Apr 21 2021 Read 2 Times
The analysis of wastewater has become common practice in countries around the globe over the last few decades. Beginning with the monitoring of household waste in wastewater influents, the discipline has since expanded to encompass a wide variety of purposes and interests.
The basis of all types of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), however, is analysing consumption of (or exposure) to certain chemicals, pathogens or contaminants in a segment of society. Today, it is most commonly used to determine concentrations of polioviruses, bacteria and other pathogens in a community, thereby gaining an approximate idea of infection levels without the need for individual screening. It is also used to quantify drug consumption rates in society.
Apr 20 2021 Read 5 Times
While laboratories are generally considered safe workplaces, hazard exposure is exceptionally high. To ensure the safety of themselves and others, personnel must adhere to strict guidelines when coming into contact with hazardous materials. Below, we take a look at some of the most common types of laboratory hazards and how they’re managed.
Infectious diseases
Infectious diseases and viruses, particularly those with high R0 ratings, are considered major hazards. When handling these types of pathogens laboratories must comply with strict health and safety protocols, often enforced by government agencies. For example, in the United States all laboratories experimenting with genuine samples of coronavirus must have Biosafety Level 3 certification and be equipped with special airflow systems.
Apr 19 2021 Read 6 Times
Taking samples from a wastewater treatment facility on a regular basis is a crucial step in verifying that the filtration techniques employed onsite are having the desired effect of removing contaminants from the influent before it is discharged as effluent. It’s also useful for monitoring the concentrations of polioviruses, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other pathogens in sewage, thus giving an approximation of infection levels in the general populace.
This kind of sample analysis is known as wastewater-based epidemiology and can be highly beneficial to medical bodies, research institutions and local authorities for staying abreast of the healthiness of the residents of the areas in question. It has become especially important with regard to COVID-19, as it can give a kind of early warning system of the imminent outbreak of a hotspot of cases before hospitalisations occur. These samples are generally collected in one of two ways: via a grab sample
Apr 19 2021 Read 3 Times
Almost two-thirds of the world’s arable land is in danger of pesticide pollution, according to new research carried out by the University of Sydney in Australia. 64% of the land currently used for cultivating crops for consumption by humans and animals is at risk of contamination of the soil as a direct result of excessive pesticide use.
The study presents a thorny dilemma for farmers and environmental scientists alike. On the one hand, the world’s ballooning population means that maintaining a steady supply of food to feed it is a priority concern – and appropriate use of pesticides is a big factor in achieving that goal. On the other hand, the propagation of those very same pesticides can lead to a build-up of harmful bacteria and other contaminants in the soil, compromising its quality and potentially polluting water supplies, as well.
Apr 18 2021 Read 2 Times
Most laboratories are considered safe and responsible workplaces, though to maintain these standards it’s critical to have rigorous hazard containment strategies in place. What does this mean? Read on as we explore the definition of hazard containment, why it matters and how laboratories manage the risks.
Defining hazard containment
Hazard containment is an umbrella term that refers to the responsible handling and disposal of dangerous materials and substances. Hazards can describe anything from a vial of a corrosive chemical such as sulfuric acid or hydrogen peroxide, to a sample of a highly infectious virus such as SARS-CoV-2 or Ebola. Hazard containment guidelines dictate not only how contaminated materials are handles within the laboratory, but also how they’re disposed of or destroyed.