A review of the detection, fate and effects of engineered nanomaterials in wastewater treatment plants

2013 ◽  
Vol 68 (7) ◽  
pp. 1440-1453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peta A. Neale ◽  
Åsa K. Jämting ◽  
Beate I. Escher ◽  
Jan Herrmann
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Surface Coating ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Engineered Nanomaterials ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Treated Effluent ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Wide Range

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are increasingly found in a wide range of products and processes, and consequently increasing loads are expected to reach wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To better assess the potential risk of ENMs to the environment via input through WWTP effluents, this review considers ENM detection methods, fate in WWTPs and potential effects on biota exposed to wastewater associated ENMs. Characterising ENMs in complex matrices presents many challenges, especially at low concentrations. Combining separation methods with techniques to assess particle size and chemical composition appears to be the most suitable approach for wastewater. In a range of studies, the majority of ENMs are removed from the aqueous phase by flocculation and sedimentation and remain in the sludge. However, ENM surface coating and the presence of organic matter and surfactants can alter removal. ENMs may affect biota via discharge of treated effluent to the aquatic environment or by application of sewage sludge to soil, although observed effects in laboratory studies only occurred at concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than the expected environmental levels. More realistic experimental designs with improved quantification of ENM properties under the selected test conditions are required to better understand the fate and effect of ENMs associated with WWTPs.

Nanofiltration of endocrine disrupting compounds

2003 ◽  
Vol 3 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 321-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gallenkemper ◽  
T. Wintgens ◽  
T. Melin
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Municipal Wastewater ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Compounds ◽  
Municipal Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Water And Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Set Up

Endocrine disrupting compounds can affect the hormone system in organisms. A wide range of endocrine disrupters were found in sewage and effluents of municipal wastewater treatment plants. Toxicological evaluations indicate that conventional wastewater treatment plants are not able to remove these substances sufficiently before disposing effluent into the environment. Membrane technology, which is proving to be an effective barrier to these substances, is the subject of this research. Nanofiltration provides high quality permeates in water and wastewater treatment. Eleven different nanofiltration membranes were tested in the laboratory set-up. The observed retention for nonylphenol (NP) and bisphenol A (BPA) ranged between 70% and 100%. The contact angle is an indicator for the hydrophobicity of a membrane, whose influence on the permeability and retention of NP was evident. The retention of BPA was found to be inversely proportional to the membrane permeability.

OPTIMIZING OPERATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS BY OFFLINE AND ONLINE COMPUTER SIMULATION

1994 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralf Otterpohl ◽  
Thomas Rolfs ◽  
Jörg Londong
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Nitrogen Removal ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Computer Work ◽  
Biological Phosphorus Removal ◽  
Wide Range

Computer simulation of activated sludge plant for nitrogen removal has become a reliable tool to predict the behaviour of the plant Models including biological phosphorus removal still require some practical experience but they should be available soon. This will offer an even wider range than today's work with nitrogen removal. One major benefit of computer simulation of wastewater treatment plants (WTP) is the optimization of operation. This can be done offline if hydrographs of a plant are collected and computer work is done with “historical” analysis. With online simulation the system is fed with hydrographs up to the actual time. Prognosis can be done from the moment of the computer work based on usual hydrographs. The work of the authors shows how accuratly a treatment plant can be described, when many parameters are measured and available as hydrographs. A very careful description of all details of the special plant is essential, requiring a flexible simulation tool. Based on the accurate simulation a wide range of operational decisions can be evaluated. It was possible to demonstrate that the overall efficiency in nitrogen removal and energy consumption of ml activated sludge plant can be improved.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Biofilm Forming Capacities of Bacterial Isolates Recovered in Raw and Treated Effluent from Wastewater Treatment Plant of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 1783-1786
Author(s):  
MI Ugwoke ◽  
DA Machido ◽  
MB Tijjani
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Congo Red ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Bacterial Isolates ◽  
Biofilm Production ◽  
Treated Effluent ◽  
Raw Wastewater

Biofilm producing bacteria are associated with many recalcitrant infections and are highly resistant to antimicrobial agents, hence notoriously difficult to eradicate. This study aimed at determining the biofilm forming capacities of bacterial isolates recovered in the raw wastewater and treated effluent from Wastewater Treatment Plants of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria using Tube Method (TM) and Congo Red Agar (CRA) method; and from the results, among the isolates recovered from the raw wastewater, TM detected 62.5% isolates as positive and 37.5% as negative for biofilm production, CRA detected 37.5% isolates as positive and 62.5% as negative for biofilm production. TM also demonstrated to be more suitable in detecting biofilm producing bacterial isolates from the treated effluent were it detected 50% isolates as positive and 50% as negative. However, CRA detected only 12.5% isolates as positive and 87.5% as negative for biofilm production. We therefore, conclude that the TM is more efficient and reliable for detection of biofilm producing bacteria in the laboratory when compared to CRA method and can be recommended as one of the suitable standard screening method for the detection of biofilm producing bacteria in laboratories.Keywords: Biofilm; Bacteria; Congo red agar and Tube method

scholarly journals Ultraviolet disinfection impacts the microbial community composition and function of treated wastewater effluent and the receiving urban river

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imrose Kauser ◽  
Mark Ciesielski ◽  
Rachel S. Poretsky
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Microbial Community ◽  
River Water ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Microbial Community Composition ◽  
The United States ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Uv Disinfection ◽  
Treated Effluent

Background In the United States, an estimated 14,748 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) provide wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal service to more than 230 million people. The quality of treated wastewater is often assessed by the presence or absence of fecal indicator bacteria. UV disinfection of wastewater is a common final treatment step used by many wastewater treatment plants in order to reduce fecal coliform bacteria and other pathogens; however, its potential impacts on the total effluent bacterial community are seemingly varied. This is especially important given that urban WWTPs typically return treated effluent to coastal and riverine environments and thus are a major source of microorganisms, genes, and chemical compounds to these systems. Following rainfall, stormflow conditions can result in substantial increases to effluent flow into combined systems. Methods Here, we conducted a lab-scale UV disinfection on WWTP effluent using UV dosage of 100 mJ/cm2 and monitored the active microbiome in UV-treated effluent and untreated effluent over the course of 48 h post-exposure using 16S rRNA sequencing. In addition, we simulated stormflow conditions with effluent UV-treated and untreated effluent additions to river water and compared the microbial communities to those in baseflow river water. We also tracked the functional profiles of genes involved in tetracycline resistance (tetW) and nitrification (amoA) in these microcosms using RT-qPCR. Results We showed that while some organisms, such as members of the Bacteroidetes, are inhibited by UV disinfection and overall diversity of the microbial community decreases following treatment, many organisms not only survive, but remain active. These include common WWTP-derived organisms such as Comamonadaceae and Pseudomonas. When combined with river water to mimic stormflow conditions, these organisms can persist in the environment and potentially enhance microbial functions such as nitrification and antibiotic resistance.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial resistance gene surveillance in the receiving waters of an upgraded wastewater treatment plant

FACETS ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire N. Freeman ◽  
Lena Scriver ◽  
Kara D. Neudorf ◽  
Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen ◽  
Rob C. Jamieson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Treated Effluent ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance Genes ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance Gene ◽  
The Impact

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as hotspots for antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and thus represent a critical point where patterns in ARG abundances can be monitored prior to their release into the environment. The aim of the current study was to measure the impact of the release of the final treated effluent (FE) on the abundance of ARGs in the receiving water of a recently upgraded WWTP in the Canadian prairies. Sample nutrient content (phosphorous and nitrogen species) was measured as a proxy for WWTP functional performance, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to measure the abundance of eight ARGs, the intI1 gene associated with class I integrons, and the 16S rRNA gene. The genes ermB, sul1, intI1, blaCTX-M, qnrS, and tetO all had higher abundances downstream of the WWTP, consistent with the genes with highest abundance in the FE. These findings are consistent with the increasing evidence suggesting that human activity affects the abundances of ARGs in the environment. Although the degree of risk associated with releasing ARGs into the environment is still unclear, understanding the environmental dimension of this threat will help develop informed management policies to reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance and protect public health.

scholarly journals Hospital Effluents and Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Source of Oxytetracycline and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria in Seafood

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 13967
Author(s):  
Bozena McCarthy ◽  
Samuel Obeng Apori ◽  
Michelle Giltrap ◽  
Abhijnan Bhat ◽  
James Curtin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Mass Movement ◽  
Deep Ocean ◽  
Ocean Currents ◽  
Global Ocean ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Low Concentrations

The present study employs a data review on the presence and aggregation of oxytetracycline (OTC) and resistance (AMR) bacteria in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and the distribution of the contaminated effluent with the aid of shallow and deep ocean currents. The study aims to determine the fate of OTC and AMR bacteria in seafood, and demonstrate a relationship between AMR levels and human health. This review includes (1) OTC, (2) AMR bacteria, (3) heavy metals in aquatic environments, and their relationship. Few publications describe OCT in surface waters. Although OTC and other tetracyclines were found in 10 countries in relatively low concentrations, the continuous water mass movement poses a contamination risk for mariculture and aquaculture. There are 10 locations showing AMR bacteria in treated and untreated hospital effluent. Special effort was made to define the geography distribution of OTC, AMR bacteria, and heavy metals detected in WWTPs to show the likely dissemination in an aquatic environment. The presence of OTC in surface waters in Asia, USA, and Europe can potentially impact seafood globally with the aid of ocean currents. Moreover, low concentrations of heavy metals exert environmental pressure and contribute to AMR dissemination. Recommended solutions are (1) quantitative analysis of OTC, heavy metals, and AMR bacteria to define their main sources; (2) employing effective technologies in urban and industrial wastewater treatment; and (3) selecting appropriate modelling from Global Ocean Observing System to predict the OTC, heavy metals, and AMR bacteria distribution.

scholarly journals Detection of Helminth Ova in Wastewater Using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Coupled to Lateral Flow Strips

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 691
Author(s):  
Vivek B. Ravindran ◽  
Basma Khallaf ◽  
Aravind Surapaneni ◽  
Nicholas D. Crosbie ◽  
Sarvesh K. Soni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Lateral Flow ◽  
Recombinase Polymerase Amplification ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Water Current ◽  
Recycled Water ◽  
Lateral Flow Strip ◽  
Skilled Personnel

Ascaris lumbricoides is a major soil-transmitted helminth that is highly infective to humans. The ova of A. lumbricoides are able to survive wastewater treatment, thus making it an indicator organism for effective water treatment and sanitation. Hence, Ascaris ova must be removed from wastewater matrices for the safe use of recycled water. Current microscopic techniques for identification and enumeration of Ascaris ova are laborious and cumbersome. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques are sensitive and specific, however, major constraints lie in having to transport samples to a centralised laboratory, the requirement for sophisticated instrumentation and skilled personnel. To address this issue, a rapid, highly specific, sensitive, and affordable method for the detection of helminth ova was developed utilising recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) coupled with lateral flow (LF) strips. In this study, Ascaris suum ova were used to demonstrate the potential use of the RPA-LF assay. The method was faster (< 30 min) with optimal temperature at 37 °C and greater sensitivity than PCR-based approaches with detection as low as 2 femtograms of DNA. Furthermore, ova from two different helminth genera were able to be detected as a multiplex assay using a single lateral flow strip, which could significantly reduce the time and the cost of helminth identification. The RPA-LF system represents an accurate, rapid, and cost-effective technology that could replace the existing detection methods, which are technically challenged and not ideal for on-site detection in wastewater treatment plants.

Upgrading small WWTPs in the autonomous province of Trento (Italy) by alternating oxic/anoxic process: a demonstration study

2008 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 831-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Nardelli ◽  
G. Gatti ◽  
F. Cecchi ◽  
E. M. Battistoni
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Process Control ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Seasonal Fluctuation ◽  
The Real ◽  
Treated Effluent ◽  
Control Automation ◽  
Correct Energy ◽  
On Line ◽  
Autonomous Province

The paper deals with the real application of a strategy, based on process control automation and remote on-line supervision, for the wastewater treatment in a piedmont. Three existing small wastewater treatment plants were selected to be upgraded and to be included into a network remotely supervised. Further, the potentialities of the process control automation were enhanced by the appropriate upgrading of the whole plant. A consolidated alternating nitrification and denitrification process was applied for the biological treatment. The selected plants well represent the area of Autonomous Province of Trento because they are characterized by remarkable seasonal fluctuation. After five months of experimentation data processed show the real stable high quality of the treated effluent in terms of total nitrogen content. Moreover, the power requirements are significantly reduced according the correct energy policy. The performances of the new biological process applied and the economical balance, put in evidence the gain by chosing the AC technology for upgrading small WWTPs.

Development of an Improved Compact Package Plant for Small Community Wastewater Treatment

1993 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 283-288
Author(s):  
A. Hulsman ◽  
C. D. Swartz
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Activated Sludge ◽  
South African ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Operating Regime ◽  
Small Community ◽  
Trial Period ◽  
Effluent Quality ◽  
Treated Effluent ◽  
Compact Design

The challenges facing the design and operation of small community wastewater treatment plants are discussed. The package plant concept is considered and the consequent development of a compact intermittently aerated activated sludge package plant is outlined. A four month trial period, comprising the first part of the evaluation, is described. Results from this trial show that the plant can serve communities of up to 300 p.e. and that treated effluent quality conforms to the General South African Standards. The compact design and unique operating regime offer reduced capital and running costs respectively.

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