Detection of Virulence Genes and Biofilm Forming Capacity of Diarrheagenic E. coli Isolated from Different Water Sources

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) are associated with frequent incidences of waterborne infections and pose health risk to individuals who contact water for domestic or recreational uses. Detection of DEC pathotypes in drinking water can be used as an indicator of fecal contamination. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of DEC pathotypes and their capacity to form biofilms in drinking water samples collected from different water sources. In this study, PCR analysis was used to determine the occurrence of four clinically significant virulence genes of diarrheagenic E. coli, eaeA (Enteropathogenic E. coli), stx1, stx2 (Enterohemorrhagic E. coli) and sth (Enterotoxigenic E. coli), in drinking water samples (n = 35) by using specific primers and conditions. PCR amplicons were visualized by using agarose gel electrophoresis. A total of 12/35 (34%) samples were detected as positive for at least one of the four DEC virulence genes and 11/12 (91%) E. coli isolates harbored virulence gene while 1/12 (8%) E. coli isolates harbored none. The eaeA and sth genes were the most detected genes (75%), while stx1 and stx2 genes were least detected genes (66%). Biofilm assay confirmed that ETEC pathotypes can cause damage in enteric walls by attaching and effacing to persist diarrheal conditions. This study indicated that drinking water of different sources is contaminated with potential DEC pathotypes and it can be a source of diarrheal diseases. The amplification of four virulence genes associated with DEC pathotypes (EPEC, EHEC and ETEC) in drinking water demonstrates that potentially virulent DEC pathotypes are distributed in water sources and may be a cause of health concern. There is, therefore, an urgent need to monitor DEC pathotypes in drinking water.

Ecologicala Spectsin Relation to Digenean Trematodeparasites in Fresh Water Fish Channa Striatus (BLOCH)

Fishes are found adequately in the different water sources of Jaunpur India. Five rivers (Gomti, Sai,Varuna,Pili and Basuhi) ,Gujar tal and different pond are available here as a aquatic habitat. In research work author consider only two sites of river Gomti and two different ponds in district Jaunpur, U.P. They are external as well as internal .In this studyauthor focused on digenetic trematodes parasites. Digenean trematodes are completing their life cycle in two hosts so both are susceptible to the infection. There are considerable change occur in the environment wih the passage of time. We also know that environmental factors affect the life forms of any place. So it is important to study the different ecological terms in relation to the host and their infectious agents. From ancient time humans beings use large amount of fish food for survival because they are easily available from different water sources. When human beings eat unadequate cooked fish then suffered with food borne tremadiases.So it is important to know the infection level in the fishes.

The Potential Role of Membrane Technology in the Removal of Microplastics from Wastewater

The presence of microplastics in water is a serious environmental problem. Although several approaches have been employed to tackle the problem, the use of membrane technology in addressing this problem remains encouraging but with limitation such as fouling and chemical instability which can be circumvented. This review identifies the presence of microplastics in water and the role of membrane technology in tackling the removal of microplastics in water. The study revealed the presence of microplastics in different water sources as well as the negative impact of microplastics on aquatic animals. Unfortunately, lack of proper management of plastic wastes has led to an increase in the presence of microplastics in the environment. Despite the profound performance by membrane technology towards the removal of microplastics in water, there is need to further improve on the limitations exhibited by this technology. However, there is no doubt that membrane technology remains an outstanding technology for the removal microplastics in water.

Evaluating the Nitrate to Phosphate Ratio and Other Physicochemical Characteristics of Different Water Sources in Yeghe Community, Rivers State, Nigeria

Water quality determination has become essential in characterising the nature of water used by humans for various purposes. This study was therefore carried out to assess the nitrate to phosphate ratio and other physical and chemical parameters influencing the quality of water used for domestic purposes in Yeghe Community, Rivers State, Nigeria. Water samples (from 3 boreholes, 3 river points and 3 wells) were collected randomly for each study period, and subjected to standard laboratory procedures to analyse for parameters such as temperature, pH, nitrate nitrogen, phosphate, total dissolved solid (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO) and electrical conductivity, using standard procedures. Nutrient limitation in the water sources was evaluated based on critical ratios produced by Redfield, using nitrate and phosphate as limiting nutrients. The nitrate to phosphate ratios indicated that there were more of phosphate limitations in the samples, as only two of the samples showed nitrate limitation, with the well water samples showing no nitrate limitation. The study also showed that all the physico-chemical parameters were within the WHO limits, except for pH that had values below the regulatory standard. Statistical evaluation of the data showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the physicochemical parameters of the different water sources (river, tap and well), except for temperature that recorded no significant difference (p > 0.05). This novel study on physicochemical water quality determinants has provided baseline and reference data set for monitoring the pollution status of the different water sources of this rural community. Local health authorities should however regulate anthropogenic activities around these water sources to ensure the availability of safe for use water sources in this locality.

Construction and operation of the MIDES plant

This chapter presents the construction, operation, and validation of all the MIDES systems, including water pre-treatment, wastewater pre-treatment, the microbial desalination cell (MDC), low-pressure reverse osmosis (RO), and post-treatment (remineralization and disinfection). MIDES technology has been validated with different water sources: brackish water from Demo Site 1, (Racons Brackish Water Desalination Plant (BWDP), located in Denia, Spain) and seawater from Demo Site 2 (Fonsalía Seawater Desalination Plant (SWDP), located in Guía de Isora, Spain). In this chapter, the preparation of both demo sites for the reception and installation of the pilot plants is also presented.

Paraben Compounds—Part I: An Overview of Their Characteristics, Detection, and Impacts

Parabens are widely used in different industries as preservatives and antimicrobial compounds. The evolution of analytical techniques allowed the detection of these compounds in different sources at µg/L and ng/L. Until today, parabens were already found in water sources, air, soil and even in human tissues. The impact of parabens in humans, animals and in ecosystems are a matter of discussion within the scientific community, but it is proven that parabens can act as endocrine disruptors, and some reports suggest that they are carcinogenic compounds. The presence of parabens in ecosystems is mainly related to wastewater discharges. This work gives an overview about the paraben problem, starting with their characteristics and applications. Moreover, the dangers related to their usage were addressed through the evaluation of toxicological studies over different species as well as of humans. Considering this, paraben detection in different water sources, wastewater treatment plants, humans and animals was analyzed based on literature results. A review of European legislation regarding parabens was also performed, presenting some considerations for the use of parabens.