Publications by authors named "I J T Dinkla"
Article Synopsis
- The increasing need for safe drinking water is challenged by biohazards, leading to the adoption of indoor-operated slow sand filtration (SSF) as an effective and low-energy solution for removing microorganisms.
- Our study examined the influence of three operational parameters—sand material, sand size, and the addition of a biofilm inoculum—on SSF performance and Schmutzdecke development using mini-scale filters.
- Results showed that while the inoculum did not significantly change the microbial community, it positively impacted the speed of Schmutzdecke development and filtration efficiency, underscoring the practical benefits of mini-scale setups for examining SSF processes.
Article Synopsis
- Slow sand filters (SSF) use a surface layer called 'Schmutzdecke', which is critical for pathogen removal in drinking water.
- Most studies have looked at the total DNA community, possibly misrepresenting the actual active microorganisms; this study contrasts DNA and RNA data from the Schmutzdecke to better understand the thriving microbial community.
- Findings revealed significant differences between total DNA and active RNA communities, highlighting the importance of both to accurately identify low-abundance but functionally important organisms; a core microbiome was identified across different filters influenced by operational factors.
Gene expression profiling in Caenorhabditis elegans has been demonstrated to be a potential bioanalytical tool to detect the toxic potency of environmental contaminants. The RNA transcripts of genes responding to toxic exposure can be used as biomarkers for detecting these toxins. For routine application in environmental quality monitoring, an easy-to-use multiplex assay is required to reliably quantify expression levels of these biomarkers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWith chemical analysis, it is impossible to qualify and quantify the toxic potency of especially hydrophilic bioactive contaminants. In this study, we applied the nematode C. elegans as a model organism for detecting the toxic potency of whole influent wastewater samples.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicrobial ecology of biofiltration used for producing safe drinking water.
Appl Microbiol Biotechnol
August 2022
Article Synopsis
- Biofiltration is a water purification technology essential for producing safe drinking water, favored for its chemical-free, low-energy, and effective removal of contaminants.
- The review examines three key biofiltration methods used in treatment plants: rapid sand filtration (RSF), granular activated carbon filtration (GACF), and slow sand filtration (SSF), focusing on their microbial ecology and removal mechanisms.
- It also addresses the limitations of current research on biofiltration and suggests future directions for a deeper understanding of microbial interactions to enhance its application in safe drinking water production.