bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the influence of energy and residential development on the migratory behavior of mule deer
Authors: Wyckoff Teal B. , Sawyer Hall , Albeke Shannon E. , Garman Steven L. , Kauffman Matthew J.
Published: February 2018

Migratory ungulates are often exposed to anthropogenic infrastructure along their migration routes. Understanding the influence of such development on migratory behavior is critical to successful planning and conservation. Impermeable barriers have obvious and detrimental effects to migratory ungulate populations, but the influence of semi‐permeable barriers, where the connectivity of migration habitat is maintained but the migration routes are compromised by anthropogenic development, remains unclear. We evaluated the influence of development on the migratory behavior of individual mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in western Wyoming, USA. We used fine‐scale movement data to evaluate the influence of anthropogenic infrastructure on deer movement rates, stopover use, and fidelity to migration routes for individual animals across multiple seasons and years. Deer avoided human infrastructure when selecting stopover sites. Fidelity to migration routes and stopover areas, as measured by the degree of spatial overlap between years, was not influenced by development, except in one heavily developed area. Our results suggested that deer increased rate of movement, reduced time in stopovers, and shifted stopovers in areas of intense development. In most cases, deer maintained fidelity to migration routes, regardless of development, suggesting that deer mediated exposure to development by altering movement—rates and timing—rather than the routes they traversed. This work adds to a growing number of studies indicating that development can disrupt migratory behavior. Understanding how different types and intensities of development influence migration can help inform land‐use planning and conservation of migratory ungulates.
Do environmental incidents affect state‐level environmental building policy?
Authors: Bose Feler , Brower Jake
Published: February 2018

This article explores the impact of environmental incidents or focusing events on state‐level “green” building policy‐making in the United States. Environmental policy researchers have identified several factors and their impact on states’ ability and willingness to formulate green policies. A recent study by Bose and Pandey shows that state‐level environmental incidents are important in determining environmental policy linked to climate and energy issues. We test for the impact of environmental incidents and its interaction with the strength of environmental organizations on the formulation of green policies at the state level that are tied to green building policy. Empirical results from the longitudinal data indicate that the states that witness environmental incidents in the current period are less likely to formulate environmental policies during that period. Further, changes in environmental membership are negatively associated with green building policy. We also find that environmental organizations do not root their advocacy programs on the previous period's environmental incident(s). This indicates that environmental focusing events do not affect state‐level green building policy. Our results partly agree and partly differ from Bose and Pandey's work on climate and energy issues. These results contribute to our understanding of the critical determinants of environmental policy‐making.
Multiple Acetylation of Pentaphenylferrocene – Synthesis and Asymmetric Reduction of 1‐Acetyl‐1′,2′,3′,4′,5′‐penta(para‐acetylphenyl)ferrocene
Authors: Arthurs Ross A. , Richards Christopher J.
Published: February 2018

The Friedel–Crafts acetylation of pentaphenylferrocene has been revisited using 1.1 equivalents of AcCl/AlCl3 in CH2Cl2 at room temperature leading to the synthesis of 1‐acetyl‐1′,2′,3′,4′,5′‐pentaphenylferrocene (78 % yield). Increased quantities of reagents and longer reaction times resulted in acetylation of the phenyl groups exclusively at the para‐position, this methodology culminating in the synthesis of 1‐acetyl‐1′,2′,3′,4′,5′‐penta(para‐acetylphenyl)ferrocene (32 % for a two step process). Subsequent asymmetric reduction of all six ketone functionalities with BH3·SMe2 catalysed by 60 mol‐% (S)‐CBS proceeded in 81 % yield to give (R,R,R,R,R,R)‐1‐(α‐hydroxyethyl)‐1′,2′,3′,4′,5′‐penta[para‐(α‐hydroxyethyl)phenyl]ferrocene, a highly functionalised enantiopure building block for the synthesis of ligands and materials.
Exploring the Conversion of a d‐Sialic Acid Aldolase into a l‐KDO Aldolase
Authors: Romero‐Rivera Adrian , Iglesias‐Fernández Javier , Osuna Sílvia
Published: February 2018

Directed evolution involves iterative rounds of genetic diversification followed by selection of variants with improved enzyme properties. A common trend in these studies is the introduction of multiple scattered mutations remote from the active site. Rationalizing how distal mutations influence the conformational states or ensemble of conformations formed by enzymes, and its relation to enzymatic catalysis is highly appealing for the improvement of current rational enzyme design strategies. Directed evolution was applied to convert d‐sialic acid aldolase into an efficient l‐3‐deoxy‐manno‐2‐octulosonic acid (l‐KDO) aldolase. In this study, we computationally evaluate the conformational dynamics of both enzymes to shed light on the specificity of the evolved variant. We further demonstrate the role of distal mutations on the modulation of enzyme conformational dynamics and its relation to substrate accessibility and selectivity. Mutations markedly altered the active site shape and substrate access tunnels in the evolved l‐KDO aldolase, thus affecting the enzyme specificity.
Enantioselective Complexation of Chiral Oxirane Derivatives by an Enantiopure Cryptophane in Water
Authors: De Rycke Nicolas , Jean Marion , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Buffeteau Thierry , Brotin Thierry
Published: February 2018

We show here that optically active cryptophane 1 bearing phenol functions can efficiently bind the two enantiomers of 2‐(chloromethyl)oxirane, ethyloxirane, and 2,2′‐bioxirane derivatives in aqueous solution. The binding process is characterized by high‐field 1H NMR signals that are specific to the encapsulated species. In all cases, an enantioselective effect was observed and a relationship between the molecular volume of the guest and the binding constant can be established, even though the flexibility of the guest molecule also seems to play a role. In this series, the 2,2′‐bioxirane guest is a particularly interesting example, because this compound possesses two stereogenic centers. Thus, in solution, three different pairs of enantiomers can be obtained in the presence of the optically active host 1. Electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy has also been used to characterize these complexes; specific ECD spectra recorded in the 1Lb region were obtained for each diastereomer.
Environmental Impacts of Photovoltaics: The Effects of Technological Improvements and Transfer of Manufacturing from Europe to China
Authors: Stamford Laurence , Azapagic Adisa
Published: February 2018

Solar power deployment is expanding rapidly alongside improvements in manufacturing processes and solar technology performance. This expansion has coincided with great cost reductions and a shift in manufacturing to China, but the environmental effects of these developments remain unclear. This study uses life cycle assessment (LCA) to estimate the environmental impacts for silicon‐based photovoltaic (PV) systems installed in two locations—the United Kingdom (UK) and Spain—in the years 2005 and 2015 to assess the changes that have occurred in the past decade. Manufacturing is considered in both Europe and China to analyze the effects of the aforementioned market shift. The results show that technological improvements have reduced the environmental impacts by an average of 45 %, ranging from 29 % (eutrophication) to 80 % (ozone layer depletion); the carbon footprint has been approximately cut in half. However, the shift of manufacturing to China has increased environmental impacts by an average of 9–13 % relative to manufacturing in Europe. Acidification is much higher for Chinese‐made systems, negating all of the technological progress that has been made over the past decade. Thus, the future impacts of PV are highly dependent upon environmental improvements in the Chinese energy mix. Learning rates for environmental impacts are estimated at 6–26 %, thereby leading to expected impact reductions of 8–34 % by the year 2025, which would bring the impacts of Chinese‐made PV systems back down to the levels currently achieved by systems made in Europe.
Steroid glycosides as potential analytes for Cu‐doping on TiO2 for photocatalytic water treatment
Authors: Ghosh Piyali , Chelli Venkatanarasimha Rao , Giri Ardhendu Sekhar , Golder Animes Kumar
Published: February 2018

The kernel of Thevetia peruviana, a toxic ornamental shrub, is rich in cardiac glycosides and, its concentration could be as high as 4.8%. This work aimed for the functionalization of a photocatalyst support, TiO2 by Cu‐doping using a facile bio‐mediated green methodology. Herein, the mechanism of Cu‐doping on TiO2 mediated by cardiac glycosides present in the bioextract is proposed. Cu(II) was first immobilized on TiO2 and, then the aqueous kernel extract of T. peruviana was used to dope Cu(II) on TiO2 at room temperature. The loading of Cu doped on TiO2 was found to be about 99% of the initial amount of Cu(II) taken in the immobilization stage. With the increase in Cu loading, there was a gradual redshift in the optical absorbance but the optimal dopant concentration was found to be 1.5% (true loading). The polydispersity index was increased by 1.8‐folds due to the transformation of the rutile phase to the anatase phase (maximum 8.48%) and increase in the crystallite size (17.7–24.5 nm). Cu‐doped TiO2 exhibited as high as 75% trypan blue dye degradation in 120 min at the optimal dopant concentration under the visible light irradiation by the combined effect of photocatalysis and photosensitization which was originated in the presence of trypan blue dye. However, the photosensitization effect due to the adsorption of pigments present in the bioextract was also insignificant as evidenced from the decomposition of a colorless pharmaceutical compound. The electron spin resonance spectra confirmed that
radicals primarily caused the dye decomposition. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Improving the CBS‐based partitioned semi‐implicit coupling algorithm for fluid‐structure interaction
Authors: He Tao , Yang Jian , Baniotopoulos Charalampos
Published: February 2018

We detail in this work 2 simple but effective alternatives to improve the characteristic‐based split–based partitioned semi‐implicit coupling algorithm for fluid‐structure interaction. The basic idea lies in introducing the end‐of‐step velocity into the implicit stages of the 2 algorithms integrating different splits. The algorithm built upon the second‐order pressure split is further stabilized via the pressure gradient projection with particular emphasis on the extremely low mass ratio. The smoothed finite element method is exploited for spatial discretization of fluid and solid equations. Even without any accelerators, both the semi‐implicit solvers incorporating fixed‐point iterations engender visible improvements versus the previously published data for several benchmarks.
Forecasting the duration of short‐term deflation episodes
Authors: Charemza Wojciech , Makarova Svetlana , Wu Yinkai
Published: February 2018

The paper proposes a simulation‐based approach to multistep probabilistic forecasting, applied for predicting the probability and duration of negative inflation. The essence of this approach is in counting runs simulated from a multivariate distribution representing the probabilistic forecasts, which enters the negative inflation regime. The marginal distributions of forecasts are estimated using the series of past forecast errors, and the joint distribution is obtained by a multivariate copula approach. This technique is applied for estimating the probability of negative inflation in China and its expected duration, with the marginal distributions computed by fitting weighted skew‐normal and two‐piece normal distributions to autoregressive moving average ex post forecast errors and using the multivariate Student t copula.
Embracing Disruptive New Science? Biotelemetry Meets Co-Management in Canada's Fraser River
Authors: Young Nathan , Corriveau Marianne , Nguyen Vivian M , Cooke Steven J , Hinch Scott G
Published: February 2018

Evidence-based management of fisheries means being continually open to new sources of scientific findings and data, but this is difficult when there is uncertainty or disagreement about their value and utility. We submit that this is the case for rapidly advancing animal tracking research, or biotelemetry. While biotelemetry science has been broadly accepted in fisheries and aquatic research communities, its incorporation into fisheries policy and management has been limited. To gain insight into this disjuncture, we conducted an exploratory study of perspectives on biotelemetry among government employees and nongovernmental stakeholders involved in co-managing salmon fisheries in Canada's Fraser River. Using a knowledge mobilization theoretical framework, we examine how respondents perceived biotelemetry research across three dimensions: its epistemic value (its capacity to generate useful and valid new knowledge), its practical value (relative to real-world considerations such as cost), and its degree of fit or discord with existing policy and management practices. We find a wide range of views between both groups, which may explain the hesitant uptake of biotelemetry into policy and management in this case. We conclude by advancing several research questions as a guide for future study of the integration of new sources of knowledge into evidence-based management.
Are there gains from using information over the surface of implied volatilities?
Authors: Guo Biao , Han Qian , Lin Hai
Published: February 2018

We investigate the out‐of‐sample predictability of implied volatility using the information over the implied volatility surface. We show that implied volatility surface is useful for the out‐of‐sample forecast of implied volatility up to 1 week ahead. Trading strategies based on the predictability of implied volatility could generate significant risk‐adjusted gains after controlling for transaction costs. Significant results also depend on the way of modeling implied volatility surface. We then calibrate a two‐factor stochastic volatility option pricing model to implied volatility data. Results show that implied volatility is better explained by both long‐ and short‐term variance factors.
Reusable Photocatalytic Optical Fibers for Underground, Deep‐Sea, and Turbid Water Remediation
Authors: Teixeira Sara , Magalhães Bruno , Martins Pedro M. , Kühn Klaus , Soler Lluís , Lanceros‐Méndez Senentxu , Cuniberti Gianaurelio
Published: February 2018

An approach for underground, deep, and turbid water remediation is presented based on optical fibers with a photocatalytic coating. Thus, photocatalytic TiO2 P25 nanoparticles immobilized in a poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) matrix are coated on polymeric optical fibers (POFs) and the photocatalytic performance of the system is assessed under artificial sunlight. To the best of our knowledge, poly(methyl methacrylate)‐POF coated with TiO2/PVDF and the reusability of any type of POF for photocatalytic applications are not previously reported. The photocatalytic efficiency of the hybrid material in the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and its reusability are evaluated here. It is shown that 50 w/w% of TiO2 P25 achieves a degradation of 95% after 72 h under artificial sunlight and a reusability of three times leads to a loss of activity inferior to 11%. The efficient removal of ciprofloxacin and the stability of the POF coated with TiO2 P25 successfully demonstrate its suitability in the degradation of pollutants with potential application in regions with low light illumination, as in underground and deep water.
Serum insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I and IGF binding protein‐3 in relation to terminal duct lobular unit involution of the normal breast in Caucasian and African American women: The Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank
Authors: Oh Hannah , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Falk Roni T. , Horne Hisani N. , Xiang Jackie , Pollak Michael , Brinton Louise A. , Storniolo Anna Maria V. , Sherman Mark E. , Gierach Gretchen L. , Figueroa Jonine D.
Published: February 2018

Lesser degrees of terminal duct lobular unit (TDLU) involution, as reflected by higher numbers of TDLUs and acini/TDLU, are associated with elevated breast cancer risk. In rodent models, the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) system regulates involution of the mammary gland. We examined associations of circulating IGF measures with TDLU involution in normal breast tissues among women without precancerous lesions. Among 715 Caucasian and 283 African American (AA) women who donated normal breast tissue samples to the Komen Tissue Bank between 2009 and 2012 (75% premenopausal), serum concentrations of IGF‐I and binding protein (IGFBP)‐3 were quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxilyn and eosin‐stained tissue sections were assessed for numbers of TDLUs (“TDLU count”). Zero‐inflated Poisson regression models with a robust variance estimator were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) for association of IGF measures (tertiles) with TDLU count by race and menopausal status, adjusting for potential confounders. AA (vs. Caucasian) women had higher age‐adjusted mean levels of serum IGF‐I (137 vs. 131 ng/mL, p = 0.07) and lower levels of IGFBP‐3 (4165 vs. 4684 ng/mL, p < 0.0001). Postmenopausal IGFBP‐3 was inversely associated with TDLU count among AA (RRT3vs.T1 = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.28–0.84, p‐trend = 0.04) and Caucasian (RRT3vs.T1=0.64, 95% CI = 0.42–0.98, p‐trend = 0.04) women. In premenopausal women, higher IGF‐I:IGFBP‐3 ratios were associated with higher TDLU count in Caucasian (RRT3vs.T1=1.33, 95% CI = 1.02–1.75, p‐trend = 0.04), but not in AA (RRT3vs.T1=0.65, 95% CI = 0.42–1.00, p‐trend = 0.05), women. Our data suggest a role of the IGF system, particularly IGFBP‐3, in TDLU involution of the normal breast, a breast cancer risk factor, among Caucasian and AA women.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of melanoma: A Mendelian randomisation analysis
Authors: Liyanage Upekha E. , Law Matthew H. , Ong Jue Sheng , Cust Anne E. , Mann Graham J. , Ward Sarah V. ,   Melanoma Meta‐Analysis Consortium, Gharahkhani Puya , Iles Mark M. , MacGregor Stuart
Published: February 2018

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, mainly affecting populations of European ancestry. Some observational studies suggest that particular diets reduce melanoma risk, putatively through an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption. However, interpretation of these observational findings is difficult due to residual confounding or reverse causality. To date, a randomized controlled trial has not been carried out to examine the relationship between PUFAs and melanoma. Hence, we performed a Mendelian randomisation (MR) study to evaluate the link between PUFAs and melanoma. To perform MR, we used summary results from the largest risk genome‐wide association study (GWAS) meta‐analysis of melanoma, consisting of 12,874 cases and 23,203 controls. As instrumental variables we selected SNPs associated with PUFA levels from a GWAS meta‐analysis of PUFA levels, from the CHARGE consortium. We used the inverse variance weighted method to estimate a causal odds ratio. To aid interpretation, we established a benchmark “large” predicted change in PUFAs in which, for example, an increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DPA) of 0.17 units (equal to 1 standard deviation) moves a person from the 17th percentile to the median. Raising PUFA levels by a large amount (increasing DPA by 0.17 units) only negligibly changed melanoma risk: odds ratio [OR] = 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.96–1.10). Other PUFAs yielded similar results as DPA. Our MR analysis suggests that the effect of PUFA levels on melanoma risk is either zero or very small.
Better outcomes of modified myeloablative conditioning without antithymocyte globulin versus myeloablative conditioning in cord blood transplantation for hematological malignancies: A retrospective (development) and a prospective (validation) study
Authors: Sun Zimin , Liu Huilan , Luo Chenhui , Geng Liangquan , Zheng Changcheng , Tang Baolin , Zhu Xiaoyu , Tong Juan , Wang Xingbing , Ding Kaiyang , Wan Xiang , Zhang Lei , Yao Wen , Song Kaiding , Zhang Xuhan , Wu Yue , Yang Huizhi , Han Yongsheng , Liu Xin , Zhu Weibo , Wu Jingsheng , Wang Zuyi
Published: February 2018

Cord blood transplantation (CBT) is an effective option for treating hematological malignancies, but graft failure (GF) remains the primary cause of therapy failure. Thus, based on myeloablative conditioning (MAC) of busulfan with cyclophosphamide (Bu/Cy) or total body irradiation with Cy (TBI/Cy), fludarabine (Flu) was added to Bu/Cy and cytarabine (CA) to TBI/Cy for a modified myeloablative conditioning (MMAC). To compare the prognosis of MMAC with MAC, we conducted a retrospective study including 58 patients who underwent CBT with MAC or MMAC from 2000 to 2011. Neutrophil and platelet engraftment rate, overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) were significantly higher in the MMAC group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.58, 2.43, 0.36 and 0.37; p < 0.01, p = 0.01, p = 0.02 and p = 0.02, separately). Nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was comparable (p = 0.183). To validate the outcomes noted in the MMAC group, we conducted a prospective single‐arm clinical trial including 188 patients who underwent CBT with MMAC from 2011 to 2015. Engraftment rate, survival and NRM of the MMAC group in the prospective trail (MMAC‐P) were similar to the MMAC group in the retrospective study (MMAC‐R). This study is the first to demonstrate the superiority of MMAC to MAC in CBT for hematological malignancies.
Meeteetse Fights Microorganisms With Microfiltration
Authors: Schaefer James , Griffin Dan
Published: February 2018

During the late 1990s, Meeteetse, Wyoming, needed to improve its drinking water supply and treatment facilities for the town's 368 residents. Deteriorating quality in its source of supply, the presence of Giardia in the finished water, and more stringent future water quality standards led the town to consider microfiltration (MF). With the assistance of the Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC), Meeteetse pilot‐tested two MF systems to demonstrate acceptable performance and to identify design criteria. Meeteetse and the town's consulting engineer competitively bid the MF equipment and evaluated the initial bid cost and the present‐worth cost of operating and maintaining the MF system to select the least‐cost alternative for the town. As a result, Meeteetse installed an economical MF system that produces high‐quality drinking water meeting all current standards. The new MF treatment plant began operation March 7, 2001, and has reliably produced filtered water with a turbidity of 0.03‐0.04 ntu. The system operates automatically without coagulation, which minimizes operator time to about 3 hours a day and allows the operators to handle other duties.
Conventional versus advanced treatment for eutrophic source water
Authors: Lai Wen‐Liang , Yeh Hsuan‐Hsien , Tseng I‐Cheng , Lin Tsair‐Fuh , Chen Jen‐Jeng , Wang Grace T.
Published: February 2018

The Cheng Ching Lake Water Works in southern Taiwan draws its raw water from an eutrophic lake. There are taste and odor problems in the finished water because the conventional treatment processes currently used cannot completely remove the metabolites of algae or other microorganisms. Consumers also complain about the high levels of hardness in the water. To improve the organoleptic properties of the finished water by upgrading the treatment processes, a pilot‐scale study was conducted. Three processes were compared side by side: a conventional process without prechlorination (process 1); a conventional process plus ozone, granular activated carbon, and pellet‐softening (process 2); and an integrated membrane process (ultrafiltration plus nanofiltration) following a conventional process (process 3). Results showed that process 3 produced water with the best quality, whether dissolved organics, biostability, or organoleptic parameters were concerned. The second‐best results occurred with process 2, which produced water with high biostability and aesthetic quality. The study also found that simply avoiding prechlorination significantly improved the biostability of the finished water when compared with that of conventional processes.
Education on Water Use Is Essential as Population, Demand Soar
Authors: Fender Douglas H.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how the demand for water is increasing along with the growth in world population. Because of this, education about proper water use and conservation is critically important, particularly relating to outdoor water use. The article discusses various successful public education approaches and lists criteria to aid people in becoming part of the solution. Available only on the E‐Journal website: www.awwa.org/communications/journal/News/0203seeit.pdf
Utility Permit Required for Delaware Developer Providing Water to Tenants
Authors: Stiegler Mayo H.
Published: February 2018

A Delaware court has determined that because a developer provided large quantities of water to tenants, the developer was also required to acquire a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN), which is required of any entity conducting the business of a water utility.
Denial of CWA Development Permit Not an Unconstitutional Taking of Property
Authors: Stiegler Mayo H.
Published: February 2018

According to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the denial of a Clean Water Act (CWA) permit to landowners to fully develop federal wetlands on their property was not a categorical taking of property without compensation under the Fifth Amendment.
Beverly Hills Tackles Smaller System Security Issues
Authors: Jordan Brian L. , Beste Rob
Published: February 2018

Participants in the City of Beverly Hills' security assessment process offer advice to other utilities on understanding the approach and involvement required in preparing vulnerability assessments. Topics covered in developing a vulnerability assessment methodology are discussed, along with several factors that can influence the assessment process. Resources are listed to assist with vulnerability assessments.
Multipurpose Solution to Stormwater Problem
Authors: Parmelee Mary A.
Published: February 2018

This article reports on a construction project in Charlotte, North Carolina, to alleviate flooding at an intersection of the city when water in this area backs up because the culverts are too small to handle unusually heavy rainfalls. A local engineering consultant, working with Charlotte Storm Water Services, developed an initiative that would slow down runoff before it reached the overburdened culverts. It was decided that a section in nearby Sedgefield Park would be set aside to temporarily store water during infrequent heavy rain. The water collected could be released downstream over a short period of time after the height of a storm, thereby relieving the existing culverts of the runoff overload.
Property May Be Condemned for Wetlands Mitigation
Authors: Stiegler Mayo H.
Published: February 2018

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) has the authority to condemn property for the purpose of wetlands mitigation, according to the Supreme Court of Delaware.
Committee Report: Residuals Management for Low‐pressure Membranes
Authors:   AWWA Residuals Management Research Committee Subcommittee on Membrane Residuals Management
Published: February 2018

Utility managers can use this report to determine cost‐effective ways to manage residuals from low‐pressure membranes. Use of low‐pressure membranes is rapidly expanding, but many utility managers and engineers do not know how to treat and dispose of the residuals. Many regulators and wastewater utility managers are also unfamiliar with these residuals' characteristics and acceptable disposal practices. This article offers methods for handling and disposing of residuals in environmentally acceptable ways and shows how the use of low‐pressure membranes can be more feasible. Some low‐pressure membrane projects have been dropped because residuals treatment and disposal have been obstacles to their acceptance. This information about membranes and residuals management can help break these obstacles so that low‐pressure membrane processes can be implemented.
Membrane Integrity Monitoring with Distributed Laser Turbidimetry
Authors: Carr Mary C. , Carlson Kenneth H. , Sadar Michael
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study was to determine whether distributed laser light‐scattering turbidimetry is a viable approach for monitoring membrane integrity. The study consisted of two phases. Phase 1 measured the sensitivity and minimum detection levels of four monitoring instruments. Phase 2 determined the minimum breach size (and corresponding log removal) required for detecting a change in water quality for each instrument. The water quality used in phase 1 was controlled using quantifiable particle count addition with 0.026‐, 1.0‐ and 5.0‐μm fluorescing microspheres. Membrane integrity monitoring was studied in phase 2 by feeding an increasingly breached membrane with either raw water or water pretreated by coagulation/settling and either known concentrations of 5.0‐μm microspheres or powdered activated carbon (PAC). The results indicate that distributing existing technology sensors throughout a membrane rack may provide greater benefits than working to increase the sensitivity of a single detector. Also, laser light source turbidimeters are more sensitive than white light source turbidimeters or particle counters when raw or PAC‐amended water is considered.
Customer Reaction to hypothetical and actual CCRs and related information
Authors: Johnson Branden B.
Published: February 2018

Water utilities are required to inform customers about the quality of their water and whether any violations in water quality standards have occurred. Specifically, utilities are required to publish Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs.) Six surveys were conducted of New Jersey water utility customers to assess whether these reports are effective in communicating information about water quality. The surveys provide the first evidence on how customers react to the material contained in CCRs. Johnson reviewed the survey results and found that some detailed information ‐ in particular, ranges of detected contaminant levels ‐ is difficult for customers to interpret. Still, as difficult as the information may be to understand, most people find the CCRs informative. The author also learned that although customers expect utility companies to communicate with them, customers do not feel obligated to provide feedback. The surveys also showed that the aesthetic qualities of the water are critical to a customer's assessment of water quality. Additionally, whether because of preexisting trust or distrust, CCRs are unlikely to shift customer views of their utility. Lastly, survey respondents made several recommendations on how the information contained in the CCRs could be improved.
riverbank filtration—fate of DBP precursors and selected microorganisms
Authors: Weiss W. Joshua , Bouwer Edward J. , Ball William P. , O'Melia Charles R. , Lechevallier Mark W. , Arora Harish , Speth Thomas F.
Published: February 2018

At three drinking water utilities in the midwestern United States, significant reductions were observed in total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and disinfection byproduct precursors after riverbank filtration (RBF). TOC and DOC reductions at the closer wells at the three sites ranged from 35 to 67%. Trihalomethane formation potential and haloacetic acid formation potential concentrations were reduced by 50 to 80% at the three sites. Reductions in precursors for haloacetonitriles, haloketones, chloral hydrate, and chloropicrin ranged from 30 to 100% following RBF. Reductions in the concentrations of Clostridium were observed in excess of 3 logs. Log reductions in the rivers and wells ranged from >2.6 to >3.3 for E. coli C bacteriophage and from >1.9 to >2.3 for E. coli F‐amp bacteriophage. Limited occurrence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in the river and well waters prevented the establishment of firm conclusions for the removal of these organisms.
Musical chairs in the water industry: consolidation or fragmentation?
Authors: Maxwell Steve
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the rampant consolidation activity and rearrangement of ownership within the water industry, both nationally and internationally. The author discusses several points that explain the reshuffling within the US water business that include: privatization; buyers, wanting to become major domestic water players, started buying other types of water companies because the US offered few large privately‐owned utilities; the slowing of the privatization trend due to political forces, poor record of some major privatization projects, and fear of privatization forcing public utilities into better performance; and, a re‐focusing on historical core competencies by infrastructure services.
Design of Early Warning Monitoring Systems for Source Waters
Authors: Gullick Richard W. , Grayman Walter M. , Deininger Rolf A. , Males Richard M.
Published: February 2018

Surface water systems may be vulnerable to sudden changes in source water quality as a result of accidental, intentional, or natural contamination from a variety of sources, including spills and storms. Utilities must respond quickly to these events in order to determine appropriate changes in treatment strategy and protect consumers from potentially harmful contaminants. Early warning monitoring systems can facilitate rapid response by using detection, event characterization, and communication to gather the information necessary to make sound decisions. This article discusses the characteristics, components, and design of early warning systems as well as existing and developing monitoring methods and still‐needed research. Case studies provide snapshots of advanced early warning monitoring systems from around the world, in particular Europe and Asia. With a few notable exceptions, US experience with advanced early warning monitoring systems is limited, and most water supplies have little or no early warning system in place. When a contamination event occurs, time is of the essence to protect supplies and safeguard consumer health. Early warning monitoring not only cuts response time but also provides a cost‐effective mechanism for reducing risks, boosting public confidence in the water utility, and promoting good practice and careful reporting on the part of dischargers. Using the information and framework provided here, utilities can begin developing their own early warning monitoring systems, thus ensuring that when water quality is endangered, they won't be caught flatfooted.
Iron Release from corroded, unlined cast‐iron pipe
Authors: Sarin Pankaj , Clement Jonathan A. , Snoeyink Vernon L. , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: February 2018

One goal of drinking water treatment is to minimize iron uptake from distribution systems in which old, corroded iron and steel pipes are used. This research evaluated the effects of changes in pH and alkalinity and the use of orthophosphates to minimize iron release. A pilot pipe‐loop system was constructed using 100‐year‐old unlined cast‐iron pipes. The composition and structure of the corrosion scales were characterized, and iron release was investigated for various water quality conditions. Results showed that iron release could be reduced over time by maintaining a stable water quality. When the pH of water was raised to 9.5, iron release during an 8‐h stagnation period decreased from >1.5 mg/L to <0.3 mg/L within 6–8 months. Comparable results were obtained when an orthophosphate concentration of 3.0 mg/L as PO4 was maintained in the influent to the pipes. Iron release was found to be sensitive and complementary to changes in the alkalinity of water.
How We Look Does Matter
Authors: Clark Patsy S.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how image and public perception have a significant impact on the customer's confidence in their water utility. Personal appearance, clothing, condition of vehicles, hydrants, pumping stations, tanks, and well houses all play a big part in how customers view the organizations that provide them with drinking water.
Take Your Fire Chief to Lunch
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses the results of a survey conducted during July 2003 by the Opinion Research Corporation. The survey asked 500 fire chiefs, marshals, and commissioners what their most significant challenges were in trying to improve fire protection. 69% said that difficulty accessing adequate water supplies was one of their chief problems and 46% said that lack of cooperation from local water companies was among their primary problems. Hoffbuhr states that these two survey findings are the result of a lack of communication between fire departments and water utilities.
Comparing RBF with Bench‐Scale Conventional Treatment for precursor reduction
Authors: Weiss W. Joshua , Bouwer Edward J. , Ball William P. , O'Melia Charles R. , Arora Harish , Speth Thomas F.
Published: February 2018

Reduction of disinfection by‐product (DBP) precursors upon riverbank filtration (RBF) at three drinking water utilities in the midwestern United States was compared with reductions obtained using a bench‐scale conventional treatment train on the corresponding river waters. The river waters were subjected to a treatment train consisting of coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and ozonation. RBF performed as well as or better than the bench‐scale conventional treatment with respect to DBP precursor removal. Total and dissolved organic carbon concentrations were reduced by 20 to 50% after bench‐scale treatment, compared with reductions between 30 and 70% after subsurface travel to the closer wells at the three sites. Reductions in precursor material for a variety of DBPs (trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, haloacetonitriles, haloketones, chloral hydrate, and chloropicrin) after bench‐scale treatment were generally in the range of 40 to 80%, whereas reductions after RBF ranged from 50 to 100%. After RBF and bench‐scale treatment, a shift was observed from the chlorinated to the more‐brominated DBP species, with the shift more pronounced for the bank‐filtered waters. This shift was likely attributable to the increase in the ratio of bromide to dissolved organic carbon.
Effect of Filtration Conditions On Removal of Emerging waterborne pathogens
Authors: Harrington Gregory W. , Xagoraraki Irene , Assavasilavasukul Prapakorn , Standridge Jon H.
Published: February 2018

This study evaluated removal of live emerging waterborne pathogens by pilot‐scale conventional treatment with alum coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration. The microbes tested were Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, Encephalitozoon intestinalis spores, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7, Aeromonas hydrophila, and bacteriophage MS2. The study showed the effects of filter run time, alternative loading rates, alternative filter media, and pH on pathogen removal. Results indicated that turbidity breakthrough was accompanied by breakthrough of all pathogens tested in this study. Results also suggest that the breakthrough of A. hydrophila and E. coli O157:H7 occurred more rapidly than that of turbidity. In general, filtration rate or alternative filter media configurations had no apparent effect on pathogen removal.
Strategic planning in the water industry: making it a truly useful process
Authors: Maxwell Steve
Published: February 2018

This article discusses how strategic planning is a critical communication and objective‐setting exercise that must involve numerous stakeholders and different levels of people throughout an organization. The article organizes strategic planning into four steps.
The WaterISAC—One Year Later
Authors: Sullivan John P.
Published: February 2018

This article describes WaterISAC, designed as both a secure, Web‐based environment for early warning of potential physical contamination and cyber threats, and a source of sound information and shared ideas for protecting consumers and the environment. Developed by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) under the guidance of drinking water and wastewater system managers and associations, with partial funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Congress, the WaterISAC (Information and Sharing Analysis Centers) responds to Presidential Decision Directives and Executive Orders that designate the water sector as critical to the nation's well‐being and that call for the establishment of ISACs to promote the flow of security information. WaterISAC is the only centralized resource that gathers, analyzes, and disseminates threat information specific to the water community. This article reports on new developments at WaterISAC that include: contaminant databases; new search engines and documents; broad‐based, limited distribution information; database of WaterISAC notifications; revised form for reporting an incident; and, database of emergency contacts.
Coagulation applications for new treatment goals
Authors: Budd George C. , Hess Alan F. , Shorney‐Darby Holly , Neemann Jeff J. , Spencer Catherine M. , Bellamy Julia D. , Hargette Paul H.
Published: February 2018

The objectives for coagulation‐based processes have changed significantly as a consequence of new goals for lower treated‐water turbidity and criteria for total organic carbon (TOC) removal to meet requirements for enhanced coagulation. Although the application of coagulation for TOC removal has garnered considerable interest, the capability to maintain effective turbidity removal is a higher priority and cannot be compromised. This article describes evaluations for assessing this broader view of the coagulation process and underlines the necessity of identifying coagulant adjustments that not only remove TOC but also achieve effective particulate removal. Several basic coagulation adjustments are available for improving capability to meet goals for TOC and turbidity removal, including changes in pH and coagulant dose, use of alternative coagulant chemicals, and changes in the order of chemical addition.
2084
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr takes an imaginary look at the water industry in the year 2084, after the government has taken complete control of the industry because water and wastewater utilities could no longer deal with the burden of complying with 1,512 separate regulations. He goes on to ponder whether we should treat water to different levels of quality, especially when studies show that less than 1% of the highly treated water delivered to customer's homes is actually consumed.
Treating Water High in Nitrate to Supplement Supply
Authors: Ruppenthal Steve
Published: February 2018

This article discusses an effort by the City of Avondale Utilities Department Water Division in Avondale, Arizona to install a 1,000 gpm high‐efficiency ion exchange system. During the summer of 2003, increasing demand for groundwater caused Avondale to pursue methods of nitrate removal at well 8, which is located next to a new commercial development. Well 8 had a nitrate level of 13 mg/L as nitrogen, which exceeds the federal standard of 10 mg/L. In addition, it also had a sulfate level of 77 mg/L, which usually makes conventional nitrate removal very expensive. Avondale decided to contract with Basin Water Inc., whose packaged ion exchange system is specifically designed and engineered for wellhead treatment. Also, this system simultaneously removes arsenic and uranium, an important consideration in areas that may have multiple contaminants in groundwater. Other key benefits of the system are listed. Deployment of the system is discussed along with operational aspects.
Removal of Emerging Waterborne Pathogens and Pathogen Indicators by Pilot‐Scale Conventional Treatment
Authors: Xagoraraki Irene , Harrington Gregory W. , Assavasilavasukul Prapakorn , Standridge Jon H.
Published: February 2018

The goal of this project was to evaluate the removal of emerging pathogens and pathogen indicators by pilot‐scale coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and granular media filtration. The emerging pathogens included Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, Encephalitozoon intestinalis spores, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Aeromonas hydrophila. Bacteriophage MS2 and turbidity were used as pathogen indicators. This work revealed that some emerging pathogens were removed much more effectively than others. A. hydrophila was removed more effectively than C. parvum, and E. intestinalis spores and E. coli O157:H7 were the least effectively removed. For the water tested in this study, the results suggest that a change in filter effluent turbidity requirements from 0.5 to 0.3 ntu would not achieve a significant improvement in the reliability of pathogen removal. However, by setting filter effluent turbidity goals below 0.2 ntu, significant improvements in microbiological quality could be obtained. In general, the pilot‐plant data suggest that good removal of both turbidity and natural organic matter (NOM) decreases the risk of achieving poor emerging pathogen removal. In other words, optimizing the coagulation process for reduction of turbidity and NOM would improve removal of emerging pathogens.
Pressure surges in pipeline systems resulting from air releases
Authors: Lingireddy Srinivasa , Wood Don J. , Zloczower Naftali
Published: February 2018

It is a common practice to locate air valves at high elevations along water transmission mains. Improper sizing of an air valve could lead to the rapid expulsion of air, which might result in excessive pressure surges at the air valve. Although preventing cavitation at high points requires the rapid inflow of air into the pipeline and therefore a bigger inflow orifice, the use of the same orifice for outflow might result in the rapid expulsion of air. However, using dual‐orifice sizes—a larger inflow orifice and a smaller outflow orifice—might prevent undue secondary pressure surges associated with the rapid expulsion of air. This article demonstrates, through two example applications, the positive impact of smaller outflow sizes on pressure surges following the expulsion of air. The study also gives a simplified equation to estimate the magnitude of pressure surges based on pipe characteristics, air‐valve characteristics, and pressure inside the valve just before the final release of air.
Avoiding Rate Shock
Authors: Hoffbuhr Jack W.
Published: February 2018

In his column, AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr discusses two landmark reports commissioned by AWWA's Water Utility Council (WUC). The first report is entitled, “Dawn of the Replacement Era: Reinvesting in Drinking Water Infrastructure,” and states that the rate‐paying public will be the ones to bear the burden of financing the replacement of the nation's drinking water infrastructure either through rates or taxes. To aid in the effort to gain political and public approval to increase the cost of water, the WUC authorized another study to look at actual case histories of water utilities that had increased water rates. This second study is entitled, “Avoiding Rate Shock: Making the Case for Water Rates,” and is a compilation of “lessons learned” and tools that can be used by any utility to successfully work with its political leadership and the public on the need for a rate increase.