A Comparative Analysis of Vetiver and Typha in Ecological Wastewater Treatment Using a Horizontal Flow Constructed Wetlands in Rural Setting

This study presents an assessment of wastewater ecological treatment processes utilizing a horizontal flow bio-reactor at the Ndiebene Gandiol 1 school. It primarily aims to juxtapose the filtration efficacy of two distinct vegetative cells, Vetiver and Typha, in the pursuit of sustainable wastewater management strategies for rural scholastic institutions. A synergistic approach was employed, integrating on-site surveys for site-specific insights and laboratory analyses to quantify the pollutant loads pre- and post-treatment. Our findings indicate that both Vetiver and Typha-infused filter beds significantly reduce most contaminants, with particular success in diminishing chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD5). Vetiver was notable for its superior reduction of COD, achieving an average effluent concentration of 74 mg/L, in contrast to Typha’s 155 mg/L. Conversely, Typha excelled in suspended solids removal, registering 1 mg/L against Vetiver’s 3 mg/L. While both systems notably surpassed the target metrics across several indicators, including fecal coliform reduction, our results pinpoint the need for refinement in phosphate remediation. Conclusively, the study underscores the efficacy of both Vetiver and Typha systems in rural wastewater treatment contexts, with their integrative application potentially paving the way for enhanced system robustness and efficiency. The outcomes herein highlight the imperative for continued research to further hone these ecological treatment modalities, especially concerning phosphate elimination.

Performance Evaluation of Two Series Vertical Flow Filters for Wastewater Treatment: A Case Study of the Prototype Installed at Gaston Berger University, Saint-Louis, Senegal

This paper evaluates the efficacy of two sequential vertical flow filters (VFF), FV1 and FV2, implanted with Typha, in a pilot-scale wastewater treatment system. FV1 comprises three cells (FV1a, FV1b, and FV1c), while FV2 consists of two cells (FV2a and FV2b), each designed to reduce various physicochemical and microbiological pollutants from wastewater. Quantitative analyses show significant reductions in electrical conductivity (from 1331 to 1061 μS/cm), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5 from 655.6 to 2.3 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (COD from 1240 to 82.2 mg/L), total nitrogen (from 188 to 37.3 mg/L), and phosphates (from 70.9 to 14.6 mg/L). Notably, FV2 outperforms FV1, particularly in decreasing dissolved salts and BOD5 to remarkably low levels. Microbiological assessments reveal a substantial reduction in fecal coliforms, from an initial concentration of 7.5 log CFU/100mL to 3.7 log CFU/100mL, and a complete elimination of helminth eggs, achieving a 100% reduction rate in FV2. The study highlights the impact of design parameters, such as filter material, media depth, and plant species selection, on treatment outcomes. The findings suggest that the judicious choice of these components is critical for optimizing pollutant removal. For instance, different filtration materials show varying efficacies, with silex plus river gravel in FV1c achieving superior pollutant reduction rates. In conclusion, VFFs emerge as a promising solution for wastewater treatment, underscoring the importance of design optimization to enhance system efficiency. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of treatment practices are imperative to ensure water quality, allowing for safe environmental discharge or water reuse. The research advocates for ongoing improvements in wastewater treatment technologies, considering the environmental challenges of the current era. The study concludes with a call for further research to maximize the effectiveness of VFFs in water management.

Performance of a Horizontal Flow Constructed Reed Bed Filter for Municipal Wastewater Treatment: The Case Study of the Prototype Installed at Gaston Berger University, Saint-Louis, Senegal

In Saint-Louis, Senegal, a constructed wetland with horizontal flow reed beds (FHa and FHb) has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating municipal wastewater. Analyzing various treatment stages, the system showed only a slight temperature variation, from an influent average of 26.3°C to an effluent of 24.7°C. Electrical conductivity decreased from 1331 mS/cm to 974.5 mS/cm post-primary treatment, with suspended solids (SS) dramatically reduced from 718.9 mg/L to 5.7 mg/L in the final effluent. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) saw a notable decrease, from initial levels of 655.6 mg/L and 1240 mg/L to 2.3 mg/L and 71.3 mg/L, respectively. Nitrogenous compounds (N-TN) and phosphates () also decreased significantly, indicating the system’s nutrient removal capacity. Microbiological analysis revealed a reduction in fecal coliforms from 7.5 Ulog/100ml to 1.8 Ulog/100ml and a complete elimination of helminth eggs. The presence of Phragmites and Typha was instrumental in enhancing these reductions. The system’s compliance with the Senegalese standards for disposal into natural environments, WHO recommendations for unrestricted water reuse in irrigation, and the European legislation for water reuse was established. The effluent quality met the stringent criteria for various classes of agricultural reuse, illustrating the system’s potential for sustainable water management. This wetland model presents a robust solution for water-stressed regions, ensuring environmental protection while supporting agricultural needs. The study calls for ongoing research to further refine the system for optimal, reliable wastewater treatment and water resource sustainability.

Risk Factors and Gender Differences for Depression in Chilean Older Adults:A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the National Health Survey 2016–2017

Depressive disorders are recognized as one of the most common mental health conditions across different age groups.However,the risk factors associated with depression among older people from low-and middle-income countries remains unclear.This study aims to identify socio-demographic,health and psychosocial-related factors associated with depression in Chilean older adults.A cross-sectional study was carried out in a representative sample of 1,765 adults aged≥60 years participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016–2017.Depres-sion was assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview(CIDI-SF).Associations between the exposure variables and depression were investigated using Poisson regression analyses.The mainfindings indi-cated that women showed higher likelihood of depression than men(Prevalence Ratio(PR)=2.6[95%CI:1.40;4.89]).An increased likelihood of depression was found in older adults with chronic pain,multimorbidity(≥2 diseases),previous diagnose of depression,high perception of stress,financial stress,and difficulties for social par-ticipation.In women,higher likelihood of depression was found for those with the frailty phenotype(PR:8.53[95%CI:1.68;43.32]),rheumatoid arthritis(PR:2.41[95%CI:1.34;4.34]),insomnia(PR:2.99[95%CI:1.74;5.12])and low self-rated well-being(PR:4.94[95%CI:2.26;10.79]).Men who were divorced(PR:7.10[95%CI:1.44;34.90])or widowed(PR:10.83[95%CI:3.71;31.58]),obese(PR:5.08[95%CI:1.48;17.42])and who had asthma(PR:7.60[95%CI:2.31;24.99])were associated with higher odds of depression.The currentfindings may have clinical implications for the early identification of older adults more susceptible to depression and also suggest the need to implement cultural and age-sensitive strategies to promote mental health in late life.

Recent advances in genome-scale engineering in Escherichia coli and their applications

Owing to the rapid advancement of genome engineering technologies,the scale of genome engineering has expanded dramatically.Genome editing has progressed from one genomic alteration at a time that could only be employed in few species,to the simultaneous generation of multiple modifications across many genomic loci in numerous species.The development and recent advances in multiplex automated genome engineering(MAGE)-associated technologies and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and their associated protein(CRISPR-Cas)-based approaches,together with genome-scale synthesis technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for advancing genome-scale engineering in a broader range.These approaches provide new tools to generate strains with desired phenotypes,understand the complexity of biological systems,and directly evolve a genome with novel features.Here,we review the recent major advances in genome-scale engineering tools developed for Escherichia coli,focusing on their applications in identifying essential genes,genome reduction,recoding,and beyond.

SIRT3-mediated inhibition of FOS through histone H3 deacetylation prevents cardiac fibrosis and inflammation

Sirtuin 3(SIRT3)is a deacetylase that modulates proteins that control metabolism and protects against oxidative stress.Modulation of SIRT3 activity has been proposed as a promising therapeutic target for ameliorating metabolic diseases and associated cardiac disturbances.In this study,we investigated the role of SIRT3 in inflammation and fibrosis in the heart using male mice with constitutive and systemic deletion of SIRT3 and human cardiac AC16 cells.SIRT3 knockout mice showed cardiac fibrosis and inflammation that was characterized by augmented transcriptional activity of AP-1.Consistent with this,SIRT3 overexpression in human and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes partially prevented the inflammatory and profibrotic response induced by TNF-α.Notably,these effects were associated with a decrease in the mRNA and protein levels of FOS and the DNA-binding activity of AP-1.Finally,we demonstrated that SIRT3 inhibits FOS transcription through specific histone H3 lysine K27 deacetylation at its promoter.These findings highlight an important function of SIRT3 in mediating the often intricate profibrotic and proinflammatory responses of cardiac cells through the modulation of the FOS/AP-1 pathway.Since fibrosis and inflammation are crucial in the progression of cardiac hypertrophy,heart failure,and diabetic cardiomyopathy,our results point to SIRT3 as a potential target for treating these diseases.