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June 25, 2015
 
 

Environment Canada Releases Screening Results for Organisms Used in Wastewater Treatment

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Environment Canada and Health Canada have jointly published the outcomes of two screenings under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act for two living organisms specified on the Domestic Substances List (DSL). Screening under the DSL is to ensure that substances or organisms do not pose an environmental or human health threat.

According to the screening, the two organisms do not meet any of the criteria under CEPA as a toxic substance and no action is proposed. 

  • Candida utilis (C. utilis) strain ATCC 9950: a yeast that has characteristics in common with other strains of the species C. utilis. C. utilis can adapt to varying conditions and thrives in soil and water. Multiple potential uses of C. utilis in consumer, industrial, commercial and agricultural sectors exist.These include production of food, dietary supplements, probiotics, feeds, and biochemicals used in cosmetics and therapeutic drugs, bioremediation and wastewater treatment.

    Although C. utilis has also been extensively used in the food industry, the incidence of human infection with C. utilis is exceedingly low. There have been no reported human infections attributed specifically to C. utilis strain ATCC 9950 on the Domestic Substances List (DSL); however, some strains of C. utilis can act as opportunistic pathogens in susceptible individuals, particularly those who have a weakened immune system or underlying medical conditions.

    Download the Draft Screening Assessment.



  • Pseudomonas sp. ATCC 13867: belongs to a group of strains that are currently without a validated species name. Prior to 1982, the species was referred to as Pseudomonas denitrificans before that name was officially rejected. For the purposes of this assessment, the name "Pseudomonas sp. ATCC 13867" will be used when information pertains specifically to this strain.

    Pseudomonas sp. ATCC 13867 is a bacterium that can proliferate in soil and water. It has properties that make it of potential use in the production of vitamin B12, coenzyme Q, other biochemicals and biofuels, as well as in denitrification products for use in soil improvement, in treatment of activated sludge and wastewater and in oil degradation. No adverse effects in terrestrial or aquatic plants, invertebrates or vertebrates or infections in humans have been attributed to Pseudomonas sp. ATCC 13867 or its close relatives.

    Download the Draft Screening Assessment

 

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