Contaminated Water Research Articles

Innovations and challenges in adsorption-based wastewater remediation: A comprehensive review

Innovations and challenges in adsorption-based wastewater remediation: A comprehensive review

Nitrogen and me - How little did we, and do we know about “stikstof – azote – nitrogen”?

This retrospective article reflects on the complex and evolving relationship between humans and nitrogen over several decades. Raised on a Flemish farm, the author's early experiences with nitrogen in agriculture – both its benefits and dangers – laid the foundation for a lifelong interest in this element. The article traverses a broad range of topics related to nitrogen, highlighting its critical role in various historical, agricultural, environmental, and industrial contexts. The narrative begins with a historical overview of nitrogen's role in agriculture and warfare. The development of industrial processes like the Haber and Ostwald methods transformed nitrogen into a key ingredient for both fertilizers and explosives. The dual nature of nitrogen – as a life-giver in agriculture and a destructive component in warfare and also in biodiversity – is an important theme. The article delves into the environmental impacts of nitrogen, particularly in the context of modern agriculture and industrialization. Issues like fertilization, water contamination, and the challenges of managing nitrogenous waste highlight the complex interplay between human activities and environmental health. Technological advancements are explored, including the development of bioaugmentation methods and the potential of genetic engineering in optimizing nitrogen fixation. Throughout the narrative, personal anecdotes are weaved with scientific information, offering a unique perspective on the historical and contemporary challenges of managing nitrogen. The discussion extends to the broader implications of nitrogen management in the context of sustainability, climate change, and global food security and its overall regulatory space. All these considerations call for a re-evaluation of our relationship with nitrogen, advocating for innovative solutions and systemic thinking to address the multifaceted challenges posed by this essential, yet often problematic element.

Catalytic degradation of BPA by bamboo leaf-derived KOH-activated porous biocarbon loaded with CoFe2O4-activated peroxymonosulfate

Multiphase catalysts with wide pH, high environmental adaptability, and high activity are urgently needed for the water's contaminants to break down. In this study, the biomass waste bamboo leaves were used as the carbon source and activated by KOH to further increase the active sites (the adsorption capacity was 8.06 times that of the unactivated material) loaded with cobalt ferrite composite catalyst CoFe2O4@PBCX, which could effectively activate the PMS to realize the degradation of BPA. The CoFe2O4@PBCX + PMS system demonstrated remarkable BPA degradation across a broad starting pH range (3–11), and 100 % BPA removal was achieved in 9 min at pH = 11. CoFe2O4@PBCX achieved excellent BPA removal performance under high salinity conditions (200 mM). The toxicity of BPA and its oxidation intermediates was predicted by the ECOSAR model, which proved that BPA was eventually degraded into non-toxic products. In the bisphenol a degradation device, no catalyst deactivation was observed after 14 h, and 80 % removal was maintained after 40 h. This study showed that the synthesized CoFe2O4@PBCX is a highly efficient PMS activation catalyst, which has the potential of low cost, high efficiency, and ecological friendliness in practical wastewater treatment.

Synthesis, spectroscopic study and carbofuran adsorption of mixed metal (Co, Cu)@Ca-BTC frameworks aimed at wastewater cleaning

The extensive use of insecticides raises a great risk to humans because these compounds are human carcinogens and their agricultural application causes contamination of natural free water. One of the most applied insecticide is carbofuran, and the present study aims at removing it from water using novel mixed metal–metal-organic frameworks (M−MOFs) based on Ca-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (Ca-BTC). Different “guest” metal ions (M = Mn, Ni, Co, Cu; each at 20 %) and Ca (at 80 %) were mixed together with the organic linker BTC to produce Ca-M−BTC. Different geometrical shapes of Ca-M−BTC were observed depending on the type of the added “guest” metal ion. The EPR spectrum of both Ca-Cu-BTC and Ca-Co-BTC shows a doublet peak with line-broadening at g// = 2.34 and a broad peak at g ∼ 2.1, respectively, and the narrow peak provided information about the chelating atoms of the paramagnetic Cu2+ atom. Carbofuran adsorption follows the second order model and a Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption capacity of carbofuran reached 627.26 and 736.31 mg/g onto Ca-Co-BTC and Ca-Cu-BTC, respectively. Efficient carbofuran adsorption on these Ca-M−BTCs, hence removal from water, can be proceeded via both of physical deposition in pores and chemical interaction via H-bonding, coordination and π – π interaction.

Unveiling antibiotic contamination in surface water: A study of the Huaihe River Basin's Huaibei Plain, a significant Chinese herbal medicine planting region

The abuse of antibiotics has caused the accumulation of antibiotic residues in environmental media, threatening the ecosystem and human health. Many studies on the distribution of aqueous antibiotics have been reported. However, the pollution status of antibiotics in the environment in Chinese herbal medicine planting areas is rarely comprehensively clarified, resulting in the lack of updated pollution data and conducive suggestions for ecological cultivation and sustainable development of Chinese herbal medicine. Thus, we comprehensively investigated the distribution, profiles, sources, and risks of the antibiotics in the surface water of an important tributary of the Huaihe River Basin, located in Bozhou City, a significant Chinese herbal medicine planting region. Solid-phase extraction coupled with an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (SPE-UPLC-MS) was utilized to detect the antibiotics in the water. 27 kinds of antibiotics were identified with total concentrations ranging from 75.01 to 1737.99 ng·L−1, with doxycycline (DC) and doxycycline hydrochloride (DCH) possessed the highest concentration. And DC, DCH, oxilinic acid (OA), sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), clarithromycin (CLA), and roxithromycinum (ROX) were the main antibiotics detected in this basin. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that animal husbandry was the primary source of antibiotics. Furthermore, the ecological risk assessment revealed that certain antibiotics could seriously threaten the survival of aquatic organisms, implying that local Chinese herbal medicines might be at similar growth risk. The drinking risk assessment showed that antibiotics in the water posed low risks for human, and children faced a greater drinking risk than adults. The study can help to facilitate the management of aqueous antibiotic pollution for the ecological cultivation and safe production of Chinese herbal medicine.

Failure analysis of high-pressure fire extinguisher

The failure analysis of the high-pressure cylinder of a fire extinguisher fabricated by quench and tempered AISI/SAE 4130 steel is presented. The metallographic and mechanical examination indicated that the cylinder’s fabrication material was not properly heat-treated since the microstructure contained an excessive amount of α-ferrite and low hardness. The failure mechanism was identified as Stress Corrosion Cracking induced by the combination of pressure induced and residual stresses, a corrosive environment due to the presence of water and other contaminants in the extinguishing agent, and an incorrectly heat-treated material. A fracture mechanics assessment demonstrated that a critical crack, of 3.35 mm (0.250 in.) deep and 254 mm (10 in.) long, caused the failure at the operation pressure. To prevent similar failures, it is recommended to periodically inspect the high-pressure cylinder by nondestructive testing to prevent internal cracks. Furthermore, the cylinders must be perfectly dry and free of corrosive species.

Unregulated drinking water contaminants and adverse birth outcomes in Virginia

Unregulated drinking water contaminants and adverse birth outcomes in Virginia

A novel Psidium Guajava and Cerium-MOF based dual-responsive bio-composite for the synchronous adsorptive removal and fluorescence detection of tetracycline antibiotics.

The apprehensions about water contamination conduced by tetracycline antibiotics have raised serious concerns in scientific community worldwide. The researchers are intensively looking for materials that are sustainable and extend dual applicability in removal as well as detection of these contaminants. However, in this pursuit, fabrication of novel materials is still a great challenge. In this vein, inspired by the prodigious union of MOF and biobased materials, as enunciated by literature reports, present study unveils the fabrication of a novel dual responsive Psidium Guajava and Cerium-MOF based bio-composite for simultaneous adsorption and fluorescence detection of tetracycline antibiotics. The fabricated Ce-MOF/0.5-GLP composite displayed excellent adsorption potential for removal of TCs within a very short initial time duration and rendered high adsorption capacities i.e. 81.30, 75.18 and 63.69mgg-1 for DC, MC and TC, respectively. Conjointly, the fabricated bio-based Ce-MOF/0.5-GLP composite was engaged for selective fluorescence detection of TCs. The sensor exhibited exquisite selectivity and sensitivity for detection of TCs with low detection limit values i.e. 94.3nM, 71.4nM and 74.2nM for DC, MC and TC, respectively. In light of the aforementioned findings, the developed composite illustrates a workable and realistic method for dealing with TCs via removal and detection.

Fabricating of Pd and Ni bimetal modified halloysite nanotube composite and its application for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

Tetracycline (TC) is extensively employed as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, and its byproducts have been identified in a variety of water bodies, posing a significant risk to both aquatic ecosystems and human health. Among the prevalent techniques for treating water contaminants, photodegradation stands out. In this research, we synthesized a novel nanocomposite material, embedding bimetallic nanoparticles onto halloysite nanotubes (HNT) (Pd@Ni/N-HNT), aimed at photocatalytically degrading TC. The Pd@Ni/N-HNT demonstrated the capability to enhance the TC degradation efficiency to 100 % under visible light for a duration of 120 min, effectively doubling the performance of pure H2O2 degradation. The influence of pH levels in aquatic environments on the TC degradation efficiency was explored. Through electron spin resonance (EPR) studies and free radical scavenging tests, it was verified that •O2− and h+ are pivotal in the degradation process. Furthermore, Pd@Ni/N-HNT showcased effective degradation capabilities in both tap and river water, achieving degradation rates exceeding 70 % in 120 min and 95 % in 180 min, respectively. This investigation not only sheds light on the potential of utilizing Pd@Ni/N-HNT as a potent catalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of TC but also offers a comprehensive framework for the future development of nanomaterials aimed at the environmental remediation of organic pollutants. The findings herein provide a pivotal reference and guide for advancing the application of nanotechnology in the purification of water, thereby contributing to the safeguarding of aquatic ecosystems and public health.

Trace compounds in the urban water cycle in the Freiberg region, Germany

Trace compounds in the urban water cycle in the Freiberg region, Germany

Consumer willingness to pay for improved drinking water in District Buner

AbstractThis study investigates households' willingness to pay (WTP) for better water systems, clean water availability, and water quality in Gadaizi tehsil, District Buner, Pakistan. This research aims to shed light on various aspects of water quality, health impacts, and socioeconomic factors influencing households' ability to pay for superior water services. This research also looks into waterborne infection and water purification methods residents utilize to mitigate the risk of water pollution. Utilizing a mixed‐method approach with a structured questionnaire, data from 62 households were collected. SPSS was used for data analysis. Findings reveal awareness of water contamination issues, primarily attributed to marble industries. Most households use untreated water, boiling, chemicals, or candle filters. Water purification methods are influenced by media exposure and higher income. Common waterborne diseases, such as typhoid and diarrhea, are treated in private hospitals. Consumer WTP for better water systems depends on income, education, and media exposure, in which income has a statistically significant positive effect on WTP for improved water services. Although 76% of households do not use any water purification method. 84% of households are willing to adopt a private sector‐provided system. Importantly, this study highlights the necessity for public health initiatives and a thorough understanding of socioeconomic issues to guide political choices for better water delivery. These insights can inform policies that prioritize public health and ensure better access to clean water for all.

Optimisation of analytical methods for tuberculosis drug detection in wastewater: A multinational study

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a robust tool for disease surveillance and monitoring of pharmaceutical consumption. However, monitoring tuberculosis (TB) drug consumption faces challenges due to limited data availability. This study aimed to optimise methods for detecting TB drugs in treated and untreated wastewater from four African countries: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Cameroon. The limit of detection (LOD) for these drugs ranged from a minimum of 2.20 (±1.02) for rifampicin to a maximum of 2.95 (±0.79) for pyrazinamide. A parallel trend was observed concerning the limit of quantification (LOQ), with rifampicin reporting the lowest average LOQ of 7.33 (±3.44) and pyrazinamide showing the highest average LOQ of 9.81 (±2.64). The variance in LOD and LOQ values could be attributed to factors such as drug polarity. Erythromycin and rifampicin exhibited moderately polar LogP values (2.6 and 2.95), indicating higher lipid affinity and lower water affinity.Conversely, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and isoniazid displayed polar LogP values (−0.059, −0.6, and −0.7), suggesting lower lipid affinity and greater water affinity. The study revealed that storing wastewater samples for up to 5 days did not result in significant drug concentration loss, with concentration reduction remaining below 1 log throughout the storage period. Application of the optimised method for drug detection and quantification in both treated and untreated wastewater unveiled varied results. Detection frequencies varied among drugs, with ethambutol consistently most detected, while pyrazinamide and isoniazid were least detected in wastewater from only two countries. Most untreated wastewater samples had undetectable drug concentrations, ranging from 1.21 ng/mL for erythromycin to 54.61 ng/mL for isoniazid. This variability may suggest differences in drug consumption within connected communities. In treated wastewater samples, detectable drug concentrations ranged from 1.27 ng/mL for isoniazid to 10.20 ng/mL for ethambutol. Wastewater treatment plants exhibited variable removal efficiencies for different drugs, emphasising the need for further optimisation. Detecting these drugs in treated wastewater suggests potential surface water contamination and subsequent risks of human exposure, underscoring continued research's importance.

The study of environmental impact from fabric dyeing process in Lahanam area, Songkhone district, Lao PDR

The aim of this research was to examine water contamination resulting from the fabric dyeing process in the Lahanam area, located in Songkhone district, Lao PDR. Lahanam is a famous village known for its fabric dyeing and weaving activities, utilizing both natural and chemical dyes which result in the discharge of colors into local water resources. Water samples were collected from three different sources: household dyeing water (HD), community wastewater (CW) and the nearby river, Xebanghieng (XR). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed on the water samples. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was employed to measure the presence of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg). Additionally, tests were conducted to determine the biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), ammonia contents and pH in the water of Xebanghieng. The results revealed that HD samples contained significantly higher amounts of all four heavy metals (lead 0.217 mg L–1, cadmium 0.105 mg L–1, arsenic 0.029 mg L–1 and mercury 0.0014 mg L–1), with lead, cadmium and arsenic exceeding standard limits. These data indicate potential environmental impact of chemical dyeing in the village in the future. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the current dyeing process with more sustainable alternatives, such as natural dyes. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT HIGHLIGHTS The water quality of the river in the dyeing village in Lao PDR Heavy metals in wastewater after dyeing process. The impact of chemical dyeing.

Comparative transcriptomics combined with physiological and functional analysis reveals the regulatory mechanism of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under acute hypoxia stress

Hypoxia, largely triggered by global warming and water contamination, has become an environmental issue of great concern, posing a great threat to aquatic ecosystem. As one of the world's most economically important fish, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is extremely intolerant of hypoxic environments, however, little is known about the roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the response of rainbow trout to hypoxia stress. Herein, effects of moderate (Tm12L) and severe hypoxia for 12 h (Ts12L) and 12 h reoxygenation on histology, biochemical parameters (antioxidant, metabolism and immunity) and transcriptome (lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA) in rainbow trout liver were investigated. We further validated the regulatory relationships between LOC110519952, novel-m0023-5p and glut1a via dual‑luciferase reporter, overexpression and silencing assays. Compared with Tm12L, the liver in Ts12L showed more severe oxidative damage. Anaerobic, lipid and protein metabolism was enhanced under hypoxia stress, especially in Ts12L. We also found that Tm12L could strengthen innate immune response, which was inhibited in Ts12L. Besides, several hypoxia-related genes (glut1a, vegfaa, hmox, epoa, foxo1a and igfbp1) and ceRNA networks were identified from 1824, 427 and 545 differentially expressed mRNAs, miRNAs and lncRNAs, including LOC118965299-novel-m0179-3p-epoa, LOC110519952-novel-m0023-5p-glut1a, MSTRG.7382.2-miR-184-y-hmox and LOC110520012-miR-206-y-vegfaa. Through in vitro and in vivo functional analysis, we demonstrated that glut1a is a target of novel-m0023-5p, and LOC110519952 can positively regulate glut1a by targeting novel-m0023-5p. Introduction of LOC110519952 could attenuate the promoting effects of novel-m0023-5p on rainbow trout liver cell viability and proliferation. This study highlights the differences in the regulatory mechanism of rainbow trout under different concentrations of hypoxia stress and provides valuable data for further research on the molecular mechanisms of fish adaptation to hypoxic environments.

IoT-based Design and Implementation of an Intelligent Water Quality Monitoring System

Abstract: Water is an essential requirement for human survival, and a scarcity of water renders us unable to sustain our lives. The issue of water pollution and shortage is a pressing worldwide concern that necessitates the adaptation of water resources and the establishment of guiding principles at both the international and individual levels. Water contamination is the primary contributor to global disease outbreaks. In the past, the process of monitoring water quality relied on the physical collection of data, lacking the implementation of a smart sensor system. This resulted in inefficiencies, particularly in the areas of real-time data retrieval, device surveillance, and less precise data gathering. The integration of a real-time water quality monitoring method is important in order to guarantee the provision of a secure drinking water supply. Therefore, the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT), which facilitates the interconnection of diverse devices for the purpose of data interchange and collection, has emerged

Eco-friendly biosorbent based on local raw material: application to dye removal

Eco-friendly biosorbent based on local raw material: application to dye removal

Assessing heavy metal and physiochemical pollution load of Danro River and its management using floating bed remediation

River Danro in Garhwa (India) plays a vital role as a significant source of surface water and a crucial tributary of the North Koel River, ultimately joining the Ganga River Basin. Serving both urban-industrial and rural areas, the region faces challenges, including sand mining near Belchampa Ghat. This study aimed to assess physicochemical and heavy metals pollution at nine sampling locations, utilizing the Overall Index of Pollution (OIP), Nemerow Pollution Index (NPI), and Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI). OIP values indicated excellent surface water quality (0.71) in non-monsoon and slight pollution (6.28) in monsoon. NPI ranged from 0.10 to 1.74 in non-monsoon and from 0.22 (clean) to 27.15 (heavily polluted) in monsoon. HPI results suggested groundwater contamination, particularly by lead. Principal component analysis (PCA) and geospatial mapping showed similar outcomes, highlighting the influence of adjacent land use on water quality. Recognizing the significance of the Danro River in sustaining life, livelihoods, and economic growth, the study recommends implementing measures like floating bed remediation and regulatory actions for effective river management. The study acknowledges weaknesses in the current practical assessment methods for water contamination. These weaknesses make it difficult to put plans for cleaning up and controlling contamination into action. Because of this, future research on developing new in-place remediation techniques should focus on creating better ways to measure how effective the cleanup is.

Mechanistic Coupling of Coagulation-Flocculation, and Machine Learning for Removal of Various Contaminants from Water System

Water is the most precious compound on the earth. Presence of different pollutants in water is a major cause of pollution. Numerous materials and technologies have been used to remove these pollutants from the water supply. Access to safe water for everyone is the prime aim of sustainable development goal six. To do this, numerous materials and technologies have been created. Coagulation-flocculation and adsorption are the prime steps for treatment of wastewater. Coagulation-flocculation is done in tandem to counter the stabilizing force present to disturb the suspended particles' impurities and toxic materials, so as to allow collision of particles and lead to growth of flocs. Acute and chronic illnesses in humans can result from heavy metal ion concentrations that are higher than advised. Adsorption is effectively applied techniques for removal of these heavy metals and rest of the materials present in water. Machine learning helps to analyze the contaminants in water to develop a suitable technique and materials for removal of contaminants from water. The aim of this paper is to couple the coagulation-flocculation, and machine learning techniques together for removal of all contaminants from the water system and explain the mechanism which helps to know the chemical interaction.

Role of Silica, Carbon, and ZnO Nanomaterials in the Fabrication of Electrochemical Sensors for the Detection of Water Contaminants and Food Dye

AbstractSilica‐based nanomaterials have attracted huge attention for maximizing their safety and efficacy due to their nontoxicity, chemical and thermal stability, size tunability, and versatile functionality. Nanosilica with ZnO or carbon in a composite has excellent usage as an electrochemical sensor. Recent technological progression in nanotechnology and nanoscience has seen a number of applications of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials ranging from electronics, and sensing to environmental, and biomedical applications because of its various applications, multifunction, high specific surface area, stability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity, electrochemical activities, and so on. Carbon also has various advantageous properties like renewability, low ohmic resistance, and very stable response due to which carbon paste electrodes have attracted attention in the fabrication of electrochemical sensors. Electrochemical sensors are inexpensive, portable, and have excellent ability in detecting water contaminants, pesticides, disinfectants, pathogens, and different molecules. Artificial dyes are usually mixed with vegetable sauces, drinks, and other food items, which can cause cancer in human body. Voltametric methods with electrochemical sensors can be used to detect them in food samples. In this review, the present applications of ZnO and carbon nanomaterial‐based chemical sensors are meticulously studied to detect water contaminants and food dyes where nanosilica plays an important role as a sensor modifier.

Mitigating the Invasive Method of Hydraulic Fracturing Through a Phase Out Policy Plan

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process used to extract natural gas from shale deposits deep below the surface. Fracking is heralded as a “clean” energy source compared to other extraction methods due to comparatively low carbon emissions. The fracking industry decreases the U.S.’s dependence on foreign nations for energy and brings valuable job opportunities when sites are first established; however, affected communities do not experience the benefits of these economic “booms” for long. Concerns like increased cancer risk from air and water contamination are linked to fracking activity. Fracking operators are not required to disclose the contents of ‘proprietary’ fracking fluids used in extraction, which are known to contain chemicals that threaten public and environmental health. Fracking has detrimental effects on national public health and contributes to climate change through elevated methane emissions. Therefore, to help mitigate these challenges, we recommend a phase out plan including 1) increasing setback requirements and eliminating any exemptions, 2) managing methane (CH₄) leakages and improving monitoring systems on all sites, 3) mandating disclosure reports, and 4) mandating the collection of preliminary data to facilitate a bottom-up approach to management. We use Pennsylvania as a case study due to the state’s prevalence of fracking and the current policies and regulations in place for drilling.