Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fernando Hymno de Souza, Bruno Segalla Pizzolatti, Mauricio Luiz Sens
Summary: Slow sand filtration is an ancient water treatment technology that is simple yet effective in removing suspended solids, bacteria, and viruses. Backwash cleaning has been proposed as an operational improvement for slow sand filters, simplifying filter cleaning without compromising water quality.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
B. L. S. Freitas, U. C. Terin, N. M. N. Fava, P. M. F. Maciel, L. A. T. Garcia, R. C. Medeiros, M. Oliveira, P. Fernandez-Ibanez, J. A. Byrne, L. P. Sabogal-Paz
Summary: Household slow sand filters (HSSF) are effective and promising point-of-use water treatment methods, with improvements made to enhance performance and user acceptability. Various HSSF models are now available, including alternatives designs and constant operation ones, in addition to the patented ones.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Daniel Valencia-Cardenas, Thatiane Souza Tavares, Rafaella Silveira, Cristina Celia Silveira Brandao, Raquel Moraes Soares, Yovanka Perez Ginoris
Summary: This study investigated the removal and effects of Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) in ripened slow sand filters (SSFs) treating water from Paranoa Lake, Brazil. The results showed that SSFs efficiently removed CYN and improved water quality parameters. The microbiota in SSFs played a crucial role in removing harmful substances.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
F. H. de Souza, P. B. Roecker, D. D. Silveira, M. L. Sens, L. C. Campos
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of backwashing on biomass in slow sand filters, finding that backwashing preserved more biomass and did not significantly disturb its structure compared to scraping. Additionally, filtered water quality was acceptable in backwashed filters, and headloss developed faster in scraped filters. The results suggest that backwashing can preserve more biomass and may lead to faster filter ripening in slow sand filtration systems.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Kaldibek Abdiyev, Seitkhan Azat, Erzhan Kuldeyev, Darkhan Ybyraiymkul, Sana Kabdrakhmanova, Ronny Berndtsson, Bostandyk Khalkhabai, Ainur Kabdrakhmanova, Shynggyskhan Sultakhan
Summary: Providing safe drinking water to people in developing countries is an urgent worldwide issue. Slow sand filters can efficiently provide safe drinking water to rural communities without central water supply, especially by acting as a biological filter. However, factors like low temperature and reduced sand depth can affect the efficiency of these filters, and further research is needed in these areas, specifically for developing countries.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chi Thanh Vu, Tingting Wu
Summary: The study found that enhanced slow sand filtration using graphene oxide-coated sand can effectively remove micropollutants and improve water quality significantly. Techno-economic analysis showed that while using GO-coated sand may increase costs, the extra cost can be kept within a reasonable range for community or household-level applications.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
B. L. S. Freitas, U. C. Terin, L. P. Sabogal-Paz
Summary: This paper investigates the performance of the Household Slow Sand Filter (HSSF) in treating surface water using two feeding strategies, intermittent (HSSF-I) and continuous (HSSF-C). The results show that HSSF-C produces higher quality filtered water in terms of turbidity, Escherichia coli, Giardia cysts, and Cryptosporidium oocysts compared to HSSF-I. However, HSSF-I is cheaper, requires less space, is easier to operate, and has lower maintenance needs than HSSF-C.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elif Ayyuce Kilinc, Aysegul Tanik, Asude Hanedar, Erdem Gorgun
Summary: This study presents the payback periods of rainwater harvesting (RWH) and graywater reuse (GWR) systems in different building typologies in Antalya Province. The cost-benefit analysis showed that these systems contribute to sustainable development goals and can serve as valuable urban-based solutions for climate change effects. The study includes surveys on water consumption and potential savings, as well as the calculation of investment and operation costs. The payback periods range from 2 to 9 years and water savings vary from 20% to 99%.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Joshua O. Ighalo, Adewale George Adeniyi, Jamiu A. Adeniran, Samuel Ogunniyi
Summary: Water quality monitoring and assessment help determine the purity and safety of water, guiding environmental engineers in identifying pollution sources and developing strategies to mitigate them. This study systematically analyzed the nature and regional distribution of pollution sources in Nigeria's surface water, groundwater, and rainwater quality, revealing that regional distribution affects pollution sources in different geopolitical zones.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Abdul Salam Khan
Summary: This study compares the performance and cost-effectiveness of rainwater harvesting systems with conventional water sources. The findings indicate that rainwater harvesting systems are more cost-effective, but need to be integrated with the government supply line for non-potable water demand.
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Joanna Bak
Summary: This article presents a SWOT analysis for rainwater utilization in cities, compiling comprehensive information and knowledge on this topic. It discusses the possibilities and challenges of introducing rainwater utilization into future cities, providing a basis for further planning.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ewa Burszta-Adamiak, Pawel Spychalski
Summary: In sustainable urban management, alternative water sources like rainwater, greywater, and groundwater are increasingly being considered. Dual water supply systems in private and public buildings are technologically feasible, with the latter recommended for larger scale use. Evaluation of a dual water supply system in a sports facility showed potential for environmental benefits and financial gains through rainwater management, highlighting the importance of well-designed water storage tanks for system efficiency.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Agnieszka Stec
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing the public perception of using rainwater or greywater as alternatives to tap water. Surveys conducted among respondents from twelve countries found that the awareness of water resources in their own country, water-saving practices at home, and attitudes towards rainwater and greywater as additional water sources influenced their opinions on alternative water systems. The results showed that only 39% of respondents were willing to use treated greywater in their households, while over 54% of respondents were not concerned about replacing tap water with rainwater. The biggest concern among respondents was the use of alternative water sources for body washing and cleaning.
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xi Bai, Inez J. T. Dinkla, Gerard Muyzer
Summary: This study found that both DNA and RNA data should be considered when studying the microbial communities in slow sand filters (SSF). The microbial communities in the Schmutzdecke layer were influenced by the influent water and shared a core microbiome among different filters. Indicator organisms associated with the age of Schmutzdecke were also identified.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Md Annaduzzaman, Luuk C. Rietveld, Bilqis Amin Hoque, Md Niamul Bari, Doris van Halem
Summary: The study found that introducing an anoxic storage step in groundwater treatment can improve arsenic removal efficiency. Although Fe2+ oxidation is relatively slow in the anoxic system, the removal efficiency of As(V) is better. Therefore, the anoxic storage system can effectively enhance the oxidation and removal efficiency of As(III).
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vitor Juste dos Santos, Maria Lucia Calijuri, Leonardo Campos de Assis
Summary: This research aimed to analyze the impact of land cover changes on energy flows and water cycle in the Sao Francisco basin. The results showed a significant loss of native vegetation and a decrease in water infiltration, while evapotranspiration and surface runoff increased, leading to a reduction in long-term water flow rate in the region.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thiago Abrantes Silva, Jackeline Siqueira de Castro, Vinicius Jose Ribeiro, Jose Ivo Ribeiro Junior, Gabriella Peterlini Tavares, Maria Lucia Calijuri
Summary: Microalgae biomass plays an important role in effluent bioremediation. It can serve as a soil biostimulant, providing nutrients and organic carbon. This study evaluated the application of microalgae biomass from meat processing industry effluent treatment on soil. Results showed that applying 2% microalgae biomass increased soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon, and enzyme activity, but did not promote higher plant growth. On the other hand, applying 0.55% biomass resulted in higher plant shoot dry matter mass.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Adriana Paulo de Sousa Oliveira, Rafaela Ribeiro Gracelli, Arthur Amaral e Silva, Vitor Juste dos Santos, Jackeline de Siqueira Castro, Maria Lucia Calijuri
Summary: Changes in land use and land cover can have significant impacts on the flow regime of a hydrographic basin. This study projected the land use and land cover for a sub-basin in Southeastern Brazil in 2030 and assessed its interference with water availability. The results showed a considerable reduction in water availability, highlighting the importance of water resources management and measures to ensure water security in the region.
GEOFISICA INTERNACIONAL
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Vicente Paulo Santana Neto, Rodrigo Vieira Leite, Vitor Juste dos Santos, Sabrina do Carmo Alves, Jackeline de Siqueira Castro, Fillipe Tamiozzo Pereira Torres, Maria Lucia Calijuri
Summary: This study compares the effectiveness of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), and Random Forest (RF) methods for forest burning susceptibility mapping. The results show that the RF method is the most effective, with good separation but low sensitivity.
FLORESTA E AMBIENTE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
B. B. Marangon, J. S. Castro, P. P. Assemany, E. A. Couto, M. L. Calijuri
Summary: The study found that the production of bio-oil from algal biomass via hydrothermal liquefaction could have potential environmental impacts, especially in terms of climate change and marine eutrophication. By optimizing reaction conditions and recycling the aqueous phase, environmental impacts can be reduced and energy balance can be improved.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Alexia Saleme Aona de Paula Pereira, Vitor Juste Dos Santos, Sabrina do Carmo Alves, Arthur Amaral e Silva, Charles Gomes Da Silva, Maria Lucia Calijuri
Summary: Rural settlements in Brazil aim to promote land distribution and the application of agrarian policy. This study evaluates the impact of agrarian reform on land redistribution, native vegetation suppression, and deforestation dynamics in the Legal Amazon.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Augusto Cesar Laviola de Oliveira, Lucas Alcantara Totola, Juliana Ferreira Lorentz, Arthur Amaral e Silva, Leticia Rodrigues de Assis, Vitor Juste dos Santos, Maria Lucia Calijuri
Summary: Brazil has a predominantly renewable energy matrix, with vast potential for solar, biomass, and wind energy generation. GIS and decision-making tools were used to propose areas for renewable energy projects in Brazil, highlighting the country's favorable geographic and productive characteristics.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Iara Barbosa Magalhaes, Jessica Ferreira, Jackeline de Siqueira Castro, Leticia Rodrigues de Assis, Maria Lucia Calijuri
Summary: This study compared the feasibility of a bubble column photobioreactor (PBR) and a high rate pond (HRP) in the treatment of wastewater from a meat processing facility. The results showed similar treatment efficiency in the two reactors, with PBR showing greater advantage in ammoniacal nitrogen assimilation and biomass production. Environmental impact assessment and energy balance comparison revealed that HRP had lower environmental burdens and better energy balance than PBR. However, both reactors have advantages when applied to different valorization routes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Adriana Paulo de Sousa Oliveira, Paula Assemany, Lidiane Covell, Gabriella Peterlini Tavares, Maria Lucia Calijuri
Summary: Despite being socially and economically important, swine farming produces wastewater with high concentrations of trace metals, posing a pollution risk. Microalgae can be used to effectively treat this wastewater and produce valuable biomass. This study investigated the effects of different zinc concentrations on the performance of high-rate algal ponds using microalgae. The results showed that high zinc concentrations inhibited nitrification but enhanced the removal of soluble phosphorus. Zinc also increased the chemical oxygen demand and had a significant contribution to biomass growth and zinc removal. The biochemical composition of the biomass was minimally affected by zinc.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
B. B. Marangon, I. B. Magalhaes, A. S. A. P. Pereira, T. A. Silva, R. C. N. Gama, J. Ferreira, J. S. Castro, L. R. Assis, J. F. Lorentz, M. L. Calijuri
Summary: Microalgae biomass is a versatile feedstock that can be converted into various types of biofuels. This study discusses the theoretical and practical conversion technologies, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness of emerging algal-based biofuels. Challenges and research opportunities for optimization and scaling-up are highlighted. Continuous operation results are needed to further develop biomethane technology, and the environmental benefits of wastewater-grown microalgae biomass are emphasized.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adriana Paulo de Sousa Oliveira, Paula Assemany, Lidiane Covell, Maria Lucia Calijuri
Summary: Microalgae cultivation in swine wastewater allows nutrient removal and biomass production. Cu contamination in the wastewater affects the growth and composition of biomass as well as nutrient removal. The concentration of Cu had a complex effect on different parameters, with 1.0 mg Cu/L stimulating microalgae growth and above 3.0 mg Cu/L causing inhibition accompanied by H2O2 accumulation. Cu also affected the lipid and carotenoid contents in the biomass, and increased Cu concentration reduced N-NH4+ removal rate but enhanced soluble P removal rate.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luis Flavio Pereira, Raphael Rivadavia Mendes Oliveira, Ditmar Bernardo Kurtz, Jackeline de Siqueira Castro, Vitor Juste dos Santos, Sabrina do Carmo Alves, Maria Lucia Calijuri
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the forest expansion over malezales for the year 2050 and its conflicts with areas of environmental interest, in order to improve land use planning and promote sustainable development.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Leticia Rodrigues de Assis, Jessica Ferreira, Paula Peixoto Assemany, Jamily Santos Teixeira, Jackeline de Siqueira Castro, Heverton Augusto Pereira, Maria Lucia Calijuri
Summary: Biofilm reactors (BRs) are being studied as a means to optimize microalgae biomass production and overcome harvesting bottlenecks. Hybrid systems (HS), which combine BRs with conventional systems, have been developed. A study was conducted to evaluate the environmental viability of different configurations of this technology.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alexia Saleme Aona de Paula Pereira, Iara Barbosa Magalhaes, Jessica Ferreira, Jackeline de Siqueira Castro, Maria Lucia Calijuri
Summary: The environmental performance of an organomineral fertilizer composed of urea and microalgae biomass (MB) grown in wastewater was evaluated. The results indicated that MB-based fertilizer improved the environmental performance by up to 38.65% compared to chemical fertilizer.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Matheus Quintao Braga, Leticia Rodrigues de Assis, Vinicius Jose Ribeiro, Miriam Costa Fateixa Reis, Maria Lucia Calijuri, Paula Peixoto Assemany
Summary: The study evaluated the treatment of domestic sewage using paint booth effluent as a carbon source through microalgae biotechnology. Different mixtures of paint booth effluent and domestic sewage were assessed in high-rate algal ponds, with the blend containing 18.75% paint booth effluent and 81.25% domestic sewage showing the highest biomass productivity. The addition of paint booth effluent improved the bioremediation performance and increased nutrient and organic matter removal efficiencies.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yui Kawasaki, Sayaka Nagao-Sato, Misa Shimpo, Kahori Fujisaki, Emi Yoshii, Rie Akamatsu, Petra Warschburger
Summary: This study qualitatively describes sustainable dietary behaviors (SDBs) that Japanese and German adults can implement in their lives, and quantitatively compares the similarities and differences in understanding SDBs between the two samples. The study found that Japanese participants were more focused on food waste prevention, while German participants were more focused on solving environmental problems.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kechun Chen, Yuan Ding, Liming Yang, Zhihao Wang, Haoxuan Yu, Difan Fang, Yufa Feng, Liying Hu, Chenxi Xu, Penghui Shao, Xubiao Luo, Liang Chen
Summary: This study proposes a targeted repair scheme for the recovery of graphite anodes from spent LIBs by systematically characterizing and analyzing the structure and composition of spent graphite (SG). The results show that the repair scheme achieves effective SG repair and the repaired graphite anode displays excellent lithium storage performance.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Takao Ueda, Shigeki Koyanaka, Tatsuya Oki
Summary: Fires caused by accidental crushing of batteries are a serious issue in the e-waste recycling process. A new in-line sorting system that uses X-ray scanning and deep learning has been developed to accurately detect batteries. Through a validation study, the system achieved higher accuracy compared to other existing programs.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannes Geist, Frank Balle
Summary: Research on circular economy often lacks empirical data, especially in the theory of circular process design and design for remanufacturing. This study systematically collected and analyzed engineering data on seven remanufacturing processes in the European automotive remanufacturing industry for the first time, providing empirical support for circular engineering challenges, potentials, and solutions.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Li, Fan Lue, Nanlin Liao, Hua Zhang, Na Yang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study assesses and predicts the greenhouse gas emissions on the timeline as waste treatment technologies develop in Shanghai from 1991 to 2025 using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The findings demonstrate that GHG emission has reached net-zero in 2019 owing to the application of alternative technologies and waste segregation.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingchun Liu, Haoyang Wang, Xiaoqin Liang, Yibo Wang, Zijie Feng
Summary: The expansion of the photovoltaic market has resulted in a significant increase in PV waste. Therefore, conducting scientific research to determine the importance of the circular economy for sustainable growth in the PV industry is essential. The study demonstrates that accurate prediction of PV installed capacity and quantifying the importance of recycling in balancing the supply and demand of raw materials can be achieved through a multi-factor installed capacity prediction model and recovery potential prediction.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Chuanzhen Zhang, Baojing Gu, Xia Liang, Shu Kee Lam, Yi Zhou, Deli Chen
Summary: Reactive nitrogen is crucial for agriculture and human nutrition, but mismanagement can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystem services, hindering the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Progress towards nitrogen-related targets varies across countries, highlighting the need for integrated management to achieve overall synergies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Gatto, Marijke Kuiper, Corina van Middelaar, Hans van Meijl
Summary: This study examines the economic and environmental effects of transitioning towards more circular food systems in the European Union (EU27) by feeding animals with low-opportunity-cost feed and better utilizing local feed resources. The results show that providing subsidies for circularity and promoting the use of low-cost feed can increase animal production, but also have negative impacts on land use and emissions. On the other hand, promoting domestic feed sourcing through import tariffs can decrease animal production and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. However, complementary policies are needed to mitigate drawbacks and enhance benefits of a more circular agri-food system.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinbo Zhang, Liu Chen, Yulei Xie, Pingjian Yang, Zheng Li, Huaicheng Guo, Yang Zhang, Lirong Liu
Summary: This study examines the impact of carbon taxes on low-carbon development and climate change mitigation. By constructing a cross-system bi-layer model, the study finds that reasonable carbon taxes can promote the stability of the energy network, reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants, and optimize production efficiency and the structure of the energy system. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects and implementation pathways of carbon taxes.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantin Born, Mehmet Metehan Ciftci
Summary: Increasing recycling of metals is important for reducing reliance on mining, but it cannot fully meet future metal demand. Primary production of metals is expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for alternative circular economy strategies such as demand reduction and mitigating harmful impacts of primary metal production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yinqiu Ma, Lin Huang, Jiahui Li, Wei Cao, Yumei Cai
Summary: Afforestation and reforestation, such as China's Grain for Green Program, have shown to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the significant carbon potential of the program and its potential application in other countries to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arlind Dervishaj, Kjartan Gudmundsson
Summary: This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment and provides suggestions. The study identifies limitations in the functionalities of current tools, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. Further development is needed in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohamadreza Y. Azarfam, Anuj Maheshwari, Frank D. Blum, Siddhesh Chaudhari, Clinton Switzer, Ranji Vaidyanathan, Jay C. Hanan, Sudheer Bandla
Summary: This study introduces a feasible method for manufacturing recycled composites using post-consumer carpets and recycled resin. The resulting composites have impressive strength and modulus, surpassing commercial thermoplastics and making them suitable for structural applications. This research presents a promising approach to address carpet landfilling and reduce reliance on additives.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pujiang Shi, Tianle Huang, Hong Kit Lim, Chiew Kei Tan, Jong-Min Lee, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: This study developed a highly porous bioadaptive 3D sponge-like construct from plastic materials in discarded keyboards for advanced in vitro applications. The findings demonstrate the potential of using discarded keyboards as a waste-to-resource feedstock to achieve waste reduction and maximize value-capture.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kuo-Jui Wu, Hailing Qiu, Caiyan Huang, Anthony S. F. Chiu, Ming-Lang Tseng
Summary: Government resource allocation practices for achieving carbon neutrality should be guided by dynamic system theory to identify potential dynamics. Carbon intensity control dynamics have a significant influence on other dynamics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)