Review
Environmental Sciences
Chee Xiang Chen, Azmi Aris, Ee Ling Yong, Zainura Zainon Noor
Summary: Advanced technologies have shown promising results in removing antibiotics from domestic wastewater, but improving the efficiency of activated sludge treatment would be more desirable. Understanding the mechanisms, kinetics, and factors affecting antibiotic removal in the activated sludge process is crucial for enhancing treatment performance. This review paper categorizes, discusses, and analyzes the removal of antibiotics in sewage through the activated sludge process, highlighting the different classes of antibiotics and factors affecting system performance.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Elena Buelow, Marie-Cecile Ploy, Christophe Dagot
Summary: Research indicates that human activities causing pollution contribute to the selection of bacterial pathogens in the environment. Specifically, pollutants associated with human waste are believed to lead to genetic selection in bacterial populations, resulting in the emergence of bacterial pathogens. Scientists have identified key pollutants linked to antibiotic resistance and are discussing ways to prevent their release into the environment.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Akinranti S. Ajibola, Christian Zwiener
Summary: The occurrence of antibiotic residues in sewage sludge from two Nigerian hospital wastewater treatment plants was investigated. The highest concentrations were found in fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The majority of antibiotics presented low risk in sludge-amended soils, while only a few posed medium risk for aquatic ecological risk.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. Cano-Ruiz, J. Ruiz Fernandez, J. Alonso, P. Mauri, M. C. Lobo
Summary: Research has shown that under reduced irrigation conditions, using sewage sludge as an organic amendment can mitigate the impact on Arundo donax biomass yield, resulting in similar yields to full irrigation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sahar S. Dalahmeh, Gunnar Thorsen, Hakan Jonsson
Summary: During a 12-month study in Sweden, it was found that open-air storage without composting showed effective removal of hormones and antibiotics, but lower removal of pharmaceutically active substances. Composting resulted in degradation of hormones and a noticeable difference in concentrations of pharmaceuticals between the top and deeper layers of sludge piles.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raffaele Morello, Francesco Di Capua, Giovanni Esposito, Francesco Pirozzi, Umberto Fratino, Danilo Spasiano
Summary: Excess sludge production in wastewater treatment plants is a global environmental issue. Finding suitable technological solutions and understanding the mechanisms, advantages, disadvantages, and economic and environmental impact of each technology are crucial.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hekmat R. Madian, Ahmed E. Abdelhamid, H. M. Hassan, Ahmed Labena
Summary: The aim of this study was to produce bioethanol from Jatropha curcas leaves and utilize the residual wastes for crystal violet removal. Acid hydrolysis of the leaves showed that hydrolysis of the Jatropha curcas leaves irrigated with sewage-water produced higher total reducing sugars compared to leaves irrigated with other sources. Fermentation of the hydrolysate at a bioreactor scale increased the bioethanol concentrations obtained. Unhydrolyzed wastes were embedded in PVC polymer forming sheets and showed high removal efficiency for crystal violet.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiulei Fan, Weiliang Zhang, Yiming Liu, Shang Shi, Yue Cui, Ziyu Zhao, Jun Hou
Summary: The use of Cu/Zn-SBC as a catalyst to activate persulfate for the degradation of antibiotics was investigated in this study. The results showed that the Cu/Zn-SBC + PS system achieved a high removal rate of tetracycline (TC), with over 99% removal within 4 hours. The system was found to be dominated by radical and nonradical pathways, and the presence of Cu, hydroxyl groups, and carboxyl groups on the surface of Cu/Zn-SBC promoted the production of free radicals and non-free radicals. The study provides an ideal solution for the treatment of sewage sludge and offers a stable and efficient material for removing antibiotics from wastewater.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Nathaniel B. Bolujoko, Emmanuel I. Unuabonah, Moses O. Alfred, Aemere Ogunlaja, Olumuyiwa O. Ogunlaja, Martins O. Omorogie, Olumide D. Olukanni
Summary: Parabens are biocides used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. This review discusses the presence, toxicity, and removal techniques of parabens in water, highlighting the need for further research to protect human health.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alice A. Horton, Richard K. Cross, Daniel S. Read, Monika D. Juergens, Hollie L. Ball, Claus Svendsen, Jes Vollertsen, Andrew C. Johnson
Summary: Analysis of samples from wastewater treatment works in the UK showed high removal rates of various types of microplastics during the treatment process, with sludge samples revealing higher concentrations than previously reported. The most common polymers identified were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Osama Alayish, Tahir Celik
Summary: This study investigates the potential use of sewage sludge as construction material by producing artificial lightweight aggregate and cement replacement material, which could potentially resolve the long-term sludge disposal issue in Nicosia and provide sustainability.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
You-Hsin Chen, Thi Ngoc Lan Thao Ngo, Kung-Yuh Chiang
Summary: This research investigates enhanced hydrogen production in sewage sludge and industrial wastewater sludge co-gasification. The experimental results demonstrate that the high catalytic Fe/Mn content in industrial wastewater sludge increases hydrogen production, with the produced gas heating value and cold gas efficiency falling within acceptable ranges.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Williane Vieira Macedo, Jennie Spicker Schmidt, Sara Brorson Jensen, Patrick Biller, Leendert Vergeynst
Summary: Sewage sludge management is challenging due to its environmental impact and regulatory requirements. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a promising technology for producing biofuel and extracting phosphorus from sewage sludge. However, the toxic nature of the resulting process water (HTL-PW) raises concerns about integrating HTL into conventional wastewater treatment processes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rupa Chand, Komeil Kohansal, Saqib Toor, Thomas Helmer Pedersen, Jes Vollertsen
Summary: The presence of microplastics (MPs) in wastewater treatment plant sludge is a hindrance to sustainability efforts. However, a study has shown that hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) can effectively reduce the amount of MPs in sludge, leaving the residual products less polluted. The HTL process also led to a change in polymer composition, with the resulting byproducts and residuals being more suitable for sustainability efforts.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sija Arun, Liu Xin, Omkar Gaonkar, B. Neppolian, Gan Zhang, Paromita Chakraborty
Summary: The study investigated the presence of 18 antibiotics in surface water, groundwater, and sewage treatment plants in Chennai city and the suburbs. The findings showed high concentrations of antibiotics in some locations, possibly due to direct sewer outfalls or open drains contaminating surface water bodies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Richard H. Lindberg, Shahla Namazkar, Sandra Lage, Marcus Ostman, Zivan Gojkovic, Christiane Funk, Francesco G. Gentili, Mats Tysklind
Summary: Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are important for human health, but can pose ecological risks if discharged into the environment. Conventional wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove APIs specifically. Microalgae-based treatment is a sustainable and low-cost approach to remove nutrients and emerging contaminants.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yidi Wang, Wei Ouyang, Chunye Lin, Weihong Zhu, Andrea Critto, Mats Tysklind, Xuelei Wang, Mengchang He, Baodong Wang, Haotian Wu
Summary: The study reveals deep uncertainty in estimating sediment pollutant flux in river delta-front estuaries, with fine particles in rivers controlling pollution status in estuaries. The Yellow River's high-silt sediment load, significant in global fluvial sediment transport, shows a negative correlation with estuarine phosphorus flux.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Roberto Xavier Supe Tulcan, Wei Ouyang, Xiang Gu, Chunye Lin, Mats Tysklind, Baodong Wang
Summary: The study found that atrazine concentrations in marine organisms from Jiaozhou Bay were relatively low, with a trend of biotic dilution as trophic levels increased. The predicted risks to species from exposure to atrazine were low, with less than 0.02% of species expected to be affected by detrimental effects. Overall, there was no significant health risk associated with consuming seafood from JZB due to the limited daily intake and low target hazard quotient of atrazine.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zihan Wang, Wei Ouyang, Mats Tysklind, Chunye Lin, Baodong Wang
Summary: The study investigated the concentrations of atrazine and its three main degradation products in water and suspended particulate sediment in a semienclosed bay of the western Pacific Ocean. The results showed seasonal and spatial variations in pollutant concentrations, with sensitivity to water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. Further detailed toxicity studies are needed in the future.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Megan L. Fork, Jerker B. Fick, Alexander J. Reisinger, Emma J. Rosi
Summary: The study on pharmaceuticals in an urban stream network in Baltimore, MD, USA, revealed higher concentrations and more compounds in streams with higher population densities. Annual pharmaceutical loads at the watershed outlet ranged from less than 1 kg to around 15 kg, equivalent to tens of thousands of human doses. Pharmaceuticals are mainly released to surface waters through leaking sewage and treated wastewater effluent pathways, with varying importance among different compounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Majid Mustafa, Ivan Kozyatnyk, Christine Gallampois, Pierre Oesterle, Marcus Ostman, Mats Tysklind
Summary: The study compared two methods for regenerating spent PAC saturated with MPs: ozonation and the electro-peroxone (E-peroxone) process. Both methods achieved regeneration efficiencies (REs) of >100% for four of the MPs, but the REs for diclofenac and PFOA were below 100%.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Venkata K. K. Upadhyayula, Venkataramana Gadhamshetty, Dimitris Athanassiadis, Mats Tysklind, Fanran Meng, Qing Pan, Jonathan M. Cullen, Dalia M. M. Yacout
Summary: This study evaluates the environmental performance of wind turbine blades made from hybrid materials reinforced with recycled and virgin carbon fibers. The hybrid blades show better environmental performance in most impact categories, and exhibit optimum performance when specific pollution abatement systems and manufacturing methods are used.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dong Wang, Sven Thunell, Ulrika Lindberg, Lili Jiang, Johan Trygg, Mats Tysklind
Summary: Understanding pollutant removal mechanisms in WWTPs is crucial for controlling effluent quality. An upgraded ML framework with tree-based models and advanced SHAP interpretation system was used to study cause-and-effect relationships. Results showed XGBoost models to be optimal for TSSe and PO4(e) labels, providing insights for model comparison and interpretation in WWTP applications.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kavitha Shanmugam, Venkataramana Gadhamshetty, Mats Tysklind, Debraj Bhattacharyya, Venkata K. K. Upadhyayula
Summary: Municipal wastewater treatment plants can contribute to a circular economy by implementing the 3R principles and generating valuable byproducts. These byproducts, including treated effluent, biogas, and sludge, can be reused in various applications, leading to sustainable development.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Irina A. Duarte, Patrick Reis-Santos, Jerker Fick, Henrique N. Cabral, Bernardo Duarte, Vanessa F. Fonseca
Summary: The contamination of surface waters by pharmaceuticals is a global issue caused by increased access and use of pharmaceuticals, which poses a threat to non-target species. Neuroactive pharmaceuticals, in particular, can bioaccumulate in fish and disrupt various processes, impacting fish populations and their ecosystems. This study investigates the presence and bioaccumulation of 33 neuroactive pharmaceuticals in multiple fish species from four different estuaries. The results show widespread occurrence and bioaccumulation of these pharmaceuticals in fish tissues, highlighting the urgent need for toxicity assessment in natural ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jana Spaeth, Tomas Brodin, Per Falas, Mirva Niinipuu, Richard Lindberg, Jerker Fick, Malin Nording
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of ozonated wastewater on oxylipin levels in damselfly larvae. The results showed that ozonation of wastewater has a certain impact on oxylipin levels in larvae.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Emma J. Rosi, Jerker B. Fick, Barbara A. Han
Summary: Novel viral pathogens have led to the emergence of new diseases in humans, and society has responded with technological innovations such as antiviral therapies. Antivirals can be rapidly deployed to mitigate severe disease and save lives, but their release into the environment can have unforeseen consequences. Using SARS-CoV-2 as a case study, this research identifies a global overlap between bats and elevated pharmaceutical concentrations in surface waters. The contamination of freshwater with antivirals could lead to the evolution of antiviral-resistant viruses in bats, emphasizing the urgent need for scientific research, antiviral development, and responsible use.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Terry Bidleman, Agneta Andersson, Eva Brorstrom-Lunden, Sonia Brugel, Lars Ericson, Katarina Hansson, Mats Tysklind
Summary: A study investigated the presence of halomethoxybenzenes (HMBs) compounds in the air and precipitation at two sites in Sweden and Finland. The abundance and composition of HMBs varied between the two locations, indicating different sources and influences of long-range transport. The findings suggest that terrestrial fungi and forest litter containing fungal mycelia may contribute to atmospheric levels of HMBs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Dong Wang, Therese Enlund, Johan Trygg, Mats Tysklind, Lili Jiang
Summary: Buildings are responsible for high energy consumption and environmental degradation. Detecting anomalous energy consumption can reduce energy consumption and enhance the safety of building systems. This study proposes a workflow based on data structure and algorithm mechanism levels to effectively detect imperceptible anomalies in building energy consumption profiles.
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.