Article
Environmental Sciences
Franciszek Bydalek, Daniel Ifayemi, Liam Reynolds, Ruth Barden, Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, Jannis Wenk
Summary: This study investigated the dynamics of microplastics (MPs) in a newly established surface flow constructed wetland (CW) that receives 1.4 million liters per day of secondary treated wastewater. The study found that most MPs were synthetic fibers and fragments in the size range of 100-1000 micrometers. The CW effectively retained MPs, but the accumulation of MPs in sediments and substrate needs to be considered.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Franciszek Bydalek, Gordon Webster, Ruth Barden, Andrew J. Weightman, Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, Jannis Wenk
Summary: This study investigated the establishment and changes in microplastic-associated biofilms and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during a conventional wastewater treatment process. The results showed that the microbial diversity on microplastics increased with incubation time. Although the treatment process reduced pathogen and AMR load, microplastic-associated biofilms still harbored AMR genes and potential pathogens.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicholas R. Wilkins, Howard Fallowfield, Ryan Baring
Summary: This study assessed the spatial distribution and accumulation concentrations of nutrients and contaminants in macrophytes in a constructed wetland as a performance indicator for wetland functionality and management. The results showed that concentrations of water chemistry parameters increased with distance from the inflow, while the height and biomass of macrophytes decreased with distance from the inflow.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ha Thi Thuy Ung, Bach Tho Leu, Hoa Thi Hien Tran, Luong Ngoc Nguyen, Long Duc Nghiem, Ngoc Bich Hoang, Hung Tuan Pham, Hung Cong Duong
Summary: This study reports the performance of a new combined flowform cascade (FC) and constructed wetland (CW) system in enhancing nitrogen removal and biological degradation of urban wastewater. The results show that the combined system can achieve suitable aerobic and anoxic conditions, resulting in improved removal rates of total nitrogen and biochemical oxygen demand.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Ikrema Hassan, Saidur R. Chowdhury, Perdana K. Prihartato, Shaikh A. Razzak
Summary: Constructed wetlands are an environmentally friendly technique for removing pollutants from wastewater, being used in various industries. The field of microbiology has seen significant innovations in the past decade. The review critically evaluates key aspects of CW and sets directions for future advancements.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tanveer Saeed, Rumana Afrin, Abdullah Al-Muyeed, Md Jihad Miah, Hasin Jahan
Summary: This study reported the pollutant removal performance of two on-site wastewater treatment configurations, namely a field-scale bioreactor septic tank and a combined pilot-scale bioreactor septic tank. The pilot-scale bioreactor septic tank showed better removal performance, with a floating constructed wetland providing additional treatment as a polishing stage.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yamini Mittal, Md. Tabish Noori, Tanveer Saeed, Asheesh Kumar Yadav
Summary: This research aims to explore the effects of evapotranspiration (ET) on the performance indicators of constructed wetlands integrated with microbial fuel cells (CW-MFC). The study found that the water loss due to ET improved the voltage generation, reduced internal resistance, and enhanced wastewater treatment efficiency.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christy K. Benny, Saswati Chakraborty
Summary: A hybrid constructed wetland system combining horizontal and vertical flow was used to treat carbon-deficient synthetic dyeing wastewater. The results showed that the system could effectively remove azo dyes from low-carbon dyeing wastewater. In the horizontal wetland, organic waste products served as the carbon source for microbial dye degradation, resulting in 90% color removal. The vertical wetland removed dye degradation organics, ammonium-nitrogen, and organic-nitrogen.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Shentan Liu, Yangchen Zhang, Xiaojuan Feng, Sang-Hyun Pyo
Summary: This paper summarizes the common problems of constructed wetlands (CWs) and proposes corresponding optimized solutions, including thermal insulation and additional aeration in cold climates, choosing suitable plant species and planting patterns to enhance phytoremediation in CWs, using various methods to monitor and evaluate CW clogging, implementing anti-clogging measures, controlling greenhouse gas emissions during CW treatment, constructing and utilizing CW databases, designing appropriate CW types, and implementing strict technical management and supervision.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Divyesh Parde, Aakash Patwa, Amol Shukla, Ritesh Vijay, Deepak J. Killedar, Rakesh Kumar
Summary: The performance of constructed wetland is influenced by factors such as type, vegetation, hydraulic load, and media. This review discusses the technology and treatment of various types of wastewater, comparing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of constructed wetlands with other treatment technologies. Further research is suggested to improve the selection of media, plants, engineering design and automation in constructed wetland systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiaxing Lu, Jian Zhang, Huijun Xie, Yuming Jing, Mingde Ji, Zhen Hu
Summary: In this study, a novel wastewater treatment process combining sequencing batch reactor, constructed wetland and microalgal membrane photobioreactor (BCM process) was proposed. The process achieved satisfactory removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their substituted derivatives (SPAHs), and significantly reduced bacterial toxicity and genotoxicity. Microalgae played an important role in ensuring water security.
Review
Environmental Studies
Marwa M. Waly, Taha Ahmed, Ziyad Abunada, Slobodan B. Mickovski, Craig Thomson
Summary: Constructed Wetland systems are low-cost and effective technologies for wastewater treatment, capable of treating various contaminants using low energy and natural systems. Recent studies have shown that different configurations of constructed wetlands can achieve reasonable treatment efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lin-Lan Zhuang, Mengting Li, Yingfei Li, Lijie Zhang, Xiaoli Xu, Haiming Wu, Shuang Liang, Chang Su, Jian Zhang
Summary: Biochar is considered as black gold in the field of environmental remediation, due to its high surface area, light density, and great adsorption capacity. It has high potential to improve wastewater purification in constructed wetlands. This paper systematically reviews the characteristics of biochar, methods of preparation, pollutant removal effects, and greenhouse gas emission reduction in constructed wetlands, providing guidance for further studies on biochar application. The study found that biochar produced from terrestrial plants was mainly used in constructed wetlands, while biochar produced from marine biology or other procedures may have different performance. Biochar affects the performance of constructed wetlands through multiple pathways, including physicochemical and hydraulic conditions, as well as biological behavior. The enhancement of pollutant removal in biochar-added constructed wetlands was quantified, with significantly higher removal rates for COD, ammonia, and TN compared to non-biochar wetlands. Moreover, biochar commonly reduces N2O emissions from constructed wetlands, although the mechanism behind this is still not fully understood. Further research is needed to advance our understanding of biochar's behavior in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Majed Alsubih, Rachida El Morabet, Roohul Abad Khan, Nadeem A. Khan, Amadur Rahman Khan, Saimah Khan, Nabisab Mujawar Mubarak, Mohammad Hadi Dehghani, Lakhveer Singh
Summary: Pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) pose a threat to aquatic environments and effective wastewater treatment is needed. This study investigates the efficiency of constructed wetlands coupled with tube settlers for hospital wastewater treatment. The results show that constructed wetlands can successfully remove PhACs, and tube settlers can further improve the effluent quality.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yun Zhang, Feng Liu, Yidong Lin, Lei Sun, Xinru Guo, Shuai Yang, Jinlong He
Summary: This study investigates the impact of planting plants and coupled microbial fuel cells (MFCs) on the decontamination capacity and purification mechanism of constructed wetlands (CWs). It was found that the combined system of planting plants and MFCs showed the highest pollutant removal efficiency, improving the area efficiency of the wetland system and fundamentally alleviating the disadvantage of large land footprint. High output voltages and power densities were recorded in the systems with MFCs, indicating their potential for enhancing wetland decontamination capacity. Additionally, anaerobic ammonia oxidizing bacteria were identified as key players in nitrogen removal in the system.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Frederic D. L. Leusch, Hsuan-Cheng Lu, Kushani Perera, Peta A. Neale, Shima Ziajahromi
Summary: Microplastics come in various shapes, polymer types, and sizes. The lack of a standardized approach to analyze and quantify microplastics has led to significant disparities in reported data, making it difficult to compare microplastic abundance between studies. This study introduces a mathematical approach that allows for meaningful comparisons of microplastics irrespective of size classifications. By validating the method with two datasets and re-analyzing 127 publications, a negative linear relationship between microplastic concentrations and sizes was found across different environmental matrices. This method enables researchers to compare microplastic concentrations and estimate abundance, providing a better understanding of the risks microplastics pose to organisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stephanie Chaousis, Frederic D. L. Leusch, Colin J. Limpus, Amanda Nouwens, Liesbeth J. Weijs, Antonia Weltmeyer, Adrian Covaci, Jason P. van de Merwe
Summary: All seven species of sea turtle are facing increasing pressures from human activities that are impacting their health. Changes in blood proteins can indicate adverse health outcomes. This study examines the protein abundance in sea turtle plasma, compares protein expression between different populations, and investigates markers of contaminant exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peta A. Neale, Beate I. Escher, Milo L. De Baat, Jerome Enault, Frederic D. L. Leusch
Summary: Effect-based methods (EBMs) using in vitro bioassays and well plate-based in vivo assays are recommended for water quality monitoring. Effect-based trigger values (EBTs) have been introduced to differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable chemical water quality. These EBTs have been derived for both drinking water and surface water to protect human and ecological health.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jerome Enault, Jean-Francois Loret, Peta Neale, Milo De Baat, Beate Escher, Faten Belhadj, Stephan Kools, Geertje Pronk, Frederic Leusch
Summary: In the past decade, effect-based methods (EBMs) have gained increasing attention as a water quality monitoring tool. However, their practical use has been limited to research projects despite being recommended in guideline documents. This study reviews bioanalytical data on wastewater, drinking water, and reuse to identify knowledge gaps and priorities for action. The results highlight the need for more data on various biological effects and emphasize the importance of improving wastewater treatment to protect the environment.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Peta A. . Neale, Beate I. Escher, Milo L. de Baat, Magali Dechesne, Milou M. L. Dingemans, Jerome Enault, Geertje J. Pronk, Patrick W. M. H. Smeets, Frederic D. L. Leusch
Summary: Effect-based methods (EBM) have the potential for water quality monitoring by detecting the mixture effects of chemicals, which cannot be addressed by chemical analysis alone. However, EBM has been primarily used in research rather than adopted by the water sector and regulators due to concerns about reliability and interpretation. This work aims to answer frequently asked questions about EBM and provide confidence to regulators and the water sector to encourage its application.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Md Hafiz All Hosen, Alex M. M. Sykes, Stephen A. A. Wood, Frederic D. L. Leusch, Deanne J. J. Whitworth, Susan M. Bengtson M. Nash
Summary: Cetaceans are at risk of accumulating environmental contaminants due to their longevity and high body fat. However, there is a lack of specific chemical effect data for these species. Recent advances in cetacean cell culture have allowed for the application of toxicological effect assessment approaches.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shima Ziajahromi, Hsuan-Cheng Lu, Darren Drapper, Andy Hornbuckle, Frederic D. L. Leusch
Summary: Limited research has been conducted on microplastics (MPs) and tire wear particles (TWPs) in stormwater. This study provides information on the abundance of MPs and TWPs in Australia and offers strategies to mitigate MP pollution. The results indicate that stormwater serves as a pathway for MPs, including TWPs, to enter aquatic habitats. Constructed wetlands and microlitter capture devices can effectively reduce the transport of MPs from stormwater to receiving waterways.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hsuan-Cheng Lu, Anupama Kumar, Steven D. Melvin, Shima Ziajahromi, Peta A. Neale, Frederic D. L. Leusch
Summary: In this study, the effects of irregular shaped polyethylene microplastics (MPs) on Chironomus tepperi were investigated. The parental generation showed decreased survival and emergence rates at high MP concentrations, while growth-related endpoints were only affected at the highest concentration. Metabolite analysis revealed lower abundances of amino acid and energy metabolism-related metabolites at the highest exposure concentration, suggesting an impact on bioenergetics. However, no significant effects were observed in the continuous exposure of the first filial generation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peta Anne Neale, Steven D. Melvin, Marty Hancock, Frederic D. L. Leusch
Summary: The widespread presence of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in water sources is a continuous problem for the water industry. The lack of regulatory guidance and limited data availability make it difficult to prioritize which CEC pose the greatest risk to human and ecosystem health. The online database ECHIDNA aims to provide valuable information for better decision-making surrounding CEC management by classifying and prioritizing CEC based on their potential risk.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dechao Chen, Muhammad Usman Zia, Fan Yang, Yuting Wang, Frederic D. L. Leusch, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Wei Zhang, Yongsheng Gao, Dongyuan Zhao, Colin L. L. Raston, Qin Li
Summary: A ligand-mediated, spatially-confined synthesis method is developed to produce high-quality carbon dots from crude bioresources. The choice of solvent plays a critical role in the formation and properties of the carbon dots. The ligand-carbon interactions and electron transfer result in the formation of uniform colloidal carbon dots with multiple emissions. These carbon dots can be easily dispersed in various solvents and fabricated into thin-film devices, making them suitable for optoelectronic applications.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Attila Csaba Kondor, Anna Viktoria Vancsik, Laszlo Bauer, Lili Szabo, Zoltan Szalai, Gergely Jakab, Gabor Maasz, Marta Pedrosa, Maria Jose Sampaio, Ana Rita Lado Ribeiro
Summary: This review provides a critical overview of research on the removal efficiency of priority substances and compounds of emerging concern through bank filtration, discussing influencing factors and future challenges. The findings show that the efficiency of bank filtration is influenced by multiple factors and varies for different substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyan Wang, Shuai Zhang, Huihui Yan, Zhao Ma, Yunshan Zhang, Haining Luo, Xueli Yang
Summary: This study investigated the association between ambient PM2.5, O3 pollution, and ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged Chinese women. The results showed that increased exposure to PM2.5 and O3 was associated with decreased AMH levels, indicating reduced ovarian reserve. Notably, the effects of O3 exposure on ovarian reserve were different from those of PM2.5 exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Ma, Yanjuan Ding, Fengjiao Xu, Chen Zhang, Min Zhou, Ya Tang, Yanrong Chen, Yating Wen, Rufei Chen, Bin Tang, Shigui Wang
Summary: The dragonfly species Orthetrum albistylum can accumulate heavy metals, and its heat shock protein genes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for monitoring environmental pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naoto Ishiwaka, Koya Hashimoto, Masayoshi K. Hiraiwa, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, Taku Kadoya, Daisuke Hayasaka
Summary: Systemic insecticides and rising temperatures have combined effects on the abundance of Odonata nymphs in paddy fields. The standalone effect of insecticide exposure decreased the Odonata community, while nymphs decreased synergistically with temperature rise in paddy water. However, the impacts of each stressor alone varied among species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Vecchiato, Carlo Barbante, Elena Barbaro, Francois Burgay, Warren R. L. Cairns, Alice Callegaro, David Cappelletti, Federico Dallo, Marianna D'Amico, Matteo Feltracco, Jean-Charles Gallet, Andrea Gambaro, Catherine Larose, Niccolo Maffezzoli, Mauro Mazzola, Ivan Sartorato, Federico Scoto, Clara Turetta, Massimiliano Varde, Zhiyong Xie, Andrea Spolaor
Summary: The Arctic region is facing contamination from long-range pollution and local human activities. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are used as environmental indicators for emission, transport, and deposition processes. Research conducted in the Arctic surface snow in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard from October 2018 to May 2019 shows that long-range inputs of PAHs mainly occur in winter, while the most abundant analyte retene exhibits opposite seasonal trends.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maoshui Zhuo, Zhijie Chen, Xiaoqing Liu, Wei Wei, Yansong Shen, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This paper discusses the application of three catalytic processes (photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis) in the management of microplastic pollution, and introduces the efficiency and catalytic mechanisms of different catalysts. It also proposes the development prospects for sustainable management of microplastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiyu Chen, Zhenzhen Shi, Qiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of diethyl phthalate (DEP) was developed to assess its toxicity. The model considers the distribution and metabolism of DEP and its active metabolite monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in different tissue compartments. Sensitivity analysis and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations were performed to evaluate the uncertainty and variability of the model parameters. The results suggest that dermal absorption is an important route of exposure to DEP in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bangguo Wang, Lijing Wang, Wenxi Cen, Tao Lyu, Peter Jarvis, Yang Zhang, Yuanxun Zhang, Yinghui Han, Lei Wang, Gang Pan, Kaili Zhang, Wei Fan
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility and mechanisms of a chemical-free nanobubble-based AOP for treating organic micropollutants in water. The results show that the oxygen nanobubble AOP has a significantly higher removal efficiency compared to air and nitrogen nanobubbles. The treatment performance is not affected by pH and the presence of ions. Higher initial concentrations of the micropollutant lead to slower treatment processes, but similar removal performance is achieved in the end. The presence of organic matter reduces the removal rate of the micropollutant. The results have practical feasibility for water and wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingmei Huang, Jicai Yi, Yao Huang, Songxiong Zhong, Bin Zhao, Jing Zhou, Yuxuan Wang, Yiwen Zhu, Yanhong Du, Fangbai Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of biochar on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in rice. The results show that biochar reduces MeHg levels in paddy soils by decreasing bioavailable Hg and microbial Hg methylation. Additionally, biochar decreases the uptake and translocation of MeHg in rice plants, resulting in a reduction of MeHg accumulation in rice grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nengde Zeng, Fei Huang, Jiani Du, Chenghao Huang, Qian Yang, Xinhua Zhan, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigates the protein targets and protein-ligand interactions related to PAH contamination in crop xylem sap using computational tools. The results show that phenanthrene has a more pronounced effect on the xylem sap proteins of maize and wheat, with maize DEPs associated with lipid biosynthesis and wheat DEPs exhibiting an increase in ABC transporters. This study provides insights into the regulation and movement of PAHs within plant xylem.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinwei Chen, Hao Ma, Run Wang, Man Wang, Binbin Zhu, Yanqing Cong, Xiayue Zhu, Guoqin Wang, Yi Zhang
Summary: Co3O4/TiO2-NRs electrodes with excellent photoresponse were prepared via plasma-assisted modification of Co3O4 on TiO2. The combination of Co3O4 and TiO2 improved the light utilization efficiency and showed potential for degradation of pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjing Ji, Liying Song, Jing Wang, Hongqing Song
Summary: This study conducted a life-cycle assessment to examine the correlation between natural gas consumption and carbon emissions in different end uses in China. The results showed that both natural gas consumption and life-cycle carbon emissions have been increasing since 2017. Significant variations in NG life-cycle carbon emissions were found across different provinces and sectors, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youyi Chen, Boxuan Zhang, Pojun Zhang, Guogui Shi, Hao Liang, Wu Cai, Jingyu Gao, Sumin Zhuang, Kaiyin Luo, Jiaqi Zhu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma, Jinrong Chen, Chun Hu, Xueci Xing
Summary: The synergistic effects of trace sulfadiazine and cast-iron corrosion scales on the formation of disinfection by-products in drinking water distribution systems were investigated. The presence of magnetite resulted in increased concentrations of DBPs due to the higher microbial activity and enhanced microbial extracellular electron transport pathway. The study highlights the importance of considering trace antibiotics pollution and corrosion scales in water sources for DBP control.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Bishwa Raj Pokharel, Vijay Sheri, Manoj Kumar, Zhiyong Zhang, Baohong Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the interactions, uptake, and transport of aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) in plants, highlighting their negative effects on plant growth and development, as well as their potential to alter plant defense systems and gene expression.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yonglu Wang, Fengsong Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao, Xiao Yang, Guixiang Zhang, Liyun Zhang, Chaojun Wei, Pengge Shi, Jiongxin Wen, Xiaorong Ju, Can Xu, Yang Liu, Ying Lan
Summary: This study aims to explore the effects of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole on soil microflora and the potential mitigation mechanisms to bacterial communities. It was found that increasing the application of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole resulted in increased stress on soil bacterial community structure and diversity. Increasing soil pH was recognized as a key factor in improving the diversity and structure of soil microflora. Supplemental use of nitrapyrin or modified attapulgite can increase soil pH and improve bacterial diversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)