Phragmites australis as a heavy metal bioindicator in the Anzali wetland of Iran

In this study, levels of Fe, Cu, Cd, and Ni in the sediments and organs of Phragmites australis from three different sites in the Anzali wetland were measured. Heavy metal accumulation was higher in the roots of P. australis than in the shoots and leaves. There was a significant correlation between metal concentrations in roots and sediment. This result showed that the root of P. australis can be used as bioindicator for Fe, Cu, Cd, and Ni. Metal levels in sediment were recorded higher than the interim sediment quality guideline values, and the Cd and Ni content in P. australis were higher than the unpolluted levels in plants. This indicates the necessity for continuous monitoring of the metal levels and also evaluating the hazard risk of heavy metals in aquatic organisms in the Anzali wetland.     

Influence of lignin, pentachlorophenol and heavy metal on antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria isolated from pulp paper mill effluent contaminated river water

Pulp paper mill pollutants are the major source of aquatic contamination having metals, lignin and chlorophenols. Study was conducted to see the effect of these contaminants on antibiotic resistance pattern of isolated bacteria. Pulp paper effluents were evaluated for its physico-chemical properties i.e, BOD 72143 +/- 164.81 to 22.32 +/- 2.48, COD 213136 +/- 583.59 to 60.40 +/- 6.34, total phenol 386 +/- 71.24 to 0.43 +/- 0.0, lignin 26312 +/- 258.59 to 73.67 +/- 31.81and microbial quality i.e. K. pneumonae, S. typhi, S. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, Ent. faecalis, A. hydrophila, B. subtilis, S. aureus, Y enterolitica and V vulrificus. Antibiotic sensitivity (10-30 microg), heavy metal resistance (100-1000 microg ml(-1)), lignin (1000-10,000 ppm) and pentachlorophenol (100-1000 ppm) tolerance of bacterial strains were assessed by seven classes of antibiotics. Eleven bacterial isolates were found multidrug resistant towards antibiotics, heavy metal, lignin and PCP. Out of 11 isolates, 90.9% were found resistant against eleven antibiotics which acquired 100% resistant in presence of heavy metal, lignin and chlorophenols. Results also revealed that concentration of lignin (50-350 ppm) and PCP (5-30 ppm) induced maximum growth (273-8050 cfu ml(-1)) of pathogenic bacteria in river water.     

多层次多物种配置人工湿地处理生活污水研究

将多层次、多物种配置的植物床的生活污水处理效果与传统植物配置方式的污水处理效果进行了比较,研究了多层次、多植物种配置在人工湿地系统中污水处理的有效性和可行性。研究中,对CODCr、BOD5、TP、TN和NH3-N的去除率,传统植物配置的植物床分别达到了69.0%、71.6%、78.5%、33.6%和36.7%,多层次配置的植物床分别达到了65.7%、64.6%、84.5%、20.2%和18.3%。结果表明,多层次、多植物配置的植物床能有效去除污水中的污染物。另外,在人工湿地中进行多层次、多物种配置时,有必要结合植物筛选工作,以确保配置更有效。     

The effect of macrophytes on retention times in a constructed wetland for wastewater treatment

Retention times of treated water in a constructed wetland (CW) with horizontal subsurface flow were determined both in the vegetative and non-vegetative periods of 2005. Tracer experiments were performed using fluorescein, an organic compound detectable at extremely low concentrations. Nominal and tracer retention times were determined and compared. Winter tracer retention time (TRT 194 h) and nominal retention time (nHRT 190 h) were nearly exactly equal, while summer TRT (335 h) was approximately twofold higher than nHRT (158 h). Residence time distribution function (RTD) was used to compare retention times obtained for the vegetative and non-vegetative periods. The obtained results document a significant influence of dense common reed vegetation on retention characteristics of the studied system. Common reed can convert a significant volume of water from liquid to gas via evapotranspiration (ET) and thus prolong water retention times in the system. This is very important both technically and ecologically. Longer retention times mean a longer time for microbiological decay of wastewater. Water converted from liquid to gas causes cooling of the microclimate, which is very important, especially in intensively cultivated areas with a lack of water.     

人工湿地组合生态工艺对规模化猪场养殖废水的净化效果研究

研究了表面流、水平潜流和垂直潜流人工湿地以及地下渗滤系统组合生态工艺对模拟和实际猪场养殖废水的净化效果。结果表明,在进水ρ（COD）=709.2 mg.L-1,ρ（TN）=597.1 mg.L-1,ρ（NH4＋-N）=560.4 mg.L-1和ρ（TP）=42.5 mg.L-1的质量浓度条件下组合生态系统对于COD、TN、NH4＋-N和TP的去除率分别可以达到87%、95%、97%和95%,其中COD的去除主要在第一级表面流人工湿地,NH4＋-N和TN去除主要是在水平潜流和垂直潜流人工湿地,水平潜流和垂直潜流人工湿地对溶解性磷酸盐去除效果明显,地下渗滤起到进一步稳定出水水质的作用。水平潜流和垂直潜流人工湿地的运行结果对比表明,后者对污染物的去除率均高于前者。     

Distribution of antibiotic resistance genes and their association with bacteria and viruses in decentralized sewage treatment facilities

• Distribution of ARGs in decentralized sewage facilities were investigated. • Bacitracin-ARGs were most predominant ARGs in rural wastewater. • ARGs were identified in bacterial and viral community. • ARGs of rpoB, drfE, gyrA and parC were both correlated with bacteria and phages. • More attention should be paid to the risk of spreading ARG by phages. The distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) has been intensively studied in large-scale wastewater treatment plants and livestock sources. However, small-scale decentralized sewage treatment facilities must also be explored due to their possible direct exposure to residents. In this study, six wastewater treatment facilities in developed rural areas in eastern China were investigated to understand their risks of spreading ARGs. Using metagenomics and network analysis tools, ARGs and bacterial and viral communities were identified in the influent (INF) and effluent (EFF) samples. The dominant ARGs belonged to the bacitracin class, which are different from most of municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The dominant hosts of ARGs are Acidovorax in bacterial communities and Prymnesiovirus in viral communities. Furthermore, a positive relationship was found between ARGs and phages. The ARGs significantly correlated with phages were all hosted by specific genera of bacteria, indicating that phages had contributed to the ARG’s proliferation in sewage treatment facilities. Paying significant concern on the possible enhanced risks caused by bacteria, viruses and their related ARGs in decentralized sewage treatment facilities is necessary.     

Isolation of Thiobacillus sp from aerobic sludge of distillery and dairy effluent treatment plants and its sulfide oxidation activity at different concentrations

In the present study two strains of Thiobacillus sp were isolated from aerobic sludge of distillery and dairy effluent treatment plant using standard methods of isolation and enrichment. Experiments were conducted using isolated cultures in batch bioreactor with initial sulfide concentration of 75 and 150 mg/l. The effect of initial sulfide concentration on the activity of isolated Thiobacillus sp was studied. Sulfide oxidizing capacity was also determined at different initial sulfide concentrations. The results from the study indicate the possible isolation of Thiobacillus cultures from native source and application in the full-scale reactor     

Analysis of antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from the Yitong River in North-east China

The concentrations of four types of antibiotics in the Yitong River were detected. The concentration of total coliforms in summer was higher than that in spring. There was a seasonal difference in antibiotic resistance of E. coli. The E. coli in the Yitong River was found to have multiple antibiotic resistance. The Yitong River is one of the largest secondary tributaries of the Songhua River. The area where the Yitong River flows is densely populated and contains the livestock and poultry breeding areas of north-east China. These areas introduce a high risk of antibiotic contamination. In this study, the concentrations of four types of typical antibiotics including quinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and trimethoprim were determined by solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography. The antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli caused by antibiotic pollution was investigated. The concentration of total coliforms in the Yitong River was detected by the plate counting method. The antibiotic resistance of E. coli to quinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and trimethoprim was analyzed by the Kirby-Bauer method. The results showed that the concentration of total coliforms in the summer was higher than that in the spring. There was a seasonal difference in the resistance rate of E. coli to antibiotics except trimethoprim. The antibiotic resistance to fluoroquinolones was relatively low. The resistance rate to tetracyclines was higher during the summer. Moreover, resistance to several antibiotics was observed in all sections. This study provides basic data for research on pollution characteristics and prevention of antibiotic exposure in rivers.     

铬、铜和镍对人工湿地硝化细菌与反硝化细菌群落结构分布的影响

在铬、铜和镍复合污染的3段波形潜流人工湿地中采集0~15 cm土壤样品,分别以单氨加氧酶的编码基因amoA和亚硝酸还原酶的编码基因nirK的部分序列作为硝化细菌和反硝化细菌的指示基因,采用实时聚合酶链式反应（实时PCR）与PCR-变性梯度凝胶电泳（PCR-DGGE）结合克隆和测序的方法,研究了硝化细菌与反硝化细菌群落结构的空间分布。结果表明,在人工湿地中,amoA和nirK基因丰度均在第3段最高,分别为（8.60×2.75）×106拷贝·g-1和（137.76×42.16）×10^6拷贝·g-1。回收的15个amoA基因序列中有7个属于簇3a,而8个nirK基因序列中有3个属于簇III。相关性分析表明,amoA基因拷贝数与全量铜、全量镍和铬的活化率呈显著负相关（r分别为-0.870、-0.884和-0.898）,但有效铜与amoA香农-维纳指数和辛普森指数之间均呈显著正相关（r分别为0.892和0.940）,铜的活化率与amoA基因均匀度呈显著正相关（r=0.887）;nirK基因拷贝数与全量铜、全量镍和铬的活化率也均呈显著负相关（r分别为-0.818、-0.820和-0.860）,但有效铜与nirK基因均匀度呈显著正相关（r=0.917）。以上结果表明,硝化细菌和反硝化细菌在人工湿地各个阶段的变化规律基本相同,这二者的丰度与多样性指数对重金属污染的反应总体上呈相反的变化。     

Assessment of antibiotic resistance genes in dialysis water treatment processes

• Quantitative global ARGs profile in dialysis water was investigated. • Totally 35 ARGs were found in the dialysis treatment train. • 29 ARGs (highest) were found in carbon filtration effluent. • erm and mtrD-02 occurred in the final effluent. • The effluent was associated with health risks even after RO treatment. Dialysis water is directly related to the safety of hemodialysis patients, thus its quality is generally ensured by a stepwise water purification cascade. To study the effect of water treatment on the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in dialysis water, this study used propidium monoazide (PMA) in conjunction with high throughput quantitative PCR to analyze the diversity and abundance of ARGs found in viable bacteria from water having undergone various water treatment processes. The results indicated the presence of 35 ARGs in the effluents from the different water treatment steps. Twenty-nine ARGs were found in viable bacteria from the effluent following carbon filtration, the highest among all of the treatment processes, and at 6.96 Log (copies/L) the absolute abundance of the cphA gene was the highest. Two resistance genes, erm (36) and mtrD-02, which belong to the resistance categories macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramin B (MLSB) and other/efflux pump, respectively, were detected in the effluent following reverse osmosis treatment. Both of these genes have demonstrated the potential for horizontal gene transfer. These results indicated that the treated effluent from reverse osmosis, the final treatment step in dialysis-water production, was associated with potential health risks.     

Presence,dissemination and removal of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in urban drinking water system: A review

Reviewed the change of ARGs and ARB in full-scale urban drinking water systems. Conventional processes are more promising than BAC process in ARGs removal. Mechanisms of ARGs enrichment and spread in BAC filter and DWDSs are discussed. Raise the need of future research on ARGs and ARB change in building plumbing systems. Antibiotic resistance in aquatic environment has become an important pollution problem worldwide. In recent years, much attention was paid to antibiotic resistance in urban drinking water systems due to its close relationship with the biosafety of drinking water. This review was focused on the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, as well as the presence, dissemination and removal of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the urban drinking water system. First, the presence of ARB and ARGs in the drinking water source was discussed. The variation of concentration of ARGs and ARB during coagulation, sedimentation and filtration process were provided subsequently, in which filtration was proved to be a promising technology to remove ARGs. However, biological activated carbon (BAC) process and drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) could be incubators which promote the antibiotic resistance, due to the enrichment of ARGs and ARB in the biofilms attached to the active carbon and pipe wall. Besides, as for disinfection process, mechanisms of the inactivation of ARB and the promotion of conjugative transfer of ARGs under chlorine, ozone and UV disinfection were described in detail. Here we provide some theoretical support for future researches which aim at antibiotic resistance controlling in drinking water.     

人工湿地污水处理对三种植物光合作用及叶绿素荧光特性的影响

人工湿地环境下,湿地植物的光合代谢过程与陆生自然环境有较大的不同.通过对人工湿地三种中生植物即薏米(Coixaquatica Roxb)、文殊兰(Crinum asiaticum)和蜘蛛兰(Hymenocallis Americana)进行污水处理,研究人工湿地对植物的光合作用和叶绿素荧光特性的影响.结果表明:(1)与陆地自然环境相比,在人工湿地环境下,薏米,文殊兰和蜘蛛兰的净光合速率(Pn),蒸腾速率(Tr),气孔导度(Gs),叶绿素含量,最大荧光(Fm)和PSII最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)均降低,而胞间CO2浓度(Ci)和初始荧光(Fo)升高.其中叶绿素含量,Fo和Fv/Fm在四月份生长旺盛期差异极显著(P<0.01),Gs差异显著(P<0.05).(2)在整个生长期,三种植物的光合参数和荧光参数的变化趋势不是单一的上升或下降,不同植物其变化过程和变化幅度也不一样.蜘蛛兰在生长旺盛期较薏米和文殊兰Pn,Gs,Fv/Fm,Fm,Fo大,而Ci较薏米和文殊兰低.可见人工湿地污水处理对三种植物光合作用和叶绿素荧光特性均有影响,但对各植物影响不一致.综合各项参数,蜘蛛兰耐性强于薏米和文殊兰.     

Antimicrobial resistance among enteric bacteria, isolated from runoff of the Gangotri glacier, western Himalaya India

An attempt has been made to study antimicrobial resistance among the coliforms, faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci isolated from the runoff of the Gangotri glacier. The number of multiple antibiotic resistances (MAR) coliform isolates increases from upper stretch (33.33%) to lower stretch (83.33%). All faecal coliforms (100%) and faecal streptococci (100%) of lower stretch of study area showed multiple antibiotic resistances. Among coliforms, the value of Antibiotic resistance index (ARI) was found maximum in lower stretch (0.34) followed by middle stretch (0.29) and upper stretch (0.25).     

Impacts of advanced treatment processes on elimination of antibiotic resistance genes in a municipal wastewater treatment plant

The distributions of ARGs were monitored in a WWTP in Harbin during six months. CASS had the best removal efficacy of ARGs compared to other processes in the WWTP. UV disinfection could effectively control the HGT. AGAC significantly remove ARGs and organics due to its high absorption capacity. Combination of ozone and AGAC significantly improve removal of ARGs and organics. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) pose a serious threat to public health. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are essential for controlling the release of ARGs into the environment. This study investigated ARG distribution at every step in the treatment process of a municipal WWTP located in Harbin for six consecutive months. Changes in ARG distribution involved in two advanced secondary effluent treatment processes, ozonation and granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption, were analyzed. Biological treatment resulted in the highest ARG removal (0.76–1.94 log reduction), followed by ultraviolet (UV) disinfection (less than 0.5-log reduction). Primary treatment could not significantly remove ARGs. ARG removal efficiency increased with an increase in the ozone dose below 40 mg/L. However, amorphous GAC (AGAC) adsorption with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 1 h showed better removal of ARGs, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) than ozonation at a 60 mg/L dose. UV treatment could efficiently reduce the relative ARG abundance, despite presenting the lowest efficiency for the reduction of absolute ARG abundance compared with GAC and ozone treatments. The combination of ozone and AGAC can significantly improve the removal of ARGs, TOC, TN and TP. These results indicate that a treatment including biological processing, ozonation, and AGAC adsorption is a promising strategy for removing ARGs and refractory organic substances from sewage.     

Mechanisms for simultaneous ozonation of sulfamethoxazole and natural organic matters in secondary effluent from sewage treatment plant

• SMX was mainly degraded by hydrolysis, isoxazole oxidation and double-bond addition. • Isoxazole oxidation and bond addition products were formed by direct ozonation. • Hydroxylated products were produced by indirect oxidation. • NOM mainly affected the degradation of SMX by consuming ^•OH rather than O₃. • Inhibitory effect of NOM on SMX removal was related to the components’ aromaticity. Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is commonly detected in wastewater and cannot be completely decomposed during conventional treatment processes. Ozone (O₃) is often used in water treatment. This study explored the influence of natural organic matters (NOM) in secondary effluent of a sewage treatment plant on the ozonation pathways of SMX. The changes in NOM components during ozonation were also analyzed. SMX was primarily degraded by hydrolysis, isoxazole-ring opening, and double-bond addition, whereas hydroxylation was not the principal route given the low maximum abundances of the hydroxylated products, with m/z of 269 and 287. The hydroxylation process occurred mainly through indirect oxidation because the maximum abundances of the products reduced by about 70% after the radical quencher was added, whereas isoxazole-ring opening and double-bond addition processes mainly depended on direct oxidation, which was unaffected by the quencher. NOM mainly affected the degradation of micropollutants by consuming ^•OH rather than O₃ molecules, resulting in the 63%–85% decrease in indirect oxidation products. The NOM in the effluent were also degraded simultaneously during ozonation, and the components with larger aromaticity were more likely degraded through direct oxidation. The dependences of the three main components of NOM in the effluent on indirect oxidation followed the sequence: humic-like substances>fluvic-like substances>protein-like substances. This study reveals the ozonation mechanism of SMX in secondary effluent and provides a theoretical basis for the control of SMX and its degradation products in actual water treatment.     

The effect of conventional wastewater treatment on the levels of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in effluent: a meta-analysis of current studies

Antimicrobial agents in the environment are a cause for concern. Antimicrobial drug residues and their metabolites reach the aquatic and terrestrial environment primarily through wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). In addition to the potential direct negative health and environmental effects, there is potential for the development of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Residue levels below the minimum inhibitory concentration for a bacterial species can be important in selection of resistance. There is uncertainty associated with resistance formation during WWTP processing. A meta-analysis study was carried out to analyse the effect of WWTP processing on the levels of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria within bacterial populations. An analysis of publications relating to multiple antimicrobial-resistant (MAR) bacteria (n?=?61), single antimicrobial-resistant (SAR) E. coli (n?=?81) and quinolone/fluoroquinolone-resistant (FR) bacteria (n?=?19) was carried out. The odds-ratio (OR) of MAR (OR?=?1.60, p?<?0.01), SAR (OR?=?1.33, p?<?0.01) and FR (OR?=?1.19, p?<?0.01) bacteria was determined. The results infer that WWTP processing results in an increase in the proportion of resistant bacteria in effluent, even though the overall bacterial population may have reduced (i.e. a reduction in total bacterial numbers but an increase in the percentage of resistant bacteria). The results support the need for further research into the development of antimicrobial-resistant strains and possible selective pressures operating in WWTPs.     

废水处理生物出水中COD构成的解析——以焦化废水为例

以焦化废水为例,采用连续过滤及化学分析的方法考察了悬浮组分、胶体组分及溶解组分对生物出水残余COD的贡献,并结合紫外-可见光谱和GC/MS图谱定性解析各形态组分的有机构成特征,构建了一种废水生物出水COD构成解析的评价方法.实验结果显示,焦化废水生物处理出水中悬浮态和胶体态组分对残余COD的贡献分别占COD总量的25.9%—46.3%和18.7%—44.4%,建议优先考虑采用混凝沉淀工艺去除约35.0%—45.0%的COD,使处理出水基本能够达标排放;溶解组分的COD占COD总量的24.6%—40.7%,其中4.3%—15.8%的COD由硫化物、硫氰化物等还原性物质贡献,其余部分主要由链状烃类、酯类及醇类等溶解有机组分贡献,建议采用氧化或吸附工艺进行处理,以满足更高的出水水质要求.     

Arsenic detoxification potential of <Emphasis Type="Italic">aox</Emphasis> genes in arsenite-oxidizing bacteria isolated from natural and constructed wetlands in the Republic of Korea

Arsenic is subject to microbial interactions, which support a wide range of biogeochemical transformations of elements in natural environments such as wetlands. The arsenic detoxification potential of the bacterial strains was investigated with the arsenite oxidation gene, aox genotype, which were isolated from the natural and constructed wetlands. The isolates were able to grow in the presence of 10 mM of sodium arsenite (As(III) as NaAsO₂) and 1 mM of d+glucose. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that these isolated strains resembled members of the genus that have arsenic-resistant systems (Acinetobacter sp., Aeromonas sp., Agrobacterium sp., Comamonas sp., Enterobacter sp., Pantoea sp., and Pseudomonas sp.) with sequence similarities of 81–98%. One bacterial isolate identified as Pseudomonas stutzeri strain GIST-BDan2 (EF429003) showed the activity of arsenite oxidation and existence of aoxB and aoxR gene, which could play an important role in arsenite oxidation to arsenate. This reaction may be considered as arsenic detoxification process. The results of a batch test showed that P. stutzeri GIST-BDan2 (EF429003) completely oxidized in 1 mM of As(III) to As(V) within 25–30 h. In this study, microbial activity was evaluated to provide a better understanding of arsenic biogeochemical cycle in both natural and constructed wetlands, where ecological niches for microorganisms could be different, with a specific focus on arsenic oxidation/reduction and detoxification.     

Characterization of boron tolerant bacteria isolated from a fly ash dumping site for bacterial boron remediation

Boron is an essential micronutrient for plants, but can above certain concentrations be toxic to living organisms. A major environmental concern is the removal of boron from contaminated water and fly ash. For this purpose, the samples were collected from a fly ash dumping site, Nagasaki prefecture, Japan. The chemical characteristics and heavy metal concentration of the samples were performed by X-ray fluorescent analysis and leaching test. For bacterial analysis, samples were collected in sterile plastic sheets and isolation was carried out by serial dilution method. The boron tolerant isolates that showed values of maximum inhibitory concentration toward boron ranging from 100 to 260 mM level were screened. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, the isolates were most closely related to the genera Bacillus, Lysinibacillus, Microbacterium and Ralstonia. The boron tolerance of these strains was also associated with resistant to several heavy metals, such as As (III), Cr (VI), Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Se (III) and Zn. Indeed, these strains were arsenic oxidizing bacteria confirmed by silver nitrate test. These strains exhibited their salt resistances ranging from 4 to 15 % were determined in Trypticase soy agar medium. The boron tolerant strains were capable of removing 0.1–2.0 and 2.7–3.7 mg l^?1 boron from the medium and fly ash at 168 h. Thus, we have successfully identified the boron tolerant and removal bacteria from a fly ash dumping site for boron remediation.