf life. Additionally, in dealcoholization, membranes like reverse osmosis and pervaporation membranes, typically constructed from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or other specialized polymers, facilitate the selective removal of ethanol while preserving the wine's flavor and aroma profile, addressing the increasing consumer demand for low-alcohol and alcohol-free wines. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the advancements and applications of membrane technologies in winemaking.

Nanofiber-based Multifunctional Microspheres for Rapid Hemostasis and Microorganism Removal of Water.

Constructing hemostats capable of effectively controlling severe hemorrhage from irregular wounds presents significant challenges and imperatives. In this study, a novel approach is introduced using nanofibrous chitin microspheres (NCM) that are compressed to 60% strain (NCM-60%) to amplify their water-initiated expansion performance. This unique capacity allows NCM-60% to efficiently conform to and fill irregular bleeding cavities, even those of varying depths and curvatures, thereby promoting rapid blood coagulation at deep hemorrhage sites. NCM-60% exhibits effective control of severe femoral artery and "J"-shaped liver hemorrhages in 151 ± 6 s and 68 ± 15 s, respectively, revealing its exceptional hemostatic efficacy. Furthermore, NCM-60% exhibited promising capabilities in removing microbes from water, achieving removal rates of over 96% of bacteria. Blood compatibility assessments and cytotoxicity tests further confirmed the favorable biocompatibility of NCM-60%. Importantly, NCM-60% is found to biodegrade and be absorbed in vivo within 12 weeks. This study represents the first instance of leveraging chitin nanofiber-based biomaterials to design water-initiated expansion micro-hemostat, and integrate hemostatic functions with waterborne microorganism removal, thereby expanding the potential applications of micro-nanostructural materials in emergency first-aid scenarios.

Effect of Moringa oleifera seeds on the removal of pathogens and pharmaceutical residues in a domestic wastewater treatment plant by an interdisciplinary approach

In this transdisciplinary study, we investigated, using genomic tools and physico-chemical parameters, the effect of Moringa oleifera seed (MOS) on the removal of microorganisms and pharmaceutic residues (antibiotics), and also the development of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in water samples from a domestic wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) prototype. Water samples were analyzed with and without the addition of powder of MOS. The results showed that MOS addition reduced the total bacterial load from 1.73 × 1010 ± 3.21 × 109 to 6.67 × 106 ± 5.77 × 106 CFU/L, while fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli were removed with efficiencies of 99% and 57%, respectively. Furthermore, MOS treatment resulted in a reduction in fecal coliforms and E. coli resistant to ampicillin by about 100% and 96%, respectively. The results indicated that ciprofloxacin removal efficiencies at 29 °C were over 93% (fecal coliforms) and 68% (E. coli) with doxycycline. Adding MOS significantly reduced the copy number of the 16S rRNA gene and the genes conferring resistance to β-lactam (blaCTX-M, blaSHV, and blaTEM). However, MOS does not reveal real effectiveness on removal of pollutants (phosphorus and nitrates) contrary to what was expected. Additional studies are needed for confirmation from our observations. The findings of this study, whatever the functioning conditions (not optimal) of the prototype followed over 4 years, confirmed that MOS is potentially an effective natural and environmentally friendly coagulant that could be applied to wastewater treatment in low-income countries to remove or minimize multiple pollutants and control ARG spread. To promote sustainable development, this small-scale study provides guidance for designing infrastructure in resource-limited locations to take advantage of MOS effects in wastewater treatments.Graphical An individual WWTP prototype was installed in Senegal in 2018 and evaluated in 2020 and 2022. MOS powder addition is supposed to reduce bacterial loads and pharmaceutical residues in wastewater from the WWTP. Evaluation of treatment efficiency was carried out based on using chemistry, microbiology, genomics, physic-chemistry, and statistics analysis.

Rhodamine-B degradation, chromium removal and bactericidal potential of Cu–ZnO@ZrO2 nanoneedles fabricated via green route

Rhodamine-B degradation, chromium removal and bactericidal potential of Cu–ZnO@ZrO2 nanoneedles fabricated via green route

Hormesis and Antagonism in Low-Dose Phalaris Allelochemicals during Microcystis Control

Aquatic ecosystems face significant challenges globally from cyanobacterial blooms. Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary Grass) is used in artificial wetlands and found in natural wetlands. We investigated whether allelochemicals released from Phalaris root exudates inhibit Microcystis aeruginosa growth. We conducted experiments to disentangle the effect of the root exudates from living plants on resource competition and the potential role of microbiota in controlling Microcystis growth. We found that allelochemicals from root exudates and their inhibitory effect decayed over time. Results from filtration experiments and microscopic observations indicated that the removal of microorganisms (≥ 0.22 µm) allowed for the growth of Microcystis, suggesting that protists and rotifers may control Microcystis growth. We also tested commercial allelochemicals at environmentally relevant concentrations (≤ 1000 µg Lˉ¹) against Microcystis. Concentrations of 1000 µg Lˉ¹ of anthraquinone, gallic acid, gramine, hordenine, linoleic acid, naringuin, stigmasterol, tannic acid, 4-nitroindol-5-carboxaldehyde and the mixture of the nine allelochemicals inhibit Microcystis (≥ 87%). The minimum effective concentration was determined to be 100 µg Lˉ¹ for most allelochemicals, except for anthraquinone, which had a hormetic effect stimulating Microcystis growth by up to 70% compared to the controls. Our findings indicate that allelochemicals could be used to control Microcystis, but it is essential to establish the effective allelochemical minimum inhibitory concentrations from biofilters, wetlands, or macrophytes to assess their potential for managing Microcystis, other cyanobacteria, and microalgae. The increasing global use of artificial wetlands to control cyanobacterial blooms justifies further investigation into allelochemical concentrations, including decaying trends over time and hormetic effects.

Clarifying the mechanism of peroxydisulfate and sulfite activated by Fe2+ for waste activated sludge pretreatment: Enhancement of dewaterabiliy, removal of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogenic microorganisms

Clarifying the mechanism of peroxydisulfate and sulfite activated by Fe2+ for waste activated sludge pretreatment: Enhancement of dewaterabiliy, removal of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogenic microorganisms

Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Various Irrigating Solutions on the Push-Out Bond Strength of Biodentine and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate: An In Vitro Study

Introduction: A successful endodontic treatment is ba¬sed on combination of adequate instrumentation, irrigation and obturation of canal system. The objectives of endodontic irrigants are lubrication of root canal, removal of microorganisms, pulp, dentinal remnants and dissolution of tissues. The objective of root-end filling is establishment of proper apical hermetic seal. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of various irrigating solutions on push-out bond strength of Biodentine and Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Materials and Method: Sixty-four extracted human single rooted teeth were decoronated 1.5-2 mm coronal to cemento-enamel junction. The root canals were prepared and divided into four groups (n=16): Group I- Normal Saline (Control group), Group II- Triple antibiotic solution, Group III- 2% Chlorhexidine, Group IV- Morinda citrifolia solution. Mid root dentin was sectioned horizontally and irrigated further with respective irrigating solutions for 5 minutes and divided into 2 subgroups: Subgroup A- Biodentine and Subgroup B- MTA. The root-end filling material was incrementally placed and embedded in acrylic blocks. Samples were tested for push-out bond strength using universal testing machine. Results: The highest push-out bond strength was shown by 2% Chlorhexidine group when used with Biodentine and lowest when normal saline was used with Biodentine. Conclusion: All experimental irrigating solutions increased the push-out bond strength of MTA and Biodentine.

Simultaneous removal of microorganisms and ethyl acetate from fruit storage indoor air using a low-cost photoreactor based on luminous textiles

Simultaneous removal of microorganisms and ethyl acetate from fruit storage indoor air using a low-cost photoreactor based on luminous textiles

Boronate-modified electro-spun Fe doped carbon nanofibrous membrane for selective dye adsorption, catalytic degradation, and bacterial inhibition in treatment of water

Boronate-modified electro-spun Fe doped carbon nanofibrous membrane for selective dye adsorption, catalytic degradation, and bacterial inhibition in treatment of water

Treatment of greywater using a non-aerated combined horizontal and vertical flow constructed wetland

ABSTRACT Human, animal, and plant health is universally paramount, yet the release of poorly treated wastewater into the environment poses a significant risk to all life forms. Hence the need to employ wastewater treatment technologies to curb these health risks. Due to the need to adopt sustainable wastewater treatment technologies, this study investigated the use of a non-aerated hybrid horizontal and vertical flow constructed wetland for the removal of heavy metals and microorganisms from greywater. This was done at six different hydraulic retention times. Results showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) in heavy metal (manganese, zinc, cadmium, magnesium, chromium, and iron) concentrations, with some showing compliance to Ghana's Environmental Protection Agency and the United Kingdom National Environment Regulation recommended discharge limits. Heavy metal concentrations in effluent samples ranged from as low as 0.00 ± 0.15–0.23 ± 0.06 mg/L. Furthermore, there were significant reductions in Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi (p < 0.05), which also showed compliance to Ghana's Environmental Protection Agency effluent discharge standards. The effluents from the system at HRT 3 days showed high removal efficiency ranges of 82–90% of bacteria. It is recommended that hybrid constructed wetlands should be incorporated in the treatment of greywater.

Microorganisms immobilized hydroxyethyl cellulose/luffa composite sponge for selective adsorption and biodegradation of oils in wastewater

The highly efficient removal of oils such as oils or dyes from wastewater has aroused wide concern and is of great significance for clean production and environmental remediation. The synthesis of a novel aerogel (designated as HEC/LS) is reported herein, achieved through a sol-gel method followed by freeze-drying utilizing loofa and hydroxyethyl cellulose as the raw materials. The new HEC/LS aerogel exhibits excellent porosity and specific surface area, with a porosity of 88.70%, a total pore area of 0.607m2g-1, and a specific surface area of 230m2g-1. The prepared HEC/LS aerogel exhibits exceptional hydrophilicity and self-floatability, facilitating its rapid absorption of water up to 21 times its own weight within a mere 3s. Additionally, it demonstrates good adsorption performance for methylene blue (MB), with a maximum adsorption capacity of 83.30mgg-1. Subsequently, a new hydrophobic microorganisms-loaded composite aerogel (namely, Bn-HEC/LS) was obtained by doping microorganisms into the as-prepared HEC/LS in multiple enrichment followed by a hydrophobic and oleophilic surface modification. Based on its rich porous structure and oleophilic wettability, the as-synthesized Bn-HEC/LS exhibits excellent selective adsorption and degradation properties for the oil contamination, the diesel oil could be selectively absorbed in the Bn-HEC/LS and degraded by the loaded microorganisms. Among them, B5-HEC/LS displays the highest removal efficiency of 94.50% within 180h, while free microorganisms and HEC/LS aerogels show degradation efficiencies of only 21.70% and 48.10%, respectively. The fixation of microorganisms in the aerogel increases their number within the material and enhances the relative microorganisms removal capacity. The hydrophobic and lipophilic modifications improve the selective adsorption performance of the aerogel on diesel oil, resulting in a significantly high removal rate of Bn-HEC/LS for diesel oil. The results indicate that the immobilization of microorganisms into aerogel improves the activity of microorganisms, and the hydrophobic and oleophilic modification enhances the selective adsorption performance of aerogel to diesel oil, thus resulting in a very high removal rate of Bn-HEC/LS for diesel oil. This study is expected to provide a now possibility for the green and efficient bioremediation of oils.

Visible light photocatalytic response of Fe doped TiO2: Inactivation of Escherichia coli

Visible light photocatalytic response of Fe doped TiO2: Inactivation of Escherichia coli

Persistence of sewage-associated genetic markers in advanced and conventional treated recycled water: implications for microbial source tracking in surface waters.

Genes in sewage-associated microorganisms are widely accepted indicators of sewage pollution in environmental waters. However, DNA persists through wastewater treatment and can reach surface waters when recycled water is discharged, potentially causing false-positive indications of sewage contamination. Previous studies have found that bacterial and viral sewage-associated genes persist through wastewater treatment; however, these studies did not compare different facilities or identify a solution to distinguish sewage from recycled water. In this study, we demonstrated the persistence of bacterial marker genes and the greater persistence of a viral marker gene (CPQ_056 of crAssphage) through varying wastewater treatment facilities. We also aim to provide a tool to confirm sewage contamination in surface waters with recycled water inputs. This work showed that the level of wastewater treatment affects the removal of microorganisms, particularly viruses, and expands our ability to identify sewage in surface waters.

The Use of Microfiltration for the Pretreatment of Backwash Water from Sand Filters.

Tests of microfiltration efficiency used for the pretreatment of backwash water from sand filters were conducted at two water treatment plants treating surface water and infiltration water. Microfiltration efficiency was evaluated for three membrane modules: two with polymeric membranes and one with a ceramic membrane. This study showed that the contaminants that limit the reuse of backwash water from both plants by returning them to the water treatment line are mostly microorganisms, including pathogenic species (Clostridium perfringens). Additionally, in the case of backwash water from infiltration water treatment, iron and manganese compounds also had to be removed before its recirculation to the water treatment system. Unexpectedly, organic carbon concentrations in both types of backwash water were similar to those present in intake waters. Microfiltration provided for the removal of organic matter, ranging from 19.9% to 44.5% and from 7.2% to 53.9% for backwash water from the treatments of surface water and infiltration water, respectively. Furthermore, the efficiency of the iron removal from backwash water from infiltration water treatment was sufficient to ensure good intake water quality. On the other hand, manganese concentrations in the backwash water, from infiltration water treatment, pretreated using the microfiltration process exceeded the levels found in the intake water and were, therefore, an additional limiting factor for the reuse of the backwash water. In both types of backwash water, the number of microorganisms, including Clostridium perfringens (a pathogenic one), was a limiting parameter for backwash water reuse without pretreatment. The results of the present study showed the possibility for using microfiltration for the pretreatment of backwash water, regardless of its origin but not as the sole process. More complex technological systems are needed before recirculating backwash water into the water treatment system. The polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane proved to be the most effective for DOC and microorganism removal from backwash water.

Microrobotics in endodontics: A perspective.

Microorganisms are the primary aetiological factor of apical periodontitis. The goal of endodontic treatment is to prevent and eliminate the infection by removing the microorganisms. However, microbial biofilms and the complex root canal anatomy impair the disinfection process. Effective and precise endodontic therapy could potentially be achieved using advanced multifunctional technologies that have the ability to access hard-to-reach surfaces and perform simultaneous biofilm killing, removal, and detection of microorganisms. Advances in microrobotics are providing novel therapeutic and diagnostic opportunities with high precision and efficacy to address current biofilm-related challenges in biomedicine. Concurrently, multifunctional magnetic microrobots have been developed to overcome the disinfection challenges of current approaches to disrupt, kill, and retrieve biofilms with the goal of enhancing the efficacy and precision of endodontic therapy. This article reviews the recent advances of microrobotics in healthcare and particularly advances to overcome disinfection challenges in endodontics, and provides perspectives for future research in the field.

Rapid attainment of full wettability through surface PEGylation of hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride membranes via spray-coating for enhanced anti-biofouling performances

Rapid attainment of full wettability through surface PEGylation of hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride membranes via spray-coating for enhanced anti-biofouling performances

Fabrication of rapid sand filter for water treatment using sand and activated carbon

It is pertinent to provide safe drinking water to the people as quality of water keeps deteriorating. According to World Health Organization (WHO), water and hygiene are the primary drivers of public health. Filtration is a water treatment process used for removal of microorganisms and colloidal matters from raw water, therefore this study aims at comparing the effects of sand and activated carbon when used separately in rapid sand filters for water treatment. Fabrication of two models of the rapid sand filters were carried out with 1.2mm stainless steel plates. One of the filters was loaded with gravel (grain size 5mm) at the bottom and this was followed by coarse sand (grain size 3mm) and fine sand (grain size 1mm) at the top. The second filter was loaded with gravel at the bottom and this was followed by coarse sand, fine sand and capped with activated carbon. Raw water, obtained from borehole was stored in a tank and made to pass through each of these filters independently. Sample of the raw water was collected for laboratory analysis in addition to samples of the treated water from each of the two rapid sand filters. The outcomes of the tests reveal that the filtration processes had positive impact on the raw water but the filter capped with activated carbon produced better quality water. The use of activated carbon as the topmost material in a rapid sand filter is recommended as it enhances the quality of treated water in parameters such as colour, conductivity, chloride, hardness, sulphate, total dissolved solids, sodium, magnesium, iron and total plate count. The rapid sand filters would afterwards be used for students’ practical to explain filtration as a water treatment process.

Antibacterial micro/nanomotors: current research progress, challenges, and opportunities.

Bacterial infections remain a formidable threat to human health, a situation exacerbated by the escalating problem of antibiotic resistance. While alternative antibacterial strategies such as oxidants, heat treatments, and metal nanoparticles (NPs) have shown potential, they come with significant drawbacks, ranging from non-specificity to potential environmental concerns. In the face of these challenges, the rapid evolution of micro/nanomotors (MNMs) stands out as a revolutionary development in the antimicrobial arena. MNMs harness various forms of energy and convert it into a substantial driving force, offering bright prospects for combating microbial threats. MNMs' mobility allows for swift and targeted interaction with bacteria, which not only improves the carrying potential of therapeutic agents but also narrows the required activation range for non-drug antimicrobial interventions like photothermal and photodynamic therapies, substantially improving their bacterial clearance rates. In this review, we summarized the diverse propulsion mechanisms of MNMs employed in antimicrobial applications and articulated their multiple functions, which include direct bactericidal action, capture and removal of microorganisms, detoxification processes, and the innovative detection of bacteria and associated toxins. Despite MNMs' potential to revolutionize antibacterial research, the translation from laboratory to clinical use remains challenging. Based on the current research status, we summarized the potential challenges and possible solutions and also prospected several key directions for future studies of MNMs for antimicrobial purposes. Collectively, by highlighting the important knowns and unknowns of antimicrobial MNMs, our present review would help to light the way forward for the field of antimicrobial MNMs and prevent unnecessary blindness and detours.