Article
Engineering, Environmental
K. L. G. Learbuch, H. Smidt, P. W. J. J. van der Wielen
Summary: The study investigated the influence of different pipe materials on microbial populations in water and biofilm under semi-stagnant conditions. The results showed that pipe materials affect ATP concentrations, gene copy numbers of specific microbial groups, and bacterial community composition. Different materials had different effects on microbial communities in water and biofilm.
Article
Microbiology
Debbie Lee, Gennaro Calendo, Kristin Kopec, Rebekah Henry, Scott Coutts, David McCarthy, Heather M. Murphy
Summary: The study found that pipe material has an impact on the diversity, bacterial composition, and prevalence of opportunistic pathogens in biofilm of drinking water distribution systems (DWDS).
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shengxin Sun, Yu Zhou, Haitao Yu, Weiying Li, Wenying Zhou, Guanyuan Luo, Wei Zhang
Summary: In this study, the impact of different pipe materials on water quality and microbial communities was investigated using static and dynamic devices. The results showed that steel plastic composite pipe, ductile iron pipe, and cast iron pipe had better water quality, while ductile iron pipe had the highest microbial diversity. Furthermore, various nitrate-reducing bacteria were identified, with nitrate-reducing bacteria being the most dominant in all pipe materials.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Masaaki Kitajima, Mercedes C. Cruz, Rohan B. H. Williams, Stefan Wuertz, Andrew J. Whittle
Summary: This study analyzed microbial communities in biofilm and water samples collected from a DWDS where monochloramine is used as a residual disinfectant. The study revealed differences in microbial species and abundance in different pipe sections representing different water ages, providing novel insights into the microbial ecology of DWDS.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiao Chen, Xiao-ying Lian, Yi Wang, Sheng Chen, Yi-ran Sun, Guo-lin Tao, Qiao-wen Tan, Jing-chun Feng
Summary: This study investigates the development of microplastic biofilm in drinking water distribution pipes with complex hydraulic conditions and its impact on water quality. The results show that flow velocity affects the size and shear stress of clusters in the plastisphere, and certain opportunistic pathogens in the biofilm are more sensitive to hydraulic conditions. The study highlights the importance of paying attention to microplastics smaller than 100 μm to prevent health risks.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyue Zhang, Tao Lin, Fuchun Jiang, Xue Zhang, Shiyu Wang, Shisheng Zhang
Summary: Pipe material and chlorination significantly influence the structure and microbial community of biofilms, with polyethylene showing lower biomass and microbial diversity. Chlorination inhibits bacterial colonization and influences the functional traits of certain bacteria genera.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhiling Zhao, Yongji Zhang, Lu Wang, Wenhang Shi
Summary: The microbial diversity in biofilms varies in different pipe materials, and particle concentration affects biofilm formation. High microbial biomass and EPS fluorescence intensity were observed in biofilms without particles. As particle concentration increased, biofilm bacteria and EPS fluorescence intensity showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. High particle concentration led to more stable particle-particle formations, extracting EPS easily and increasing fluorescence intensity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gonzalo Del Olmo, Stewart Husband, Carmen Sanchez Briones, Adela Soriano, Carolina Calero Preciado, Javier Macian, Isabel Douterelo
Summary: Regardless of treatment, disinfection, or operational practices, drinking water distribution systems in Mediterranean countries host diverse microbiomes with biofilm communities. Utilizing flow and turbidity monitoring to manage mobilisation of pipe wall biofilms can help maintain water quality.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yongji Zhang, Yingyu Zhang, Lina Liu, Lingling Zhou, Zhiling Zhao
Summary: Overuse of antibiotics accelerates the spread of resistance risk in the environment. The study investigated the effects of antibiotics on biofilm and bacteria in drinking water supply systems. Results showed that antibiotics can enhance bacterial resistance to chlorine and alter the biofilm community structure. Antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) were correlated with biofilm community structure, indicating the potential for enhanced resistance in effluent bacteria.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ruoling Ni, Xianxian Chu, Ran Liu, Jinlin Shan, Yimei Tian, Weigao Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the immobilization and release of chromium by pipe scales and discovered the characteristics of different types of scales. Results showed that block pipe scales and lumpy pipe scales exhibited similar trends, but block pipe scales had the highest potential for chromium release, indicating a high risk. The study also identified turning points in the release process associated with anions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Itai Arbiv, Husein Almuhtaram, Robert C. Andrews
Summary: This study compared the use of pipe loops to static pipe section reactors (PSRs) to assess chloramine decay. Unlined cast iron (UCI) and cement-lined ductile iron (CLDI) were compared to virgin polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe under different water velocities and hydraulic residence times. The results showed that pipe material had the greatest impact on chloramine decay, followed by flow velocity. The use of PSRs was found to be a viable and cost-effective alternative for assessing disinfectant decay.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yanchu Ke, Wenjun Sun, Shuming Liu, Ying Zhu, Shuang Yan, Xiuli Chen, Shuguang Xie
Summary: This study examines the functional attributes of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) and their associations with seasonality. The microbial metabolic traits of biofilms collected during different seasons were analyzed, revealing significant differences in functional attributes among seasons. The results show that genes associated with various metabolic pathways, including aromatic metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis and degradation, and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, were upregulated in the summer due to higher temperatures and chlorine levels. Nitrogen, sulfur, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycling, and carbon fixation pathways were also reconstructed and displayed according to the sampling season. The study highlights the diverse functional genes in DWDS biofilms, their synergetic interrelationships, and the impacts of seasonality on functional attributes.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Qingwei Zhou, Zhengfu Bian, Dejun Yang, Li Fu
Summary: The importance of the stability of drinking water distribution systems and the management of disinfection by-products in ensuring public health safety is discussed in this paper. The interrelationships between corrosion products, microbes, and drinking water quality are explained, along with the mechanisms through which corrosive by-products influence disinfectant decay and harmful by-product formation. Recommendations for removing DBPs are also presented.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zebing Zhu, Lili Shan, Xinyun Zhang, Fengping Hu, Dan Zhong, Yixing Yuan, Jie Zhang
Summary: The study investigated the formation of multi-species biofilms in simulated DWDS and found that community-intrinsic properties could affect the formation of multi-species biofilms. The resistance of multi-species biofilms to chlorine was influenced by specific bacteria, with some promoting growth and others inhibiting it. The study concluded that community-intrinsic properties were maintained at low disinfectant concentrations but weakened at higher concentrations, affecting the resistance of microbial communities to disinfectants.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lvtong Zhao, Dibo Liu, Haiya Zhang, Jun Wang, Xiaojian Zhang, Shuming Liu, Chao Chen
Summary: Iron release from pipe scale is a major cause of water quality deterioration in drinking water distribution systems worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the reduction of ferric components in pipe scale under anoxic conditions using new investigation approaches such as electrode pairs and novel simulating reactors. The results showed that iron oxide scale can indeed be reduced under anoxic conditions. The study also revealed the electrochemical reaction mechanisms of pipe scale disruption.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Physical
Yanwen Zhang
Summary: Outstanding resistance to destructive radiation damage in structural alloys is achieved by the presence of ultra-high-density reversible nanoprecipitates. This improvement is attributed to the reordering process of low-misfit superlattices in highly supersaturated matrices.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yanwen Zhang, Lumin Wang, William J. Weber
Summary: Many multicomponent concentrated solid solution alloys (CSAs), including high-entropy alloys (HEAs), have shown improved radiation resistance and enhanced structural stability in harsh environments. Ion and electron beams are commonly used to create displacement damage for studying and assessing the irradiation resistance of nuclear materials. Various analysis techniques, such as ion beam analysis, electron microscopy, and positron annihilation spectroscopy, have been employed to characterize irradiated CSAs or HEAs and gain insights into defect formation and microstructural changes. However, caution is needed when extrapolating ion irradiation results for reactor evaluations due to differences between ions and neutrons. Bridging the gap between neutron and ion radiation effects studies is crucial for advancing fundamental understandings and practical applications in the development of structural alloys for advanced reactors.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Boopathy Kombaiah, Yufan Zhou, Ke Jin, Anus Manzoor, Jonathan D. Poplawsky, Jeffery A. Aguiar, Hongbin Bei, Dilpuneet S. Aidhy, Philip D. Edmondson, Yanwen Zhang
Summary: High-entropy alloys (HEAs) exhibit good radiation tolerance, but some HEAs suffer from considerable void swelling at high radiation damage levels, limiting their application in advanced nuclear reactor concepts. By introducing Cu-rich nanoprecipitates and corresponding coherent interfaces in the HEA matrix, the void swelling resistance of the alloy can be significantly improved. Experiments and simulations demonstrate that the high-density interfaces of the nanoprecipitates facilitate the effective recombination of radiation-produced vacancies and interstitials.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yanghui Xu, Qin Ou, Xintu Wang, Feng Hou, Peng Li, Jan Peter van der Hoek, Gang Liu
Summary: This study used pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine the mass concentrations of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The results showed that the mass concentrations of total MPs and NPs decreased during the treatment process, with NPs having a lower removal efficiency than MPs. It was estimated that approximately 0.321 and 0.052 tons of MPs and NPs were released into the river each year based on the annual wastewater effluent discharge. Overall, this study provided valuable information about the pollution level and distribution characteristics of MPs, especially NPs, in WWTPs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ray W. Izquierdo-Lara, Leo Heijnen, Bas B. Oude Munnink, Claudia M. E. Schapendonk, Goffe Elsinga, Jeroen Langeveld, Johan Post, Divyae K. Prasad, Christian Carrizosa, Frederic Been, Janko van Beek, Remy Schilperoort, Rianne Vriend, Ewout Fanoy, Evelien I. T. de Schepper, Reina S. Sikkema, Richard Molenkamp, Frank M. Aarestrup, Gertjan Medema, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Miranda de Graaf
Summary: Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater has the potential to provide valuable information about viral dynamics and diversity within a population. In this study, sewage samples from different areas in Rotterdam were sequenced, and specific signature mutations were used to estimate the relative abundances of SARS-CoV-2 lineages. The results were compared with clinical genomic surveillance data to track the emergence, dominance, and replacement of specific variants of concern (VOCs). The study also demonstrated the ability to detect spatio-temporal clusters and identify mutations not captured by clinical surveillance.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jeroen Langeveld, Remy Schilperoort, Leo Heijnen, Goffe Elsinga, Claudia E. M. Schapendonk, Ewout Fanoy, Evelien I. T. de Schepper, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Miranda de Graaf, Gertjan Medema
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, monitoring SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater has become an important tool for public health surveillance. Different normalisation methods, including electrical conductivity and crAssphage, have been studied and compared to the standard approach of using flow measurements. The results show that crAssphage can be used as a quantitative biomarker for larger populations, while electrical conductivity is useful for determining dilution rates. Overall, flow normalisation is necessary for accurately determining short-term trends in virus circulation and can be improved with additional measurements.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ya Zhang, Daliang Ning, Linwei Wu, Mengting Maggie Yuan, Xishu Zhou, Xue Guo, Yuanliang Hu, Siyang Jian, Zhifeng Yang, Shun Han, Jiajie Feng, Jialiang Kuang, Carolyn R. Cornell, Colin T. Bates, Yupeng Fan, Jonathan P. Michael, Yang Ouyang, Jiajing Guo, Zhipeng Gao, Zheng Shi, Naijia Xiao, Ying Fu, Aifen Zhou, Liyou Wu, Xueduan Liu, Yunfeng Yang, James M. Tiedje, Jizhong Zhou
Summary: The authors investigated the response of Archaea to experimental warming in a tallgrass prairie ecosystem and found that warming led to reduced diversity and convergent succession in the archaeal community. They also observed changes in ecosystem function. Although stochastic processes dominated community changes, their importance decreased over time. This study highlights the importance of understanding the temporal succession of ecological communities and the mechanisms underlying their responses to climate warming. The findings provide insights into the response of the Archaea domain to warming, which is still poorly understood.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Carolyn R. Cornell, Ya Zhang, Daliang Ning, Naijia Xiao, Pradeep Wagle, Xiangming Xiao, Jizhong Zhou
Summary: This study found that conventional tilled cropland increased the complexity and stability of soil microbial communities, compensating for the loss of biodiversity due to agricultural disturbance. These findings suggest that agricultural practices can impact species interactions, leading to changes in ecosystem function.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carina Eisfeld, Boris M. van Breukelen, Gertjan Medema, Jan M. van der Wolf, Jouke Velstra, Jack F. Schijven
Summary: Agricultural aquifer storage recovery and transfer (ASTR) is an effective method for storing excess fresh water and improving water quality. It has been found that ASTR treatment can remove potato plant pathogens and significantly reduce infection risks for potato plants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mona Y. M. Soliman, Gertjan Medema, Doris van Halem
Summary: This study investigated the effect of low and high concentrations of natural organic matter (NOM) on the inactivation kinetics of a model RNA virus (MS2) and a model DNA virus (PhiX 174) by copper and/or silver ions. The results showed that the presence of NOM in water accelerated the inactivation of the virus by copper but slowed it down by silver. Furthermore, the combination of copper and silver exhibited the fastest inactivation kinetics for PhiX 174 in water with high NOM concentration. Overall, the combination of copper and silver shows promise as a virus disinfectant in treatment options.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miranda de Graaf, Jeroen Langeveld, Johan Post, Christian Carrizosa, Eelco Franz, Ray W. Izquierdo-Lara, Goffe Elsinga, Leo Heijnen, Frederic Been, Janko van Beek, Remy Schilperoort, Rianne Vriend, Ewout Fanoy, Evelien I. T. de Schepper, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Gertjan Medema
Summary: Despite high vaccination rates, SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate in the Netherlands. Sewage surveillance has been used as an early warning tool and has shown correlation with case trends, independent of variants of concern and vaccination levels. It can objectively display virus dynamics and measure small variations in infected individuals.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiaxing Fang, Zihan Dai, Xiaoming Li, Jan Peter van der Hoek, Dragan Savic, Gertjan Medema, Walter van der Meer, Gang Liu
Summary: The contribution of biofilm detachment from different pipes to water quality deterioration has not been quantified or compared. This study analyzed particles at customers' ends and traced their origins to water distribution mains and service lines. The results showed that elemental concentrations of the biofilm in mains were higher than those of service lines, both dominated by Ca. Filter bags were dominated by Fe/Mn. After introducing partial reverse osmosis (RO), Ca significantly decreased in biofilms of mains, but the released Fe/Mn arrived at customers' ends. The ATP concentrations of service lines were higher than mains, which decreased on mains but increased in service lines after introducing RO. According to source tracking results, service lines contributed more than mains to the particulate material collected by filter bags.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mingchen Yao, Yue Zhang, Zihan Dai, Anran Ren, Jiaxing Fang, Xiaoming Li, Walter van der Meer, Gertjan Medema, Joan B. Rose, Gang Liu
Summary: This study investigated the influences of plumbing configuration on water quality changes in premise plumbing, focusing on laboratory and toilet plumbing. Results showed that water quality parameters remained stable under regular water supply except for significantly increased zinc levels in laboratory plumbing. Both plumbing types increased the Chao1 index of bacterial community, while only laboratory plumbing altered the bacterial community. Water supply interruption/restoration caused water quality deterioration in both plumbing types, with different changes in physicochemical and microbiological aspects. This study highlighted the importance of optimizing premise plumbing design to manage building water quality.
