Wastewater Loading Research Articles

Quantification of pharmaceuticals in the sealant fluids of actively used waterless urinals.

Prior measurements at bench scale revealed that waterless urinal cartridges containing oily sealant fluids are capable of partitioning pharmaceuticals from urine and therefore reducing their concentration in wastewater. We sought to measure pharmaceutical removal from in-use waterless urinals. We developed a method to quantify pharmaceuticals in the sealant phase, which resulted in 79±30% and 71±30% recovery of eight pharmaceuticals from two sealant fluids, respectively. The method was applied to sealant samples collected over three weeks from in-use waterless urinals on a university campus. Six of eight pharmaceuticals were present in the sealant samples from 1.4µg/L to 241µg/L. Loads of the six pharmaceuticals detected in the sealants were removed from the receiving wastewater from 0.02µg/day to 3.4µg/day across the sampling period. The concentration of the pharmaceuticals were similar over time, indicating rapid saturation and washout of the sealant. We also observed relatively rapid loss of sealant at maintenance intervals consistent with the manufacturer's instructions. These findings indicate that while waterless urinals do remove some pharmaceuticals from the wastewater stream, meaningful changes to wastewater concentrations will only result if the sealant fluid and/or the urinal cartridge are significantly modified. PRACTITIONER POINTS: We developed a quantification method for pharmaceuticals in oily waterless urinal sealants. Pharmaceuticals were present at relatively low concentrations in the sealant phase of two in-use waterless urinals. We identify engineering challenges that must be overcome to meaningfully reduce pharmaceutical loads in wastewater with waterless urinals.

Age-dependent association between SARS-CoV-2 cases reported by passive surveillance and viral load in wastewater

The actual number of individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is difficult to estimate using a case-reporting system (i.e., passive surveillance) alone because of asymptomatic infection. While wastewater-based epidemiology has been implemented as an alternative/additional monitoring tool to reduce reporting bias, the relationship between passive and wastewater surveillance data has not yet been explicitly examined. As there is strong age dependency in the symptomatic ratio of SARS-CoV-2 infections, here, we aimed to estimate i) an age-dependent association between the number of reported cases and viral load in wastewater and ii) the time lag between these time series. The viral load in wastewater was modeled as a combination of contributions from virus shedding by different age groups, incorporating the delay, and fitted with daily case count data collected from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration in wastewater recorded by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. The estimated lag between the time series of viral loads in wastewater and of reported cases was 10.8 (95% confidence interval: 10.2–11.6) and 8.8 (8.4–9.1) days for the northern and southern areas of the wastewater treatment plant, respectively. The estimated contribution rate of a reported case to the viral load in wastewater in the 0–19 yr age group was 0.38 (0.35–0.41) and 0.40 (0.37–0.43) for the northern and southern areas, and that in the 80+ yr age group was 0.67 (0.65–0.69) and 0.51 (0.49–0.52) for the northern and southern areas, respectively. The estimated lag between these time series suggested the predictability of reported cases 10 days later using viral loads in wastewater. The contribution of a reported case in passive surveillance to the viral load in wastewater differed by age, suggesting a large variation in viral shedding kinetics among age groups.

Removal of Total Coliform and TSS for Hospital Wastewater by Optimizing the Role of Typha Angustifolia and Fine Sand-Gravel Media in Horizontal Sub Surface Flow Constructed Wetland

This study aims to evaluate the performance of a pilot-scale HSSF-CW utilizing Typha angustifolia and fine sand-gravel media in removing total coliform and TSS from hospital wastewater. Three pilot-scale HSSF-CW cells measuring 1.00 x 0.45 x 0.35 m3 were filled with gravel sand media with a diameter of 5 - 8 mm as high as 35 cm with a submerged media depth of 0.30 m. There were three treatments, namely the first cell (CW1) without plants, the second cell (CW2) was planted with a density of 12 Typha angustifolia plants, and the third cell (CW3) was planted with a density of 24 Typha angustifolia plants. The three HSSF-CW cells received the same wastewater load with total coliform and TSS contents of 91000 MPN / 100 mg and 53 mg / L, respectively, with Hydraulic Loading Rates 3,375 m3 per day. Wastewater was recirculated continuously to achieve the equivalent HSSF-CW area requirement. The experimental results show that the performance of CW3 is more efficient than CW1 and CW2 in total coliform and TSS removal for hospital wastewater. The pollutant removal efficiency at CW3 reached 91.76% for total coliform with one day hydraulic retention time and 81.00% for TSS with two days of hydraulic retention time. This study concludes that the HSSF-CW system using sand-gravel media with a diameter of 5 - 8 mm with a submerged media depth of 0.30 m and planted with Typha angustifolia with a tighter spacing proved to be more efficient in removing total coliform and TSS from hospital wastewater.

Phytotoxicity and cyto-genotoxicity evaluation of organic and inorganic pollutants containing petroleum refinery wastewater using plant bioassay

The present study was aimed to evaluate the pollution load and toxicity of petroleum refinery wastewater (PRW) before and after the biological treatment process. PRW induced phytotoxicity and cyto-genotoxicity in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.) were investigated. The physico-chemical analysis such as pH, BOD, COD, EC, solids, total phenol, and other pollutants in PRW sample were high and beyond the permissible limits. The GC–MS and FTIR analysis suggest the presence of toxic organic pollutants. In comparison to control, the seeds of V. radiata exposed to 100% PRW sample showed a reduction in seed germination, root length, shoot length, and biomass by 50%, 85.1%, 69.3% and 36.6%, respectively, after 5 days of treatment. A. cepa root exposed to different concentration of wastewater samples indicated the reduction of root length and biomass in concentration dependent manner when compared to untreated solutions, after 5 days of incubation. A. cepa root tip rooted in different concentration (25%–100% v/v) of PRW samples showed a significant reduction in mitotic index (MI%) from 67.7 % to 38.7% compared to control root tip cells (79.3%) exposed to tap water indicating the induction of the cytotoxicity. Besides, wastewater induced genotoxicity as evidenced by the presence of various chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and nuclear abnormalities (NAs) in A. cepa root tip cells. However, after the secondary treatment process, the toxicity of the PRW was reduced compared to untreated. Thus, the present study’s finding reported that PRW generated different types of toxic organic and inorganic pollutants and may act as phytotoxic and cyto-genotoxic agents.

Wastewater-Based Epidemiology as an Early Warning System for the Spreading of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Mutations in the Population.

New methodologies based on the principle of “sewage epidemiology” have been successfully applied before in the detection of illegal drugs. The study describes the idea of early detection of a virus, e.g., SARS-CoV-2, in wastewater in order to focus on the area of virus occurrence and supplement the results obtained from clinical examination. By monitoring temporal variation in viral loads in wastewater in combination with other analysis, a virus outbreak can be detected and its spread can be suppressed early. The use of biosensors for virus detection also seems to be an interesting application. Biosensors are highly sensitive, selective, and portable and offer a way for fast analysis. This manuscript provides an overview of the current situation in the area of wastewater analysis, including genetic sequencing regarding viral detection and the technological solution of an early warning system for wastewater monitoring based on biosensors.

Tracking COVID-19 with wastewater to understand asymptomatic transmission

IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 RNA is excreted in feces of most patients, therefore viral load in wastewater can be used as a surveillance tool to develop an early warning system to help and manage future pandemics. MethodsWe collected wastewater from 24 random locations at Bangkok city center and 26 nearby suburbs from July to December 2020. SARS-CoV-2 RNA copy numbers were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). ResultsSARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in wastewater from both the city center and suburbs. Except for July, there were no significant differences in copy numbers between the city center and suburbs. Between October and November, a sharp rise in copy number was observed in both places followed by two to three times increase in December, related to SARS-CoV-2 cases reported for same month. ConclusionsOur study provided the first dataset related to SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in the wastewater of Bangkok. Our results suggest that wastewater could be used as a complementary source for detecting viral RNA and predicting upcoming outbreaks and waves.

Influence of nutrients and pH on the efficiency of vertical flow constructed wetlands treating winery wastewater

Winery wastewater is characterized by high organic content, low nutrient content and low pH at least during vintage periods. The effect of nutrient shortage and low pH on constructed wetlands (CWs) operation was scarcely studied, but early field studies indicate that some operational problems can arise. This work aims to determine the effect of nutrient shortage and acidic pH during the treatment of high organic load wastewater in one-step vertical subsurface flow (VF) CWs. Two lab scale VF units at hydraulic loading rates over 70 L/m2·d and surface loading rate in the range of 110−170 g COD/m2·d were operated for periods with and without nutrients in the influent as well as with influent pH of 7.0 and 4.5. The results showed that neither low nutrient nor low pH impair organic matter removal whilst low pH decreased nitrogen removal rates. At low pH, the effluent concentration of ammonia and nitrate increased, indicating deterioration in both nitrification and denitrification processes. The paper discuss the implications of these findings for a better strategy in the treatment of winery process wastewater, such as options for separate treatment or its combination with other nutrient-containing streams.

Occurrence of drug target residues within decantation tank sediments: a good clue to assess their historical excretion?

This study investigated the potential of sediments accumulated in sewer systems to record human activities through the occurrence of drug target residues (DTR). The installation studied is 17 m deep underground decantation tank that traps the coarse fractions of a unitary sewer system (northern part of Orléans, France), collecting both stormwater and wastewater. The sediments deposited in this tank could constitute a nonesuch opportunity to study the historical evolution of illicit and licit drug consumption in the catchment, however, the deposition processes and the record of DTRs remain largely unknown at present. Five cores were acquired from 2015 to 2017. One hundred fifty-two sediment samples were extracted using a mixture of ultra-pure water:methanol (1:1) prior to analysis of the extracts by high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Several classical sedimentological analyses such as total organic carbon, facies description and granulometry were also performed on these samples, in order to understand the most important factors (e.g., physico-chemical properties of the DTRs, solid type, assumed load in wastewater) impacting their deposition.The key role of the speciation of DTRs was highlighted by the higher contents in neutral and anionic DTRs in organic layers, whereas only cationic DTRs were found in mineral layers. The considerable modifications in the sediments’ properties, generated by distinct origins (i.e., stormwater or wastewater), are therefore the most important drivers that must be taken into account when back-calculating the historical patterns of drug consumption from their DTR concentrations in decantation tank sediments. Further research remains necessary to fully understand the deposition process, but this study provides new clues explaining these temporal evolutions.

Estimated Pollutant Load from Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN/CNEN-SP, BRAZIL)

To quantify the pollutant load received by a water body is one necessary step to keep its original standards, irrespective to the releasing source. Thus, to monitor and control the amount of pollutants released in a water body assures the water will remain free from excessive pollution. Also, that no harm to human health and the environment will occur. Hence, this paper aims to estimate the pollutant load of sanitary wastewater released by the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN / CNEN-SP) in 2015 and 2016. The analysis of Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Zn, Ba, Ni, Mn, Fe, B and Sn was performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). These metals and the total fixed solids were used to estimate the pollutant load. Wastewater flow measurement was carried out using bromide (Br -) as tracer and with the values from IPEN`s annual water consumption. Since 2006, this is performed as part of the Environmental Monitoring Program (PMA-Q). In compliance with the current Brazilian Environmental Legislation and with the Term of Conduct Adjustment requirements, agreed with the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). Even the pollutants load has increased in 2015 and 2016, the monitoring frequency and water consumption has diminished in the last years. These facts increase the uncertainties in the monitoring and could lead to non-compliances with the monitoring laws.

Short-Rotation Willows as a Wastewater Treatment Plant: Biomass Production and the Fate of Macronutrients and Metals

Evapotranspirative willow systems (EWS) are zero-discharge wastewater treatment plants that produce woody biomass and have no discharge to surface or groundwater bodies. The influence of wastewater on the growth of three clones of Salix alba (‘V 093’, ‘V 051’ and ‘V 160’) and the distribution of macronutrients and metals in a pilot EWS receiving primary treated municipal wastewater was studied under a sub-Mediterranean climate. The influent wastewater, shoot number, stem height, and biomass production at coppicing were monitored in two consecutive two-year rotations. Soil properties and the concentrations of macronutrients and metals in soil and woody biomass were analyzed after the first rotation. S. alba clones in EWS produced significantly more woody biomass compared to controls. ‘V 052’ produced the highest biomass yield in both rotations (38–59 t DM ha−1) and had the highest nitrogen and phosphorus uptake (48% and 45%) from wastewater. Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake into the harvestable woody biomass was significantly higher in all clones studied compared to other plant-based wastewater treatment plants, indicating the nutrient recovery potential of EWS. The indigenous white willow clone ‘V 160’ had the lowest biomass yield but absorbed more nutrients from wastewater compared to ‘V 093’. Wastewater composition and load were consistent with the nutrient requirements of the willows; however, an increase in salinity was observed after only two years of operation, which could affect EWS efficiency and nutrient recovery in the long term.

Monitoring changes in COVID-19 infection using wastewater-based epidemiology: A South African perspective

Monitoring of COVID-19 infections within communities via wastewater-based epidemiology could provide a cost-effective alternative to clinical testing. This approach, however, still requires improvement for its efficient application. In this paper, we present the use of wastewater-based epidemiology in monitoring COVID-19 infection dynamics in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, focusing on four wastewater treatment plants for 14 weeks. The SARS-CoV-2 viral load in influent wastewater was determined using droplet digital PCR, and the number of people infected was estimated using published models as well as using a modified model to improve efficiency. On average, viral loads ranged between 0 and 2.73 × 105 copies/100 ml, 0–1.52 × 105 copies/100 ml, 3 × 104–7.32 × 105 copies/100 ml and 1.55 × 104–4.12 × 105 copies/100 ml in the four wastewater treatment plants studied. The peak in viral load corresponded to the reported COVID-19 infections within the districts where these catchments are located. In addition, we also observed that easing of lockdown restrictions by authorities corresponded with an increase in viral load in the untreated wastewater. Estimation of infection numbers based on the viral load showed that a higher number of people could potentially be infected, compared to the number of cases reported based on clinical testing. The findings reported in this paper contribute to the field of wastewater-based epidemiology for COVID-19 surveillance, whilst highlighting some of the challenges associated with this approach, especially in developing countries.

Investigation on removal of high organic load of industrial wastewater by cascade filters (bio-filters with different media)

Industrial wastewater is one of the most significant environmental pollutants, and most industry owners shirk this responsibility due to the excessive expenses. Thus, the present research attempts to provide a suitable and highly efficient method with lower investment expenses in order to encourage industry owners to use this system and propose the best option for industrial wastewater treatment. The research aims to control water pollution, maintain ecosystem balance and reuse wastewater in industry. In this study, the process of reducing Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Total Suspended Solids and Chemical Oxygen Demand from wastewater with high Organic load has been investigated by fixed-bed sequencing batch reactors (biological, adsorption) with a volume of 24 L. The minimum and maximum system efficiencies were 43 and 88% in terms of Chemical Oxygen Demand for the removal of organic matter, 30 and 81% for the removal of Nitrogen, 88 and 99% for the removal of Phosphorus and 43 and 77% for removal of Total Suspended Solids, respectively. Anaerobic Filters system showed good efficiency for removing the organic matter, Nitrogen and Phosphorus from industrial wastewater with high organic load. Results show a very long Solids Retention Time for essential microorganisms in the decomposition of toxic and inhibitory compounds, absorption of shock loads or non-biodegradable toxic compounds, the possibility of higher volumetric loading compared to aerobic processes and lower cell mass efficiency followed by important economic and environmental benefits in relation to the recycling and disposal of the produced cell mass.

Organic load removal and microbial disinfection of raw domestic sewage using SrSnO3/g-C3N4 with sunlight.

Sewage treatment and water reuse are, undoubtedly, one of the main points on scientific agenda of the 21st century. Many technologies for sewage treatment are available; however, it is still as an open issue that deserves much attention in order to facilitate their application, develop more effective methods and propose alternative treatment for unusual situations. Developing high performance materials for sewage treatment fits the idea of the development of efficient and alternative methods for microorganism removal and the high organic load of wastewater and is of fundamental importance. In this paper, a heterojunction with perovskite-type strontium stannate (SrSnO3) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) - SrSnO3/g-C3N4 - was synthesized and used for photocatalytic treatment of domestic sewage using only sunlight. Results were accompanied by assessing the total organic carbon decrease and removal of pathogenic microorganisms. X-ray diffraction and X-ray excited photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that a heterostructure was successfully formed and photocatalytic tests showed an important activity in the visible range, i.e., under sunlight. Exposing raw sewage to 240 min (from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.) in the presence of SrSnO3/g-C3N4, led to a 56.1% mineralization. This process was 2.5 more efficient than photolysis under sunlight. Moreover, the treated sewage showed no coliform growth (either fecal or total) or heterotrophic bacteria. This simple treatment makes sewage suitable and safe for reuse, for example, for agriculture purposes according to Brazilian regulations criteria and could be an alternative for isolated areas in which sewage treatment plants are not available.

Urban Microplastics Emissions: Effectiveness of Retention Measures and Consequences for the Baltic Sea

Urban sewage water pathways seem most important for microplastics emissions to the Baltic Sea. We use microplastics emission data for the entire Baltic Sea region, calculate emissions for three sewage water related urban pathways and develop emission scenarios for the majority of microplastics particles. All plastics are divided into potentially floating (density 0.8–1.0 g/cmł) and sinking (1.1–1.5 g/cmł) polymers and we address the size class of 20–500 μm. 6.7 × 1013 microplastics particles enter the Baltic Sea annually from urban pathways. 62% result from stormwater runoff including sewer overflow, 25% from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and 13% from untreated wastewater. The emission scenarios serve as input for 3D-model simulations, which allow estimating transport, behaviour and deposition in the Baltic Sea environment. Our model approach suggests average annual microplastics concentrations in the water body of the central Baltic Sea of 1–4 particles/m2 sea surface and 1 particle/m3 in the upper 2 m sea surface layer. The majority of the particles is accumulated in upper sea surface layers. The model suggests that only between 6% (Arcona Basin) and 21% (Gotland Basin) of the particles are below a depth of 25 m. In coastal waters, the concentrations can exceed 10 particles/m3 in the upper 2 m surface water layer (e.g., Gulf of Riga, Gulf of Gdańsk) and 1 particle/m2 on the sediment surface. Usually within weeks, emitted microplastics are washed ashore causing annual coastal accumulations of up to 109 particles/m coastline within a few kilometres distance to emission sources. On average, above 106 particles/m are annually accumulated and trapped at coasts around the Baltic Sea. The reduction of the annual sewer overflow from presently 1.5% of the annual wastewater loads to 0.3% would reduce the total emissions to the Baltic Sea by 50%. If all sewage water would be connected to WWTPs and undergo a tertiary treatment, a reduction of 14.5% of the total emissions could be achieved. The effect of retention in rivers seems limited in the Baltic Sea region, because near coast emissions contribute around 50% of the total microplastics emissions.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the Danube River in Serbia associated with the discharge of untreated wastewaters

In Serbia less than 13% of collected municipal wastewaters is being treated before their release in the environment. This includes all municipal wastewater discharges from Belgrade (capital city of Serbia; population 1,700,000). Previous research has identified the impacts of raw wastewater discharges from Belgrade on the Danube River, and this study investigated if such discharges also provided a pathway for SARS-CoV-2 RNA material. Samples were collected during the most critical circumstances that occurred so far within the COVID-19 pandemics in Serbia. Grab and composite samples were collected in December 2020, during the peak of the third wave (in terms of reported cases) at the site which receives the wastewater loads in Belgrade. Grab samples collected upstream and downstream of Belgrade were also analyzed. RNA was quantified using RT-qPCR with primer sets targeting nucleocapsid (N1 and N2) and envelope (E) protein genes. SARS-CoV-2 RNA (5.97 × 103 to 1.32 × 104 copies/L) was detected only in samples collected at the site strongly impacted by the wastewaters where all three applied primer sets gave positive signals. Determined concentrations correspond to those reported in wastewater influents sampled at treatment plants in other countries indicating an epidemiological indicator function of used approach for rivers with high pollution loads in countries with poor wastewater treatment.

Pholedrine is a marker of direct disposal of methamphetamine

Consumption of methamphetamine has primarily been estimated in wastewater-based epidemiology by measuring the parent compound. However, this could lead to overestimation when methamphetamine is directly disposed into the sewer system. In this respect, it would be advantageous to measure a specific metabolite of methamphetamine instead. We identified 4-hydroxymethamphetamine (pholedrine) as a potential marker. Stability experiments were performed in both filtered and unfiltered wastewater. Correlations with relative loads in wastewater were used to establish its potential as a marker of direct disposal of methamphetamine, or even as a wastewater-based epidemiology biomarker of methamphetamine consumption. This study then investigated the use of pholedrine in combination with methamphetamine to better detect direct disposal events and its potential as a marker of methamphetamine consumption. Examples from both South Australia and New Zealand exemplify the use of pholedrine to identify potential instances of direct disposal of methamphetamine.

A cleaner approach to tanning process of cattle hide upper suede leather: chrome-less polycarboxylate/montmorillonite nanocomposites as tanning agent.

In this study, a cleaner approach to a 'sandwich' chrome-less tanning for cattle hide upper suede leather based on polycarboxylate/montmorillonite nanocomposite (PCM) has been developed. The chromium was reduced both in tanning process and retanning process. Hydrothermal stability, mechanical strength, and organoleptic properties of the leather were closed to traditional chrome tanning. The important advantage of the cleaner tanning approach is that the chromium load in wastewater decreased from 2302 mg/L in tanning process and 2919 mg/L in retanning process to 131 and 257 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, SEM analyses demonstrated that the leather tanned by PCM achieved loose fiber structure and flaky montmorillonite deposition both in intra-triple and inter-triple helix. XRD results suggested that basic chromium sulfate and PCM may form more complexation with the helix chain of collagen fiber, resulting in structural distortion of collagen molecules without destroying the triple helical structure. EDS liner scanning indicated the distribution of chromium on the cross section of the leather. Trypsin degradation curves revealed the cleaner approach might increase the degradation of leather, and the economic analysis results showed that the tanning costs could be reduced and increased the economic benefits.

Ultrafiltration Process in Disinfection and Advanced Treatment of Tertiary Treated Wastewater.

The paper presents the results of research on the use of ultrafiltration, using membranes of 200 and 400 kDa separation, for disinfection of municipal treated wastewater. The research was conducted on a fractional technical scale using real municipal treated wastewater from two large wastewater treatment plants treating most of the wastewater over the one-million polycentric Gdańsk agglomeration (1.2 million inhabitants). UF 200 kDa and UF 400 kDa processes enabled further improvement of the physical and chemical parameters of treated wastewater. Total phosphorus (to below 0.2 mg/L–UF 200 kDa, 0.13 mg/L–UF 400 kDa) and turbid substances (to below 0.2 mg/L, both membranes) were removed in the highest degree. COD was reduced efficiently (to below 25.6 mgO2/L–UF 200 kDa, 26.8 mgO2/L–UF 400 kDa), while total nitrogen was removed to a small extent (to 7.12 mg/L–UF 200 kDa and 5.7 mg/L–UF 400 kDa. Based on the reduction of indicator bacteria; fecal coliforms including E. coli (FC) and fecal enterococci (FE) it was found that the ultrafiltration is an effective method of disinfection. Not much indicator bacterial were observed in the permeate after processes (UF 200 kDa; FC—5 CFU/L; FE—1 CFU/L and UF 400 kDa; FC—70 CFU/L; FE—10 CFU/L. However, microscopic analysis of prokaryotic cells and virus particles showed their presence after the application of both membrane types; TCN 3.0 × 102 cells/mL–UF 200 kDa, 5.0 × 103 cells/mL–UF 400 kDa, VP 1.0 × 105/mL. The presence of potentially pathogenic, highly infectious virus particles means that ultrafiltration cannot be considered a sufficient disinfection method for treated wastewater diverted for reuse or discharged from high load wastewater treatment plants to recreational areas. For full microbiological safety it would be advisable to apply an additional disinfection method (e.g., ozonation).

Assessment of enteric viruses during a hepatitis outbreak in Detroit MI using wastewater surveillance and metagenomic analysis.

This study investigates enteric viruses in wastewater during an outbreak of acute hepatitis caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV) in a large metropolitan area. Emphasis is given to caliciviruses and HAV. Metagenomic analysis was performed to characterize enteric viruses excreted by the population of Detroit MI, during a hepatitis A outbreak that occurred in 2017 and 2018. Additionally, HAV, norovirus GII, and sapovirus were quantified, using qPCR, in 54 untreated wastewater samples collected over the course of 4months. Correlation analysis was performed to identify associations between the number of disease cases and HAV concentrations in wastewater. HAV obtained the highest relative abundance among other enteric viruses detected in wastewater metagenomes. Metagenomic analysis also detected several other enteric viruses including astrovirus, enterovirus and hepatitis E virus. Average sapovirus concentrations of 1·36×106 gcl-1 were significantly greater than norovirus GII concentrations (2·94×104 gcl-1 ). Additionally, norovirus GI and GII along with sapovirus GI.1 were detected using metagenomics. HAV loads in wastewater were significantly correlated with the number of disease cases reported 1week after wastewater sampling. Surveying untreated wastewater is a promising method for detecting early signs of hepatitis A outbreaks and for routine environmental monitoring of enteric viruses circulating in the environment. Authors demonstrate the usefulness of metagenomics for genogrouping and enteric viral surveillance.

The utilization of bentonite enhanced termite mound soil mixture as filter for the treatment of paint industrial effluent

This research investigates the applicability of bentonite enhanced termite mound soil mixture as an alternative filter medium for paint industrial wastewater (PIWW) management in a constructed pilot-scale filtration tank with four different sections. The mixture of bentonite (BC) and termite mound soil (MS) used as the filter was proportioned by percentage weight as (100% MS), {text{(5% BC}} + {text{95% MS),}}{text{(10% BC}} + {text{90% MS),}}{text{(15% BC}} + {text{85% MS)}} and placed into four sections, respectively. The filter materials were compacted, cured and subjected to wastewater loading for 30 weeks. The results obtained from the analysis of the filtrate samples revealed that filter with 15% BC content generally exhibited high and effective pollutant removal efficiencies of 51.3%, 98.9%, and 72.7% for total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, and copper, respectively, while a maximum removal efficiency of 100% was recorded for lead, chromium and cadmium. The pollutants (TDS, TSS, Pb, Cr, Cu and Cd) concentrations of the treated PIWW were below the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency permissible limits for discharge. Hence, the 15% bentonite and 85% termite mound soil mixtures are recommended for the small-scale paint industries as a point of use measure for effective pollutant removal. Its application would mitigate the degradation of environmental resources caused by indiscriminate disposal of untreated effluent.