bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mediterranean Action Plan: A Regional Approach to Pollution Control
Authors: Jeftié Lj , Saliba L. J.
Published: May 2018

Increasing concern over the deterioration of the Mediterranean sea as a result of increasing pollution by untreated sewage and industrial wastes, agricultural pesticides and fertilizers and oil discharges, led to a series of meetings between 1970 and 1974, and finally to the UNEP-sponsored Mediterranean Action Plan, adopted by governments of the region in 1975 and ongoing since that time.

The legal component of the Plan includes a framework Convention and four protocols; the environmental assessment component (the MED POL programme) consists of national pollution monitoring programmes, and research projects conducted by Mediterranean institutions; the environmental management component consists of the Blue Plan (a prospective study combining socio-economic development with environmental preservation) and the Priority Actions Programme (a series of sub-region sectoral projects in defined areas). The Plan has been financed by Mediterranean States since 1979, and is managed by UNEP with the cooperation of other competent UN Agencies.

During the last ten years, activities undertaken have improved knowledge of the state of pollution of the Mediterranean sea, and facilitated joint regional action in the form of preventive and control measures.
Bacteriological Aspects of Rainwater Harnessed for an Institutional Use – A Case Study
Authors: Adekunle Ure A.
Published: May 2018

A high school located in Ile-Ife, Nigeria with a student population of 1,100 was used for a demonstration project of harnessing rainwater and storing it for use throughout the year. Bacteriological analyses of the underground harnessed rainwater and its piped water distribution system were carried out at bi-monthly intervals during the rainy season and three times a month during the dry season. The rainwater catchments and underground storage reservoir were constructed during 1981-1982, and the collection of bacterial parameters initiated after the first rains to establish its pollution pattern. Aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, streptococci and coliforms were enumerated. Data collected during the study period indicate few coliforms. There were no faecal coliforms isolated. Rainwater harnessing should be practised for domestic use particularly in the tropical rain forest areas like the southern parts of Nigeria to alleviate shortage of water supply.
Occurrence of Enteroviruses and Rotaviruses in Drinking Water in Colombia
Authors: Toranzos Gary A. , Hanssen Henry , Gerba Charles P.
Published: May 2018

Relatively few studies have been conducted on the occurrence of enteric viruses in drinking water in developing countries. In this study, we sought to apply positively charged microporous filters to the detection of enteric viruses in the drinking water of several major Colombian cities. Finished drinking water samples were collected at several drinking water plants whose treatment included flocculat ion, sand filtration and chlorination. Drinking water samples were also collected from the taps of private homes, hotels and community taps. Viruses were concentrated by passage of 20-99 liters of water through 50S Zeta-plus or 1 MDS Virosorb positively charged filters. Adsorbed viruses were eluted with 10% tryptose phosphate broth adjusted to pH 9.5 and concentrated to a final volume of 2 ml by ultracentrifugation before assay. Enteroviruses were detected by assay on BGM cells and rotavirus by assay on MA-104 cells. Out of eight samples of finished drinking water leaving the plants studied, three were found to contain enteric viruses. Rotaviruses were detected in two samples and enterovirus in one. Two of the samples containing enteric viruses also contained greater than 100 coliforms/100 ml. Rotaviruses were isolated from three tapwater samples and enteroviruses from one. All the tapwater samples which contained enteric viruses had visible turbidity and also contained coliform bacteria.
Some Limits in Current Adsorption-Elution Methods for the Detection of Viruses in Large Volumes of Tap Water
Authors: Joret J. C. , Hassen A. , Hartemann P. , Foliguet J. M.
Published: May 2018

Two types of electropositive filters (1 MDS double sheet - Cuno and AS - Seitz) were compared for Poliovirus 1, Coxsackie virus B3, Coxsackie virus A9 and E.C.H.O. virus 1 recovery from tap water with different pH levels. For small volumes of tap water sampled, both adsorbents gave equally satisfactory recoveries of Poliovirus 1 (46% to 82%) at pH 6.7, 7.9, or 9. However, elution percentages using 3% beef-extract solution pH 9.5 were generally better for 1 MDS than for AS filters. As the volume of tap water sampled increased, increasing amounts of Poliovirus were unadsorbed onto both types of filters at pH 7, 7.9, or 9. Lowering the pH to 6 gave better Poliovirus 1 and Coxsackie B3 recoveries with AS (respectively 61% and 95%) and 1 MDS filters (respectively 67% and 91%). E.C.H.O. virus 1 recovery was not affected by acidification and was lower with 1 MDS (6%) than with AS filters (37%). Coxsackie virus A9 recovery was very low for both filters (≤11%). As for electronegative adsorbents, currently available methods for concentrating viruses using electropositive filters have to be optimized to recover most enteric viruses occurring in waters.
Health Significance and Occurrence of Injured Bacteria in Drinking Water
Authors: McFeters Gordon A. , LeChevallier Mark W. , Singh Ajaib , Kippin Joyce S.
Published: May 2018

Enteropathogenic and indicator bacteria become injured in drinking water with exposure to sublethal levels of various biological, chemical and physical factors. One manifestation of this injury is the inability to grow and form colonies on selective media containing surfactants. The resulting underestimation of indicator bacteria can lead to a false estimation of water potability. m-T7 medium was developed specifically for the recovery of injured coliforms (both “total” and fecal) in drinking water. The m-T7 method was used to survey operating drinking water treatment and distribution systems for the presence of injured coliforms that were undetected with currently used media. The mean recovery with m-Endo LES medium was less than 1/100 ml while it ranged between 6 and 68/100ml with m-T7 agar. The majority of samples giving positive results with m-T7 medium yielded no detectable coliforms with m-Endo LES agar. Over 95% of the coliform bacteria in these samples were injured. Laboratory experiments were also done to describe the virulence of injured waterborne pathogens. Enteropathogens including Salmonella tvphimurium, Yersinia enterocolitica and Shigella spp. required up to 20 times the chlorine levels to produce the same injury in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and nonpathogenic coliforms. Similar results were seen with Y. enterocolitica exposed to copper. The recovery of ETEC was followed by delayed enterotoxin production, both invitro and in the gut of experimental animals. This indicates that injured waterborne enteropathogenic bacteria can be virulent.
Maintaining Scientific Integrity under Pressure: The Experience of the Southern California Water Research Authority
Authors: Garber J. B.
Published: May 2018

The experience of of the city of Los Angeles demonstrates that if political pressures are combined with ignorance of both economics science on the part of active participents in a democracy a city can be forced into unnecessary and expensive ‘anti-pollution' measures.

The author has been for 14 years, since 1972 the representative of the city of Los Angeles on the governing board for the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRA) formed in 1969 by five southern California sewage discharging agencies, to obtain a date base on on the ecology of the near-shore ocean watesr and the effect of sewage on those waters, in order to ensure that legislation and regulations concerning that discharge would be rationally based, It is a small research laboratory with capabilities in physics, chemistry, biology and engineering.

Because the only source of available founding was the agencies themselves, two mechanisms were put into place, in order to ensure the scientific credibility of the research (1) a commissior of five elected representatives, one from each of the sponsoring agencies would be responsible to the public, and (2) a consulting board of eminent scientists, with no political connection to any of the agencies,would guide the research and lend the weights of their reputations to the rasults, The commission selects both the consulting board and the project manager.

In actuality, the commission is not seen as a presence which bestows reliability on the research; for the scientific communty, the integrity of the research done has depended, as it always does, on publication of reports and review of the procedures by fellow scientists, The commission, although powerful, is invisible. For the public, the research results are made to speak for themselves, and they are interpreted in the light of the demand for 100% purity of both seafood and bathing waters.
Pre-Design Ocean Outfall Studies
Authors: Bascom Willard
Published: May 2018

This paper is intended to provide guidance to persons in developing countries who are responsible for making ocean outfall studies but have limited resources. It consists mainly of practical suggestions based on the author's experience about what measurements are needed to obtain useful information and how to make them at minimal cost. Thoughtfulness in planning work that will produce useful answers is favored over pseudo-high-tech environmental studies. Some opinions are presented about the enhancement of marine food resources by outfalls and about collecting biological data as a defense against possible criticism. The special conditions that may exist in enclosed bays and estuaries are not specifically addressed in this paper.
A Conceptual Approach to Ocean Disposal
Authors: Garcia Occhipinti A.
Published: May 2018

An ocean waste disposal system (OWDS) is a complex multidisciplinary engineering problem. The aim of this paper is to focus on the most relevant aspects, pointing out the most important processes and parameters and analysing how they interact. A research programme for field data collection and statistical analysis is recommended to define paramenters. The modelling of specific processes must contribute to a simulation which relates and weights the major factors and parameters operating. A conceptual simulation model is shown to be useful in designing the general layout of the system, and to predict its performance and environmental impact. Finally an optional optimization model is suggested for use with the simulation to define further the optimum OWDS design.
Some Basic Considerations for Marine Disposal of Wastewater and Solid Wastes
Authors: Goda Takeshi , Watanabe Masataka
Published: May 2018

Renewal time and circulation rate are calculated for lakes, rivers and oceans. The annual circulation of the oceans is found to be only four times that of lakes in absolute amount. The dump sites, categories of wastes and tonnages for the disposal of wastes in the sea in Japan are discussed in detail. The dumping of sewage sludge in Japan is severely restricted due to the effects of trace elements on the marine ecosystem. Results of laboratory tests on the settling characteristics of sewage sludge, toxic effects of ammonia on fish and biomagnification are summarized.
Ocean Disposal Systems for Sewage Sludge and Effluent
Authors: Garber William F.
Published: May 2018

In 1983 the Marine Board, Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems, National Research Council-Academy of Sciences organized a Committee on Ocean Waste Transportation to consider the question of “Ocean Disposal Systems for Sewage Sludge and Effluent”. A report of the work of the Committee was published by the National Academy Press in 1984. A comprehensive contract study of outfall and barge or ship disposal procedures for sludge solids was made for Committee use. This helped show that a systems approach is required to find the optimum combination of source control, treatment and ocean disposal facilities for least net environmental effect. The Committee also noted that engineering designs can be based upon required water quality objectives for the water column and benthos; and ocean disposal is an option that should be considered with other alternatives. The Committee found it possible to predict the environmental effects of such marine disposal and criteria were proposed for sludge disposal. A strategy of wide dispersion was recommended since containment was not considered technically feasible. The Committee recommended that monitoring systems be designed and operated so that public confidence in the reliability and environmental safety of ocean disposal of treated sewage effluent and sludge was enhanced. Major research needs were identified.
Biogas Clean-up and Utilization
Authors: Camargo Eulico Benedito
Published: May 2018

The economic use of energy from biogas generated in anaerobic biodigesters installed in the sewage treatment plants owned by SABESP is described in this paper with evaluation of its advantages in vehicular use. The clean-up process and use of biogas were designed based on results obtained from a pilot plant in operation since 1983. The biogas is sweetened through water scrubbing, with reduction of CO2 and humidity, to attain acceptable levels for consumption by vehicular engines. The resulting methane gas is odourized and compressed in cylinders by high pressure compressors. The vehicles are adapted to compressed methane, with installation of high pressure cylinders, pressure reducing valves, methane/air mixers, valves and pressure gauge for maximum operation safety. Filling of vehicles (refuelling) is done in an appropriate station and transfer of methane to the vehicle is by difference of pressure.
Standardization of Water Quality Information in a Tidal River
Authors: Kusuda Tetsuya , Futawatari Tohru , Awaya Youichi , Koga Kenichi , Furumoto Katsuhiro
Published: May 2018

The objectives of this study were to clarify the defects of the current tidal river monitoring method and to propose a better method to obtain water quality data of high quality for tidal rivers. In Japan, the Water Quality Standards for rivers also apply to tidal rivers. The method indicates that water should be sampled from 20% of the water depth below the water surface at an arbitrary time once a month. Since this method was apparently inappropriate to understand the dynamics and water profiles in tidal rivers, field surveys were conducted at different times in the River Rokkaku, which is well mixed. The results showed that the turbidity maximum moved up- and down-stream more than 10 km due to the tide. Based on this fact, a new monitoring method was proposed, which required water samples to be taken with a certain time lag from a high tide at a station. This newly proposed method improved the quality of information on water quality and made data available to ascertain long term trends. Modifications to the new method are suggested to further improve the quality of water quality data for tidal rivers.
Cadmium and Lead Cycling Between Water, Sediment, and Biota in an Artificially Contaminated Mud Flat on Borkum (F.R.G.)
Authors: Loring D. H. , Prosi F.
Published: May 2018

A ‘Bremerhaven caisson' was used to investigate the interactions of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) with sea water, particulate matter (SPM), sediments, and biota in an enclosed (13m2) tidal mud flat area on the island of Borkum (FRG). Artificial contamination was accomplished by injecting Cd as a chloride and Pb as a nitrate into the caisson so as to maintain metal concentrations of 100 µg/1 in the inflowing water of each tidal cycle for 25 days. Each component of the system was sampled at selected intervals inside and outside the caisson. The results show that most (85%) of the injected Cd remained in the soluble phase whereas most (90%) of the Pb was transferred to the particulate phase. Cyclic changes in particulate Cd and Pb concentrations occur and indicate that Cd is progressively taken up by the SPM over each tidal cycle, but after an initial rapid uptake, particulate Pb concentrations remain relatively constant in the system. In the sediments, Cd concentrations decrease with depth but increase with time, with the highest increases occurring in the surface sediment layers. Lead concentrations initially remain constant with depth, but eventually Pb becomes enriched in the top 3 cm of the sediments. Biota show an exponential increase in Cd and Pb during the experiment. Lead is enriched relative to Cd by a factor of 2 in mussels despite its low level in the dissolved phase. Infaunal benthic species have lower metal concentrations than the filter feeders.
Bacillus Phages as Tracers of Water Movement
Authors: Purdy R. N. , Dancer B. N. , Day M. J. , Stickler D. J.
Published: May 2018

Vegetative bacterial cells, bacterial spores and bacterial viruses have all been used to trace the dispersion of sewage from coastal outfalls. The phages are considered to have advantages over other mlcroblal tracers in that they can be prepared in high titres (lO13 particles ml−1) and can be assayed In less than 8h. Furthermore, because these viruses only Infect bacteria they represent no health risk. In this paper we describe the selection of five Bacillus phages. from our collection, for use as tracers. They each have distinct, clear plaque morphologies and specific bacterial host ranges. The stability of these phages in sea water was compared to that of E. coll and some other phages. We report on the use of a membrane filtration technique to assay phages in 100ml volumes of sea water and present data from a field study where one of these tracers was released from a coastal outfall.
Derivation and Application of Environmental Quality Objectives and Standards to Discharges to the Humber Estuary (U.K.)
Authors: Sayers D. R.
Published: May 2018

In November 1983 a set of environmental quality objectives and standards was published for the Humber estuary. This paper discusses some of the reasons for choosing these particular objectives and standards. It goes on to explain that a mixing zone (within which the objectives and standards may not be met) is permitted around individual effluent outfalls and examines various options for setting the size of that mixing zone. Reference is made to the EC Directive on waste from the titanium dioxide industry and a survey carried out in the summer of 1984 around the effluent outfalls of two titanium dioxide producing factories as an example of a practical application of the EQO approach to pollution control.
Licensing a Major Industrial Discharge to Coastal Waters: The Practical Application of the EQO/EQS Approach
Authors: Mackay D. W. , Haig A J. N. , Allcock R.
Published: May 2018

The Environmental Quality Objective/Environmental Quality Standard approach to controlling pollution of Britain's well mixed and highly dispersive coastal waters has been adopted by Government. The task of the regulatory authority in relating discharge conditions to the capacity of the receiving waters is theoretically a logical sequence of scientific calculations. In practice a whole range of influences is brought to bear on the decision-making process. This paper describes how the Clyde River Purification Board and a major chemical manufacturing company (ICI) arrived at consent conditions for the discharge of an effluent containing copper to Irvine Bay, in the Firth of Clyde, an area of major importance as a fishery. The technical arguments advanced during negotiations are detailed and the areas of major disagreement such as the definition of a mixing zone are discussed. Account is taken of the uses to which the Bay is put and the effect of other discharges on background levels. Measures taken to ensure demonstrable compliance with the agreed consent conditions are described as are biological monitoring methods under development to assess the long term acceptability of the discharge.
Models for Aquacultural Treatment of Septage
Authors: Bhattarai Kiran K. , Polprasert Chongrak , Lohani Bindu N.
Published: May 2018

The research programme on aquacultural treatment of nightsoil has been conducted at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) for about 10 years. This paper emphasizes only the research scheme in which nightsoil is fed directly into single-stage, non-flow-through ponds for the production of algae and fish Tilapia (Qreochromisniloticus). The culture of herbivorous fish such as Tilapia in the same pond to graze on the algae is practical, in order to produce the fish protein biomass which is easily harvestable for animal (or human) food.

Dynamic and empirical models describing the performance of nightsoil-fed fish ponds were developed to simulate the temporal changes of various physico-chemical and biological parameters including dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, bacteria, algae, and fish growth. These models were based on the basic mechanisms and phenomena occurring in the ponds, and the simulated results calculated from the Continuous System Modelling Programme (CSMP) computer package available at the AIT Regional Computer Center.
Basic Concepts and Procedures for the Improvement of Solid Waste Management in Urban Fringe Areas
Authors: Sakurai K.
Published: May 2018

Improvement of basic sanitation including solid waste management is an urgent need in urban fringe areas of developing countries. R&D of non-conventional solid waste management systems for these areas has been carried out in large Latin American cities because the conventional door-to-door collection technology is not applicable for technical, economic and sociocultural reasons. The R&D has made clear the basic concepts and procedures for the improvement of solid waste management in urban fringe areas. Due to the rapid transition of these areas in quantitative and qualitative terms, the necessity of further active discussions on this theme based on practice is concluded.
Use of Anthracite Ash as a Media for a Fixed-Film Biological Process
Authors: Kim K. S. , Choi E.
Published: May 2018

Many Korean communities have utilized anthracite briquettes as a major fuel for house heating. This study was conducted to evaluate the use of combusted briquettes as media for a fixed-film biological process. Various industrial wastes as well as municipal wastewater were introduced into the aeration tank where the combusted anthracite briquettes were placed. The study results suggest that the briquette system could produce effluent BOD concentrations fairly similar to those from the units using plastic media.
Upgrading of Anaerobic Digestion Processes for Night Soil
Authors: Noike T. , Matsumoto J.
Published: May 2018

The upgrading of night soil anaerobic digestion processes was studied by field investigation of the performance of anaerobic digesters in existing night soil treatment plants and by serai-continuous experiments with bench-scale digesters. Both the average monthly amount of collected night soil fed to a digester and the concentration of volatile solids in night soil increased in winter. A good correlation was found to exist between gas production and digestion temperature. The COD removal rate in the first digester was markedly higher than that in the second digester. The stirring period in the first digester in one plant differs from that in the other plant. Stirring the first digester for too long a period reduces the rate of COD removal by the second digester in the two-stage anaerobic digestion process. The first digester should be stirred for more than one hour per day in order to promote gas production. Gas production and CODCr removal rate in the second digester were hardly affected by reductions in retention time ranging from 15 days to 5 days. As night soil contains a large amount of cellulose and other refractory organics, some kind of pretreatment of the night soil fed to the digester may be necessary for the promotion of acidogenesis in the two-phase anaerobic digestion process.
Performance Evaluation of the Oxidation Ditch Process
Authors: Matsui K. , Kimata T.
Published: May 2018

The oxidation ditch process has become increasingly important as a secondary treatment process for small communities, because of its ability to remove nitrogen by providing aerobic and anoxic areas in a ditch. Through surveys at the three oxidation ditches in service in Japan, it has been proved that removals of BOD and suspended solids could be consistently achieved irrespective of seasonal, daily and hourly fluctuations of inflow. It has also turned out that providing an anoxic area in the oxidation ditch is effective for removing nitrogen and recovering alkalinity as well as saving energy. The removal efficiency of total nitrogen is expected to be more than 70%.
The Operation and Maintenance of Small Scale Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Takahashi M.
Published: May 2018

Three wastewater treatment processes (oxidation ditch, extended aeration (plug flow type) and activated sludge batch reactor) which are considered to be suitable for small scale wastewater treatment plants were tested at a pilot plant, or using existing facilities to examine their methods of operation and maintenance. The objectives of this study were to determine production of excess sludge, a method of setting aeration intensity, and a method of controlling returned sludge.
Night Soil Treatment by the Nitrified Liquor Recycling Process
Authors: Suzuki T. , Tohya Y.
Published: May 2018

In recent years, most night soil treatment plants constructed in Japan have the function of nitrogen removal. This report describes three representative night soil treatment plants adopted for a nitrified liquor recycling process (we call this the Denipac process) constructed in the second half of the 1970's.

The Matsue City plant uses coagulation to remove phosphorus and color in addition to BOD and nitrogen. The removal of both BOD and phosphorus is nearly 100%. Inorganic nitrogen and color of the effluent are under 6 mgl−1 and 60 units, respectively. The Shiroishi City plant which was reconstructed from an anaerobic digestion system removes over 95% of BOD and inorganic nitrogen without any use of chemicals. At the Hiroshima City plant, night soil is evaporated by multiple effect evaporation, and condensate is treated by the nitrified liquor recycling process. The temperature of mixed liquor is controlled to about 40°C by adding sea water to lower the temperature (over 55°C) of the condensate before the biological treatment step. Nitrogen oxides in nitrified liquor consist almost entirely of nitrite because of controlling the temperature. The removal of BOD and total nitrogen is over 99% in this plant.
Numerical Simulation of a Soil Filtration Treatment Based on Balance
Authors: Suzuki M. , Kawashima H. , Kawanishi T.
Published: May 2018

A sophisticated two-dimensional model to simulate the concentration distributions of BOD, oxygen and biomass in a soil filtration treatment system is presented. The model incorporates, in addition to infiltration of wastewater, oxygen diffusion in a soil and bacterial growth and respiration. The matrix potential concept was used to describe two-dimensional infiltration from the source. The model showed that the distribution patterns of biomass in a soil are governed both by the rate of oxygen diffusion and by the wastewater infiltration rate. Applying the model to a trench type plant under ordinary operating conditions, it became apparent that only the soil adjacent to the trench is utilized for the treatment.
Electro-Impulse Sludge Stabilization
Authors: Dichtl N. J.
Published: May 2018

The possibility of influencing the growth and metabolism of bacteria by electricity has been known for about 100 years. However, the development of this in practice in order to obtain positive effects on wastewater treatment or sludge stabilization did not occur.

Experiments on a semi-technical scale were formulated and carried out whereby two digesters containing municipal raw sludge were run with detention periods of 15 or 20 days at 33°C. Whilst one digestion process was operated as normal, the other was influenced by electro-impulse condenser discharge.

Clearly positive effects were obtained, especially with regard to increased gas production as well as a reduced content of H2S in the digestion gas.

Considering the necessary investment and running costs, the method seems to be a significant complement to sludge digesters.
Landfarming – A Solution for the Treatment and Final Disposal of Biological Sludge in Cetrel Waste Treatment Plant, Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira P R. C. , Filho P. R.
Published: May 2018

The Treatment Plant of CETREL - Central de Tratamento de Efluentes Líquidos S/A (Liquid Effluent Treatment Plant)-processes the organic wastes of fortyfive industries installed in Camaçari Petrochemical Complex which represent today an or ganic load of approximately 45,000 kg/BOD/day and an ammoniacal nitrogen load of 9000 kg/day. Our intention is to describe, in an objective and practical manner, the solution adopted for the final disposal of biological sludge, focusing on the reasons for the choice of landfarming, pilot plant test, unit design, sludge layer admission rates, the equipment used,the results of biodegradability, the importance of the choice of the soil Which is to operate as a reactive layer, the influence of heavy metals, the monitoring of ground water and, finally, the results obtained after one year of operation.
Degradation of Oil by Land Disposal
Authors: Tesan G. , Barbosa D.
Published: May 2018

The work presented consists of a test procedure applied at a pilot scale using soil as a biological degradation agent. The experiments described were carried out with oily residues considered as wastes difficult to degrade by other means. The tests were applied to filter cake with activated clay containing 40% oil and oily residues from re-refining of lubricants to give white oils and vaseline. The effect of the amount of moisture is evaluated using a mechanical stirrer to improve the interaction between the wastes and microorganisms. The following are also evaluated: nutrient availability; incorporation of micro-organisms into the soil; introduction of chemical fertilizers; and, injections of sludge from effluent treatment plants.
Effects of Irrigation with Vinasse and the Dynamics of its Constituents in the Soil: II – Microbiological Aspects
Authors: Casarini D C. P. , Cunha R C de A , Maset Filho B.
Published: May 2018

The effects of irrigation with vinasse (distillery effluent) on microbial populations in experimental squares of sugar-cane plantation were studied. The soil was a haplortox, with a sandy clay loam texture. The plantation was at Usina Costa Pinto, São Paulo State. A substantial and temporary increase was observed in the populations of bacteria and fungi. The actinomycetes were inhibited during the initial period. The major chemical compound known to be present in the vinasse is simple carbohydrate, although other complex organic compounds may be present. The behaviour of the cellulolytic micro-organisms was analysed, as a tentative attempt to select a biological indicator. Nitrifying micro-organisms were inhibited during the second stage of the decomposition of the waste. The great microbiological transformations resulting from the irrigation of soil with vinasse did not cause, as expected, a significant elevation in the soil pH.
Modifications of Physical and Chemical Soil Properties by Application of Treated Petrochemical Effluent
Authors: Simon Z. , Tedesco M. , Schneider P.
Published: May 2018

Wastewaters generated by Pólo Petroquímico do Sul (South Petrochemical Complex, Triunfo, Brazil) and treated up to tertiary level at SITEL (the integrated effluent treatment plant of the complex) are disposed of on land since 1983 at average rates of 140 m3/ha.day. With the purpose of studying the cumulative effect on soil properties of effluent applied under distinct conditions, four sites have been selected for comparison with adjacent blank areas. Soil samples have been taken for analyses from three different depths (0–30, 30–60 and 60–120 cm) and infiltration tests have been conducted on site.

Soil pH, electrical conductivity and extractable Na, Ca and S increased in treated areas, while exchangeable Al and extractable Zn decreased. Exchangeable K and Mg and extractable P, Cu, Mn and B, as well as other toxic metals, did not show significant modifications in comparison with blank areas, with the exception of cadmium. Infiltration rates showed an average fourfold decrease in soils which underwent effluent application, due to increase in pH and exchangeable Na and decrease in Al, all these factors contributing to clay dispersion.

The main alterations of forest and grassland environments consisted of trees falling caused by progressive weakening of the root system, due, in turn, to the change to a predominantly anaerobic soil environment and damage to some grass and shrub species, due to the direct impact of sprayed effluent. The observed results are compatible with the average effluent characteristics: low concentrations of toxic metals and negligible contents of residual organic toxicants, together with a high Sodium Adsorption Ratio.

With respect to the chemical status of the investigated soils the service life of the disposal system can be extended to decades, provided the discharges of Cd are restricted. As far as infiltration rates are concerned, the results are worrying, however. The soils can be reclaimed by fallowing of the application areas and/or addition of Ca and Mg in order to decrease the Exchangeable Sodium Percentage.
Ground Water Monitoring in Areas Used for the Infiltration of Effluents from Chemical Industries
Authors: Poppe L P. M. , Cunha R C. A. , Gloeden E. , Gomes D. C. , Cabrai Júnior D.
Published: May 2018

In 1984, in Taubaté County, Brazil, a study was carried out to identify the groundwater pollution due to land disposal of chemical industrial wastewater. After characterization of the wastes, some analytical parameters were selected for a monitoring programme: TOC, COD and electrical conductivity. This programme was started after a network of 39 monitoring wells was installed. The water level was determined monthly and four times a year samples from the groundwater were collected for chemical analysis. The data were interpreted by a computer program (SYMAP) which produced hydrochemical and isopotential maps. The interpretation of these maps shows groundwater pollution due to wastewater infiltration and the limit of the pollution plume was the adjoining stream. In addition to determining the horizontal trend of pollution into the aquifer, research is necessary to verify vertical pollution, in order to evaluate the degree the aquifer has been compromised.
Institutions and Managing the Environment
Authors: Silva D. J.
Published: May 2018

From an understanding of environmental problems which arise from development models and the environmental and social degradation they cause, and based on the theory of the sustainable development of species and ecosystems, a study was made of management models concerning the environment and institutional resources. Partial results of the study indicate the incompatibility of the present forms of management with the adoption of conservation practices. Four variables were identified as participating directly in an objective function developed for a conservationist institutional structure for environmental management: the nature of the problem; the organization of the societies involved; the existing institutional structure; and, the human and financial resources. As a conclusion, a set of strategic solutions is presented to overcome the conflict.
Dams and the Environment
Authors: Imhoff K. R.
Published: May 2018

Reservoirs and environment interrelate with each other. The design interferes with given structures and uses. There are influences on flora and fauna. New demands are created. The different aspects are dealt with. Solutions are presented.
Management of Surface Water Quality in India
Authors: Saify Tayyab , Nasir Ali S.
Published: May 2018

India has abundant surface water resources, however, there are various problems in the management of these resources in their natural state. These problems are mainly due to the direct disposal of sewage, domestic effluents, and industrial effluents, dumping of garbage and interference by cattle, along with various direct and indirect anthropogenic activities, such as washing, bathing, swimming, cultivation of aquatic crops and fish farming. It is of particular significance for the so-called third world countries such as India, with pressing problems of population growth and threatened environments, to utilize the increasing eutrophication and pollution as a way of enhancing fish production through enhancing the euphotic zone of the surface water bodies using suitable reflectors, a method known as ‘Saify's photon impact'.
A Comparative Study of Inland Water Quality – São Paulo (Brazil), France and England
Authors: Abreu R. M. , Guazzelli M. R.
Published: May 2018

Reports on inland water quality are often published in many countries. These reports present the results of monitoring networks and show the evolution of the water pollution control situation in these countries. The data in the reports published in France (Ministere du Environnement et Cadre de Vie, 1976) and England and Wales (Department of the Environment and the Welsh Office, 1975) were compared with similar data surveyed by CETESB (the Brazilian Environmental Protection Agency) in São Paulo State, Brazil. Some difficulties had to be overcome regarding adequate data processing to permit the comparison to be made. Moreover, it was necessary to deal with non-updated data. The main conclusion is that although some countries such as France and England traditionally have more resources and experience available than Brazil, they have not been able to solve pollution problems in a much more efficient way.
Mathematical Models for Mixing and Dispersion in Forecasting and Management of Estuarine Water Quality
Authors: Bose S. K. , Ray P. , Dutta B. K.
Published: May 2018

The dispersion or spread of a dissolved or suspended substance in an estuarine system occurs mainly due to the non-uniformity of velocity distribution, including turbulent fluctuations, shear stress at the boundary and surface stress caused by winds. The mixing and dispersion phenomena in rivers and estuaries are extremely important in water quality management and control. The development of a dispersion model in harmony with the nature of the flow field in a river or estuary is necessary in the estimation and correlation of dispersion parameters, called dispersion coefficients, which may, in general, be anisotropic in a multidimensional transport process. The earlier one-dimensional models have gradually given way to higher dimensional models for better description of the phenomena as well as for more accurate estimation of parameters. Field studies of dispersion of tracers have been the most important method of generating data for parameter estimation. A number of correlations for mixing and dispersion coefficients in terms of flow rates and other fundamental system parameters are available. The present study incorporates the analysis, assessment and applications of various dispersion and mixing models available. Also, a critical appraisal of the validity, inherent degree of uncertainty and the range of applications of different correlations has been incorporated.
‘Oasis'* Systems Management
Authors: Bertranou A. V.
Published: May 2018

This paper describes ‘oases' as an integrated basis for rational water management, and integrated management as a tool for rational decision-making. In the evolution of man's relationship with water, three phases (the uses phase, the resources phase, and the environment phase) and three stages (legal, institutional, and integrative), are identified, which are examined in three areas (Argentina, Latin America, and the world) . The challenge of water resources management is to move from fragmented (closed) to complete (open) ‘oases', the ultimate goal being to restore man's relationship with nature. Integrated management of water resources is presented as a way of solving the problems that tend to dissociate man from institutions. Integrated management is a versatile tool that goes beyond the limits of disciplines that result in partial views of reality. It is also a specialized tool that promotes a harmonious relationship between natural and cultural sciences.

*In this paper, the word ‘oasis' is not given its customary meaning of “a fertile spot in the desert”. Instead, the definition the author wishes to ascribe to the word ‘oasis' is as follows: “An ecologic subsystem within the natural ecosystem, the differentiating element of which is the presence of water in all its dimensions (technical, economic, administrative/ institutional, political). The ‘oasis' is a potentially open subsystem which permits the integration of man and nature.”
Treatment of Textile Industry Waste Using Water Hyacinth
Authors: Trivedy P. K. , Gudekar V. R.
Published: May 2018

The efficiency of water hyacinth in the treatment of textile industry waste is reported in the present study. The effect of prior settling of the waste on the efficiency of the treatment was also studied. The hyacinth was grown in 100%, 50% and 25% concentrations of both original and settled wastewater for four days in laboratory tanks. The water hyacinth was found to be highly capable of removing pollutants from the original waste as compared to the settled waste, though the treatment was adequate even with the settled waste. The best treatment was obtained with 100% waste. There was 65.31% reduction in the conductivity in 100% settled waste and 53.86% reduction in 100% original waste. COD reduction in original waste was maximum with 25% concentration (97.35%) on the third day. With settled waste there was 92.97% reduction in COD on the third day. With settled waste the period of 4 days was needed to get a maximum reduction in conductivity, BOD, TS, TDS and TSS. For original waste, maximum reduction in conductivity, COD, BOD and TSS was noted on the third day. Total solids were reducedby 62.42% in 100% waste on the third day. 50% and 25% concentrations showed 41.35% and 47.21% reduction on the fourth day. Suspended solids were left in traces in 50% and 25% concentration on the fourth day. Among nutrients analysed on the fourth day, the overall reduction in potassium was maximum, i.e. 90.45% to 99.39%. Nitrogen, sodium and phosphorus were also reduced to a good extent. The initial and final harvested plant material was analyzed for various nutrients like Ca, Mg, Na, K, N & P. There was accumulation of sodium, potassium and nitrogen in the shoot from both original and settled waste; while the reduction in magnesium and nitrogen content was noted in the roots.
Inhibition of Metabolic Hydrogen Ion Flux Resulting from Cadmium Stress in Aquatic Microecosystems
Authors: Nicholas William D. , Ray Abernathy A.
Published: May 2018

Periodic changes in pH were monitored at 30 s intervals in naturally-derived, aquatic microeco-systems. The pH of the system was controlled between two setpoints with a microcomputer. When the upper setpoint was reached a light bank was turned off until the pH dropped to the lower setpoint and the light was again turned on. The cycling of the pH in the microcosms was analyzed using time series analysis techniques. Each experiment resulted in a 24 hour control data set and a 24 hour experimental data set that began with the addition of an inhibitor or toxicant.

EC50 values (effective concentration for 50% inhibition) of net photosynthesis and respiration of the community were calculated from slopes of the periodic response to cadmium and compared to literature values. The EC50 for dark induced pH change was 3.8 ppm while the EC50 for light induced pH change was 0.51 ppm. Increasing cadmium concentrations caused dominant peaks in the variance periodograms to be shifted to longer periods.
The Use of the Benthic Community as a Water Quality Indicator in the Cubatão River Basin
Authors: Johnscher-Fornasaro G. , Zagatto P. A.
Published: May 2018

A survey of the benthic macrofauna was performed along the rivers in the Cubatão region of Brazil to evaluate the aquatic environment. Twenty samples were collected in the Pereque, Cubatão, Moji, Piacaguera and Perdido rivers during Spring and Autumn, 1984. Two numerical indices, the Sequential Comparison Index (Cairns Jr. et at., 1968) and Biotic Index (Tuffery and Verneaux, 1968) were calculated using sample data. Density in each sample was determined for each taxonomic group. The index calculations showed that the environment is not in equilibrium at any of the sampling stations. Heavy organic pollution in Cubatão and Piacaguera rivers was indicated. In the Perdido river sediment was contaminated with tar. Pieces of insect larva, also present in the sediment, indicated impacts from toxic substances. At other sampling stations, the low numerical index values were related to the sediment nature (sandy in some stations) or to non-organic pollution which was evaluated using bioassays, Zagatto et al. (1986).
Wastewater Stabilization Lagoon Design Criteria for Portugal
Authors: Gomes de Sousa J. M.
Published: May 2018

Although there are only a few wastewater stabilization lagoon plants in Portugal, this treatment system is particularly attractive because of the low energy requirements and because its operation is simple and the operating costs are small. Furthermore, the climatic factors are also favourable.

In this context, the main objective of the study, which was undertaken in the Frielas experimental complex, on the outskirts of Lisbon, was the development of an appropriate stabilization lagoon design procedure for application in Portugal, regarding the raw wastewater characteristics and the climatic factors.

The results obtained include the physical, chemical and biological characteristics and the flow rates of the influent and effluent wastewaters from the lagoons. The following main conclusions were reached:–the lagoons are normally over-designed, in particular the anaerobic and the facultative lagoons;–the soluble BOD concentration in the effluent, in general, meets the discharge requirements;–due to the presence of algae in the effluent, the TSS concentration is higher than the corresponding concentration in a secondary effluent.
The Development of Lagoons in Venezuela
Authors: Lansdell M.
Published: May 2018

The operational experience of early lagoons is outlined. The construction of a new generation of lagoons of 2000 PE to 1.000.000 PE capacity and associated practical difficulties are described. Those with innovative and space saving features treated in some detail. One includes an anaerobic baffled reactor with sludge draw-off facilities which entered service in September 1986 and which is being monitored for compliance with “Engelberg Requirements”. Cost information and space requirements for the different systems under construction are included.It is concluded that lagoon systems properly designed and sited are the most appropriate and indeed the only financially viable sewage treatment option to suit Venezuelan circumstances.
Pond Treatment of Rettery Wastewaters
Authors: Bartoszewski K. , Bilyk A.
Published: May 2018

Rettery wastewaters were treated in anaerobic and aerobic ponds. Anaerobic treatment yielded efficiencies of BOD5 and COD removal as low as 20%. The treatment process conducted under aerobic conditions in aerated and stabilizing ponds arranged in series took from 18 to 20 days and gave efficiencies of BOD5 and COD removal amounting to 90%. The experimental results were interpreted by virtue of the Eckenfelder equation. Excess activated sludge was subjected to aerobic stabilization in a separate tank. A new technology was suggested for the existing obsolete industrial treatment plant.