Ecolab

About: Ecolab is a company organization based out in Northwich, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Alkyl & Corrosion. The organization has 2860 authors who have published 3193 publications receiving 51478 citations. The organization is also known as: Economics Laboratory.

Modelling epilithic biofilms combining hydrodynamics, invertebrate grazing and algal traits

Abstract: 1. This model of stream epilithic biofilm biomass dynamics is based on the system of equations from Uehlinger et al. (1996) and the term for autogenic detachment of biofilm from Boul^etreau et al. (2006). Its new features are (i) a mathematical term based on estimated feeding activity of biofilm-dwelling invertebrates, (ii) local hydrodynamics considered as the principal factor governing algal traits and biofilm structure and (iii) a variable degree of parameterisation that was adjusted to biofilm biomass conditions. 2. Biofilm biomass was monitored over a one-year period in the Garonne river in France (September 2008–2009). An allometric approach was used to estimate the feeding activity of biofilm-dwelling invertebrates based on their energetic requirements. Diatom functional diversity was also monitored to find how it varied with overall biofilm growth patterns. The one-year monitoring period was divided into six biofilm biomass cycles, with each cycle consisting of a phase of biofilm growth as the main process, followed by detachment. 3. This model reproduced the observed data as a complex of biofilm growth/detachment cycles using different sets of empirical parameters which allowed (i) the dominant processes involved in each biofilm cycle to be evaluated and (ii) the six cycles of biofilm growth/detachment to be reproduced. This accounted for the observed patterns more effectively than a parameterisation using a single set of empirical parameters. 4. High flow had a severe effect on biofilm dynamics through chronic and catastrophic detachment. Presumably as a result, assemblages of diatoms shifted towards species that were firmly attached and protected by mucilage. 5. During low flow (and when temperature was high), biofilm dynamics was mainly affected by autogenic detachment and grazer activity. The grazing pressure of the dominant biofilm-dwelling invertebrates (Nematoda and larvae of Chironomidae and Trichoptera) was fairly low (a maximum of 6% of biofilm biomass ingested daily); nevertheless, their presence in the biofilm seemed to favour biofilm autogenic detachment.

Alkaline cleaners based on alcohol ethoxy carboxylates

Abstract: An alkaline cleaner composition comprising an alkyl or alkylaryl ethoxy carboxylate, a strong chelating agent and a source of alkalinity, its manufacture and use in removing greasy soil from hard surface areas is described. The compositions are especially effective in removing lime-soaps in such greasy soil especially on institutional and commercial kitchen floors.

Mini-review: microbial problems in paper production

Abstract: Paper mills are open systems, which provide favorable conditions for microbial growth. Microbial contamination can cause substantial economic losses, including the deterioration of raw materials, interference with production processes by breakdowns and lowering product quality, and eventually, problems in wastewater treatment. Damage is caused by acidification, attack on raw materials, the formation of odorous products, discoloration of pigments, and the formation of methane and hydrogen, thereby producing potentially explosive conditions. Population analyses have revealed that a wide variety of microorganisms are involved, but there appear to be no typical strains associated with paper mills. Current trends in process engineering, such as chlorine-free bleaching, processing at neutral pH, closed cycles, and the use of recycled paper also favor microbial growth and biofilm (slime) formation. A fundamental problem associated with slimes is the extensive matrix of extracellular polymeric substances, which i...

Compositions and methods for mitigating corrosion of applied color designs

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for mitigating corrosion of applied color designs on a bottle, or on another glass or ceramic item. More specifically the composition or method of the present invention can mitigate corrosion even in the presence of a known corrosive agent. The composition and methods of the invention employ one or more phosphates and one or more phosphonates at a ratio that reduces or minimizes corrosion of an applied color design.

Climate change impact on neotropical social wasps.

Abstract: Establishing a direct link between climate change and fluctuations in animal populations through long-term monitoring is difficult given the paucity of baseline data. We hypothesized that social wasps are sensitive to climatic variations, and thus studied the impact of ENSO events on social wasp populations in French Guiana. We noted that during the 2000 La Nina year there was a 77.1% decrease in their nest abundance along ca. 5 km of forest edges, and that 70.5% of the species were no longer present. Two simultaneous 13-year surveys (1997-2009) confirmed the decrease in social wasps during La Nina years (2000 and 2006), while an increase occurred during the 2009 El Nino year. A 30-year weather survey showed that these phenomena corresponded to particularly high levels of rainfall, and that temperature, humidity and global solar radiation were correlated with rainfall. Using the Self-Organizing Map algorithm, we show that heavy rainfall during an entire rainy season has a negative impact on social wasps. Strong contrasts in rainfall between the dry season and the short rainy season exacerbate this effect. Social wasp populations never recovered to their pre-2000 levels. This is probably because these conditions occurred over four years; heavy rainfall during the major rainy seasons during four other years also had a detrimental effect. On the contrary, low levels of rainfall during the major rainy season in 2009 spurred an increase in social wasp populations. We conclude that recent climatic changes have likely resulted in fewer social wasp colonies because they have lowered the wasps' resistance to parasitoids and pathogens. These results imply that Neotropical social wasps can be regarded as bio-indicators because they highlight the impact of climatic changes not yet perceptible in plants and other animals.