Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhi-Wei Lin, Emma F. Shapiro, Francisco J. Barajas-Rodriguez, Arsen Gaisin, Mohamed Ateia, John Currie, Damian E. Helbling, Rosa Gwinn, Aaron I. Packman, William R. Dichtel
Summary: Trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) pose significant challenges to wastewater treatment, and cross-linked beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) polymers show promise in removing TrOCs from complex water matrices.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Feng Zhang, Hua Yang, Xiangbing Sun, Yaping Zhang, Hong Li, Yufeng He, Rongmin Wang
Summary: In this study, eco-friendly copolymers were successfully grafted onto the surface of loess particles using KH-570 as a modifier and NVP, MA, VAc, and AA as functional monomers. The resulting copolymer grafted loess particles exhibited rapid adsorption of pollutants, with removal rates of 85.22% for methylene blue and 86.01% for Cu2+. They also showed potential for comprehensive application in the removal of organic dyes and heavy metal ions, indicating their significance in wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
P. Ganesh Kumar, S. Kanmani, P. Senthil Kumar, Kowsalya Vellingiri
Summary: The main aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) combined with adsorption for the treatment of municipal wastewater. The results demonstrated that UV/PMS, O3/PMS, UV/O3/H2O2, and UV/O3/MnO2 processes combined with a glass packed bed reactor (GPBR) achieved significant removal of organic pollutants and complete inactivation of bacterial count. The combination of AOP and adsorption also resulted in reduced concentrations of by-products in the treated effluent, making it suitable for indirect potable reuse (IPR) applications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qi Wang, Kuo Fang, Conghui He, Kaijun Wang
Summary: This study aims to investigate the feasibility of ammonia removal from real wastewater by membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) on a pilot scale. The results showed that the presence of co-existing cations significantly reduced the removal efficiency and adsorption capacity of ammonia. Under optimized conditions, the MCDI system maintained a stable removal efficiency for ammonia in actual wastewater with low energy consumption.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shuai Gu, Bitian Fu, Ji-Whan Ahn, Baizeng Fang
Summary: A novel mechanism combining adsorption with chemical precipitation is proposed to interpret the removal of phosphorus with fly ash of municipal solid waste incineration. Thermodynamic modeling results demonstrate the vital roles of Ca2+ and OH- in the chemical precipitation process, with a mixed control by precipitation and adsorption observed at high phosphorus concentrations. The removal process of phosphorus with calcium-containing waste materials involves coupled reactions such as Ca(OH)(2) dissolution, hydroxyapatite precipitation, phosphorus adsorption, and carbonation, with peak removal efficiency achieved in a CO2-free atmosphere.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Zhao Tang, Ze-hua Liu, Hao Wang, Zhi Dang, Yu Liu
Summary: This study critically reviewed the occurrence and removal of 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2) in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The results showed that the concentration of EE2 in municipal wastewater was generally higher than the reported lowest-observed-effect concentration, indicating an urgent need for EE2 removal in WWTPs.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ida Sylwan, Eva Thorin
Summary: Reuse of municipal wastewater is important, but reducing metal concentrations is necessary. This study investigated the potential of using sludge-derived char (SDC) as a sorbent in primary settling to reduce metal concentrations. The results showed that the presence of dissolved organic matter in wastewater reduced Cu and Ni removal, while metal solution had higher removal rates. Addition of SDC enhanced Cd and Cu removal in primary settling, but had smaller effects on Pb, Cr, and Zn. There was an increased risk of Ni concentration in the effluent.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cindy Weng, Marlena M. Hinkle, William A. Mitch
Summary: In this study, a reductive electrochemical reactor with a stainless-steel cathode was used to degrade chloramine disinfectant residuals in municipal wastewater effluents. High degradation rates and efficiencies were achieved with a 304-grade stainless-steel cathode and a cathode with a high surface area. The electricity cost associated with this method could be comparable to the cost of purchasing sodium bisulfite in areas with low electricity costs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Cassio Moraes Schambeck, Rejane Helena Ribeiro da Costa, Nicolas Derlon
Summary: The study demonstrated that alginate-like exopolymers (ALE) hydrogels recovered from aerobic granular sludge could effectively remove phosphate from municipal wastewater. However, the removal efficiency was influenced by pH values and further improvements are needed for ALE hydrogels to be a more viable option for recovery of phosphates from wastewater.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Davide Pinelli, Alessia Foglia, Francesco Fatone, Elettra Papa, Carla Maggetti, Sara Bovina, Dario Frascari
Summary: This study experimentally verified a new method for effectively recovering ammonium from municipal wastewater. The selected sorbent demonstrated high performance and stable behavior during continuous use. The results of the study indicate significant potential for this method in the context of a circular economy approach.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. M. Monteagudo, A. Duran, V. Valderas, Xi Chen, Xiaoyang Shi
Summary: The study focused on capturing ambient air CO2 during the mineralization of synthetic urban wastewater. The UV/H2O2 degradation process was used to convert Total Organic Carbon (TOC) to carbon dioxide, and various parameters were investigated for their effects on CO2 capture and membrane reuse performance. Overall, after five cycles of adsorption and regeneration, a similar CO2 adsorption capacity was observed, with a percentage loss of around 4%.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Thomas Wagner, Fleur Rempe, Mirit Hoek, Els Schuman, Alette Langenhoff
Summary: This review analyzes the removal of micro-pollutants from effluent of conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) by different types of constructed wetlands (CWs). It was found that CW systems with organic enhanced adsorption substrates achieve the highest micropollutant removal efficiency, but the longevity of the enhanced adsorption effect is still unknown.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Conghui He, Kaijun Wang, Wenchao Wang, Kuo Fang
Summary: Membrane-based technology is preferred for municipal wastewater treatment due to its high organic retention capacity and space-saving characteristics. However, further understanding of fouling mechanisms is needed. This study investigates fouling characteristics and anti-fouling mechanisms in membrane-based primary treatment. The differences between microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hong Jin, Yali Wu, Yanzhong Li
Summary: Adsorption method is a cost-effective and widely used approach in heavy metal wastewater treatment. In this study, modified kaolin material and waterborne polyurethane were used as the adsorbents to remove Cu2+ and Pb2+ from wastewater. The modified kaolin exhibited increased layer spacing and the composite material showed improved thermal stability.
SCIENCE OF ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yirong Leng, Ana Soares
Summary: This study investigated the mechanisms of struvite production by biomineralization in municipal wastewater for five microorganisms, revealing different pathways for bio-struvite formation. Nutrient recovery through biomineralization has the potential to promote circularity within the wastewater industry, with various microorganisms showing promise for ortho-phosphate removal and bio-struvite generation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Arvin Sohrabi, Mousa Meratizaman, Shuli Liu
Summary: This paper simulates and discusses possible solutions to improve the economic and technical performances of a battery-less renewable energy-powered BWRO system under real climate conditions. The study finds that the photovoltaic-based system performs better in terms of specific energy consumption and unused energy ratio.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chunlan Pan, Xiaoyin Hu, Vishal Goyal, Theyab R. Alsenani, Salem Alkhalaf, Tamim Alkhalifah, Fahad Alturise, Hamad Almujibah, H. Elhosiny Ali
Summary: This paper introduces a novel waste heat recovery method using the hot flue gas from a ship's engine to produce liquefied hydrogen while meeting the ship's air-conditioning requirement. A comprehensive feasibility assessment is conducted and an artificial neural network with a multiobjective grey wolf optimization method is used for optimization. The findings indicate the highest mean sensitivity index of the flash temperature and the best optimization scenario for exergy efficiency, CO2 emission reduction, and liquefied hydrogen cost.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Daniele Chinello, Jan Post, Louis C. P. M. de Smet
Summary: In this study, PVDF-based anion-exchange membranes were designed to selectively separate nitrate from chloride. Experimental data showed that increasing the concentration of PVDF enhanced nitrate transport but also increased the membrane electrical resistance. The selectivity of nitrate was found to be independent of the membrane thickness and mainly driven by the increased affinity between the anion and the membrane.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Umar Noor, Muhammad Fayyaz Farid, Ammara Sharif, Amna Saleem, Zubair Nabi, Muhammad Furqan Mughal, Kiran Abbas, Toheed Ahmed
Summary: Global water scarcity is increasing, and water desalination is an important solution. Multifunctional advanced materials, such as membrane materials and solar-driven desalination, play a crucial role in water desalination. Additionally, these materials can be used for water purification, wastewater treatment, and pollutant elimination.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Emrah Gumus
Summary: With growing global concerns about climate change and environmental impacts, the use of nuclear energy in naval vessels offers a cleaner and more efficient solution to reduce emissions and address water and energy supply challenges. This study explores a novel system that combines a nuclear-driven supercritical carbon dioxide power cycle with reverse osmosis cogeneration to meet the water and electricity demands in maritime operations, enhancing the sustainability, efficiency, and self-sufficiency of naval vessels. The results indicate that the system has the potential to be a viable and effective solution for naval operations.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dao Thi Thanh Huyen, Saikat Sinha Ray, Young -Nam Kwon
Summary: This study focuses on the modification of a commercially available polyamide thin-film composite membrane with a zwitterionic material to enhance its fouling resistance. The modified membrane shows improved salt rejection and reduced permeability compared to the pristine membrane. Fouling tests demonstrate that the modified membrane has a lower fouling ratio and higher recovery ratio. The enhanced antifouling characteristics are attributed to the improved hydrophilicity resulting from the zwitterionic brushes and the salting-in effect.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Niklas Koeller, Lukas Mankertz, Selina Finger, Christian J. Linnartz, Matthias Wessling
Summary: This study presents a methodology to scale up Flow-electrode Capacitive Deionization (FCDI) technology from lab-scale to pilot-scale systems. By increasing membrane area and using a stacking approach, the FCDI modules were successfully scaled up and achieved a salt transfer rate comparable to lab-scale systems. This provides a foundation for future assessments of energy demand and economics.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mona Gulied, Sifani Zavahir, Tasneem Elmakki, Hyunwoong Park, Guillermo Hijos Gago, Ho Kyong Shon, Dong Suk Han
Summary: This study introduces a novel hybrid system that combines direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) and electrically switched ion exchange (ESIX) to facilitate seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) brine enrichment and selective lithium recovery.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhiqiang Zhang, Ruifeng Deng, Jiao Zhang, Lu She, Guangfeng Wei, Renyong Jia, Pengyu Xiang, Siqing Xia
Summary: A transmembrane electro-chemisorption system with authigenic acid and base was developed for enhancing ammonia recovery from strong ammonia wastewater. The system efficiently transformed ammonium into free ammonia, which was then adsorbed and recovered through transmembrane chemisorption. This system yielded pure (NH4)2SO4 product and produced valuable byproducts of pure hydrogen and oxygen. Higher applied voltage resulted in better ammonia recovery.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alena Popova, Sandrine Boivin, Takuji Shintani, Takahiro Fujioka
Summary: This study aimed to produce a high-integrity RO membrane by forming a polyamide skin layer on a TE support layer, in order to enhance the integrity of the membrane and improve the microbiological safety of potable water reuse.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sanjana Yagnambhatt, Saber Khanmohammadi, Jonathan Maisonneuve
Summary: This study investigates the concept of using heat to enhance reverse osmosis (RO) desalination. The effect of temperature on water permeate flux, specific energy, permeate quality, and applied operating pressures is evaluated using an analytical model. The results suggest that under specific conditions, the tradeoff between savings in mechanical pump work and thermal energy input in thermally-enhanced RO can be favorable, leading to overall energy savings.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiangju Si, Chenrui Xue, Shun Li, Linchao Yang, Weiwei Li, Jie Yang, Jihong Lan, Ningbo Sun
Summary: To meet the huge demand for lithium resources, there is an urgent need to develop a new efficient technology for lithium recovery from salt-lake brines. In this study, a selective membrane capacitive deionization system is reported, which achieves high lithium recovery capacity and rate through the use of materials with efficient intercalated pseudo-capacitance and a high specific area porous carbon. The use of a modified thin-coated membrane allows for selective Li+ recovery, and adjusting the concentrations of Li+ and Mg2+ in the feed solution enables higher Li+/Mg2+ selectivity.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mohamed R. Salem, R. Y. Sakr, Ghazy M. R. Assassa, Omar A. Aly
Summary: This research proposes a new method of using wasted thermal energies as an additional heating source for solar still distillation units (SSDUs) to increase productivity and reduce pollution and global warming. By testing two SSDUs, the study shows that heating airflow can raise temperatures, enhance freshwater production, and improve system thermal efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qimeng Sun, Miao Sun, Linyan Yang, Yuan Gao, Xinghai Zhou, Lihua Lyu, Chunyan Wei
Summary: This study presents an innovative design and fabrication of a fabric-based conical roll (FCR) evaporator, which enables low-temperature evaporation and achieves high evaporation efficiency with excellent thermal management ability. The evaporator has demonstrated advanced light-harvesting capability and can produce freshwater that meets drinking water standards, showing great potential for applications in desalination and sewage treatment.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yidong Zhang, Wangfang Deng, Meiyan Wu, Chao Liu, Guang Yu, Qiu Cui, Pedram Fatehi, Chunlin Xu, Bin Li
Summary: In this study, a novel polydopamine-functionalized lignin-containing pulp foam evaporator with high-efficiency desalination and multi-contaminant adsorption capabilities was designed. The foam evaporator showed excellent light absorption, water absorption, thermal conductivity, and chelation abilities, allowing for solar evaporation and contaminant adsorption synergistically. It also exhibited potential applications in metal ion concentration and contaminated seawater treatments, and demonstrated superior biodegradability compared to poly-styrene foam. This foam material holds promise for developing multifunctional photo-thermal systems for solar-driven water purification.