bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of Sampling Frequency for Detecting Temporal Patterns during Environmental Effects Monitoring
Authors: Lowell Richard B. , Culp Joseph M.
Published: May 2018

To estimate the effects of sampling frequency on detecting temporal patterns during environmental effects monitoring, we used multivariate analyses and data subsampling to investigate long-term (spanning 20 years) patterns in benthic invertebrate community structure downriver of a large pulp mill in southern British Columbia. Patterns in invertebrate abundance sampled yearly were related to long-term patterns in several physicochemical variables measured in the river using multidimensional scaling ordination. The only available physicochemical variables that were significantly correlated with invertebrate community structure over the 20-year period were the mill outputs of total phosphorus and suspended solids, and these were associated with increased abundances of five families of mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies. To evaluate the implications of sampling on a more coarse (than yearly) time scale, the full data set spanning 20 years was subsampled to produce a series of smaller data sets, each simulating a sampling frequency of once every three years. Ordination of the subsample data sets showed that an average of 71% of the important taxa and 50% of the important physicochemical variables highlighted in the full analysis were missed in the subset analyses. These results underscore the importance of ensuring adequate temporal replication of sampling effort when a major goal is to directly measure or test for temporal patterns of stressor impacts.
Follow-up Studies Addressing Questions Identified During Cycle 1 of the Adult Fish Survey of the Pulp and Paper EEM Program
Authors: McMaster Mark E. , Frank Melinda , Munkittrick Kelly , Riffon Renée , Wood Craig
Published: May 2018

The Canadian federal government instituted an environment effects monitoring (EEM) program for the pulp and paper industry to ensure the long-term integrity of fish populations below the discharge of mill effluents. The program is cyclical in nature (every three to four years) and one of the components of the program is an adult fish survey which monitors wild fish health in the receiving environments. Cycle 1 reports were submitted in April of 1996, and the report for the James Maclaren Inc. mill at Thurso, Quebec, suggested some responses were evident in fish downstream of the mill discharge. However, the receiving environment was subject to inputs from other potential sources or confounding factors such as farm runoff, storm sewers, municipal discharges and and upstream paper mills. A review of other Cycle 1 studies also identified a number of problems encountered during the adult fish surveys. At this time, Maclaren researchers and Environment Canada set up a collaborative research project as part of their Cycle 2 studies at the Thurso site. Objectives of the study included a comparison of Cycle 2 results to their Cycle 1 studies, an assessment of the potential for the use of forage fish in the EEM program as well as an evaluation of reference site variability in the required EEM fish parameters. Collections in 1997 confirmed an increased male yellow perch liver size downstream of the discharge, but could not confirm reproductive alterations in exposed fish. It was possible to obtain all of the required EEM fish parameters from a small forage fish species such as the johnny darter, which may reduce the influence of fish mobility and other confounding factors on fish responses at some sites. Reference site variability was not a contributing factor in evaluating fish responses to effluent sources at this site.
Artificial Streams for Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM): Development and Application in Canada over the Past Decade
Authors: Dubé Monique G. , Culp Joseph M. , Cash Kevin J. , Glozier Nancy E. , MacLatchy Deborah L. , Podemski Cheryl L. , Lowell Richard B.
Published: May 2018

Development of artificial stream systems has been an on-going research effort in Canada over the past decade. At the National Water Research Institute (NWRI) of Environment Canada, artificial stream systems have been developed to assess the effects of point source effluents on aquatic biota. Initial applications (1990–1994) focused on assessing the effects of pulp mill effluents on benthic invertebrate and algae communities in large western Canadian rivers. Artificial streams were then used to assess the effects of pulp mill effluents on fish in marine and estuarine environments in eastern Canada (1997–1999). Most recently (2000–2001) artificial stream systems have been developed as tools to evaluate the effects of mining effluents on fish and benthic invertebrates. In addition, multi-trophic level (algae + benthic invertebrate + fish) applications have been developed for cumulative effects bioassessment. Based upon this culmination of research and development, artificial stream systems have been incorporated into the federally legislated Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) program as an alternative to field surveys for assessment of pulp and paper and mining pollution. The Canadian experience in development of artificial stream systems should serve as a model to demonstrate how research tools can be incorporated into federally legislated monitoring programs.
Integrated Environmental Assessment of BKME Discharged to a Mediterranean River
Authors: Ferreira Rosa C.F. , Graça Manuel A.S. , Craveiro Sandra , Santos Lilia M.A. , Culp Joseph M.
Published: May 2018

The Mediterranean climate of Central Portugal produces a bimodal precipitation pattern such that effluent dilution is high during the winter rainy period and low in summer. An integrated assessment strategy was used to investigate the effect of this seasonally distinct flow regime on the environmental effects of a largely eucalyptus-derived, bleached kraft mill effluent (BKME) that receives secondary treatment before discharge to the Vouga River. The assessment included the triad of various water chemistry measurements, laboratory bioassays, and field surveys of benthic invertebrate and periphytic diatoms. The BKME discharge increased water temperature, pH, colour, suspended solids, conductivity, chemical oxygen demand, plant nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and AOX content in the downstream receiving waters during both seasons. However, differences were much more pronounced in summer during the natural low flow period. Ecotoxicity tests revealed a significant effluent effect only in summer. Attached diatoms exhibited reduced species diversity at effluent-affected sites only in summer. Invertebrate densities and diversity were reduced downstream of the effluent in both seasons, but more so in summer. The effluent discharge often increased downstream water temperature by 10 to 15°C, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 30 to 35°C.
Non-Lethal Sampling Methods for Assessing Environmental Impacts Using a Small-Bodied Sentinel Fish Species
Authors: Gray Michelle A. , Curry Allen R. , Munkittrick Kelly R.
Published: May 2018

Under the Canadian Fisheries Act, pulp and paper mills and metal mines must conduct a cyclical monitoring program for potential environmental effects that includes a fish survey. Study designs for the fish survey have been evolving over the past few years, and there has been increased emphasis on the use of small-bodied fish species. Increasing concerns about the potential impacts of sampling programs on the fish populations in smaller receiving waters have led us to develop non-lethal sampling methodologies that will satisfy the information requirements for the environmental effects monitoring program. This manuscript outlines the use of a non-lethal sampling program to collect information on age distributions, growth rates, reproductive performance and fish condition in populations of slimy sculpin inhabiting forested and agricultural sections of a small New Brunswick river.
Overview of the Metal Mining Environmental Effects Monitoring Program
Authors: Dumaresq Charles , Hedley Kathleen , Michelutti Robert
Published: May 2018

The amended Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER), will include a requirement for mines to conduct Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) under the authority of the Fisheries Act. The EEM program will determine if mine effluent is having an effect on fish, fish habitat and the use of fisheries resources. The metal mining EEM program strives to balance site-specific requirements with the need for national consistency. The program uses a tiered approach to monitoring, where the results of previous monitoring determine the frequency and extent of monitoring subsequently required. The frequency and extent will therefore vary depending on whether there are observed effects.
Assessing Metal Mine Effects using Benthic Invertebrates for Canada's Environmental Effects Program
Authors: Glozier Nancy E. , Culp Joseph M. , Reynoldson Trefor B. , Bailey Robert C. , Lowell Richard B. , Trudel Lise
Published: May 2018

In Canada, the Metal Mining Effluent Regulation is a mechanism developed from the Fisheries Act (R.S., c. F-14, s.1) under which the effects of mine effluent on fish and fish habitat (i.e., benthic invertebrate communities) is determined by Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) studies. The Metal Mining EEM (MM EEM) program proceeds in a tiered manner, commencing with determining whether an effect is present and continuing with determining extent, magnitude and cause of the effect. The benthic invertebrate monitoring component of the MM EEM program includes consideration of study design elements such as confounding factors, monitoring frequency, statistical study design, appropriate community endpoints and standardized approaches to site descriptions, field and laboratory methods and data interpretation. We present the approaches and rationale recently adopted for the benthic component of Canada's Metal Mining EEM program. A primary objective of this program was to outline a consistent national program that was scientifically defensible and that would produce the necessary information to evaluate the effectiveness of current pollution regulations.
Monitoring Sublethal Toxicity in Effluent Under the Metal Mining EEM Program
Authors: Scroggins Richard , van Aggelen Graham , Schroeder Julie
Published: May 2018

The second national application of environmental effects monitoring (EEM) in Canada will be under the amended Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER). Under the EEM program, sublethal toxicity testing will be included in a suite of complementary tools to assess whether fish populations, fish habitat, and use of the fisheries resource, are protected in water bodies receiving mining effluent. The rationale for including sublethal toxicity tests was provided by an extensive literature review during the Aquatic Effects Technology Evaluation (AETE) program that showed 84% agreement between sublethal toxicity test results and observed impacts on receiving water. In addition, laboratory testing during the AETE program identified tests which would be the most cost effective and efficient in assessing mining effluent toxicity. Based on the findings of the AETE program, the multistakeholder EEM Metal Mining Working Group and its Toxicology Subgroup selected tests on fish, invertebrates, algae and an aquatic plant species, and developed consensus recommendations on the minimum requirements for sublethal toxicity testing and technical guidance on how to implement the recommended monitoring. The rationale for method selection and application of test results, and general testing requirements are discussed.
Plantago psyllium-Grafted-Polyacrylonitrile—Synthesis, Characterization and Its Use in Suspended and Dissolved Solid Removal from Textile Effluent
Authors: Srinivasan Rajani , Agarwal Monika , Mishra Anuradha
Published: May 2018

Grafted copolymer of Plantago psyllium mucilage and acrylonitrile has been synthesized in the presence of nitrogen using ceric ion-nitric acid redox system. P. psyllium-grafted-polyacrylonitrile (PSY-g-PAN) was characterized by IR spectroscopy and tested for its flocculation efficiency in textile effluent by the standard jar test method. The effects of polymer dose, pH and contact time on the removal of solid waste from textile effluent is reported. The optimum dose was found to be 1.6 mg/L, at which a maximum solid removal of 94% suspended solid (SS) and 80% total dissolved solid (TDS) was seen. The most suitable pH was acidic (pH 4.0) and neutral (pH 7.0), for SS and TDS removal, respectively. The optimum treatment duration was 1 hour. X-ray analysis of PSY-g-PAN and solid waste from effluent before and after treatment suggests the interaction of the solid waste with the PSY-g-PAN copolymer.
Cocoa Shells as Adsorbent for Metal Recovery from Acid Effluent
Authors: Fiset Jean F. , Tyagi Rajeshwar D. , Blais Jean-François
Published: May 2018

Cocoa shells are commonly used in the horticulture field. This inexpensive substrate was studied for metal removal from acidic effluents. Batch adsorption tests in shake flasks revealed that cocoa shells were particularly efficient for lead removal. More than 90% of lead could be removed from a mono-metallic solution containing 51.8 mg Pb/L (250 µM Pb) using 20 g/L of cocoa shells. Langmuir isotherm indicated that cocoa shells have a maximum lead uptake of 7.56 mg/g (36.5 µmol/g) at pH = 2.0. Adsorption tests were also successfully completed with three types of heavily contaminated acid effluents: a multi-element synthetic solution and effluents produced during sewage sludge and soil decontamination. These tests have shown that the presence of other metals and organic matter only slightly decreases the lead removal by cocoa shells. After adsorption, metals could be eluted using a diluted acid solution (0.5 N) and the cocoa shells could be reused for many adsorption/desorption cycles.
Removal of Oxygen Demand and Acute Toxicity during Batch Biological Treatment of a Petroleum Refinery Effluent
Authors: Sarathy Brihas P. , Hoy Preston M. , Duff Sheldon J.B.
Published: May 2018

A survey of the process streams at an operating petroleum refinery showed that desalting water from the crude and splitter units had the highest concentrations of pollutants, and accounted for approximately one-third of the BOD and COD of the combined effluent. Combined effluent (234 ± 62 mg BOD/L, 510 ± 0 mg COD/L, and Microtox EC50 4.9 ± 0.4%) was treated using a laboratory-scale batch biological reactor. Ninety-three percent of BOD and 77% of COD were removed over the first 24 hours of biological treatment. Acute (Microtox) toxicity was reduced in two discrete stages; the first coinciding with BOD and COD removal and the second stage occurring after BOD and COD had been removed. A final EC50 value of 27.8% was achieved in batch tests. The two stages of toxicity removal correspond quantitatively to the toxicity removal observed during secondary and tertiary biological treatment at the petroleum refinery's full-scale wastewater treatment plant.
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Industrial Wastewater Samples in Toronto, Ontario
Authors: Lee Hing-Biu , Peart Thomas E. , Gris Greg , Chan Jack
Published: May 2018

The occurrence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), nonylphenol (NP) and its ethoxylates (NPEO) in wastewater generated in the Toronto area has been studied. In all, 97 samples from 40 facilities in ten different industry classes have been collected and analyzed. Widely divergent concentrations have been observed in these samples. They ranged from <0.01 to 195 µg/L for OP, from <0.1 to 253 µg/L for NP, from <2 to 117,570 µg/L for NPEO, and from <0.01 to 149 µg/L for BPA. The results show that the concentrations of NP and NPEO in these samples generally exceeded City of Toronto By-law (No. 457-2000) limits. The results also suggest that detergents based on NPEO are still extensively used by the commercial laundries, and also by the textile products and clothing industries. These facilities, together with several sources in the chemical and chemical products industries and the fabricated metal products industries are believed to be the major sources of NP and NPEO input into the sewer system in Toronto. In addition to the two facilities in the chemicals and chemical products sector, several commercial laundries also had significant on-site releases of BPA. Except for those collected from three facilities in the chemicals and chemical products industries, the levels of OP in these samples were generally low. Many industries in the Toronto area would have to take drastic actions to reduce releases of NPEO and NP if full compliance with the most recent City By-law regarding wastewater quality were to be achieved.
Induction of Vitellogenin and Histological Effects in Wild Fathead Minnows from a Lake Experimentally Treated with the Synthetic Estrogen, Ethynylestradiol
Authors: Palace Vince P. , Evans Robert E. , Wautier Kerry , Baron Christopher , Vandenbyllardt Lenore , Vandersteen Wendy , Kidd Karen
Published: May 2018

Potential effects of exposure to contaminants with estrogenic activity are currently being examined in fish from a lake experimentally treated with the synthetic estrogen, ethynylestradiol (EE2). EE2 was added to Lake 260, a small Precambrian shield lake in the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) of northwestern Ontario, from late May to October 2001. Concentrations of EE2 in epilimnetic waters ranged between 4.0 and 8.1 ng/L, with a mean (±SD) of 6.0 ± 2.8 ng/L. Male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) captured from Lake 260 after EE2 additions began contained 9000-fold higher concentrations of the egg yolk precursor vitellogenin (VTG), than were detected in fish captured from the same lake prior to the EE2 additions, or when compared to fatheads from reference lakes during the same sample period. VTG in females was induced 8- to 80-fold and was sustained beyond the normal window of vitellogenesis in Lake 260. Histological examination of tissues from EE2-exposed male fatheads in Lake 260 showed widespread fibrosis and inhibition of testicular development. Enlargement of liver cells, edema in the interstitium between kidney tubules, and eosinophilic deposits in the kidney tubule lumen were also evident in male fatheads from Lake 260. Further studies will examine the relationships between biochemical and histological alterations and population level effects.
Organic Contaminants in Canadian Municipal Sewage Sludge. Part I. Toxic or Endocrine-Disrupting Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Lee Hing-Biu , Peart Thomas E.
Published: May 2018

The occurrence of toxic or endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEO), 4-nonylphenol (NP), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan (TCS), pentachlorophenol (PCP), hexachlorophene (HCP), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) in 35 sewage sludge samples collected from cities across Canada is documented. Samples were extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide and the phenols were converted into their acetyl derivatives using published methods. The ethoxylates were analyzed by HPLC with a fluorescence detector. The other extracts, after silica gel column cleanup, were analyzed by GC/MS in either the electron impact or negative-ion chemical ionization mode. With minor exceptions, the above-mentioned compounds were present in all samples. The levels of these contaminants varied widely in the samples. The more abundant chemicals were NP as well as its mono- and di-ethoxylates, with median concentrations of 232, 69.4, and 26.4 µg/g (dry weight), respectively. Triclosan, a common antibacterial agent, BPA, and HCP were also ubiquitous in the sludge samples, with median concentrations of 12.5, 0.45, and 0.37 µg/g, respectively. Also present, albeit at much lower concentrations, were PCP and TBBPA, with median concentrations of 27.7 and 12.4 ng/g, respectively. Except for the last two compounds, all the chemicals are components or additives in various formulations of household and industrial detergents and personal care products. The potential risk of these toxic chemicals reaching the aquatic environment as a result of land spreading of sewage sludge should be investigated.
Waterborne 17α-Ethynylestradiol Affects Aggressive Behaviour of Male Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas) under Artificial Spawning Conditions
Authors: Majewski Andrew R. , Blanchfield Paul J. , Palace Vince P. , Wautier Kerry
Published: May 2018

Among fishes, courtship behaviour and nesting defense are strong predictors of reproductive success. We conducted three experiments to assess the impacts of exposure to 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) on the ability of male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to establish and defend a spawning territory. Fish were exposed to EE2 (2 or 8 ng L-1) for 27 days, while spawning conditions were gradually optimized. Control (ethanol only) males (C) were paired with treated males (L = low dose, H = high dose) (experiment 1) or individuals from their own treatment group (experiment 2) in competition for a nest site. Solitary males occupied a nest site prior to adding a second male from the same treatment group in experiment 3. Behaviour was quantified from video records. Exposure to EE2 impaired a male's ability to compete and acquire territories compared to unexposed individuals (experiment 1), but was similar when males were paired with like-treated conspecifics (experiments 2 and 3). Higher levels of overall aggression (aggression rates of both fish) occurred in Cvs.L and Cvs.H than Cvs.C trials (experiment 1). Induction of vitellogenin was significantly higher in exposed fish relative to controls.
Sustainable Water Conservation and Wastewater Reuse in a Palm Oil Mill: A Case Study in Southern Thailand
Authors: Leong Shing Tet , Muttamara Samorn , Laortanakul Preecha
Published: May 2018

The palm oil industry is one of the major agro-industries in Southern Thailand. It requires a large amount of water for its operation and discharges considerable quantities of wastewater. This creates a serious threat to the environment and sources of potable water. This study proposes recommendations for water conservation and reuse and improvement of wastewater treatment facilities to overcome these problems.

In order to attain the highest reduction of all problems, waste minimization is introduced as the most effective solution. Changing behaviour in housekeeping can reduce water usage. An upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) process coupled with an activated sludge plant is recommended to upgrade the wastewater treatment system. For water reuse purposes, a rock bed filtration unit is recommended to treat effluent of the treatment plant.

The overall water balance of the palm oil mill suggests that water reuse of 322 m3/d will reduce raw water consumption by 27.66% and achieve a 23% reduction in the water discharged to the river.
Note technique – Cuivre, plomb, fer et manganèse dans le bassin versant du Sebou ; Sources d'apport et impact sur la qualité des eaux de surface
Authors: Azzaoui Samira , Hanbali Mohammed El , Leblanc Marc
Published: May 2018

Des échantillons d'eau et de matières en suspension (MES) ont été prélevés le long du Sebou et de ses affluents. Les résultats d'analyse effectuées aussi bien sur la phase dissoute que sur la phase particulaire ont permis de mettre en relief l'important degré de pollution par Cu (0.25 mg de Cu dissous/L, 0.55 mg de Cu particulaire/g), Pb (0.23 mg/L, 0.35 mg/g), Fe (27 mg/L, 50 mg/g) et Mn (2.5 mg/L, 1 mg/g) dont souffre le bassin. Ces résultats ont mis en évidence l'importante contribution des sources anthropiques (industrie, agriculture, décharges). La comparaison des teneurs en Fe et Mn avec les normes marocaines qualifie les eaux du bassin de non favorable à l'irrigation alors que celles en Pb et Cu sont inférieures aux normes. De même, les concentrations en Fe, Mn et surtout Pb montrent que les eaux du bassin, dans la majorité des secteurs, sont non aptes à la production de l'eau potable.
Technical Note — The Use of a Very Large Constructed Sub-Surface Flow Wetland to Treat Glycol-Contaminated Stormwater from Aircraft De-Icing Operations
Authors: Higgins James , Maclean Michael
Published: May 2018

All of the pollutants found in stormwater runoff at airports, including surface and aircraft de-icing/anti-icing glycols, can be treated and removed to low levels in well-designed sub-surface flow (SSF) constructed wetland systems. There are two common forms of constructed wetlands used for pollution control: those where water flows over the surface among wetland plants (free water surface or marsh type wetlands); and SSF types where the wastewater flows below the normally dry surface of a gravel substrate in which the wetland plants grow. SSF wetlands have no open water to attract waterfowl and are particularly suitable for use at airports.

Of the glycol used at Edmonton International Airport (EIA), 80 to 90% eventually entered surface runoff. Edmonton International Airport's operator, the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority (Edmonton Airports) evaluated a number of glycol management options, including constructed wetlands. As a result, a very large SSF wetland system was installed to handle glycol-contaminated stormwater. This paper reviews results of a feasibility study carried out to define design parameters and scale up kinetics for this wetland system, the detailed design that resulted, the SSF wetland's construction, and the start-up of the Edmonton facilities in August of 2000. It also compares the Edmonton wetland system with a similar facility at Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom.
Sources and Persistence of Fecal Coliform Bacteria in a Rural Watershed
Authors: Jamieson Rob C. , Gordon Robert J. , Tattrie Steven C. , Stratton Glenn W.
Published: May 2018

Water quality within the Thomas Brook watershed, which is a small catchment located in the headwaters of the Cornwallis River drainage basin, was assessed through an integrated monitoring program. The Thomas Brook watershed is approximately 1000 ha and is characterized by both agricultural and residential land uses. Fecal coliform concentrations and stream flow were monitored at several points throughout the watershed during an eight-month period (May to December, 2001). Thomas Brook was seriously degraded with respect to microbial water quality. Fecal coliform levels frequently exceeded recreational water quality guidelines. At the watershed outlet, 94% of the collected samples exceeded the recreational water quality guideline during low flow conditions. Substantial bacterial loading was observed along stream reaches impacted by livestock operations. Bacterial loading was also observed along a stream reach that was not impacted by agricultural activities. A dense clustering of residences, using on-site septic systems, was the suspected source. Results from this study indicate the presence of a reservoir of fecal microorganisms within the stream sediments. The release of fecal microorganisms from the stream sediments to the water column during both low and high flow conditions could be a major source of bacterial loading.
Mass Appearance of Cyanobacterium Planktothrix rubescens in Lake Piaseczno, Poland
Authors: Krupa Danuta , Czernaś Krzysztof
Published: May 2018

In 1989, Lake Piaseczno, Poland, exhibited a mass appearance of Planktothrix rubescens. During this time the pelagic and littoral areas exhibited significant increases in areal primary production (400 and 41 mg C m-2 h-1, respectively), chlorophyll α (100 and 6.9 mg m-2, respectively) and assimilation number (4 and 5.9 mg C m-2 h-1/mg chlα m-2, respectively). After the water bloom subsided, a reduction of dissolved oxygen concentration (down to 1.5 mg L-1) and high water temperature (10.2°C) in the offshore bottom zone was observed. While from 1991 to 1996, the primary production, chlorophyll α concentration and assimilation number values were decreasing, they were significantly higher than the values reported in 1986, prior to the mass cyanobacteria appearance. An indirect correlation with ion levels indicated that the outbreak of the cyanobacteria was linked with inflow of nutrients from the catchment area. The dramatic changes in the range and variability of the phytoplankton density indicate that the recent eutrophication of the lake has had profound effects on the structure and productivity of the aquatic community.
The Application and Suitability of Microbiological Tests for Fecal Bacteria in Pulp Mill Effluents: A Review
Authors: Tamplin Mark L.
Published: May 2018

Tests for fecal (thermotolerant) and total coliforms applied to drinking and recreational waters are convenient but not necessarily accurate indicators of the presence of pathogens originating from the intestines of warm-blooded animals. These tests may be inappropriate for analyses of complex industrial effluents such as pulp mill effluents, which may contain bacteria that yield a positive result in fecal and total coliform tests, even though no fecal source exists. Consequently, other more specific indicators for the presence of potential pathogens are needed. In cases where the sources of, or validity of, fecal responses are problematic, the direct examination of pathogens, and/or the use of new source-tracking techniques, such as DNA fingerprinting, may be better approaches for protecting public health.
An Assessment of Long-Term Monitoring Data for Constructed Wetlands for Urban Highway Runoff Control
Authors: Farrell Aaron C. , Scheckenberger Ronald B.
Published: May 2018

Constructed wetlands have gained acceptance as a means of treating stormwater runoff from urban developments. Much of the available data regarding the performance of these facilities is based upon monitoring conducted over the course of less than two years, and as such inherently assumes that the period of analysis represents the “typical” or “design” conditions under which these facilities are intended to operate. While this information has provided guidance regarding the mechanisms by which wetlands provide quality treatment of urban runoff, it does not fully reflect the variability of conditions under which the facilities operate over the fullness of time, which is of particular concern to designers and operators.

The construction of the Dartnall Road Interchange, as part of Hamilton's Lincoln Alexander Parkway, required a monitoring program—which included five years of water quality sampling—as a condition of approval by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. This paper reports on the quantitative and qualitative wetland water quality monitoring data (sediment, nutrients, metals) obtained over the course of a total seven-year program, and provides information regarding the operating conditions and estimates on contaminant removal efficiencies from the facilities.
Windsor Combined Sewer Overflow Treatability Study with Chemical Coagulation
Authors: Li JianGuo , Dhanvantari Samir , Averill David , Biswas Nihar
Published: May 2018

Long column settling and jar tests were undertaken as part of a treatability study of combined sewage at the Lou Romano Water Reclamation Plant (LRWRP) in Windsor, Ontario. Different types of cationic polymers were examined in jar tests, and the appropriate dosage and its relationship with the TSS removal were determined for the polymer coagulation process. Settling column tests were used to develop settling rate distribution curves under both chemically aided and unaided conditions, and to examine the performance of polymer coagulation in improving the settleability of wet-weather sewage during CSO events. The results of the long column settling tests for settling rate distributions show that the characteristics of the wet-weather sewage at the LRWRP during CSO events were similar to those of samples collected at actual overflow sites along the Windsor Riverfront. Settling rate distributions demonstrated that polymer addition to the wet-weather sewage significantly improved the settling characteristics.
Removal of Dyes from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption on Chrome-Tanned Solid Wastes Generated in the Leather Industry
Authors: Tahiri Soufiane , Messaoudi Ali , Albizane Abderrahman , Azzi Mohamed , Bouhria Mohamed , Younssi Saad Alami , Bennazha Jamal , Mabrour Jamal
Published: May 2018

In this work, the ability of chrome shavings and of crust leather buffing dusts to remove dyes from aqueous solutions has been studied. Buffing dusts proved to be a much better adsorbent than chrome shavings for cationic dyes. The adsorption of anionic dyes is very important on two studied wastes. The pH has an obvious influence on the adsorption of dyes. Adsorption of cationic dyes is less favourable under acidic conditions (pH <3.5) and at high pH values (pH >10.5). The adsorption of anionic dyes on both adsorbents is more favourable under acidic conditions (pH <3). The adsorption on chrome shavings is improved by the use of finer particles. The kinetic adsorption was also studied. Adsorption isotherms, at the optimum operating conditions, were determined. Adsorption follows the Langmuir model. The isotherm parameters have been calculated. The column technique could be applied to treat significant volumes of solutions.
Assessment of Stormwater Retention Basin Water Quality in Winnipeg, Canada
Authors: Wakelin Sarah C. , Elefsiniotis Panagiotis , Wareham David G.
Published: May 2018

The water quality behaviour of 58 stormwater retention basins in Winnipeg, Canada, was intensively studied during a 5-month summer period (May to September). Dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, turbidity, transparency and depth were measured onsite. Samples analyzed in the laboratory included: total suspended solids (TSS), pH, chlorophyll α, fecal coliforms (FC), total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonia, nitrate, total phosphorus (TP) and orthophosphate. Results showed that increases in TSS and turbidity resulted from increased chlorophyll α concentrations associated with algal growth. TKN increases were partly the result of nitrogen incorporation into proteinaceous material in the algal cells. Ammonia concentrations showed a maximum attributed to chemoheterotrophic degradation of dead biomass. Orthophosphate made up 30% to 50% of the total phosphorus present and the two followed the same general trends. Temperature increased and then decreased over the summer months with no apparent thermal stratification. After starting the summer with no dissolved oxygen gradient between top and bottom, depletion of the dissolved oxygen at the bottom of the basins during the latter half of the summer was attributed to chemoheterotrophic degradation of dead biomass. Finally, substantial counts of fecal coliform bacteria occurred in the basins in response to Canada geese migration.
Nitrate and Phosphate Removal by Co-immobilized Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Activated Sludge at Different pH Values
Authors: Huang Guolan , Wang Yuan
Published: May 2018

A new immobilization method, the simplifying modified polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-sulfate method, has been evaluated. The influence of pH value on nitrate and phosphate removal by co-immobilized Chlorella pyrenoidosa and activated sludge was studied. The results showed that the co-immobilized system was adaptable to the environment; the micro-algae reproduced rapidly inside a PVA gel carrier under pH ranging from 5.0 to 10.0. Phosphate removal efficiency of the co-immobilized system was distinctly affected by pH but nitrate removal efficiency was not affected very much. The co-immobilized system had a higher removal efficiency in the water when close to neutral. Under suitable circumstances, the removal efficiency of nitrate reached 80% in all four experimental periods; meanwhile, the highest removal efficiency of phosphate was 88% but decreased to 56% from the first period to the fourth period in the experiment.
Land Use and Water Quality Relationships in the Lower Little Bow River Watershed, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Little Joanne L. , Saffran Karen A. , Fent Livio
Published: May 2018

Water quality in the Lower Little Bow River was monitored to determine if irrigation return flow streams had a significant impact on river water quality and to examine relationships between land use and water quality in this diverse agricultural watershed. Water samples were collected weekly or biweekly during the irrigation season and monthly in winter for three years. A comprehensive land use assessment was also completed. Significant differences in flows, and in nutrient and bacteria loads, were found along the mainstem of the river following the inflows of irrigation return water; however, differences in concentrations were only significant in a drought year when mainstem flows were reduced. Pearson correlations among land use, soil types, and water quality variables identified significant positive relationships between the proportion of cereals, irrigated land, and confined feeding operation (CFO) density and maximum concentrations of total nitrogen (TN), nitrate-nitrogen, and total phosphorus (TP) that were observed during runoff events. Most nutrient variables were inversely related to the proportion of native prairie. The variation in maximum TP and median dissolved P concentrations was largely explained by the proportion of cereals in the sub-basin, while the variation in maximum and median TN concentrations was explained by the proportions of irrigated land and native prairie, respectively. Microbiological variables were not related to any of the measured variables, suggesting that factors influencing bacteria populations operate at different scales.
Modelling of Atrazine Loss in Surface Runoff from Agricultural Watershed
Authors: Chen Bing , Li Yifan , Huang Guohe , Struger John , Zhang Baiyu , Wu Shaoming
Published: May 2018

There have been growing concerns over the negative effect of pesticide usage on human health and environmental sustainability. It has been found out that atrazine, a widely used herbicide, threatens ecosystems. Its residues after application can be discharged into water bodies, and thus contaminate surface water and pose risks to public health. An integrated modelling system was developed to estimate atrazine losses through surface runoff. This model includes a distributed hydrological model, a pesticide adsorption model, relational databases, and a geographic information system. The proposed model can simulate atrazine losses due to runoff through the consideration of emission, degradation, adsorption, and movement of atrazine in dissolved and adsorbed phases at the top soil layer. A case study was carried out in the Auglaize-Blanchard Watershed. A comparison between observed and predicted data during May 1997 to April 1998 was conducted. The correlation coefficients are over 0.9 and the statistical significance level was approximately 5%, indicating a reasonable prediction accuracy. The modelling results provide useful decision support for water quality management.
Suggestions for a Modified Approach Towards Implementation and Assessment of Ganga Action Plan and Other Similar River Action Plans in India
Authors: Tare Vinod , Bose Purnendu , Gupta Santosh K.
Published: May 2018

In India, the implementation of river-cleaning operations through River Action Plans (RAPs) conventionally focuses on a reduction in concentrated or point sources of organic loading to the river, and is assessed by monitoring the consequent improvement in river water quality. However, in the case of Indian rivers or river stretches having substantial background pollution due to distributed or non-point loading of organic matter and nutrients, elimination of point sources of pollution may not substantially impact or improve river water quality. It is suggested that implementation of River Action Plans in India under such circumstances must be conducted using a multi-tier approach. The initial emphasis in such cases should be on the selection of priority stretches of the river, where pollution control will have maximum beneficial impact on the citizens, and interception and diversion of all concentrated or point loads of pollution from these stretches. In addition, measures to minimize non-point pollution and visible pollution to the river and initiation of riverfront restoration and development projects are necessary in these priority stretches. Such measures would result in aesthetic improvements, increase the beneficial uses of the river and its surroundings, and generate favorable public perception towards RAPs, though they may not be sufficient to enhance the river water quality to the desired levels. However, as a result of the above actions, public support for funding more expensive and longer-term river cleaning schemes, resulting in comprehensive reduction in organic and nutrient loading to the river from point and non-point sources all along its length, may be generated. The need for this alternative methodology for implementation and assessment of RAPs in India has been illustrated by taking the example of the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) and assessment of its implementation near the city of Kanpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, as a test case.
Immunomodulation in Blue Mussels (Mytilus edulis) Exposed to a Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent in Eastern Canada
Authors: St-Jean Sylvie D. , Courtenay Simon C. , Parker Roy W.
Published: May 2018

Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) were caged at three sites situated at increasing distance from the point of discharge of a pulp and paper mill effluent from July to October 1998. Two additional cages were deployed: one inside and one at the mouth of the adjacent industrialized Pictou Harbour. After 90 d exposure, we measured growth, survival, haemocyte counts (HC), phagocytic activity (PA), lysosome retention (LR) and bacterial clearance (BC). There was a small but significant difference in growth between cages. Mussels closest to the mill effluent grew the most while those at the mouth of the harbour grew the least. Mussels from three cages showed similar difficulty in clearing bacteria; the cage inside the harbour, the cage nearest to the pulp mill effluent and the cage furthest from the pulp mill, receiving a mixture of both pulp mill and harbour effluents. The mussels from those cages also showed the highest heavy metal burdens and conversely, the cage showing the most rapid clearance, outside both effluents, also showed the lowest heavy metal burden. Mussels caged in the pulp mill effluent showed lower PA and LR and higher mortality during the bacterial clearance test than other mussels. These results suggest that immunological biomarkers might be a useful and more sensitive adjunct to endpoints presently being measured from caged bivalves in environmental effects monitoring (EEM) programs, and assessments of aquatic environmental quality.
Acidic Pharmaceuticals in Sewage-Methodology, Stability Test, Occurrence, and Removal from Ontario Samples
Authors: Lee Hing-Biu , Sarafin Kurtis , Peart Thomas E. , Svoboda M. Lewina
Published: May 2018

A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method for the determination of 11 selected acidic pharmaceuticals in sewage influent and effluent at trace levels has been developed. The drugs studied were salicylic acid, clofibric acid, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, gemfibrozil, fenoprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, diclofenac, fenofibrate, and indomethacin, which are commonly used as analgesic/anti-inflammatory agents or lipid regulators. The antibacterial agent triclosan was also included in this study. A solid-phase extraction procedure using the Waters Oasis HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) cartridge was optimized for the extraction and elution of these compounds. The acids were then converted into their trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives. Final analysis was performed with a Mass Selective Detector in the EI/SIM (electron impact/selected ion monitoring) mode. Recoveries of the drugs in spiked distilled water samples at 1 and 0.1 μ/L levels were better than 80%. Similar recoveries of the drugs were obtained from fortified final effluent samples except for acetaminophen, which could not be recovered even if the extraction was performed immediately. The detection limits for the drugs, based on a concentration factor of 1000, were between 10 and 20 ng/L. A stability study indicated that, except for salicylic acid and acetaminophen, the other acidic pharmaceuticals were better than 75% recovered after the samples had been stored at 4°C in the dark for up to seven days. This method has been applied to quantify acidic drugs in wastewater samples collected from several sewage treatment plants in Ontario. While clofibric acid, acetaminophen, fenoprofen, and fenofibrate have never been detected, the other eight compounds were found in nearly all the influent and effluent samples, from low μ/L to low ng/L levels. Eight sewage treatment plants removed from 0 to 98% of these drugs from the influent.
Polyelectrolyte Age and N-Nitrosodimethylamine Formation in Drinking Water Treatment
Authors: Kohut Keith D. , Andrews Susan A.
Published: May 2018

Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (polyDADMAC) and epichlorohydrin-dimethylamine (Epi-DMA) stock olutions were prepared, stored for varying amounts of time, and used in bench-scale simulations of coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation to determine whether polymer stock age had an influence on NDMA yields. Stock solution ages ranged from under one hour to fifty hours. PolyDADMAC stock age did not significantly affect NDMA production. Epi-DMA stock age significantly increased NDMA production over a time span of 0 to 5 hours, but not from 5 to 50 hours. The relationship between the change in NDMA yields and Epi-DMA stock solution age may be a first-order reaction or a two-phase process. Statistical evaluation of the data available supports both theories.
Experimental Study of the Influence of Different Weir Types on the Rate of Air Entrainment
Authors: Emiroglu M. Emin , Baylar Ahmet
Published: May 2018

Aeration is used in water treatment to alter the concentration of dissolved gases, to strip volatile organics, and to reduce tastes and odours. This can be obtained by creating turbulence in the water. One method of producing such turbulence is via the overflow jets downstream of weir structures. This paper investigates the effect of varying weir types on the air entrainment rate. Empirical correlations predicting the maximum penetration depth and air entrainment rate were developed for different weir types. It is demonstrated that the air entrainment rate of the broad-crested weirs is generally much better than for the sharp-crested weir and the labyrinth weirs. The air entrainment rate increased as the weir longitudinal slope of the broad-crested weirs and the weir sill slope of the labyrinth weirs became larger.
A Review of Water Reuse and Recycling, with Reference to Canadian Practice and Potential: 1. Incentives and Implementation
Authors: Exall Kirsten , Marsalek Jiri , Schaefer Karl
Published: May 2018

As a country on the whole, Canada enjoys abundant freshwater resources, yet there remain regions with severe discrepancies between supply and demand. One solution to insufficient water supplies that has been gaining in popularity in other areas of the world is that of water reuse. Reuse or recycling of treated wastewater reduces effluent discharges into receiving waters and offers a reliable alternative supply of water for applications that do not require high-quality water, freeing up limited potable water resources. As compared to other countries worldwide, water reuse is currently practised infrequently in Canada. Use of reclaimed water requires a clear definition of the quality of water required, and while water quality criteria typically focus on pathogen risk to human health, chemical contaminants may also limit suitability for some reuse applications. Both health and environmental risk assessments are important steps in designing criteria for reuse projects. Alberta and British Columbia have recently produced guidance documents for water reuse projects; the permitted applications are discussed and the water quality criteria are compared with other standards and guidelines. Various treatment technologies for on-site and central wastewater reclamation facilities are described. Additional considerations for implementation of water reuse projects include project feasibility and planning, infrastructure needs, economics, and public acceptance.