Contaminants Of Emerging Concern Research Articles

Differential Pulse Voltammetric Detection of Acetaminophen Using Nickel Phthalocyanine/CeO2-Modified ITO Electrodes

The present contribution reports a novel electrode based on an ITO substrate surface-modified with a nanofilm of nickel tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (NiTsPc) with cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2) for the effective differential pulse voltammetric detection of acetaminophen, which is a contaminant of emerging concern (CEC). The optimized ITO/NiTsPc/CeO2 electrode responds linearly (r2 > 0.99) to acetaminophen in the range of 0.4 to 11.2 µM, with a limit of detection (S/N = 3) of 54.7 nM. This response is reproducible for fourteen consecutive runs (RSD = 10.97%) and insensitive to the presence of interfering CECs (amoxicillin, atenolol, caffeine, diclofenac, ethinyl estradiol, and ibuprofen) at the same concentration. The electrode can be used to detect acetaminophen in tap water, synthetic urine, and pharmaceutical tablets, in which it performs similarly to UV-Vis spectroscopy at a 95% confidence level.

Selection of indicator contaminants of emerging concern when reusing reclaimed water for irrigation — A proposed methodology

Organic and microbial contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), even though not yet regulated, are of great concern in reclaimed water reuse projects. Due to the large number of CECs and their different characteristics, it is useful to include only a limited number of them in monitoring programs. The selection of the most representative CECs is still a current and open question. This study presents a new methodology for this scope, in particular for the evaluation of the performance of a polishing treatment and the assessment of the risk for the environment and the irrigated crops. As to organic CECs, the methodology is based on four criteria (occurrence, persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity) expressed in terms of surrogates (respectively, concentrations in the secondary effluent, removal achieved in conventional activated sludge systems, Log Kow and predicted-no-effect concentration). It consists of: (i) development of a dataset including the CECs found in the secondary effluent, together with the corresponding values of surrogates found in the literature or by in-field investigations; (ii) normalization step with the assignment of a score between 1 (low environmental impact) and 5 (high environmental impact) to the different criteria based on threshold values set according to the literature and experts' judgement; (iii) CEC ranking according to their final score obtained as the sum of the specific scores; and (iv) selection of the representative CECs for the different needs.Regarding microbial CECs, the selection is based on their occurrence and their highest detection frequency in the secondary effluent and in the receiving water, the antibiotic consumption patterns, and recommendations by national and international organisations.The methodology was applied within the ongoing reuse project SERPIC resulting in a list of 30 indicator CECs, including amoxicillin, bisphenol A, ciprofloxacin, diclofenac, erythromycin, ibuprofen, iopromide, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, Escherichia coli, faecal coliform, 16S rRNA, sul1, and sul2.

Comprehensive investigation and risk assessment of organic contaminants in Yellow River Estuary using suspect and nontarget screening strategies

Contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) include numerous chemicals that may pose known and unknown risks to the ecosystem, and identification and risk ranking of these compounds is essential for the environmental management. In this study, liquid and gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS and GC-QTOF-MS) were used to characterize the occurrence of CECs in the surface water of the Yellow River Estuary (YRE). A total of 295 and 315 chemicals were identified by LC-QTOF-MS and GC-QTOF-MS, respectively. The occurrence of two compounds, erucamide and 2-phenylquinoline, was for the first time reported in the aquatic environment in YRE. The concentrations of 121 CECs, including 35 antibiotics, 49 pesticides and veterinary, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and 21 phthalic acid esters were further quantified by target analysis, which showed the detection of 99 compounds in the surface water in the range of 7.07–4611.26 ng/L. Ecological risks of pollutants based on the risk quotient (RQ) method revealed that 13 pollutants posed ecological risks to the aquatic ecosystem (RQ > 1), and pesticides (n = 12) were the main risk contributors. Here, all CECs data sets were finally transformed and ranked in the framework of the toxicological priority index (ToxPi), and a total of 81 priority control pollutants were identified in the surface water of YRE. This study highlighted the necessity of suspect and nontarget screening for CECs in estuaries, and revealed the importance of localized contamination sources in urban and agricultural environment.

Review of the Integration of Drying and Thermal Treatment Processes for Energy Efficient Reduction of Contaminants and Beneficial Reuse of Wastewater Treatment Plant Biosolids

Biosolids have been traditionally used as a beneficial resource in the agricultural industry. However, contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) threaten their reuse due to concerns of toxicity, bioaccumulation, and increased regulations on acceptable CEC concentrations in biosolids. The thermal treatment of biosolids has the potential to destroy/mineralize these contaminants as well as transform the biosolids into valuable biochar. However, the thermal processing of biosolids is highly energy intensive due to the energy costs associated with drying biosolids to the required moisture content for thermal processing. This article performs a brief review of the drying of biosolids from a physical and theoretical viewpoint. It also provides an overview of pyrolysis and gasification. It explains the impact that moisture can have on both the degradation of CECs and the products that can be obtained through the thermal treatment of biosolids. Additionally, model-based, lab-based, and pilot-scale examples of integrated drying and thermal treatment processes are reviewed. Key challenges, such as the need for co-pyrolysis and co-gasification, as well as the impact of biosolids composition on energetic viability, are identified.

Sustainability assessment of retrofitting alternatives for large and old wastewater treatment plants in Seoul.

Old wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) must be upgraded to alleviate the problems associated with aging and reduce their total environmental impacts. To enhance the environmental sustainability in retrofitting large and old WWTPs, the decision-making process for selecting the most appropriate alternative is complicated. In this study, evaluation criteria were proposed to select the most sustainable alternatives for mid- to long-term retrofitting plans for a large WWTP with the treatment capacity of 1.6 M m3/d, which is initially built in 1987. An analytic hierarchy process was applied to estimate the weights of each criterion. Fourteen experts evaluated the relative importance of criteria through pairwise comparisons. In order to assess the current retrofitting opinions, three retrofitting alternatives were constructed: A focused on energy sufficiency; B expanded the bioreactor capacity and enhancement of the facility for incinerating the sludge leaving the anaerobic digestor; C emphasized the treatment of contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs). A achieved the highest score (0.623) owing to the environmental benefits associated with recycling and first flush stormwater treatment. C exhibited the second highest score (0.612) as the focus on CECs removal. B corresponded to the lowest sustainability (0.426), with the lowest scores pertaining to effective land use and first flush stormwater treatment.

Removal of Contaminants of Emerging Concern from Wastewater Using an Integrated Column System Containing Zero Valent Iron Nanoparticles

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are among the most important categories of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), and many advanced technologies have been developed for their elimination from water and wastewater, including nano-zero valent iron (nZVI). This study investigates the performance of nZVI synthesized from green tea extracts and incorporated into a cationic resin (R-nFe) in the removal of four selected NSAIDs, namely ibuprofen (IBU), naproxen (NPX), diclofenac (DCF), and ketoprofen (KFN), and an EDC, namely bisphenol A (BPA). Column experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of various operating parameters, including initial CECs concentration, contact time, pH, addition, and dose of sodium persulfate (PS). To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that environmentally friendly produced nZVI has been combined with PS in column experiments for the removal of CECs from wastewater. With a contact time of 2.2 min, PS = 1 mM, and influent pH = 3.5, 27–72% of IBU, 70–99% of NPX, 70–95% of DCF, 28–50% of KFN, and 61–91% of BPA were removed during a 12-day operation of the system, while the initial concentration of each substance was 5 μg/L. Therefore, it is anticipated that the proposed system could be a promising post-treatment technology for the removal of CECs from wastewater.

Periodic mesoporous organosilicas containing naphthalenediimides as organic sensitizers for sulfadiazine photodegradation.

In this work, periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMO) functionalized with the organic sentisizer naphthalenediimide (NDI) were employed as heterogeneous catalysts for the photodegradation of the antibiotic sulfadiazine (SDZ), taken as a model for contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). The catalysts, designated as PMONDI, were prepared by surfactant-directed co-condensation of the precursor N,N'-bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenediimide with tetraethoxysilane. The synthesized PMONDI were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption isotherms and small and large angle x-ray scattering. The performance of PMONDI catalysts in the photodegradation of SDZ was compared to that of TiO2 nanoparticles impregnated into SBA-15 mesoporous silica (TiO2/SBA-15), under irradiation with a Hg lamp with a bandpass filter of 320-500nm. Under optimal conditions, PMONDI degraded 100% of the SDZ in 45min, while the total degradation of SDZ was achieved only after 150min with TiO2/SBA-15. PMONDI also performed better than TiO2/SBA-15 in reuse tests. The mechanism of photodegradation with PMONDI involves the formation of excited triplet states of NDI (3NDI*) upon irradiation, which can then react with molecular oxygen to form reactive oxygen species, which degrade SDZ. Analysis of the SDZ degradation products indicated two main pathways: (1) hydroxylation of the aniline ring and (2) SO2 extrusion and rearrangement, followed by oxidation of the aniline ring to nitrobenzene. In conclusion, the great potential of the PMONDI materials as photocatalysts for CECs degradation was demonstrated in this work, encouraging further research on these materials for the degradation of pollutants.

Absorption, translocation, and metabolism of atrazine, carbamazepine, and sulfamethoxazole by the macrophyte Orange King Humbert canna lily (Canna × generalis L.H. Bailey (pro sp.) [glauca × indica]).

Canna × generalis L.H. Bailey (pro sp.) [glauca × indica] (common name: Orange King Humbert canna lily) has been reported as a promising plant species that can effectively remove contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), such as atrazine (ATZ), carbamazepine (CBZ), and sulfamethoxazole (SMX), from contaminated surface water. In the present study, absorption, translocation, and metabolism of such CECs in canna were examined using carbon-14-labeled ([14C]) analogues of each contaminant to understand the removal of each. Uptake/adsorption of the [14C]-CECs increased over time and was > 47.5% at the end of the 14-day study. The root-shoot translocation of [14C]-ATZ in canna was the greatest at 49.9-78.8%, followed by [14C]-CBZ (1.9-44.7%) and [14C]-SMX (3.3-6.0%). The cumulative transpiration of canna was correlated with absorption (R2 > 0.95) and root-shoot translocation (R2 > 0.97) magnitudes of [14C]-CECs in canna. Radiographic results revealed significant conversion of parent [14C]-CECs into other metabolites during the 14-day study. Metabolism of [14C]-ATZ and [14C]-CBZ occurred mainly in the shoots, whereas metabolism of [14C]-SMX occurred in the roots. Taken together, root-shoot redistribution and metabolism of CECs absorbed into canna can vary by transpiration volume as well as chemical properties.

Untargeted metabolomic analysis to explore the impact of soil amendments in a non-conventional wastewater treatment

As non-conventional wastewater treatment, vegetation filters make the most of the natural attenuation processes that occur in soil to remove contaminants, while providing several environmental benefits. However, this practice may introduce contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and their transformation products (TPs) into the environment. A potential improvement to the system was tested using column experiments containing soil (S) and soil amended with woodchips (SW) or biochar (SB) irrigated with synthetic wastewater that included 11 selected CECs. This study evaluated: i) known CECs attenuation and ii) unknown metabolites formation. Known CECs attenuation was assessed by total mass balance by considering both water and soil media. An untargeted metabolomic strategy was developed to assess the formation of unknown metabolites and to identify them in water samples. The results indicated that SB enhanced CECs attenuation and led to the formation of fewer metabolites. Sorption and biodegradation processes were favored by the bigger surface area of particles in SB column, especially for compounds with negative charges. Incorporating woodchips into soil shortened retention times in the column, which reduced attenuation phenomena and resulted in the formation of significantly more metabolites. Incomplete biodegradation reactions, fostered by shorter retention times in SW column could mainly explain these results.

Bisphenol A removal in treated wastewater matrix at neutral pH using magnetic graphite intercalation compounds as persulfate activators.

Effluents of municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are major sources for releasing contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) into the aquatic environment, which can result in negative effects on aquatic ecosystems and, as a consequence, on humans. Herein, the graphite intercalation concept was used to synthesize heterogeneous catalysts to degrade bisphenol A (BPA) as a model CEC in municipal WWTP effluents at neutral pH. The catalyst was synthesized using the simple molten salt method and showed several benefits, such as iron leaching prevention and stability in environmental matrices. Different methods were applied to describe the catalyst's structural characteristics. The proposed system removed 99.3% of BPA in 75 min using 2 g/L of the synthesized catalyst and 1.19 g/L (5 mM) persulfate at neutral pH. Quenching experiments showed that catalytic activities and BPA removals were significantly aided by both radical and non-radical pathways through the generation of free radicals and singlet oxygen (1 O2 ). Furthermore, the reuse of recycled synthesized catalyst was investigated on treated urban wastewater, and the results showed that the catalyst could degrade BPA from the wastewater in consecutive cycles, demonstrating its applicability under real conditions. PRACTITIONER POINTS: BPA was effectively removed from the effluents of municipal WWTPs at neutral pH. A new catalyst (magnetic GIC) was fabricated for heterogeneous catalytic systems. The catalyst activates persulfate to generate free radicals and 1 O2 , indicating that radical and non-radical pathways contribute to BPA degradation. The catalyst showed the ability to remove BPA even in the sixth cycle of use, demonstrating its stability and reusability.

Contaminants of Emerging Concern

Contaminants of emergent concern (CECs) in aquatic ecosystems entail a potential risk for the environment, due to their persistent behavior and adverse effect on living organisms during a long-term exposition, even at residual concentrations. Conventional Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are not designed to eliminate CECs properly because the treatment technologies are not enough to remove these contaminants, which generates environmental and technological challenges. In this review, the sources of CEC contaminants to aquatic environments have been discussed in detail. Understanding the occurrences and pathways of CECs, their adverse effects on the environment, and removal techniques is a valuable key for the proper maintenance of global ecological health. This scenario was more explored through the harmful impacts of CECs on the environment, including their toxic effects and permissible limits. This review gathers information about CECs occurrences from a global perspective compiling information about their ecotoxicological effects, conventional and advanced treatment methods towards their mitigation. Advanced hybrid treatment techniques such as membrane bioreactor with ozonation, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration have shown to be a promising alternative for CECs removal. New advanced oxidation processes with assisted and non-assisted UVC/H2O2 systems with TiO2 photocatalysis were also demonstrated as a good approach to be implemented in the CECs mitigation strategies.

Circular economy in wastewater treatment plants: Treatment of contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) in effluent using sludge-based activated carbon

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), have been frequently detected at high concentrations in discharged wastewater effluents and biosolids. This study investigates the occurrence and removal of various PAHs, PFASs, and PBDEs from the final discharge effluent of a major Canadian wastewater treatment plant. We evaluated two seasons of the year (warm and cold) (effluents A and B) using sludge-based activated carbon (SBAC) samples synthesised from thickened waste secondary sludge and biosolids, named TS-SBAC and BioSBAC, respectively. The average removal efficiency of BioSBAC (at concentrations of 1 and 10 g SBAC in 1-L effluent) for PAHs and alkyl-PAHs in effluent A was 88–100% (residual concentrations below the reporting limit [RL] at 16.7 ng/L), and that of TS-SBAC (concentration of 1 g SBAC in 1-L effluent) in effluent B (below RL, at 20.8 ng/L) was 68–100%. The average removal efficiency of BioSBAC for PBDEs was 88–100% for effluent A (below RL, at 1.26 ng/L), and that of TS-SBAC for effluent B (below RL, at 1.14 ng/L) was 52–100%. The average BioSBAC removal range of PFASs from effluent B (below RL, at 5.37 ng/L) was 30–100%, with significant removal of long-chain (>C7) PFASs. These findings indicate that producing an efficient adsorbent (i.e., SBAC) from sewage sludge is a sustainable integrated circular economy solution for stabilising CECs, including PAHs, PFASs, and PBDEs, to improve the quality of wastewater effluents in a closed-loop system, with no waste being generated.

Phyto-bacterial biosorption of basic fuchsine: A self-sustainable approach towards biomitigation of contaminant of emerging concern

Basic fuchsine dye, a contaminant of emerging concern (CEC) is known for carcinogenicity and mutagenicity on humans and aquatic animals. Environmental persistence of basic fuchsine due to its structural stability is a concern due to its hideous effects on the eco-system. Among various methods of remediation, biological methods of dye adsorption are considered a potential tool and a self-sustainable approach of cleaning contaminated environments. In the current study, a non-pathogenic phyto-symbiotic bacteria, Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. Xiangfangensis strain KG216S isolated from Kaempferia pulchra L., was investigated for the reduction of basic fuchsine dye. One factor at a time (OFAT) studies revealed the optimal conditions for remediation was 20 mg/L of dye with 4 g/L of sucrose when introduced with 4 % v/v of the bacteria for 72 h. Adsorption kinetics demonstrated the biosorption design followed pseudo-first-order (PFO) kinetics as the R2 value is 0.93, while the adsorption isotherms obey the Langmuir isotherm (R2 value is 0.975). Analytical techniques like LCMS and FTIR analysis of bacterial biomass revealed the dye adsorption onto the bacterial surface. SEM-EDS analysis indicated the presence of Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl) on the bacterial surface. Florescent microscopy of bacteria indicated duration-based dye accumulation and dye internalization and hence the current study is the first to report this phenomenon of biomitigation. In-silico toxicity assay predicted the dye as a probable causative agent of developmental toxicity. Cytogenotoxicity assay indicated reduced toxicity in comparison to the untreated sample. Through this study, we propose phyto-bacterial biosorption as a self-sustainable, eco-friendly approach to reduce the hideous effects on plants, humans, and the environment caused by the bioaccumulation of these carcinogenic dyes.

Electrochemically assisted photocatalytic degradation of contaminants of emerging concern in simulated wastewater using WO3 – Elucidation of mechanisms

In this work, the performance of a photoelectrochemical cell to degrade a mixture of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in distilled water and simulated wastewater effluents (SWWE) was assessed. The CECs mixture included trimethoprim (TMP), diclofenac (DFC), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and carbamazepine (CBZ) (100 μg·L−1 each). WO3 nanoplate-like structures synthesized on fluorine tin oxide coated glass (FTO) were used as the photoanode with Pt or carbon gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) as the counter electrode. The most efficient degradation of the CECs was obtained with the WO3-GDE combination. Significant degradation of the CECs was observed under visible only radiation. Even under visible radiation, reasonable rate constants 5.67·10-3, 5.35·10-3, 2.9·10-3 and 4.35·10-3 min−1 were obtained for TMP, SMX, CBZ and DFC degradation. The degradation mechanism at the cathode and the photoanode was elucidated using a two-compartment cell, which allowed the identification of reactive species generated at each electrode. Photogenerated holes were the main responsible for CEC degradation in SWWE. With the carbon GDE, a high Faradaic efficiency (55 %) for H2O2 production was observed.

Distribution in marine fish and EDI estimation of contaminants of emerging concern by vortex-assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion and HPLC-MS/MS

Due to their persistence or continuous discharge, toxic substances are present in the aquatic environment, and can bioaccumulate and biomagnify in the food web, generating a significant ecological risk and a threat to human health. The present study assess the occurrence and tissue (muscle, liver, stomach and gills) distribution of 59 anthropogenic contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in marine fish from Brazil. A simpler and faster analytical methodology based on vortex-assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion (VA-MSPD) and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated. Limits of quantification ranged from 3.31 to 114 ng g−1 dw with recovery rates between 60 and 140 % and relative standard deviation below 20 %. The ultraviolet filters 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4HB) (benzophenone-3 metabolite) and benzocaine (Et-PABA), and the antibacterial salicylic acid were frequently accumulated in muscle and liver at concentrations between 39.5 and 21.0 ngg−1 dw. The determined concentrations resulted to be lower than the tolerable daily intake recommended by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Using integrative samplers to estimate the removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in a WWTP and by soil aquifer treatment enhanced with a reactive barrier

The need and availability of freshwater is a major environmental issue, aggravated by climate change. It is necessary to find alternative sources of freshwater. Wastewater could represent a valid option but requires extensive treatment to remove wastewater-borne contaminants, such as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). It is urgent to develop not only sustainable and effective wastewater treatment techniques, but also water quality assessment methods. In this study, we used polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) to investigate the presence and abatement of contaminants in an urban wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and in soil aquifer treatment (SAT) systems (a conventional one and one enhanced with a reactive barrier). This approach allowed us to overcome inter-day and intraday variability of the wastewater composition. Passive sampler extracts were analyzed to investigate contamination from 56 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). Data from the POCIS were used to estimate PPCPs' removal efficiency along the WWTP and the SAT systems. A total of 31 compounds, out of the 56 investigated, were detected in the WWTP influent. Removal rates along WWTP were highly variable (16-100 %), with benzophenone-3, benzophenone-1, parabens, ciprofloxacin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen as the most effectively removed chemicals. The two SAT systems yielded much higher elimination rates than those achieved through the primary and secondary treatments together. The SAT system that integrated a reactive barrier, based on sustainable materials to promote enhanced elimination of CECs, was significantly more efficient than the conventional one. The removal of the recalcitrant carbamazepine and its epoxy- metabolite was especially remarkable in this SAT, with removal rates between 69–81 % and 63–70 %, respectively.

Sources of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Groundwater of Barcelona Urban Area

Abstract. Groundwater is a vital resource for the development of urban areas, where the problem focuses on the quantity and on the quality of this freshwater resource. Barcelona is a good example as because currently groundwater is used for irrigation of parks and gardens and street cleaning due to its poor quality as drinking water source. Among the pollutants found in groundwater, of special interest are contaminants of emerging concern (CEC), as they pose a high risk to the aquatic environment and human health. The behaviour, spatial distribution and processes that control them in the aquatic environment are still uncertain and most of them are unregulated. In this paper we study the inputs and processes controlling the hydrochemistry of Barcelona urban groundwater with special emphasis on the CEC. We selected 29 CEC that were detected at high concentrations of up to 1 µg L−1 (e.g. gemfibrozil, benzotriazole, among others). Towards the higher zones we identify groundwater with relative low mineralization more proximate to the natural recharge composition, while towards the urban area the anthropic inputs are evident (e.g. nitrate concentrations range from 50 to 200 mg L−1). Near the Besòs river there is a clear contribution from this superficial water highly polluted, mostly from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharges, and reducing conditions. The main contributor of CEC pollution in groundwater was the river-aquifer interaction (Besòs river), while towards the urban area it might come from sewage seepage and probably a minor input from urban runoff. The redox state of these waters seems to control the fate and occurrence of several of these CEC. The limitations of this study are restricted to a single sampling campaign, therefore these results should be corroborated with other sampling campaigns, including the seasonal variations, which would allow establishing more robust conclusions.

Occurrence and fate of contaminants of emerging concern and their transformation products after uptake by pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis)

Recovery and reuse of nutrients is a major challenge in agriculture. A new process contributing to a circular economy is the anaerobic digestion of food waste, which is a sustainable way of recycling nutrients as the digestate can be used as fertiliser in agriculture and horticulture. However, the digestate may be polluted with contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) that can be circulated back into the food chain, posing a risk to the environment and human health. In this work, the nutrient solution was spiked with 18 selected CECs frequently detected in food waste biogas facilities, and subsequent uptake and fate of these CECs were evaluated in pak choi grown in two different nutrient solutions (mineral and organic). All spiked compounds except two (propylparaben, fenbendazole) were taken up by pak choi plants, with perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and sertraline displaying the highest concentrations (270 and 190 μg/kg fresh weight, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in uptake between mineral and organic nutrient solutions. Uptake of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was negatively correlated with perfluorocarbon chain length and dependent on the functional group (r = −0.73). Sixteen transformation products (TPs) were tentatively identified using suspect screening, most of which were Phase II or even Phase III metabolites. Six of these TPs were identified for the first time in plant metabolism and their metabolic pathways were considered.

Development of a GIS-based knowledge hub for contaminants of emerging concern in South African water resources using open-source software: Lessons learnt

With population growth and dwindling freshwater sources, protecting such sources has come to the forefront of water resource management. Historically, society’s response to a problem is based on funding availability, current threat, and public outcry. Achieving this is largely dependent on the knowledge of the factors that are resulting in compromised water sources. These factors are constantly changing as novel contaminants are introduced into surface water sources. As we are in the information age, the interest in contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) is gaining ground. Whilst research is being conducted to identify contaminants in South African water sources, the research outputs and available information is not collated and presented to the science community and stakeholders in readily available formats and platforms. Current research outcomes need to be made known to regulators in order to develop environmental laws. By using fourth industrial revolution technology, we were able to collate available data in literature and display these in a user-friendly online format to regulatory bodies as well as researchers. A standardized excel spreadsheet was developed and uploaded to a PostgreSQL, running a PostGIS extension and was then processed in the GeoServer to allow for visualization on an interactive map which can be continuously updated. The near real-time access to information will reduce the possibility of duplication of research efforts, enhance collaboration in the discipline, and act as a CEC early warning system.

Biočađ i hidročađ kao adsorbenti za uklanjanje emergentnih zagađujućih materija iz otpadnih voda

Carbon materials have been used extensively in water treatment, and among them, biochar (BC) and hydrochar (HC) have been studied in recent decades as eco-friendly adsorbents in water treatment. Specific physicochemical characteristics of chars allow for the effective removal of a wide range of water contaminants, including emerging contaminants (e.g. pharmaceutically active compounds, agro-chemicals, and endocrine disrupting compounds). BC and HC can be synthesized from different biomass sources, even from biowaste, which makes them low-cost materials. In fact, the application of waste biomass for char production can be designated as a promising way towards achieving sustainable development goals concerning solid waste management. The selection of feedstock material and optimization of the reaction conditions of the carbonization process (pyrolysis, hydro-thermal carbonisation, etc.) influence the performances of char-based materials leading to the products with desired characteristics suitable for the removal of a certain group of compounds. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the current status of research regarding the use of BC and HC as adsorbents in the removal of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) from wastewater. The physicochemical properties of the substrates, types of synthesis, characterization techniques, as well as mechanism and influence of process parameters in the removal of selected CECs from wastewater, will also be addressed.