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Water Science and Technology : a... Jun 2024Granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration is a commonly used method for advanced wastewater treatment. Filters can be operated continuously or discontinuously, with...
Granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration is a commonly used method for advanced wastewater treatment. Filters can be operated continuously or discontinuously, with continuous operation not requiring feed flow interruption for backwashing and circulation (B/C). This study investigated the influence of B/C on the effluent quality of continuous filters. Two continuous GAC filters were operated for 1.5 years, with analysis of dissolved substances and particulate matter in the influent and effluent. The results indicated that various B/C modes had no impact on the removal of dissolved organic carbon and organic micropollutants (OMP), achieving an OMP removal of over 70% after 5,600 treated bed volumes (m treated wastewater per m GAC). However, it was evident that continuous B/C over 2-4 h resulted in increased turbidity, total suspended solids over 30 mg/L and total phosphorus concentrations of 1.3 mg/L in the filter effluent. Additionally, the study demonstrated that longer and more intensive B/C processes resulted in GAC size degradation with AC concentrations of up to 6.9 mg/L in the filter effluent, along with a change in GAC particle size. Furthermore, the importance of pre-filtration in reducing particulate matter in the filter influent and decreasing hydraulic head loss could be demonstrated.
Topics: Filtration; Charcoal; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Water Purification; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Carbon; Particle Size; Phosphorus
PubMed: 38877631
DOI: 10.2166/wst.2024.178 -
Water Science and Technology : a... Jun 2024As a new pollutant treatment technology, microbial fuel cell (MFC) has a broad prospect. In this article, the devices assembled using walnut shells are named...
As a new pollutant treatment technology, microbial fuel cell (MFC) has a broad prospect. In this article, the devices assembled using walnut shells are named biochar-microbial fuel cell (B-MFC), and the devices assembled using graphene are named graphene-microbial fuel cell (G-MFC). Under the condition of an external resistance of 1,000 Ω, the B-MFC with biochar as the electrode plate can generate a voltage of up to 75.26 mV. The maximum power density is 76.61 mW/m, and the total internal resistance is 3,117.09 Ω. The removal efficiency of B-MFC for ammonia nitrogen (NH-N), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) was higher than that of G-MFC. The results of microbial analysis showed that there was more operational taxonomic unit (OTU) on the walnut shell biochar electrode plate. The final analysis of the two electrode materials using BET specific surface area testing method (BET) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the pore size of walnut shell biochar was smaller, the specific surface area was larger, and the pore distribution was smoother. The results show that using walnut shells to make electrode plates is an optional waste recycling method and an electrode plate with excellent development prospects.
Topics: Bioelectric Energy Sources; Juglans; Charcoal; Electrodes; Sewage; Graphite; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Nitrogen; Phosphorus
PubMed: 38877619
DOI: 10.2166/wst.2024.163 -
Journal of Environmental Management Jul 2024The intimate coupling of photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) technology has received much attraction because of the advantages of both photocatalytic reaction and...
The intimate coupling of photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) technology has received much attraction because of the advantages of both photocatalytic reaction and biological treatment. In this study, ZnO-CoFeO@BC (ZCFC) with p-n heterojunction was prepared and used in an ICPB system to degrade metronidazole (MNZ) wastewater. The microstructure, morphology, and optical behavior of heterojunctions in ZCFC were investigated using SEM, XRD, UV-vis, FTIR, and XPS techniques. The results showed that ZCFC inherited the advantages of bamboo biochar's large pore size, and its large pore structure could provide a habitat for bacterial colonization in ICPB, thus shortening the internal mass transfer distance. The degradation of MNZ and chemical oxygen demand (COD) by the ICPB system was 86.8% and 58.5%, respectively, which was superior to single photocatalysis (72.5% for MNZ and 43.8% for COD) and single biodegradation (23.5% for MNZ and 20.1% for COD). In ICPB, photocatalysis and biodegradation showed a synergistic effect in the removal of MNZ, and the order of the major reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to reduced toxicity of MNZ to the biofilm was •OH > h > O•. High-throughput sequencing analysis showed continuous evolution of biofilm structures in ICPB enriched a variety of functional species, among which the electroactive bacteria Alcaligenes and Brevundimonas played an important role in the degradation of MNZ. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanism of photocatalytic and microbial synergistic degradation of MNZ in the ICPB system and proposed a new technology for degrading antibiotic wastewater that combines the advantages of photocatalysis and biodegradation.
Topics: Biodegradation, Environmental; Catalysis; Zinc Oxide; Light; Metronidazole; Wastewater; Charcoal; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 38875984
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121431 -
PloS One 2024Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are widely used for tumor treatment, including metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). So far,...
BACKGROUND
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are widely used for tumor treatment, including metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). So far, there are no biomarkers that reliably predict resistance to anti-VEGF mAbs like bevacizumab. A biomarker-guided strategy for early and accurate assessment of resistance could avoid the use of non-effective treatment and improve patient outcomes. We hypothesized that repeated analysis of multiple cytokines and angiogenic growth factors (CAFs) before and during treatment using machine learning could provide an accurate and earlier, i.e., 100 days before conventional radiologic staging, prediction of resistance to first-line mCRC treatment with FOLFOX plus bevacizumab.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
15 German and Austrian centers prospectively recruited 50 mCRC patients receiving FOLFOX plus bevacizumab as first-line treatment. Plasma samples were collected every two weeks until radiologic progression (RECIST 1.1) as determined by CT scans performed every 2 months. 102 pre-selected CAFs were centrally analyzed using a cytokine multiplex assay (Luminex, Myriad RBM).
RESULTS
Using random forests, we developed a predictive machine learning model that discriminated between the situations of "no progress within 100 days before radiological progress" and "progress within 100 days before radiological progress". We could further identify a combination of ten out of the 102 CAF markers, which fulfilled this task with 78.2% accuracy, 71.8% sensitivity, and 82.5% specificity.
CONCLUSIONS
We identified a CAF marker combination that indicates treatment resistance to FOLFOX plus bevacizumab in patients with mCRC within 100 days prior to radiologic progress.
Topics: Humans; Colorectal Neoplasms; Bevacizumab; Leucovorin; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Female; Organoplatinum Compounds; Male; Fluorouracil; Middle Aged; Aged; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Prospective Studies; Adult; Neoplasm Metastasis; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 38875244
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304324 -
BMC Plant Biology Jun 2024The accumulation of arsenic (As) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain poses a significant health concern in Bangladesh. To address this, we investigated the efficacy of...
The accumulation of arsenic (As) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain poses a significant health concern in Bangladesh. To address this, we investigated the efficacy of various organic amendments and phytoremediation techniques in reducing As buildup in O. sativa. We evaluated the impact of five doses of biochar (BC; BC: 0.1%, BC: 0.28%, BC: 0.55%, BC: 0.82% and BC: 1.0%, w/w), vermicompost (VC; VC: 1.0%, VC: 1.8%, VC: 3.0%, VC: 4.2% and VC: 5.0%, w/w), and floating duckweed (DW; DW: 100, DW: 160, DW: 250, DW: 340 and DW: 400 g m) on O. sativa cultivated in As-contaminated soil. Employing a three-factor five-level central composite design and response surface methodology (RSM), we optimized the application rates of BC-VC-DW. Our findings revealed that As contamination in the soil negatively impacted O. sativa growth. However, the addition of BC, VC, and DW significantly enhanced plant morphological parameters, SPAD value, and grain yield per pot. Notably, a combination of moderate BC-DW and high VC (BCVCDW) increased grain yield by 44.4% compared to the control (BCVCDW). As contamination increased root, straw, and grain As levels, and oxidative stress in O. sativa leaves. However, treatment BCVCDW significantly reduced grain As (G-As) by 56%, leaf hydrogen peroxide by 71%, and malondialdehyde by 50% compared to the control. Lower doses of BC-VC-DW (BCVCDW) increased antioxidant enzyme activities, while moderate to high doses resulted in a decline in these activities. Bioconcentration and translocation factors below 1 indicated limited As uptake and translocation in plant tissues. Through RSM optimization, we determined that optimal doses of BC (0.76%), VC (4.62%), and DW (290.0 g m) could maximize grain yield (32.96 g pot, 44% higher than control) and minimize G-As content (0.189 mg kg, 54% lower than control). These findings underscore effective strategies for enhancing yield and reducing As accumulation in grains from contaminated areas, thereby ensuring agricultural productivity, human health, and long-term sustainability. Overall, our study contributes to safer food production and improved public health in As-affected regions.
Topics: Oryza; Arsenic; Charcoal; Soil Pollutants; Biodegradation, Environmental; Composting; Araceae; Soil
PubMed: 38872089
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05219-w -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Due to the high solubility of Cd in water, it is considered a potential toxin which can cause cancer in humans. In plants, it is associated with the development of...
Due to the high solubility of Cd in water, it is considered a potential toxin which can cause cancer in humans. In plants, it is associated with the development of oxidative stress due to the generation of reactive oxygen species. To overcome this issue, the roles of different plant hormones are vital. Strigolactones, one of such natural plant hormones, show promise in alleviating cadmium toxicity by mitigating its harmful effects. Acidified biochar (AB) can also effectively mitigate cadmium toxicity via ion adsorption and pH buffering. However, the combined effects of strigolactone and AB still need in-depth investigations in the context of existing literature. This study aimed to assess the individual and combined impacts of SLs (0 and 25 µM) and AB (0 and 0.75% w/w) on radish growth under Cd toxicity, i.e., 0 and 20 mg Cd/kg soil. Using a fully randomized design (CRD), each treatment was administered in four replicates. In comparison to the control under 20 mg Cd/kg soil contamination, the results showed that 25 µM strigolactone + 0.75% AB significantly improved the following: radish shoot length (~ 17%), root length (~ 47%), plant fresh weight (~ 28%), plant dry weight (~ 96%), chlorophyll a (~ 43%), chlorophyll b (~ 31%), and total chlorophyll (~ 37%). It was also noted that 0.75% AB was more pronounced in decreasing antioxidant activities than 25 µM strigolactone under 20 mg Cd/ kg soil toxicity. However, performing 25 µM strigolactone + 0.75% AB was far better than the sole application of 25 µM strigolactone and 0.75% AB in decreasing antioxidant activities in radish plants. In conclusion, by regulating antioxidant activities, 25 µM strigolactone + 0.75% AB can increase radish growth in cadmium-contaminated soils.
Topics: Raphanus; Lactones; Soil Pollutants; Charcoal; Cadmium; Antioxidants; Metals, Heavy; Oxidative Stress; Chlorophyll; Plant Roots; Plant Growth Regulators; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring
PubMed: 38871988
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64596-2 -
The Science of the Total Environment Sep 2024Drained agricultural peat soils pollute both the atmosphere and watercourses. Biochar has been observed to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nutrient loading...
Drained agricultural peat soils pollute both the atmosphere and watercourses. Biochar has been observed to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nutrient loading in mineral soils. We studied effects of three biochar types with two application rates (10 and 30 Mg ha) on GHG fluxes as well as N and P leaching on peat soil. Peat monoliths were drilled from a long-term cultivated field and were watered either slightly (five dry periods) or heavily (four rainfall periods) during an 11-month laboratory experiment with intact peat columns. The incubation of bare peat profiles enhanced peat decomposition leading to high CO (up to 1300 mg CO m h) and NO emissions (even 10,000-50,000 μg NO m h) and NO-N leaching (even 300-700 mg L) in all treatments. In the beginning of the experiment, the lower application rate of pine bark biochars increased NO emission compared to control, but otherwise none of the biochars or their application rates significantly affected gas fluxes or nutrient leaching. These results indicate that moderate softwood biochar application does not help to mitigate the environmental problems of agricultural peat soils. Higher application rate of biochar pyrolyzed at high temperature is recommended for further studies with peat soils.
Topics: Charcoal; Soil; Nitrous Oxide; Nitrogen; Agriculture; Air Pollutants; Greenhouse Gases; Soil Pollutants
PubMed: 38871319
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173906 -
Cell Host & Microbe Jun 2024Survival strategies of human-associated microbes to drug exposure have been mainly studied in the context of bona fide pathogens exposed to antibiotics. Less well... (Review)
Review
Survival strategies of human-associated microbes to drug exposure have been mainly studied in the context of bona fide pathogens exposed to antibiotics. Less well understood are the survival strategies of non-pathogenic microbes and host-associated commensal communities to the variety of drugs and xenobiotics to which humans are exposed. The lifestyle of microbial commensals within complex communities offers a variety of ways to adapt to different drug-induced stresses. Here, we review the responses and survival strategies employed by gut commensals when exposed to drugs-antibiotics and non-antibiotics-at the individual and community level. We also discuss the factors influencing the recovery and establishment of a new community structure following drug exposure. These survival strategies are key to the stability and resilience of the gut microbiome, ultimately influencing the overall health and well-being of the host.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Xenobiotics; Symbiosis; Gastrointestinal Tract; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Host Microbial Interactions
PubMed: 38870896
DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2024.05.009 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jul 2024In the center of the Nile Delta in Egypt, the Kitchener drain as the primary drainage discharges about 1.9 billion m per year of water, which comprises agricultural...
In the center of the Nile Delta in Egypt, the Kitchener drain as the primary drainage discharges about 1.9 billion m per year of water, which comprises agricultural drainage (75 %), domestic water (23 %), and industrial water (2 %), to the Mediterranean Sea. Cadmium (Cd) stands out as a significant contaminant in this drain; therefore, this study aimed to assess the integration of biochar (0, 5, and 10 ton ha) and three PGPRs (PGPR-1, PGPR-2, and PGPR-3) to alleviate the negative impacts of Cd on sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) in saline-alkali soil. The treatment of biochar (10 ton ha) and PGPR-3 enhanced the soil respiration, dehydrogenase, nitrogenase, and phosphatase activities by 137 %, 129 %, 326 %, and 127 %, while it declined soil electrical conductivity and available Cd content by 31.7 % and 61.3 %. Also, it decreased Cd content in root, shoot, and seed by 55.3 %, 50.7 %, and 92.5 %, and biological concentration and translocation factors by 55 % and 5 %. It also declined the proline, lipid peroxidation, HO, and electrolyte leakage contents by 48 %, 94 %, 80 %, and 76 %, whereas increased the catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and polyphenol oxidase activities by 80 %, 79 %, 61 %, and 116 %. Same treatment increased seed and oil yields increased by 76.1 % and 76.2 %. The unique aspect of this research is its investigation into the utilization of biochar in saline-alkali soil conditions, coupled with the combined application of biochar and PGPR to mitigate the adverse effects of Cd contamination on sunflower cultivation in saline-alkali soil.
Topics: Charcoal; Cadmium; Helianthus; Soil Pollutants; Soil; Egypt; Alkalies; Biodegradation, Environmental; Plant Roots; Soil Microbiology
PubMed: 38870735
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116555 -
The Canadian Journal of Hospital... 2024Extravasation is the erroneous delivery of IV medication or fluid into the extravascular space. Complications ranging from mild injury to amputation can result,...
BACKGROUND
Extravasation is the erroneous delivery of IV medication or fluid into the extravascular space. Complications ranging from mild injury to amputation can result, depending on the physical and pharmacologic properties of the infusate. Children are at increased risk for extravasation injuries. There is a paucity of data on the treatment and outcomes of extravasation injuries, particularly in terms of the role of pharmacologic antidotes.
OBJECTIVES
To describe the incidence of extravasation at a tertiary pediatric care centre (as an update to a previous study), to identify the agents most commonly involved in extravasation injuries, to describe the antidotes used for management of injuries and their related adverse drug effects, and to describe complications related to injuries.
METHODS
The medical records of pediatric patients who experienced an extravasation injury at the BC Children's and BC Women's Hospitals, between September 1, 2008, and September 30, 2020, were reviewed. Data regarding management (adherence with institutional protocol) and outcomes of injuries were collected.
RESULTS
The 242 charts included in the analysis noted a total of 245 extravasation injuries, for an extravasation incidence of 0.04% per patient-day. Of the 242 patients, 110 were excluded from secondary outcome analysis due to lack of data detailing the extravasation event. Of the remaining 132 patients, the majority were neonates ( = 54, 40.9%), infants ( = 33, 25.0%), and children ( = 34, 25.8%), and more than a third were treated on general pediatric wards ( = 50, 37.9%). The medications most frequently involved were total parenteral nutrition with lipids (36/132, 27.3%), vancomycin (36/132, 27.3%), and IV fluids (35/132, 26.5%). Most of the patients had mild outcomes and recovered without complications. No adverse drug events from antidotes were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of extravasation at the study institution remained low, with the medications involved being similar to those reported in the literature and the majority of patients having mild outcomes. Additional prospective studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of antidotes administered for extravasation injuries.
PubMed: 38868325
DOI: 10.4212/cjhp.3525