Pediococcus Acidilactici Inhibit Biofilm Formation of Food-Borne Pathogens on Abiotic Surfaces

In this study,we aimed to examine the inhibitory effect of PA003,a Pediococcus acidilactici that produces lactic acid and antimicrobial peptides pediocin,on pathogenic biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces.PA003 and pathogens(Escherichia coli,Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium,Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) were used to evaluate auto-aggregation,hydrophobicity,biofilm formation and biofilm formation inhibition on stainless steel,polyvinyl chloride and glass slides in terms of exclusion,displacement and competition.The results showed the highest auto-aggregation abilities were observed for one of the E.coli strains EAggEC(E58595) and the highest hydrophobic strain was observed with EPEC(E2348/69)(51.9%).The numbers of biofilm cells of E.coli,S.Typhimurium,S.aureus and L.monocytogenes on stainless steel,polyvinyl chloride and glass slide coupons were effectively reduced by approximately 4log CFU/coupon.These results demonstrate that lactic acid bacteria can be used as an alternative to effectively control the formation of biofilms by food-borne pathogens.     

Removal of cyclops in pre-oxidizing cooperation water treatment process

Zooplankton cyclops propagates profusely in waterbody, cannot be effectively inactivated by conventional disinfec- tion process, and becomes a troublesome drinking water treatment problem. In this work, the qualitative and quantitative ex- perimental studies were carried out on inactivation of zooplankton cyclops using oxidants, such as chlorine (Cl2), chlorine dioxide (ClO2), ozone (O3), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ozone/hydrogen peroxide (O3/H2O2), chloramines (Cl2-NH3) and potassium permanganate (KMnO4). The influences of various factors include different oxidant dosages, organic substance contents and pH values. The results showed that currently available oxidants used all might inactivate cyclops in some extent. According to the experimental results, chlorine dioxide, ozone, ozone/hydrogen peroxide and chloramines can be selected as effective oxidants for inactivating cyclops because of their strong inactivation abilities. Then the synergic removal effects on cyclops with ozone, ozone/hydrogen peroxide pre-oxidation followed by conventional water treatment processes were investigated. The results showed that ozone and ozone/hydrogen peroxide pre-oxidation can inactivate cyclops effectively, which then can be removed thoroughly by conventional water treatment processes. Cyclops cannot appear in water after filtration with 1.65 mg/L of ozone and 6 mg/L of hydrogen peroxide, with the inactivation rate being 62% before conventional water treatment processes. Cyclops cannot appear in water after filtration with 1.8 mg/L of ozone, with the inactivation rate being 50% before conventional water treatment processes. For different oxidants, when removal rate was the best, the inactivation rate was not the same. These results may pro- vide reference and model for actual waterworks.     

Spatial distribution of Cd and Cu in soils in Shenyang Zhangshi Irrigation Area （SZIA）, China

Heavy metal contamination of soils, derived from sewage irrigation, mining and inappropriate utilization of various agrochemicals and pesticides, and so on, has been of wide concern in the last several decades. The Shenyang Zhangshi Irrigation Area (SZIA) in China is a representative area of heavy metal contamination of soils resulting from sewage irrigation for about 30 years. This study investigated the spatial distribution and temporal variation of soil cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) contamination in the SZIA. The soil samples were collected from the SZIA in 1990 and 2004; Cd and Cu in soils was analyzed and then the spatial distribution and temporal variation of Cd and Cu in soils were modeled using Kriging methods. The results show that long-term sewage irrigation had caused serious Cd and Cu contamination in soils. The mean and the maximum of soil Cd are markedly higher than the levels in second grade standard soil (LSGSS) in China, and the maximum of soil Cu is close to the LSGSS in China in 2004 and is more than the LSGSS in China in 1990. The contamination magnitude of soil Cd and the soil extent of Cd con- tamination had evidently increased since sewage irrigation ceased in 1992. The contamination magnitude of soil Cu and the soil extent of Cu contamination had evidently increased in topsoil, but obviously decresed in subsoil. The soil contamination of Cd and Cu was mainly related to Cd and Cu reactivation of contaminated sediments in Shenyang Xi River and the import of Cd and Cu during irrigation. The eluviation of Cd and Cu in contaminated topsoil with rainfall and irrigation water was another factor of temporal-spatial variability of Cd and Cu contamination in soils.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pediococcus Acidilactici</Emphasis> Inhibit Biofilm Formation of Food-Borne Pathogens on Abiotic Surfaces

In this study, we aimed to examine the inhibitory effect of PA003, a Pediococcus acidilactici that produces lactic acid and antimicrobial peptides pediocin, on pathogenic biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces. PA003 and pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) were used to evaluate auto-aggregation, hydrophobicity, biofilm formation and biofilm formation inhibition on stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride and glass slides in terms of exclusion, displacement and competition. The results showed the highest auto-aggregation abilities were observed for one of the E. coli strains EAggEC (E58595) and the highest hydrophobic strain was observed with EPEC (E2348/69) (51.9%). The numbers of biofilm cells of E. coli, S. Typhimurium, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes on stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride and glass slide coupons were effectively reduced by approximately 4 log CFU/coupon. These results demonstrate that lactic acid bacteria can be used as an alternative to effectively control the formation of biofilms by food-borne pathogens.     

Using chloramine as a coagulant aid in enhancing coagulation of Yellow River water in China

Considering that contaminated raw water mostly contains high Ammonia-N and a majority of water treatment plants use prechlorination process in China,efficiency of chloramines as a coagulant aid in enhancing coagulation was investigated by Jar stirring and pilot-scale tests,using Yellow River water containing high concentration of natural organic matters (NOM) and bromide in winter. The jar tests results showed that,compared with no preoxidation,preformed chloramine apparently decreased the turbidity of settled and filtered water with low dosage (2.0 mg/L),and the aid-coagulation efficiency was further enhanced with the increase of chlorine (Cl2) to Ammonia-N (N) ratio. Pilot-scale studies indicated that,in comparison to the case without pre-oxidation,the turbidity removal efficiency of flotation and filtration effluent water was significantly improved,the particle counts of filtered water were decreased 63.4%,the average rate of filter head loss was reduced 18.2%,and filter run time was prolonged 15.7%. Therefore,chloramine preoxidation may substantially enhance the particle separation efficiency.     

不同环境下二氧化氯消毒剂的消毒效果及其稳定性研究

为了研究不同环境下二氧化氯的消毒效果及其稳定性,试验以大肠杆菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、枯草芽孢杆菌、白色念珠菌为测试菌株,采用菌悬液定量杀菌试验、压缩雾化法和平板计数的方法,对二氧化氯的杀菌效果进行试验。结果表明：在菌液密度为5×10^6 CFU/mL的条件下,90 mg/L的二氧化氯作用5 min,即可对测试菌株达到100%的杀灭效果。不同的pH值、温度及不同浓度有机物存在的条件下,二氧化氯同样具有极强的消毒效果。雾化的二氧化氯对空气自然菌及雾化菌液气溶胶的杀灭效果同样可以达到100%。试验表明二氧化氯作为一种高效、稳定的广谱消毒剂具有良好的杀菌效果。     

Factors affecting the formation of trihalomethanes in the presence of bromide during chloraminatlon

The effects of the concentration of dissolved total organic carbon(TOC),the TOC/Br-ratio,bromide ion levels,the chlorine to ammonia-N ratio(Cl:N),the monochloramine dose and the chlorine dose on the formation of trihalomethanes(THMs)(including chloroform,bromodichloromethane,chlorodibromomethane,and bromoform)from chlorination were investigated using aqueous humic acid(HA)solutions.The profile of the chloramine decay was also studied under various bromide ion concentrations.Monochloramine decayed in the presence of organic material and bromide ions.The percentage of chloroform and brominated THMs varied according to the TOC/Br-ratio.Total THMs(TTHMs)formation increased from 112 to 190 μg/L with the increase concentrations of bromide ions from 0.67 to 6.72 mg/L,but the chlorine-substituted THMs were replaced by bromine-substituted THMs.A strong linear correlation was obtained between the monochloramine dose and the formation of THMs for Cl:N ratios of 3:1 and 5:1.These ratios had a distinct effect on the formation of chloroform but had little impact on the formation of bromodichloromethane or chlorodibromomethane.The presence of bromide ions increased the rate of monochloramine decay.     

用于吸附Cu(Ⅱ)材料的研究进展

二价铜离子作为水体中的主要污染物之一,一直是人们研究的焦点。通过对近几年来用于吸附二价铜离子的材料研究,并对影响其吸附的主要因素进行了阐述。结果表明,天然材料(如香蕉皮、谷壳等)在此领域具有价格低廉、操作简单的优势,极具开发前景。     

吡啶-2-羧酸铜的合成及在光促进溴代烃羰基化反应中催化性能研究

本文合成了Cu(P ic)2(吡啶-2-羧酸铜),用红外光谱进行表征;研究了光促进下,以Cu(P ic)2为催化剂,1-溴辛烷、溴代十二烷、溴代环己烷为底物与CO的羰基化反应,结果表明,Cu(P ic)2对光促进溴代烃的羰基化反应具有良好的催化作用.     

Self-desiccation mechanism of high-performance concrete

Investigations on the effects of W/C ratio and silica fume on the autogenous shrinkage and internal relativehumidity of high performance concrete (HPC), and analysis of the self-desiccation mechanisms of HPC showed that the autogenous shrinkage and internal relative humidity of HPC increases and decreases with the reduction of W/C respectively; and that these phenomena were amplified by the addition of silica fume. Theoretical analyses indicated that the reduction of RH in HPC was not due to shortage of water, but due to the fact that the evaporable water in HPC was not evaporated freely.The reduction of internal relative humidity or the so-called self-desiccation of HPC was chiefly caused by the increase in mole concentration of soluble ions in HPC and the reduction of pore size or the increase in the fraction of micro-pore water in the total evaporable water (Tr/Tte ratio).     

Performance of PAHs emission from bituminous coal combustion

Carcinogenic and mutagenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) generated in coal combustion have caused great environmental health concern. Seventeen PAHs (16 high priority PAHs recommended by USEPA plus Benzo[e]pyrene) present in five raw bituminous coals and released during bituminous coal combustion were studied. The effects of combustion temperature, gas atmosphere, and chlorine content of raw coal on PAHs formation were investigated. Two additives (copper and cupric oxide) were added when the coal was burned. The results indicated that significant quantities of PAHs were produced from incomplete combustion of coal pyrolysis products at high temperature, and that temperature is an important causative factor of PAHs formation. PAHs concentrations decrease with the increase of chlorine content in oxygen or in nitrogen atmosphere. Copper and cupric oxide additives can promote PAHs formation (especially the multi-ring PAHs) during coal combustion.     

Performance of PAHs emission from bituminous coal combustion

Carcinogenic and mutagenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) generated in coal combustion have caused great environmental health concern. Seventeen PAHs (16 high priority PAHs recommended by USEPA plus Benzo[e]pyrene) present in five raw bituminous coals and released during bituminous coal combustion were studied. The effects of combustion temperature, gas atmosphere, and chlorine content of raw coal on PAHs formation were investigated. Two additives (copper and cupric oxide) were added when the coal was burned. The results indicated that significant quantities of PAHs were produced from incomplete combustion of coal pyrolysis products at high temperature, and that temperature is an important causative factor of PAHs formation. PAHs concentrations decrease with the increase of chlorine content in oxygen or in nitrogen atmosphere. Copper and cupric oxide additives can promote PAHs formation (especially the multi-ring PAHs) during coal combustion.     

Effect of flushing on the detachment of biofilms attached to the walls of metal pipes in water distribution systems

Biofilm detachment caused by flushing can result in secondary contamination in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs). To evaluate the impact of flushing on biofilm detachment, actual water supply pipes including ductile cast iron pipes (DCIPs), gray cast iron pipes (GCIPs), and stainless steel compound pipes (SSCPs) were used in this study. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and 454 pyrosequencing were used to quantify bacteria and analyse microbial community composition, respectively. The results showed that the pipe material greatly influences the resistance of a biofilm to flushing. Biofilms attached to DCIPs were able to resist quite strong flushing, while those attached to GCIPs and SSCPs were sensitive to flushing. Both flush-resistant and flush-sensitive bacteria were present in all the biofilms, but their frequency differed among the different metal pipes. Thus, the resistance to flushing of bacteria is related not only to the nature of the bacteria, but also to the pipe material. Although flushing can remove some of the biofilm and may be a good way to clean the DWDS, the shear stress needed to remove the biofilm differs among different pipe types. The results of this study provide technical support for the management and operation of DWDS.     

Sulphate attack resistance of high-performance concrete under compressive loading

In this paper, an experimental study on the sulphate attack resistance of high-performance concrete (HPC) with two different water-to-binder ratios (w/b) under compressive loading is presented. The sulphate concentration, compressive strength, and the mass change in the HPC specimens were determined for immersion in a Na₂SO₄ solution over different durations under external compressive loading by self-regulating loading equipment. The effects of the compressive stress, the w/b ratio, and the Na₂SO₄ solution concentration on the HPC sulphate attack resistance under compressive loading were analysed. The results showed that the HPC sulphate attack resistance under compressive loading was closely related to the stress level, the w/b ratio, and the Na₂SO₄ solution concentration. Applying a 0.3 stress ratio for the compressive loading or reducing the w/b ratio clearly improved the HPC sulphate attack resistance, whereas applying a 0.6 stress ratio for the compressive loading or exposing the HPC to a more concentrated Na₂SO₄ solution accelerated the sulphate attack and HPC deterioration.     

Factors influencing the formation of chlorination brominated trihalomethanes in drinking water

The formation of brominated trihalomethanes （THMs-Br） which is proved more carcinogenic than their chlorinated analogues reported was very different at various water qualities. This study was performed to assess the effects of water quality parameters （bromide concentration, pH value and ammonia concentration）, chlorination conditions （chlorine dose, reaction time） and ratios of Br^-/DOC and Br^-/Cl2 consumption on the formation and distribution of THMs-Br in chlorination. The results showed good correlation between the bromine incorporation factor （BIF） n（Br） and Br^-/Cl2 consumption ratio. The formation of total THM （TTHM） was found to＇ decrease with increasing ammonia concentration but to increase with bromide concentration and pH value. The n（Br） trends were significantly affected by the presence of bromide concentration. The effects on the molar yields of THMs were more strongly influenced by bromide concentration and dissolved organic carbon （DOC） concentration than pH value and natural organic matter （NOM） source. High Br^-/DOC and Br^-/Cl2 favor the formation of THMs-Br over chlorinated THMs （THMs-Cl）. The experimental data including the main parameters such as bromide, DOC, ammonia, pH and reaction time were used for developing the predictive model for THMs-Br.     

Manganese removal from the Qiantang River source water by pre-oxidation: A case study

We evaluated several different pre-oxidation treatments, namely the introduction of either potassium permanganate （KMnO4）, chlorine （Cl2）, or both to remove manganese （Mn） from the Qiantang River source water. Our results showed that Mn removal percentages were 12.7%, 71.0%, 17.4% and 58.7% when none of the oxidants, KMnO4 only, Cl2 only, or both oxidants were added, respectively. Furthermore, a field study showed that when the available Mn concentration in the source water was 0.14 mg/L, it could be reduced to less than 0.05 mg/L when a solution of KMnO4 （0.47 mg/L） was added as the oxidant.     

水、土、生物样品中铜的Cu(DDTC)_2一次萃取分光光度测定

本文报道了我们对铜的Cu(DDTC)_2一次萃取分光光度法的研究.确定了适当的测定条件及方法的选择性,提出了水、土、生物样品的测定方法.我们发现,它较一般的铜的Cu(DDTC)_2二次萃取光度法显著简便、快速、灵敏、精确、试剂节约、环境污染少.     

Self-desiccation mechanism of high-performance concrete

Investigations on the effects of W/C ratio and silica fume on the autogenous shrinkage and internal relative humidity of high performance concrete (HPC), and analysis of the self-desiccation mechanisms of HPC showed that the autogenous shrinkage and internal relative humidity of HPC increases and decreases with the reduction of W/C respectively; and that these phenomena were amplified by the addition of silica fume. Theoretical analyses indicated that the reduction of RH in HPC was not due to shortage of water, but due to the fact that the evaporable water in HPC was not evaporated freely. The reduction of internal relative humidity or the so-called self-desiccation of HPC was chiefly caused by the increase in mole concentration of soluble ions in HPC and the reduction of pore size or the increase in the fraction of micro-pore water in the total evaporable water (Tr/Tte ratio).     

A pilot study on using chlorine dioxide gas for disinfection of gastrointestinal endoscopes

Objectives

This pilot study of employing chlorine dioxide (CD) gas to disinfect gastrointestinal endoscopes was conducted to meet the expectations of many endoscopy units in China for a high-efficiency and low-cost disinfectant.

Methods

An experimental prototype with an active circulation mode was designed to use CD gas to disinfect gastrointestinal endoscopes. One type of testing device composed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubes (2 m long, inner diameter 1 mm) and bacterial carrier containers was used to simulate the channel of the endoscope. PTFE bacterial carriers inoculated with Bacillus atrophaeus with or without organic burden were used to evaluate the sporicidal activity of CD gas. Factors including exposure dosage, relative humidity (RH), and flow rate (FR) influencing the disinfection effect of CD gas were investigated. Moreover, an autoptic disinfecting test on eight real gastrointestinal endoscopes after clinical use was performed using the experimental prototype.

Results

RH, exposure dosage, organic burden, and the FR through the channel significantly (P<0.05) affected the disinfection efficacy of CD gas for a long and narrow lumen. The log reduction increased as FR decreased. Treatment with 4 mg/L CD gas for 30 min at 0.8 L/min FR and 75% RH, resulted in complete inactivation of spores. Furthermore, all eight endoscopes with a maximum colony-forming unit of 915 were completely disinfected. The cost was only 3 CNY (0.46 USD) for each endoscope.

Conclusions

The methods and results reported in this study could provide a basis for further studies on using CD gas for the disinfection of endoscopes.

     

新显色剂PDPC与Co(Ⅱ)显色反应的研究

本文研究了哌啶荒酸哌淀 (PDPC)与Co(Ⅱ )最佳显色反应的条件 ,在 pH =5 .5的条件下 ,Co(Ⅱ )与PDPC形成稳定的黄色络合物 ,络合物组成比为M∶R =1∶2 ,可见光区最大吸收波长λmax=4 0 0nm ,表现摩尔吸光系数ε=2 .2 9× 10 4L·mol- 1·cm- 1.该体系显色速度快 ,稳定性好 .应用拟定方法测定合成水样中Co(Ⅱ )含量 ,结果满意 .