Successful management of a multi-species outbreak of carbapenem-resistant organisms in Fiji: a prospective genomics-enhanced investigation and response.

Background: Fiji is a Pacific Island nation grappling with the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While genomic technologies are increasingly utilised to understand the emergence and spread of AMR globally, its application to inform outbreak responses in low- and middle-income settings has not been reported.

Methods: Through an established capacity building program, suspected carbapenem-resistant organisms (CRO) identified at Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Fiji (Jan 2022-Oct 2023) underwent whole genome sequencing and analysis.

New Insights into Thermal Degradation Products of Long-Chain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Their Mineralization Enhancement Using Additives.

The products of incomplete destruction (PIDs) of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a substantial ambiguity when employing thermal treatments to remediate PFAS-contaminated materials. In this study, we present new information on PIDs produced in both inert and oxidative environments from five long-chain PFAS, including three now regulated under the U.S.

Neurotoxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Evidence and future directions.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals widely used in various products, including food packaging, textiles, and firefighting foam, owing to their unique properties such as amphiphilicity and strong CF bonds. Despite their widespread use, concerns have arisen due to their resistance to degradation and propensity for bioaccumulation in both environmental and human systems. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between PFAS exposure and neurotoxic effects, spanning cognitive deficits, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.

A review of advanced bioremediation technologies for dioxin-contaminated soil treatment: Current and future outlook.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF), namely known as dioxins, are persistent organic compounds with high toxicity. The presence of dioxins in soil is a major environmental issue worldwide, as it negatively impacts both ecosystems and human health. Thus, several advanced techniques have been applied to overcome this issue, offering promising treatment efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Knowledge, attitudes, and readiness about critical antimicrobial resistant organisms among healthcare workers at colonial war memorial hospital in Fiji: a pre and post intervention study.

Background: Gram-negative bacteria resistant to carbapenems are also known as critical antimicrobial resistant organisms. Their emergence at Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH), the largest hospital in Fiji, is a major clinical concern. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and readiness of healthcare workers (HCW) at CWMH regarding management of patients with infections caused by critical antimicrobial resistant organisms.

Towards advanced removal of organics in persulfate solution by heterogeneous iron-based catalyst: A review.

Heterogeneous iron-based catalysts have drawn increasing attention in the advanced oxidation of persulfates due to their abundance in nature, the lack of secondary pollution to the environment, and their low cost over the last a few years. In this paper, the latest progress in the research on the activation of persulfate by heterogeneous iron-based catalysts is reviewed from two aspects, in terms of synthesized catalysts (Fe, FeO, FeO, FeOOH) and natural iron ore catalysts (pyrite, magnetite, hematite, siderite, goethite, ferrohydrite, ilmenite and lepidocrocite) focusing on efforts made to improve the performance of catalysts. The advantages and disadvantages of the synthesized catalysts and natural iron ore were summarized.

Microplastics or micro-bioplastics released by wrinkling paper cup.

Paper cups have been widely used such as in the fast-food industry for drinking and are generally made of disposable material. To make the paper cup waterproof and prevent leakage, a thin layer of plastic such as polylactic acid (PLA) is commonly coated onto the inner wall surface. This plastic layer can potentially release debris as microplastics, particularly when the cup is wrinkled/crumpled to break and peel off the coating layer, which is tested herein.

Microplastics and nanoplastics released from injection syringe, solid and liquid dimethylpolysiloxane (PDMS).

For a plastic syringe, a stopper at the end of plunger is usually made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, and co-ingredients). To reduce friction and prevent leakage between the stopper and barrel, short chain polymer of liquid PDMS is also used as lubricant. Consequently, an injection process can release solid PDMS debris from the stopper and barrel, and liquid PDMS droplets from the lubricant, both of which are confirmed herein as solid and liquid micro(nano)plastics.

Ultrasonic degradation of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and foam fractionate (FF).

The ubiquitousness of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a big concern and PFAS remediation is urgently needed such as via degradation. While previous studies have explored ultrasonic degradation of PFAS, work evaluating the operational parameters is rare, especially concerning real wastes such as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and foam fractionate (FF). This study investigates the key operational parameters affecting the degradation efficiency of PFAS, encompassing ultrasonication frequency (580-1144 kHz), power intensity (125-187.

Emerging contaminants: A One Health perspective.

Environmental pollution is escalating due to rapid global development that often prioritizes human needs over planetary health. Despite global efforts to mitigate legacy pollutants, the continuous introduction of new substances remains a major threat to both people and the planet. In response, global initiatives are focusing on risk assessment and regulation of emerging contaminants, as demonstrated by the ongoing efforts to establish the UN's Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution Prevention.

Synthesis and evaluation of a novel cross-linked biochar/ferric chloride hybrid material for integrated coagulation and adsorption of turbidity and humic acid from synthetic wastewater: Implications for sludge valorisation.

The deep removal of organic pollutants is challenging for coagulation technology in drinking water and wastewater treatment plants to satisfy the rising water standards. Iron (III) chloride (FeCl) is a popular inorganic coagulant; although it has good performance in removing the turbidity (TB) in water at an alkaline medium, it cannot remove dissolved pollutants and natural organic matter such as humic acid water solution. Additionally, its hygroscopic nature complicates determining the optimal dosage for effective coagulation.

Integrating portable X-ray fluorescence site survey and ArcGIS models for rapid risk assessment and mitigation strategies at an abandoned arsenic mine site: a case study.

Australia's metalliferous abandoned mine sites (MAMSs), pose tangible threats to the environment and human health. To address these concerns, our study utilised state-of-the-art handheld XRF technology to conduct a real-time assessment of the Mole River arsenic mine site. The data revealed notably elevated levels of arsenic and manganese, with the southeast corner of the site identified as a contaminant hotspot.

Novel enhanced defluorination of perfluorooctanoic acids by biochar-assisted ultrasound coupling ferrate: Performance and mechanism.

An ultrasound (US)/biochar (BC)/ferrate (Fe (VI)) system was firstly proposed to enhance perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) defluorination. It achieved 93 % defluorination optimally, higher than the sum of 77 % (28 % and 49 % for US/BC and US/Fe (VI) respectively), implying synergistic effect. Besides, the mechanism study confirmed that, this system can not only increase the specific surface area of BC and the generation of reactive oxidant species (ROS), enriching the active sites and forming new oxygen-containing functional groups, but also promote the formation of intermediate iron species.

How to Identify and Quantify Microplastics and Nanoplastics Using Raman Imaging?

While microplastics and nanoplastics are emerging as a big environmental concern, their characterization is still a challenge, particularly for identification and simultaneous quantification analysis where imaging via a hyper spectrum is generally needed. In the past few years, Raman imaging has been greatly advanced, but the analysis protocol is complicated and not yet standardized because imaging analysis is different from traditional analysis. Herein we provide a step-by-step demonstration of how to employ confocal Raman techniques to image microplastics and nanoplastics.

Toy building bricks as a potential source of microplastics and nanoplastics.

Microplastics and nanoplastics have become noteworthy contaminants, affecting not only outdoor ecosystems but also making a notable impact within indoor environments. The release of microplastics and nanoplastics from commonly used plastic items remains a concern, and the characterisation of these contaminants is still challenging. This study focused on evaluating the microplastics and nanoplastics produced from plastic building bricks.

Is paper bag plastic-free, without plastic in colourful logo area?

The concern over plastic contamination has led to bans on plastic shopping bags, often replaced by paper ones. However, logos painted or printed on paper bags may still contain plastics, as investigated herein. In some logos, for example, white pigment of titanium dioxide (TiO) nanoparticles are bound with plastic binder onto the cellulose surface of the paper.

The epidemiology of enterococci in a tertiary hospital and primary healthcare facilities in Fiji (2019-2022).

Objectives: We analysed 4 y of laboratory data to characterise the species and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of enterococci as human pathogens in Fiji. The study also investigated the molecular epidemiology amongst the subset of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).

Methods: This retrospective study reviewed bacteriological data from Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) and other healthcare facilities in the Central and Eastern divisions of Fiji.

Concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in vegetables from Sydney and Newcastle, Australia.

Background: This study investigated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in 53 fruit and vegetable samples collected from a local wholesale and retail market in Sydney and a local supermarket in Newcastle. As there is limited information about PFAS levels in vegetables on the market, this study aimed to fill this gap and assess potential risks for humans through consumption of these vegetables.

Methods: QuEChERS extraction - a solid-phase extraction method, a portmanteau word formed from 'quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe' - followed by enhanced matrix removal-lipid cleaning and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis were used to detect 30 PFASs in vegetables.

Real-time monitoring and predictive analysis of VOC flux variations in soil vapor: Integrating PID sensing with machine learning for enhanced vapor intrusion forecasts.

In the rapidly evolving domain of vapor intrusion (VI) assessments, traditional methodologies encompass detailed groundwater and soil vapor sampling coupled with comprehensive laboratory measurements. These models, blending empirical data, theoretical equations, and site-specific parameters, evaluate VI risks by considering a spectrum of influential factors, from volatile organic compounds (VOC) concentrations in groundwater to nuanced soil attributes. However, the challenge of variability, influenced by dynamic ambient conditions and intricate soil properties, remains.

Herbicidal weed management practices: History and future prospects of nanotechnology in an eco-friendly crop production system.

Weed management is an important aspect of crop production, as weeds cause significant losses in terms of yield and quality. Various approaches to weed management are commonly practiced by crop growers. Due to limitations in other control methods, farmers often choose herbicides as a cost-effective, rapid and highly efficient weed control strategy.