Article
Environmental Sciences
Mladen Popov, Marijana Kragulj Isakovski, Jelena Molnar Jazic, Aleksandra Tubic, Malcolm Watson, Marina Sciban, Jasmina Agbaba
Summary: This study investigates the impact of ozone dose and GAC filtration on the formation of oxidation by-products and chlorination by-products in a full-scale drinking water treatment plant utilizing Danube river bank filtration. It was found that specific ozone doses are needed for different processes, and seasonal variations have minimal effects on the quality of treated water and the content of organic matter in raw water.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongbo Liu, Xiaojie Zhang, Yueying Fang, Cegan Fu, Zhongbing Chen
Summary: This study investigated the formation of organic matters and DBPs in drinking water treatment chain under different pre-ozonation dosages, finding that pre-ozonation dosage could reduce organic load but insufficient to control DBPs. Results showed that the accumulation of DBPs was less in summer than in winter, while the formation potential of NAs was higher in winter.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shu He, Nanqi Ren
Summary: The PM/BS process is an efficient oxidation process for degrading micropollutants. However, when reacting with natural organic matter (NOM) in water, it can impact the formation of disinfection-by-products (DBPs) during chlorination. This study found that PM/BS pre-oxidation of NOM decreased the formation of TCM but increased the production of highly toxic N-DBPs, thus increasing the risk of water quality.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hailan Yang, Shujing Ye, Jiajia Wang, Han Wang, Ziwei Wang, Qiang Chen, Wenjun Wang, Ling Xiang, Guangming Zeng, Xiaofei Tan
Summary: Carbon materials are widely used in water treatment progress, showing good adsorption and catalytic performance in removing organic matter and its derived disinfection by-products at different stages.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Liling Zhou, Renjie Ma, Chenghe Yan, Jinmeng Wu, Ying Zhang, Jian Zhou, Guangzho Qu, Xiaoling He, Tiecheng Wang
Summary: The leaching behaviors of organic matter from different types of microplastics were investigated under plasma treatment, and it was found that the released organic matter may serve as precursors for the generation of disinfection by-products (DBPs).
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luan de Souza Leite, Danilo Vitorino dos Santos, Cristina Filomena Pereira Rosa Paschoalato, Tom Bond, Luiz Antonio Daniel
Summary: Eutrophication in water reservoirs leads to the release of algal organic matter (AOM), which serves as an important precursor for disinfection by-products (DBPs) during water treatment. This study investigates the DBP formation from chlor(am)ination of AOM derived from the microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana, which is expected to become more prevalent in algal blooms due to climate change. The results show that Chlorella sorokiniana AOM exhibits higher DBP formation compared to previously studied algae species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Saboor Siddique, Hongbo Lu, Xuejun Xiong, Hasan Fareed, Nigel Graham, Wenzheng Yu
Summary: This study investigated the influence of pH on the treatment of water-extractable organic matter (WEOM) and the formation potential of disinfection by-products (DBPs) during the pre-ozonation/nanofiltration process. The results showed that higher pH levels led to reduced water flux and membrane rejection due to increased electrostatic repulsion. Additionally, ozonation at higher pH levels transformed large molecular weight substances into smaller hydrophilic fractions and affected the formation potential of DBPs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chong Liu, Carmen Messerlian, Ying-Jun Chen, Vicente Mustieles, Li-Li Huang, Yang Sun, Yan-Ling Deng, Ying-Hui Cheng, Jing Liu, A-Mei Liu, Wen-Qing Lu, Yi-Xin Wang
Summary: The study revealed that exposure to high levels of disinfection by-products during specific trimesters of pregnancy can lead to impaired neonatal neurodevelopment, especially in male infants and mothers aged 25 or older. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Muammar Qadafi, Raden Tina Rosmalina, Mariska M. Pitoi, Diana Rahayuning Wulan
Summary: This review discusses the potential precursors, formation, and toxicity of disinfection by-products (DBPs), as well as the available research on their treatment in Southeast Asian countries' water sources. It is found that natural organic matter (NOM) like humic and fulvic acids is the major precursor of DBPs formation, while anthropogenic organic matter (AOM) also plays a significant role when using chlorine for disinfection. NOM and AOMs, including microplastics, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), have been detected in water sources in Southeast Asian countries. Studies have focused on regulated DBPs, but the formation potential of unregulated DBPs and the effectiveness of treatments like conventional coagulation, filtration, adsorption, and ozonation in reducing DBPs formation potential are also discussed.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Neha Sharma, Sanjeeb Mohapatra, Lokesh P. Padhye, Suparna Mukherji
Summary: This study compared the nature of DOM in samples collected from drinking water and wastewater treatment plants in western India, finding that water samples consist mostly of humic-like components while wastewater was dominated by protein-like components. The study also showed that the hydrophobic acid and neutral fractions of DOM were primarily responsible for THM formation.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Israel J. Lopez-Prieto, Minkyu Park, Mojtaba AzadiAghdam, Hongrui Pan, Sara L. Jones, Shane A. Snyder
Summary: Different groups of disinfection by-products (DBPs) were studied during the degradation of iopamidol by the sequential oxidation process and chlorination. The results showed that increasing chlorine contact time resulted in higher concentrations of all DBP groups, except for iodinated-DBPs. The study also detected new iodinated DBPs, suggesting further research is needed in this area.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Karlien Dejaeger, Justine Criquet, Marjolein Vanoppen, Cecile Vignal, Gabriel Billon, Emile R. Cornelissen
Summary: During the disinfection of drinking water, harmful disinfection by-products are produced when natural organic matter reacts with chlorine. Scientists have used fractionation methods to study the reaction process of organic matter. The research found that hydrophilic compounds have higher reactivity towards emerging disinfection by-products. Chlorination time and dose do not affect the reactivity ratio between different fractions.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Luan de Souza Leite, Maria Teresa Hoffmann, Fabio Simoes de Vicente, Danilo Vitorino dos Santos, Luiz Antonio Daniel
Summary: The traditional bituminous activated carbon showed the best performance for AOM removal, followed by babassu coconut activated carbon. Additionally, significant reductions in trihalomethanes formation potential were achieved.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xi-Xi Wang, Bao-Ming Liu, Min-Feng Lu, Yu-Ping Li, Ying-Ying Jiang, Ming-Xing Zhao, Zhen-Xing Huang, Yang Pan, Heng-Feng Miao, Wen-Quan Ruan
Summary: This study analyzed the physicochemical properties, components, and disinfection byproduct formation potentials (DBPFPs) of algal organic matter (AOM) and natural organic matter (NOM) in a typical eutrophic lake. Results showed that AOM had higher organic nitrogen content and exhibited higher DBPFPs, especially for nitrogenous DBPFP. The study also found that the molecular weight distribution between AOM and NOM was similar, but AOM had higher concentrations of building blocks while NOM had higher concentrations of biopolymers and humics (HS).
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yazhou Peng, Xiongwei Yang, Hongqi Huang, Qitao Su, Bozhi Ren, Zhi Zhang, Xueping Shi
Summary: Algal blooms have a detrimental effect on drinking water safety. Ultrasonic radiation technology is an eco-friendly approach widely used for algae removal. However, this technology results in the release of intracellular organic matter (IOM), which serves as a significant precursor for the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs). This study examines the correlation between the release of IOM in Microcystis aeruginosa and the generation of DBPs after ultrasonic radiation, as well as the mechanism behind DBP formation. The results reveal that the content of extracellular organic matter (EOM) in M. aeruginosa increases in the order of 740 kHz >1120 kHz >20 kHz after 2 minutes of ultrasonic radiation. Organic matter with a molecular weight (MW) exceeding 30 kDa exhibits the greatest increase, including protein-like compounds, phycocyanin (PC), and chlorophyll a. Additionally, smaller molecular weight organic matter below 3 kDa, mainly comprising humic-like substances and protein-like compounds, also exhibits an increase. DBPs within the organic MW range less than 30 kDa are primarily dominated by trichloroacetic acid (TCAA), whereas those with an MW greater than 30 kDa contain the highest levels of trichloromethane (TCM). Ultrasonic irradiation alters the organic structure of EOM, affects the quantity and types of DBPs, and favors the formation of TCM.
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. Fito, I Ahmed, T. T. Nkambule, K. K. Kefeni
Summary: This study evaluates the water footprint of sugarcane farming and bioethanol production in different river basins in Ethiopia. It finds that water management is crucial, as low water footprint is associated with high sugarcane yield. The study emphasizes the need to reduce irrigation requirements for sustainable water use.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Oranso T. Mahlangu, Machawe M. Motsa, Thabo Nkambule, Bhekie B. Mamba
Summary: This work critically reviews the application of various membrane separation processes in treating water polluted with trace organic compounds, paying attention to the mechanisms of rejection and the challenges in fouling and scaling. It also explores the potential of using renewable energy sources to drive energy intensive membrane separation processes.
REVIEWS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sodeeq Aderotimi Salami, Vincent J. Smith, Rui Werner Macedo Krause
Summary: Spirocyclic compounds, which are found in many active compounds, can be synthesized efficiently and yield high results through the Michael condensation of 3-dicyanomethylene-2H-indol-2-ones with isothiocyanate derivatives under aqueous and mechanochemical conditions. This novel protocol offers advantages such as solvent-free reactions, ambient temperature, short reaction times, experimental simplicity, and excellent yields, making it a suitable alternative to volatile organic solvents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jemal Fito, Oudum Ebrahim, Thabo T. I. Nkambule
Summary: This research investigated the adsorptive capacity of Mn-Ni ferrite nanocomposite for chromium removal from textile industrial wastewater. The nanocomposite showed a promising performance with a maximum chromium removal of 87.7% and a maximum chromium adsorption from the wastewater of 84.5%. The Langmuir isotherm model was the best fit, indicating a chemical sorption and monolayer adsorption process. The nanocomposite adsorbent holds great potential for industrial-scale removal of chromium from textile industrial effluent.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sodeeq Aderotimi Salami, Vincent J. Smith, Rui W. M. Krause
Summary: A new simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly method is introduced for the catalytic synthesis of alpha-acyloxycarboxamides using N-formamides as a carbonyl precursor under aqueous and mechanochemical conditions. Immobilized sulfuric acid on silica gel is utilized for the synthesis of desired products, resulting in high to excellent yields in short reaction times (10-30 min) at room temperature. This highly efficient and environmentally friendly method provides a convenient access to a library of alpha-acyloxycarboxamides derivatives for future research on bioactivity screening.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pfano Tshindane, Bhekie B. Mamba, Machawe M. Motsa, Thabo T. I. Nkambule
Summary: Delayed solvent-nonsolvent demixing can enhance membrane performance, improving separation efficiency and fouling resistance.
Article
Agronomy
Emmanuella Chioma Nnabuo-Eguzozie, Rose Waithiegeni Kibechu, Kennedy Uchenna Eguzozie, Khayalethu Ntushelo, Bhekie B. Mamba, Hlengilizwe Nyoni, Thabo T. I. Nkambule, Titus A. M. Msagati
Summary: The current study aimed to investigate metabolite regulations and nutrient assimilation patterns as biomarkers for waterborne fungal and spoilage bacterial intensities in greenhouse-cultivated tomato crops using advanced analytical techniques. The results could be applied for detecting and identifying biotic stress in tomato crops.
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jemal Fito, Solomon Tibebu, Thabo T. I. Nkambule
Summary: This study aimed to optimize Cr(VI) adsorption using activated carbon derived from Eichhornia crassipes. The AC was characterized and a central composite design was used for the optimization. The results showed that a maximum Cr(VI) removal of 98.4% was achieved at pH 5, contact time 90 min, adsorbent dose 2 g, and initial Cr(VI) concentration of 2.25 mg/L. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm model best fit the experimental data and the AC showed potential as a strong adsorbent candidate for industrial wastewater treatment.
Article
Water Resources
Jemal Fito, Mikiyas Abewaa, Thabo Nkambule
Summary: Parthenium hysterophorus-based biochar-Fe3O4 composites were synthesized to remove Cr(VI) from tannery wastewater. The adsorption process was optimized using response surface methodology, and the results showed that the composite had a high removal efficiency.
APPLIED WATER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Momina Seleman, Takele Sime, Abate Ayele, Assefa Sergawie, Thabo Nkambule, Jemal Fito
Summary: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effective powdered banana peel for the removal of copper (II) from aqueous solutions and real wastewater. The results showed that powdered banana peel is a potential adsorbent for heavy metal removal from synthetic and textile wastewater.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Olga K. Mmelesi, Souad Ammar-Merah, Thabo T. I. Nkambule, Kebede K. Kefeni, Alex T. Kuvarega
Summary: N-doped carbon quantum dots/Zn0.4Co0.6Fe2O4 (N-CQDs/ZnCF) composite was synthesized via hydrothermal method. Characterization techniques including XRD, HR-TEM, UV-Vis/DRS, PL, and XPS were utilized. The synthesized nanomaterials exhibited band gap energies less than 2 eV. Improved separation efficiency of photo-generated carriers was confirmed on N-CQDs/ZnCF by PL analysis. Both N-CQDs and ZnCF showed quasi-spherical and cubic morphology, respectively, as observed by HR-TEM. XPS analysis of 10% N-CQDs/ZnCF confirmed the presence of Zn2+, Co2+, Fe3+, N, O, and C on the composite surfaces. Photodegradation of oxytetracycline under visible light irradiation was tested for pristine NPs and N-CQDs/ZnCF NCs, with the 10% N-CQDs/ZnCF nanocomposite exhibiting the highest photocatalytic activity of up to 98% in 100 min. This enhancement was attributed to the synergistic effect of N-CQDs and ZnCF in the heterojunction, promoting charge carrier separation and boosting photoactivity in degrading OTC.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING B-ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL SOLID-STATE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lerato Monatisa, Lueta A. de Kock, Bhekie B. Mamba, Thabo T. I. Nkambule, Azizallah Izady, Ali Al-Maktoumi, Titus A. M. Msagati
Summary: This paper presents the development of a model for early warning indication of pollution caused by oil produced water and as a predictive tool for compliance/noncompliance to wastewater discharge guidelines. The model was developed using physico-chemical measurements of oil-produced water samples from an oil refiner depot and evaporation rate patterns observed in a Class A evaporation Pan. Experimental data collected over six months in South Africa were used to develop a multiplicative model relating OPWE to influencing parameters. The developed model showed reasonably accurate estimation (RMSE = 0.49 mm) for OPWE and had potential for fingerprinting different OPWE compositions.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karunganathan Sakthikumar, Bienfait Kabuyaya Isamura, Rui Werner Macedo Krause
Summary: A novel class of bioactive complexes were synthesized and characterized, showing octahedral geometry. Complex 2 exhibited significant DNA cleavage activity and had higher DNA binding constant compared to the other complexes. Experimental results also confirmed the interactions of the complexes with DNA, BSA, and SARS-CoV-2 main protease.
RSC MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mope E. Malefane, Potlako J. Mafa, Muthumuni Managa, Thabo T. I. Nkambule, Alex T. Kuvarega
Summary: In the past seven years, dual Z-scheme hetero-junctions have emerged as favorable approaches for enhancing charge carrier separation through direct or indirect charge transfer. Understanding the dynamics of charge transfer is crucial for comprehending their photoactivity and stability, and a universal charge transfer-based classification of dual Z-schemes is proposed for different energy and pollution remediation strategies. Additionally, the existence of dual Z-schemes is confirmed using methods for determining charge transfer, and a new macroscopic N-scheme and triple Z-scheme heterostructures composed of four semiconductors are suggested for generating both oxidatively and reductively empowered systems, with potential applications in solar-driven chemical reactions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Knowledge Siyabonga Ndlovu, Makwena Justice Moloto, Kutloano Edward Sekhosana, Thabo Thokozani Innocent Nkambule, Muthumuni Managa
Summary: Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) is a widely studied strategy to eliminate pathogenic microbes in wastewater. PACT overcomes the limitations of chlorination, ozonation, and ultraviolet irradiation as disinfection methods, which can lead to the development of resistant genes and harmful by-products. PACT utilizes photons, oxygen, and photosensitizers such as porphyrins to generate reactive oxygen species and induce cytotoxic effects on various microbes. This review evaluates the efficacy of porphyrins and porphyrin-conjugates as photosensitizers for wastewater photoinactivation and discusses concerns regarding their application in water treatment, including the recovery and reuse of immobilized photosensitizers.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Mohamed Khatif Tawaf Mohamed Yusof, Ahmad Safuan A. Rashid, Mohd Faisal Abdul Khanan, Muhammad Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman, Wardatun Ahmar Abdul Manan, Roohollah Kalatehjari, Ali Dehghanbanadaki
Summary: This study investigates the effects of climate change on landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) using a case study on Penang Island in Malaysia. The results show that future rainfall and temperatures are expected to increase, especially under a higher climate change scenario. LSM can help local authorities identify critical areas for monitoring and responding to landslide risks caused by climate change.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE EARTH
(2024)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Shivam Pandey, Ajay Singh, Anuj Kumar, Inderjeet Tyagi, Rama Rao Karri, Rama Gaur, Hamedreza Javadian, Monu Verma
Summary: This research compares the effectiveness of hydrothermally produced ZnO and SnO2 nanocatalysts in degrading p-nitrophenol, a noxious chemical in water. The study finds that ZnO catalyst has better degradation efficiency compared to SnO2 catalyst. Detailed investigation reveals the optimal conditions for degrading p-nitrophenol using ZnO photocatalysts.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE EARTH
(2024)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Farhan Ul Moazzam, Sudeep Thakuri, Ghani Rahman, Byung Gul Lee
Summary: This study explores the elevation dependent warming in the Indus River Basin and its impacts on cryospheric and hydrological changes. The results show significant warming trends in the Tmax and Tmin in the upper Indus Basin, with a more prominent trend observed during the winter season for Tmax. These consistent warming trends can have harmful impacts on the cryosphere of the region, leading to water scarcity and extreme droughts.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF THE EARTH
(2024)
