Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengjie Liu, Nigel J. D. Graham, Lei Xu, Kai Zhang, Wenzheng Yu
Summary: A bubbleless aerated BAC process was developed by installing a hollow fiber membrane module within a BAC filter, which improved the dissolved oxygen concentrations and enhanced the biodegradation and metabolism capacity. The ABAC system showed a higher electron transfer capacity and lower extracellular polymeric substances secretion, resulting in enhanced contaminant degradation efficiency and long-term stability. This proposed ABAC filter provides a practical example of how to shape and activate microbial community in BAC technology.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhen Liu, Emily C. Mills, Madjid Mohseni, Benoit Barbeau, Pierre R. Berube
Summary: Biofiltration using ion exchange resins (BIEX) as supporting media shows superior performance in removing natural organic matter (NOM) compared to conventional biological activated carbon (BAC). Temperature and empty bed contact time (EBCT) have a significant impact on NOM removal, and must be considered simultaneously for efficient biofiltration. Temperature has a greater influence on BAC filtration than BIEX filtration, with higher temperatures and longer EBCTs leading to improved NOM removal.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Luan de Souza Leite, Maria Teresa Hoffmann, Fabio Simoes de Vicente, Danilo Vitorino dos Santos, Luiz Antonio Daniel
Summary: The traditional bituminous activated carbon showed the best performance for AOM removal, followed by babassu coconut activated carbon. Additionally, significant reductions in trihalomethanes formation potential were achieved.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yanmei Zhou, Dingjie Miao, Jose L. Gomez-Eyles, Upal Ghosh, Mengyuan Bi, Jiuyi Li, Fumin Ren
Summary: This study compared the sorption behavior of different carbon materials and NOM-loaded carbons on PCBs, finding that AC had a higher adsorption capacity than BC, but NOM loading had significantly different effects on the two materials. As sorption time increased, BC's sorption efficiency increased while the reduction effect of NOM on BC's sorption also increased, whereas AC's adsorption attenuation decreased over time.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
K. van Gijn, M. R. H. P. van Dam, H. A. de Wilt, V. de Wilde, H. H. M. Rijnaarts, A. A. M. Langenhoff
Summary: Ozonation is a viable option to improve the removal of micropollutants (MPs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This study investigated a combination of biological activated carbon (BAC) filtration followed by ozonation (the BO3 process) to remove MPs at low ozone doses and low energy input, and focused on the formation of toxic transformation products during ozonation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naiara de O. dos Santos, Luiz A. Teixeira, Qizhi Zhou, Grace Burke, Luiza C. Campos
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficiency of an advanced oxidation process using zero valent iron/hydrogen peroxide (ZVI/H2O2) with iron nails for removing Natural Organic Matter (NOM) from water. The process shows promise in reducing THM formation and removing DOC from natural water, making it a cost-effective and attractive option for water utilities in low- and middle-income countries.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hye J. Kang, Jeongeem Ahn, Hyeona Park, Kwang-Ho Choo
Summary: UV irradiation and BAC were found to be effective in removing nitrosamines from water intended for consumption, with UV photolysis requiring high doses and potential desorption issues with BAC. Combined treatments using UV and BAC processes offer promising alternative strategies for eliminating nitrosamines when treating water for human consumption.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengjie Liu, Nigel Graham, Lei Xu, Kai Zhang, Wenzheng Yu
Summary: Drinking water supply in rural areas is a challenging issue, and low-cost, efficient water treatment processes are needed to provide safe and affordable drinking water. This study proposes and evaluates a bubbleless aeration BAC (ABAC) process with a hollow fiber membrane (HFM) assembly, which improves dissolved oxygen (DO) throughout the filter and enhances DOM removal efficiency. Results show that ABAC significantly increases DOC removal and decreases disinfection byproduct formation compared to a comparable filter without aeration. The proposed ABAC treatment, with its various advantages, is well-suited for decentralized drinking water systems in rural areas.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ran Zhang, Yali Chen, Xiaoxue Ouyang, Liping Weng, Jie Ma, Md. Shafiqul Islam, Yongtao Li
Summary: A UV-Vis method was developed to quantify the concentrations of nanoparticles (NPs) and natural organic matter (NOM) in mixtures. The method performed well for both original NOM and polystyrene NPs (PSNPs) systems, and it can also estimate the proportion of NOM adsorbed to PSNPs. This research is important for further understanding the interactions between NOM, NPs, and minerals.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Fu, Ching-Hua Huang, Chenyuan Dang, Qilin Wang
Summary: This paper introduces the application of biological activated carbon (BAC) process in eliminating disinfection by-products (DBPs) precursors in water systems. It first presents the basic knowledge of BAC process and then compares the mechanisms of different water treatment technologies and the treatability of different DBP precursors. Furthermore, recent developments and breakthroughs in the removal of DBP precursors using BAC process are summarized, followed by recommendations for future research and knowledge gaps.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Eric S. Peterson, R. Scott Summers
Summary: Biofiltration plays a crucial role in removing biodegradable organic matter (BOM) in drinking water treatment and potable reuse, with optimization of operational parameters and application of pre-treatment processes being essential for enhancing organic matter removal efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
K. van Gijn, Y. L. Chen, B. van Oudheusden, S. Gong, H. A. de Wilt, H. H. M. Rijnaarts, A. A. M. Langenhoff
Summary: Upgrading wastewater treatment plants to improve micropollutant removal is important. Biological pretreatment can decrease energy demand effectively.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yixue Zhang, Ying Wu, Jing Zhang, Yi Xu, Ke Huang, Jie Jin, Jinlong Dai, Qi Ye, Jian Li, Zhenqiu Zhang
Summary: Through in situ observations and incubation experiments in the Central Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, the complexity of marine organic matter (OM) pools and the impact of different regulators on carbon storage are revealed in the tropical eastern Indian Ocean.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Wei Chen, Han-Qing Yu
Summary: This article reviews the latest advances in molecular spectroscopic techniques for the characterization, measurement, and monitoring of NOM, highlighting the importance of spectroscopic techniques in tracking the sources, features, and environmental behaviors of NOM. The limitations of current spectroscopic approaches for exploring NOM-related environmental processes are also discussed, along with suggestions for addressing these weaknesses.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yun Lee, Jin-Hyung Noh, Ji-Won Park, Seon-Won Yoon, Sang-Yeob Kim, Hee Jong Son, Woorim Lee, Sung Kyu Maeng
Summary: Ion exchange resins are commonly used to remove natural organic matter from drinking water, but disposing of the used brine can be problematic. This study explores the use of a hybrid biological ion exchange and activated carbon system for drinking water treatment, which proves to be the most effective method for removing natural organic matter and reducing the formation of disinfection byproducts.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Quoc-Minh Truong, Thanh-Binh Nguyen, Wei-Hsin Chen, Chiu-Wen Chen, Anil Kumar Patel, Xuan-Thanh Bui, Reeta Rani Singhania, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an efficient, energy-saving and environmentally friendly technology for water treatment. This study investigated the use of biochar derived from brown algae as CDI electrode material for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. The results showed that the optimal pyrolysis temperature was 700 degrees C, and the biochar exhibited excellent electrosorption capacity for Cu(II) and other heavy metals. It also maintained a high Cu(II) removal efficiency in repeated cycles and demonstrated great applicability for water treatment.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Phong H. N. Vo, Ben Tscharke, Sonja Toft, Craig Madsen, Kim Qui Nguyen, Hong T. M. Nguyen, Xuan Thanh Bui, Jiaying Li, Phong K. Thai
Summary: This study investigates the spatiotemporal trends and impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on the physiochemical parameters in the influent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) around Brisbane, Australia. The study reveals that industrial and commercial land use, as well as population size, have a significant impact on parameter loads and profiles. Additionally, the COVID-19 lockdown had varying effects on different catchments, which may be attributed to the characteristics of the catchments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huu-Tuan Tran, Chitsan Lin, Su Shiung Lam, Thi Hieu Le, Hong-Giang Hoang, Xuan-Thanh Bui, Eldon R. Rene, Po Han Chen
Summary: This study evaluated the biodegradation efficiency of DEHP in food waste composting. The results showed that at high DEHP concentrations (2167 mg kg -1), the biodegradation efficiency reached 99% after 35 days. The highest degradation efficiency was observed during the thermophilic phase, with a degradation rate of 187 mg kg -1 day -1. The compost with a trace amount of DEHP showed no significant effect on seed germination, indicating its potential as fertilizer.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nguyen Thi Thuy Van, Anh N. Phan, Vuong Chi Cuong, Nguyen Thi Truc Van, Ho Gia-Thien Thanh, Nguyen Quang Khai, Nguyen Tri, Tien-Thanh Nguyen, Xuan-Thanh Bui, Ky Phuong Ha Huynh
Summary: Fe3O4 nanoparticles decorated on cellulose aerogel (CA) from banana stems (Fe3O4@CA) were synthesized and applied for the Fenton degradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP). The Fe3O4@CA samples were characterized, and the effects of Fe3O4 content and H2O2 concentration on PNP treatment efficiency were investigated. The optimized Fe3O4@CA catalyst content loaded on CA was 0.40 g/g, and the H2O2 concentration was 5.0 g/L. The removal efficiency of Fe3O4@CA reached 87.92% in 100 mins, following the pseudo-first kinetic model with a reaction rate constant of 0.0301 min-1. This study provides a method for creating environmentally friendly catalytic material, offering potential applications in green chemical engineering.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
D. Duc La, T. Dung Dang, P. Cuong Le, X. Thanh Bui, S. Woong, W. Jin, S. Chul Kim, D. Duc Nguyen
Summary: The supramolecular self-assembly of porphyrin derivatives allows for the fabrication of functionally designed structures that mimic natural mechanisms. These porphyrin-based nanomaterials obtained via self-assembly have various applications, including optical energy or information storage, solar energy conversion, sensors, nanocatalysts, photoelectronics, and photodynamic therapy. The recent progress and applications of self-assembled porphyrin-based nanomaterials in environmental treatment and sensing are discussed in this review.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wen-Yen Huang, Chi-Wei Huang, Yi-Lin Li, Tsung-Po Huang, Chitsan Lin, Huu Hao Ngo, Xuan-Thanh Bui
Summary: This study conducted an environmental risk assessment before and after corrective actions in a heavily mercury-polluted sediment of a brine water storage pond. The results showed that the implementation of corrective actions significantly reduced the concentration of mercury in the sediment and decreased various risk indices, demonstrating the effectiveness of corrective actions in ameliorating sediment mercury pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ha Manh Bui, Si Van Nguyen, An The Huynh, Hiep Nghia Bui, Ha Thai Tran Nguyen, Yuan Shing Perng, Xuan-Thanh Bui, Hop Thi Nguyen
Summary: In this study, a panel ARDL approach was used to examine the relationship between N2O emissions and economic growth in Vietnam. The results showed that all factors had an impact on N2O emissions, with GDP, industry, and FDI reducing the emissions, while gross fixed capital formation, services, and trade openness increasing the emissions. Policy implications were proposed to simultaneously promote economic growth and reduce N2O emissions, including reducing the contribution of services and trade openness to GDP growth, increasing the use of industry and gross fixed capital formation, and improving the legal framework to encourage effective use of natural resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Thi Phuong Tram Vo, Huu Hao Ngo, Wenshan Guo, Chris Turney, Yiwen Liu, Dinh Duc Nguyen, Xuan Thanh Bui, Sunita Varjani
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global climate change negotiations, leading to delays in implementing climate policies and a shift in focus towards pandemic response. However, it has also created opportunities for accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Thanh Ngoc-Dan Cao, Hussnain Mukhtar, Linh-Thy Le, Duyen Phuc-Hanh Tran, My Thi Tra Ngo, Mai-Duy-Thong Pham, Thanh-Binh Nguyen, Thi-Kim-Quyen Vo, Xuan-Thanh Bui
Summary: Agrochemical fertilizers have been extensively used in agriculture for crop production, but they are causing ecological and environmental damage to soil health and global agricultural production. The cultivation of microalgae to produce biofertilizers is a wise solution, as it can replace chemical fertilizers while improving crop yields and soil health, reduce the use of non-renewable resources for fertilizer production, and mitigate the negative effects of climate change through CO2 capture. This review article summarizes recent advancements in microalgae-derived biofertilizers in agriculture.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bao-Trong Dang, Xuan-Thanh Bui, Thanh-Tin Nguyen, Huu Hao Ngo, Long D. Nghiem, Ky-Phuong-Ha Huynh, Thi-Kim-Quyen Vo, Thi-Dieu-Hien Vo, Chitsan Lin, Shiao-Shing Chen
Summary: Co-culture of microalgae-activated sludge has the potential to purify wastewater while reducing energy demand from aeration. This study used a mechanically stirred membrane photobioreactor to evaluate the impact of biomass retention time on treatment performance and membrane fouling. Results showed that the highest productivity was achieved at a biomass retention time of 7 days, with a lower retention time leading to increased fouling rates. The optimum biomass retention time of 7 days allowed for sufficient access to light and nutrient exchange for mutualistic interactions between microalgae and activated sludge.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Minh Ky Nguyen, Chitsan Lin, Hong Giang Hoang, Xuan Thanh Bui, Huu Hao Ngo, Van Giang Le, Huu-Tuan Tran
Summary: This study evaluated the variation of physicochemical characteristics during the co-composting of food waste and sawdust mixed biochar, and assessed the efficiency of biochar-composting combined amendment materials for reducing odor emissions and their maturity. The results showed that adding biochar could change the temperature, moisture, and pH during composting, and minimize the emissions of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. The addition of 20% biochar resulted in the lowest ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions, with complete cessation of emissions on day 17. Furthermore, the compost was mature and non-phytotoxic. These findings highlight the effectiveness of biochar amendment in reducing odor emissions and enhancing compost maturity, with potential applications in agricultural fields.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Van-Re Le, Thanh-Binh Nguyen, Chiu-Wen Chen, C. P. Huang, Xuan-Thanh Bui, Cheng-Di Dong
Summary: A catalyst GQDs@MnOOH was synthesized to enhance the catalytic ozonation of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP). The GQDs@MnOOH/O3 system showed the highest CIP removal effectiveness compared to MnOOH/O3 and O3 only. The degradation of 0.02 mM CIP reached 99.9% efficiency in 30 min using 9.6 mg L-1 of O3 catalyzed by 12.5 mg L-1 of GQDs@MnOOH. The GQDs@MnOOH enhanced CIP degradation and inhibited the formation of BrO3- in different water sources. Oxygen radical (O2 center dot-), singlet oxygen (1O2), and hydroxyl radicals (center dot OH) were involved in CIP degradation by the GQDs@MnOOH/O3 system.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shaili Vyas, Kusum Dhakar, Sunita Varjani, Reeta Rani Singhania, Preeti Chaturvedi Bhargava, Raveendran Sindhu, Parameswaran Binod, Jonathan W. C. Wong, Xuan-Thanh Bui
Summary: Many factors are involved in solid waste management, and recently, artificial intelligence techniques have gained attention as computational methods for solving these problems. This review aims to guide researchers in the field of solid waste management on the use of artificial intelligence, covering AI models, their benefits and drawbacks, effectiveness, and applications. The review discusses various AI technologies and their comparison with non-AI methodologies. It also explores the application of AI in different disciplines of solid waste management. The article concludes with the progress, challenges, and perspectives in implementing AI-based solid waste management.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Thi-Kim-Quyen Vo, Thi-Dieu-Hien Vo, Eleftheria Ntagia, Kotamraju Amulya, Ngoc-Kim-Qui Nguyen, Pham-Yen-Nhi Tran, Nguyen-Thanh-Tung Ninh, Song-Lam Le, Linh-Thy Le, Cong-Sac Tran, The-Luong Ha, Mai-Duy-Thong Pham, Xuan-Thanh Bui, Piet N. L. Lens
Summary: Floating treatment wetlands (FTW) are natural solutions for purifying polluted open water systems, such as rivers, ponds, and lakes, by untreated domestic wastewater and agricultural runoff. Compared with other technologies, FTW is a low-cost, simple, and energy-saving method with high efficiency and aesthetic value. The key factors for the design and performance of FTWs include buoyant frame/raft, plant growth support media, water depth, seasonal variation, and temperature.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hieu Trung Nguyen, Linh Gia Huynh, Ya-Fen Wang, Xuan-Thanh Bui, Sheng-Jie You
Summary: The study modified the surface of the PES membrane using fluoride-free agents for membrane distillation (MD) applications to overcome the limitations of traditional MD membranes and the environmental and cost issues associated with perfluoroalkyl silanes. The surface modification involved the generation of hydroxyl groups through oxygen plasma activation of PES membranes, followed by the attachment of alkyl chains via Si-O bridging reactions with hydrolyzed chloroalkylsilanes. The plasma treatment and grafting reaction processes were optimized, and the effects of membrane aging and grafting reactions on water contact angles (WCAs) were investigated. The performance of the modified membranes in MD was evaluated using NaCl solution and fish pond wastewater, showing comparable results to commercial membranes in terms of permeate flux, salt rejection, and organic pollutant removal.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
