ORCID Profile
0000-0002-0319-4248
Current Organisation
Melbourne Water
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Wastewater Treatment Processes | Water Quality Engineering | Environmental Science and Management | Civil Engineering | Environmental Monitoring | Wastewater treatment processes | Catalysis and Mechanisms of Reactions | Environmental Technologies | Chemical Engineering | Microbial Ecology | Animal Cell and Molecular Biology | Genomics | Chemical engineering | Functional Materials | Environmental Engineering not elsewhere classified | Environmental Chemistry (incl. Atmospheric Chemistry) | Environmental Management | Land capability and soil productivity | Materials Engineering | Environmental management | Water Treatment Processes |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Water Recycling Services (incl. Sewage and Greywater) | Expanding Knowledge in the Environmental Sciences | Renewable Energy not elsewhere classified | Water Services and Utilities | Land and Water Management of environments not elsewhere classified | Urban and Industrial Water Management | Urban Water Evaluation (incl. Water Quality) | Physical and Chemical Conditions of Water for Urban and Industrial Use | Physical and Chemical Conditions of Water in Fresh, Ground and Surface Water Environments (excl. Urban and Industrial Use) | Environmental Health | Coastal and Estuarine Water Management
Related Links
Publications
SARS-CoV-2 known and unknowns, implications for the water sector and wastewater-based epidemiology to support national responses worldwide: early review of global experiences with the COVID-19 pandemi
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 26-05-2020
Abstract: Wastewater surveillance of pathogens may be a useful tool to help determine whether clinical surveillance of disease is effective or inadequate due to under-reporting and under-detection. In addition, tracking of pathogen concentrations over time could potentially provide a measure of the effectiveness of public health control measures and the impact of the gradual relaxation of these controls. Analysis of wastewater using quantitative molecular methods offers a real-time measure of infections in the community, and thus is expected to provide a more sensitive and rapid indication of changes in infection rates before such effects become detectable by clinical health surveillance. Models may help to back-calculate wastewater prevalence to population prevalence or to correct pathogen counts for wastewater catchment-specific and temporal effects. They may also help to design the wastewater s ling strategy. This article provides a brief summary of the history of pathogen wastewater surveillance to help set the context for the SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) programmes currently being undertaken globally.
Enhanced phosphorus accumulation efficiency by the pelagic community at reduced phosphorus supply: A lake experiment from bacteria to metazoan zooplankton
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2003
Photodegradation of emerging contaminants in a sunlit wastewater lagoon, seasonal measurements, environmental impacts and modelling
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0EW00527D
Abstract: Relationships between seasonal environmental conditions and photodegradation of emerging contaminants during lagoon wastewater treatment demonstrated and APEX model evaluated.
Strain-specific photosynthetic response of freshwater picocyanobacteria
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2005
A modified approach to recover and enumerate Ascaris ova in wastewater and sludge
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 21-02-2019
Assessing the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on alcohol consumption in Melbourne, Australia using high-resolution wastewater sampling
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2023
Critical review of adsorption and biodegradation mechanisms for removal of biogenic taste and odour compounds in granular and biological activated carbon contactors
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2023
The Variation in Groundwater Microbial Communities in an Unconfined Aquifer Contaminated by Multiple Nitrogen Contamination Sources
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-02-2022
DOI: 10.3390/W14040613
Abstract: Aquifers provide integral freshwater resources and host ecosystems of largely uncharacterized, truncated endemic microorganisms. In recent history, many aquifers have become increasingly contaminated from various anthropogenic sources. To better understand the impacts of nitrogen contamination on native groundwater ecosystems, 16S rRNA sequencing of the groundwater microbial communities was carried out. S les were taken from an aquifer known to be contaminated with nitrogen from multiple sources, including fertilizers and wastewater treatment plant effluents. In total, two primary contaminants were identified: NH4+ ( .1–3.7–26 mg L−1 NH4+ min-median-max), and NO3− ( .01–18–150 mg L−1 NO3− min-median-max). These contaminants were found to be associated with a decrease/increase in microbial species richness within affected groundwater for NH4+/NO3−, respectively. Important phyla were identified, including Proteobacteria, which had the highest abundance within s les unaffected by NH4+ (36–81% NH4+ unaffected, 4–33% NH4+ affected), and Planctomycetes (0.05–10% NH4+ unaffected, 43–72% NH4+ affected), which had the highest abundance within the NH4+ affected s les, likely due to its ability to perform anaerobic ammonia oxidation (ANAMMOX). Planctomycetes were identified as a potential indicator for the presence of NH4+ contamination. The analysis and characterization of sequencing data alongside physicochemical data showed potential to increase the depth of our understanding of contaminant behavior and fate within a contaminated aquifer using this type of data and analysis.
Temporal trends of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the influent of two of the largest wastewater treatment plants in Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Differentiation between Impacted and Unimpacted Microbial Communities of a Nitrogen Contaminated Aquifer
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-10-2022
DOI: 10.3390/ENVIRONMENTS9100128
Abstract: Nitrogen contamination is ubiquitous across the globe as a result of this, the need to understand and predict the extent and effects of nitrogen contamination on microbial ecosystems is increasingly important. This paper utilises a dataset that provides a rare opportunity to observe varying contamination conditions in a single aquifer and understand the differences between potential background bores and two different types of contamination spread across the other bores. Using physicochemical and microbiological community analysis, this paper aims to determine the impacts of the two contaminants, nitrate and ammonia, on the microbial communities and the differences between polluted and physicochemical background bores. Total nitrogen (N) varied by a factor of over 2000 between bores, ranging from 0.07 to 155 mg L−1. Nitrate (NO3−) concentrations ranged from 150 to .01 mg L−1 ammonium (NH4+) concentrations ranged from 26 to .1 mg L−1. MANOVA analysis confirmed an overall significant relationship (p = 0.0052) between N variables and the physicochemical data (or status) of the three areas of contamination dubbed ‘contamination zones’. The contamination zones were defined by no known presence of contamination in the uncontaminated bores, the presence of NO3− contamination and the presence of NO3− and NH4+ contamination. PERMANOVA analysis confirmed that there was an overall significant difference in the microbial communities between the three contamination zones (p = 0.0002) however, the presence of NH4+ had a significant effect (p = 0.0012). In general, the nitrate-contaminated bores showed a decrease in the abundance of in idual OTUs. We further confirmed that NH4+ contamination had a significant relationship with an increased percentage of abundance occupied by the Planctomycetota phylum (specifically the Candidatus Brocadia genus). It was found that one of the two background bores (BS-004) was likely also representative of natural microbial background, and another (BS-002) showed characteristics that may be representative of past or intermittent contamination. This paper demonstrates a possible way to determine the microbial background and discusses the potential uses for this information.
Variation of the photosynthesis and respiration response of filamentous algae (Oedogonium) acclimated to averaged seasonal temperatures and light exposure levels
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2023
Emerging recombinant noroviruses identified by clinical and waste water screening
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-03-2018
The small, the big, and the beautiful: Emerging challenges and opportunities for waste stabilization ponds in Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-08-2920
DOI: 10.1002/WAT2.1383
Abstract: Waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) are used extensively for the treatment of wastewater in Australia, mostly in regional and remote areas. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using pond technologies are also distributed over the full geographical extent of Australia, encompassing many climatic zones. Predominantly used to service small to medium‐sized communities, WSPs are also used to service large metropolitan Australian populations, up to 2.5 million people. When well‐maintained, WSPs are a sustainable and resilient treatment option, and treatment is achieved at significantly lower cost when compared with conventional WWTPs. Increasing population, changing regulations, and climate variability are placing increasing pressure on Australian WSP systems. Sludge accumulation over time presents a significant challenge to pond maintenance, along with increasing occurrence of toxic cyanobacterial bloom events. These challenges are only enhanced by the wide geographical distribution and by increasing operational and maintenance costs. Increased demand for recycled water is placing further pressure on Australian WSP systems, as higher value treated water is expected from WSP infrastructure that is often overloaded or under‐designed. This increased demand for high‐quality treatment presents an opportunity for operators and researchers to develop a better understanding of the coupling between hydraulics and microbial ecology of these systems. With more stringent guidelines for greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), a better understanding of biophysicochemical processes in WSPs will lead to better estimates of GHG fluxes and variability. This information will become critical for the future planning, maintenance and operation of WSPs, and will result in a better understanding of WSP systems overall. This article is categorized under: Engineering Water Water, Health, and Sanitation Engineering Water Sustainable Engineering of Water
Epidemiological evaluation of sewage surveillance as a tool to detect the presence of COVID-19 cases in a low case load setting
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Evaluation of techniques for measuring microbial hazards in bathing waters: A comparative study
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 23-05-2016
Improvement of Log Reduction Values Design Equations for Helminth Egg Management in Recycled Water
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-11-2021
DOI: 10.3390/W13223149
Abstract: Understanding and managing the risk posed by helminth eggs (HE) is a key concern for wastewater engineers and public health regulators. The treatment processes that produce recycled water from sewage at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) rely on achieving a defined log10 reduction value (LRV) in HE concentration during the production of recycled water from sewage to achieve the guideline concentration of ≤1.0 HE/L. The total concentration of HE in sewage reaches thousands of HE/L in developing countries and therefore, an LRV of 4.0 is generally accepted to achieve a safe concentration in recycled water, as this will meet the guideline value. However, in many developed countries with good sanitation and public health standards, the HE concentration in sewage is generally HE/L. Therefore, validation of the sewage treatment process relied on to achieve an LRV of 4.0 can be difficult. Because of these limitations, design equations to predict LRVs from hydraulic retention times (HRT), which are geographically non-specific, are commonly relied on to ensure the production of safe quality recycled water with respect to HE. However, these design equations could be further refined by defining the design and management of the treatment process in greater detail and thus be used more effectively for determining the LRV required. This paper discusses the limitations and possible improvements that could be applied to LRV design equations for predicting HE removal at WWTPs and identifies the data requirements to support these improvements. Several options for LRV design equations are proposed that could be validated experimentally or via the ongoing operation of WWTPs. These improvements have the potential to assist the rationalization of the HE removal requirements for specific treatment options, exposure scenarios and use of recycled water in agriculture.
MIFlowCyt: The minimum information about a flow cytometry experiment
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-08-2008
DOI: 10.1002/CYTO.A.20623
Passive Sampling of SARS-CoV-2 for Wastewater Surveillance
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 15-07-2021
Into the deep: Evaluation of SourceTracker for assessment of faecal contamination of coastal waters
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2016.02.029
Abstract: Faecal contamination of recreational waters is an increasing global health concern. Tracing the source of the contaminant is a vital step towards mitigation and disease prevention. Total 16S rRNA licon data for a specific environment (faeces, water, soil) and computational tools such as the Markov-Chain Monte Carlo based SourceTracker can be applied to microbial source tracking (MST) and attribution studies. The current study applied artificial and in-laboratory derived bacterial communities to define the potential and limitations associated with the use of SourceTracker, prior to its application for faecal source tracking at three recreational beaches near Port Phillip Bay (Victoria, Australia). The results demonstrated that at minimum multiple model runs of the SourceTracker modelling tool (i.e. technical replicates) were required to identify potential false positive predictions. The calculation of relative standard deviations (RSDs) for each attributed source improved overall predictive confidence in the results. In general, default parameter settings provided high sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and precision. Application of SourceTracker to recreational beach s les identified treated effluent as major source of human-derived faecal contamination, present in 69% of s les. Site-specific sources, such as raw sewage, stormwater and bacterial populations associated with the Yarra River estuary were also identified. Rainfall and associated sand resuspension at each location correlated with observed human faecal indicators. The results of the optimised SourceTracker analysis suggests that local sources of contamination have the greatest effect on recreational coastal water quality.
Wastewater-based epidemiology biomarkers: past, present and future
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
A review of analytical techniques for quantifying microplastics in sediments
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1039/C6AY02707E
Abstract: In this review the analytical techniques for measuring microplastics in sediment have been evaluated.
An improved method for PCR-based detection and routine monitoring of geosmin-producing cyanobacterial blooms
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2018.02.041
Abstract: Production of taste and odour (T/O) compounds, principally geosmin, by complex cyanobacterial blooms is a major water quality issue globally. Control of these cyanobacteria imposes a significant cost on water producing and dependent industries, and requires routine monitoring and management. Classic monitoring methods, including microscopy and direct chemical analysis, lack sensitivity, are laborious, expensive or cannot reliably identify the source of geosmin production. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based tools targeting the geosmin synthase gene (geoA) provide a novel tool for routine monitoring. However, geoA is variable at the nucleotide level and potential geosmin producers represent a broad taxonomic distribution, such that multiple PCR primers with distinct lification protocols are needed to target all potential sources of this important T/O compound. Development of novel primers is hindered by a lack of sequence data and limited field and laboratory data on geosmin producers prevents prioritizing taxa for PCR testing. Here we performed a genetic screen of 253 bloom s les from Victoria, Australia using each existing PCR protocol targeting geoA. We detected Dolichospermum ucrainicum as the major geosmin producer (87% of sequenced s les) along with 3 unknown geoA sequence types. Using these data, we designed a novel, short licon, PCR protocol utilising a single standardised primer pair, capable of lifying all geoA positive s les in our study, as well as a Nostoc punctiforme positive control. This single protocol geoA PCR can further be tested on other geosmin producers and will simplify routine monitoring of T/O producing cyanobacteria.
Dietary Uptake and Depuration Kinetics of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate, Perfluorooctanoic Acid, and Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Dimer Acid (GenX) in a Benthic Fish
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-01-2020
DOI: 10.1002/ETC.4640
Abstract: Per‐ and poly‐fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitously distributed throughout aquatic environments and can bioaccumulate in organisms. We examined dietary uptake and depuration of a mixture of 3 PFAS: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA C 8 HF 15 O 2 ), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS C 8 HF 17 SO 3 ), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HPFO‐DA C 6 HF 11 O 3 trade name GenX). Benthic fish (blue spot gobies, Pseudogobius sp.) were fed contaminated food (nominal dose 500 ng g –1 ) daily for a 21‐d uptake period, followed by a 42‐d depuration period. The compounds PFOA, linear‐PFOS (linear PFOS), and total PFOS (sum of linear and branched PFOS) were detected in freeze‐dried fish, whereas GenX was not, indicating either a lack of uptake or rapid elimination ( h). Depuration rates (d –1 ) were 0.150 (PFOA), 0.045 (linear‐PFOS), and 0.042 (linear+branched‐PFOS) with corresponding biological half‐lives of 5.9, 15, and 16 d, respectively. The PFOS isomers were eliminated differently, resulting in enrichment of linear‐PFOS (70–90%) throughout the depuration period. The present study is the first reported study of GenX dietary bioaccumulation potential in fish, and the first dietary study to investigate uptake and depuration of multiple PFASs simultaneously, allowing us to determine that whereas PFOA and PFOS accumulated as expected, GenX, administered in the same way, did not appear to bioaccumulate. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020 :595–603. © 2019 SETAC
Wastewater monitoring for SARS-CoV-2
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1071/MA21006
Abstract: Wastewater monitoring (WM) of SARS-CoV-2 from sewers was applied throughout the world early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharing of protocols and experiences in WM of SARS-CoV-2 by national and international researchers and practitioners has been vital to ensuring the sensitivity and specificity of the methods. WM has been a valuable adjunct to human clinical testing, and when positive results occur in sewage, community testing has been increased. WM findings allow public health officials to track and respond to the impacts of loosening lockdown restrictions, demonstrating when return to normal social activities might occur without a resurgence of rapid community transmission, and they are particularly useful in areas with low human case numbers and/or low clinical testing rates. New research is required to address several practical knowledge gaps, for ex le, s ling protocols, prediction of case prevalence from viral numbers by modelling, and determination of detection limits. Communication to the Australian public of WM of SARS-CoV-2 has been via interactive, visual dashboards. Once SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations are introduced, WM could help track the underlying circulation of the virus in the population, the spread of known variants and its future evolution.
Dispersal and Phylogenetic Diversity of Nonmarine Picocyanobacteria, Inferred from 16S rRNA Gene and cpcBA -Intergenic Spacer Sequence Analyses
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Date: 09-2003
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.69.9.5716-5721.2003
Abstract: More than 20 Synechococcus and Cyanobium isolates were obtained from central European subalpine lakes and sequenced for their 16S rRNA gene and part of the phycocyanin operon ( cpc ), specifically the intergenic spacer (IGS) between cpcB and cpcA , and corresponding flanking regions ( cpcBA -IGS). Maximum-likelihood analyses revealed the existence of at least six to seven clusters of nonmarine picocyanobacteria within the picophytoplankton clade and support the conjecture of global dispersal for some closely related picocyanobacterial genotypes.
Nitrogen contamination and bioremediation in groundwater and the environment: A review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
Genetic diversity and quantification of human mastadenoviruses in wastewater from Sydney and Melbourne, Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2019.04.162
Abstract: Human mastadenoviruses (HAdVs) are DNA viruses that can cause a wide range of clinical diseases, including gastroenteritis, respiratory illnesses, conjunctivitis, and in more severe cases hepatitis, pancreatitis and disseminated diseases. HAdV infections are generally asymptomatic or self-limiting, but can cause adverse outcomes within vulnerable populations. Since most HAdV serotypes replicate within the human gastrointestinal tract, high levels of HAdV DNA are excreted into wastewater systems. In this study, we identified the genetic ersity of HAdV at a population level using wastewater s les collected from Sydney and Melbourne from 2016 to 2017, with the use of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. In addition, HAdV DNA levels were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) based methods to better understand the health risks involved if wastewater contamination occurs. An average of 1.8 × 10
Management of biogenic taste and odour: From source water, through treatment processes and distribution systems, to consumers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2022.116225
Abstract: Biogenic taste and odour (T&O) have become a global concern for water utilities, due to the increasing frequency of algal blooms and other microbial events arising from the combined effects of climate change and eutrophication. Microbially-produced T&O compounds impact source waters, drinking water treatment plants, and drinking water distribution systems. It is important to manage across the entire biogenic T&O pathway to identify key risk factors and devise strategies that will safeguard the quality of drinking water in a changing world, since the presence of T&O impacts consumer confidence in drinking water safety. This study provides a critical review of current knowledge on T&O-causing microbes and compounds for proactive management, including the identification of abiotic risk factors in source waters, a discussion on the effectiveness of existing T&O barriers in drinking water treatment plants, an analysis of risk factors for biofilm growth in water distribution systems, and an assessment of the impacts of T&O on consumers. The fate of biogenic T&O in drinking water systems is tracked from microbial production pathways, through the release of intracellular T&O by cell lysis, to the treatment of microbial cells and dissolved T&O. Based on current knowledge, five impactful research and management directions across the T&O pathway are recommended.
Inactivation of biofilm-bound bacterial cells using irradiation across UVC wavelengths
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2022.118379
Abstract: Opportunistic pathogens (OPs), such as Pseudomonas spp., Legionella spp., and mycobacteria, have been detected in biofilms in drinking water distribution systems and water storage tanks and pose potential risks to finished drinking water quality and safety. Emerging UV technologies, such as UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) and krypton chloride (KrCl*) excimers, could provide an alternative to chemical-based secondary disinfection (i.e., chlorine or chloramines) for controlling biofilm-bound OPs. UV systems offer long lifetimes, ability to select wavelength, small size with high power density, and limited-to-no disinfection by-product formation. In this study, inactivation of biofilm-bound Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells across different maturities was investigated using five UVC devices with different peak emission wavelengths, including a KrCl* excimer (222 nm), a low pressure mercury vapor l (254 nm), and three UV LEDs (260 nm, 270 nm, and 282 nm). The UV transmittance and absorbance through the biofilm structure was also documented for the first time using a unique approach. Our results show all UVC devices can inactivate biofilm-bound P. aeruginosa cells up to a point, among which the UV LED with peak emission at 270 nm provided the best disinfection performance. UV sensitivities of biofilm-bound cells decreased with biofilm maturity and while initial rates of inactivation were high, no more than 1.5-2.5 log reduction was possible. Re-suspended biofilm bacteria in aqueous solution were highly sensitive to UV, reaching greater than 6 log reduction. UV shielding by biofilm constituents was observed and was likely one of the reasons for UV resistance but did not fully explain the difference in UV sensitivity between biofilm-bound cells versus planktonic cells. This study improves upon fundamental knowledge and provides guidance for innovative designs using emerging UV technologies for biofilm and pathogen control in water distribution systems.
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Current status and research needs
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2020
Automated Isolation Techniques for Microalgae
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2005
Rapid establishment of clonal isolates of freshwater autotrophic picoplankton by single-cell and single-colony sorting
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2003
DOI: 10.1016/S0167-7012(03)00167-2
Abstract: We describe single-cell and single-colony sorting protocols which allowed for rapid establishment of a erse culture collection of clonal autotrophic picoplankton (APP) isolates originating from oligotrophic and oligo-mesotrophic subalpine lakes. Overall sort recoveries, expressed as the percentage of sorted microwells exhibiting APP growth, ranged from 5% to 17% depending on the type of APP, but the growth success varied greatly (from 0% to 68%) depending on the origin of the sorted s le. We applied two direct sequencing and two denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) protocols to identify and characterize the genetic purity of 21 of our picocyanobacteria cultures, namely, direct sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and cpcBA-IGS region, and DGGE analyses involving a 194-bp fragment of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and a ca. 500-bp fragment of the phycocyanin (PC) operon (cpcBA-IGS, novel protocol described herein). Of those 21 picocyanobacteria cultures obtained by single-cell/single-colony sorting and subsequently characterized genetically/screened for genetic purity, only one culture was composed of multiple picocyanobacterial strains.
Distribution and conservation of known secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene clusters in the genomes of geographically diverse Microcystis aeruginosa strains
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1071/MF18406
Abstract: The cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa has been linked to toxic blooms worldwide. In addition to producing hepatotoxic microcystins, many strains are capable of synthesising a variety of biologically active compounds, including protease and phosphatase inhibitors, which may affect aquatic ecosystems and pose a risk to their use. This study explored the distribution, composition and conservation of known secondary metabolite (SM) biosynthesis gene clusters in the genomes of 27 M. aeruginosa strains isolated from six different Köppen–Geiger climates. Our analysis identified gene clusters with significant homology to nine SM biosynthesis gene clusters spanning four different compound classes: non-ribosomal peptides, hybrid polyketide–non-ribosomal peptides, cyanobactins and microviridins. The aeruginosin, microviridin, cyanopeptolin and microcystin biosynthesis gene clusters were the most frequently observed, but hybrid polyketide–non-ribosomal peptide biosynthesis clusters were the most common class overall. Although some biogeographic relationships were observed, taxonomic markers and geography were not reliable indicators of SM biosynthesis cluster distribution, possibly due to previous genetic deletions or horizontal gene transfer events. The only cyanotoxin biosynthesis gene cluster identified in our screening study was the microcystin synthetase (mcy) gene cluster, suggesting that the production of non-microcystin cyanotoxins by this taxon, such as anatoxin-a or paralytic shellfish poison analogues, is either absent or rare.
Evaluation of Cyto‐genotoxicity of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) to Allium cepa
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-12-2020
DOI: 10.1002/ETC.4905
Abstract: Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as contaminants of global concern. Among several PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are persistent and bioaccumulative compounds. We investigated the cyto‐genotoxic potential of PFOS to Allium cepa root meristem cells. The A. cepa root tips were exposed to 6 different concentrations (1–100 mg L −1 ) of PFOS for 48 h. Reduction in mitotic index and chromosomal aberrations was measured as genotoxic endpoints in meristematic root cells. Exposure to PFOS significantly affected cell ision by reducing the miotic index at higher concentrations ( mg L −1 ). The median effect concentration of PFOS to elicit cytotoxicity based on the mitotic index was 43.2 mg L −1 . Exposure to PFOS significantly increased chromosomal aberrations at concentrations mg L −1 . The common aberrations were micronuclei, vagrant cells, and multipolar anaphase. The alkaline comet assay revealed a genotoxic potential of PFOS with increased tail DNA percentage at concentrations mg L −1 . To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the cyto‐genotoxic potential of PFOS in higher plants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021 :792–798. © 2020 SETAC
Diagnosing water treatment critical control points for cyanobacterial removal: Exploring benefits of combined microscopy, next-generation sequencing, and cell integrity methods
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.WATRES.2019.01.002
Abstract: A wide range of cyanobacterial species and their harmful metabolites are increasingly detected in water bodies worldwide, exacerbated by climate change and human activities. The resulting bloom conditions represent significant challenges to production of safe drinking water and cost effective water reuse, therefore their removal is a priority to ensure public safety. While current microscopic taxonomy identification methods provide valuable information about cell numbers during treatment, these methods are incapable of providing information about the fate of cells during treatment. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify the critical control points for breakthrough and accumulation of cells by investigating the fate of cells during treatment processes using a combination of taxonomy, cell integrity and next-generation sequencing (NGS), and (2) assess the impact of pre-treatment processes on breakthrough prevention at critical control points, and the benefits of cell integrity and NGS analysis for improved management purposes. This paper presents the results of an unprecedented cyanobacterial monitoring program conducted in four full scale water treatment plants located in three different climate zones. Cyanobacterial cell integrity and accumulation during operation process were assessed for the first time using next generation of gene sequencing methods. NGS analysis led to detection of cyanobacterial and melainabacteria orders in water s les that were not identified by microscopy. 80 ± 5% of cells were completely lysed post pre-oxidation (for both ozone and potassium permanganate). However unlike pre-ozonation, the remaining cells were undamaged cells with the potential to accumulate and grow within the plants post-KMnO
Detection of Helminth Ova in Wastewater Using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Coupled to Lateral Flow Strips
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-03-2020
DOI: 10.3390/W12030691
Abstract: Ascaris lumbricoides is a major soil-transmitted helminth that is highly infective to humans. The ova of A. lumbricoides are able to survive wastewater treatment, thus making it an indicator organism for effective water treatment and sanitation. Hence, Ascaris ova must be removed from wastewater matrices for the safe use of recycled water. Current microscopic techniques for identification and enumeration of Ascaris ova are laborious and cumbersome. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques are sensitive and specific, however, major constraints lie in having to transport s les to a centralised laboratory, the requirement for sophisticated instrumentation and skilled personnel. To address this issue, a rapid, highly specific, sensitive, and affordable method for the detection of helminth ova was developed utilising recombinase polymerase lification (RPA) coupled with lateral flow (LF) strips. In this study, Ascaris suum ova were used to demonstrate the potential use of the RPA-LF assay. The method was faster ( 30 min) with optimal temperature at 37 °C and greater sensitivity than PCR-based approaches with detection as low as 2 femtograms of DNA. Furthermore, ova from two different helminth genera were able to be detected as a multiplex assay using a single lateral flow strip, which could significantly reduce the time and the cost of helminth identification. The RPA-LF system represents an accurate, rapid, and cost-effective technology that could replace the existing detection methods, which are technically challenged and not ideal for on-site detection in wastewater treatment plants.
The Effectiveness of Global Constructed Shallow Waterbody Design Guidelines to Limit Harmful Algal Blooms
Publisher: American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Date: 08-2021
DOI: 10.1029/2020WR028918
Abstract: Constructed shallow waterbodies are often designed and built to limit harmful algal blooms in urban regions. Efforts to reduce algal bloom occurrence in these waterbodies have largely focused on waterbody design, catchment criteria and onsite engineering options. However, many constructed shallow waterbodies that comply with design guidelines still experience harmful algal blooms. Identifying the knowledge gaps in current guidelines and examining their recommended design criteria can improve their effectiveness to reduce algal outbreaks. Here, we reviewed 66 global guidelines and identified common design criteria. The use of a ‘one size fits all' empirical approach and dated literature are common issues associated with the design criteria recommended. Further, only approximately one third of the guidelines that were analyzed directly mentioned harmful algal bloom‐related design criteria. To test the validity of these design values in a real‐world setting, the suitability of design factors in limiting harmful algal blooms was assessed by analyzing 222 shallow waterbodies monitored over a 9 year period in southeastern Australia. The site analysis indicated that macrophyte area to surface area ratio, shoreline development index, and fetch are the three most influential single design factors associated with harmful algal bloom reduction. The analyses highlighted the ineffectiveness of the existing design criteria globally, with blooms occurring even though some waterbodies were designed in accordance with recommended parameters. The analysis suggested that understanding interactions between multiple design factors may be a useful approach, for ex le, when considering the macrophyte area to surface area ratio in combination with the shoreline development index.
Net growth rates of picocyanobacteria and nano- microphytoplankton inhabiting shelf waters of the central (17S) and southern (20S) Great Barrier Reef
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 2001
DOI: 10.3354/AME024209
Flow-cytometric mapping provides novel insights into the seasonal and vertical distributions of freshwater autotrophic picoplankton
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 2003
DOI: 10.3354/AME033053
A National Wastewater Monitoring Program for a better understanding of public health: A case study using the Australian Census
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2018.12.003
Abstract: Wastewater contains a large range of biological and chemical markers of human activity and exposures. Through systematic collection and analysis of these markers within wastewater s les it is possible to measure the public health of whole populations. The analysis of effluent and biosolids can also be used to understand the release of chemicals from wastewater treatment plants into the environment. Wastewater analysis and comparison with catchment specific data (e.g. demographics) however remains largely unexplored. This manuscript describes a national wastewater monitoring study that combines influent, effluent and biosolids s ling with the Australian Census. An archiving program allows estimation of per capita exposure to and consumption of chemicals, public health information, as well as per capita release of chemicals into the environment. The paper discusses the study concept, critical steps in setting up a coordinated national approach and key logistical and other considerations with a focus on lessons learnt and future applications. The unique combination of archived s les, analytical data and associated census-derived population data will provide a baseline dataset that has wide and potentially increasing applications across many disciplines that include public health, epidemiology, criminology, toxicology and sociology.
Stressing the metabolic powers of fibroblast growth factor 21
Publisher: AME Publishing Company
Date: 09-2018
First report of anatoxin-a producing cyanobacteria in Australia illustrates need to regularly up-date monitoring strategies in a shifting global distribution
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-07-2019
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-019-46945-8
Abstract: Routine monitoring of toxic cyanobacteria depends on up-to-date epidemiological information about their distribution. In Australia, anatoxin producing cyanobacteria are not regularly tested for and thought to be rare if not absent from the continent. Our study investigated the presence of anatoxin-a (ATX-a) producing cyanobacteria in surface water s les (n = 226 from 67 s ling locations) collected from 2010 to 2017 across the state of Victoria, Australia. We (1) detected the presence and distribution of ana C (anatoxin-a synthetase C) gene sequences previously associated with various cyanobacteria, including Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi , Aphanizomenon sp., D. circinale, Anabaena sp., and Oscillatoria sp., from 31 s ling locations, and (2) determined the concentration of ATX-a in s les tested using ELISA, in two instances detected at µg · L −1 . These data present the first confirmation of ATX-a producers in Australia. Our study indicates that ATX-a should be included in regular testing of cyanobacterial blooms in Australia and highlights the importance of regular investigation of the distributions of toxic cyanobacteria worldwide, particularly amid the known expanding distribution of many cyanobacterial taxa in a period of increased eutrophication and rising surface water temperatures.
A modified assay for the enumeration of ascaris eggs in fresh raw sewage
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
The role of microbial ecology in improving the performance of anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 14-12-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FMICB.2022.1079136
Abstract: The use of next-generation diagnostic tools to optimise the anaerobic digestion of municipal sewage sludge has the potential to increase renewable natural gas recovery, improve the reuse of biosolid fertilisers and help operators expand circular economies globally. This review aims to provide perspectives on the role of microbial ecology in improving digester performance in wastewater treatment plants, highlighting that a systems biology approach is fundamental for monitoring mesophilic anaerobic sewage sludge in continuously stirred reactor tanks. We further highlight the potential applications arising from investigations into sludge ecology. The principal limitation for improvements in methane recoveries or in process stability of anaerobic digestion, especially after pre-treatment or during co-digestion, are ecological knowledge gaps related to the front-end metabolism (hydrolysis and fermentation). Operational problems such as stable biological foaming are a key problem, for which ecological markers are a suitable approach. However, no biomarkers exist yet to assist in monitoring and management of clade-specific foaming potentials along with other risks, such as pollutants and pathogens. Fundamental ecological principles apply to anaerobic digestion, which presents opportunities to predict and manipulate reactor functions. The path ahead for mapping ecological markers on process endpoints and risk factors of anaerobic digestion will involve numerical ecology, an expanding field that employs metrics derived from alpha, beta, phylogenetic, taxonomic, and functional ersity, as well as from phenotypes or life strategies derived from genetic potentials. In contrast to addressing operational issues (as noted above), which are effectively addressed by whole population or in idual biomarkers, broad improvement and optimisation of function will require enhancement of hydrolysis and acidogenic processes. This will require a discovery-based approach, which will involve integrative research involving the proteome and metabolome. This will utilise, but overcome current limitations of DNA-centric approaches, and likely have broad application outside the specific field of anaerobic digestion.
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