Comprehensive and Temporal Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Urban Water Bodies: Early Signal of Second Wave Onset

The possible faecal-oral transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through domestic discharges has emerged as a serious public health concern. Based on persistence of the virus in environment, the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) enabled the surveillance of infection in a community. The water bodies connected to the anthropogenic activities have strong possibility of presence of the SARS-CoV-2 genetic material. In this work, we monitored urban, peri-urban and rural lakes in and around Hyderabad as a long-term surveillance study for presence of enteric virus SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments. The study time of seven months coincided with the first and second wave of COVID-19 infection. The study depicted differential viral RNA copies in the urban lake with high viral load observed during the peaks of wave I and wave II. Distinct variability in viral genes detection was observed amongst all five lakes which were in concordance with the human activity of the catchment area. The SARS-CoV-2 genes were not detected in peri-urban and rural lakes, whereas the urban lakes having direct functional attributes from domestic activity, in the community showed presence of viral load. The outcome of the study clearly shows that the urban water streams linked with domestic discharge will function as a proxy for wastewater epidemiological studies. The surge in viral gene load from February 2021 sample suggests the on shoot of the second wave of infection, which correlated well with the prevailing pandemic situation. Implementation of regular WBE based monitoring system for the water bodies/wastewater in the urban and semi-urban areas will help to understand the outbreak and spread of virus in the community.

Download Full-text

Safe operation and reconstruction of urban water bodies in the park complexes

MATEC Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/matecconf/201825106026 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 251 ◽

pp. 06026 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yekaterina Plyusnina ◽

Aleksandra Ostiakova

Keyword(s):

Water Body ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Ecological Status ◽

Water Bodies ◽

Urban Water ◽

Quality Factors ◽

Safe Operation ◽

The Moment ◽

Ecological Reconstruction ◽

The City

In the field of improvement of urban areas of General use, it is important to study the environmental problems of urban water bodies and to ensure the necessary level of sanitary maintenance and improvement of the water bodies themselves and the surrounding area. This article investigates the ecological state of the city pond in the park of Nakhabino in the Moscow region. At the moment, the condition of the pond is unsatisfactory in terms of both improvement and sanitary-hygienic and aesthetic condition. The purpose of the work is to analyze the existing negative environmental factors on the example of a water body, as well as to offer an option of ecological reconstruction and further safe operation. To achieve this goal, the analysis of available literature sources was carried out, a visual survey of the water body located in the Park was carried out. The article presents a description of the area of the pond and the Park, identified and listed the negative, influencing the contamination of pond and water quality factors. The necessary types of works on improvement and sanitary cleaning of the bowl of the pond and the coastal area are listed. As a result of a comprehensive analysis of the ecological status of the pond, a model of the pond named after Karbyshev in Nakhabino was created, a version of its ecological reconstruction was proposed. The model is presented at the Moscow youth exhibition. The conducted research has a certain practical value. Subsequently, it is planned to present the project of ecological reconstruction of this water body for its reconstruction to the territorial authorities.

Download Full-text

How Far Are Non-Viral Vectors to Come of Age and Reach Clinical Translation in Gene Therapy?

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22147545 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (14) ◽

pp. 7545

Author(s):

Myriam Sainz-Ramos ◽

Idoia Gallego ◽

Ilia Villate-Beitia ◽

Jon Zarate ◽

Iván Maldonado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Therapy ◽

Clinical Practice ◽

Gene Delivery ◽

Viral Vectors ◽

Viral Vector ◽

Clinical Success ◽

Genetic Material ◽

Viral Gene ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Vector Systems

Efficient delivery of genetic material into cells is a critical process to translate gene therapy into clinical practice. In this sense, the increased knowledge acquired during past years in the molecular biology and nanotechnology fields has contributed to the development of different kinds of non-viral vector systems as a promising alternative to virus-based gene delivery counterparts. Consequently, the development of non-viral vectors has gained attention, and nowadays, gene delivery mediated by these systems is considered as the cornerstone of modern gene therapy due to relevant advantages such as low toxicity, poor immunogenicity and high packing capacity. However, despite these relevant advantages, non-viral vectors have been poorly translated into clinical success. This review addresses some critical issues that need to be considered for clinical practice application of non-viral vectors in mainstream medicine, such as efficiency, biocompatibility, long-lasting effect, route of administration, design of experimental condition or commercialization process. In addition, potential strategies for overcoming main hurdles are also addressed. Overall, this review aims to raise awareness among the scientific community and help researchers gain knowledge in the design of safe and efficient non-viral gene delivery systems for clinical applications to progress in the gene therapy field.

Download Full-text

First molecular detection of hepatitis E virus genome in camel and pig faecal samples in Ethiopia

Virology Journal ◽

10.1186/s12985-021-01626-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Fufa Dawo Bari ◽

Haimanot Belete Wodaje ◽

Umer Said ◽

Hika Waktole ◽

Melaku Sombo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Human Infection ◽

Health Concern ◽

Universal Primers ◽

Viral Gene ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Faecal Samples

Abstract Background Hepatitis E is an enteric and zoonotic disease caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) that is mainly transmitted via the faecal-oral route through contaminated food or the environment. The virus is an emerging infectious agent causing acute human infection worldwide. A high seroprevalence of the disease was reported in pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, raising significant public health concern. The presence of HEV specific antibodies were also reported in dromedary camels in the country; however, the infectious virus and/or the viral genome have not been demonstrated to date in animal samples. Methods To address this gap, a total of 95 faecal samples collected from both apparently healthy pigs of uncharacterised types (50 samples) in Burayu and Addis Ababa areas and camels (Camelus dromedarius, 45 samples) in west Hararghe were screened for the presence of HEV genome using universal primers in a fully nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR). The protocol is capable of detecting HEV in faecal samples from both pigs and camels. Results The nRT-PCR detected HEV genes in six (12%) pig faecal samples and one camel sample (2.2%). Therefore, the results indicate that HEV is circulating in both pigs and camels in Ethiopia and these animals and their products could serve as a potential source of infection for humans. Conclusion The detection of HEV in both animals could raise another concern regarding its public health importance as both animals’ meat and camel milk are consumed in the country. Further studies to determine the prevalence and distribution of the virus in different animals and their products, water bodies, food chain, and vegetables are warranted, along with viral gene sequencing for detailed genetic characterisation of the isolates circulating in the country. This information is critically important to design and institute appropriate control and/or preventive measures.

Download Full-text

Detection of Beta-Lactam-Resistant Escherichia coli and Toxigenic Clostridioides difficile Strains in Wild Boars Foraging in an Anthropization Gradient

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11061585 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1585

Author(s):

Laila Darwich ◽

Chiara Seminati ◽

Jorge R. López-Olvera ◽

Anna Vidal ◽

Laia Aguirre ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Carbapenem Resistance ◽

Anthropogenic Sources ◽

Health Concern ◽

Natural Environments ◽

Beta Lactam ◽

Wild Boars ◽

Clostridioides Difficile

Disease transmission among wild boars, domestic animals and humans is a public health concern, especially in areas with high wild boar densities. In this study, fecal samples of wild boars (n = 200) from different locations of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona were analyzed by PCR to explore the frequency of β-lactamases and extended cephalosporin and carbapenem resistance genes (ESBLs) in Escherichia coli strains and the presence of toxigenic Clostridioides difficile. The prevalence of genes conferring resistance to β-lactam antimicrobials was 8.0% (16/200): blaCMY-2 (3.0%), blaTEM-1b (2.5%), blaCTX-M-14 (1.0%), blaSHV-28 (1.0%), blaCTX-M-15 (0.5%) and blaCMY-1 (0.5%). Clostridioides difficile TcdA+ was detected in two wild boars (1.0%), which is the first report of this pathogen in wild boars in Spain. Moreover, the wild boars foraging in urban and peri-urban locations were more exposed to AMRB sources than the wild boars dwelling in natural environments. In conclusion, the detection of E. coli carrying ESBL/AmpC genes and toxigenic C. difficile in wild boars foraging in urban areas reinforces the value of this game species as a sentinel of environmental AMRB sources. In addition, these wild boars can be a public and environmental health concern by disseminating AMRB and other zoonotic agents. Although this study provides the first hints of the potential anthropogenic sources of AMR, further efforts should be conducted to identify and control them.

Download Full-text

Innovative approach for achieving of sustainable urban water supply system by using of solar photovoltaic energy

Ingeniería e Investigación ◽

10.15446/ing.investig.v37n1.57983 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 58 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jure Margeta ◽

Bojan Đurin

Keyword(s):

Water Supply ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Renewable Energy Sources ◽

Water Reservoir ◽

Supply System ◽

Water Supply System ◽

Urban Water ◽

Solar Photovoltaic ◽

Urban Water Supply ◽

Pump Station

Paper describes and analyses new and innovative concept for possible integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy in urban water supply system (UWSS). Proposed system consists of PV generator and invertor, pump station and water reservoir. System is sized in such a manner that every his part is sized separately and after this integrated into a whole. This integration is desirable for several reasons, where the most important is the achievement of the objectives of sustainable living in urban areas i.e. achieving of sustainable urban water supply system. The biggest technological challenge associated with the use of solar, wind and other intermittent renewable energy sources RES is the realization of economically and environmentally friendly electric energy storage (EES). The paper elaborates the use of water reservoires in UWSS as EES. The proposed solution is still more expensive than the traditional and is economically acceptable today in the cases of isolated urban water system and special situations. Wider application will depend on the future trends of energy prices, construction costs of PV generators and needs for CO2 reduction by urban water infrastructure.

Download Full-text

Mosquito-Associated Viruses and Their Related Mosquitoes in West Africa

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13050891 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 891

Author(s):

Eric Agboli ◽

Julien B. Z. Zahouli ◽

Athanase Badolo ◽

Hanna Jöst

Keyword(s):

West Africa ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Disease Surveillance ◽

Health Concern ◽

Future Research ◽

Distribution Data ◽

Valley Fever ◽

Research Areas ◽

Mosquito Ecology ◽

Abundance And Distribution

Mosquito-associated viruses (MAVs), including mosquito-specific viruses (MSVs) and mosquito-borne (arbo)viruses (MBVs), are an increasing public, veterinary, and global health concern, and West Africa is projected to be the next front for arboviral diseases. As in-depth knowledge of the ecologies of both western African MAVs and related mosquitoes is still limited, we review available and comprehensive data on their diversity, abundance, and distribution. Data on MAVs’ occurrence and related mosquitoes were extracted from peer-reviewed publications. Data on MSVs, and mosquito and vertebrate host ranges are sparse. However, more data are available on MBVs (i.e., dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, Zika, and Rift Valley fever viruses), detected in wild and domestic animals, and humans, with infections more concentrated in urban areas and areas affected by strong anthropogenic changes. Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Aedes albopictus are incriminated as key arbovirus vectors. These findings outline MAV, related mosquitoes, key knowledge gaps, and future research areas. Additionally, these data highlight the need to increase our understanding of MAVs and their impact on host mosquito ecology, to improve our knowledge of arbovirus transmission, and to develop specific strategies and capacities for arboviral disease surveillance, diagnostic, prevention, control, and outbreak responses in West Africa.

Download Full-text

Household greywater use practices in Melbourne, Australia

Water Science & Technology Water Supply ◽

10.2166/ws.2013.022 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 294-301 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

M. Sinclair ◽

J. O'Toole ◽

M. Malawaraarachchi ◽

K. Leder

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Microbial Contamination ◽

Tap Water ◽

Severe Drought ◽

Urban Water ◽

Housing Developments ◽

End Use ◽

Volume Estimates ◽

And Storage ◽

Greywater Reuse

Research on the potential of greywater reuse to reduce urban tap water demand has focused mainly on permanently installed greywater treatment or irrigation systems. These may be readily implemented in new housing developments, but experience in Australia shows their uptake by established households in urban areas is low. The majority of households employ simple and temporary methods for greywater collection and use, but their behaviour has not been well documented. We characterised the greywater use practices of over 1,000 Melbourne households during a 5-year period (2007 to 2011) which included 3 years of severe drought with stringent restrictions on outdoor tap water use. Greywater was most frequently collected from the laundry and bathroom, and generally used within 24 hours. Garden watering was the most common end use, and treatment of greywater to reduce microbial contamination was very rare. Volume estimates by householders suggest that on average around 10% of tap water used in the home was being collected for reuse. When drought conditions and water restrictions eased, over 40% of user households discontinued greywater use. Widespread adoption of permanent greywater collection, treatment and storage systems by households would be required to achieve a lasting effect on urban water consumption.

Download Full-text

A Machine Learning Approach for Estimating the Trophic State of Urban Waters Based on Remote Sensing and Environmental Factors

Remote Sensing ◽

10.3390/rs13132498 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (13) ◽

pp. 2498

Author(s):

Shijie Zhu ◽

Jingqiao Mao

Keyword(s):

Remote Sensing ◽

Environmental Factors ◽

Water Temperature ◽

Trophic State ◽

Trophic Levels ◽

Water Bodies ◽

Trophic State Index ◽

Urban Water ◽

Estimation Model ◽

Input Variables

To improve the accuracy of remotely sensed estimates of the trophic state index (TSI) of inland urban water bodies, key environmental factors (water temperature and wind field) were considered during the modelling process. Such environmental factors can be easily measured and display a strong correlation with TSI. Then, a backpropagation neural network (BP-NN) was applied to develop the TSI estimation model using remote sensing and environmental factors. The model was trained and validated using the TSI quantified by five water trophic indicators obtained for the period between 2018 and 2019, and then we selected the most appropriate combination of input variables according to the performance of the BP-NN. Our results demonstrate that the optimal performance can be obtained by combining the water temperature and single-band reflection values of Sentinel-2 satellite imagery as input variables (R2 = 0.922, RMSE = 3.256, MAPE = 2.494%, and classification accuracy rate = 86.364%). Finally, the spatial and temporal distribution of the aquatic trophic state over four months with different trophic levels was mapped in Gongqingcheng City using the TSI estimation model. In general, the predictive maps based on our proposed model show significant seasonal changes and spatial characteristics in the water trophic state, indicating the possibility of performing cost-effective, RS-based TSI estimation studies on complex urban water bodies elsewhere.

Download Full-text

Implementation of sustainable sanitation in existing urban areas: long-term strategies for an optimised solution

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.2007.563 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 56 (5) ◽

pp. 115-124 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

I. Kaufmann ◽

T. Meyer ◽

M. Kalsch ◽

T.G. Schmitt ◽

H.W. Hamacher

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Ecological Impacts ◽

Nutrient Cycle ◽

Practical Implementation ◽

Mathematical Tool ◽

Urban Water ◽

Future State ◽

Sustainable Urban Water Management ◽

Decision Making Processes ◽

Mathematical Optimisation

If technologies for decentralised sanitation and reuse (DESAR) and for natural stormwater management should at least partially replace existing systems, then intensive reconstruction work becomes essential. A conversion can only be realised successively over a long period due to high construction and financial expenses and requires new strategies. This paper presents the development and practical implementation of a mathematical tool to find an optimised strategy for the realisation of alternative and more decentralised drainage and sanitation concepts in existing urban areas. The succession of construction measures (e.g. the implementation of decentralised greywater recycling) for the whole period of consideration is determined based upon a mathematical optimisation model on the condition that the favoured future state is known. The model describes the complex interdependencies of the urban water and nutrient cycle and enables the minimisation of both financial efforts and ecological impacts on the way toward the future state. The results of the implementation for a rural area in Germany show that the mathematical optimisation is an adequate instrument to support decision-making processes in finding strategies for the realisation of sustainable urban water management.

Download Full-text

How many species of cladocerans (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) are found in Brazilian Federal District?

Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia ◽

10.1590/s2179-975x2013005000008 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 351-362 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Francisco Diogo Rocha Sousa ◽

Lourdes Maria Abdu Elmoor-Loureiro

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Aquatic Vegetation ◽

Federal District ◽

Water Bodies ◽

Aquatic Environments ◽

Number Of Species ◽

Different Types ◽

Local Extinctions ◽

Richness Estimators ◽

Selection Of

AIM: This study aimed provides a checklist of cladocerans and also an evaluation of richness and species composition in the Federal District, Brazil. METHODS: Checklist of cladocerans was obtained evaluating data from the literature, from taxonomic collection (Elmoor-Loureiro's collection) and from fauna surveys conducted over more than three decades in different types of aquatic environments. RESULTS: The 57 water bodies studied showed 56 species, of which 14 are new records. The number of species contained in the list displayed corresponds to 85% of what was expected for richness estimators. The highest number of species was observed in the lentic water bodies (52), which also presented the specific composition of fauna (R = 0.110; p = 0.016), possibly because there were samples taken among the aquatic vegetation. According to our understanding, some species may be subject to local extinctions because they inhabit water bodies located exclusively in urban areas, which can lead to a decline in richness. CONCLUSION: Thus, the results of this study can assist in monitoring aquatic environments and in selection of new areas for surveys of cladocerans in the Federal District.

Download Full-text