Article
Thermodynamics
Ammar Alkhalidi, Suhil Kiwan, Abdullah Al-Hayajneh
Summary: The freezing desalination process for brackish water is a developed technology with low energy consumption, and the experimental results show that high-quality drinking water can be achieved.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Abderrahim Maftouh, Omkaltoume El Fatni, Siham Bouzekri, Fateme Rajabi, Mika Sillanpaa, Muhammad Hammad Butt
Summary: Disparities in rainfall distribution and drought have led to the depletion of groundwater reservoirs in many places, while improper disposal of waste has resulted in poor water drainage and quality deterioration. Desalination, particularly through solar-powered methods, has been identified as an effective solution for treating unconventional water sources. This article summarizes the challenges and future prospects associated with solar-powered desalination units, as well as discusses hybrid technologies like solar-wind desalination and RO-ED crystallizer technology in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinhong Dai, Mingzhi Huang, Kwan San Hui, Denis Y. W. Yu, Dongliang Yan, Kwun Nam Hui, Swee Ching Tan, Liguo Zhang, Fuming Chen
Summary: This study effectively reduced the salt concentration through a dialysis desalination process driven by temperature difference, showing potential for freshwater obtainment using waste heat.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fatima Elazhar, Maryem Elazhar, Nawal El Filali, Sakina Belhamidi, Azzedine Elmidaoui, Mohamed Taky
Summary: The study compared the performance of different seawater desalination combinations, concluding that the NF-RO hybrid system is more advantageous for providing permeate quality suitable for drinking water, while ferric chloride is more effective and cost-efficient in reducing turbidity.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Seyed Mohammad Montazeri, Georgios Kolliopoulos
Summary: Desalination processes are essential for addressing the energy-water-environment nexus and water scarcity globally. Hydrate based desalination (HBD) is an innovative method that can efficiently desalinate various salinity streams and recover clean water in the form of gas hydrates. HBD shows strong potential as an energy efficient and selective desalination method, contributing to the overall sustainability of the energy-water-environment nexus.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Oh Kyung Choi, Jun Ho Seo, Gyeong Soo Kim, Zachary Hendren, Gyu Dong Kim, Dooil Kim, Jae Woo Lee
Summary: Solvent extraction desalination is a liquid-liquid separation technique that selectively extracts freshwater from high saline water, with dipropylamine identified as the best solvent. Water recovery efficiency improves with increased mixing time, intensity, and separation temperature, while salt removal efficiency primarily relies on the characteristics of the solvent.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Liana Badea, Mariana Claudia Mungiu-Pupazan
Summary: Despite controversies surrounding Bitcoin's high energy consumption and negative environmental impact, it continues to be widely used in the economic environment for various purposes. The trend of increasing regulation in different countries suggests that Bitcoin is gaining legitimacy, despite criticism.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maria L. Vera, Walter R. Torres, Claudia I. Galli, Alexandre Chagnes, Victoria Flexer
Summary: This Review analyzes the environmental impacts of direct lithium extraction technologies, including the requirements for fresh water, chemicals, energy consumption, and waste generation. Future research should focus on conducting tests on real brines and achieving competitiveness in multiple performance indicators simultaneously.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jian Wang, Zhenglu Shi, Jie Fang, Benli Chu, Na Li, Lingling Shui, Guannan Wang, Fuming Chen
Summary: Flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) is a promising technology for efficient desalination, and the novel nanoporous carbon polyhedron (NCP) material shows higher capacitance and surface area than traditional activated carbon (AC), leading to improved desalination performance.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Li Wang, Sohum K. Patel, Menachem Elimelech
Summary: Electrodialysis (ED) is an electro-driven desalination technology that relies on the selective transport of ions through ion exchange membranes. A simple correlation equation derived using equivalent circuit analogue method accurately predicts the specific energy consumption of ED across various operational parameters, showing excellent agreement with Nernst-Planck ion-transport models and experimental data. The correlation equation highlights the tradeoff between the thermodynamic energy efficiency and desalination rate of the ED process.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wei He, Gan Huang, Christos N. Markides
Summary: Solar desalination is a sustainable solution for global water scarcity, especially in remote areas of developing countries. The integration of solar photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) with desalination can improve the efficiency, productivity, and independence of solar desalination processes. The combination of electrical and thermal energy outputs from PVT panels can catalyze the improvement of solar energy efficiency, specific energy consumption, water production, and operational independence for off-grid applications. Our analysis suggests that PVT-desalination can be a more cost-effective and sustainable solution compared to current solar PV-desalination and ST-desalination.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eva M. Deemer, Pei Xu, Rafael Verduzco, William Shane Walker
Summary: Electro-driven separation processes have the potential to provide energy-efficient and selective water treatment options, enhancing the sustainability of water resources.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Business, Finance
Pooja Kumari, Vasanthi Mamidala, Kavita Chavali, Abhishek Behl
Summary: This study investigates the association between energy consumption in Bitcoin mining and energy indices, as well as the moderating effect of COVID-19 on this relationship. The findings suggest that before the pandemic, the relationship between Bitcoin mining and the clean energy index was significant, but after the pandemic, the association with the dirty energy index became more significant. These findings provide insights for investors and policymakers regarding the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining.
INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF ECONOMICS & FINANCE
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bahram Jalili, Amirhossein Rezaeian, Payam Jalili, Davood Domiri Ganji
Summary: This research investigates the integration of the absorption cooling-desalination (ACD) hybrid system and reverse osmosis method for the treatment of reverse osmosis output brine. The results show that the combined method increases recovery rate by 72% and reduces electrical energy consumption by 49%.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Manul Amarakoon, Hussain Alenezi, Shervanthi Homer-Vanniasinkam, Mohan Edirisinghe
Summary: This review examines the environmental effects of producing polymer-solvent solutions and manufacturing polymeric fibers. It concludes that pressurized gyration is the most environmentally efficient method and suggests the use of sustainable polymers and solvents to enhance environmental benefits.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Correction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Samir I. Meramo-Hurtado, Eduardo Sanchez-Tuiran, Jose Maria Ponce-Ortega, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi, Karina Angelica Ojeda-Delgado
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amr A. Farouk, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi, Dominic C. Y. Foo, Irene Mei Leng Chew
Summary: The optimization of a carbon-hydrogen-oxygen symbiosis network (CHOSYN) through an eco-industrial park concept offers a sustainable approach to converting industrial wastes into value-added chemicals. By incorporating economic, sustainability, and safety objectives into the design, along with optimizing chemical pathways, product allocation, and plant participation, a comprehensive solution can be achieved that meets multiple criteria for industrial parks.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ahmad Al-Douri, Abdulrahman S. Alsuhaibani, Margaux Moore, Rasmus B. Nielsen, Amro A. El-Baz, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi
Summary: The paper discusses the substantial increases in shale gas production due to advances in hydraulic fracturing, with a key opportunity being the use of liquified natural gas (LNG) as a shipping fuel for sustainable development. Research shows that incorporating renewable energy in LNG production can further reduce emissions compared to conventional fuels.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rajib Mukherjee, Urmila M. Diwekar
Summary: In this study, a new algorithmic framework was proposed to address parameter optimization under metamodel uncertainty for BTEX emission mitigation in natural gas processing. Utilizing data-driven metamodeling and metaheuristic optimization, the BONUS algorithm was employed to determine optimal process conditions, resulting in significant BTEX emission reduction.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tania Itzel Serrano-Arevalo, Luis Fernando Lira-Barragan, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi, Jose Maria Ponce-Ortega
Summary: This paper presents a mathematical programming approach for managing wastewater in shale gas production. The approach considers the variability of wastewater characteristics and seasonal variabilities in freshwater availability, aiming to achieve economic and environmental objectives through stream segregation and water reuse.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fahad M. Al-Fadhli, Nawaf Alhajeri, Hisham Ettouney, Debalina Sengupta, Mark Holtzapple, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi
Summary: This paper investigates the goals of sustainable water and energy production and proposes a novel systems-integration approach. Using the case study of the Kuwait water-energy nexus, it explores optimized design and operational strategies to meet economic and environmental objectives.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Juan Jose Olivarez-Areyan, Sandra Cecilia Cerda-Flores, Fabricio Napoles-Rivera, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi
Summary: This work presents an optimization model for macroscopic water networks, considering wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting, allocation, and recycle/reuse. The systematic optimization approach provides rigorous trade-offs and synergistic opportunities for the design and operation of the macroscopic water system while considering multiple intertwined objectives.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
N. J. Chrisandina, S. Vedant, E. Iakovou, E. N. Pistikopoulos, M. M. El-Halwagi
Summary: This article discusses the challenges faced by energy supply chain resilience and the necessity of adopting a multi-scale approach. The authors propose a framework for energy supply chain resilience and list four scales of operation.
COMPUTERS & CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Cesar Ramirez-Marquez, Musaed M. Al-Thubaiti, Mariano Martin, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi, Jose Maria Ponce-Ortega
Summary: Nowadays, industrial processes need to meet market demands and be sustainable. Process intensification (PI) offers opportunities to enhance process performance and achieve sustainability objectives. PI can be achieved through reducing resource consumption, increasing efficiency, downsizing equipment, improving throughput, and reducing environmental emissions. This perspective article discusses the background, challenges, and opportunities of PI in order to identify options for enhanced sustainability. It also explores emerging tools that can help intensify conventional processes and improve sustainable performance.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Moises Ferreyra-Quiroz, Luis Fernando Lira-Barragan, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi, Jose Maria Ponce-Ortega
Summary: This paper proposes a mathematical programming formulation to optimize the configuration of water and CO2 in shale gas hydraulic fracturing operations. The aim is to minimize the total annual cost while considering water availability and CO2 generation. The results show that increasing the percentage of CO2 in the fracturing fluid can reduce freshwater requirements but increases the overall cost, and the availability of freshwater has an impact on the optimization.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Francisco Javier Lopez-Flores, Luis Fernando Lira-Barragan, Eusiel Rubio-Castro, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi, Jose Maria Ponce-Ortega
Summary: In this study, deep learning models based on a multilayer perceptron are developed to forecast 12 month cumulative produced shale gas and 90 day produced flowback water using data from the Eagle Ford Formation. These models provide important references for decision-makers in drilling new wells. Input variables such as latitude, longitude, true vertical depth, lateral longitude, total proppant, and total fracture water are used. The trained models are then evaluated in the Burgos Basin to analyze energy benefits, freshwater consumption, and flowback water produced through well drilling in Mexico. The results show that the multilayer perceptron models perform well with high coefficient of determination and low mean absolute error values for the validation set.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francisco Javier Lopez-Flores, Luis Fernando Lira-Barragan, Eusiel Rubio-Castro, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi, Jose Maria Ponce-Ortega
Summary: This paper proposes a novel mathematical programming approach that combines mixed-integer nonlinear programming with machine learning models for determining operating conditions, gas production, and optimal water management in shale gas fields during the completion phase. The dataset used for developing the artificial neural network model is collected from the Eagle Ford Texas formation, selecting total cumulative gas production and flowback water as output variables. The mathematical optimization model considers machine learning models, mass balances, treatment, storage, reuse, and disposal options, as well as well location selection and economic indicators from shale gas sales. A case study demonstrates the benefits of the proposed approach, which achieves a water consumption of 6.71 L/GJ and allows for 27% of the required fracture water to be obtained through flowback water reuse, with attractive economic indicators.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Saul Herrera-Ovando, Arturo Jimenez-Gutierrez, Nikolaos K. Kazantzis, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi
Summary: This study presents a probabilistic approach for inherent process safety assessment, which takes into account uncertainties and provides a more accurate evaluation and characterization of inherent process safety during the design stage of chemical processes.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Eman Aldamigh, Sarbajit Banerjee, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi
Summary: Municipal solid waste (MSW) is an important resource for biomass-based monetization and decarbonization. This study combines MSW utilization with solar-assisted electrolysis to generate green hydrogen and oxygen. The results show the tradeoffs of various design and operating strategies in terms of profitability and environmental impact.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Helen H. Lou, Rajib Mukherjee, Zhenyu Wang, Tim Olsen, Urmila Diwekar, Sidney Lin
Summary: Due to stricter environmental regulations, there is an increasing demand for adaptable and feasible environmental monitoring in the process industry and surrounding communities. Alternative technologies based on IIoT and AI enable proactive environmental and asset integrity management. This study reviews the emerging trend and various applications of IIoT and advanced data analytics methodologies in environmental monitoring, and discusses challenges and research needs in sensor placement.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Toshimi Nakajima, Mao Kuragano, Makoto Yamada, Ryo Sugimoto
Summary: This study compared the contribution of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to river nutrient budgets at nearshore and embayment scales, and found that SGD-derived nutrients become more important at larger spatial scales.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fan Liu, Lei Zhang, Chongyang Zhang, Ziguang Chen, Jingguang Li
Summary: NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves used for household heating have become a significant source of indoor pollution in Chinese urban areas. The high indoor concentration of NO2 poses potential health risks to residents. It is urgently necessary to establish relevant regulations and implement emission reduction technologies to reduce NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Letter
Environmental Sciences
Hans Peter H. Arp, Raoul Wolf, Sarah E. Hale, Sivani Baskaran, Juliane Gluege, Martin Scheringer, Xenia Trier, Ian T. Cousins, Harrie Timmer, Roberta Hofman-Caris, Anna Lennquist, Andre D. Bannink, Gerard J. Stroomberg, Rosa M. A. Sjerps, Rosa Montes, Rosario Rodil, Jose Benito Quintana, Daniel Zahn, Herve Gallard, Tobias Mohr, Ivo Schliebner, Michael Neumann
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Philomina Onyedikachi Peter, Binessi Edouard Ifon, Francois Nkinahamira, Kayode Hassan Lasisi, Jiangwei Li, Anyi Hu, Chang-Ping Yu
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between dissolved organic matter (DOM) and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in sediments from Yundang Lagoon, China. The results show four distinct fluorescent components, with protein-like substances being the most prevalent. Additionally, the total fluorescence intensity and LREE concentrations exhibit a synchronized increase from Outer to Inner to Songbai Lake core sediments. The findings demonstrate a strong correlation between DOM content and pollution levels.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Surya Gupta, Pasquale Borrelli, Panos Panagos, Christine Alewell
Summary: The objective of this study is to incorporate soil hydraulic properties into the erodibility factor (K) of USLE-type models. By modifying and improving the existing equations for soil texture and permeability, the study successfully included information on saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) into the calculation of K factor. Using the Random Forest machine learning algorithm, two independent K factor maps with different spatial resolutions were generated. The results show that the decrease in K factor values has a positive impact on the modeling of soil erosion rates.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jesmin Akter, Wendy J. M. Smith, Yawen Liu, Ilho Kim, Stuart L. Simpson, Phong Thai, Asja Korajkic, Warish Ahmed
Summary: The choice of workflow in wastewater surveillance has a significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 concentrations, while having minimal effects on HF183 and no effect on HAdV 40/41 concentrations. Certain components in the workflow can be interchangeable, but factors such as buffer type, chloroform, and homogenization speed can affect the recovery of viruses and bacteria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Luo, Xueting Yang, Diwei Wang, Hongmei Xu, Hongai Zhang, Shasha Huang, Qiyuan Wang, Ningning Zhang, Junji Cao, Zhenxing Shen
Summary: Atmospheric PM2.5, which can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), is associated with cardiorespiratory morbidity and mortality. The study found that both the mass concentration of PM2.5 and the DTT activity were higher during the heating season than during the nonheating season. Combustion sources were the primary contributors to DTT activity during the heating season, while secondary formation dominated during the nonheating season. The study also revealed that biomass burning had the highest inherent oxidation potential among all sources investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erin L. Murphy, Leah R. Gerber, Chelsea M. Rochman, Beth Polidoro
Summary: Plastic pollution has devastating consequences for marine organisms. This study uses a trait-based framework to develop a vulnerability index for marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles in Hawai'i. The index ranks 63 study species based on their vulnerability to macroplastic pollution, providing valuable information for species monitoring and management priorities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kenji Maurice, Amelia Bourceret, Sami Youssef, Stephane Boivin, Liam Laurent-Webb, Coraline Damasio, Hassan Boukcim, Marc-Andre Selosse, Marc Ducousso
Summary: Growing pressure from climate change and agricultural land use is destabilizing soil microbial community interactions. Little is known about microbial community resistance and adaptation to disturbances, hindering our understanding of recovery latency and implications for ecosystem functioning. This study found that anthropic disturbance and natural disturbance have different effects on the topology and stability of soil microbial networks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunhao Li, Yali Feng, Haoran Li, Yisong Yao, Chenglong Xu, Jinrong Ju, Ruiyu Ma, Haoyu Wang, Shiwei Jiang
Summary: Deep-sea mining poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and human health by disturbing sediment and transmitting metal ions through the food chain. This study developed a new regenerative adsorption material, OMN@SA, which effectively removes metal ions. The adsorption mechanism and performance of the material for metal ion fixation were investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Medici, Margherita Lavorgna, Marina Isidori, Chiara Russo, Elena Orlo, Giovanni Luongo, Giovanni Di Fabio, Armando Zarrelli
Summary: Valsartan, a widely used antihypertensive drug, has been detected in high concentrations in surface waters due to its unchanged excretion and incomplete degradation in wastewater treatment plants. This study investigated the degradation of valsartan and identified 14 degradation byproducts. The acute and chronic toxicity of these byproducts were evaluated in key organisms in the freshwater trophic chain.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiang Lin, Lianbao Chi, Qing Yuan, Busu Li, Mingbao Feng
Summary: This study investigated the photodegradation behavior and product formation of two representative pharmaceuticals in simulated estuary water. The study found that the formed transformation products of these pharmaceuticals have potential toxicity on marine organisms, including oxidative stress and damage to cellular components.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hua Fang, Dongdong Jiang, Ye He, Siyi Wu, Yuehong Li, Ziqi Zhang, Haoting Chen, Zixin Zheng, Yan Sun, Wenxiang Wang
Summary: This study revealed that exposure to lower levels of air pollutants led to decreased pregnancy rates, with PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO emerging as the four most prominent pollutants. Individuals aged 35 and above exhibited heightened susceptibility to pollutants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ali Shaan Manzoor Ghumman, Rashid Shamsuddin, Amin Abbasi, Mohaira Ahmad, Yoshiaki Yoshida, Abdul Sami, Hamad Almohamadi
Summary: In this study, inverse vulcanized polysulfides (IVP) were synthesized by reacting molten sulfur with 4-vinyl benzyl chloride, and then functionalized using N-methyl D-glucamine (NMDG). The functionalized IVP showed a high mercury adsorption capacity and a machine learning model was developed to predict the amount of mercury removed. Furthermore, the functionalized IVP can be regenerated and reused, providing a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rita Bonfiglio, Renata Sisto, Stefano Casciardi, Valeria Palumbo, Maria Paola Scioli, Erica Giacobbi, Francesca Servadei, Gerry Melino, Alessandro Mauriello, Manuel Scimeca
Summary: This study investigated the presence of aluminum in human colon cancer samples and its potential association with biological processes involved in cancer progression. Aluminum was found in tumor areas of 24% of patients and was associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell death. Additional analyses revealed higher tumor mutational burden and mutations in genes related to EMT and apoptosis in aluminum-positive colon cancers. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of aluminum toxicity may improve strategies for the management of colon cancer patients.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)