Following our report on reproductive failure in gilts and sows caused by drinking over-chlorinated water at a pig-breeding farm, the present study investigated the impact of water over-chlorination on the different pig production categories on the farm. Pigs were given over-chlorinated water with a free chlorine residual concentration of 2.11 mg/l for seven days, from the onset of mechanical fa...

A method for the degradation of dioxins by white rot fungi was developed. Degradation of a mixture of 10 kinds of tetra- to octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins [PCDDs]) and tetra- to octachlorodibenzofurans (polychlorinated dibenzofurans [PCDFs]), which were chlorinated at 2-, 3-, 7-, and 8-positions of the molecules, by the white rot fungus Phanerochaete sordida YK-6...

Polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PBDDs) and dibenzofurans (PBDFs) occur as trace (ppb) contaminants in brominated flame retardants and are produced during combustion of these chemicals. They are also formed when organics are incinerated in the presence of bromine, e.g., in municipal and industrial incinerators and in internal-combustion engines. Combustion of organics in the presence of both b...

This study aims to assess the removal efficiency of microbial contaminants in a local wastewater treatment plant over the duration of one year, and to assess the microbial risk associated with reusing treated wastewater in agricultural irrigation. The treatment process achieved 3.5 logs removal of heterotrophic bacteria and up to 3.5 logs removal of fecal coliforms. The final chlorinated efflue...

Membrane properties such as porosity and surface morphology significantly affect fouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs). Amphiphilic Pluronic block–copolymers have attracted attention recent years their use during preparation has resulted improved properties. This study focused on establishing a technique to improve by adding TR–702 prepare chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC) flat–sheet sui...

Propylene-grown Xanthobacter cells (strain Py2) degraded several chlorinated alkenes of environmental concern, including trichloroethylene, 1-chloroethylene (vinyl chloride), cis- and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,3-dichloropropylene, and 2,3-dichloropropylene. 1,1-Dichloroethylene was not degraded efficiently, while tetrachloroethylene was not degraded. The role of alkene monooxygenase in cata...