Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aldo Ugolotti, Cristiana Di Valentin
Summary: Polymeric graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) compounds have promising potential as materials in photoactivated electrocatalysis due to their unique structure with periodically spaced voids exposing reactive pyridinic N atoms. Different polymorphs of gCN with varying structural and electronic properties may be obtained during synthesis, influencing their catalytic properties. Characterization of these materials is critical for understanding catalytic results, but experimental identification of the polymer without reference spectroscopic features is challenging. This study optimized models of melem-based gCN, providing a computational characterization of their spectroscopic properties and correlating them with structural and electronic properties, with comparison to experimental data when available.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juan Reyes-Herrera, Damaris Acosta-Slane, Hiram Castillo-Michel, Ana Pradas E. del Real, Katarina Vogel-Mikus, Federico Benetti, Marco Roman, Julie Villanova, M. Cecilia Valles-Aragon
Summary: TiO2 nanoparticles are widely used in various industries and can accumulate in wastewater sludges. A study on sludge samples from wastewater treatment plants in Chihuahua State, Mexico revealed the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles of different forms, which may pose potential toxicity to agro-systems.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ying-hai Lyu, Feng Wei, Tingting Zhang, Li Luo, Yeye Pan, Xueqi Yang, Hao Yu, Shixue Zhou
Summary: The study found that anatase TiO2 has better antibacterial effect than rutile, and there is a synergistic effect between these two polymorphs. The Ag3PO4/TiO2 heterojunctions not only exhibit significant bactericidal activity but also almost completely destroy high concentration bacterial cells. E. coli is more sensitive to center dot O-2(-) radicals and h(+) during photocatalytic sterilization.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hamouda M. Mousa, Jarah Fares Alenezi, Ibrahim M. A. Mohamed, Ahmed S. Yasin, Abdel-Fatah M. Hashem, Abdalla Abdal-hay
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a semiconductor-semiconductor (S-S) heterojunction film with low bandgap energy, achieving efficient wastewater treatment through photocatalysis. The new material exhibited excellent antibacterial properties and photodegradation effects, showing great potential for application in wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sultan Alomairy, Lalitha Gnanasekaran, Saravanan Rajendran, Walaa F. Alsanie
Summary: This study focuses on the application of cinnamon biochar as an active anti-oxidant agent in the titania-cobalt ferrite nanocore-shell structure for wastewater treatment. The results show that the Biochar/TiO2/CoFe2O4 composite exhibits high degradation efficiency against chlorophenol pollutants under visible light, due to its porous structure and charge separation capability. The recyclability and stability of the composite make it a promising candidate for biofuel generation and energy storage devices.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manjiri A. Mahadadalkar, NaHyun Park, Mohammad Yusuf, Saravanan Nagappan, Muthuchamy Nallal, Kang Hyun Park
Summary: Water pollution caused by industrial wastewater is a critical environmental problem. Synthetic dyes used in various industries have complex composition, high toxicity, and low biodegradability, causing negative impacts on ecosystems. To address this issue, TiO2 fibers photocatalyst doped with Fe was synthesized using sol-gel and electrospinning techniques for the degradation of dyes. The fabricated fibers showed excellent photocatalytic degradation activity, with 99% degradation of rhodamine B in 120 minutes. The fibers also demonstrated good photocatalytic activity even after 5 cycles of reuse.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
J. Yang, M. Monnot, Y. Sun, L. Asia, P. Wong-Wah-Chung, P. Doumenq, P. Moulin
Summary: In this study, the distribution and fate of microplastics in different water sources and treatment plants in France were investigated. Wastewater was found to contain the highest concentrations of microplastics, followed by surface water/groundwater and seawater. Polyethylene was the most common type of microplastic, followed by polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate. Most treatment technologies were effective in removing microplastics, although some processes or pipes could introduce additional contamination. Ultrafiltration was confirmed to be an effective technology for microplastic retention and size control.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Selda Murat Hocaoglu, Mehtap D. Celebi, Irfan Basturk, Recep Partal
Summary: The study found significant differences in total water consumption among hospitals, even with similar bed capacities. PSD analysis provided specific fingerprints for organic pollutants in hospital wastewater, showing that about 20% of AOX was in the size range smaller than 1 kDa.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shaik Mahamad Allabakshi, P. S. N. S. R. Srikar, Reetesh Kumar Gangwar, Shihabudheen M. Maliyekkal
Summary: This paper investigates the mineralization ability of a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) based reactor for the treatment of complex organic molecules in water. The study demonstrates the capability of SDBD to generate high energetic electrons and reactive chemical species, making it suitable for low energy consumption wastewater treatment.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sonal Rajoria, Manish Vashishtha, Vikas K. Sangal
Summary: A GO/TiO2 electrode was prepared by depositing graphene oxide (GO) on a titania plate through a simple anodization method. The morphology and structure of the TiO2 and GO/TiO2 electrodes were characterized using various techniques. The results showed that GO nanoparticles were successfully formed on the TiO2 substrate, with a thickness of approximately 300 nm. The synthesized GO/TiO2 nanotube electrode exhibited a bandgap of 3.052 eV. The effect of pH, current, and degradation time on the COD degradation and energy consumed was investigated using response surface methodology. At optimized parameters, a COD degradation of 57.61% and energy consumption of 15.00 kWh/m(3) were achieved. The electroplating effluents degradation mechanism was found to involve center dot OH radicals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ethan Dern Huang Kong, Jenny Hui Foong Chau, Chin Wei Lai, Cheng Seong Khe, Gaurav Sharma, Amit Kumar, Suchart Siengchin, Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay
Summary: Water pollution is a global issue that conventional methods struggle to solve, but photocatalysis, especially with GO/TiO2 composites, shows promising results in wastewater treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Vladimir Paunovic, Marcos Rellan-Pineiro, Nuria Lopez, Javier Perez-Ramirez
Summary: This article investigates the activity of TiO2-rutile and TiO2-anatase polymorphs in the catalytic HBr oxidation, with the results showing that rutile exhibits higher activity than anatase, indicating that HBr oxidation follows a defect-driven mechanism.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan Zhou, Pei Luo, Feng Liu, Dianlin Gong, Baozhen Li, Runlin Xiao, Jinshui Wu
Summary: The accumulation rate of phosphorus in sediments is loading rate-dependent, with aluminum-bound phosphorus and iron-bound phosphorus playing a key role in the variability of phosphorus concentration. The increase in phosphorus sorption capacity is attributed to the rise in pH, as well as the concentrations of ammonium oxalate-extractable aluminum and iron in sediments due to wastewater input.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
J. Yang, M. Monnot, Y. Sun, L. Asia, P. Wong-Wah-Chung, P. Doumenq, P. Moulin
Summary: Researchers have developed a new method for analyzing millimeter-sized microplastics using mu-FTIR spectroscopy and analytical software. The method was found to be effective and reliable for quantitative and qualitative analysis of microplastics in different water samples. This improved analytical methodology can be utilized to evaluate the removal efficiency of conventional and membrane treatment processes in various water treatment plants.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhehua Xue, Zhen Lv, Lei Li
Summary: In this study, a combination of high-performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) with ultraviolet absorbance (UVA) detection and ultraviolet (UV) spectrometry was used to characterize dissolved organic matter (DOM) in a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The results showed that HPSEC and UV spectrometry can be used as effective monitoring tools for DOM in a cost-effective and convenient manner, providing the basis for developing applicable equipment for organic pollutants monitoring in WWTPs.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Cristian A. Robbins, Xuewei Du, Thomas H. Bradley, Jason C. Quinn, Todd M. Bandhauer, Steven A. Conrad, Kenneth H. Carlson, Tiezheng Tong
Summary: Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production requires a significant amount of freshwater and produces substantial volumes of wastewater. While technology development is important for UOG wastewater treatment, other factors such as regulations, economics, system logistics, and public perception also play crucial roles in the decision-making process. Efforts to address the barriers of treatment technology, regulatory compliance, economic feasibility, and social acceptance are necessary for the successful implementation of UOG wastewater management practices.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xueling Wang, Qiang Lyu, Tiezheng Tong, Kuo Sun, Li-Chiang Lin, Chuyang Y. Tang, Fenglin Yang, Michael D. Guiver, Xie Quan, Yingchao Dong
Summary: The study introduces an intra-crystalline defect engineering strategy to design a high-performance stable metal-organic framework membrane for effective treatment of hypersaline waters, achieving both excellent salt rejection and high water flux. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the positive role of defects in enhancing structural hydrophilicity and enabling ultra-fast water transport, paving the way for the rational design of next-generation MOF membranes with enhanced permeation performance.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xuewei Du, Mohammad Alipanahrostami, Wei Wang, Tiezheng Tong
Summary: Membranes with exceptional wetting resistance can be designed using short-chain fluorocarbons and hierarchically structured membranes. These membranes exhibit wetting resistance comparable to or even better than membranes based on long-chain PFASs. Furthermore, membranes fabricated with ultra-short chain fluorocarbons display improved wetting resistance against feedwaters with low surface tension.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Kofi S. S. Christie, Thomas Horseman, Ruoyu Wang, Chunlei Su, Tiezheng Tong, Shihong Lin
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between the thermodynamic state of the precipitating solution and the critical point of scaling in membrane distillation (MD) using experiments and a semi-empirical model. The results show that the kinetics, rather than thermodynamics, control gypsum scaling in MD. Additionally, temperature has a greater impact on scaling than vapor flux, and heterogeneous nucleation dominates gypsum scaling on the membrane surface in MD.
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. E. S. Vincent, A. Chaudhary, J. J. Kelly, T. J. Hoellein
Summary: The fate of plastics in rivers is influenced by microbial biofilms, and this study found that site characteristics play a more important role than substrate type in shaping the metabolism and community composition of biofilms on plastic in urban streams.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yiming Yin, Tianshu Li, Kuichang Zuo, Xitong Liu, Shihong Lin, Yiqun Yao, Tiezheng Tong
Summary: The study investigates the effect of surface wetting property on heterogeneous gypsum formation and finds that more hydrophilic surfaces are less prone to scaling. The affinity between precursor clusters of CaSO4 and substrate surfaces is found to play a crucial role in regulating scaling propensity.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuewei Du, Kenneth H. Carlson, Tiezheng Tong
Summary: The oil and gas exploitation through hydraulic fracturing has increased energy production and water demand in the United States. Under drought conditions, the water footprint of hydraulic fracturing activities can intensify local water competition and threaten water supply. However, the reuse of flowback and produced water can effectively mitigate the water stress caused by oil and gas production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Brandi M. Grauberger, Garrett M. Cole, Cristian A. Robbins, Jason C. Quinn, Tiezheng Tong, Todd M. Bandhauer
Summary: This study systematically assesses the feasibility of using waste heat for decentralized treatment of flowback and produced water in the Denver-Julesburg Basin. The selection of appropriate energy storage material is crucial for efficiently utilizing waste heat to power membrane distillation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adit Chaudhary, Samuel T. Dunn, John Kelly, Timothy J. Hoellein
Summary: This study investigated the growth and succession of biofilm communities on plastic substrates and measured their activity and composition. The results showed an increase in biofilm biomass and enzymatic activity with biofilm development, indicating that plastic litter in streams is colonized by an active and dynamic biofilm community.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Samuel M. M. Wallace, Yuchi Zhang, Lang Zhou, Qing Ma, William E. E. Guise, Nancy D. D. Denslow, Jean-Claude Bonzongo, Jean-Francois Gaillard
Summary: Drinking water treatment residuals (DWTRs) are waste materials that can immobilize contaminants due to their strong sorptive properties. In this study, aluminum-based DWTRs were characterized using various analytical techniques. The results showed that non-coagulant additives play an important role in controlling sorption, and specific surface area measurements varied between 7.23 +/- 0.03 and 197.6 +/- 0.9 m(2) g(-1). XRD analysis revealed the presence of crystalline minerals primarily derived from source waters or additives. Fe and Mn were detected in all samples, with Mn being significant in samples with potassium permanganate as an additive. The chemical speciation of these elements was further characterized using XAS spectra.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nohyeong Jeong, Razi Epsztein, Ruoyu Wang, Shinyun Park, Shihong Lin, Tiezheng Tong
Summary: Recent studies have explored the application of machine learning in membrane separation design. This study used explainable artificial intelligence to investigate the knowledge learned by machine learning on ion transport mechanisms in polyamide membranes. The results demonstrate that machine learning can capture important factors influencing membrane separation and identify different mechanisms governing ion transport in reverse osmosis and nanofiltration.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tiezheng Tong, Xitong Liu, Tianshu Li, Shinyun Park, Bridget Anger
Summary: Membrane desalination plays an important role in ensuring sustainable freshwater supply from unconventional sources. However, organic fouling and mineral scaling greatly affect its efficiency. This review summarizes the performance of membrane desalination under combined fouling and scaling, and provides insights into the molecular interactions between organic fouling and inorganic scaling, as well as efforts to mitigate these issues through membrane materials development and pretreatment. Future research needs are also discussed to improve the efficiency and resilience of membrane desalination for complex feedwaters.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yiqun Yao, Xijia Ge, Yiming Yin, Ronny Minjarez, Tiezheng Tong
Summary: Silica scaling is a major issue in membrane desalination that affects performance and efficiency. In this study, different antiscalants were tested for their ability to mitigate silica scaling. Antiscalants with strong H-accepters and H-donors were effective against silicic acid polymerization, but their performance varied in different membrane processes. Poly(ethylene glycol) diamine (PEGD) showed promising results in both hindering silicic acid polymerization and reducing water flux decline.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nohyeong Jeong, Marin E. E. Wiltse, Aaron Boyd, Tamzin Blewett, Shinyun Park, Corey Broeckling, Thomas Borch, Tiezheng Tong
Summary: Treatment and reuse of unconventional oil and gas (UOG) produced water are crucial to addressing water scarcity and pollution issues. This study examined the effectiveness of pretreatment followed by nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) in treating UOG produced water. The results showed that the pretreatment had a minor impact, NF permeates did not meet water quality criteria, and while RO removed most contaminants, some exceeded irrigation guidelines. Thorough analysis is required to understand the feasibility and potential risks of treating UOG produced water for beneficial reuse.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Charifa A. Hejase, Katelin A. Weitzel, Sean C. Stokes, Brandi M. Grauberger, Robert B. Young, Miguel S. Arias-Paic, Minghao Kong, Soryong Chae, Todd M. Bandhauer, Tiezheng Tong, Daniel R. Herber, Sherry Stout, Ariel Miara, Zhe Huang, Anna Evans, Parthiv Kurup, Michael Talmadge, Alicen Kandt, Jennifer R. Stokes-Draut, Jordan Macknick, Thomas Borch, Dionysios D. Dionysiou
Summary: This study presents an evaluation framework to assess the potential reuse of agricultural drainage water for crop irrigation. It reviews the current state of agricultural drainage treatment and reuse and identifies barriers that can influence the reuse decision. The study finds that minimal treatment is needed for reuse of agricultural drainage in eastern states, while treatment is required for drainage in western states.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2022)
