Search

The partial denitrification (PD) coupled with anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) (PD/A) process is a unique biological denitrification method for sewage that concurrently removes nitrate (NO 3 −-N) and ammonium (NH 4 +-N) in sewage. Comparing PD/A to conventional nitrification and denitrification technologies, noticeable improvements are shown in energy consumption, carbon source demand, sludge generation and emissions of greenhouse gasses. The PD is vital to obtaining nitrites (NO 2 −-N) in the Anammox process. This paper provided valuable insight by introduced the basic principles and characteristics of the process and then summarized the strengthening strategies. The functional microorganisms and microbial competition have been discussed in details, the S-dependent denitrification-anammox has been analyzed in this review paper. Important factors affecting the PD/A process were examined from different aspects, and finally, the paper pointed out the shortcomings of the coupling process in experimental research and engineering applications. Thus, this research provided insightful information for the PD/A process's optimization technique in later treating many types of real and nitrate-based wastewater. The review paper also provided the prospective economic and environmental position for the actual design implementation of the PD/A process in the years to come. [Display omitted] • PD/A was considered the most economically and environmentally beneficial new nitrogen removal process. • Principles and recent advances of the PD/A process are discussed. • The functional microorganisms and their competition in PD/A process are analyzed. • Influencing factors control and reinforcement strategies of PD/A was classified and conceptualized. • Knowledge gaps and prospects are presented to improve the future of PD/A process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile and cosmetic industries generate large amounts of dye effluents requiring treatment before discharge. This wastewater contains high levels of reactive dyes, low to none-biodegradable materials and chemical residues. Technically, dye wastewater is characterised by high chemical and biological oxygen demand. Biological, physical and pressure-driven membrane processes have been extensively used in textile wastewater treatment plants. However, these technologies are characterised by process complexity and are often costly. Also, process efficiency is not achieved in cost-effective biochemical and physical treatment processes. Membrane distillation (MD) emerged as a promising technology harnessing challenges faced by pressure-driven membrane processes. To ensure high cost-effectiveness, the MD can be operated by solar energy or low-grade waste heat. Herein, the MD purification of dye wastewater is comprehensively and yet concisely discussed. This involved research advancement in MD processes towards removal of dyes from industrial effluents. Also, challenges faced by this process with a specific focus on fouling are reviewed. Current literature mainly tested MD setups in the laboratory scale suggesting a deep need of further optimization of membrane and module designs in near future, especially for textile wastewater treatment. There is a need to deliver customized high-porosity hydrophobic membrane design with the appropriate thickness and module configuration to reduce concentration and temperature polarization (CP and TP). Also, energy loss should be minimized while increasing dye rejection and permeate flux. Although laboratory experiments remain pivotal in optimizing the MD process for treating dye wastewater, the nature of their time intensity poses a challenge. Given the multitude of parameters involved in MD process optimization, artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies present a promising avenue for assistance. Thus, AI-driven algorithms have the potential to enhance overall process efficiency, cutting down on time, fine-tuning parameters, and driving cost reductions. However, achieving an optimal balance between efficiency enhancements and financial outlays is a complex process. Finally, this paper suggests a research direction for the development of effective synthetic and natural dye removal from industrially discharged wastewater. [Display omitted] • Discharge of dye effluent requires robust and cost-effective treatment processes. • Membrane distillation emerged as a promising tool towards dye remediation. • The current study reviewed research advancement towards environmental dye remediation. • However, fouling and thermal efficiency of MD remain a major challenge. • The reviewed study suggested optimization of membrane and module designs for effective dye remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the background of carbon neutrality, resource and energy utilization technologies have become the focus of future research. The paper investigated the removal efficiencies and varying characteristics of substrates and microbial community structure in the simultaneous sulfide and nitrate biological removal (SSNBR) process. The results showed that the sulfide and nitrate removal loads reached 2.998 kg m−3∙d−1 and 1.011 kg m−3∙d−1 respectively when HRT was 2.4 h. The sulfide and nitrate molar ratios (S/N ratios) hardly influenced the removal efficiencies of sulfide and nitrate. However, the reaction products sulfate and nitrite concentrations in the effluent became higher as the S/N ratios decreased. Under the S/N ratio of 5:5, when the influent sulfide and nitrate concentrations were improved from 100 mg L−1 to 600 mg L−1 and from 87.5 mg L−1 to 306.25 mg L−1, respectively, the sulfide removal efficiencies were all above 99%, but the nitrate removal efficiencies reduced from 95.53% to 55.54%. Sulfide removal effect was better than nitrate. HRT had great effect on the nitrate removal efficiencies, but hardly affected the sulfide removal. When HRT was shortened from 12 h to 2.4 h, the sulfide removal efficiencies were all above 99%, while the nitrate removal efficiencies decreased from 93.14% to 77.04%. The main functional genera included Exiguobacterium , Clostridium , Bacillus , Thiobacillus and Sphingomonas , all of which had the nitrogen and sulfur removal functions. [Display omitted] • Sulfide removal effect was better than nitrate in SSNBR. • The products concentrations of sulfate and nitrite became higher as S/N ratios decreased. • HRT had great effect on the nitrate removal, but didn't affect the sulfide removal. • Exiguobacterium, Clostridium, Bacillus, Thiobacillus and Sphingomonas were the main genera in SSNBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing energy demands combined with local scarcities and rising prices make the valorisation of energy from domestic wastewater seen as a valuable resource. Chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) enables an increased redirection of organic compounds into sludge in the primary stage of a wastewater treatment for a transformation into biogas (carbon capture). Traditionally used coagulants consist of metallic salts, but in the last two decades, the development of polymers, based on petroleum or synthesized from renewable sources such as plants, has been intensified. However, a direct comparison of the effectiveness of these products is missing. In this paper, we analysed data of peer-reviewed research from jar tests to full-scale studies, highlighting key parameters for successful carbon capture. More than 100 studies were identified, with a majority presenting results from tests under static conditions (jar tests), while data on full-scale applications are scarce. Overall, for TSS and COD, a clear correlation between inflow concentration and removal efficiency was found, irrespective of the product used. Comparison between the effectiveness of the different types of products is difficult, but bio-based coagulants need to be generally added in higher product concentrations for a considerable removal efficiency. While CEPT seems to increase the general sludge and biogas output, future studies should focus on harmonising laboratory analysis to make results comparable. Another important issue that should be addressed is the provision of experimental details, especially for full-scale trials, to enable for reliable conclusions. [Display omitted] • Studies on chemically enhanced primary treated domestic wastewater were evaluated. • Removal efficiencies for metal salts, petro- and bio-based coagulants were compared. • COD and TSS removal is strongly correlated to the inflow concentration. • Removal of COD increases up to 45% and TSS up to 30% compared to primary settling. • Future studies should focus on harmonising experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the influence of temperature and of rainfall intensity and the effect of such variations on the treatment efficiencies and on the electrical consumptions in seven medium-large size Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) in Apulia in South Italy (Bari, Barletta, Brindisi, Lecce, Foggia, Andria and Taranto). It has been observed, in the considered WWTPs, a slight but clear increase of the incoming flow due to the increase in rainfall intensity, which results to an increase of the energy consumption per incoming volume. The impact of the climate change to the incoming flow, during the last five years (2016–2020), has been assessed indicating that an increase in rainfall intensity results to an increase of the WWTPs energy consumptions per wastewater treated volume. More specifically, for a specific WWTP (Lecce) it was found that the electrical consumption increases from 0.36 kw/m3 to 0.51 kw/m3 when the rainfall intensity was increased from 0.8 mm/min to 2.9 mm/min. Some adaption measures have been considered to upgrade the existing WWTP so to mitigate the energy increase and to limit the global effects of climate change. [Display omitted] • As Rain intensity rises, wastewater influx into WWTPs increases. • Rainfall intensity influences negatively electrical consumptions. • BOD removal is lower with increasing annual precipitations. • Temperature influences BOD, COD and SST removal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green and low carbon is an essential direction for the development of water treatment technology. Ozone catalysts prepared by the mixing method have advantages in terms of energy consumption and CO 2 emissions, but are considered to be insufficient in catalytic efficiency and stability. In this paper, an Mn–Cu–Ce/Al 2 O 3 (MCCA) catalyst was prepared by optimizing the preparation conditions of the mixing method and the types and ratios of active components. Taking petrochemical secondary effluent (PCSE) as the treatment object, the performance of the catalyst and the carbon emission in the preparation process were studied; and compared with the impregnation method. Results showed that compared with catalysts loaded with other components, the MCCA had a higher removal efficiency for TOC (43.04%) and COD (53.18%), which was basically equivalent to the impregnation method, and the treated effluent reached the expected concentration. MCCA promoted the decomposition rate of O 3 by ten times, and the main active species generated were found to be •OH and 1O. Similar to the catalytic ozonation by the catalyst prepared by the impregnation method, the adsorption sites and surface hydroxyl groups on the MCCA surface play a significant role in the degradation of pollutants. However, the carbon emission in the catalyst preparation process of the mixing method was 418.68 kg/ton, which was only 44% of the impregnation method (949.67 kg/ton). Under the global low-carbon transition, this study shows that the mixing method aligns more with the concept of green, clean, and efficient ozone catalyst preparation. [Display omitted] • The mixing method is a green ozone catalyst production process. • A ternary MCCA ozone catalyst was prepared by optimizing the mixing method. • The carbon emission of the mixing method is about 44% of the impregnation method. • The performance of MCCA is comparable to that prepared by impregnation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, scarcity/security of clean water and energy resources are the most serious problems worldwide. Industries use large volume of ground water and a variety of chemicals to manufacture the products and discharge large volume of wastewater into environment, which causes severe impacts on environment and public health. Fossil fuels are considered as major energy resources for electricity and transportation sectors, which release large amount of CO 2 and micro/macro pollutants, leading to cause the global warming and public health hazards. Therefore, algae-bacterial consortium (A-BC) may be eco-friendly, cost-effective and sustainable alternative way to treat the industrial wastewaters (IWWs) with Bio-H 2 production. A-BC has potential to reduce the global warming and eutrophication. It also protects environment and public health as it converts toxic IWWs into non or less toxic (biomass). It also reduces 94%, 90% and 50% input costs of nutrients, freshwater and energy, respectively during IWWs treatment and Bio-H 2 production. Most importantly, it produce sustainable alternative (Bio-H 2) to replace use of fossil fuels and fill the world's energy demand in eco-friendly manner. Thus, this review paper provides a detailed knowledge on industrial wastewaters, their pollutants and toxic effects on water/soil/plant/humans and animals. It also provides an overview on A-BC, IWWs treatment, Bio-H 2 production, fermentation process and its enhancement methods. Further, various molecular and analytical techniques are also discussed to characterize the A-BC structure, interactions, metabolites and Bio-H 2 yield. The significance of A-BC, recent update, challenges and future prospects are also discussed. [Display omitted] • Scarcity and security of clean water and energy resources are the most critical today's problem. • IWWs are rich in color, nutrients, organic pollutants and heavy metals. • IWWs are highly toxic to human/animal/plant/soil/water and microbes. • A-BC is cost-effective and eco-friendly methods of IWWs treatment with Bio-H 2 production. • Bio-H 2 is a future fuel to fulfil the world's energy demand in eco-friendly manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whereas electrochemical oxidation is noted for its ability to degrade bio-refractory organics, it has also been incorrectly criticized for excessive energy consumption. The present paper rectifies this misunderstanding by demonstrating that the energy actually consumed in the degradation process is much less than that wasted in the side reaction of oxygen evolution. To minimize the side reaction, the possible highest instantaneous current efficiency (PHICE) for electrochemical oxidation of phenol at Boron-doped Diamond (BDD), Ti/SnO 2 -Sb/PbO 2 (PbO 2 ), and Ti/SnO 2 -Sb (SnO 2 ) anodes has been investigated systematically, and found to reach almost 100% at the BDD anode compared with 23% at the PbO 2 anode and 9% at the SnO 2 anode. The significant discrepancy between PHICE values at the various anodes is interpreted in terms of different existing forms of hydroxyl radicals. For each anode system, the PHICEs are maintained experimentally using a computer-controlled exponential decay current mode throughout the electrolysis process. For applications, the minimized energy consumption is predicted by response surface methodology, and demonstrated for the BDD anode system. Consequently, almost 100% current efficiency is achieved (for a relatively meagre energy consumption of 17.2 kWh kgCOD −1 ) along with excellent COD degradation efficiency by optimizing the initial current density, flow rate, electrolysis time, and exponential decay constant. Compared with galvanostatic conditions, over 70% of the energy is saved in the present study, thus demonstrating the great potential of electrochemical oxidation for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thesolid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), as an economically friendly power generation system, shows a promising prospect for the future while hydrogen supply as its fuel is one of the main challenges. In this paper, an integrated system is described and evaluated by energy, exergy, and exergoeconomic, aspects. To find an optimum design state three models were analyzed to reach higher energy and exergy efficiency while system cost is at its lower value. After the first and main models, a Stirling engine reuses the first model's waste heat to generate power and enhance efficiency. In the last model, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEME) is considered for hydrogen production purposes by using the surplus power of the Stirling engine. The components validation is performed in comparison with the data presented by related studies. Optimization is applied by exergy efficiency, total cost, and hydrogen production rate considerations. The results show that the total cost of the model (a), (b), and (c) is 30.36 ($/GJ), 27.48 ($/GJ), and 33.82 ($/GJ), and the energy efficiency is 31.6%, 51.51%, 46.61% and the exergy efficiency is 24.07%, 33.0.9%, 29.28% respectively with the cost of at the optimum condition achieved by 2708 A/m2 current density, 0.84 utilization factor, 0.38 recycling anode ratio, 1.14 air blower and 1.58 fuel blower pressure ratio. The optimum rate of hydrogen production will be 138.2 kg/day and the overall product cost will be 57.58 $/GJ. In general, the proposed integrated systems show a good performance in both thermodynamics and environmental and economic aspects. [Display omitted] • To model a Stirling engine coupled with a fuel cell. • Simulation of a biomass gasification-based hydrogen production system. • Using nanomaterial for enhanced performance of the hydrogen production. • To analyze the first law efficiency and exergy efficiency of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocoagulation (EC) can be an efficient alternative to existing water and wastewater treatment methods due to its eco-friendly nature, low footprint, and facile operation. However, the electrodes applied in the EC process suffer from passivation or fouling, an issue resulting from the buildup of poorly conducting materials on the electrode surface. Indeed, such passivation gives rise to various operational problems and restricts the practical implementation of EC on a large scale. Therefore, it has been suggested that using pulsed direct current (PDC), alternating pulse current (APC), and sinusoidal alternating current (AC) waveforms in EC as alternatives to conventional direct current (DC) can help mitigate passivation and alleviate its associated detrimental effects. This paper presents a critical review of the impact of the current waveform on the EC process towards the capabilities of the PDC, APC, and AC waveforms in de-passivation and performance enhancement while comparing them to the conventional DC. Additionally, current waveform parameters influencing the surface passivation of electrodes and process efficiency are elaborately discussed. Meanwhile, the performance of the EC process is evaluated under different current waveforms based on pollutant removal efficiency, energy consumption, electrode usage, sludge production, and operating cost. The proper current waveforms for treating various water and wastewater matrices are also explained. Finally, concluding remarks and outlooks for future research are provided. [Display omitted] • Electrode passivation as a detrimental phenomenon to the EC process is outlined. • Mechanisms involved in improved EC under various current waveforms are discussed. • The PDC, APC, and AC waveforms as alternatives to conventional DC are summarized. • The role of these waveforms in de-passivation and enhancing performance is explored. • How current waveform parameters affect PDC-EC and APC-EC performance is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper compares the main features of a submerged bed reactor (SuBR) with bubbling and recirculation of gas to those of an unsaturated flow reactor (uSFR) with liquid recirculation. A novel pressurized closed-headspace hydrogenotrophic denitrification system characterized by safe and economic utilization of H 2 gas was used for the comparison. Under similar conditions, denitrification rates were lower in the SuBR as a result of a lower effective biofilm surface area and overall gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient k L a . Similar values of effluent DOC were achieved for both reactors, although effluent suspended solids concentration of the SuBR were substantially higher. On the other hand, the required cleaning frequency in the SuBR was 2.5 times lower. Moreover, the SuBR is expected to reduce the recirculation energy consumption by 0.35 kWh/m 3 treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to keep high fuel economy of diesel passenger cars, Diesel particulate filter (DPF) is periodically regenerated. In the regeneration process, extra fuel is injected into combustion chambers to achieve high exhaust temperature for the purpose of oxidizing particles accumulating on DPF substrate. It generates significant impacts on passenger car performance and exhaust emissions. In this paper, real-driving performance and exhaust emissions of a diesel car were tested over sixteen drivers under real-world conditions. DPF regeneration events were identified via exhaust temperature. Vehicle power output, fuel economy, and exhaust emissions in the trips both with and without DPF regeneration were analyzed. The results indicated that DPF regeneration events occurred in three of thirty-two test trips, and the maximum exhaust temperature was 250 °C during DPF regeneration. The DPF regeneration event led to the decrease of fuel economy and the increase of particle number, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxides emission. Particle number emission factors were increased from approximately 109 #/km to 5 × 1010 #/km during DPF regeneration. The average power output of the car was in the range of 14.5 kW–15.6 kW and 15.8 kW–18.4 kW for the trips with and without DPF regeneration, respectively. However, Carbon monoxide emission factors were insensitive to DPF regeneration in the test trips. [Display omitted] • Maximum pipe-out exhaust temperature reached 250 °C in DPF regeneration process. • The drop in average torque and power output by DPF regeneration was observed. • The most significant increase in fuel economy was approximately 40% for specific trip. • PN emission factor was increased to 5 × 1010#/km if DPF was regenerated in given trips. • The increase in NO x emission factors by DPF regeneration was nearly 300%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranthaceae are effective plants for cleaning soil contaminated by heavy metals and radionuclides. In this paper, Amaranthus tricolor was used to investigate the response of the plant photosynthesis to various concentration of strontium ions (0.2, 0.6, 3 and 6 mM), in order to determine the possibility of A. tricolor to remediate strontium contamination. The results showed that strontium ions (0.2–6 mM) had effect on light energy conversion and utilization in A. tricolor. Low level of strontium (0.2 mM) promoted the energy utilization in A. tricolor , while higher Sr concentration (3 mM or higher) increased the excess light energy in the plants. Under strontium stress of 6 mM, the acceptor side of PSII in A. tricolor leaves was more vulnerable to strontium stress than the donor side. Furthermore, strontium stress led to accumulation of Q A − and block in Q B downstream of the electron transfer chain in PSII of A. tricolor leaves. The tolerance ability of A. tricolor to strontium and remediation is also reflected in its biomass and strontium content in plants. Strontium at 3 mM or below promoted the growth of A. tricolor , while higher concentration inhibited the plant growth, but without obvious wilting or curling of leaves. The maximal dry weight increased by 36.29% in shoots, and 60.14% in roots when the spiked-strontium concentration reached 0.2 mM. The maximal strontium content achieved 8.75 mg/g dry wt in shoots, and 1.71 mg/g dry wt in roots respectively, when strontium concentration was 6 mM. Transfer factors (TFs: ratio of Sr content in shoots to that in roots) of strontium in A. tricolor ranged from 2.85 to 5.93, while bio-concentration factors (BCFs: ratio of Sr content in shoots to that in solutions) ranged from 22.57 to 49.66. In summary, A. tricolor showed the excellent potential to remediate strontium contamination. [Display omitted] • How to clean up the Sr-contaminated environment is of paramount importance. • The response of A. tricolor to Sr2+ stress in hydroponic solution was examined. • The maximal Sr content in shoots and roots was 8.75 and 1.71 mg/g respectively. • The TF and BCF ranged from 2.85 to 5.93, and 22.57 to 49.66, respectively. • A. tricolor showed excellent potential to remediate strontium contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAOs), which harbor metabolic mechanisms for phosphorus removal, are widely applied in wastewater treatment. Recently, novel PAOs and phosphorus removal metabolic pathways have been identified and studied. Specifically, Dechloromonas and Tetrasphaera can remove phosphorus via the denitrifying phosphorus removal and fermentation phosphorus removal pathways, respectively. As the main PAOs in biological phosphorus removal systems, the conventional PAO Candidatus Accumulibacter and the novel PAOs Dechloromonas and Tetrasphaera are thoroughly discussed in this paper, with a specific focus on their phosphorus removal metabolic mechanisms, process applications, community abundance and influencing factors. Dechloromonas can achieve simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal in an anoxic environment through the denitrifying phosphorus removal metabolic pathway, which can further reduce carbon source requirements and aeration energy consumption. The metabolic pathways of Tetrasphaera are diverse, with phosphorus removal occurring in conjunction with macromolecular organics degradation through anaerobic fermentation. A collaborative oxic phosphorus removal pathway between Tetrasphaera and Ca. Accumulibacter, or a collaborative anoxic denitrifying phosphorus removal pathway between Tetrasphaera and Dechloromonas are future development directions for biological phosphorus removal technologies, which can further reduce carbon source and energy consumption while achieving enhanced phosphorus removal. [Display omitted] • Dechloromonas can remove phosphorus via the denitrifying phosphorus removal. • Fermentation phosphorus removal can be attained by Tetrasphaera. • Metabolic mechanisms, applications and influencing factors of PAOs are discussed. • Collaborative phosphorus removal of PAOs are future development directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial expansion and increased water consumption have created water scarcity concerns. Meanwhile, conventional wastewater purification methods have failed to degrade recalcitrant pollutants efficiently. The present review paper discusses the recent advances and challenges in photocatalytic processes applied for industrial effluents treatment, with respect to phenolic compounds degradation. Key operational parameters including the catalyst loading, light intensity, initial pollutants concentration, pH, and type and concentrations of oxidants are evaluated and discussed. Compared to the other examined controlling parameters, pH has the highest effect on the photo-oxidation of contaminants by means of the photocatalyst ionization degree and surface charge. Furthermore, major phenolic compounds derived from industrial sources are comprehensively presented and the applicability of photocatalytic processes and the barriers in practical applications, including high energy demand, technical challenges, photocatalyst stability, and recyclability have been explored. The importance of energy consumption and operational costs for realistic large-scale processes are also discussed. Finally, research gaps in this area and the suggested direction for improving degradation efficiencies in industrial applications are presented. In the light of these premises, selective degradation processes in real water matrices such as untreated sewage are proposed. [Display omitted] • Analysis of recent advances, applications, and prospects of photocatalytic treatment. • Evaluation of major controlling parameters affecting photocatalytic processes. • Discussion of photodegradation pathways for a series of phenolic compounds. • Future insights and challenges in large-scale photocatalytic treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) pollution in water has become a serious issue that cannot be ignored due to the harm posed by excessive nitrogen to environmental safety and human health; as such, N concentrations in water are strictly limited. The bioelectrochemical system (BES) is a new method to remove excessive N from water, and has attracted considerable attention. Compared with other methods, it is highly efficient and has low energy consumption. However, the BES has not been applied for N removal in practice due to lack of in-depth research on the mechanism and construction of high-performance electrodes, separators, and reactor configurations; this highlights a need to review and examine the efforts in this field. This paper provides a comprehensive review on the current BES research for N removal focusing on the reaction principles, reactor configurations, electrodes and separators, and treatment of actual wastewater; the corresponding performances in these realms are also discussed. Finally, the prospects for N removal in water using the BES are presented. [Display omitted] • A comprehensive review on the current bioelectrochemical system (BES) research for N removal is provided. • The corresponding performances in these realms are also discussed. • Furthermore, the prospects for N removal in water using the BES are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on preparing high-quality pellets by combining torrefaction and densification of biomass has received widespread attention. This paper investigated the influence of torrefaction temperature on biomass and evaluated the quality of three kinds of pellets (raw pellets, ex-situ torrefied densified pellets and in-situ torrefied densified pellets). When the torrefaction temperature was raised to 300 °C, the energy yield of rice straw (RS) and rice husk (RH) quickly decreased to 71.08% and 77.62%, and the cellulose was decomposed significantly. The results proved that 250 °C was an optimum temperature for RS and RH torrefaction. The densities of RS and RH in-situ torrefied densified pellets were 1236.84 kg/m3 and 1277.50 kg/m3 under 150 MPa, respectively. The density, Meyer hardness, hydrophobicity, and mechanical specific energy consumption of the pellet increased with the increase of molding pressure. The in-situ pellets had higher Meyer hardness, hydrophobicity, and lower mechanical specific energy consumption under the same molding pressure than raw pellets and ex-situ torrefied densified pellets. In addition, the bonding mechanism was studied by using scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet auto-fluorescence. In-situ torrefaction and densification facilitated the formation of self-locking and the migration of lignin between particles. Compared with RH pellets, RS pellets had higher quality due to the higher hemicellulose content, which was necessary for forming stable hydrogen bonds. Research ideas on torrefaction and densification of rice straw and rice husk. [Display omitted] • 250 °C is an optimal torrefaction temperature for rice straw and rice husk. • The in-situ torrefaction and densification improved the quality of the pellets. • The in-situ torrefaction and densification reduced specific energy consumption. • Compared with rice husk, rice straw has better densification potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research and technological advancements observed in the latest years in the nanotechnology field translated into significant application developments in various areas. This is particularly true for the renewable polymers area, where the nano-reinforcement of biobased materials leads to an increase in their technique and economic competitiveness. The efforts were predominantly focused on materials development and energy consumption minimization. However, attention must also be given to the widespread commercialization and the full characterization of any particular potential toxicological and environmental impact. Some of the most important nanomaterials used in recent years as fillers in the bioplastic industry are graphene-based materials (GBMs). GBMs have high surface area and biocompatibility and have interesting characterizations such as strangeness and flexibility. In this paper, the current state of the art for these GBMs in the bioplastics area, their challenges, and the strategies to overcome them are analyzed. [Display omitted] • Comprehensive review on graphene derivatives in bioplastics was done. • Properties of bioplastics with GBMs derivatives were reviewed. • GBMs can be considered as suitable fillers for bioplastics. • The clays with graphene derivatives can be considered as a nanoplatform for food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports the pollutant removal performances of a hybrid wetland system in Bangladesh for the treatment of a tannery wastewater. The system consisted of three treatment stages: a subsurface vertical flow (VF) wetland, followed by a horizontal flow (HF) and a VF wetland. The wetlands were planted with common reed (Phragmites australis), but employed different media, including organic coco-peat, cupola slag and pea gravel. In the first stage, experimental results demonstrated significant removal of ammonia (52%), nitrate (54%), BOD (78%), and COD (56%) under high organics loading rate (690gCODm−2 d−1); simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and organics degradation were attributed to the unique characteristics of the coco-peat media, which allowed greater atmospheric oxygen transfer for nitrification and organic degradation, and supply of organic carbon for denitrification. The second stage HF wetland produced an average PO4 removal of 61%, primarily due to adsorption by the iron-rich cupola slag media. In the third treatment stage, which was filled with gravel media, further BOD removal (78%) from the tannery wastewater depleted organic carbon, causing the accumulation of NO3 in the wastewater. Overall, the average percentage removals of NH3–N, NO3–N, BOD, COD, and PO4 were 86%, 50%, 98%, 98% and 87%, respectively, across the whole hybrid system. The results provided a strong evidence to support widespread research and application of the constructed wetland as a low-cost, energy-efficient, wastewater treatment technology in Bangladesh. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrooxidation of high strength leachate from an industrial solid waste landfill site was carried out in a three-dimensional carbon bed electrode reactor (TDR). This paper discusses the kinetics and mechanism of electrooxidation on the basis of time course variation of COD, TOC and TKN (total Kjeldahl nitrogen) from the raw leachate. The batch experiments were run at different applied currents (1–3 A) for a period of 6h. A two-stage pseudo-first order reaction kinetics model was developed based on the initial rapid removal of pollutants (Phase I) followed by slow oxidation kinetics (Phase II). About 60–64% COD was removed within 1h with a rate constant 5.83×10−3 min−1 in Phase I, which was near 5–7 times greater than that of Phase II (0.81–1.03×10−3 min−1). The mineralization efficiency was found to be significant in the range 0.83–0.84. The apparent faradic efficiency and specific energy consumption for COD removal were also estimated. The mechanism of electrooxidation was discussed with the help of adsorption, kinetic and SEM results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, a pulsed high voltage discharge (PHVD) reactor composed of a new type of high-voltage (HV) needle electrode and mesh grounding electrode was utilized to degrade 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). The effect of needle installation position on 4-CP degradation efficiency in solution systems with different conductivities was studied. It is verified that the recessed- and flush-tip structures could effectively overcome the main technical problem of protruded-tip HV electrode, which is that how to maintain stable discharge in the solution with high conductivity. When the conductivity of solution surpassed 116 μS cm−1, the recessed-tip and flush-tip electrodes possessed higher energy efficiency than that of the protruded-tip electrode. Within 40 min, the flush-tip electrode had the highest 4-CP removal rate (86.2%) in pure water, which could further increased to 95.8% via increasing immersion depth of net electrode. Comprehensively considering the experimental results of 4-CP removal rate, discharge characteristic and tail gas emission, it is indicated that the optimal installation positions were 0-F and 5-R. Meanwhile, the increase in immersion depth could reduce the generation of tail gas (e.g. O 3 and NO X) obviously. The possible mechanism of 4-CP degradation via PHVD was proposed. Image 1 • A new needle-net PHVD reactor was used to degrade 4-CP in highly conductive solution. • Working performance of protruded-, flush- and recessed-tip HV electrode was compared. • Reactor with flush-tip HV electrode possessed optimal 4-CP degradation efficiency. • Increasing in immersion depth of electrodes effectively reduced tail gas generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a hybrid advanced oxidation process of sonoelectrochemical, in which ultrasound and electrochemical are applied simultaneously, has been used for the degradation of ofloxacin (bio-recalcitrant pharmaceutical pollutant). Response surface methodology based central composite design was applied to understand the parametric effects of ultrasonic power, current density, initial pH, and electrolyte dose. Enhanced ofloxacin degradation was obtained using sonoelectrochemical (≈95%) process in comparison to the electrochemical (≈60.6%) and sonolysis alone (≈7.2%) after 120 min treatment time. Multi-response optimization was used so as to maximize COD removal (70.12%) and minimize specific energy consumption (11.92 kWh (g COD removed)−1)at the optimized parametric condition of pH = 6.3 (natural pH), ultrasonic power = 54 W, current density = 213 A m−2, and Na 2 SO 4 electrolyte dose = 2.0 g L−1. It was revealed that •OH radicals contribute major to the ofloxacin degradation reaction among the other oxidizing agents. Degradation of the ofloxacin followed pseudo-first-order kinetics with a higher reaction rate, which confirmed the synergistic effect of 34% between ultrasound and electrochemical approaches. The degradation pathway of ofloxacin removal was elucidated at optimum condition by the temporal evolution of the intermediate compounds and final products using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS), high-resolution mass spectroscopy (HR-MS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) coupled with energy dispersed X-ray (EDX) were used to determine the morphology of electrodes. Operational cost analysis was done based on the reactor employed in the present study. Image 1 • A hybrid advanced oxidation process involving ultrasound and electrochemical processes. • Multi-response optimization to maximum ofloxacin and COD removal, and minimize energy consumption. • AFM and FE-SEM used to determine morphology of electrodes. • Degradation pathway elucidated by GC-MS, LC-MS, and HR-MS. • Operational cost analysis based on the processes reactor employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of research conducted on osmotic membrane bioreactors (OMBRs) has increased over the past decade because of the advantages of these reactors over conventional membrane bioreactors (MBRs). OMBR process is a hybrid process involving a forward osmosis membrane and biologically activated sludge. It is a promising technology to reduce membrane fouling, enhance effluent water quality, and lower energy consumption compared to conventional MBR processes. Eleven years since the OMBR process was first proposed, about 60 papers regarding the OMBR process have been published. In this article, we address recent advances in OMBR technology based on a review of the literature. Typical factors that influence the performance of the OMBR process are discussed to provide a clear understanding of the current state of this technology. We also provide a critical review of OMBR applications in organic matter, nutrient, and micropollutant removal as well as direct recovery of nutrients from wastewater. We propose several hybrid configurations that can enhance the removal efficiency of OMBR systems. Finally, we present potential research directions for future OMBR research. • The influence of operating parameters on the OMBR efficiency was comprehensively discussed. • The removals of organic, nutrients and micropollutants as well as nutrient recovery by OMBR process were reported. • Current state and future prospects of hybrid systems to enhance the overall efficiency of OMBR process were indicated. • Specific recommendations for future optimization and developments of OMBR systems were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]