Azo dyes are used as coloring agent in textile industries at larger scale. As a result, large quantity of dye-enriched waste water is generated which subsequently poses environmental problems. Biological tool involving bacteria having azoreductase enzyme has proved to be more effective and efficient in dye effluent treatment. Current work focuses on Staphylococcus caprae (S. caprae) for degradation and decolorization of Reactive Red-195 (RR-195) azo dye. For this purpose, factors such as pH, temperature, inoculums, carbon and nitrogen sources, and dye concentrations have been optimized for maximum decolorization and degradation. S. caprae (4 mg/mL) efficiently resulted into 90% decolorization of RR-195 dye under static condition at 100 μg/mL concentration, 30 °C and pH 7.0 at a 12-h contact period. FTIR analysis has revealed the formation of new functional groups in the treated dye such as O-H stretch at 3370 cm-1, C-H band stretching at 2928 cm-1, and new band at 1608 cm-1 which specify the degradation of aromatic ring, 1382 and 1118 cm-1 represents desulfonated peaks. Biodegraded metabolites of RR-195 dye such as phenol, 3, 5-di-tert-butylphenol, and phthalic acid have been identified respectively that find industrial applications. Phytotoxicity test has shown non-toxic effects of treated dye on germination of Vigna radiata and Triticum aestivum seeds. Further, antibiotic diffusion assay has confirmed the biosafety of S. caprae.

• MeSH
• Azo Compounds * metabolism   toxicity   MeSH
• Coloring Agents * metabolism   MeSH
• Biodegradation, Environmental * MeSH
• Water Pollutants, Chemical metabolism   MeSH
• Nitrogen metabolism   MeSH
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration MeSH
• Wastewater * microbiology   chemistry   MeSH
• Industrial Waste MeSH
• Staphylococcus capitis metabolism   isolation & purification   MeSH
• Staphylococcus metabolism   MeSH
• Temperature MeSH
• Textiles MeSH
• Textile Industry MeSH
• Carbon metabolism   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

V minulém článku Strategické hlukové mapy a akční plány snižování hluku 2024, který vyšel v Hygieně 4/2024, byl popsán smysl strategického hlukového mapování a akčních plánů snižování hluku. Tento navazující článek uvádí konkrétní možnosti navržených protihlukových opatření pro jednotlivé zdroje hluku a diskutuje jejich účinnost. Článek ukazuje správný postup při návrhu opatření v akčních plánech a na základě našich vlastních zkušeností upozorňuje na problematická místa. Zamýšlíme se nad významem Akčních plánů a navrhujeme určitá zlepšení, která by mohla přispět k tomu, že se akční plány stanou nedílnou součástí politiky snižování hlukové zátěže obyvatel v ČR

In the previous article Strategic Noise Maps and Action Plans 2024 published in Hygiena 4/2024 we described the meaning of strategic noise mapping and noise reduction action plans. In this follow-up article, we would like to present specific options for proposed measures for individual noise sources and discuss their effectiveness. We will try to show the correct procedure for proposing measures in action plans and, based on our own experience, point out problematic areas. We will reflect on the importance of Action Plans and propose certain improvements that could contribute to making action plans an integral part of the policy of reducing noise pollution in the Czech Republic.

This study investigates the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the drinking water supplies in the Czech Republic using a risk-based monitoring approach. Tap water samples (n = 27) from sources close to areas potentially contaminated with PFAS were analysed. A total of 28 PFAS were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry after solid phase extraction. Total PFAS concentrations (∑PFAS) varied from undetectable to 90.8 ng/L, with perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) being the most abundant, detected in over 70% of samples. Risk-based monitoring in drinking water showed that commercial wells had higher PFAS levels compared to tap water, particularly C4-C9 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), possibly due to proximity to industrial areas. However, the hypothesis that risk-based monitoring is more effective than random monitoring was not confirmed, possibly because specific sources did not produce the target PFAS or because of the wide range and less obvious sources of potential contamination. The study also assessed exposure risks and compliance with regulatory thresholds. Weekly intake estimates for adults and children indicated that regular consumption of most contaminated water sample would exceed the tolerable weekly intake. Compared to EU regulations, none of the tap water samples exceeded the 'Sum of PFAS' parametric value of 100 ng/L, though one sample approached this limit. In addition, surface water samples from the Jizera River (n = 21) showed a wider range of PFAS, with C7-C10 PFCAs, PFBS, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in every sample, with higher PFOS concentrations at a median of 2.56 ng/L. ∑PFAS concentrations increased downstream, rising from 1.08 ng/L near the spring to 26 ng/L downstream. This comprehensive analysis highlights the need for detailed/areal monitoring to also address hidden or non-obvious sources of PFAS contamination.

• MeSH
• Water Pollutants, Chemical * analysis   MeSH
• Solid Phase Extraction MeSH
• Fluorocarbons * analysis   MeSH
• Risk Assessment MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Environmental Monitoring * methods   MeSH
• Drinking Water * chemistry   MeSH
• Tandem Mass Spectrometry MeSH
• Environmental Exposure analysis   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH

Environmental pollution is a serious problem that can cause sicknesses, fatality, and biological contaminants such as bacteria, which can trigger allergic reactions and infectious illnesses. There is also evidence that environmental pollutants can have an impact on the gut microbiome and contribute to the development of various mental health and metabolic disorders. This study aimed to study the antibiotic resistance and virulence potential of environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolates in slaughterhouses. A total of 100 samples were collected from different slaughterhouse tools. The samples were identified by cultural and biochemical tests and confirmed by the VITEK 2 system. P. aeruginosa isolates were further confirmed by CHROMagarTM Pseudomonas and genetically by rpsL gene analysis. Molecular screening of virulence genes (fimH, papC, lasB, rhlI, lasI, csgA, toxA, and hly) and antibiotic resistance genes (blaCTX-M, blaAmpC, blaSHV, blaNDM, IMP-1, aac(6')-Ib-, ant(4')IIb, mexY, TEM, tetA, and qnrB) by PCR and testing the antibiotic sensitivity, biofilm formation, and production of pigments, and hemolysin were carried out in all isolated strains. A total of 62 isolates were identified as P. aeruginosa. All P. aeruginosa isolates were multidrug-resistant and most of them have multiple resistant genes. blaCTX-M gene was detected in all strains; 23 (37.1%) strains have the ability for biofilm formation, 33 strains had virulence genes, and 26 isolates from them have more than one virulence genes. There should be probably 60 (96.8%) P. aeruginosa strains that produce pyocyanin pigment. Slaughterhouse tools are sources for multidrug-resistant and virulent pathogenic microorganisms which are a serious health problem. Low-hygienic slaughterhouses could be a reservoir for resistance and virulence genes which could then be transferred to other pathogens.

• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology   MeSH
• Drug Resistance, Bacterial genetics   MeSH
• Biofilms drug effects   growth & development   MeSH
• Virulence Factors * genetics   MeSH
• Abattoirs * MeSH
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests * MeSH
• Environmental Microbiology MeSH
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa * genetics   drug effects   pathogenicity   isolation & purification   MeSH
• Virulence genetics   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Carbonaceous aerosols (CA), composed of black carbon (BC) and organic matter (OM), significantly impact the climate. Light absorption properties of CA, particularly of BC and brown carbon (BrC), are crucial due to their contribution to global and regional warming. We present the absorption properties of BC (bAbs,BC) and BrC (bAbs,BrC) inferred using Aethalometer data from 44 European sites covering different environments (traffic (TR), urban (UB), suburban (SUB), regional background (RB) and mountain (M)). Absorption coefficients showed a clear relationship with station setting decreasing as follows: TR > UB > SUB > RB > M, with exceptions. The contribution of bAbs,BrC to total absorption (bAbs), i.e. %AbsBrC, was lower at traffic sites (11-20 %), exceeding 30 % at some SUB and RB sites. Low AAE values were observed at TR sites, due to the dominance of internal combustion emissions, and at some remote RB/M sites, likely due to the lack of proximity to BrC sources, insufficient secondary processes generating BrC or the effect of photobleaching during transport. Higher bAbs and AAE were observed in Central/Eastern Europe compared to Western/Northern Europe, due to higher coal and biomass burning emissions in the east. Seasonal analysis showed increased bAbs, bAbs,BC, bAbs,BrC in winter, with stronger %AbsBrC, leading to higher AAE. Diel cycles of bAbs,BC peaked during morning and evening rush hours, whereas bAbs,BrC, %AbsBrC, AAE, and AAEBrC peaked at night when emissions from household activities accumulated. Decade-long trends analyses demonstrated a decrease in bAbs, due to reduction of BC emissions, while bAbs,BrC and AAE increased, suggesting a shift in CA composition, with a relative increase in BrC over BC. This study provides a unique dataset to assess the BrC effects on climate and confirms that BrC can contribute significantly to UV-VIS radiation presenting highly variable absorption properties in Europe.

• MeSH
• Aerosols * analysis   MeSH
• Air Pollutants analysis   MeSH
• Environmental Monitoring MeSH
• Particulate Matter analysis   MeSH
• Light MeSH
• Carbon * analysis   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Europe MeSH

The antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) limit the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobials, representing a problem of high importance. Current research on the presence of ARGs in microorganisms focuses mainly on humans, livestock, hospitals, or wastewater. However, the spectrum of ARGs in the dust resistome in workplaces and households has gone relatively unexplored. This pilot study aimed to analyze resistome in indoor dust samples from participants' workplaces (a pediatric hospital, a maternity hospital, and a research center) and households and compare two different approaches to the ARGs analysis; high-throughput quantitative PCR (HT-qPCR) and whole metagenome shotgun sequencing (WMGS). In total, 143 ARGs were detected using HT-qPCR, with ARGs associated with the macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramin B (MLSB) phenotype being the most abundant, followed by MDR (multi-drug resistance) genes, and genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides. A higher overall relative quantity of ARGs was observed in indoor dust samples from workplaces than from households, with the pediatric hospital being associated with the highest relative quantity of ARGs. WMGS analysis revealed 36 ARGs, of which five were detected by both HT-qPCR and WMGS techniques. Accordingly, the efficacy of the WMGS approach to detect ARGs was lower than that of HT-qPCR. In summary, our pilot data revealed that indoor dust in buildings where people spend most of their time (workplaces, households) can be a significant source of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, which may potentially pose a health risk to both humans and animals.

• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology   MeSH
• Bacteria genetics   isolation & purification   drug effects   classification   MeSH
• Genes, Bacterial genetics   MeSH
• Drug Resistance, Bacterial genetics   MeSH
• Family Characteristics MeSH
• Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Metagenome MeSH
• Air Microbiology MeSH
• Pilot Projects MeSH
• Dust * analysis   MeSH
• Workplace * MeSH
• High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing MeSH
• Air Pollution, Indoor MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Na perfluoralkylové látky (PFAS) je v posledních letech soustředěná pozornost širší veřejnosti, protože to jsou látky znečišťující životní prostředí. Jsou to např. kyselina perfluoroktanová a perfluoroktansulfonová. Tyto látky vznikají průmyslovou aktivitou člověka především při výrobě polymerů nebo nepřilnavých povrchů. Odpadní vodou nebo i jinými cestami se mohou dostat do prostředí, a tak kontaminovat zdroje pitné vody nebo potraviny. Jejich působení na organismy a lidské zdraví je rozsáhle studováno a jejich přítomnosti v organismu je připisován vliv na mnohé zdravotní komplikace, dokonce i některé druhy rakoviny. Z toho důvodu byly stanoveny přípustné limity PFAS v pitné vodě a jejich regulací se zabývají mnohé státní orgány a mezinárodní organizace. Aktuálním standardem v detekci PFAS jsou chromatografické metody. V současnosti jsou zkoumány i nové metody detekce především optickou a elektrochemickou cestou. Jejich příklady jsou v textu detailněji popsány a diskutovány.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gained wider public attention in recent years as environmental pollutants which include perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. These substances are produced by industry, mainly during the manufacture of polymers or non-stick surfaces. They can enter the environment through waste water or other routes and contaminate drinking water sources or food. Their effects on organisms and human health have been extensively studied and their presence in the body has been attributed to many health complications including cancer. For this reason, limits for PFAS in drinking water have been established and their regulation is being addressed by many governments and international organisations. Chromatographic methods are the current standard for PFAS detection, but new detection methods, mainly optical and electrochemical, are currently being investigated. Examples of these are described in more detail in the text.

• MeSH
• Electrochemical Techniques classification   methods   MeSH
• Spectrometry, Fluorescence methods   MeSH
• Fluorocarbons * analysis   chemistry   adverse effects   toxicity   MeSH
• Health Impact Assessment methods   MeSH
• Dielectric Spectroscopy methods   MeSH
• Food Contamination MeSH
• Environmental Pollutants analysis   classification   adverse effects   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH

Industrial noise sources are among the environmental noise sources that are ranked second among the causes of ill health in Europe by the World Health Organization. The aim of this paper is to summarize and review of published information focusing on noise annoyance from industrial activities and mining. A search for articles was performed using the bibliographic databases platforms. The epidemiological evidence shows that environmental noise may be associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, impaired cognitive development in children, mental health, post-irritability, and sleep disturbances. As a result of efforts to minimize the effects of industrial noise on human health, the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority published A Guide to the Noise Policy for Industry in 2017, which sets out recommended noise levels, methods, and procedures for noise management based on the latest scientific evidence. Social networks can be used to assess the population's noise annoyance and to verify the effectiveness of the measures. The industrial noise sources are typically defined by low-frequency noise. Low-frequency noise has very low attenuation and is only slightly affected by obstacles, therefore it can be a major cause of night noise annoyance. An association was confirmed between exposure to low-frequency noise and sleep disturbance, psychological problems, cognitive impairment, increased social conflicts, anxiety, emotional instability, nervousness, and reduced mental performance - concentration, and visual perception. In view of the long tradition of mining and industry, the assessment of noise from these activities from the perspective of its impacts on human health is an inherent part of legislative processes. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5):425-431.

• MeSH
• Noise, Occupational adverse effects   MeSH
• Noise * adverse effects   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Environmental Exposure adverse effects   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

BACKGROUND: Wildfire activity is an important source of tropospheric ozone (O3) pollution. However, no study to date has systematically examined the associations of wildfire-related O3 exposure with mortality globally. METHODS: We did a multicountry two-stage time series analysis. From the Multi-City Multi-Country (MCC) Collaborative Research Network, data on daily all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory deaths were obtained from 749 locations in 43 countries or areas, representing overlapping periods from Jan 1, 2000, to Dec 31, 2016. We estimated the daily concentration of wildfire-related O3 in study locations using a chemical transport model, and then calibrated and downscaled O3 estimates to a resolution of 0·25° × 0·25° (approximately 28 km2 at the equator). Using a random-effects meta-analysis, we examined the associations of short-term wildfire-related O3 exposure (lag period of 0-2 days) with daily mortality, first at the location level and then pooled at the country, regional, and global levels. Annual excess mortality fraction in each location attributable to wildfire-related O3 was calculated with pooled effect estimates and used to obtain excess mortality fractions at country, regional, and global levels. FINDINGS: Between 2000 and 2016, the highest maximum daily wildfire-related O3 concentrations (≥30 μg/m3) were observed in locations in South America, central America, and southeastern Asia, and the country of South Africa. Across all locations, an increase of 1 μg/m3 in the mean daily concentration of wildfire-related O3 during lag 0-2 days was associated with increases of 0·55% (95% CI 0·29 to 0·80) in daily all-cause mortality, 0·44% (-0·10 to 0·99) in daily cardiovascular mortality, and 0·82% (0·18 to 1·47) in daily respiratory mortality. The associations of daily mortality rates with wildfire-related O3 exposure showed substantial geographical heterogeneity at the country and regional levels. Across all locations, estimated annual excess mortality fractions of 0·58% (95% CI 0·31 to 0·85; 31 606 deaths [95% CI 17 038 to 46 027]) for all-cause mortality, 0·41% (-0·10 to 0·91; 5249 [-1244 to 11 620]) for cardiovascular mortality, and 0·86% (0·18 to 1·51; 4657 [999 to 8206]) for respiratory mortality were attributable to short-term exposure to wildfire-related O3. INTERPRETATION: In this study, we observed an increase in all-cause and respiratory mortality associated with short-term wildfire-related O3 exposure. Effective risk and smoke management strategies should be implemented to protect the public from the impacts of wildfires. FUNDING: Australian Research Council and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

• MeSH
• Global Health MeSH
• Cardiovascular Diseases * mortality   MeSH
• Air Pollutants * adverse effects   analysis   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Respiratory Tract Diseases * mortality   MeSH
• Ozone * adverse effects   analysis   MeSH
• Wildfires * MeSH
• Environmental Exposure adverse effects   MeSH
• Air Pollution adverse effects   analysis   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Wastewaters belong among the most important sources of environmental pollution, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The aim of the study was to evaluate treated wastewaters as a possible transmission pathway for bacterial colonisation of gulls occupying the receiving river. A collection of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli originating both from treated municipal wastewaters discharged to the river Svratka (Czech Republic) and nestlings of Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) living 35 km downstream of the outlet was obtained using selective cultivation. Isolates were further characterised by various phenotyping and genotyping methods. From a total of 670 E. coli isolates (450 from effluents, 220 from gulls), 86 isolates (41 from effluents, 45 from gulls) showed identical antibiotic resistance phenotype and genotype and were further analysed for clonal relatedness using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Despite the overall high diversity of the isolates, 21 isolates from both sources showed similar PFGE profiles. Isolates belonging to epidemiologically important sequence types (ST131, 15 isolates; ST23, three isolates) were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis did not reveal any close clonal relationship between the isolates from the effluents and gulls' nestlings with the closest strains showing 90 SNPs difference. Although our study did not provide direct evidence of transmission of antibiotic-resistant E. coli to wild gulls via treated wastewaters, we observed gull chicks as carriers of diverse multi-resistant E. coli, including high-risk clones, posing risk of further bacterial contamination of the surrounding environment.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH