ABSTRACT In the current study, Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 –ethylenediamine (EN) doped Zn–Al–layered double hydroxides (FSZAL) as a photocatalyst was prepared through the hydrothermal method. Response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize operational parameters, and the results indicated that individual factors had a greater influence compared to interactions. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) in RSM emphasized that over 95% of the variables could be explained by the model. The presence of interfering substances in the reaction environment reduced the Bisphenol A (BPA) decomposition rate by 10%–25%, and the greatest impact was from the chloride ion. Mineralization experiments suggested that the FSZAL photocatalyst could convert over 92.3% of BPA molecules. Stability tests revealed that over 95% of photocatalytic decomposition could be retained after five consecutive reaction cycles. In the assessment of wastewater toxicity, the growth inhibition rate of Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) bacteria in the photocatalytic reactor containing FSZAL decreased from 100% to 5%.

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the efficiency of municipal wastewater (MW)–based microalgae cultivation for biofuel production and wastewater treatment using a meta‐analysis with random resampling and bias‐corrected adjustments. Integrated systems achieved mean removal rates of 87.7% for total nitrogen, 86.2% for ammonium, 84.8% for total phosphorus and 81.5% for phosphate, with lower efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand (64.2%) and nitrate (75.3%). Biodiesel conversion efficiencies ranged from 12.4% to 97.5%, averaging 59.2% (95% CI: [43.3, 73.1]), whereas lipid content varied from 2.7% to 61.7%, averaging 29.1% [26.0, 32.1]. Mixotrophic cultivation and pretreated MW performed best under optimal conditions (22°C–25°C, high nutrient availability, low metal concentrations), whereas stress conditions enhanced lipid accumulation. However, most studies remain laboratory‐scale, limiting real‐world applicability. Key scale‐up challenges include wastewater pretreatment, cultivation strategy, environmental stability, biomass harvesting and process integration. Addressing these challenges requires urgent full‐scale validation in operational wastewater treatment plants.

No abstract is available for this article.

ABSTRACT Sustainable cultivation of microalga Desmodesmus elegans was achieved using nutrient enriched duckweed organic liquid fertiliser and nitrate rich fish tank wastewater. The growth was optimised using different concentrations (1:30, 1:60 and 1:200) of the lemna liquid biofertiliser (LLF). The LLF contained all essential nutrients that are present in the standard BG‐11 medium. The highest growth and cell densities of microalgal cultures were achieved at 1:200 dilution of LLF, which was notably higher than the BG‐11 medium. This study demonstrates the development of a sustainable and economical ‘algaeponics’ cultivation system for microalgae growth. This is also the first report on the use of duckweed organic liquid as a complete nutrient source for microalgae. Our ‘algaeponics’ system facilitates the recovery of nitrate as well as the reuse of fish tank wastewater in an eco‐friendly and sustainable manner.

ABSTRACT This article presents research on the assessment of tracer testing and monitoring of nitrate removal efficiency in three full‐scale treatment wetlands, which underwent three tracer tests over a 3.5‐year period. The initial tracer test identified rapid flow and a low residence time, which was attributed to short‐circuited flow patterns. Following the implementation of technical modifications, the second tracer test demonstrated a significant increase in the residence time from approximately 1 to 7 days. The third test reaffirmed the operational effectiveness of the wetlands. The nitrate removal efficiency increased from an average of 37.2% before the repairs to an average of 95.7% immediately after the repairs and 77.7% 3 years after the repairs. The study revealed how short‐circuited flow influenced the degree of functionality. The mean residence time, mobile water volume and nitrate removal efficiency were confirmed to be key parameters in the long‐term monitoring of treatment wetlands.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to isolate and characterize biodegrading Mycobacterium strains from refinery‐contaminated soils and evaluate their interactions with environmental pollutants and their potential in enhancing soil quality. Thirty‐six soil samples were analyzed to isolate the PAH/heavy metal biodegrading mycobacteria. Soil quality parameters and barley growth indices were evaluated to determine ecological impacts after bioremediation. From 36 samples, 13 (36.11%) Mycobacterium isolates were identified. Among this, M. austroafricanum 3 isolates (23.07%), M. chubuense and M. celeriflavum 2 isolates (15.38%) were the prevalent species. CFU ranged from 1.0 × 10 4 to 2.0 × 10 6 /while TPH, PAHs and heavy metals were measured at 120–8500, 10–350 and 15–120 mg/kg, respectively. Mycobacterium gilvum and Mycobacterium smegmatis exhibited > 60% degradation of both PAHs and heavy metals, while Mycobacterium austroafricanum and Mycobacterium vaccae primarily degraded PAHs, and Megalaima franklinii and M. houstonense were effective in reducing heavy metals. M. gilvum significantly enhanced barley growth ( p < 0.05), whereas Mycobacterium chubuense had minimal impact. These findings highlight the potential of indigenous Mycobacterium species as an effective approach for bioremediation and soil restoration.

ABSTRACT Oil spills represent a substantial risk to aquatic ecosystems in marine environments, with procedures like biodegradation shaping the environmental circumstances and ecological consequences of spilled oil. The formation of oil particle aggregates (OPAs) is influenced by numerous components, including sea minerals, marine algae and sediment types. Microorganisms, such as bacteria, algae and phytoplankton, play a vital function in the aggregation of oil particles by producing extracellular substances, including exopolymeric substances (EPS) and transparent exopolymer particles (TEP). Biodegradation is a major factor in determining the fate of oil droplets, particularly those smaller than 0.5 mm, as these droplets undergo substantial microbial degradation. This review provides an in‐depth discussion of various techniques for detecting oil spills, the formation of OPAs in the presence of diverse microorganisms and the biodegradation of oil spills.

ABSTRACT This study presents an integrated NSGA‐II–AHP–TOPSIS framework to optimize cropping patterns and assess water conservation strategies in Iran's water‐scarce Dasht‐e‐Azadegan plain. Eight conflicting objectives—maximizing profit, labour, energy and manure use, while minimizing water, pesticide, fertiliser and machinery inputs—are addressed simultaneously. Ther following five scenarios are evaluated: (1) improved irrigation efficiency, (2) deficit irrigation, (3) increased water pricing, (4) reduced rice cultivation and (5) expanded sesame cultivation. Scenario 1 delivers the most favourable trade‐off, boosting profit by 15.7% and cutting water use by 24.4%. Scenarios 2 and 3 reduce profitability (−16.5%, −8%), while Scenario 5 yields only a 4.8% gain. AHP‐weighted TOPSIS ranks Scenario 1 highest, followed by Scenarios 2, 4, 3 and 5. The framework proves effective in balancing competing goals and offers a robust decision‐support tool. Results highlight that modernising irrigation systems is the most sustainable strategy for agricultural water management in arid environments.

ABSTRACT Water is essential for agricultural production, and its efficient use is critical under population growth and climate change. This study evaluates the technical and economic performance of 38 irrigation facilities in Eskişehir Province (Central Anatolia, Türkiye) using operational data from the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) for 2023. The relationship between resource‐use efficiency and management performance in irrigation associations, municipalities and cooperatives was analysed through correlation analysis. Results show that total water supply was 126 943.48 × 10 3 m 3 for associations, 110 939.00 × 10 3 m 3 for municipalities and 17 434.92 × 10 3 m 3 for cooperatives, with irrigation demand exceeding supply. Irrigation rates were 74.6% for associations, 44.7% for municipalities and 65.8% for cooperatives. Net income per irrigated hectare was highest in associations at 2170.65 US$ ha −1 . Findings indicate that associations are more efficient in utilizing water and generating productivity. These Eskişehir‐based results provide evidence to guide policy and operational decisions in comparable semiarid basins.