Review
Engineering, Environmental
Che-Jung Hsu, John D. Atkinson, Adrienne Chung, Hsing-Cheng Hsi
Summary: Studies have shown that Hg-0 re-emission is influenced by various factors and can be restricted through the addition of inhibitors. This review summarizes the mechanisms of Hg-0 re-emission, updates misconceptions, and reviews the application of inhibitors.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wenhao Huang, Zhenshan Huang, Zhuoyao Chen, Zuotong Wu, Zaishan Wei
Summary: Flue gas cadmium is a persistent and toxic pollutant that can pose a threat to human health and the environment. A study investigated the use of a sulfate reducing membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) for removing cadmium from flue gas. The reactor achieved a high removal efficiency of 95.1% and Desulfovibrio was found to be the dominant genus. The biofilm formation involved the conversion of cadmium into cadmium sulfide (CdS) and complexation with humic acids, resulting in bio-stabilization of the cadmium-containing flue gas.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sila Kiziltas Demir, Nurcan Tugrul
Summary: This study produced an alternative cost-effective adsorbent for the removal of zinc and cadmium from wastewater using hydroxyapatite synthesized from FGD waste generated by coal power plants. The results showed that FGD waste is an effective source for synthesis of HAP, which exhibits high adsorption capacity for heavy metal removal.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Heng Chen, Lingxiao Zhan, Hao Zhou, Zhihao Li, Jiawei Chen, Zongkang Sun, Hao Wu, Linjun Yang
Summary: Hot flue gas evaporation technology is an effective strategy for zero liquid discharge of desulfurization wastewater, but there is a potential risk of heavy metal release. This study investigates the behavior of wastewater evaporation and mercury release, as well as the migration mechanisms of released mercury, providing insights into the migration process of pollutants in wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guanyi Chen, Kexuan Han, Caixia Liu, Beibei Yan
Summary: A novel process of electrokinetic treatment combined with chemical pretreatment of heavy metals in FGD-WWS was proposed to improve the removal efficiency. Different pretreatment agents were found to have varying effects on the efficiency, with a focus on fraction transformation as an effective way to enhance the removal efficiency. Factors such as electric field, pH, and pretreatment agents were identified as main factors affecting the transformation potential and removal efficiency of heavy metals.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zuotong Wu, Zhuoyao Chen, Wenhao Huang, Zaishan Wei
Summary: The sulfate-reducing membrane biofilm reactor (SRBR) was studied for removing arsenic trioxide (As2O3) from flue gas generated by sludge incineration. The reactor achieved a removal efficiency of 94.4%. Desulfovibrio, UC_Clostridiales, and Pseudodesulfovibrio were the dominant bacterial genera, with Desulfovibrio playing a key role in arsenite oxidation and sulfate reduction. The biofilm in the SRBR facilitated the stabilization of arsenic in the form of Fe-As-S and HA-As through biocomplexation, biosorption, and biodeposition.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Di Zhou, Rufei Wei, Yulong Zhu, Hongming Long, Bangfu Huang, Yifan Wang, Shoucang Wu
Summary: The one-step preparation of calcium sulfate whiskers from flue gas desulfurization ash was successfully achieved using a hydrothermal method, with control of temperature, time, and speed parameters being crucial. Adding a medium solution purification link in the hydrothermal system contributes to the production of high-quality calcium sulfate whiskers products.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaofang Ye, Xiaodan Zhao, Qiang Ming, Jun Zhu, Jiaming Guo, Dongqi Sun, Sheng Zhang, Jie Xu, Zhen Zhou
Summary: This study investigated the effects of various factors on maximizing the aluminum utilization rate for chlorin removal from flue gas desulfurization wastewater. By optimizing the reaction conditions, the treatment cost of Friedel's salt precipitation method was reduced by 30.5%, making the two-stage desalination process more feasible and worth popularizing.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Heng Chen, Lingxiao Zhan, Liyan Gu, Hao Zhou, Qianyuan Feng, Zongkang Sun, Hao Wu, Linjun Yang
Summary: The hot flue gas evaporation technology has significant advantages in zero discharge of desulfurization wastewater, but mercury emissions are a potential limitation. Research has shown that mercury in the wastewater undergoes a release-oxidation/adsorption process. Most of the released mercury is affected by oxidation and adsorption mechanisms, resulting in a high mercury content in the final solid evaporation product. Risk assessment results indicate that this technology does not disrupt mercury distribution or cause additional mercury emissions for the entire power plant, but the large water/acid-soluble fraction of mercury in the evaporation product should be considered in storage and disposal.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhen Zhou, Maonan Zhang, Qing Xia, Xiaodan Zhao, Qiang Ming, Li Zeng
Summary: This study compares the treatment effect and fouling property of the NF-ED hybrid system and single ED system for flue gas desulfurization wastewater treatment. The optimal operation conditions of the ED and NF process are determined, and the fouling properties of NF membranes and IEMs are explored. The economic impact of membrane fouling is calculated in detail, and the total operating cost for the NF-ED system is found to be 35.9% more expensive than the single ED system.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Dong-xiang Meng, Ru-fei Wei, Fei-hu Zhang, Hong-ming Long, Yuan-yuan Zhou
Summary: Calcium-based desulfurization ash (CDA) is mainly produced through dry and semi-dry flue gas desulfurization processes. Its main component, calcium sulfite, makes CDA unstable and unsuitable for direct use in building materials. CDA can be modified through high-temperature oxidation and wet oxidation, and the modified CDA can be widely used in building materials. Hydrothermal oxidation shows great potential as it allows for the oxidation of CDA and the removal of impurities simultaneously. CDA can be used to produce high value-added products such as calcium sulfate whiskers and ecological rubber fillers.
JOURNAL OF IRON AND STEEL RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qiuming Wang, Walter Wilfong, Brain Kail, Tuo Ji, Fan Shi, McMahan Gray
Summary: In this study, a water stable polyethylenimine-n,n'-methylenebisacrylamide (PEI-MBAA) functionalized SiO2 solid sorbent material was developed for the removal of heavy metal pollutants from flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater. The material exhibited excellent metal adsorption kinetics, selectivity, regenerability, and space velocity. The results showed high adsorption efficiency for trace-level heavy metals in authentic industrial FGD wastewater and good reusability after five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles. This sorbent is a promising candidate for the removal of heavy metals from practical aqueous solutions.
MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tong Li, Ting Su, Jiang Wang, Suiyi Zhu, Yuxin Zhang, Zhi Geng, Xianze Wang, Yidi Gao
Summary: A facile low-temperature thermal route was developed to treat the acidic and highly saline flue gas wastewater concentrate generated from desulfurization wastewater in power/heating plants. The method effectively removed sulfate and nitrate from the concentrate without generating any hazardous waste, and produced recycled water and value-added natroalunite particles.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bang Li, Yanbin Yun, Guicheng Liu, Chunli Li, Xinyang Li, Muhammad Hilal, Woochul Yang, Manxiang Wang
Summary: The study found that softening pre-treatment can effectively improve the water reclamation performance of FGDW direct contact membrane distillation and reduce membrane fouling. The pre-treatment can efficiently remove heavy ions and prevent membrane fouling, achieving high salt and organic matter rejection rates.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Che-Jung Hsu, Yan-Ze Xiao, Hsing-Cheng Hsi
Summary: Seawater flue gas desulfurization is effective in controlling sulfur dioxide emissions and removing mercury from coal-fired power plant flue gases. However, issues such as environmental impact and re-emission of gaseous mercury need to be addressed. The study found that copper/sulfur co-impregnated activated carbon can capture aqueous mercury and inhibit gaseous mercury re-emission effectively.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Satya Brat Tiwari, Pallavi Gahlot, Vinay Kumar Tyagi, Liang Zhang, Yan Zhou, A. A. Kazmi, Manish Kumar
Summary: The study summarizes the application of wastewater-based epidemiology in COVID-19 research and introduces the SWEEP framework for future epidemic prevention. Additionally, the research found that lockdown measures have a positive impact on reducing viral loads in wastewater, providing important insights for epidemic control.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jialin Liang, Liang Zhang, Yan Zhou
Summary: The novel pyrite and peroxymonosulfate treatment proposed in this study improved the dewaterability of Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) and removal efficiency of Triclosan (TCS). By generating sulfate radicals and hydroxyl radicals, and inducing strong flocculation, the treatment effectively reduced sticky biopolymers in the sludge, benefiting downstream treatment processes.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Liang Zhang, Yan-Ying Qiu, Yan Zhou, Guang-Hao Chen, Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, Feng Jiang
Summary: Biochemical oxidation and reduction processes using elemental sulfur have emerged as cost-effective and attractive alternatives for water and wastewater treatment, offering benefits such as reduced operational costs, avoidance of secondary pollution, and efficient mineralization of organic matter.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shenbin Cao, Wangwang Yan, Lei Yu, Liang Zhang, Winson Lay, Yan Zhou
Summary: This study developed a cost-effective partial nitritation-anammox process to address the challenges in treating THP-AD centrate, achieving a nitrogen removal rate of 0.55 kg N/m3/d with mitigation strategies. However, issues such as sludge washout, AOB inhibition, and declining anammox activity were observed at higher THP-AD centrate concentrations. The study provides insights for developing an energy-saving treatment process for THP-AD centrate.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liang Zhang, Dan Wu, Jialin Liang, Li Wang, Yan Zhou
Summary: This study demonstrated that the sulfur-reducing system is effective in removing organic contaminants such as triclosan through adsorption and biodegradation processes. The presence of these contaminants did not negatively impact the system performance, but did alter the composition of functional bacteria groups.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liang Zhang, Kun Guo, Li Wang, Ronghua Xu, Dan Lu, Yan Zhou
Summary: This study investigated the effects of sludge retention time (SRT) on microbial dynamics and community assemblages in thermal hydrolysis process (THP) assisted anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. The results showed that shorter SRT led to a longer time to reach the stable state and lower total biogas production. Different SRTs resulted in distinct succession patterns of AD microbiomes. The use of THP sludge reduced microbial diversity, but longer SRTs maintained higher biodiversity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rongfen Chen, Shenbin Cao, Liang Zhang, Yan Zhou
Summary: Integrating MABR with Anammox can further reduce energy consumption in wastewater treatment facilities. This study investigated selective NOB suppression strategies in MABR under low pressure. The results showed that higher ammonium loading could quickly suppress emergent NOB activity, while lowering aeration pressure reversed nitrite oxidizing activities. Cultivating partial nitritation biofilm under zero positive pressure slowed down NOB growth and induced self-induced anammox activities.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liang Zhang, Xianzhe Gong, Ronghua Xu, Kun Guo, Li Wang, Yan Zhou
Summary: This study investigates the impact of thermophilic conditions on the assembly of microbial communities and their effects on anaerobic digestion (AD) ecosystem function. The inocula from full-scale systems showed greater resilience to thermophilic environment and demonstrated higher methane production. Deterministic processes played a dominant role in community assembly, but stochastic processes were more influential in dysfunctional AD ecosystems. The thermophilic environment exerted strong selective pressure on microbial network structures.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dan Wu, Zelong Zhao, Liang Zhang, Li Wang, Yan Zhou
Summary: This study used a genome-centric metagenomic approach to investigate the shift in microbial community structures and functional genes of purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) under light and dark conditions. The results showed that Rhodopseudomonas palustris promoted complex metabolic processes and interactions for carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus conversions under light, while Burkholderia contaminans was identified as a potential organism for simultaneous carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Liang Zhang, Xianzhe Gong, Zhiyi Chen, Yan Zhou
Summary: This study elucidated the ecological roles and interactions of microbial communities in thermophilic THP-AD reactors. It was found that Fir-micutes dominated the enriched microbial community, and methane production was primarily mediated by Methanosarcina and Methanothermobacter. The accumulation of propionate could be attributed to weak propionate-oxidizing activity or its absence.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xianzhe Gong, Zhiyi Chen, Ye Deng, Duo Zhao, Ping Gao, Liang Zhang, Qichao Tu, Lingyun Qu, Liwen Zheng, Yong Zhang, Chao Song, Jihua Liu
Summary: Marine microbial communities assemble along sediment depth gradients, affected by various factors. Archaeal community assembly is determined by determinism, while bacterial community assembly is dominated by stochasticity. Rare taxa play a significant role in community stabilization, suggesting the importance of studying benthic microbial interactions in the bottom sediments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hui Xu, Liang Zhang, Chunhong Yao, Bo Yang, Yan Zhou
Summary: This study developed a core-shell structured Fe@C composite to demonstrate its long-term feasibility for enhancing azo dye biodegradation, compared to a mixture of NZVI and carbon powder (Fe+C). The results showed that Fe@C had better performance, durability, and stability than Fe+C, possibly due to the carbon layer's ability to form a stable buffer to regulate NZVI dissolution. The microbial community analysis revealed that Fe@C promoted the growth of azo dye degraders, and metatranscriptomic analysis further revealed the substantial stimulation of genes involved in the extracellular degradation of azo dye by Fe@C. This study provides novel insights into the bioaugmentation of Fe@C for refractory wastewater treatment.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan-Ying Qiu, Xianzhe Gong, Liang Zhang, Shunjie Zhou, Guibiao Li, Feng Jiang
Summary: Elemental sulfur-driven autotrophic denitrification (SADN) process is facing the challenge of low bioavailability of sulfur particles, which limits its scalability. This study proposed a novel polysulfide-involved SADN (PiSADN) process for high-rate autotrophic nitrate removal. The results showed that the PiSADN process achieved efficient nitrate removal rates, and sulfur disproportionation was found to be a key biochemical reaction for maintaining the self-driven PiSADN process.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dan Wu, Liang Zhang, Chencheng Le, Li Wang, Yan Zhou
Summary: This study demonstrated the efficient carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus biotransformation mechanisms of an enriched purple non-sulfur bacterial culture in recovering nutrients from fermented liquor as single-cell protein. The dominant species, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, showed excellent removal performance with the accumulation of amino acids, carotenoids, and biomass growth. The findings also revealed the relationship between polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) content, external carbon availability, and biomass growth, as well as the multiple uptake and release patterns of phosphorus.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wangwang Yan, Tingting Qian, Liang Zhang, Li Wang, Yan Zhou
Summary: The study found that Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (EBPR) sludge has the highest adsorption capacity for PFOA, with proteins playing a crucial role in the adsorption process. Through hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic attraction, sludge EPS can effectively adsorb PFOA.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
