Application of DR4 and BM100 Biodegradability tests to treated and untreated organic wastes

The aerobic DR4 and anaerobic BM100 biodegradability tests are currently applied in England and Wales for monitoring the reduction in biological municipal waste (BMW) achieved by mechanical biological treatment (MBT) plants (Environment Agency 2005). The protocol is applied only when outputs are landfilled and is based on estimating the reduction in potential biogas production between the MBT input, municipal solid waste (MSW), and all of the landfilled outputs, using the BM100 test. As this is a long term 100 day test the more rapid 4 day DR4 test may also be applied as this has been shown to correlate with the BM100 test. We have now applied the DR4 and BM100 tests to 132 organic waste samples including untreated and treated BMW and specific organic wastes. The results indicate that the correlation between the DR4 and BM100 tests has proved valid for mixed MSW derived BMW wastes. However when both tests are applied to specific organic wastes such as turkey feathers, cardboard packaging waste and pizza food wastes the correlation between the tests is less strong. It is concluded that the use of the DR4 and BM100 test correlation is valid for its designed application (monitoring MBT processes treating MSW derived mixed BMW), but that caution should be exercised when applying both tests to specific single component organic wastes

Characterisation of untreated and treated biodegradable wastes

As part of a Defra sponsored project (WRT220), approximately 40 biodegradable wastes were characterised according to biodegradability (DR4 and BM100), total PTE content, C:N ratio and biochemical composition. Two leaching tests were employed; upflow percolation test and a one step LS10 test; eluates were analysed for TOC, pH, electrical conductivity, PTEs and a range of cations and anions. This paper contains a limited set of data for a selection of untreated and treated waste types representing four waste treatment processes (composting, MBT, MHT, anaerobic digestion). The DR4 and BM100 tests were found to be appropriate for a wide range of waste types but where possible they should be used in conjunction with other related tests. Longer-term MBT composting processes appeared to produce compost material with reduced ammonium concentrations and extractability of some PTEs. Carbon content (carbon analyzer - LECO) could be estimated as C = LOI/1.9 which is a routine operation. N LECO values were approximately 12% greater than the equivalent N Kjeldahl values

Concerted action of zinc and ProSAP/Shank in synaptogenesis and synapse maturation

ProSAP/Shank are scaffolding proteins that localize to the postsynaptic density (PSD). This study shows that Zn2+ ions directly regulate the localization and recruitment of Shank/ProSAP1/2 to PSDs to facilitate synapse formation and maturation

Comparison of a novel enzymatic biodegradability test method with microbial degradation methods

A novel enzymatic hydrolysis test (EHT) has been evaluated as a surrogate for conventional microbial biodegradability methods, using 37 assorted organic waste samples collected from diverse sources. The results of the EHT method are compared with those obtained from two conventional tests; the 4 day aerobic DR4 and 100 day anaerobic BM100 test methods currently applied in England and Wales. The EHT is based on the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic materials and can be completed in less than 24 hours. Linear regression for 37 samples against the BM100 data showed the DR4 provided a correlation coefficient of r = 0.58; the EHT method gave a correlation of r = 0.62 for the total DOC release; and r = 0.77 for the DOC released from enzymatic hydrolysis. The correlations suggest that the EHT method may be better suited to a wider range of waste types when correlating with anaerobic BM100 test results since it more closely mimics the full extent of decomposition rather than that from the readily biodegradable fraction

Charaterisation of treated wastes to support an evidence base for sustainable waste management.

Defra must consider policies and strategies to manage environmental challenges such as climate change and sustainability. At a basic level the strategies need good quality data on waste characteristics. The dataset for UK wastes, in particular the new generation of treated wastes, is not fit for this purpose. This paper outlines the gaps in knowledge needed to underpin policy development and initial findings from a new project funded under Defra’s Waste and Resource Management Research Programme. The project team from WRc, Open University and Cranfield University aims to improve understanding of the characteristics of treated organic and inorganic wastes, methods of testing and knowledge of treatment process performance. Potential opportunities from the research are also described. New data will be collated into the presentation

Qualitative Assessment of Challenges in Tuberculosis Control in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: Health Workers’ and Tuberculosis Control Program Coordinators’ Perspectives

Background Weak health systems pose many barriers to effective tuberculosis (TB) control. This study aimed at exploring health worker’s and TB control program coordinator’s perspectives on health systems challenges facing TB control in West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Methods This was a qualitative descriptive study. Eight in-depth interviews with TB control program coordinators and two focus group discussions among 16 health workers were conducted. Purposive sampling was used to recruit study participants. Thematic analysis was used to identify and analyse main themes. Results We found that intermittent interruptions of laboratory reagents and anti-TB drugs supplies, absence of trained and motivated health workers, poor TB data documentation, lack of adherence to TB treatment guideline, and lack of access to TB diagnostic tools at peripheral health institutions were challenges facing the TB control program performance in the study zone. Conclusions Ensuring uninterrupted supply of anti-TB drugs and laboratory reagents to all health institutions is essential. Continuous refresher training of health workers on standard TB care and data handling and developing and implementing a sound retention strategy to attract and motivate health professionals to work in rural areas are necessary interventions to improve the TB control program performance in the study zone

Skills governance and the workforce development programme

In the United Kingdom higher education environment, government may make efforts to encourage institutions to engage in governance structures to secure policy objectives through a steering approach. In this article connections between skills governance structures and the recent Higher Education Funding Council for England workforce development programme are examined in the context of the wider implementation of the Leitch Review of Skills in England. Using analysis of policy documents, submissions to a select committee inquiry, and a series of interviews undertaken at higher education institutions, limited co-ordination between skills governance and institutions is identified, which is likely to have been a consequence both of the open-ended approach taken by government to the implementation of this policy in higher education and the ineffectiveness of governance approaches as mechanisms for steering higher education institutions in the United Kingdom