We present here a computational study of reactions at a model complex of the SyrB2 enzyme active site. SyrB2, which chlorinates L-threonine in the syringomycin biosynthetic pathway, belongs to a recently discovered class of alpha-ketoglutarate (alphaKG), non-heme Fe(II)-dependent halogenases that share many structural and chemical similarities with hydroxylases. Namely, halogenases and hydroxyl...

This paper presents three new approaches to reduce excess sludge production in activated sludge systems: 1) modification of conventional activated sludge process with insertion of a sludge holding tank in the sludge return line; 2) chlorination of excess sludge so as to minimize excess sludge production; and 3) utilization of a metabolic uncoupler, 3, 3', 4', 5-Tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCS) t...

Deteriorating water treatment facilities and distribution systems pose a significant public health threat, particularly in republics of the former Soviet Union. Interventions to decrease the disease burden associated with these water systems range from upgrading distribution networks to installing reverse osmosis technology. To provide insight into this decision process, we conducted a randomiz...

BACKGROUND There is concern about possible effects of disinfection by-products on reproductive outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between maternal exposure to chlorination by-products and the risk of delivering a small for-gestational-age (SGA) neonate. METHODS We conducted a population-based case-control study in the Québec City (Canada) area. Term newborn ca...

Eleven furan-like disinfection byproducts were reported for the first time as from chlorination of phenolic natural organic matter surrogates.