Articles tagged with Sewage
Researchers created a portable electronic nose that can detect the stink of wastewater treatment plants with near-human accuracy. The device is combined with a drone to measure air quality and predict odor intensity, producing real-time maps for management.
Researchers analyzed primary sludge from a Connecticut wastewater treatment plant, revealing trends in pandemic-related chemicals like hydroxychloroquine. The study found increases in drugs of abuse and antidepressants, as well as seasonal changes in sunscreen chemicals.
Researchers at West Virginia University are monitoring wastewater statewide for COVID-19 using an egg-shaped robot that collects samples every 20 minutes. The project aims to develop a testing network throughout the state, providing early indicators of changes in community-level spread of COVID-19.
Researchers found a spike in prescription opioid and anti-anxiety sedative consumption, while illicit drug use plummeted during the early pandemic. The study used wastewater analysis to track community-wide habits and anxiety levels.
A new study found that Baltimore County's leaky sewage infrastructure delivers tens of thousands of human doses of pharmaceuticals to the Chesapeake Bay annually, affecting aquatic life and behavior. The study estimates that nearly 1% of raw sewage flows into the environment via leaking pipes.
Researchers at Lehigh University have developed an energy-saving desalination process using carbon dioxide, which can reduce water pretreatment required and cost savings. The HIX-Desal technology has shown promising results in reducing salinity of treated wastewater by over 60% without the need for reverse osmosis.
Wastewater screening at UC San Diego detects 85% of COVID-19 cases early, enabling timely testing, contact tracing, and isolation. The approach has reduced campus positivity rates to less than 1% during the pandemic.
Scientists have found a way to filter wastewater through the roots of willow trees, treating over 30 million litres of primary wastewater per hectare annually. The process produces renewable lignocellulosic biofuels and 'green' chemicals with antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
A new study by the University of Portsmouth has developed a method to measure microplastics in human sewage using Fenton reagent, which is faster and more cost-efficient than existing methods. This breakthrough has huge potential for standardizing plastic pollution measurement.
Scientists at the DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have successfully demonstrated a biocrude conversion process that can operate continuously for over 2,000 hours without losing effectiveness. The process converts various types of biocrude from wastewater and food waste into high-quality renewable diesel fuel.
Scientists in the UK are developing a standardized system for detecting coronavirus in wastewater, which could provide an early warning of future outbreaks. The system aims to reduce reliance on costly testing and help contain the spread of infection by identifying hotspots.
Researchers detected rising SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in Dutch sewage samples during the early stages of the pandemic, correlating with COVID-19 case numbers. The study suggests that sewage surveillance could serve as a sensitive early warning system for increased virus circulation.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a methodology to trace SARS-CoV-2 virus through sewage and wastewater systems. This could provide better estimates of how widespread the virus is and help track existing and future outbreaks.
Rates of E. coli-related sepsis vary greatly between UK NHS regions and are linked to the presence of pathogenic E. coli types in sewage. The study found higher prevalence of E. coli B2 types in South Wales, which correlates with higher sepsis rates.
A global surveillance system for antimicrobial resistance can be established through genomic analysis of sewage, providing valuable information about the types of bacteria present in specific areas. This approach has great potential as a tool for monitoring diseases and managing outbreaks globally.
Sequencing sewage could provide a powerful tool for AMR surveillance, offering a diverse and anonymous sample of the population. The authors suggest that such a system could be established globally for under $1 million USD annually, providing valuable insights into AMR spread and other public health concerns.
North Carolina State University researchers have developed a more efficient method for converting sewage sludge and restaurant grease into methane. By increasing the amount of grease in the mixture, they were able to achieve a 75% ratio of grease to biosolids, resulting in a significantly higher methane yield.
A global survey has found crAssphage viruses in people's sewage across the world, with a history dating back to millions of years. The viruses are naturally occurring and not associated with health outcomes, but may help scientists target harmful gut bacteria.
A comprehensive analysis of sewage from 74 cities in 60 countries has yielded comparable global data on antimicrobial resistant bacteria. The study found that North America, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand have low levels of antimicrobial resistance, while Asia, Africa, and South America have high levels.
A new study reveals that fecal bacteria from sewage are thriving in near-shore sediments of the Hudson River, with potential health risks for swimmers and kayakers. The researchers found high levels of bacteria in both water and sediment at some sites, suggesting an interchange between the two.
Researchers found that polysulfanes decompose during wine storage, releasing hydrogen sulfide and causing the smell of sewage or rotten eggs. The study suggests that antioxidants like sulfur dioxide can help manage the release of stinky sulfur compounds in wine.
A recent study using sewage epidemiology found significantly higher levels of methamphetamine and amphetamine use, as well as increased opioid consumption, during festive events. The researchers also confirmed the intuitive assumption that drug use rises during celebrations.
A Princeton University researcher has discovered a bacterium that can break down toxic metal pollutants in the absence of oxygen. This microbe, Acidimicrobiaceae bacterium A6, can perform chemical conversion in anaerobic conditions, potentially providing an efficient alternative to costly oxygen-dependent methods.
The Illinois River's dramatic recovery is attributed to the Clean Water Act, which reduced sewage effluent and improved water quality. As a result, populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and other sportfish have increased dramatically, with catches now exceeding 100-300 fish per hour.
A nationwide survey found high levels of antimicrobial-resistant genes in urban sewage across China, with over 381 distinct resistance genes detected. The study suggests municipal sewage as a major conduit for transferring antibiotic resistance into the environment.
A new study uses a novel chemical technique to assess the impact of human activity on coral skeletons, revealing devastating effects of pollution and climate change. The research provides critical information for predicting future reef health and informs mitigation strategies for tropical islands facing similar challenges.
A new technology, hydrothermal liquefaction, converts sewage sludge into biocrude oil with properties similar to fossil fuels. The process produces a high-quality biocrude that can be refined to yield fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
Thermally conditioned sewage sludge serves as an excellent fertilizer improving soil properties and reducing phosphorus waste. The nutrient-rich sludge stimulates microbial activity, inducing competition between microorganisms and plant roots for phosphorus uptake.
A new study has created a map of fecal viruses traveling global waterways using modeling methods. The map helps assess water quality worldwide and design treatment and vaccination programs to prevent sewage-associated diseases.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield used tampons to identify sewage pollution in rivers by detecting optical brighteners under UV light. The technique was found to be effective in detecting pollutants from just 0.01ml of detergent per litre of water, and helped pinpoint the sources of pollution.
A recent study by researchers at Georgia State University suggests that storing Ebola-infected sewage for a week or longer may not be sufficient to inactivate the virus, especially at lower ambient temperatures. The study used bacteriophage Φ6 as a stand-in for Ebola and found that holding times may need to be longer in such cases.
Researchers from Marine Biological Laboratory and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee used sewage samples to compare human gut bacteria with high accuracy, revealing a core set of bacteria linked to obesity levels in cities. The approach provides a non-intrusive way to monitor public health without compromising individual privacy.
Researchers tested a new, eco-friendly toilet system that uses breathable fabric technology to filter human waste. The project aims to improve sanitation in developing nations, where millions lack access to basic facilities.
A new study by a Pitt researcher reveals that there is limited scientific data on how long the Ebola virus can survive on surfaces, in water, or in liquid droplets. This knowledge gap makes it challenging to develop effective disinfection practices to prevent the spread of the disease.
Researchers analyzed bacterial diversity and gas concentrations in sewer systems to determine which sites are at higher risk for corrosion. By monitoring hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide levels, wastewater utilities can prevent major damage and costly repairs.
Researchers from UNSW successfully transplanted Phyllospora comosa onto two barren reef sites in Sydney, where it once thrived. The transplanted species not only survived but also reproduced, creating a potential self-sustaining population and restoring a vital habitat for marine organisms.
Researchers have developed a wastewater treatment device that uses spinning CDs coated with zinc oxide nanorods to break down organic pollutants in sewage. The device can treat contaminated water at an impressive rate of 150 mL per minute, making it a promising solution for small-scale water purification.
Researchers found antibiotic-resistant strains in specific spots along the Hudson River, including Flushing Bay and Newtown Creek, which are likely linked to untreated sewage. The microbes identified pose risks to human health, particularly for those with compromised immune systems.
Researchers estimated that 10-20 tons of reactive nitrogen from sewage flows into the Monongahela River every year, affecting stream water quality. The study highlights the need to assess nitrogen leakage from aging sewers in urban environments.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that approximately 60% of the world's population lacks access to improved sanitation. This deficiency is attributed to inadequate sewage treatment and can lead to disease, highlighting the need for better global health standards.
A recent study found that rural sewage lagoons can effectively remove most commonly used pharmaceuticals and hormones from wastewater, but some compounds persist in the environment. The study, led by Wei Zheng, suggests that increased concentrations of PPCPs were detected in November samples due to warmer temperatures.
Scientists developed a more efficient version of a 2-in-1 device that harnesses bacteria in municipal sewage to generate electricity and clean the sewage. The device can process five times more sewage six times more efficiently at half the cost of its predecessors.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and international partners analyzed raw sewage for novel viruses using metagenomics, a new computational tool. They found 234 known viruses from 26 families, with most being previously undiscovered.
A study reveals a vast world of unseen viral diversity in raw sewage, home to thousands of novel and undiscovered viruses. The research detected genetic signatures from 234 known viruses, but the majority belong to unknown viruses that may play roles in human health and environmental processes.
Researchers found that sewage discharge and urban runoff from coastal areas are affecting the genetic structure of sea stars, limiting their dispersal and decreasing genetic diversity. This study highlights the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems, suggesting a need for more effective management strategies.
Scientists estimate that one gallon of wastewater contains enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb for five minutes. This discovery could spur efforts to extract methane, hydrogen, and other fuels from sewage treatment plants in the US.
A new study shows that Poo-Gloos can provide treatment that meets pollution-control requirements, reducing costs for towns outgrowing their waste-treatment lagoons. The devices consistently achieved high levels of treatment, reducing biological oxygen demand by up to 92%.
Scientists report that household sewage has nearly 20% more energy potential than previously estimated, offering a new avenue for extracting methane, hydrogen, and other fuels from wastewater. The discovery could transform treatment facilities into energy sources, reducing their energy drain.
New research suggests that a large number of high-production-volume chemicals used in US industries are likely to persist in post-treatment sludge and enter the environment. Eleven chemicals were identified as potential hazards to human and environmental health due to their propensity for accumulation and persistence.
Millions of sanitary sewer overflows are caused by hard deposits made up of fat, oil, and grease (FOG) that clog sewage pipes, posing dangers to human health and the environment. A new project aims to discover fundamental chemical reactions leading to FOG buildup and develop models to identify potential hot spots where deposits may form.
Competitive birding practices like World Series of Birding and big-year birding can harm the environment by visiting polluted sites such as Superfund sites and landfills. Many birders prioritize species tracking over environmental conservation.
Research at the ESA annual meeting reveals that urban stream pollution can be beneficial to mosquitoes, while lakefront development reduces food supplies for fish. Greenroofs, on the other hand, can absorb significant amounts of stormwater, saving cities millions of gallons of water.
Researchers have detected vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) in Swedish sewage sludge, highlighting the potential for antibiotic resistance genes to spread through the food chain. The study emphasizes the need for more efficient treatment of sewage sludge to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers have isolated a new species of bacteria that can break down cholesterol, a contaminant found in urban sewage residues. The novel organism, Gordonia cholesterolivorans, has the potential to clean up cholesterol-related contamination and could be used for industrial applications.
Threats to Palestinian life and well-being have intensified since 2000, including killings, injuries, and destruction of homes and properties. Access to basic services like fuel, electricity, water, and sanitation is disrupted by Israeli restrictions and military incursions.
Researchers have created a building block made almost entirely of recycled glass, metal slag, and other waste products, aiming to revolutionize the construction industry. The 'Bitublock' is estimated to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% and use an estimated 400,000 tonnes of crushed glass annually.
Floods and aging infrastructure threaten the nation's drinking water safety, with inadequate monitoring and poor watershed protection being major concerns. According to MSU expert Joan Rose, combining sewer systems and climate change increase the risk of waterborne illnesses, especially in vulnerable communities.
A new tool measures cocaine residue in river and sewage waters, revealing an average daily use of at least 27 doses of 100mg cocaine per 1,000 young adults. This exceeds official national estimates, with 40,000 doses used daily in the Po valley.
Invasive seaweed Caulerpa brachypus is smothering coral reefs in Florida, forcing lobsters and fish away. A new study aims to understand the spread of this species and how to control its growth, driven by nutrient pollution from land-based sources.
A study published in BMC Public Health found a link between sewage sludge use and Staphylococcus aureus infections, affecting 25% of surveyed residents. The US EPA was criticized for not considering the combined risks of pathogens and chemicals in treated fields.