Article
Environmental Sciences
Regiane D. F. Rios, Patricia J. B. Bueno, Julio C. S. Terra, Flavia C. C. Moura
Summary: Adsorption on activated carbon derived from macauba palm waste was used to remove Zn, Cd, and Pb ions from aqueous solutions. The adsorbents exhibited high adsorption capacities and could be reused multiple times. Surface modification of the activated carbon facilitated its use, recovery, and reuse.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lubna Jaber, Ihsanullah Ihsanullah, Ismail W. Almanassra, Sumina Namboorimadathil Backer, Alaa Abushawish, Abdelrahman K. A. Khalil, Hussain Alawadhi, Abdallah Shanableh, Muataz Ali Atieh
Summary: In this study, a low-cost Fe2O3 nanoparticle doped granular activated carbon (Fe-GAC) was prepared and used for the removal of lead and chromium ions from water. Fe-GAC 5 showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 11.9 mg g(-1) for Pb(II) and 22.1 mg g(-1) for Cr(T). Fe-GAC 5 can be regenerated and reused using 1.0 M HCl. It effectively reduced heavy metal loading in actual brackish water.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ziming Zhao, Wenjun Sun, Madhumita B. Ray
Summary: In this study, the relative removal efficiency of AOM and humic acid by granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption was determined through batch experiments. The adsorption data fit Freundlich isotherm models and pseudo-second order kinetic models well. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that GAC adsorption for DOM removal was endothermic and spontaneous.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peng Zhao, Zhanbin Huang, Qian Ma, Bolun Zhang, Ping Wang
Summary: In this study, artificial humic acid (A-HA) was prepared from food wastes and used to remove Pb (II) and Cd (II) from aqueous solution. A-HA exhibited superior adsorption for Pb (II) compared to Cd (II). The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-first-order model, and the adsorption capacities increased with initial concentration before stabilizing.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yanan Chen, Yunkun Qian, Jiaxin Ma, Mengjun Mao, Linping Qian, Dong An
Summary: This study systematically evaluated the concurrent adsorption of humic acid (HA) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) by powdered activated carbon (PAC) in water. It was found that the presence of humic acid significantly enhanced the adsorption of both HA and Cr(VI). The promotion effect of humic acid on Cr(VI) removal was found to decrease with increasing pH. The cooperative adsorption mechanism was attributed to the formation of Cr(VI)-HA and Cr(III)-HA complexes that were readily adsorbed on the PAC surfaces.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhen Zhang, Tao Wang, Huixue Zhang, Yonghong Liu, Baoshan Xing
Summary: Magnetized activated carbons (MAC) prepared from rape straw powder showed high adsorption capacities for Pb(II) and Cd(II) due to surface active points, with adsorption behavior conforming to the Freundlich model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic parameters indicated spontaneous and endothermic reactions. Adjusting the pH of the solution could enhance adsorption capacity, but competitive adsorption occurred in the presence of high-valent ions. Adsorption mechanisms included electrostatic attraction, surface complexation, and co-precipitation. The MAC material showed potential for heavy metal ion removal from aqueous solutions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ayesha Gul, Azman Ma'amor, Nader Ghaffari Khaligh, Nurhidayatullaili Muhd Julkapli
Summary: This review explores the applications of activated carbon (AC) using adsorption technology in wastewater treatment, specifically targeting heavy metals and dyes. AC exhibits high adsorption efficiency, non-toxicity, and sustainability, making it a promising material for commercial applications. However, there are still limitations in its current usage, and further research is needed to develop simple and cost-effective synthesis methods and study its performance in real wastewater systems.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tianting Pang, Frank Marken, Dengsong Zhang, Junjie Shen
Summary: This study reveals for the first time the impact of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on fluoride removal by membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI). The results show that DIC species decrease fluoride removal, while DOC has an insignificant impact at a moderate concentration.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qi Wang, Frederik Zietzschmann, Roberta Hofman-Caris, Nan Jiang, Jonas Schuster, Zheng Wang, Jianwei Yu, Min Yang, Luuk C. Rietveld
Summary: It was found that dissolved organic matter (DOM) in natural water has ubiquitous competitiveness against organic micropollutants (OMPs) during adsorption onto activated carbon. However, not all adsorbable DOM fractions are competitive. The poorly adsorbable DOM was shown to be a non-competitive co-adsorbate and can even enhance the adsorption capacity of certain OMPs. The amount of DOM competitors increased for weaker adsorbable OMPs and at higher initial OMP concentrations.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Meichen Wang, Gopal Bera, Kusumica Mitra, Terry L. Wade, Anthony H. Knap, Timothy D. Phillips
Summary: The study demonstrated that medical grade activated carbon and acid processed montmorillonite clay have strong adsorption capabilities for heavy metals, and can prevent toxicity in a simulated gastrointestinal tract. In vivo experiments showed that medical grade activated carbon effectively protected Hydra vulgaris from the impacts of heavy metals, exhibiting good safety and protective effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yu Ning, Zhiqiang Luo, Yilian Li, Zhe Yang, Danqing Liu, Yangyang Zhang
Summary: The study investigated the leachability of uranium from coal using sodium carbonate-bicarbonate mixtures and the dissolution of coal humic substances in the leaching process. It was found that under optimal conditions, the leaching efficiency of uranium from coal increased with temperature and leaching agent concentration. The dissolution of HA-like substances was hypothesized to be a key factor in the alkaline leaching of uranium from coal, as indicated by the significant correlation between uranium concentration and fluorescence components in the leachate.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guangdou Qi, Zhifei Pan, Xueyang Zhang, Shuaishuai Chang, Hongbo Wang, Min Wang, Wei Xiang, Bin Gao
Summary: Microwave biochar produced with activated carbon catalyst shows excellent potential in removing heavy metals from waste water due to its high specific surface area and adsorption capacity. The optimum pH value for heavy metal removal is between 5-6, and Pb2+ exhibits the strongest affinity. The adsorption process is mainly explained by monolayer adsorption and chemical adsorption mechanisms. Complexation with oxygen-containing functional groups and precipitation with carbonate are the predominant adsorption mechanisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bahar Meryemoglu, Burcak Kaya Ozsel
Summary: The goal of this research was to evaluate waste lignocellulosic materials for the production of humic acid (HA) as an effective and low-cost adsorbent for heavy metals removal from water. The chemical structure and adsorption efficiency of humic acids obtained from different lignocellulosic sources were compared. The results showed that humic acid derived from corn straw had higher adsorption efficiency for Cu ions, while the adsorption of Ni ions was lower. This study suggests that lignocellulosic-derived humic acids can be used as efficient adsorbents for removing heavy metals from water with low concentrations of metal ions.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Indira Chimanlal, Mahadi Lesaoana, Heidi Richards
Summary: In this study, Macadamia-derived activated carbon was used to remediate selected heavy metals from wastewater samples. It was found that the modified activated carbon displayed higher removal efficiencies and adsorption capacities compared to the unmodified activated carbon.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaolong Shen, Tariq Hussain, Micala Mitchek, Joe Wong, Danny Reible
Summary: Activated carbon is widely used in water treatment for sorption of organic contaminants and as in-situ treatment for legacy contaminants. This study investigates the kinetics of PCB adsorption onto two forms of activated carbon (granular and powdered) over a period of 52 weeks. The results show that equilibrium adsorption is achieved much faster with powdered activated carbon compared to granular activated carbon.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dinushika Ekanayake, Paripurnanda Loganathan, Mohammad Abu Hasan Johir, Jaya Kandasamy, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Summary: The research found that adding 10% zeolite to the soil-based filter can extend the saturation period to 24 hours. Additionally, the filter showed high removal efficiency for some heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, especially after adding zeolite. Proper use of this technology can significantly improve stormwater treatment efficiency.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Paripurnanda Loganathan, Jaya Kandasamy, Shahzad Jamil, Harsha Ratnaweera, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Summary: Elevated concentrations of natural organic matter (NOM) and organic micropollutants (OMPs) can contaminate drinking water. Current water treatment technologies are not always successful in removing all their constituents. Ozonation and adsorption are two advanced processes used to treat NOM and OMPs, but their efficiency is limited due to the diverse characteristics of the components. Integration of these processes has shown progress but further improvement is needed.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ugyen Dorji, Pema Dorji, Hokyong Shon, Umakant Badeti, Cheki Dorji, Chimi Wangmo, Leonard Tijing, Jaya Kandasamy, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran, Amit Chanan, Sherub Phuntsho
Summary: This study utilized a 1000 L/d capacity one-off on-site wastewater treatment system as an alternative to the conventional treatment in urban Bhutan, achieving national effluent discharge limits for most parameters but falling short in Escherichia coli removal. The economic analysis showed that the alternative system could be cost-effective for over 50 users compared to the current predominant on-site system.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Thi Hai Nguyen, Seongchul Ryu, Paripurnanda Loganathan, Jaya Kandasamy, Tien Vinh Nguyen, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Summary: In this study, a natural laterite adsorbent from Vietnam was investigated for its potential application in removing arsenic contamination from drinking water supplies. The adsorbent exhibited good adsorption capacity for arsenic and the study also developed a model to predict the adsorption performance in column experiments and filters.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nathaporn Areerachakul, Jaya Kandasamy
Summary: This study presents the development of an integrated design framework for managing the design of communal wastewater treatment plant. The framework includes technical, environmental, social, and economic modules to address the challenges of incorporating Local Agenda 21 and triple bottom line reporting. Stabilization pond treatment was identified as the most appropriate solution in terms of performance, operability, and user costs.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY WATER AND ENVIRONMENT SYSTEMS-JSDEWES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nam P. T. Nguyen, Albert Sultana, Nathaporn Areerachakul, Jaya Kandasamy
Summary: The adoption of permeable interlocking concrete pavement systems (PICPs) in Australia has been slow despite their benefits. This study provides evidence of the long-term efficiency of PICPs through field measurements in Sydney and Wollongong. The high infiltration rates of PICPs under various conditions were demonstrated, with influences of factors like installation age, slope, and tree cover explored.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muna Pradhan, Md Abu Hasan Johir, Jaya Kandasamy, Harsha Ratnaweera, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Summary: Submerged microfiltration is widely used in water and wastewater treatment, but membrane fouling is a significant issue. This study investigated the effect of viscosity on membrane fouling and found that increasing airflow rate can reduce fouling.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paripurnanda Loganathan, Jaya Kandasamy, Harsha Ratnaweera, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Summary: Clean water shortage is a major global problem caused by increasing demand, decreasing freshwater resources, and persistent droughts. Recycling and reusing wastewater through efficient reclamation techniques, such as adsorption and membrane processes, can help solve this problem. The integration of these processes, as observed in submerged membrane adsorption hybrid systems (SMAHS), can further enhance their efficiency in removing pollutants from wastewaters.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Charith Fonseka, Seongchul Ryu, Gayathri Naidu, Jaya Kandasamy, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Summary: This study successfully achieved the recovery of freshwater and valuable metals such as rare earth elements and copper from synthetic acid mine drainage using low pressure nanofiltration and adsorption techniques. The findings highlight the potential of using powdered eggshell as a low-cost adsorbent for organic matter removal. Selective recovery of rare earth elements and copper was achieved through the use of modified metal organic frameworks and amine-grafted mesoporous silica materials.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sukanyah Devaisy, Jaya Kandasamy, Tien Vinh Nguyen, Md Abu Hasan Johir, Harsha Ratnaweera, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Summary: Dual membrane hybrid systems produce reclaimed water, but it contains micro-pollutants that need to be removed. This study explores the effectiveness of MF-GAC, NF, and RO in removing micro-pollutants from BTSE. MF-GAC and NF can remove 70-95% of micro-pollutants, while RO performs the best, removing over 90%. It is suggested to treat a portion of BTSE with MF-GAC or NF before blending with RO permeate to enhance micro-pollutant removal.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sukanyah Devaisy, Jaya Kandasamy, Rupak Aryal, Md Abu Hasan Johir, Harsha Ratnaweera, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Summary: This study focused on the treatment of organic compounds in reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) using ion-exchange resin in a microfiltration-ion exchange hybrid system. It was found that the resin effectively removed organic compounds and reduced membrane fouling. Negatively charged and hydrophobic organic compounds were preferentially removed by the resin. Long-term experiments with different daily replacements of resin are suggested to minimize resin requirements and energy consumption.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paripurnanda Loganathan, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran, Jaya Kandasamy, Agnieszka Katarzyna Cuprys, Zakhar Maletskyi, Harsha Ratnaweera
Summary: When released into wastewater, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) transform into microorganic contaminants, which are a major group of emerging pollutants. Exposures of humans, animals, and aquatic organisms to PPCPs have been linked to various risks such as carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicity. Therefore, different methods are being implemented to remove PPCPs from water bodies. This report critically reviews these methods and proposes improvements for removal strategies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sukanyah Devaisy, Jaya Kandasamy, Tien Vinh Nguyen, Harsha Ratnaweera, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Summary: This article provides an extensive examination of the potential applications of membranes and hybrid processes in wastewater treatment. While membrane technologies bring about certain challenges, such as fouling and scaling, incomplete elimination of emerging contaminants, high costs, energy consumption, and brine disposal, there are approaches that can address these issues. Methods such as pretreating the feed water, utilizing hybrid membrane systems and hybrid dual-membrane systems, and employing other innovative membrane-based treatment techniques can enhance the effectiveness of membrane processes and promote sustainability.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paripurnanda Loganathan, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran, Jaya Kandasamy, Tien Vinh Nguyen, Agnieszka Katarzyna Cuprys, Harsha Ratnaweera
Summary: Bisphenols are widely used additives in industries and are present in the natural environment. This review discusses their sources, pathways into the environment, toxicity, and techniques for removing them from water. Treatment processes include adsorption, biodegradation, advanced oxidation, coagulation, and membrane separation. Each technique has limitations and suggestions are made to improve removal efficiency.
Article
Water Resources
Nathaporn Areerachakul, Sethakarn Prongnuch, Peeranat Longsomboon, Jaya Kandasamy
Summary: This study used meteorological radar data to quantify precipitation in the Chi Basin of northeast Thailand, and calibrated and corrected the data using rain gauge station measurements. The results showed that using meteorological radar for precipitation estimation is accurate and particularly useful in areas without rain gauge stations.
