Article
Plant Sciences
Goncalo Silva, Moritz Bomer, Aliyu A. Turaki, Chukwuemeka K. Nkere, P. Lava Kumar, Susan E. Seal
Summary: Badnaviruses are serious pathogens of global crops, and their endogenous sequences pose challenges to nucleic acid-based diagnostic methods and international germplasm movement. Yam is a major affected food security crop, and this study developed a PCR-DGGE method to detect and analyze endogenous badnaviral sequences in yam.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Frances C. Pick, Katherine E. Fish, Stewart Husband, Joby B. Boxall
Summary: Biofilms are common in drinking water distribution systems and can pose risks to water quality. A novel biofilm monitoring device has been developed to assess biofouling rates, offering valuable data for improving management of drinking water systems.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marta Zemite, Daina Pule, Olga Kirilina-Gutmane, Laima Kimse, Martins Strods, Jurgis Zemitis, Linda Mezule, Olga Valcina, Talis Juhna
Summary: This study investigated the impact of phosphorus on the growth of Legionella bacteria. The findings suggest that reducing phosphorus levels alone is insufficient for effective control of Legionella and additional strategies are needed.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jun Wang, Xiaopeng Cao, Zhigang Sun, Hongxin Zhang
Summary: The feasibility of using biogas to enhance oil recovery in the hypersaline Qinghai oil field was studied. The use of molasses as a carbon source effectively promoted gas production. Addition of nitrate eliminated sulfate-reducing bacteria, which had a significant impact on the application of MEOR.
PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Sara Peixoto, Jacinta M. M. Oliveira, Isabel Henriques, Rui G. Morgado, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Susana Loureiro
Summary: The study found that AgNPs affected the structure and tolerance of SBC, but did not increase tolerance on a second exposure. AgNO3 was more effective in inhibiting SBC growth than AgNPs, both in a dose-dependent manner.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. J. Gonzalez-Cortes, A. Valle, M. Ramirez, D. Cantero
Summary: Nitrification-denitrification is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for treating landfill leachates. This study found that the nitritation rates of nitrifying biomass were reduced after adaptation to landfill leachates with heavy metals and high salt concentrations. The analysis of biomass samples revealed the presence of specific bacterial genera and families involved in nitritation and denitrification processes.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Tolga Sahin, Sevdan Yilmaz, Irfan Selcuk Yazici, Selcuk Berber
Summary: The present study showed that dietary supplementation of PHB did not affect the growth parameters of rainbow trout fingerlings, but significantly reduced total coliform counts and increased intestinal villus length and width. This suggests that PHB can be used as an alternative microbial control agent for improving intestinal health in rainbow trout.
JOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xueci Xing, Tong Li, Zhihao Bi, Peng Qi, Zesong Li, Haibo Wang, Lai Lyu, Yaowen Gao, Chun Hu
Summary: Fe/CAC treatment can effectively inhibit the growth of opportunistic pathogens and reduce the formation of disinfection by-products. The attached biofilms on Fe/CAC surface enhance microbial metabolic activity, improving the removal efficiency of organic matter. Additionally, EPS substances on Fe/CAC exhibit stronger viscosity and stability, reducing the release of microbial biomass and EPS substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Aly Farag El Sheikha
Summary: Edible bird's nest is a valuable food product with high nutritional and medicinal value, attracting global attention. The nutritional components and medicinal functions of edible bird's nest vary depending on geographical origin. PCR-DGGE technique is an effective and universal tool for geo-tracing edible bird's nest quality and safety.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Guy Robinson, Kristin Elwin, Matthew Jones, Rachel M. Chalmers
Summary: This study compared the standard method and qPCR for the detection and enumeration of Cryptosporidium. The results showed that qPCR was reliable for detecting low numbers of oocysts, but enumeration was less reliable and more variable compared to immunofluorescence microscopy.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinzhong Cai, Huang Yishun, Weiyun Zhang
Summary: A novel method for detecting coliform bacteria using a simple technology has been developed, enabling rapid and accurate detection of coliform bacteria in various food and water samples.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Abraham Loera-Muro, Flor Y. Ramirez-Castillo, Adriana C. Moreno-Flores, Eduardo M. Martin, Francisco J. Avelar-Gonzalez, Alma L. Guerrero-Barrera
Summary: The study revealed that A. pleuropneumoniae can survive in biofilms in drinking water samples from pig farms in Mexico, indicating its potential presence in the environment.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shima Ghoochani, Md Hadiuzzaman, Nahreen Mirza, Shawn P. Brown, Maryam Salehi
Summary: This study examined the influence of water pH and flow conditions on lead release from new and biofilm-laden potable water pipes. The results showed that water flow conditions did not significantly affect lead uptake, possibly due to biofilm detachment. Under water flow conditions, new plastic pipes had higher lead release, and water pH influenced lead release.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Alcileia C. Miranda, Graziela F. Leaes, Marina Copetti
Summary: Fungi, both molds and yeasts, play a significant role in the food industry but also present a risk of food deterioration. These microorganisms can form biofilms with resistance, making their inactivation challenging. Further research is needed to determine the impact of fungal biofilm formation on the food industry.
CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ana Rita Pereira, Manuel Simoes, Ines B. Gomes
Summary: Among emerging pollutants, parabens have gained attention due to their widespread presence in water sources globally. They are commonly used in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and food, resulting in residues that are released into aquatic environments. The varying regulations on paraben use across different regions have led to diverse concentrations being observed worldwide. Although paraben concentrations in drinking water are typically low, their presence raises concerns for human health and environmental microbiota. The effects of paraben exposure on microbial communities, particularly biofilm colonizers, remain understudied.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Suvrat Raju
Summary: The split property in ordinary quantum field theory does not hold in theories of gravity, leading to problems such as the information paradox, monogamy paradox, and the Page curve. Nonstandard theories of gravity are used to support these assumptions by computing the Page curve.
CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM GRAVITY
(2022)
Review
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Suvrat Raju
Summary: The paper reviews recent progress on the information paradox and explains the resolution proposed by Hawking. It introduces a physical principle applicable in quantum gravity theories, emphasizing the retention of information in the exterior of black holes. Accounting for this redundancy offers a solution to the paradox for evaporating black holes.
PHYSICS REPORTS-REVIEW SECTION OF PHYSICS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
F. Liu, A. Schellart, J. Boxall, M. Mayfield, S. Tait
Summary: This study explores the opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from UK domestic heating by utilizing existing drinking water and wastewater assets, in conjunction with local renewable energy generation. The results show that this approach can significantly reduce emissions and is robust across different future scenarios.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS-ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Trillion Surya Lioe, Ziwen Xie, Jianfang Wu, Wenlong Li, Li Sun, Qiaoli Feng, Raju Sekar, Boris Tefsen, David Ruiz-Carrillo
Summary: In this study, we identified and characterized a dipeptidyl peptidase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtDPP) that specifically cleaves proline residues at the P-1 substrate position and exhibits high thermal stability. We also found that alanine replacements of residues in the active site of MtDPP resulted in loss of catalysis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that MtDPP activity is inhibited by known DPP4 inhibitors and can truncate the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10, suggesting a potential role in immune modulation for this mycobacterial enzyme.
BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Iftekhar Sunny, Stewart Husband, Joby Boxall
Summary: Simulating the long-term discolouration behavior of large trunk mains can help water utilities understand and manage these assets and reduce customer dissatisfaction. The Variable Condition Discolouration Model (VCDM) is validated using field data from three similar trunk mains with different hydraulic maintenance regimes. The model accurately reproduces measured turbidity responses with a general accuracy of +/- 0.25 NTU.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Sarai Diaz, Joby Boxall, Louis Lamarche, Javier Gonzalez
Summary: This research evaluates the impact of temperature on the processes in Drinking Water Distribution Systems (DWDS), and specifically focuses on the finite heat capacity of the ground. The study finds that considering the finite heat capacity of the ground has a significant impact on water-ground heat transfer in DWDS for distances up to tens of kilometers. Although the temperature differences found were small, a few degrees Celsius, they have implications for reaction rates, such as chlorine decay, and will affect the entire downstream network of the DWDS.
JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Killian Gleeson, Stewart Husband, John Gaffney, Joby Boxall
Summary: The derivation of information from monitoring drinking water quality at high spatiotemporal resolution is limited by variable data quality. A framework is developed to overcome this by applying rule-based data quality assessment, cross-correlation, and spatiotemporal information. The framework provides quality-assured data and actionable insight.
AQUA-WATER INFRASTRUCTURE ECOSYSTEMS AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Grigorios Kyritsakas, Joseph B. Boxall, Vanessa L. Speight
Summary: Water utilities collect large amounts of data, but they are not effectively utilized. Machine learning techniques can provide deeper insights from such data. We propose a Big Data framework that enables a systematic approach to progress through data storage, integration, analysis, and visualization, with applications in drinking water quality. The framework includes a novel process for selecting the appropriate ML method based on required insights and available data. Case studies of a water utility serving 5.5 million people validate the framework and demonstrate its use in deriving actionable information for ensuring safe drinking water delivery.
AQUA-WATER INFRASTRUCTURE ECOSYSTEMS AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Shaun Boatwright, Stephen Mounce, Michele Romano, Joby Boxall
Summary: A novel framework integrating pressure sensors and geospatial techniques was developed to locate leaks/bursts in drinking water distribution systems. A data-driven leak/burst localization technique using spatially constrained interpolation was employed to quantify pressure changes due to new events. The framework achieved accurate predictions of the system's performance, even with a small number of sensors. Validation using engineered events showed successful localization and demonstrated the effectiveness of the framework.
JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Will Shepherd, Stephen Mounce, Gavin Sailor, John Gaffney, Neeraj Shah, Nigel Smith, Adam Cartwright, Joby Boxall
Summary: This paper presents an evaluation of an online artificial-intelligence-based analytics system that gives early warning of combined sewer overflow (CSO) due to system degradation. The system integrates a cloud-based data-driven system using artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic with real-time monitoring of water depths in CSO chambers. Results show that the system achieved a high true positive rate and low false positive rate, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing CSO discharges and improving performance.
JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Joby Boxall, Mirjam Blokker, Peter Schaap, Vanessa Speight, Stewart Husband
Summary: Discoloured drinking water, caused by elevated concentrations of organic and inorganic particles, is unacceptable. It is proposed and shown how the processes behind the cohesive layers and gravitational sedimentation theories both occur and how to integrate them to better explain observed behavior and inform operational interventions to reduce discolouration. Future research addressing deficiencies in understanding material accumulation will enable determination of long term sustainable management strategies to safeguard distribution of high-quality drinking water.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Iftekhar Sunny, Stewart Husband, Joby Boxall
Summary: Material accumulation in drinking water distribution systems necessitates episodic maintenance to prevent uncontrolled mobilization and water quality failures. Discolouration, as observed by consumers, is particularly significant in trunk mains supplying large populations downstream. This study investigates long-term costs by considering operational and capital interventions to sustain hydraulic capability for limiting discolouration response. Trade-off curves between discolouration resilience and maintenance intervention frequency and magnitude are developed using the Variable Condition Discolouration Model (VCDM). The study also explores the potential operational savings from reduced maintenance following capital investment, such as water treatment upgrades.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ji Won Park, Joby Boxall, Sung Kyu Maeng
Summary: Culture-independent data can be used to identify HPC exceedances in drinking water. The study developed an ANN model using ICC, ATP, and chlorine data, achieving high accuracy in classifying HPC exceedances. The model overcomes culture dependence and provides near real-time data for ensuring the safety of drinking water.
Article
Water Resources
Grigorios Kyritsakas, Joby Boxall, Vanessa Speight
Summary: A data-driven model for predicting bacteriological presence in treated water from drinking water treatment plants is presented, using various machine learning methods and variable selection approaches. The model accurately predicts total cell counts 12 hours ahead, enabling proactive interventions to ensure safe drinking water.
FRONTIERS IN WATER
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Killian Gleeson, Stewart Husband, John Gaffney, Joby Boxall
Summary: This research used crowd-sourcing exercises to identify features of interest within turbidity time series data from operational systems. The resulting labels provided insight and a benchmark for evaluating algorithmic approaches to mimic human interpretation. Automation was designed for event detection and categorisation.
JOURNAL OF HYDROINFORMATICS
(2023)
