Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiapeng Wu, Yiguo Hong, Xiaohan Liu, Yaohao Hu
Summary: This study investigated the structure and function of denitrifiers and anammox bacteria in coastal sediment cores collected from Daya Bay in winter and summer, revealing depth-related variations in their activities and abundances. While denitrifiers showed higher activities and abundances in surface sediments, anammox bacteria became more dominant in subsurface sediments. The availability of electronic acceptors strongly influenced nitrogen loss activities in subsurface sediments, highlighting their role as a sink for buried nitrogen.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youngjun Kim, Seungdae Oh
Summary: This study conducted machine-learning modeling with activated sludge microbiome data to predict the operational characteristics of a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant, finding that linear models had high prediction performance in association with microbial taxa specific to anoxic processes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhuwu Jiang, Longbin Yang, Hai Yu, Lian Hou, Jyunhong Shen
Summary: In this study, a biofilm-microflocculation filter system designed to improve denitrification and phosphorus removal from municipal wastewater treatment plant was successfully established. The system demonstrated practical and reliable performance in removing COD, TN, and TP from the secondary effluent.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
S. Leonhard, D. Schreff, K. Thoma, W. Gander, M. Wichern, R. Hilliges
Summary: In growing urban areas, increasing nitrogen loads to large WWTPs can be problematic and require system enlargement. A proposed solution is the single-stage MBBR, which is simple and cost-effective for low nitrogen effluent requirements. A pilot plant experiment demonstrated the effectiveness and stability of the MBBR in post-treatment denitrification.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yushuang Kong, Haikuo Zhang, Linlin Tian, Junji Yuan, Youchao Chen, Yan Li, Jian Chen, Scott X. Chang, Yunying Fang, Ehsan Tavakkoli, Yanjiang Cai
Summary: Wetland plants play a significant role in wetland soil denitrification, but the effects of different plant communities are still unclear. This study found that wetland plants indirectly regulate soil denitrification by altering water content, nitrate concentration, and functional gene abundances. Co-planting Paspalum thunbergia and Phragmites karka can effectively improve nitrogen removal efficiency and mitigate eutrophication in adjacent aquatic ecosystems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhiguo Li, Linyang Li, Shujie Xia, Runhua Zhang, Runqin Zhang, Peng Chen, Junfeng Pan, Yi Liu
Summary: The study found that the interaction between K and N fertilizer affects N2O emissions and associated microbes. The combined application of K and nitrate significantly reduces N2O emissions, while the combined application of K and ammonia significantly increases N2O emissions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Min Deng, Zhili Dai, Kang Song, Yuren Wang, Xugang He
Summary: The periodic recovery of microbial protein significantly increases nitrogen recovery efficiency in aquaculture systems by promoting filamentous bacterium growth and suppressing anaerobic denitrifiers. Aerobic chemoheterotrophy is the main microbial metabolic process for energy, while the cooperation and competition among organic matter degraders, filamentous bacteria, nitrifiers, and denitrifiers determine the microbial protein yield. These insights are crucial for achieving sustainable aquaculture practices.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Ko-Hsuan Chen, Jessica Nelson
Summary: Plant health depends not only on the condition of the plant itself, but also on the diverse community of microbes it harbors. Bryophytes, such as mosses and liverworts, are important model systems for studying plant evolution, development, physiology, and symbiotic interactions. Previous research focused on specific symbiont types for each bryophyte group, but recent studies have taken a broader view, acknowledging the coexistence of diverse microbial communities in bryophytes. This review integrates studies of bryophyte microbes from both perspectives to provide a holistic understanding of the existing research.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Guilherme E. H. Nogueira, Christian Schmidt, Daniel Partington, Philip Brunner, Jan H. Fleckenstein
Summary: Riparian zones play an important role in modulating water quality in stream corridors by acting as buffers or facilitating solute turnover. This study used a numerical model and hydraulic mixing cell method to investigate the source composition of water and its spatiotemporal evolution in Selke stream. The results showed the importance of discharge events and event intensity in increasing mixing potential.
HYDROLOGY AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sanni L. Aalto, Suvi Suurnakki, Mathis von Ahnen, Marja Tiirola, Per Bovbjerg Pedersen
Summary: Woodchip bioreactors are effective in removing nitrate from aquaculture effluents, with microbial communities including sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) and sulfate oxidizing bacteria (SOB) playing crucial roles. The conditions within the bioreactors shape the microbial communities, with similar design and operational settings leading to similar functions. Autotrophic denitrifiers can significantly contribute to H2S consumption and nitrate removal in woodchip bioreactors, improving their overall environmental benefit.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zhaolei Li, Ze Tang, Zhaopeng Song, Weinan Chen, Dashuan Tian, Shiming Tang, Xiaoyue Wang, Jinsong Wang, Wenjie Liu, Yi Wang, Jie Li, Lifen Jiang, Yiqi Luo, Shuli Niu
Summary: This study compiled and analyzed a large dataset of denitrification rates from various terrestrial ecosystems, revealing that soil nitrogen content and microbial biomass are important factors affecting global denitrification.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rachel L. Rubin, Kate A. Ballantine, Arden Hegberg, Jason P. Andras
Summary: Microbial communities play a crucial role in wetland degradation and restoration processes. Flooded and restored sites showed the highest similarity to natural wetlands in terms of microbial community structure, while young and old retired sites had similar communities to farms. Specific soil variables like potassium base saturation, sodium, and denitrification potential were found to significantly influence the variation in microbial communities. Flooded sites exhibited the strongest evidence of wetland development, accumulating higher soil organic matter and exhibiting greater denitrification potential, suggesting potential use of flooding to stimulate beneficial microbial communities during restoration.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ricardo Mata-Gonzalez, Joshua P. Averett, Mohamed A. B. Abdallah, David W. Martin
Summary: This study in Owens Valley, California, examined the relationships among vegetation, groundwater level, and microtopography, revealing that plant species have adapted differently to groundwater level and microtopography conditions. Understanding these adaptations is crucial for the management of groundwater and vegetation resources in these areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Van-Tung Tra, Bao-Trong Dang, Quach An Binh, Quy-Hao Nguyen, Phuong-Thao Nguyen, Hong-Hai Nguyen, Thanh-Tin Nguyen, Thanh-Hai Le, Duc-Trung Le, Tomoaki Itayama, Xuan-Thanh Bui
Summary: The study showed that the COD and TSS removal rates of the DHS reactor varied under different hydraulic loading rates, with NH4+-N removal rate reaching 80% and showing mild sensitivity to HLR changes. This proposed technology brings economic benefits by reducing energy consumption and can provide a feasible treatment solution for low-income areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhuanzhuan Sun, Mawuli Dzakpasu, Liping Zhao, Zhenzhen Wang, Dongxian Zhang, Miaowen Qu, Rong Chen, Xiaochang C. Wang, Yucong Zheng
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using wetland plant-based carbon sources to enhance nitrogen removal in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (CWs). The results showed that cattails had a better carbon release capacity than wheat straw and corn cob. Alkali pretreatment of cattails significantly enhanced the release of volatile fatty acids, leading to a high denitrification rate. The addition of external carbon sources and adjustment of the C/N ratio further improved nitrogen removal efficiency by increasing the relative abundance of denitrifying bacteria and anammox bacteria.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Navarro Ferronato, Gabriela Edith Guisbert Lizarazu, Marcelo Antonio Gorritty Portillo, Luca Moresco, Fabio Conti, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: The research highlights the benefits of inert CDW recycling with focus on selective collection rates and transportation distances. It suggests that higher selective collection rates spread the importance of transportation distances planning and outlines the importance of implementing LCA with primary data and involving statistics related to transportation. The outcomes of the research support the implementation of CDW recycling in developing countries as material recovery is always found to be beneficial.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Navarro Ferronato, Luca Moresco, Gabriela Edith Guisbert Lizarazu, Marcelo Antonio Gorritty Portillo, Fabio Conti, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: Construction and demolition waste (CDW) and municipal solid waste (MSW) are the most generated waste flows globally, especially in developing countries where they are mostly disposed of in open dumps. This study compares the environmental impacts of the MSW and CDW management system in La Paz, Bolivia, and evaluates the importance of recycling in mitigating these impacts. The results highlight the significance of organized CDW management systems in integrated waste management schemes to prevent environmental degradation in developing cities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Navarro Ferronato, Rodolfo Pasinetti, Daysi Valencia Vargas, Iris Jabneel Calle Mendoza, Edith Gabriela Guisbert Lizarazu, Marcelo Antonio Gorritty Portillo, Fabio Conti, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: This paper introduces the preliminary results of a development project focused on waste recycling and recovery in La Paz, Bolivia. It discusses the challenges faced when implementing appropriate waste management systems in developing countries and emphasizes the need for global action to support sustainable development. The outcomes highlight the potential for improvement through interdisciplinary cooperation and financial support, while also recognizing the limitations posed by political instability, lack of local technical knowledge, and inadequate long-term planning. Global reflections are necessary to assess the potential benefits of small-scale projects and evaluate the time required for low-income countries to move towards a sustainable future.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Anzhelika Karaeva, Elena Magaril, Vincenzo Torretta, Paolo Viotti, Elena Cristina Rada
Summary: This study analyzes the relationship between attitudes towards nuclear and renewable energy in Italy and Russia, finding a dependence between the development level and public attitude. The authors emphasize the importance of public opinion as a key factor in energy development and achieving sustainability.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Navarro Ferronato, Iris Jabneel Calle Mendoza, Nayda Grace Marconi Sinani, Marcelo Antonio Gorritty Portillo, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: The research evaluates the characteristics and potentialities of Solid Recovered Fuels (SRF) in Bolivia, with La Paz as a case study. The study found that a mix of plastics and cellulose from municipal solid waste can be considered as an alternative fuel, providing a significant amount of energy for cement production. The results are novel in estimating the potential of SRF in Latin America.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Navarro Ferronato, Iris Jabneel Calle Mendoza, Marcelo Antonio Gorritty Portillo, Fabio Conti, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: This review evaluates the potential of waste briquetting as an alternative fuel solution in developing countries. The findings show that agricultural waste-based and wood-based briquettes are the most investigated types. The lack of indoor emissions analysis and research on the water boiling test for waste briquetting in cooking and heating systems in developing countries is highlighted.
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pietro Castellani, Navarro Ferronato, Marco Ragazzi, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: This research evaluates the municipal solid waste management system and the environmental and economic benefits of onsite treatment plants in the Pelagian archipelago, Italy. The results show that implementing onsite treatment plants can save costs and reduce environmental impacts, making them viable options for solid waste management systems in isolated regions.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Navarro Ferronato, Rocio Clara Fuentes Sirpa, Edith Gabriela Guisbert Lizarazu, Fabio Conti, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: In Bolivia, where construction and demolition waste management is lacking, a study in the city of La Paz examined future recycling scenarios by conducting a CDW flow analysis and cost assessment. The estimation showed that La Paz could potentially generate around 271,051-349,418 tonnes of CDW annually, which is double the projected amount by local authorities. The analysis also found that approximately 56.1-71.1% of inert aggregates can be recycled. The best management scenario involves the source separation of recyclable materials and the use of both stationary and mobile recycling facilities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Navarro Ferronato, Alberto Pietro Damiano Baltrocchi, Francesco Romagnoli, Iris Jabneel Calle Mendoza, Marcelo Antonio Gorritty Portillo, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: Developing countries face the dual challenges of resource shortage and inadequate waste management systems, which necessitates the introduction of alternative waste valorisation options. This research conducts an environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of waste-based briquettes made from non-recyclable cardboard waste and sawdust, comparing their environmental impacts with conventional fuels. The findings indicate that the briquettes contribute to several impact indicators, with global warming, non-renewable energy use, and respiratory inorganics being the most significant.
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Riccardo Boiocchi, Marco Ragazzi, Vincenzo Torretta, Elena Cristina Rada
Summary: The Universitas Indonesia GreenMetric World Ranking is widely used to assess the sustainability of worldwide universities. An in-depth analysis of this ranking system reveals that some indicators are ineffective in measuring sustainability development, while others need adjustment for context-specific factors. By taking these considerations into account, a fairer evaluation and comparison of universities' sustainability can be achieved, providing useful information for improvement.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco Orlando, Gianluca Molla, Pietro Castellani, Valentina Pirillo, Vincenzo Torretta, Navarro Ferronato
Summary: The accumulation of synthetic plastic waste in the environment has raised global concerns. Microbial enzymes offer promising biotechnological tools for plastic recycling, but their effectiveness depends on waste management practices. This review highlights the potential of biotechnology in plastic bio-recycling within the European waste management framework. Current biotechnology tools can support polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling, but other unrecycled plastics, such as polyurethanes and polyolefins, require further research and optimization of chemoenzymatic technologies. New bio-based technologies with lower environmental impacts should also be developed to efficiently depolymerize both existing and new plastic materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alberto Pietro Damiano Baltrocchi, Navarro Ferronato, Iris Jabneel Calle Mendoza, Marcelo Antonio Gorritty Portillo, Francesco Romagnoli, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: This study evaluates the economic and social sustainability of waste-based briquettes in Bolivia. The results show that briquettes have a lower cost compared to coal, but higher than subsidized fossil fuels in Bolivia. Briquettes also have better social impacts in six out of ten assessed subcategories. In conclusion, waste-based briquettes can have economic and social benefits, but require incentives and market analysis for diffusion in Bolivia.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Navarro Ferronato, Adeline Mertenat, Christian Zurbrugg, Vincenzo Torretta
Summary: Open dumping and burning of solid waste are common practices in low-income countries. On small and touristic islands, the problem is exacerbated due to the additional volume of waste amount generated by tourists. This article presents a case study of Nosy Be island in Madagascar to demonstrate how tourism can be used as a catalyst for waste recovery and recycling to address the waste challenge. The study highlights the importance of active participation and involvement of local partners supported by international experts, and proposes potential circular models for waste management in Nosy Be.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Riccardo Boiocchi, Paolo Viotti, Davide Lancione, Nicoletta Stracqualursi, Vincenzo Torretta, Marco Ragazzi, Gabriela Ionescu, Elena Cristina Rada
Summary: This study analyzes the carbon footprint of a large wastewater treatment plant in central Italy, finding that energy consumption, natural gas production and transport, and nitrous oxide emissions from effluent are the most significant contributors. These findings suggest that managers of wastewater treatment plants should prioritize these aspects when taking action to mitigate carbon footprint.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Athanasia K. K. Tolkou, Elena Cristina Rada, Vincenzo Torretta, Maria Xanthopoulou, George Z. Z. Kyzas, Ioannis A. A. Katsoyiannis
Summary: The occurrence of arsenic in water is a global public health problem, and adsorption onto iron oxy-hydroxides is a commonly used technique for its removal. This study investigated the combined use of graphene oxide (GO) and granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) in different molar ratios for maximum As(III) removal. The presence of GFH enhanced the adsorption capacity of GO, with the optimal molar ratio of GO/GFH 2:1 achieving 90% removal at pH 7.0 +/- 0.1. The Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models effectively described the experimental data, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 22.62 μg/g.
C-JOURNAL OF CARBON RESEARCH
(2023)
