Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amanda M. Wilson, Marc P. Verhougstraete, Curtis J. Donskey, Kelly A. Reynolds
Summary: The aim of the study was to develop a model predicting pathogen exposures for patients utilizing wheelchairs and estimate the potential reduction of exposure through wheelchair disinfection between rides. Simulation results show that disinfection can significantly reduce exposure risk, but in high contamination conditions, disinfection alone is not enough to protect patients from wheelchair-mediated pathogen transmission.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Konrad Matyja, Aleksandra Wasiela, Wojciech Dobicki, Przemyslaw Pokorny, Anna Trusek
Summary: This study investigated the toxicity of five metals on microorganism activity and growth in activated sludge, finding that patterns in the evolution of toxic effects caused by these metals were similar at the beginning of exposure but differences emerged with longer exposure times. Changes in model parameters indicated the influence of metal ions on the mass and energy balance of living cells.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
D. E. Beasley, M. Monsur, J. Hu, R. R. Dunn, A. A. Madden
Summary: This study investigated the variation in bacterial community composition across different surfaces inside and outside childcare centers. The results showed that the childcare environment was mainly influenced by human-associated bacteria, and the bacterial community on surfaces correlated with usage and occupant density. There were greater differences in bacterial community within a classroom than among centers.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yoonhee Jung, Sarah E. Abney, Kelly A. Reynolds, Charles P. Gerba, Amanda M. Wilson
Summary: This study conducted a quantitative microbial risk assessment using experimental data to evaluate the transmission risks of pathogens during laundry and compared the impact of different hand hygiene timing on reducing risks. The results showed that proper hand hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Spyros Chatzivasileiadis, Petros Aristidou, Ioannis Dassios, Tomislav Dragicevic, Daniel Gebbran, Federico Milano, Claudia Rahmann, Deepak Ramasubramanian
Summary: This paper collects the challenges and opportunities arising from millions of controllable devices deployed in power systems. The shift towards converter-interfaced resources brings both threats and opportunities, with new dynamic phenomena and instability on one hand, and decentralized response to disturbances on the other. The goal is to tap into the flexibility potential of these devices for safe power system operation, but it requires addressing modeling and control challenges. This paper identifies and describes these challenges.
ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Quentin Gontier, Lucas Petrillo, Francois Rottenberg, Francois Horlin, Joe Wiart, Claude Oestges, Philippe De Doncker
Summary: The study investigates downlink exposure to electromagnetic fields from cellular base stations in urban environments using a stochastic geometry framework, deriving mathematical expressions for exposure statistics and quantifying the impact of model parameters. Experimental data from drive-tests in Brussels is used to calibrate model parameters, showing that the proposed model fits experimental values and provides a new methodology for assessing general public exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fabiola R. D. Salambanga, Loic Wingert, Isabelle Valois, Nancy Lacombe, Francois Gouin, Julien Trepanier, Maximilien Debia, Ewelina Soszczynska, Magdalena Twaruzek, Robert Kosicki, Marta Dias, Susana Viegas, Liliana Caetano, Carla Viegas, Genevieve Marchand
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the exposure of urban waste collectors and drivers to inhalable bioaerosols and assess their health risk. The findings suggest that waste workers may be exposed to high concentrations of bacteria, endotoxins, and fungi during collection, posing potential health risks.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucas Rocha-Melogno, Katherine C. Crank, Olivia Ginn, Michael H. Bergin, Joe Brown, Gregory C. Gray, Kerry A. Hamilton, Kyle Bibby, Marc A. Deshusses
Summary: This study assessed the potential public health impact of bioaerosols near open waste canals in places with unsafe sanitation services. The results showed that inhalation followed by ingestion had the highest risk of infection, and bacterial fluxes from the air were the most influential factor on the risk.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chunlei Chen, Yinan Deng, Hanghai Zhou, Lijia Jiang, Zhaochao Deng, Jiawang Chen, Xiqiu Han, Dongdong Zhang, Chunfang Zhang
Summary: Multiple studies have shown that the accumulation of microplastics/nanoplastics in the environment can lead to various problems. However, the effects of these particles on microbial communities and biogeochemical processes, especially methane metabolism, are not well understood. This study conducted a microcosm experiment to expose the particles for 120 days and found that the addition of nanoparticles had a significant adverse effect on bacterial diversity. The presence of nanoparticles also reduced microbial network complexity compared to microplastics.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Ebenezer Fiifi Emire Atta Mills, Kailin Zeng, Liu Fangbiao, Li Fangyan
Summary: The study found that most listed companies are generally inefficient in innovation, with only two being innovation efficient. Low marketing and R&D efficiencies are hindering the improvement of innovation efficiency, with the most losses attributed to the marketing phase. Most companies lack good conditions for R&D and the commercialization of scientific and technological breakthroughs.
CHAOS SOLITONS & FRACTALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sara Gallego, Jose Maria Esbri, Juan Antonio Campos, Jesus Daniel Peco, Fabrice Martin-Laurent, Pablo Higueras
Summary: Mining activities can cause long-lasting residue pollution in the surrounding environment. A study on a 100 year-old mine showed that potentially toxic elements have ecotoxicological impacts on microbial activity and diversity. Furthermore, assessing the relationship between physicochemical properties and microbial diversity and activity can help stakeholders define appropriate management strategies.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qing Hou, Xingqin An, Zhaobin Sun, Chao Zhang, Ke Liang
Summary: This paper analyzes the national distribution of black carbon (BC) from 2015 to 2017 using geographic information system (GIS) software and the BC to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) ratio method. The results show that a significant proportion of the national land area and population were exposed to low concentrations of BC, with high concentrations decreasing over time. Economic loss assessments indicate that most districts and counties experienced relatively small losses, while Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Hunan saw increasing economic losses.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zeynab Tabatabaei, Narges Shamsedini, Amin Mohammadpour, Mohammad Ali Baghapour, Mohammad Hoseini
Summary: This study aimed to assess the exposure of children living with hookah-smoking parents to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using a biomonitoring approach. The findings confirmed that these children were significantly exposed to naphthalene and phenanthrene. Dietary factors and sleeping environment also influenced the exposure levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Pengfei Jiao, Tianpeng Li, Huaming Wu, Chang-Dong Wang, Dongxiao He, Wenjun Wang
Summary: This article proposes a new approach for modeling dynamic networks that can simulate both node-level and community-level dynamic behavior. Experimental results demonstrate that the approach achieves state-of-the-art performance in community detection and evolution, and can effectively identify abnormal behavior and events.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL NETWORKS AND LEARNING SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ya Chen, Zhiping Wang, Lili Liu, Hanbin Zhao, Pin Wu
Summary: The study showed that ciprofloxacin inhibited the metabolism of COD and nitrogen in activated sludge, shaped microbial communities, and reduced stability. It also found that quinolone resistance proteins can gain a competitive advantage in the presence of ciprofloxacin.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Winnie Zambrana, Jingyan Tong, Claire E. Anderson, Alexandria B. Boehm, Marlene K. Wolfe
Summary: This study compared the efficacy of ash and sand as handwashing agents to commonly recommended methods. The results showed that using ash or sand can reduce viruses, but soap is more effective, especially when used for shorter durations.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Claire E. Anderson, Jingyan Tong, Winnie Zambrana, Alexandria B. Boehm, Marlene K. Wolfe
Summary: Respiratory and diarrheal diseases are leading causes of death worldwide. This study evaluated the efficacy of different handwashing methods, including water only, soapy water, short duration, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and towel cleaning, in reducing viruses. The results showed that some alternatives were as effective as recommended methods, while others were not.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lauren C. Kennedy, Veronica P. Costantini, Kimberly A. Huynh, Stephanie K. Loeb, Wiley C. Jennings, Sarah Lowry, Mia C. Mattioli, Jan Vinje, Alexandria B. Boehm
Summary: Human norovirus, a major cause of acute gastroenteritis, can be transmitted through water but its persistence in water is not well understood. Various factors such as genome damage and capsid cleavage can affect the loss of infectivity of human norovirus in surface water.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sarah A. Lowry, Marlene K. Wolfe, Alexandria Boehm
Summary: Concentrations of nucleic acids from various respiratory viruses in wastewater solids collected from treatment plants can be correlated to clinical data on disease occurrence in the community. To establish this correlation, viral nucleic acid concentrations in human excretions need to be considered. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to characterize the concentrations and presence of different respiratory viruses in various excretions. More concentration data, especially longitudinal data, are needed across all respiratory virus types and excretion types for a quantitative linking of virus wastewater concentrations to numbers of infected individuals.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ryan T. T. Searcy, Jacob R. R. Phaneuf, Alexandria B. B. Boehm
Summary: Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are monitored to assess water quality and health risk at beaches, but infrequent monitoring can lead to inaccurate assessments. This study conducted high-frequency FIB sampling at an enclosed harbor in California, showing more variability in FIB concentrations compared to open beach sites. Correlation and regression analyses revealed strong associations between FIB concentrations and chlorophyll a, turbidity, wind speed, and tide level. The study emphasizes the importance of sampling FIB concentrations and environmental parameters at appropriate temporal resolutions for water quality monitoring.
Article
Microbiology
Peter J. Arts, J. Daniel Kelly, Claire M. Midgley, Khamal Anglin, Scott Lu, Glen R. Abedi, Raul Andino, Kevin M. Bakker, Bryon Banman, Alexandria B. Boehm, Melissa Briggs-Hagen, Andrew F. Brouwer, Michelle C. Davidson, Marisa C. Eisenberg, Miguel Garcia-Knight, Sterling Knight, Michael J. Peluso, Jesus Pineda-Ramirez, Ruth Diaz Sanchez, Sharon Saydah, Michel Tassetto, Jeffrey N. Martin, Krista R. Wigginton
Summary: This research is a critical step in the advancement of wastewater monitoring for public health. Previous studies lacked sufficient methodological information and relied on small-scale clinical reports or meta-analyses. The data presented here provide valuable longitudinal fecal shedding data for SARS-CoV-2, PMMoV, and crAssphage, enhancing the utility of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE).
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alexandria B. Boehm, Bridgette Hughes, Dorothea Duong, Vikram Chan-Herur, Anna Buchman, Marlene K. Wolfe, Bradley J. White
Summary: This study utilized wastewater-based epidemiology to investigate viral respiratory infections in the community. Results showed the presence of various viral RNA in wastewater samples, with rhinovirus and seasonal coronaviruses being the most abundant. The concentrations of viral RNA in wastewater correlated positively with the positivity rates of viral infections in clinical specimens, indicating the potential of wastewater as a real-time surveillance tool for public health responses.
Correction
Engineering, Environmental
Katherine E. Graham, Stephanie Loeb, Laura Roldan-Hernandez, Sooyeol Kim, Krista R. Wigginton, Alexandria Boehm
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Engineering, Environmental
Mark A. Borchardt, Alexandria B. Boehm, Marc Salit, Susan K. Spencer, Krista R. Wigginton, Rachel T. Noble
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Engineering, Environmental
Mark A. Borchardt, Alexandria B. Boehm, Marc Salit, Susan K. Spencer, Krista R. Wigginton, Rachel T. Noble
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Laura Roldan-Hernandez, Alexandria B. Boehm
Summary: Despite the widespread adoption of wastewater surveillance, more research is needed to understand the fate and transport of viral genetic markers in wastewater. This study examined the solid-liquid partitioning behavior of four viruses in wastewater and found that RNA concentrations were higher in the solid fraction than the liquid fraction by approximately 3-4 orders of magnitude.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexandria B. Boehm, Marlene K. Wolfe, Bradley J. White, Bridgette Hughes, Dorothea Duong, Niaz Banaei, Amanda Bidwell
Summary: This study aims to investigate whether HuNoV GII preferentially adsorbs to wastewater solids and to explore the concentrations of HuNoV GII in wastewater solids in wastewater treatment plants across the United States. The study also aims to develop and apply a mass-balance model that predicts the fraction of individuals shedding HuNoV based on measured concentrations in wastewater solids.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alexandria. B. B. Boehm, Marlene. K. K. Wolfe, Bradley. L. L. White, Bridgette Hughes, Dorothea Duong, Amanda Bidwell
Summary: Wastewater monitoring can provide valuable insights into the occurrence of respiratory diseases in communities contributing to the wastewater system. A study conducted in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area of California analyzed wastewater samples for RNA of influenza A (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and SARS-CoV-2. The study identified a simultaneous peak in concentrations of IAV, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, creating a "tripledemic" situation, and found that HMPV was also widely circulating. Wastewater data can be used to understand disease epidemiology, inform hospital staffing and clinical decision-making, and identify localized occurrence patterns.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Winnie Zambrana, Alexandria B. Boehm
Summary: Documenting the occurrence of viruses on fomites is crucial for determining the significance of fomite-mediated transmission and the potential use of fomites for environmental disease surveillance. This systematic review and meta-analysis compiled information from 134 peer-reviewed papers on the occurrence of human viruses on fomites in the environment. The data indicated that viruses may be present on fomites, fomite-mediated virus transmission may occur, and fomites may provide information on circulation of infectious diseases in the community. However, more quantitative data on diverse viruses are needed, and method reporting needs significant improvements.
ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Victor A. Huanambal-Sovero, Leili Abkar, Efemena S. Ovie, Teresa Colangelo, Timothy R. Julian, Sara E. Beck
Summary: This study investigated a gravity-driven woven-fiber microfiltration (WFMF) system for treating secondary wastewater. The findings revealed that the microbial community of the biofilm has a direct impact on the permeate water quality and undergoes changes within the system. The WFMF system effectively reduced the concentrations of fecal indicators and putative pathogens, as well as microbial activity.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)