Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Sophie Defontaine, Isabel Jalon-Rojas, Aldo Sottolichio, Nicolas Gratiot, Cedric Legout
Summary: An optical settling column was used to study the settling velocity of suspended matter in the Garonne Tidal River. The study found time and space variability in settling velocity, ranging from 0.018 to 0.268 mm/s. The settling velocity was influenced by resuspension, deposition, advection, and the presence of estuarine turbidity maxima (ETM).
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elena Pavoni, Elisa Petranich, Sergio Signore, Giorgio Fontolan, Annelore Bezzi, Stefano Covelli
Summary: The aim of this research is to investigate the occurrence of mercury (Hg) bound to settling sediment particles (SSP) in the Gulf of Trieste and assess the sedimentary Hg fluxes. The concentration of Hg in the settling sediment particles ranged from 0.61 to 6.87 μg/g, indicating the ongoing contamination from the Isonzo River inputs. The daily Hg fluxes showed significant variability, reaching maximum values following periods of high river flow.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoteng Shen, Mingze Lin, Yuliang Zhu, Ho Kyung Ha, Michael Fettweis, Tianfeng Hou, Erik A. Toorman, Jerome P. -Y. Maa, Jinfeng Zhang
Summary: The study demonstrates significant progress in using QMC schemes to solve PBM for simulating the flocculation of cohesive sediments, showing reasonable agreements with both analytical solutions and laboratory experiments. Different QMC schemes outperform the standard Monte Carlo scheme in accuracy and time consumption, with the QMC scheme using Halton sequence requiring the least particle numbers for reasonable accuracy. Sensitivity tests indicate that the fractal dimension and fragmentation distribution function have significant impacts on predicted FSDs.
Article
Limnology
Eric Capo, Elias Broman, Stefano Bonaglia, Andrea G. Bravo, Stefan Bertilsson, Anne L. Soerensen, Jarone Pinhassi, Daniel Lundin, Moritz Buck, Per O. J. Hall, Francisco J. A. Nascimento, Erik Bjorn
Summary: The expansion of oxygen-deficient zones in marine systems may lead to a compositional change of Hg-methylating microbial groups in sediments, promoting the expansion of Hg methylators whose metabolism and biology have not yet been characterized.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
M. Goudarzi, B. Lashkar-Ara, H. Seyed Kaboli
Summary: This study investigated the consolidation process in the Karkheh dam reservoir, finding that parameters such as initial sediment concentration, initial settlement height, and temperature have significant effects on cohesive sediment settling. The study also explored the effects of bed elevation and scale effects on settlement, showing that initial free settlement and hindered settlement phases take longer with increasing initial sediment concentration.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Manfred Weber
Summary: In simplified gravity-driven multiphase flows, it is essential to ensure that the power or energy input by gravity impulse matches the sum of all power or energy consumptions from the flow processes. The complexity of flow characteristics in large-scale apparatus requires more precise modeling. Computational fluid dynamics is a useful tool but requires further development for multiphase flows in large-scale processes.
CHEMIE INGENIEUR TECHNIK
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Pintu Prusty, Syed Hilal Farooq
Summary: This study found through experiments that periodic injections of freshwater and seawater can significantly alter the coastal groundwater chemistry, mainly due to sediment-water interactions. In addition to seawater-freshwater mixing, geochemical processes such as ion-exchange, mineral precipitation/dissolution, and adsorption/desorption of elements have been identified as factors controlling the pore water chemistry.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Limnology
Pierre Anschutz, Celine Charbonnier
Summary: Concentration gradients in modern sediments can help identify benthic biogeochemical processes and fluxes, but there is limited research on gradients in permeable sediment cores. A simple protocol is presented here to sample sandy sediments and their interstitial waters with a 1 cm vertical resolution, suitable for shallow environments. This method provides reproducible results for studying dissolved compounds and pore-water profiles.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY-METHODS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
H. Ait Bouh, A. Laissaoui, N. Ziad, M. C. El Kotbi, A. Benmhammed
Summary: This study analyzed the concentrations of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in sediment samples from various coastal areas in Morocco and used the ERICA tool to assess radiological risk. Results showed varying levels of radioactivity in different water bodies, with the highest activity concentrations in Sidi Moussa Lagoon possibly due to anthropogenic activities, while the lowest levels in Sebou estuary were attributed to a flooding event in the same year. The total dose rates calculated by the ERICA tool were found to be well below the threshold for harmful effects on organisms.
RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Marion Chapalain, Romaric Verney, Michael Fettweis, Matthias Jacquet, David Le Berre, Pierre Le Hir
Article
Oceanography
Xiaoteng Shen, Erik A. Toorman, Byung Joon Lee, Michael Fettweis
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2019)
Article
Mechanics
Mohamed Ouda, Erik A. Toorman
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MULTIPHASE FLOW
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
B. J. Lee, J. Kim, J. Hur, I. H. Choi, E. A. Toorman, M. Fettweis, J. W. Choi
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Qinghui Zhang, Erik A. Toorman, Jaak Monbaliu
COASTAL ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
D. S. van Maren, J. Vroom, M. Fettweis, J. Vanlede
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunhao Song, Jinfeng Huang, Erik Toorman, Guolu Yang
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoteng Shen, Mingze Lin, Yuliang Zhu, Ho Kyung Ha, Michael Fettweis, Tianfeng Hou, Erik A. Toorman, Jerome P. -Y. Maa, Jinfeng Zhang
Summary: The study demonstrates significant progress in using QMC schemes to solve PBM for simulating the flocculation of cohesive sediments, showing reasonable agreements with both analytical solutions and laboratory experiments. Different QMC schemes outperform the standard Monte Carlo scheme in accuracy and time consumption, with the QMC scheme using Halton sequence requiring the least particle numbers for reasonable accuracy. Sensitivity tests indicate that the fractal dimension and fragmentation distribution function have significant impacts on predicted FSDs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michael Fettweis, Markus Schartau, Xavier Desmit, Byung Joon Lee, Nathan Terseleer, Dimitry Van der Zande, Koen Parmentier, Rolf Riethmueller
Summary: The seasonal variation in concentration of transparent exopolymer particles (TEPs), particulate organic carbon (POC), and particulate organic nitrogen (PON) was studied in the Southern Bight of the North Sea. The study found that biophysical flocculation cannot be explained solely by these parameters and it requires the distinction between a more reactive labile fraction and a less reactive refractory fraction.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Que Nguyen Ho, Michael Fettweis, Kate L. Spencer, Byung Joon Lee
Summary: Flocculation is a critical process for controlling the fate and transport of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in water environments. However, the lack of comprehensive research on the composition and structure of flocs has led to misconceptions about the dynamics of SPM. This review summarizes the current understanding of the heterogeneous composition of flocs and discusses the effects of human activities on floc composition.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Que Nguyen Ho, Michael Fettweis, Jin Hur, Xavier Desmit, Jae In Kim, Dae Won Jung, Sang Deuk Lee, Sungyun Lee, Yun Young Choi, Byung Joon Lee
Summary: Interactions between microalgae and clay minerals can enhance biologically mediated flocculation, affecting the sedimentation and transportation of suspended particulate matter. Adequate amounts of biopolymers produced by microalgal cells enhance floc-to-floc attachment and flocculation kinetics, while excessive amounts of biopolymers and humic substances increase particle stabilization.
Article
Oceanography
Yuliang Zhu, Mingze Lin, Xiaoteng Shen, Michael Fettweis, Ying Zhang, Jinfeng Zhang, Qilong Bi, Zi Wu
Summary: This study investigates the impact of microalgae on suspended fine-grained sediments through laboratory experiments and modeling. The results demonstrate that the shear rate plays a dominant role in the aggregation process, and the presence of microalgae enhances the aggregation. Different algal species and concentrations have a significant influence on the size distribution and average size of the aggregates. The developed model effectively simulates the aggregates and has the potential to track the properties of microalgae-associated sediment flocs.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Bart Brouwers, Dieter Meire, Erik A. Toorman, Jeroen van Beeck, Evert Lataire
Summary: This study discusses the impact of different mud conditioning techniques on the behavior of mud during laboratory experiments. Multiple series of short-term consolidation tests were conducted using mud from the Zeebrugge docks in Belgium. The results show that a conditioning procedure combining axial and radial mixing yields the most control over settling behavior and provides the best repeatability.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Marco S. Sotelo, Djahida Boucetta, Wim Van Hoydonck, Praveen Doddugollu, Marc Vantorre, Erik Toorman, Guillaume Delefortrie
Summary: The presence of natural mud affects maritime traffic, but previous studies have overlooked important characteristics of the natural mud. This research aims to validate numerical solvers through towing tests in muddy environments and provide a description of the natural mud.
JOURNAL OF WATERWAY PORT COASTAL AND OCEAN ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoteng Shen, Hong Huo, Ying Zhang, Yuliang Zhu, Michael Fettweis, Qilong Bi, Byung Joon Lee, Jerome P. -Y. Maa, Qiqing Chen
Summary: This study examines the effects of different organic matter on the flocculation of anthropogenic microplastics and finds that cationic and neutral organic matter have a more significant promoting effect on the growth of microplastic flocs.
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.