Article
Engineering, Environmental
A. Bokhary, M. Leitch, B. Q. Liao
Summary: This study examines the effect of organic loading rates (OLRs) on membrane performance and mixed-liquor suspended solids (MLSS) properties in a laboratory-scale thermophilic submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (ThSAnMBR) treating primary sludge. The study shows that OLR, HRT, and SRT are important factors impacting membrane performance and biogas production. The operating conditions also result in changes in membrane morphology and MLSS characteristics.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
A. Bokhary, M. Leitch, B. Q. Liao
Summary: This study investigated the long-term anaerobic treatment of pulp and paper primary sludge using a thermophilic anaerobic membrane bioreactor. Results showed that increasing the solid retention time (SRT) led to higher biogas yield, as well as changes in digestate characteristics and dewaterability. The findings suggest that the presence of lignin and cellulose increased in the digestate with longer SRTs, while nitrogen and carbon concentrations decreased.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. Bokhary, M. Leitch, B. Q. Liao
Summary: This study conducted long-term anaerobic digestion of primary sludge of a TMP in a ThAnMBR, showing that optimal results were achieved at lower OLR and higher HRT. However, it was found that biogas production and sludge biomass degradation decrease with increasing organic loading rate.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Cheng Sun, Liang Guo, Yongkang Zheng, Dan Yu, Chunji Jin, Yangguo Zhao, Zhiwen Yao, Mengchun Gao, Zonglian She
Summary: This study investigated two-stage anaerobic digestion of mixed sludge with different volume ratios, finding that the highest H-2 and CH4 yields were obtained in a volume ratio of 1:3 for primary and secondary sludge. Mixed sludge was found to have a positive effect on the release of organics and utilization of volatile fatty acids in anaerobic digestion. Investigating the compositional characteristics of dissolved organic matters revealed more degradable substances utilization in the mixture of sludge.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shiva Khoei, Abigail Stokes, Brandon Kieft, Paul Kadota, Steven J. Hallam, Cigdem Eskicioglu
Summary: The addition of powdered biochar significantly increased methane production, shortened lag phase, and altered microbial community structure in thermophilic anaerobic digestion.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mona Akbar, Muhammad Farooq Saleem Khan, Muhammad Abid
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of polyacrylamide (PAM) during anaerobic digestion (AD) under thermophilic conditions and its effects on gas and acid production. The results showed that higher pH accelerated the degradation of PAM and resulted in higher acid production. This study is of great importance for understanding and applying thermophilic AD in wastewater treatment plants.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Aijun Zhu, Yu Qin, Jing Wu, Min Ye, Yu-You Li
Summary: The optimal performance was achieved in the thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion process of sewage sludge with paper waste at a ratio of 4:6, where the COD removal efficiency and biogas production increased significantly. The addition of paper waste had a positive impact on the competition between carbohydrate and protein degradation, with cellulolytic bacteria becoming the predominant group.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Thabisile Brightwell Jele, Bruce Sithole, Prabashni Lekha, Jerome Andrew
Summary: Three different pulp and paper mill sludge samples from South African mills were characterized to determine their suitability for various beneficiation pathways. The characteristics of the sludge varied depending on the pulping technique, raw material, and effluent treatment used. From the analysis, it was found that different beneficiation pathways were more suitable for each type of sludge based on their specific characteristics.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Huan Liu, Xuan Li, Ting Zhou, Zehao Zhang, Long D. Nghiem, Li Gao, Qilin Wang
Summary: This study comprehensively evaluated the impact of free ammonia (FA) pretreatment on the performance of anaerobic primary sludge (PS) digestion using semi-continuous systems. FA pretreatment improved the removal of volatile solids, chemical oxygen demand, and methane production. It also increased the biomass-specific hydrolysis rate of digesters. Model-based analysis revealed that the enhanced performance is due to the increased apparent hydrolysis rate and degradability extent of PS caused by FA pretreatment. Additionally, dewaterability of digested sludge and removals of fecal coliform and E. coli were enhanced by FA pretreatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tianwei Hao, Zheng Liu, Muxiang Liang, Xiaoming Liu, Jing Chen, Xiaohui Wu, Sunita Varjani, Feixiang Zan
Summary: This study demonstrates the significant impact of sulfite pretreatment on the solubilization and substrate release of PS, as well as the reduction of methane production from PS. Additionally, sulfite pretreatment affects the functional groups and degradation extent of PS.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nicolas Goycoechea, Ignacio Borges, Elena Castello, Liliana Borzacconi
Summary: The current disposal of biosludge is costly and environmentally problematic. This study investigates the potential of using thermal hydrolysis to improve the anaerobic digestion of biological sludge from the cellulose industry. The results show that thermal pretreatment at temperatures of 140°C and 165°C for 45 minutes enhances methane production and biodegradability of the sludge.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhi Wang, Yi Wang, Xia Li, Zhan Chen, Xiaomei Kou, Lijuan Gao, Shizhang Wu, Baohua Chai
Summary: This study comprehensively evaluates the impact of calcium peroxide (CP) on anaerobic digestion (AD) of primary and secondary sludge. The results show that CP pretreatment can effectively eliminate fecal coliform and promote the solubilization of secondary sludge. Furthermore, CP pretreatment increases methane production potential, reduces harmful substances, and facilitates the subsequent treatment of biogas slurry. This research is of great significance for pretreatment technology of waste sludge and the application of CP in wastewater treatment plants.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Mariele Fioreze, Lara Labotic, Caio Moreira Miquelino Eleto Torres, Claudio Mudadu Silva
Summary: This study applied thermal, thermal-alkaline, and mechanical pretreatment methods to enhance the anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge from a Brazilian Eucalyptus bleached kraft pulp mill. The results showed that thermal-alkaline pretreatment had the best performance in terms of organic matter solubilization and nutrient release.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sihuang Xie, Xuan Li, Chau Uyen Pham, Hoang Viet Nguyen, Yarong Song, Kirthi Chetty, Jagadeeshkumar Kulandaivelu, Chengduan Wang, Faisal Hai, Guangming Jiang
Summary: Anaerobic co-digestion of primary sludge with iron- or aluminum-rich drinking water treatment sludge led to different effects on methane production and microbial community structure, with iron and aluminum DWTS affecting methane yield and hydrolysis process differently.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Anna Hamalainen, Marika Kokko, Viljami Kinnunen, Tuomo Hilli, Jukka Rintala
Summary: Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) can convert mixed sludge from the pulp and paper industry into value-added products, facilitating energy, carbon, and nutrient recovery.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tejaswini Eregowda, Marika E. Kokko, Eldon R. Rene, Jukka Rintala, Piet N. L. Lens
Summary: The study showed that utilizing foul condensate for VFA production in UASB reactors resulted in high organic carbon utilization and VFA yield, with various fatty acids being produced. Pre-enrichment of acetogenic biomass improved VFA production efficiency, particularly in comparison to methanogenesis.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ran Tao, Robert Bair, Melanie Pickett, Jorge L. Calabria, Aino-Maija Lakaniemi, Eric D. van Hullebusch, Jukka A. Rintala, Daniel H. Yeh
Summary: The addition of zeolite at low doses can enhance microalgal growth and improve ammonium removal efficiency, while higher doses may increase solution turbidity, hindering light penetration and microalgal growth.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Susanna Maanoja, Marja Palmroth, Linda Salminen, Leena Lehtinen, Marika Kokko, Aino-Maija Lakaniemi, Hannele Auvinen, Mirjam Kiczka, Eveliina Muuri, Jukka Rintala
Summary: This study demonstrates that the interaction of microorganisms with bentonites increases the quantity and release rate of organic matter (sOM). Additionally, the compaction of bentonites and their connection to different cell systems also affect the release of sOM.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anna Hamalainen, Marika Kokko, Viljami Kinnunen, Tuomo Hilli, Jukka Rintala
Summary: This study demonstrates that different types of hydrochars produced in hydrothermal carbonisation have varied impacts on the original digestates in terms of quality, total solids content, energy content, carbon content, phosphorus content, and nitrogen content. The energy content of hydrochars produced in HTC treatments is similar to that of digestates, but ash content increases. HTC treatments also yield filtrates with high soluble chemical oxygen demand and methane potential, while concentrations of pharmaceuticals and heavy metals are low.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Outi Kaarela, Markus Koppanen, Tero Kesti, Riitta Kettunen, Marja Palmroth, Jukka Rintala
Summary: The study investigated the removal of different natural organic matter components from boreal lake water in a full-scale drinking water treatment plant using granular activated carbon filters containing different commercial carbons. Results showed that coagulation-flocculation, flotation, and chlorine dioxide oxidation were effective in reducing organic matter content, while sand and GAC filtration were efficient in removing BDOC. It was concluded that complementary analyses such as LC-OCD, FEEM, and BDOC are beneficial for optimizing NOM removal in DWTPs, and comparing different GACs in full-scale studies is important due to variations in TOC removal efficiencies.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Maarit Sarkilahti, Maria Akerman, Ari Jokinen, Jukka Rintala
Summary: This study investigates the linkages of a specific sanitation experiment in the City of Tampere, Finland to long-term urban development trajectories, highlighting the need for long-term development trajectories to enhance transformative potential.
EUROPEAN PLANNING STUDIES
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Suniti Singh, Johanna M. Rinta-Kanto, Piet N. L. Lens, Marika Kokko, Jukka Rintala, Vincent O'Flaherty, Umer Zeeshan Ijaz, Gavin Collins
Summary: Distinct microbial assemblages evolve in anaerobic digestion (AD) reactors to drive sequential conversions of organics to methane, with granular, biofilm and planktonic assemblages differentiated by diversity, structure, and assembly mechanisms. LCFA loading rates and HRT are significant drivers shaping microbial community dynamics and assembly, with active roles of Methanosaeta and Syntrophaceae-affiliated taxa in syntrophic LCFA bioconversion at short HRTs and 20 degrees C.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anna Hamalainen, Marika Kokko, Pritha Chatterjee, Viljami Kinnunen, Jukka Rintala
Summary: This study piloted the use of pyrolysis process to produce biochar from digestate of municipal sewage sludge in a central biogas plant. The study also investigated the effects of adding pyrolysis liquid to sewage sludge and thermal hydrolysis pretreated sewage sludge on methane production in a full-scale centralized biogas plant. The results showed that pyrolysis liquid can be treated in anaerobic digestion (AD) and has the potential to increase methane production and ammonium recovery.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Markus Koppanen, Tero Kesti, Marika Kokko, Jukka Rintala, Marja Palmroth
Summary: Contamination detection in drinking water is crucial for water utilities. Current online water quality sensors have limitations, so we used flow-imaging particle counters and conventional sensors to assess their responses. The flow-imaging particle counter detected all contaminants, with the oxidation-reduction potential sensor performing the best. Particles smaller than 1 mu m were important for detecting contaminants, but had lower response compared to larger particles due to fluctuations. Monitoring particles larger than 1 mu m or specific particle classes can improve contamination detection.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Anna Hamalainen, Marika Kokko, Viljami Kinnunen, Tuomo Hilli, Jukka Rintala
Summary: Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) can convert mixed sludge from the pulp and paper industry into value-added products, facilitating energy, carbon, and nutrient recovery.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohamed El-Qelish, Pritha Chatterjee, Marika Kokko, Fatma El-Gohary, Mohamed Abo-Aly, Jukka Rintala
Summary: This study explores the possibility of producing hydrogen and methane from sedimented pulp and paper mill waste fibre for the first time. Two-stage thermophilic anaerobic digestion achieves the highest yields of hydrogen and methane, while reducing treatment time and increasing total energy yield.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Donya Kamravamanesh, Johanna M. Rinta Kanto, Harri Ali-Loytty, Antti Myllaerinen, Mikko Saalasti, Jukka Rintala, Marika Kokko
Summary: This study investigated the potential of using biowaste reject water as a nutrient source for hydrogen conversion in a thermophilic trickle bed reactor. The results showed that the use of reject water improved H2 conversion efficiency and methane productivity. However, trace element supply was necessary to stabilize the process performance at high H2 loading rates.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Vishakha Kaim, Jukka Rintala, Chao He
Summary: The increasing generation of e-waste poses a significant risk of REEs pollution if not properly disposed of. However, e-waste could be a secondary source for critical REEs mining. This review focuses on the selective recovery of REEs from e-waste using IL extraction as a sustainable alternative to traditional solvents. The use of ILs shows promising results in terms of extractability and selectivity, although further research is needed for real e-waste extraction efficiency and recovery rate.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fahim Fayaz, Chao He, Avishek Goel, Jukka Rintala, Jukka Konttinen
Summary: Oxidative ethanol dry reforming using 10%Co/Al2O3 catalyst is a promising method to produce high-quality syngas, which can be upgraded to liquid biofuels and chemicals. Increasing the reaction temperature improves the conversion of ethanol and CO2, and yields higher amounts of H2 and CO.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Markus Koppanen, Tero Kesti, Jukka Rintala, Marja Palmroth
Summary: Early warning systems monitoring drinking water quality need to distinguish between normal fluctuations and those caused by contaminants. This study used different sensors to monitor the water quality and found that certain particle classes and electrochemical sensors can effectively distinguish contamination from fluctuations. The study also provided insights into choosing water quality sensors for early warning systems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rong-Gui Zhu, Chang-Gui Pan, Feng-Jiao Peng, Chao-Yang Zhou, Jun-Jie Hu, Kefu Yu
Summary: This comprehensive survey investigated the occurrence, bioaccumulation, and trophic magnification of parabens and their metabolite 4-HB in a marine food web. Results showed that parabens were the predominant pollutants in marine organisms, with significant bioaccumulation from sediments. The estimated trophic magnification factor indicated biomagnification for MeP and trophic dilution for 4-HB. Overall, the risks for humans consuming marine organisms were found to be low.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Andres F. Torres-Franco, Deborah Leroy-Freitas, Cristina Martinez-Fraile, Elisa Rodriguez, Pedro A. Garcia-Encina, Raul Munoz
Summary: Anaerobic and microalgae-based technologies have emerged as sustainable alternatives for municipal wastewater treatment. However, the presence of viruses in the treated wastewater is a major concern for reuse applications. This study assessed the ability of these technologies to reduce viruses during secondary wastewater treatment. The results showed that all technologies were effective in reducing the concentration of viruses, with microalgae-based treatment exhibiting the highest potential for reducing the disinfection requirements of treated wastewater.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Young Gwang Kim, Sae Yun Kwon, Spencer J. Washburn, Scott C. Brooks, Ji Won Yoon, Lucien Besnard
Summary: The study uses Hg isotope ratios to identify the sources and exposure pathways of mercury in bivalves, finding that dissolved Hg phases in the water column are the primary source and exposure pathway to bivalves. This provides new insights into using bivalves as bioindicators for sediment quality monitoring.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hui Geng, Ying Xu, Rui Liu, Dianhai Yang, Xiaohu Dai
Summary: This study investigates the effect of cation exchange resin (CER) on the sequential recovery of hydrogen and methane from anaerobic digestion (AD) and the corresponding mechanisms. The results show that CER can simultaneously enhance the production of hydrogen and methane by promoting the solubilisation, hydrolysis, and acidification of organic matter. Additionally, CER facilitates effective contact between bacteria and organic particulates and reduces the energy barrier for mass transfer during methane production. The study also reveals changes in the microbial community structure and metagenomics during the AD process.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Lin, Zhan Jin, Shunfeng Jiang, Zhiquan Wang, Suqing Wu, Ke Bei, Min Zhao, Xiangyong Zheng
Summary: Dehumidification combined with addition of absorbent resin supplement (ARS) was used to achieve rapid evaporation of non-pretreated urine, resulting in high water evaporation efficiency and nutrient recovery.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yangli Che, Chaoran Lin, Shen Li, Jiao Liu, Longhai Zhu, Shilei Yu, Nan Wang, Haoshuai Li, Mutai Bao, Yang Zhou, Tonghao Si, Rui Bao
Summary: Hydrodynamic processes play a crucial role in the transmission of sediments, microbial assembly, and organic carbon redistribution in the ocean. Through experiments and analysis, we found that hydrodynamics shape the assembly of microbial communities and control the redistribution of different sourced organic carbon, thereby influencing microbial-mediated biogeochemical transformation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Chen, Yu Yang, Nigel J. D. Graham, Zhenyu Li, Xingtao Yang, Zhining Wang, Nadia Farhat, Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder, Li -an Hou
Summary: The fouling of seawater reverse osmosis membranes is a persistent challenge in desalination. This study monitored the operational performance of a desalination plant for 7 years and the fouling development in different areas of membrane modules. The findings showed that operational performance declined over time and fouling mainly occurred at the feed side of the modules, with the highest microbial diversity. Keystone species like Chloroflexi and Planctomycetes played an important role in maintaining community structure and biofilm maturation. Polysaccharides, soluble microbial products, marine humic acid-like substances, and inorganic substances contributed to fouling. Overall, biofouling had a significant impact on membrane fouling after 7 years of operation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dan Li, Jieyi Sun, Yibo Fu, Wentao Hong, Heli Wang, Qian Yang, Junhong Wu, Sen Yang, Jianhui Xu, Yunfei Zhang, Yirong Deng, Yin Zhong, Ping'an Peng
Summary: Sulfidation-oxidation treatment of magnetite (Fe3O4) enhances the production of dark center dot OH, which can efficiently degrade dissolved organic matter (DOM) and accelerate carbon cycling.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cheng Yu, Kaijun Wang, Kaiyuan Zhang, Ruiyang Liu, Pingping Zheng
Summary: This study implemented a microaerobic-aerobic configuration in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment facility and investigated the effects on sludge characteristics, pollutant removal, microbial community, and granulation mechanisms. The results showed successful transition from flocculent-activated sludge to well-defined AGS after two months of operation. The primary pathways for pollutant removal were simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus removal. Moreover, the incorporation of internal separators induced shifts in the flow pattern, which promoted granulation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhe Zhang, Shaoyang Hu, Guangrong Sun, Wei Wang
Summary: Halogenated aromatic disinfection byproducts (DBPs), such as halogenated phenols, have garnered widespread attention due to their high toxicity and prevalence. This study reports on the analysis, occurrence, and cytotoxicity of a group of emerging halogenated aromatic DBPs, known as halogenated polyhydroxyphenols (HPPs), in drinking water.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shengyue Chen, Jinliang Huang, Peng Wang, Xi Tang, Zhenyu Zhang
Summary: Accurate prediction of river water quality is crucial for sustainable water management. This study introduces wavelet analysis and transfer learning techniques to assist LSTM modeling, proposing a newly coupled modeling approach that improves short-term prediction of river water quality.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bang Du, Xinmin Zhan, Piet N. L. Lens, Yifeng Zhang, Guangxue Wu
Summary: Efficient anaerobic digestion relies on the cooperation of different microorganisms with different metabolic pathways. This study investigated the effects of different operational modes and the addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC) on ethanol metabolic pathways. The results showed that the SBR mode and the presence of CO2 facilitated ethanol metabolism towards propionate production, while the CFR mode with extended solids retention time enriched Geobacter. Adjusting operational modes and PAC addition can modulate anaerobic ethanol metabolism and enrich Geobacter.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wanfa Wang, Si-Liang Li, Jun Zhong, Yuanbi Yi, Fujun Yue, Zenglei Han, Qixin Wu, Ding He, Cong-Qiang Liu
Summary: This study compares the carbon biogeochemical processes in karst and non-karst regions within large thermal stratified river-reservoir systems. The results demonstrate that karst reservoirs have a reduced potential for carbon emissions and highlight the importance of considering geologic settings to improve accuracy in regional and global CO2 emission estimates.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chunxia Jiang, Zelong Zhao, Dong Zhu, Xiong Pan, Yuyi Yang
Summary: This study analyzed the occurrence and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in different environmental media of the Yangtze River using metagenomics. Core resistome dominated by multidrug resistance genes was found in all samples, while rare resistome dominated by various resistance genes was more prevalent in plasmids. Specific bacteria were identified as hosts for both core and rare resistomes, with high clinical concern ARGs found in the rare resistome. Particle-associated environment provided the most ideal conditions for resistome hosts. This study provided insights into the genetic locations of ARGs and the community assembly mechanisms of ARG hosts in freshwater environments.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yu Zhang, Yongtao He, Linchun Jia, Lei Xu, Zheng Wang, Yueling He, Ling Xiong, Xumeng Lin, Hong Chen, Gang Xue
Summary: By synergizing organic carbon source, thiosulfate, and zero-valent iron, efficient mixotrophic denitrification of oligotrophic secondary effluent can be achieved. Thiosulfate plays a vital role in promoting TN removal efficiency, while corrosion of Fe0 releases OH- to neutralize H+ from thiosulfate-driven denitrification, creating a suitable environment for denitrification. The coordination of thiosulfate and Fe0 maintains the dominance of Thiobacillus for denitrification.
