Biomedical subjects

Kevin Kennedy

Publications and source records attributed to Kevin Kennedy.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Steam-explosion pretreatment for enhancing anaerobic digestion of municipal wastewater sludge.

This study evaluated the use of steam explosion as a pretreatment for municipal wastewater treatment sludges and biosolids as a technique for enhancing biogas generation during anaerobic digestion. Samples of dewatered anaerobic digester effluent (biosolids) and a mixture of thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS) and biosolids were steam-exploded under differing levels of intensity in this study. The results indicate that steam explosion can solublize components of these sludge streams. Increasing the intensity of the steam-explosion pressure and temperature resulted in increased solublization. The steam-explosion pretreatment also increased the bioavailability of sludge components under anaerobic digestion conditions. Increasing the steam-explosion intensity increased the ultimate yield of methane during anaerobic digestion. Batch anaerobic digestion tests suggested that pretreatment at 300 psi was the most optimal condition for enhanced biogas generation while minimizing energy input. Semicontinuous anaerobic digestion revealed that the results that were observed in the batch tests were sustainable in prolonged operation. Semicontinuous digestion of the TWAS/biosolids mixture that was pretreated at 300 psi generated approximately 50% more biogas than the controls. Semicontinuous digestion of the pretreated biosolids resulted in a 3-fold increase in biogas compared with the controls. Based on capillary suction test results, steam-explosion pretreatment at 300 psi improved the dewaterability of the final digested sludge by 32 and 45% for the TWAS/ biosolids mixture and biosolids, respectively, compared with controls. The energy requirements of the nonoptimized steam-explosion process were substantially higher than the additional energy produced from enhanced digestion of the pretreated sludge. Substantial improvements in energy efficiency will be required to make the process viable from an energy perspective.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

PubMed2005

Sampling for indoor fungi: what the clinician needs to know.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A great deal of concern has arisen recently regarding the potential adverse effects of indoor fungi. Our understanding of this complex problem has been hampered by a lack of standardized protocols for performing an indoor assessment for fungi. Without such standards, it is difficult to compare results from one study with those from another or to measure the effect of indoor fungal contamination on a building and its occupants. RECENT FINDINGS: References were identified that were relevant to indoor fungal sampling, health effects or remediation by searching Pubmed using the keywords 'indoor fungi.' Fungi cause three primary adverse effects: (a) they can damage a building, (b) they can render a building unpleasant to live in by looking and smelling bad, and (c) they might cause adverse health effects in sensitive individuals. Sampling methods used to evaluate indoor environments include air sampling for spores, measurement of allergens in house dust, and determination of microbially generated volatile organic compounds, ergosterols, glucans, and mycotoxins, as well as environmental conditions that lead to fungal contamination. SUMMARY: Prevention of fungal contamination involves removal of moisture sources and humidity and early identification. If fungi are found on indoor surfaces, they can be removed using a dilute bleach/detergent solution that both kills the microorganisms and denatures allergens and toxins. Larger areas require professional remediation.

Air↗

PubMed2004

Sampling for indoor fungi.

BACKGROUND: A great deal of concern has arisen recently regarding the potential adverse effects of indoor fungi. Our understanding of this complex problem has been hampered by a lack of standardized protocols for performing an indoor assessment for fungi. Without such standards, it is difficult to compare results from one study with those from another or to measure the effect of indoor fungal contamination on a building and its occupants. METHODS: We reviewed the medical literature and here describe a hypothesis-driven approach to planning, sampling, and interpreting the results of indoor assessments for fungi. RESULTS: Fungi cause 3 primary adverse effects: (1) they can damage a building, (2) they can render a building unpleasant to live in by looking and smelling bad, and (3) they might cause adverse health effects in sensitive individuals. Sampling methods used to test hypotheses include air sampling for spores, measurement of allergens in house dust, and determination of microbially generated volatile organic compounds, ergosterols, glucans, and mycotoxins, as well as environmental conditions that lead to fungal contamination. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized approaches for performing and reporting assessments of indoor fungi are essential if our understanding of this complex field is to improve.

Air Microbiology↗

PubMed2002

Counseling support within the Navy Mass Casualty Assistance Team post-September 11.

Prior to the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, the Navy Casualty Assistance mass casualty plan was undergoing transformations that were set in place to improve service quality and information flow among all process owners (Navy Leadership, Navy Casualty Assistance Office, Casualty Assistance Calls Officers (CACOs) and next of kin (NOK)). One component of the mass casualty plan was the establishment of a Counseling Support Cell--a group within the Casualty Assistance response team that would provide care and recovery support to team members, CACOs, and NOK. This paper outlines the major objectives of the Counseling Support Cell, phases of implementation, and the impact of our effort.

Aircraft↗