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Wang Y, Liu Y, Xue S, Chai F, Zhang S, Yang K, Liu Y, Li J, Yu F. Comparative analysis of bioaerosol emissions: Seasonal dynamics and exposure risks in hospital vs. municipal wastewater treatment systems. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 359:124608. [PMID: 39053807 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Hospital wastewater is known to contain various pathogenic microorganisms and harmful substances. During the hospital wastewater treatment process, the bioaerosols released may encapsulate these pathogens, leading to human infection. This study undertook an investigation to compare the dispersion characteristics and seasonal variations of bioaerosols from hospital and municipal sewage. The results indicated that the airborne bacterial concentration from hospital sewage (119 ± 118 CFU/m3) was higher than municipal sewage (46 ± 19 CFU/m3), with the highest concentration observed in summer. The dominant bacterial genera present in bioaerosols from both sewages were alike, with the proportions varied by sewage types and the structure mainly influenced by seasonal factors. Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella and Streptococcus were identified as the most prevalent pathogenic genera in spring, summer and winter bioaerosols, respectively, while Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter were abundant in autumn. Although the non-carcinogenic risk associated with bioaerosols was low (<1), the presence of pathogenic species and their potential synergistic interactions elevated the overall exposure risk. The diffusion modeling results demonstrated that bioaerosol emissions from the surface of hospital sewage can reach up to 10570 CFU/m3 in summer and can spread more than 300 m downwind. The potential pathogenicity of bioaerosols was also highest in summer, which may pose a health hazard to populations located downwind. Therefore, the management and control of bioaerosols from sewage should be strengthened, especially in summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Wang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China.
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China.
| | - Song Xue
- CSCEC SCIMEE Sci.& Tech. Co., Ltd, Chengdu, 610045, PR China.
| | - Fengguang Chai
- School of Ecology and Environment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China.
| | - Song Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China.
| | - Kai Yang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China.
| | - Yifan Liu
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China.
| | - Jinlong Li
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China.
| | - Fangfang Yu
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China.
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2
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Su K, Liang Z, Zhang S, Liao W, Gu J, Guo Y, Li G, An T. The abundance and pathogenicity of microbes in automobile air conditioning filters across the typical cities of China and Europe. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134459. [PMID: 38691999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Bioaerosols are widely distributed in urban air and can be transmitted across the atmosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere, resulting in infectious diseases. Automobile air conditioning (AAC) filters can trap airborne microbes. In this study, AAC filters were used to investigate the abundance and pathogenicity of airborne microorganisms in typical Chinese and European cities. Culturable bacteria and fungi concentrations were determined using microbial culturing. High-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze microbial community structures. The levels of culturable bioaerosols in Chinese and European cities exhibited disparities (Analysis of Variance, P < 0.01). The most dominant pathogenic bacteria and fungi were similar in Chinese (Mycobacterium: 18.2-18.9 %; Cladosporium: 23.0-30.2 %) and European cities (Mycobacterium: 15.4-37.7 %; Cladosporium: 18.1-29.3 %). Bartonella, Bordetella, Alternaria, and Aspergillus were also widely identified. BugBase analysis showed that microbiomes in China exhibited higher abundances of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and biofilm formation capacity than those in Europe, indicating higher health risks. Through co-occurrence network analysis, heavy metals such as zinc were found to correlate with microorganism abundance; most bacteria were inversely associated, while fungi exhibited greater tolerance, indicating that heavy metals affect the growth and reproduction of bioaerosol microorganisms. This study elucidates the influence of social and environmental factors on shaping microbial community structures, offering practical insights for preventing and controlling regional bioaerosol pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifei Su
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhishu Liang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Simeng Zhang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wen Liao
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jianwei Gu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yunlong Guo
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guiying Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Taicheng An
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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3
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Yang S, Yin Y, Zhang W, Li H, Wang X, Chen R. Advances in understanding bioaerosol release characteristics and potential hazards during aerobic composting. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171796. [PMID: 38513848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Bioaerosol emissions and their associated risks are attracting increasing attention. Bioaerosols are generated during the pretreatment, fermentation, and screening of mature compost when processing various types of solid waste at composting plants (e.g., municipal sludge and animal manure). In this review, we summarize research into bioaerosols at different types of composting plants by focusing on the methods used for sampling bioaerosols, stages when emissions potentially occur, major components of bioaerosols, survival and diffusion factors, and possible control strategies. The six-stage Andersen impactor is the main method used for sampling bioaerosols in composting plants. In addition, different composting management methods mainly affect bioaerosol emissions from composting plants. Studies of the components of bioaerosols produced by composting plants mainly focused on bacteria and fungi, whereas few considered others such as endotoxin. The survival and diffusion of bioaerosols are influenced by seasonal effects due to changes in environmental factors, such as temperature and relative humidity. Finally, three potential strategies have been proposed for controlling bioaerosols in composting plants. Improved policies are required for regulating bioaerosol emissions, as well as bioaerosol concentration diffusion models and measures to protect human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Yang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Yanan Yin
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China.
| | - Wenrong Zhang
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Haichao Li
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms väg 9, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Xiaochang Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Rong Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
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4
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Gaetano AS, Semeraro S, Greco S, Greco E, Cain A, Perrone MG, Pallavicini A, Licen S, Fornasaro S, Barbieri P. Bioaerosol Sampling Devices and Pretreatment for Bacterial Characterization: Theoretical Differences and a Field Experience in a Wastewater Treatment Plant. Microorganisms 2024; 12:965. [PMID: 38792794 PMCID: PMC11124041 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies on bioaerosol bacterial biodiversity have relevance in both ecological and health contexts, and molecular methods, such as 16S rRNA gene-based barcoded sequencing, provide efficient tools for the analysis of airborne bacterial communities. Standardized methods for sampling and analysis of bioaerosol DNA are lacking, thus hampering the comparison of results from studies implementing different devices and procedures. Three samplers that use gelatin filtration, swirling aerosol collection, and condensation growth tubes for collecting bioaerosol at an aeration tank of a wastewater treatment plant in Trieste (Italy) were used to determine the bacterial biodiversity. Wastewater samples were collected directly from the untreated sewage to obtain a true representation of the microbiological community present in the plant. Different samplers and collection media provide an indication of the different grades of biodiversity, with condensation growth tubes and DNA/RNA shieldTM capturing the richer bacterial genera. Overall, in terms of relative abundance, the air samples have a lower number of bacterial genera (64 OTUs) than the wastewater ones (75 OTUs). Using the metabarcoding approach to aerosol samples, we provide the first preliminary step toward the understanding of a significant diversity between different air sampling systems, enabling the scientific community to orient research towards the most informative sampling strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Serena Gaetano
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.G.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (S.L.); (S.F.)
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Sabrina Semeraro
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.G.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (S.L.); (S.F.)
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Samuele Greco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Enrico Greco
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.G.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (S.L.); (S.F.)
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Andrea Cain
- ACEGAS APS AMGA S.p.a., Via degli Alti Forni, 11, 34121 Trieste, Italy;
| | | | - Alberto Pallavicini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Sabina Licen
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.G.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (S.L.); (S.F.)
| | - Stefano Fornasaro
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.G.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (S.L.); (S.F.)
| | - Pierluigi Barbieri
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.G.); (S.S.); (E.G.); (S.L.); (S.F.)
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Via G. Giusti, 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
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5
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Wang Y, Yang K, Li L, Yang L, Zhang S, Yu F, Hua L. Change characteristics, bacteria host, and spread risks of bioaerosol ARGs/MGEs from different stages in sewage and sludge treatment process. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134011. [PMID: 38492400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the atmospheric environment has seriously threatened human health. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an important source of aerosol ARGs. A large WWTP, including sewage treatment process (SWP) and sludge treatment process (SDP), was selected in North China for sampling in this study. The content of ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and bacterial genera in sewage/sludge and aerosols from different process stages was detected. The possible correlation between ARGs/ MGEs and bacteria was analyzed. The risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria was evaluated and the diffusion of ARGs/MGEs was simulated. The results showed that the concentration of ARGs/MGEs varied as the process progressed, and which in the aeration tank was relatively high. The ARGs/MGEs content in SWP aerosol (8.35-163.27 copies/m3) was higher than that in SDP (5.52-16.36 copies/m3). The main ARGs/MGEs detected in SWP aerosol were tnpA-05, tnpA-04, and ermF, while the main ARGs/MGEs detected in SDP aerosol were sul1, ermF, and blaPAO. ARGs were positively correlated with most bacteria and Escherichia coli with ARGs carries higher cytotoxicity. ARGs/MGEs mainly diffused towards the southeast, which may cause harm to urban residents with the diffusion of aerosols. This study provides clues and theoretical basis for preventing the hazards of ARGs from WWTP sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Wang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China; Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, United Kingdom, UK; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China.
| | - Kai Yang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China.
| | - Liying Yang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Song Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Fangfang Yu
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Linlin Hua
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China; Advanced Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450014, PR China.
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6
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Zhao S, Liu Y, Chang J, Wang J, Peng H, Cui B, Bai J, Wang Y, Hua L. Bioaerosols in deodorization covers of wastewater treatment plants: Emission characteristics and health risks. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 353:141552. [PMID: 38408571 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are the main source of bioaerosol emissions. The cover of deodorization within WWTPs serves not only to manage odors but also to limit the dispersion of bioaerosols. This study investigated the emission characteristics and exposure risks of bioaerosols inside deodorization covers from a WWTP in Northern China. The results revealed that the concentration of bacteria in bioaerosols ranged from 96 ± 8 to 706 ± 45 CFU/m3, with the highest concentration observed in the biochemical reaction tank. The predominant bacterial genera in bioaerosols within the odor control covers were Cetobacterium, Romboutsia, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Tubricibacter, while the dominant fungal genera included Aspergillus, Alternaria, Fusarium, and Cladosporium. The main water-soluble ions in the air were NH4+, Ca2+, SO42-, and Cl-. SO42- was found to promote the survival of Cetobacterium, Brevibacterium, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Filobasidium, while Cl- exhibited inhibitory effects on most microorganisms in bioaerosols. Source tracker analysis indicated that wastewater was the primary source of bioaerosols in the biochemical reaction tank. The non-carcinogenic risk associated with bioaerosols within deodorization covers was less than 1 (2.34 × 10-9 to 3.08 × 10-2). FunGuild fungal functional prediction suggested that the abundance of animal pathogens was highest in the bioaerosols from the anaerobic sedimentation tank. BugBase phenotypic prediction showed that the abundance of potential pathogens in secondary sedimentation tank bioaerosols was the highest. This study effectively revealed the characteristics and sources of bioaerosols in the sewage and sludge treatment area under the deodorization cover, which provided a theoretical basis for enhancing the management and control of bioaerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zhao
- Beijing Drainage Group Co., LTD, Beijing, 100124, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Wastewater Resource, Beijing, 100124, PR China.
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China.
| | - Jiang Chang
- Beijing Drainage Group Co., LTD, Beijing, 100124, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Wastewater Resource, Beijing, 100124, PR China.
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Beijing Drainage Group Co., LTD, Beijing, 100124, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Wastewater Resource, Beijing, 100124, PR China.
| | - Hao Peng
- Beijing Drainage Group Co., LTD, Beijing, 100124, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Wastewater Resource, Beijing, 100124, PR China.
| | - Baocong Cui
- Beijing Drainage Group Co., LTD, Beijing, 100124, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Wastewater Resource, Beijing, 100124, PR China.
| | - Jin Bai
- Beijing Drainage Group Co., LTD, Beijing, 100124, PR China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Wastewater Resource, Beijing, 100124, PR China.
| | - Yanjie Wang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China.
| | - Linlin Hua
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China; Advanced Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450014, PR China.
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7
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Yang T, Wang X, Jiang L, Sui X, Bi X, Jiang B, Zhang Z, Li X. Antibiotic resistance genes associated with size-segregated bioaerosols from wastewater treatment plants: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123169. [PMID: 38128715 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The antibiotic-resistant pollution in size-segregated bioaerosols from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is of increasing concern due to its public health risks, but an elaborate review is still lacking. This work overviewed the profile, mobility, pathogenic hosts, source, and risks of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in size-segregated bioaerosols from WWTPs. The dominant ARG type in size-segregated bioaerosols from WWTPs was multidrug resistance genes. Treatment units that equipped with mechanical facilities and aeration devices, such as grilles, grit chambers, biochemical reaction tanks, and sludge treatment units, were the primary sources of bioaerosol antibiotic resistome in WWTPs. Higher enrichment of antibiotic resistome in particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of <2.5 μm, was found along the upwind-downwind-WWTPs gradient. Only a small portion of ARGs in inhalable bioaerosols from WWTPs were flanked by mobile genetic elements. The pathogens with multiple drug resistance had been found in size-segregated bioaerosols from WWTPs. Different ARGs or antibiotic resistant bacteria have different aerosolization potential associated with bioaerosols from various treatment processes. The validation of pathogenic antibiotic resistance bacteria, deeper investigation of ARG mobility, emission mechanism of antibiotic resistome, and development of treatment technologies, should be systematically considered in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang Yang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
| | - Xuyi Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
| | - Lu Jiang
- College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, PR China.
| | - Xin Sui
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
| | - Xuejun Bi
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
| | - Bo Jiang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
| | - Zhanpeng Zhang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
| | - Xinlong Li
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
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8
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Yang T, Wang X, Jiang L, Hui X, Bi X, Zheng X, Jiang B, Wang X. Mobility, bacterial hosts, and risks of antibiotic resistome in submicron bioaerosols from a full-scale wastewater treatment plant. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119771. [PMID: 38071920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistome could be loaded by bioaerosols and escape from wastewater or sludge to atmosphere environments. However, until recently, their profile, mobility, bacterial hosts, and risks in submicron bioaerosols (PM1.0) remain unclear. Here, metagenomic sequencing and assembly were employed to conduct an investigation of antibiotic resistome associated with PM1.0 within and around a full-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). More subtypes of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) with higher total abundance were found along the upwind-downwind-WWTP transect. ARGs in WWTP-PM1.0 were mainly mediated by plasmids and transposases were the most prevalent mobile genetic elements (MGEs) co-occurring with ARGs. A contig-based analysis indicated that very small proportions (15.32%-19.74%) of ARGs in WWTP-PM1.0 were flanked by MGEs. Proteobacteria was the most dominant host of ARGs. A total of 28 kinds of potential pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, carried multiple ARG types. Compared to upwind, WWTP and corresponding downwind were characterized by higher PM1.0 resistome risk. This study emphasizes the vital role of WWTPs in discharging PM1.0-loaded ARGs and antibiotic resistant pathogens to air, and indicates the need for active safeguard procedures, such as that employees wear masks and work clothes, covering the main emission sites, and collecting and destroying of bioaerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang Yang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
| | - Xuyi Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
| | - Lu Jiang
- College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, PR China.
| | - Xiaoliang Hui
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
| | - Xuejun Bi
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
| | - Xiang Zheng
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, PR China.
| | - Bo Jiang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266033, PR China.
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9
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Chen M, Xing Y, Kong J, Wang D, Lu Y. Bubble manipulates the release of viral aerosols in aeration. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132534. [PMID: 37741211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Bubble bursting is a common phenomenon in many industrial and natural processes, plays an important role in mediating mass transfer across the water-air interface. But the interplay between bubbles and pathogens remains unclear and the mechanisms of virus aerosolization by the bubble properties have not been well studied. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the water-to-air transfer of viruses by bubbles of different sizes. Unlike the dominant view of smaller bubbles less bioaerosols, it was found that the smaller bubbles could generate significantly more viral aerosols regardless of the virus species (Phi6, MS2, PhiX174, and T7), when the Sauter mean bubble diameters were between 0.56 and 1.65 mm under constant aeration flow rate. The mechanism studies denied the possibilities of more aerosols or better dispersion of viruses in the aerosols generated by the smaller bubbles. However, deeper bubbling could transfer more viruses to the air for MS2, PhiX174, and T7. Their concentrations in aerosols were linearly related to the bubbling depth for these non-enveloped viruses, which demonstrates the bubble-scavenging effect as a main mechanism except for the enveloped virus Phi6. Whereas, unlike these three non-enveloped viruses, Phi6 could survive relatively better in the aerosols generated from the smaller bubbles, though the enhancement of aerosolization by the smaller bubbles was much larger than the improvement of survival. Other mechanisms still remain unknown for this enveloped virus. This study suggests that the attempt of decreasing the bubble size in aeration tank of the wastewater treatment plant might significantly increase the solubility of oxygen as well as the risk of viral aerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghao Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yingying Xing
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiayang Kong
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Dongbin Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Yun Lu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, State Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Microorganism Application and Risk Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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10
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Zhang X, Lu B, Chen G, Wang L, Lin B, Peng Z, Lu S, Li D, Chen J. Culturable and inhalable airborne bacteria in a semiunderground municipal wastewater treatment plant: Distribution, transmission, and health risk assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132234. [PMID: 37586239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Airborne pathogens constitute a growing threat to global public health. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are important sources of airborne bacteria, which pose great health risks to the employee and nearby residents. In this study, the distribution, transmission and health risk of the airborne culturable and inhalable bacteria carried by PM2.5 in a semiunderground WWTP were evaluated. The concentrations of culturable bacteria in the air were 21.2-1431.1 CFU/m3, with the main contributions of primary and biological treatments. The relative abundances of culturable and total inhalable bacterial taxa were positively correlated (p < 0.05). However, certain bacteria, including Bacillus, Acinetobacter and Enterococcus, exhibited high reproductive capacity despite their low concentration in the air, suggesting that they can survive and regrow in suitable environments. Transmission modeling revealed that the concentrations of airborne bacteria exponentially decreased with distance from 18.67 to 24.12 copies /m3 at the source to 0.06-0.14 copies /m3 at 1000 m downwind. The risks of 8-h exposure in this WWTP except the outlet exceeded the reference value recommended by WHO, which were primarily dependent on P. aeruginosa, Salmonella, and E. coli. Management practices should consider improved controls for bioaerosols in order to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan Tyndall Centre, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Bingjie Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan Tyndall Centre, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Shanghai Chengtou Sewage Treatment Co., LtD., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Shanghai Chengtou Sewage Treatment Co., LtD., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bingjie Lin
- Shanghai Chengtou Sewage Treatment Co., LtD., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhengliang Peng
- Shanghai Chengtou Sewage Treatment Co., LtD., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Songliu Lu
- Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute, Shanghai 200335, China
| | - Dan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan Tyndall Centre, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Jianmin Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan Tyndall Centre, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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11
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Liu J, Ge J, Kang X, Tian H. Bioaerosol-related studies in wastewater treatment plant with anaerobic-anoxic-oxic processes: Characterization, source analysis, control measures. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 339:117760. [PMID: 37031601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Sewage in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can produce fugitive bioaerosols that pose a health risk to employees and residents. This study aimed to fugitive bioaerosols from two WWTPs with anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (AAO) processes, and bioaerosols control measures were proposed based on the results of these studies. It was found that the bioaerosols were mainly composed of microorganisms from dominant genera such as Romboutsia, Rubellimicrobium, Sphingomonas, Acidea, Cryptotrichosporon and water-soluble ions dominated by SO42-. Moreover, total suspended particulate (TSP), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), Ca2+, NH4+, Na+, Cl-, NO3-, and K+ had positive effects on most dominant genera, while temperature (T) and SO42- had negative effects on most dominant genera. The source analysis showed that the bioaerosols in the indoor treatment facility's fine screen room and sludge dewatering plant mainly originated from sewage or sludge, and those in the aeration tank of the outdoor treatment facility mainly originated from the background air of WWTPs . By combining the characteristics of bioaerosols and the results of source analysis, targeted control measures were proposed from three aspects: source reduction of bioaerosol fugitives, control of bioaerosol propagation, and collection and treatment systems. This study provides the theoretical basis and ideas for controlling bioaerosols in WWTPs with AAO processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Liu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Urban Sewage System Construction and Risk Control, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China; School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Jingyun Ge
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Urban Sewage System Construction and Risk Control, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China; School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Xinyue Kang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Urban Sewage System Construction and Risk Control, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China; School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Hongyu Tian
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Urban Sewage System Construction and Risk Control, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China; School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China; School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China.
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12
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Peng L, Wang H, Li G, Liang Z, Zhang W, Zhao W, An T. Bioinspired artificial spider silk photocatalyst for the high-efficiency capture and inactivation of bacteria aerosols. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2412. [PMID: 37106011 PMCID: PMC10134728 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38194-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioaerosol can cause the spread of disease, and therefore, capture and inactivation of bioaerosols is desirable. However, filtration systems can easily become blocked, and are often unable to inactivate the bioaerosol once it is captured. Herein, we reported a bioinspired artificial spider silk (ASS) photocatalyst, consisting of a periodic spindle structure of TiO2 on nylon fiber that can efficiently capture and concentrate airborne bacteria, followed by photocatalytic inactivation in situ, without a power-supply exhaust system. The ASS photocatalyst exhibits a higher capture capacity than the nylon fiber substrate and a photocatalytic inactivation efficiency of 99.99% obtained under 4 h irradiation. We found that the capture capacity of the ASS photocatalyst can be mainly attributed to the synergistic effects of hydrophilicity, Laplace pressure differences caused by the size of the spindle knots and surface energy gradients induced by surface roughness. The bacteria captured by the ASS photocatalyst are inactivated by photocatalysis within droplets or at the air/photocatalyst interfaces. This strategy paves the way for constructing materials for bioaerosol purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghui Peng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Haiyu Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guiying Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhishu Liang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Weiping Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Weina Zhao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Taicheng An
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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13
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Xu X, Wang C, Wang P, Chu Y, Guo J, Bo X, Lin A. Bioaerosol dispersion and environmental risk simulation: Method and a case study for a biopharmaceutical plant of Gansu province, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160506. [PMID: 36442625 PMCID: PMC9691505 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic bacteria pose a great threat to global public health from environmental and public health perspectives, especially regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. As a result, the increased risk of pathogenic bioaerosol exposure imposes a considerable health burden and raises specific concerns about the layout and location of vaccine manufacturers. This study proposed a grid computing method based on the CALPUFF modelling system and population-based environmental risks to reduce bioaerosol-related potential risks. We previously used the CALPUFF model to quantify the diffusion level, the spatial distribution of emissions, and potential environmental risks of bioaerosol leakage in Gansu province's Zhongmu Lanzhou biopharmaceutical plant from July 24, 2019, to August 20, 2019. By combining it with publicly available test data, the credibility was confirmed. Based on our previous research, the CALPUFF model application combined with the environmental population-based environmental risks in two scenarios: the layout and site selection, was explored by using the leakage accident of Zhongmu Lanzhou biopharmaceutical plant of Gansu province as a case study. Our results showed that the site selection method of scenario 2 coupled with the buffer area was more reasonable than scenario 1, and the final layout site selection point of scenario 2 was grid 157 as the optimal layout point. The simulation results demonstrated agreement with the actual survey. Our findings could assist global bioaerosol manufacturers in developing appropriate layout and site selection strategies to reduce bioaerosol-related potential environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China
| | - Chengxin Wang
- School of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Peng Wang
- 3Clear Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yinghao Chu
- School of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jing Guo
- School of Economics and Management, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xin Bo
- College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China.
| | - Aijun Lin
- College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China.
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14
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Zhao XY, An DZ, Liu ML, Ma JX, Ali W, Zhu H, Li M, Ai XJ, Nasir ZA, Alcega SG, Coulon F, Yan C. Bioaerosols emission characteristics from wastewater treatment aeration tanks and associated health risk exposure assessment during autumn and winter. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158106. [PMID: 35987237 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aeration tanks from activated sludge wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can release a large amount of bioaerosols that can pose health risks. However, risk characterization of bioaerosols emissions form wastewater treatment plants is currently not systematically carried out and still in its infancy. Therefore, this study investigated emission characteristic of two indicator model bioaerosols Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, emitted from aeration tanks of a municipal WWTP. Monte Carlo simulation was then used to quantitatively assess microbial risk posed by different aeration modes under optimistic and conservative estimates. Further to this, two different exposure scenarios were considered during 3 days sampling campaign in autumn and winter. Results showed that the bioaerosol concentration from microporous aeration tank (20-262 CFU m-3) was one order of magnitude lower than rotating disc aeration tank. Average aerosolization rate was 7.5 times higher with mechanical aeration mode. Health risks of exposed populations were 0.4 and 9.6 times higher in winter than in autumn for E. coli and S. aureus bioaerosol, respectively. Health risks of staff members were 10 times higher than academic visitors. Interesting results were observed for academic visitors without personal protective equipment (PPE) respectively exposed to S. aureus and E. coli bioaerosol in autumn and winter: while the derived infection risk met the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) benchmark under optimistic estimation, the disease risk burden was over the World Health Organization (WHO) benchmark under conservative estimation. These revealed that only satisfying one of the two benchmarks didn't mean absolute acceptable health risk. This study could facilitate the development of better understanding of bioaerosol quantitative assessment of risk characterizations and corresponding appropriate risk control strategies for wastewater utilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Zhao
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental Water Science in the Yangtze River Basin, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Dong-Zi An
- China Construction Eco-Environmental Group Co., Ltd., Beijing 100037, PR China
| | - Man-Li Liu
- Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Hubei Water Resources Technical College, Wuhan 430202, PR China
| | - Jia-Xin Ma
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Wajid Ali
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Hao Zhu
- POWERCHINA Hubei Electric Engineering Co., Ltd, Wuhan 430040, PR China
| | - Ming Li
- POWERCHINA Hubei Electric Engineering Co., Ltd, Wuhan 430040, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jun Ai
- POWERCHINA Hubei Electric Engineering Co., Ltd, Wuhan 430040, PR China
| | - Zaheer Ahmad Nasir
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Sonia Garcia Alcega
- School of Physical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK6 7AA, UK
| | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Cheng Yan
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental Water Science in the Yangtze River Basin, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China.
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15
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Tian J, Yan C, Alcega SG, Hassard F, Tyrrel S, Coulon F, Nasir ZA. Detection and characterization of bioaerosol emissions from wastewater treatment plants: Challenges and opportunities. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:958514. [PMID: 36439798 PMCID: PMC9684734 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.958514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid population growth and urbanization process have led to increasing demand for wastewater treatment capacity resulting in a non-negligible increase of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in several cities around the world. Bioaerosol emissions from WWTPs may pose adverse health risks to the sewage workers and nearby residents, which raises increasing public health concerns. However, there are still significant knowledge gaps on the interplay between process-based bioaerosol characteristics and exposures and the quantification of health risk which limit our ability to design effective risk assessment and management strategies. This review provides a critical overview of the existing knowledge of bioaerosol emissions from WWTPs including their nature, magnitude and size distribution, and highlights the shortcoming associated with existing sampling and analysis methods. The recent advancements made for rapid detection of bioaerosols are then discussed, especially the emerging real time detection methods to highlight the directions for future research needs to advance the knowledge on bioaerosol emissions from WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghan Tian
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Cheng Yan
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Sonia Garcia Alcega
- School of Physical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Francis Hassard
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sean Tyrrel
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
| | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
| | - Zaheer Ahmad Nasir
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
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16
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Kataki S, Patowary R, Chatterjee S, Vairale MG, Sharma S, Dwivedi SK, Kamboj DV. Bioaerosolization and pathogen transmission in wastewater treatment plants: Microbial composition, emission rate, factors affecting and control measures. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132180. [PMID: 34560498 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Environmental consequences during wastewater management are vital and getting increased attention to interrupt any possible disease transmission pathways. Evidence of bioaerosolization of pathogen from wastewater to atmosphere during wastewater treatment have been highlighted previously. Understanding aerosol-based transmission in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is important because of the hazard it presents to the workers involved or to the population around and appears to be very significant during pandemic occurrences. This work aims to evaluate the possibility of pathogenic content of wastewater getting aerosolized during treatment by synthesizing the evidence on the potential aerosol generating treatment phases of WWTP, bioaerosol microbial composition, emission load and the factors affecting the bioaerosol formation. We also present some potential control strategies to take up in WWTP which may be useful to avoid such occurrences. Implementation of Aeration based strategies (use of diffused, submerged aeration, reduction in aeration rate), Improved ventilation based strategies (effective ventilation with adequate supply of clean air, minimizing air recirculation, supplementation with infection control measures such as filtration, irradiation), Improved protection based strategy (periodic monitoring of disinfection efficiency, pathogenic load of wastewater, improved operation policy) and other strategies (provision of buffer zone, wind shielding, water spraying on aerosol, screened surface of treatment units) could be very much relevant and significant in case of disease outbreak through aerosol formation in wastewater environment. Recent progress in sensor-based data collection, analysis, cloud-based storage, and early warning techniques in WWTP may help to reduce the risk of infectious transmission, especially during a pandemic situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampriti Kataki
- Biodegradation Technology Division, Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Tezpur, Assam, India
| | - Rupam Patowary
- Foundation for Environmental and Economic Development Services, Manipur, India
| | - Soumya Chatterjee
- Biodegradation Technology Division, Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Tezpur, Assam, India.
| | - Mohan G Vairale
- Biodegradation Technology Division, Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Tezpur, Assam, India
| | - Sonika Sharma
- Biodegradation Technology Division, Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Tezpur, Assam, India
| | - Sanjai K Dwivedi
- Biodegradation Technology Division, Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Tezpur, Assam, India
| | - Dev Vrat Kamboj
- Biodegradation Technology Division, Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Tezpur, Assam, India
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