Article
Environmental Sciences
Tiantian Hu, Yongzhen Peng, Chuansheng Yuan, Qiong Zhang
Summary: The novel SPNEDpr system operated for 213 days in a sequencing batch reactor to treat real domestic sewage, achieving efficient nutrient removal and the formation of aerobic granular sludge through optimizing intermittent aeration conditions. The system provided a highly efficient and economical method for treating urban sewage.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Susan N. James, Arya Vijayanandan
Summary: An anoxic-aerobic-anoxic process was established in a sequencing batch reactor to simultaneously remove organic carbon and nitrogen from wastewater. The study found that the optimum conditions for the process were achieved with a dissolved oxygen level of 1.5 mg/L and 1 hour pre-anoxic and post-anoxic periods. Under these conditions, the removal efficiencies of TOC, NH4+-N, and TN were 98.76%, 98.52%, and 88.23% respectively. Breakpoints in the pH, DO, and ORP curves provided insights into the biochemical reactions occurring in the reactor. Inhibition studies revealed that nitrogen removal pathways such as heterotrophic nitrification or direct conversion contributed to the removal of 27.69% of NH4+-N, while aerobic denitrification accounted for the removal of 20.55% of TN. Microbial community analysis confirmed the presence of heterotrophic nitrifiers and aerobic denitrifiers. The study emphasized the benefits of the varied redox conditions provided by limited aeration for nitrogen removal, leading to reduced energy usage and operating costs.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Naveen Chand, Kapil Kumar, Surindra Suthar
Summary: The study demonstrated that intermittent aeration in VFCWs significantly improved the removal efficiency of COD, NH4+-N, NO3-N, and TP compared to non-aerated setups, while setups with biochar (BC) addition and plantation were more advantageous in nutrient removal than those without BC. Moreover, the COD/N ratio of wastewater did not have a significant impact on VFCWs with BC and intermittent aeration, indicating the effectiveness of slow adsorption and fast aerobic degradation processes.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuanyuan Miao, Liang Zhang, Deshuang Yu, Jianhua Zhang, Wenke Zhang, Guocheng Ma, Xinchao Zhao, Yongzhen Peng
Summary: Intermittent aeration is an effective strategy for biological wastewater treatment, allowing for advanced nitrogen removal and reduced energy consumption. It is suitable for partial nitrification and denitrification processes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Denghui Chen, Haibo Li, Xiaofei Xue, Lili Zhang, Yanan Hou, Han Chen, Yousuo Zhang, Yunda Song, Shiqi Zhao, Jianbo Guo
Summary: The AGS-SPNDPR process showed successful cultivation of aerobic granular sludge for simultaneous partial nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus removal in low strength and low COD/TN ratio municipal wastewater. The tapered aeration method achieved excellent removal performance of COD and NH4+-N, and higher TN removal efficiency. Additionally, the process allowed for efficient phosphorus removal and enrichment of denitrifying glycogen-accumulating organisms, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, and phosphorus-accumulating organisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chan Wy Lyn, Mohammed J. K. Bashir, Ling Yong Wong, Jun Wei Lim, Sumathi Sethupathi, Choon Aun Ng
Summary: This study investigated the use of palm oil fuel ash (POFA) augmented sequencing batch reactor (SBR) for biological treatment of domestic wastewater. The results showed that the highest removal efficiencies for COD, NH3-N, and color were achieved at an optimum POFA concentration of 4 g/L in SBR with an aeration rate of 1 L/min. Higher aeration rate was found to contribute to smaller floc size and decreased pollutant removal efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lisheng Wang, Xiaofeng Kang, Yanchen Liu, Xia Huang
Summary: Stable partial nitrification was achieved in MABR using control strategies based on free ammonia (FA) and free nitrous acid (FNA), with low FA concentrations suppressing nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and FNA stabilizing partial nitrification by eliminating NOB.
Article
Thermodynamics
Cristina Agabo-Garcia, Rosario Solera, Montserrat Perez
Summary: This study aims to determine the potential for biomethane production using an Anaerobic Sequential Batch Reactor to process slaughterhouse wastewaters. The results show that the reactor system has high methane production and biodegradation efficiency under optimal hydraulic retention times. Furthermore, pre-treatment of sludge and proper mixture with slaughterhouse wastewater can enhance biomethane production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Somya Sadaf, Ankit Kumar Singh, Jawed Iqbal, R. Naresh Kumar, Jasmina Sulejmanovic, Mohamed A. Habila, Juliana Heloisa Pine Americo-Pinheiro, Farooq Sher
Summary: Slaughterhouse wastewater contains highly polluted organic wastes, which require efficient treatment before discharge into water bodies. The study proposes a novel strategy using a simultaneous sequential batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) with recycled plastic carrier media support for the removal of pollutants. The optimized conditions achieved high removal efficiencies of NH3, NO3, PO4, and COD, and the SBBR system showed better performance compared to the local SBR system.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huoqing Wang, Jia Miao, Yuepeng Sun
Summary: This study compared nitrogen removal and N2O emissions from lab-scale anoxic/aerobic sequencing batch reactor (AOSBR) and intermittent aeration sequencing batch reactor (IASBR), finding that IASBR showed enhanced nitrogen removal efficiency and lower N2O emission factors compared to AOSBR. N2O emissions were significantly higher during simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) compared to aerobic nitrification and denitrification, with different emission factors for oxidized ammonium in each phase.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fen Wang, Sihan Xu, Lingjie Liu, Siyu Wang, Min Ji
Summary: The study investigated a one-stage partial nitrification and anammox process in a lab-scale biofilm reactor, observing that temperature variations have an impact on nitrogen removal efficiency and microbial community structure.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pengzhang Li, Yun Wang, Yue Liu, Shuying Wang, Yongzhen Peng
Summary: This study investigates the effect of salinity on N2O emissions during the partial nitrification process in the wastewater treatment system. The results show that increasing salinity decreases the oxidation rate of NH4+ and the formation rate of NO2-, while increasing N2O emissions during NH4+ and NH2OH oxidation. Additionally, it was found that heterotrophic denitrification by heterotrophic bacteria contributes to N2O emissions and the increase in salinity can further increase these emissions. These findings provide valuable insights for reducing N2O emissions in wastewater treatment processes.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Magray Owaes Hassan, Khalid M. Gani, Sheena Kumari, Oluyemi Awolusi, Lethintokozo Gumede, Mohammed Seyam, Faizal Bux
Summary: This study investigates various strategies for the start-up of partial nitrification and stable suppression of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. Controlling the dissolved oxygen level during intermittent aeration and pH plays a crucial role in achieving partial nitrification.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jessica Costa Lopes, Bruno Garcia Silva, Maria Eduarda Simoes Dias, Rodrigo Braz Carneiro, Marcia Helena Rissato Zamariolli Damianovic, Eugenio Foresti
Summary: The removal of nutrients from sewage is still a challenge in conventional treatment plants. This study explored the nitrogen and phosphorus removal from anaerobic pre-treated sewage using a structured fixed bed reactor. It was found that high removal efficiencies could be achieved under the appropriate operating conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wentao Zhu, Jing Chen, Sicheng Yuan, Wenjiao Sang, Yihui Ban, Shiyang Zhang
Summary: In this study, three double-layered mixotrophic sequencing batch biofilm reactors involving pyrite-based autotrophic denitrification were used to treat real domestic wastewater. By adjusting the frequency of intermittent aeration to 16 times per operating cycle, high removal percentages of ammonium-nitrogen, total nitrogen, and orthophosphate were achieved. The dominant microbial taxa observed in the system were found to contribute to the multiple nitrogen metabolism, and sulfur metabolic pathways were also identified. These findings provide new insights into the nutrient removal mechanism in PAD-based mixotrophic denitrification systems treating real domestic wastewater under intermittent aeration mode.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
W. Shi, O. Fenton, S. M. Ashekuzzaman, K. Daly, J. J. Leahy, N. Khalaf, Y. Hu, K. Chojnacka, C. Numviyimana, M. G. Healy
Summary: This study analyzed the nutrient and metal content of dairy processing sludge (DPS) and DPS-derived STRUBIAS products, creating an application calculator for guidance on maximum legal application rates for ryegrass and spring wheat in different soil conditions. The analysis showed high phosphorus content in these products, while nitrogen content varied due to the thermo-chemical processes involved.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
John McGinley, Jenny Harmon O'Driscoll, Mark G. Healy, Paraic C. Ryan, Per Eric Mellander, Liam Morrison, Oisin Callery, Alma Siggins
Summary: This paper develops a risk ranking of pesticide transmission through soil to waterways, considering physico-chemical properties of the pesticides, soil permeability, and the relationship between pesticide adsorption and soil texture. The data generated can be used as a screening tool for land managers to assess the potential transmission risks associated with the use of specified pesticides across different soil textures.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
S. Monteverde, M. G. Healy, D. O'Leary, E. Daly, O. Callery
Summary: Peatlands, as the most abundant source of terrestrial carbon, provide various ecosystem services. However, factors such as spatial diversity, laborious survey methods, climate variations, lack of generalizability, and non-implementation of water quality assessment policies complicate land and water management practices. This paper proposes the use of remote sensing methods and an airborne electromagnetic approach for improved peatland management.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. Harmon O'Driscoll, A. Siggins, M. G. Healy, J. McGinley, P. E. Mellander, L. Morrison, P. C. Ryan
Summary: This paper presents a novel scoring system for evaluating the risk of pesticides in contaminated drinking water to human health. The method takes into account pesticide use, chronic human health effects, and environmental fate. Soil conditions are also considered to show how pesticide fate can be influenced by the areas in which they are used. The scoring system uses multiple indices to describe the level of concern for a pesticide and incorporates the toxicity and persistence of metabolites. The developed method can be used by pesticide users to assess and compare pesticide risk at the site level.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
W. Shi, M. G. Healy, K. Daly, S. M. Ashekuzzaman, O. Fenton
Summary: This study investigated the potential of dairy processing sludges and biochar as bio-fertilisers and examined the effects of application rate and calculation methods on estimates of nitrogen and phosphorus fertiliser equivalence value. The results showed that nitrogen fertiliser equivalence value increased with application rate, while phosphorus fertiliser equivalence value did not. Aluminium-precipitated dairy processing sludges performed better as bio-fertilisers compared to other products. The two calculation methods of fertiliser equivalence value did not show significant differences, suggesting that the determination of equivalence value could be simplified.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Y. A. Mohamed, A. Siggins, M. G. Healy, D. O. HUallachain, O. Fenton, P. Tuohy
Summary: Constructed wetlands are cost-effective and sustainable treatment technology for dairy wastewater, but they require large area and have poor phosphorus removal. This study uses a novel coagulation-sedimentation process prior to loading wetlands, which achieves high removal efficiencies and complies with EU directives.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Dave O'Leary, Colin Brown, Mark G. Healy, Shane Regan, Eve Daly
Summary: This paper presents a method that integrates multi-band remote sensing data to comprehensively interpret the intra-peatland variation of key restoration indicators. The study provides a framework for high spatial and temporal resolution monitoring of peatland restoration using future drone-based platforms.
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. McGinley, M. G. Healy, P. C. Ryan, P. -E. Mellander, L. Morrison, J. Harmon O'Driscoll, A. Siggins
Summary: This study investigates the adsorption characteristics of five herbicides onto raw and pyrolysed waste materials from an industrial setting. The results show that granulated activated carbon exhibits the highest herbicide removal efficiency and the adsorption process involves both physical and chemical mechanisms. The Freundlich model best describes the adsorption of herbicides onto heterogeneous surfaces.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. L. Gonzalez Jimenez, K. Daly, M. G. Healy
Summary: The study found that splitting fertilizer application into two does not significantly affect nutrient exports, indicating that the amount of fertilizer applied rather than the application regime is the predominant factor in nutrient loss.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. G. Healy, A. Siggins, K. Molloy, A. P. Potito, D. O'Leary, E. Daly, O. Callery
Summary: This study investigated the effects of peat inundation and drying cycles on nitrogen release and physico-chemical properties of peat. The results showed that rewetted peat released high concentrations of nitrate-N, but had no significant impact on ammonium-N. The depth of the water table had a significant effect on inorganic nitrogen release, particularly nitrate-N.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Ian Byrne, Mark Gerard Healy, Owen Fenton, Patrick Tuohy
Summary: In poorly drained grassland farms in Ireland, stone aggregates are commonly used as in-field drain envelope material. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of different aggregate gradations in clay-textured mineral soils. The results showed that aggregates in the 0.7-19 mm size range performed well in terms of hydraulic and filter performance. Discharge rate was inversely related to aggregate size. Aggregates in the lower size range were recommended for field testing in clay-textured soils.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
J. McGinley, M. G. Healy, Harmon O'Driscoll, L. Morrison, A. Siggins, P-e. Mellander, P. C. Ryan
Summary: Pesticides used in agriculture have negative impacts on aquatic environments when they enter water bodies. The EU's Farm to Fork strategy aims to make food systems fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly. However, the prevalence of legacy pesticides from historical applications may hinder the EU's goal of reducing chemical pesticide use and risk by 50% by 2030. This review examines pesticide use and movement in Europe, the issues of legacy pesticides, and methods of pesticide remediation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Y. A. Mohamed, P. Tuohy, M. G. Healy, D. O. hUallachain, O. Fenton, A. Siggins
Summary: Intermittent sand filters (ISFs) are widely used for wastewater treatment in rural areas due to their simplicity and low cost. However, filter clogging reduces their operational lifetime. This study found that pre-treatment of dairy wastewater with coagulation can reduce clogging in ISFs and prolong their lifespan.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Ian Byrne, Mark Gerard Healy, Owen Fenton, Patrick Tuohy
Summary: In Ireland, agricultural landscapes with high rainfall and poorly drained soils have infield pipe drains surrounded by stone aggregate envelopes. Synthetic envelopes have limited availability and use, and their suitability and efficacy in clay-textured soils is unknown. This study examined five configurations of synthetic envelopes and stone aggregates for drainpipe design. Results showed that geotextiles performed poorly compared to stone aggregates in terms of discharge and sediment loss. This study recommends the use of stone aggregates as drain envelope material in similar textured soils in Ireland.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. Y. A. Mohamed, A. Siggins, M. G. Healy, O. Fenton, D. O. Huallachain, P. Tuohy
Summary: This study proposes a novel hybrid coagulation-ISF system for treating dairy wastewater. The hybrid system shows better performance and operational lifetime compared to conventional ISF system, with higher hydraulic loading rates and improved effluent quality that complies with EU directives.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yinping Xiang, Meiying Jia, Rui Xu, Jialu Xu, Lele He, Haihao Peng, Weimin Sun, Dongbo Wang, Weiping Xiong, Zhaohui Yang
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the non-antibiotic pharmaceutical carbamazepine on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during anaerobic digestion. The results showed that carbamazepine induced the enrichment of ARGs and increased the abundance of bacteria carrying these genes. It also facilitated microbial aggregation and intercellular communication, leading to an increased frequency of ARGs transmission. Moreover, carbamazepine promoted the acquisition of ARGs by pathogens and elevated their overall abundance.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Weixin Zhao, Tianyi Hu, Hao Ma, Dan Li, Qingliang Zhao, Junqiu Jiang, Liangliang Wei
Summary: This review summarizes the effects and potential mechanisms of biochar on microbial behavior in AD systems. The addition of biochar has been found to promote microbial colonization, alleviate stress, provide nutrients, and enhance enzyme activity. Future research directions include targeted design of biochar, in-depth study of microbial mechanisms, and improved models.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Christina Karmann, Anna Magrova, Pavel Jenicek, Jan Bartacek, Vojtech Kouba
Summary: This review assesses nitrogen removal technologies in reject water treatment, highlighting the differences in environmental impacts and economic benefits. Partial nitritation-anammox shows potential for economic benefits and positive environmental outcomes when operated and controlled properly.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wei-Hao Huang, Ying-Ju Chang, Duu-Jong Lee
Summary: This study modified pinecone biochar with layered double hydroxide (LDH) to enhance its adsorption capacity for heavy metal and phosphate ions. The LDH-biochar showed significantly improved adsorption capacities for Pb2+ and phosphate, and a slight increase for Cu2+ and Co2+. The LDH layer enhanced the adsorption through various mechanisms.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chao Song, Fanfan Cai, Shuang Yang, Ligong Wang, Guangqing Liu, Chang Chen
Summary: This paper developed a machine learning model to predict the biochemical methane potential during anaerobic digestion. Model analysis identified lignin content, organic loading, and nitrogen content as key attributes for methane production prediction. For feedstocks with high cellulose content, early methane production is lower but can be improved by prolonging digestion time. Moreover, lignin content exceeding a certain value significantly inhibits methane production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sang Min Lee, Ju Young Lee, Ji-Sook Hahn, Seung-Ho Baek
Summary: This study successfully developed an efficient platform strain using Yarrowia lipolytica for the bioconversion of renewable resources into adipic acid, achieving a remarkable increase in production level.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sefkan Kendir, Matthias Franzreb
Summary: This study presents a novel approach using magnetic separation to efficiently harvest freshwater microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris. By combining pH-induced calcium phosphate precipitation with cheap natural magnetite microparticles, harvesting efficiencies up to 98% were achieved in the model medium.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ishaq Kariim, Ji-Yeon Park, Wajahat Waheed Kazmi, Hulda Swai, In-Gu Lee, Thomas Kivevele
Summary: The impact of reaction temperature, residence time, and ethanol: acetone on the energy compositions and yield enhancement of biocrudes was investigated. The results showed that under appropriate conditions, biocrudes with high energy and low oxygen content can be obtained, indicating a high potential for utilization.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiyue Zhang, Xiyao Li, Liang Zhang, Yongzhen Peng
Summary: Intermittent aeration is an innovative approach to enhance nitrogen removal in low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio municipal sewage, providing an efficient strategy for the continuous plug-flow AOA process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xu Yang, Mahmoud Mazarji, Mengtong Li, Aohua Li, Ronghua Li, Zengqiang Zhang, Junting Pan
Summary: This study investigated the impact of magnetite on the nitrogen cycle of pig manure biostabilisation. The addition of magnetite increased N2O emissions and decreased NH3 emissions during composting. It also increased the total nitrogen content but should be considered for its significant increase in N2O emissions in engineering practice.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Ty Shitanaka, Haylee Fujioka, Muzammil Khan, Manpreet Kaur, Zhi-Yan Du, Samir Kumar Khanal
Summary: The market value of microalgae has exponentially increased in the past two decades, thanks to their applications in various industries. However, the supply of high-value microalgal bioproducts is limited due to several factors, and strategies are being explored to overcome these limitations and improve microalgae production, thus increasing the availability of algal-derived bioproducts in the market.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Martin Kerner, Thorsten Wolff, Torsten Brinkmann
Summary: The efficiency of using enriched CO2 from flue gas for large-scale production of green microalgae has been studied. The results show that the use of membrane devices and static mixers can effectively improve the CO2 recovery rate and maintain the suitable pH and temperature during cultivation, achieving a more economical and sustainable microalgae production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rui Ma, Ji Li, Rd Tyagi, Xiaolei Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the microorganisms capable of using CO2 and CH4 to produce PHAs, illustrating the production process, factors influencing it, and discussing optimization techniques. It identifies the challenges and future prospects for developing economically viable PHAs production using GHGs as a carbon source.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Bing Wang, Peng Zhang, Xu Guo, Xu Bao, Junjie Tian, Guomin Li, Jian Zhang
Summary: The addition of zeolite in the co-composting of chicken manure and straw significantly reduced the emissions of ammonia and N2O, and increased the nitrate content. Zeolite also promoted the abundance of nitrification genes and inhibited the expression of denitrification genes.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rohit Dey, Franziska Ortiz Tena, Song Wang, Josef Martin Messmann, Christian Steinweg, Claudia Thomsen, Clemens Posten, Stefan Leu, Matthias S. Ullrich, Laurenz Thomsen
Summary: This study investigated the operation of a 1000L microalgae-based membrane photobioreactor system for continuous secondary wastewater treatment. The research focused on a green microalgae strain called Desmodesmus sp. The study aimed to understand key trends and optimization strategies by conducting experiments in both summer and winter seasons. The findings showed that maintaining low cell concentrations during periods of light inhibition was beneficial for nutrient uptake rates. Effective strategies for enhancing algae-based wastewater treatment included cell mass recycling and adjusting dilution rates based on light availability.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2024)