Comparison of Di-n-methyl Phthalate Biodegradation by Free and Immobilized Microbial Cells

To compare the biodegradation of di-n-methyl pathalate by free and immobilized microbial cells. Methods The enrichment and isolation technique was used to isolate the microorganism. The PAV-entrapment method was utilized to immobilize the microorganisms. The scanning electron microscophy (SEM) was used to observe the growth and distribution of microbial cells immobilized inside the PVA bead gels. The GC/MS method was used to identify the main intermediates of DMP degradation. Results The microbial cells could grow quite well in PVA gel. The metabolic pathway did not change before and after immobilization of the microbial cells. The degradation rate of immobilized cells was higher than that of free cells. Conclusion The immobilized microbial cells possess advantages than free cells when applied to the biodegradation of toxic organic pollutants.

Reductive Dechlorination of p-Chlorophenol by Nanoscale Iron

Objective To investigate reductive dechlorination of 4-chlorophenol （4-CP） by nanoscale Fe^0 under different conditions. Methods Nanoscale Fe^0 was synthesized by using reductive method. 4-CP and its intermediate products were analyzed by HPLC. Chlorine ion was quantified with DX-100 ion chromatograph. Nano-iron particles were observed under a FEI Quanta 200 FEG environmental scanning electron microscope （ESEM）. Results The size of the particles was in the range of 10-100 nm. The nano-iron particles could reduce 4-CP effectively. The initial concentration of 4-CP increased with the decrease of the relative degradation rate, whereas the reduced amount of 4-CP increased. Temperature could influence both the dechlorination rate and the reaction pathway. Moreover, the stability and durability of nanoscale Fe^0 was evaluated through batch studies over extended periods of time. Conclusion The nanoscale Fe^0 can be used for sustainable treatment of contaminants in groundwater.

Microbial Degradation of Aniline by Bacterial Consortium

Objective To investigate the characteristics of microbial degradation of aniline by a stable bacterial consortium. Methods The bacterial consortium was isolated from activated sludge treating chemical wastewater using aniline as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen by enrichment and isolation technique. The biomass was measured as optical density (OD) at 510 run using a spectrophotometer. Aniline concentrations were determined by spectrophotometer. The intermediates of aniline degradation were identified by GC/MS method. Results The bacterial consortium could grow at a range of aniline concentrations between 50 and 500 mg/L. The optimal pH and temperature for aniline degradation were determined to be 7.0 and 30, respectively. The presence of NH4NO3 as an additional nitrogen source (100-500 mg/L) had no adverse effect on bacterial growth and aniline degradation. The presence of heavy metal ions, such as Co2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Mn2+ and Cu2+ had an inhibitory effect on aniline degradation. Conclusions The isolated bacterial consortium can degrade aniline up to 500 mg/L effectively and tolerate some heavy metal ions that commonly exist in chemical wastewater. It has a potential to be applied in the practical treatment of aniline-containing wastewater.

VOC emitted by biopharmaceutical industries:Source profiles,health risks,and secondary pollution

The biopharmaceutical industry contributes substantially to volatile organic compounds(VOCs)emissions,causing growing concerns and social developmental conflicts.This study conducted an on-site investigation of the process-based emission of VOCs from three biopharmaceutical enterprises.In the workshops of the three enterprises,26 VOCs were detected,which could be sorted into 4 classes:hydrocarbons,aromatic hydrocarbons,oxygen-containing compounds,and nitrogen-containing compounds.Ketones were the main components of waste gases,accounting for 44.13%-77.85%of the overall VOCs.Process-based source profiles were compiled for each process unit,with the fermentation and extraction units of tiamulin fumarate being the main source of VOC emissions.Dimethyl heptanone,vinyl acetate,diethylamine,propylene glycol methyl ether(PGME),and benzene were screened as priority pollutants through a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation system.Ground level concentration simulation results of the Gauss plume diffusion model demonstrated that the diffusivity of VOCs in the atmosphere was relatively high,indicating potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks 1.5-2 km downwind.Furthermore,the process-based formation potentials of ozone and secondary organic aerosols(SOAs)were determined and indicated that N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone,dimethyl heptanone,and PGME should be preferentially controlled to reduce the ozone formation potential,whereas the control of benzene and chlorobenzene should be prioritized to reduce the generation of SOAs.Our results provide a basis for understanding the characteristics of VOC emission by biopharmaceutical industries and their diffusion,potentially allowing the development of measures to reduce health risks and secondary pollution.

A synthetical methodology for identifying pr ior ity pollutants in reclaimed water based on meta-analysis

Wastewater reclamation and reuse is an increasing global project,while the reclamation treatment on wastewater does not completely remove all pollutants in water.The residual pollutants in reclaimed water would cause potential risk on human health and ecosystem safety during the long-term use.It is impossible to analyze and control all pollutants one by one in practice,therefore,identification and control of priority pollutants will be efficient strategy to ensure the safe use of reclaimed water.An integrated three-step methodology for identifying priority pollutants in reclaimed water was proposed in this study.First,a comprehensive literature survey on the occurrence of pollutants in reclaimed water was conducted,and a dataset D PR for pollutants occurrence in reclaimed water was established,containing 1,113 pollutants.Second,611 chemicals that had been recommended as hazardous pollutants for various water bodies in previous literatures were summarized,and a dataset D HP for hazardous pollutants in water was obtained.Third,meta-analysis on these two datasets(D PR and D HP)was performed,a new dataset D HPR for hazardous pollutants in reclaimed water was established,including 265 candidates.Finally,59 substances out of dataset D HPR were identified as priority pollutants for reclaimed water based on their recommendation frequency.It is expected that this synthetical methodology will provide powerful support for scientific evaluating and managing water pollution and ensuring safe use of reclaimed water.

Emerging contaminant control:From science to action

Since the concept of emerging contaminants(ECs)was first proposed in 2001,the global scientific research of ECs has developed rapidly.In the past decades,great progress has been achieved in the scientific research of ECs in China,including the establishment of EC analysis method system,the evaluation of the pollution status,pollution characteristics and environmental risk of ECs in typical regions of China,and establishment of EC control technology system.Continuous progress in scientific research of ECs promoted China’s action on EC control.It is planned that the environmental risk of ECs will be generally controlled by 2035 in China.Priority ECs should be screened for environmental management.Although great efforts have been made,the EC control in China still faces tremendous challenges.It is necessary to bridge the gap between scientific research and decision-making management.Based on the science and technology study,various measures such as engineering,policy management and public participation should be combinedly adopted for EC control.

Bioadsorption of 4-Chlorophenol to the Activated Sludge

The adsorption behaviour of 4 chlorophenol from aqueous solution to activated sludge was quantitatively characterized in this paper. The effects of the initial pH values, initial chlorophenol concentration and adsorbent dosage on bioadsorption were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 110.5 mg/g at 100 mg/L initial concentration. The Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms were applied to describe the biosorption processes and the isotherm constants were evaluated.