Effluent Discharge Research Articles

P25 and Rutile Titania in Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol and Methylene Blue

Phenolic compounds, dyes, and their derivatives are prevalent organic pollutants in surface waters due to industrial activities, effluent discharge, and agricultural runoff. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of commercial P25 TiO2 (TiO2-P25) and rutile TiO2 (TiO2-R) solids for the degrading phenol and methylene blue dye in a batch reactor under UV-C irradiation at 256 nm. X-ray diffraction data confirm the predominant presence of the anatase phase in TiO2-P25 and the rutile phase in TiO2-R. Significant difference in crystallite size and specific area (SBET) between the samples were linked to their commercial synthesis method. The results demonstrated that TiO2-P25 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than TiO2-R due to differences in band gap. The use of a 15W lamp further enhanced this efficiency. For phenol degradation, TiO2-P25 obtained 57% conversion at 9W and an 11% increase in the initial concentration at 15W, while TiO2-R showed lower efficiency. In photolysis, minimal conversion was observed. Total organic carbon (TOC) data suggest that photocatalysis generates organic metabolites rather than achieving complete mineralization, leading to the accumulation of intermediates in the effluent, particularly with the 15W lamp.

Gene biomarkers in estuarine oysters indicate pollution profiles of metals, brominated flame retardants, and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances in and near the Laizhou Bay

The Laizhou Bay (LZB) is of ecological and fishery importance. The discharge of effluents containing numerous pollutants into the LZB via rivers poses significant risks to ecosystem and human health. Estuarine biomonitoring is therefore crucial for assessing the contribution of rivers to coastal pollution and their impacts on species. Estuarine oyster Crassostrea gigas is a preferable bioindicator to pollution conditions. This study measured accumulation of contaminants and expression levels of gene biomarkers in the LZB and Northern Shandong Peninsula (NSP) oysters. The LZB oysters accumulated higher levels of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), while NSP oysters exhibited greater accumulation of heavy metals. Decabromodiphenyl ethane was the dominant BFR, while perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid were the dominant PFASs in oysters. The expression of gene biomarkers effectively distinguished the LZB and NSP oysters, with CYP2 subfamilies expression correlating with BFRs and PFASs and metallothionein expression indicating heavy metals. The reproductive endocrine and neuroendocrine-immune systems in oysters might be the targets of BFRs and heavy metal pollution, respectively. The negative correlation between contaminant accumulation and gene expression might be explained by adaptive evolution, emphasizing the need to consider genetic diversity in ecological risk assessments.

Adsorption And Advanced Oxidation Processes for Sustainable Treatment of Produced Water and Oil Wastewater, A Review

Wastewater contaminated with oil and organic materials, also known as oily wastewater (OW), is commonly produced in both industrial and residential settings. This type of wastewater typically contains fats, oils, and greases, along with petroleum-based substances like diesel oil, gasoline, and kerosene. OW is regarded as a severe threat to human, plants, animal in special and the environment generally, jeopardizing ecosystems. There is an increasing demand for efficient treatment techniques due to the increased OW worldwide discharge and stringent limits on effluent discharge. Traditional approaches have proven to be inefficient, costly, and time-consuming, often resulting in secondary pollution. The adsorption technique, on the other hand, is thought to be a more practical choice because of its ease of use, cheaper startup costs, and reduced need for land. With better separation efficiency and lower operating costs, the adsorption technique has become a viable option for treating OW. The development of super adsorbents with high adsorption capacities has further enhanced the effectiveness of this method. Advanced technologies in adsorption are constantly evolving to meet the current and future demands of OW treatment.

Innovative vacuum distillation technology for preparing refined Al from Al–Mg alloy

This study presents an advanced approach utilizing vacuum distillation (VD) to purify Al from Al–Mg alloys. The activity coefficients of Al-Mg binary alloy components were meticulously determined by applying the molecular interaction volume model (MIVM), non-random two-liquid (NRTL) model, and Wilson equation. Comparative analysis between experimental data and calculated activity coefficients enabled the selection of an optimal model exhibiting high computational accuracy and extensive applicability. The NRTL model, chosen for its precision, was then employed to compute the activity coefficients of Al-Mg alloy across various temperatures, leading to the development of a vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) diagram. This VLE diagram provides a robust quantitative foundation for assessing the purification limits of Al within the temperature range of 973–1373 K in the distillation process. Theoretical analyses underscore that VD offers a rapid and efficient method for Al purification. Experimental verification at a kilogram scale, conducted at 1373 K for 120 min, achieved an Al purity level of 99.9989% with a direct recovery efficiency of 97.98%. Notably, this VD process aligns with environmental standards for sustainable metallurgical practices, as it prevents the release of gaseous emissions or effluents, thereby meeting the industry’s growing demand for eco-friendly Al recycling methods.

Thermal treatment of sewage sludge: Impact of the sludge type and origin on the formation of recalcitrant compounds

In a municipal wastewater treatment plant, the thermal treatment of sludge can be an efficient way of increasing the final sludge cake dryness and boosting anaerobic digestion performances. However, such treatments generate refractory compounds which, once returned to headworks, can affect the quality compliance of effluent discharges, particularly concerning organic nitrogen. This study explores the effects of thermal hydrolysis (TH) and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of municipal sludge on the refractory organic compound production. A novel approach using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with size-exclusion chromatography and UV/fluorescence detection (UPLC-SEC-UV/Fluo) was employed to characterise recalcitrant dissolved organic matter (rDOM), which typically consists of Maillard reaction products (MRP). Specifically, UPLC-SEC-UV/Fluo was combined with principal component analysis (PCA) to enable a more thorough examination of the chemical diversity of MRPs produced. Greater temperatures during the thermal treatment step lead to increased production of rDOM and rDON. Protein-rich sludge with a great AS:PS ratio yields the greatest rDOM levels. MRP characteristics, such as molecular weight distribution and aromaticity, are primarily influenced by temperature and plant origin. UPLC-SEC-UV/Fluo provides information on the structures of MRPs useful to optimize the thermal treatment process and in understanding their fate in subsequent processes (chemical oxidation, biodegradation).These insights have practical implications for sludge treatment processes, including optimizing TH and HTC conditions to control rDOM production and adapt the sludge treatment line of a water resource recovery facility.

Long term performance of Nature-Based Solutions as decentralized wastewater treatment: a case study of a retail store in southern Italy

The aim of this study is to evaluate the removal efficiency and the hydraulic behavior of the 10-year-old hybrid treatment wetland (TW) system treating effluents of the IKEA® store of Catania (Eastern Sicily, Italy), under Mediterranean semi-arid climate conditions. The system is placed downstream to the conventional wastewater (WW) treatment of the store, that includes a sequential batch reactor (SBR) followed by a horizontal subsurface treatment wetland (HF) unit and two vertical subsurface flow treatment wetlands (VF1 and VF2) units. The assessment of chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters in treated WW was carried out through regular monitoring activities, occurring approximately on a monthly basis, over a 8-year period spanning from 2016 to 2023. Up to 72 samples were collected for the following parameters measurements: total suspended solids (TSS), BOD5, COD, total phosphorus (TP), ammonia (as NH4), nitrate (as NO3-N), nitrite (as NO2-N), total nitrogen (TN) and E. coli. Hydraulic conductivity at saturation (Ks) measurements and tracer tests were conducted to evaluate the extent of clogging and to characterize the hydraulic behavior within the HF unit. Results obtained during the entire monitoring period show the following mean and standard errors (±) removal efficiency ranges (%): TN 21(±11)-80(±9); TSS 18(±42)-95(±3); COD 28(±23)-93(±2); BOD5 31(±10)-85(±44); TP 14(±6)-49(±19); NH4 50(±50)-95(±3); E. coli was abated with a mean range of 3.3(±0.2)-4.8(±0.4) Ulog reduction, reaching not detectable values in most samples analyzed since 2018. The efficacy of the treatment system is assessed in the context of both national and European regulatory frameworks governing effluent discharge and water reuse standards. Ks values and tracer test results agree in showing the progressive clogging of the HF unit influencing the hydraulic behavior of the unit giving useful on the management of TWs in Mediterranean area. Finally, the performance results also indicate that the overall treatment is not affected by the HF unit clogging.

Deciphering source, degradation status and temporal trends of organic matter in a himalayan freshwater lake using multiproxy indicators, optically stimulated luminescence dating and time series forecasting

The present study assessed source, degradation status, and temporal trends of organic matter up to ∼3700 years Before Present (BP) in Dal Lake sediment cores using multiproxy indicators, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, and time series forecasting. Bulk organic parameters such as total organic carbon and total nitrogen indicated their increasing trend in upper sediment layers from ∼476 to ∼73 years BP. Similarly, the C/N ratio revealed varying sources of organic matter with values ranging from 2.26 to 13.05, depicting an increasing trend up to ∼1811 years BP and decreasing significantly from ∼2002 years BP. Amino acid and hexosamine concentrations decreased with depth, dominated by aspartic acid, glycine, glutamic acid, alanine, glucosamine, and galactosamine in recent sediments (∼73 years BP) of the lake. The positive degradation index (DI) confirmed fresh organic matter in top sediment layers (∼396 years BP) of the lake, showing a strong positive correlation with reactivity index (RI) and total organic carbon. However, a negative correlation was observed between DI and RI with Ox/Anox index. Furthermore, the Gluam/Galam, Asp/β-Ala and Glu/γ-Aba ratios revealed enhanced organic matter degradation with age, indicating prokaryotic origins, microbial activity changes, and redox conditions within the lake. Multivariate analysis revealed increasing autochthonous and allochthonous inputs, domestic effluent discharges, agricultural runoff, redox conditions, and microbial processes as the possible contributing factors affecting the dispersal pattern of amino acids and nutrients in Dal Lake. Time series forecasting using the ARIMA model effectively confirmed the future temporal dynamics of amino acids, and organic parameters, indicating potential ecological shifts and external influences affecting the degradation of organic matter in Dal Lake. This work provides novel insights into the diagenetic alterations and biogeochemical processes essential for understanding the organic matter cycling and guiding the conservation efforts for Dal Lake and beyond.

Ipoma batatas (sweet potato) leaf and leaf-based biochar as potential adsorbents for procion orange MX-2R removal from aqueous solution

The industrial sector of textile effluent discharge comprised majorly of toxic pollutants of synthetic dyes. Lignocellulosic based biomass is a potential precursor for the preparation of biochar type adsorbent for treating wastewater. The present research examined the leaf of Ipoma batatas in the synthesis and application of biochar in the adsorptive removal of procion orange MX-2R (PO) from aqueous solution. The Ipoma batatas biochar (IBB) was prepared from the treatment of Ipoma batatas leaf (IBL) biomass with CaCl2, further activation using microwave-assisted electromagnetic radiation and pyrolysis approach. The batch adsorption assessments of the process parameters were performed with the range of experimental conditions such as initial PO concentration of 1.0–70.0 mg/L, adsorption contact time up to 240 min, solution pH 1.0–11.0, IBL/IBB dosage 0.05–0.30 g/L and adsorption temperature of 303–333 K. The total surface area of IBB exhibited high value of 1175.47 m2/g compared to that of IBL surface area 439.25 m2/g. The equilibrium model analysis showed the adsorption capacity according to Liu model presents 221.20 mg/g (IBL) and 750.80 mg/g (IBB). This study showed the potential of IBB over IBL towards the adsorptive removal of PO from simulated solution.

Temporal and spatial distribution of microplastics in the freshwater Atibaia river basin, Campinas-SP, Brazil

The contamination of surface waters by microplastics (MPs) is an emerging concern, due to their environmental impact and negative effects on biota. However, in recent years, although the occurrence of these pollutants has been widely reported in marine systems, studies on MPs in freshwater are still scarce in the literature, particularly in Southeastern Brazil. In this context, the current study aimed to provide unprecedented information on the abundance and spatial and temporal distribution of MPs in three sites located in the Atibaia river basin (Southeastern Brazil) - the main river, a tributary, and the discharge of effluent from a sewage treatment plant. Surface water was sampled in four sampling campaigns, two in wet season and two in dry season, between 2019 and 2020, at three sampling points. At each point, 200 L of water were collected with the aid of an aluminium bucket, followed by sieving in the field to isolate the particles between 100 μm and 5000 μm, using stainless steel sieves. Chemical identification of the polymer was performed by ATR-FTIR micro spectroscopy. The abundance of MPs in the water ranged from 188 to 533 items/m3. The water samples with the greatest MPs abundance corresponded to the sampling point that includes the receipt of domestic effluent treated by the local Sewage Treatment Station. The chemical identification of the polymers highlights polyester polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene (PP) as the most frequent, respectively. This study emphasizes the importance of discharged domestic effluents and rivers as MPs transport systems. Therefore, further studies should be carried out to identify the main sources and contribute to the gathering of information, aiming to mitigate the emission of this pollutant in aquatic systems.

Barriers and facilitators to fecal sludge treatment in humanitarian camps: A systematic review of interventions

Treatment of human excreta in humanitarian camps remains rare, leading to environmental and public health risks. Fecal sludge treatment (FST) can help reduce these risks. Our objective was to summarize barriers (hindering implementation) and facilitators (enabling implementation) to FST in humanitarian camps to inform guidance. We completed a systematic review of eight databases and 39 websites in 2020, with an update in April 2023. Documents were included if they assessed FST implementation, in a humanitarian camp setting, with primary data collection of at least output level indicators. Overall, 53 documents, including 75 FST interventions from 12 countries were included. We identified 424 barriers and 435 facilitators in 11 categories: performance (239), operation (146), technical (109), economic (78), environmental (59), spatial (55), social/cultural (47), temporal (44), safety (34), supply (29), and institutional (19). The most common facilitators of FST implementation were: high reduction efficiencies; rapid implementation with available technologies; low capital and operational costs; ease of operation and maintenance; and, achieving effluent discharge standards, effluent reuse, and safe discharge. The most common barriers included under- or over-designed systems with inappropriate materials, needing strong operational supervision and additional treatment, with effluents not meeting discharge standards. Future guidance should focus on recommendations to enable facilitators and hinder barriers. Limitations included that most of the research was from one country (Bangladesh), and in stable contexts. Strengths of this work include a holistic, broad, example-based summary of actual FST implementations in camps in humanitarian settings. This review can be used to develop guidance and checklists for implementing FST in humanitarian camps, and future research needed.

Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus in a Subtropical Urban River (Tamanduateí River, São Paulo, Brazil)

Water quality in urban streams often reflects the broader environmental challenges posed by dense population centers, where pollution from untreated sewage and runoff can significantly degrade ecosystems. This study examines the spatial and temporal variations of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations in the Tamanduateí River, which runs through the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, Brazil. Data were sourced from the annual reports of the Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (CETESB) covering the period from 2011 to 2022. Between 2011 and 2017, carbon and phosphorus concentrations declined, likely due to sanitation improvements. However, since 2017, these concentrations have been rising again, indicating renewed pollution inputs, primarily from untreated sewage. Nitrogen levels remained consistently high, with elevated concentrations observed upstream, linked especially to domestic effluent discharges. The recent increase in phosphorus levels is also of concern. The absence of spatial variation in phosphorus suggests diffuse pollution from urban areas, while nitrogen decreases downstream, possibly due to biological assimilation. The study underscores the pressing need for enhanced sewage management. Drawing from the successful revitalization of the Cheonggyecheon stream in Seoul, implementing nature-based solutions and regular maintenance could effectively reduce nutrient pollution and improve water quality, facilitating the restoration of the Tamanduateí River.

A Comprehensive Review of Water Quality Analysis

The effluent discharge of domestic wastewater and industrial effluents into watercourses has necessitated the development of monitoring systems with the purpose of characterizing levels of pollution. Substantial levels of pollution in emerging nations have been exacerbated by rapidly growing populations and inefficient enforcement of sustainable management initiatives. The Water Quality Index (WQI) can help fill the gap between water quality reporting and monitoring by offering a simple and effective way to assimilate and communicate results from a large amount of data. WQIs are the kind of communication tools that can facilitate knowledge sharing between scholars and the general public. The degradation of natural water resources, such as lakes, streams, and estuaries, is the most significant problem facing humanity. Water that is not clean has far-reaching effects on all aspects of life. Water resource management is therefore essential if it is to maximize water quality. If data are analyzed and water quality can be predicted in advance, water pollution may be efficiently addressed. Although this subject has been the subject of numerous earlier studies, additional research is still required to fully understand the effectiveness, reliability, accuracy, and application of the present approaches to water quality management. In this research work, a comprehensive review has been conducted on water quality assessment using artificial techniques. It reviews 75 research works on water quality analysis. The data collected in each research work have been analyzed. Moreover, the type of water resource surface water, groundwater, drinking water as well has been analyzed. The parameters considered in each work are “Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Potential of Hydrogen (pH), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), chloride, hardness, alkalinity, nitrate–nitrite”. In addition, the Artificial Intelligence technique utilized for water quality analysis is also assessed. Finally, the research gaps identified in water quality detection are exhibited.

Physico-Chemical Analysis of Textile Effluents from Bagru, Jaipur (Rajasthan, India): Implications for Environmental Impact and Treatment Needs

The textile industry is one of the largest water polluters worldwide. The coloured and bad odour effluent discharged from such industries pollutes not only the water bodies but also affects groundwater quality. In the present study, thirty-five water samples were collected from different dyeing units of the Bagru textile area (Rajasthan, India) famous for using natural dyes for textile processing. The physico-chemical analysis of these water samples shows that all parameters exceeded the permitted range recommended by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and World Health Organization (WHO). The analysis revealed the use of synthetic dyes in Bagru's textile industry for dyeing and printing. Based on the estimated characteristics, these textile effluents must be properly treated before releasing into the environment as the discharge of untreated effluents into local water bodies leads to significant water pollution, adversely affecting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. Additionally, contaminants can permeate the soil, compromising agricultural productivity and food safety. The air quality is also compromised due to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the dyeing process, posing respiratory risks to nearby communities. This research underscores the urgent need for improved waste management practices and regulatory measures to mitigate the adverse environmental effects associated with synthetic dyes in Bagru's textile industry.

Computational supported experimental insights in adsorption of Congo Red using ZnO/doped ZnO in aqueous solution

The rapid growth of industrialisation has led to the discharge of harmful effluents into water bodies, severely disrupting the balance of ecosystems. The detection and removal of dyes from wastewater remains a significant challenge. In this study, we report the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) and its doped derivatives through a facile chemical method, followed by comprehensive characterisation and analysis to assess their potential in various applications. The structural properties of the synthesised materials were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which verified their crystalline nature and phase purity. Morphological analysis using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) revealed well-defined nanostructures and uniform elemental distribution. The adsorption ability of the synthesized adsorbents was investigated through electrochemical methods, cyclic voltammetry and Tafel plots, which demonstrated enhanced conductivity and charge transfer characteristics. Additionally, theoretical studies through molecular modelling and molecular dynamic simulations were employed to elucidate the interactions between Congo red molecules and the surface of the synthesized compounds. Adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of ZnO and its doped variants as adsorbents. To investigate any structural or functional changes after dye adsorption FTIR and XRD were compared, provided a deeper insight into the adsorption mechanism. This multi-faceted approach highlights the potential of ZnO-based materials for effective wastewater treatment and other environmental applications.

Emerging breakthroughs in membrane filtration techniques and their application in agricultural wastewater treatment: Reusability aspects

Freshwater resources are becoming limited and are rapidly getting polluted due to industrialization and urbanization. Water pollution is a pervasive global challenge both in terms of scarcity and quality. Among other sources, wastewater discharged through agricultural practices are major contributor to environmental pollution. The leading cause of contaminants is the runoff of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and animal waste into waterbodies. Conventional treatment methods efficiently remove large particles, organic matter, and nutrients but require extensive infrastructure and produce significant sludge. In contrast, membrane filtration offers superior purification and reuse potential by using semi-permeable membranes to selectively remove contaminants, including suspended solids and dissolved ions. This study examines membrane filtration principles and technologies, emphasizing their role in delivering high-quality effluent for discharge or reuse. The study identifies fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides as major agricultural contaminants and highlights conventional techniques' ineffectiveness in achieving high purification levels. Membrane filtration effectively remediates a wide range of pollutants, but fouling remains a challenge, addressed by antifouling agents and advanced membrane materials in hybrid processes. The study concludes by highlighting the reusability aspect of membrane filtration in agricultural systems and the potential applications of reclaimed water. This study emphasizes the need for advanced membrane materials and integrated systems for effective utilisation of membrane filtration.

Strain induced nitrobenzene sensing performance of MoSi2N4 monolayer: Investigation from density functional theory

The observing of environmental contaminant of Nitrobenzene (NB), from effluent discharges is a critical component of the surveillance to be conducted by public authorities and private sectors. By the way, the present work examines the NB adsorption behaviour of recently synthesized two-dimensional (2D) material MoSi2N4 through density functional theory (DFT). We observed that when increasing the percentage of strain (2, 4, 6 and 10 %) the adsorption energy also increasing reasonably compared to the unstrained case. The bandgap reduction was observed when gas molecule interacts with the strained MoSi2N4 and also the Bader charge calculation claims that the quantity of charge transferred between orbitals of N 2p of MoSi2N4 and the O 2p of NB. 4 % strain shows reasonable binding energy of 1.0201 eV with recovery time of 3.15 min. Moreover, there is strong bonding between N of MoSi2N4 and O of NB as evidenced from wavefunction analysis. 10 % strained system is stable at 600 K, which is examined through ab initio molecular dynamics study. The present theoretical investigation validates the 4 % strained MoSi2N4 can be fabricated as a sensor to detect the NB gas molecule.

Environmental Impact of Cassava Processing Waste on Soil Quality in Benue South, Nigeria

Cassava processing plays a critical role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, but it generates substantial waste that poses environmental risks, particularly to soil quality. This study investigates the environmental impact of cassava processing waste on soil quality in Benue South, Nigeria, focusing on the accumulation of cyanide, heavy metals, phosphates, and nitrates. The study was conducted across three Local Government Areas—Otukpo, Ohimini, and Okpokwu—using soil samples collected at varying depths from cassava processing effluent discharge points. Analytical methods included colorimetry for cyanide detection and atomic absorption spectroscopy for heavy metal analysis. The findings reveal significant contamination by heavy metals, particularly lead, and elevated cyanide levels near processing sites, highlighting the adverse effects of cassava waste on soil health. Phosphate and nitrate concentrations were also assessed, indicating potential risks to soil fertility and groundwater quality. The results underscore the urgent need for improved waste management practices in cassava processing communities to mitigate environmental degradation. This research contributes valuable baseline data for future interventions aimed at promoting sustainable cassava processing and waste utilization, with potential benefits for both environmental health and rural economies.

Impact Assessment of Ports and Effluent Discharge on Macrobenthic Communities in Indian Coastal Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACTThe burgeoning industrialization and urbanization along the Indian coastline have led to an increased prevalence of port infrastructure and effluent discharge, raising concerns about their potential impact on the delicate macrobenthic communities in coastal ecosystems. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate and synthesize existing literature on the ecological repercussions of port activities and effluent discharge on macrobenthic organisms in Indian coastal regions. The study encompasses a thorough analysis of relevant research articles, government reports, and scientific databases, focusing on diverse ecosystems such as estuaries, mangroves, and open coastlines. The review discusses the various stressors associated with port operations, including dredging, habitat alteration, and chemical contamination from effluent discharge. Furthermore, it explores the response mechanisms of macrobenthic communities, encompassing changes in species composition, abundance, and diversity. Special attention is given to the potential long‐term impacts on ecosystem functioning and services. The synthesis of available data enables the identification of knowledge gaps and the formulation of recommendations for future research and management strategies. Understanding the cumulative effects of port activities on macrobenthic communities is crucial for developing sustainable practices and policies to mitigate adverse impacts while fostering the resilience of coastal ecosystems in the face of anthropogenic pressures. This review contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the ecological consequences of human activities in Indian coastal areas, providing valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and environmental managers alike.

Performance Evaluation of Sponge Anaerobic Baffled Reactor for Municipal Wastewater Treatment

The anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) is a decentralized treatment system that is commonly used for municipal wastewater treatment. Slower growth rate of anaerobic microorganisms requires extended hydraulic retention time (HRT), leading to a larger bioreactor volume. In this study, polyurethane sponge sheets were provided in a six-compartment ABR for retention and growth of biomass to improve its treatment performance at shorter HRTs. Polyurethane sponge was selected for its low cost, durability, availability, easy emplacement, and high voidage. The sponge anaerobic baffled reactor (SABR) was operated within a temperature range of 35 ± 1 °C at HRTs of 18, 12, 8, and 6 h to evaluate its treatment performance. Average removal efficiencies ranged from 60–77% for organics, 74–81% for total suspended solids (TSS), 50–66% for total nitrogen (TN), and 47–57% for total phosphorus (TP). The shortest HRT was 8 h with average removal efficiencies of 74, 63, 64, and 52% for organics, TSS, TN, and TP, respectively, to meet effluent discharge limits. With the shortest HRT of 8 h, the SABR demonstrated low volume requirements, thereby making it an efficient solution for decentralized wastewater treatment, particularly advantageous for developing countries with warm climates.

Validating an In-House Method for Assessing Effluent Discharge Toxicity Using Acartia tonsa in the Black Sea

The marine copepod Acartia tonsa is an important bioindicator in ecotoxicological studies due to its sensitivity to pollutants and ecological importance. This research evaluates the effects of reference toxicant on the survival of A. tonsa, aiming to validate an in-house method that assesses the sensitivity and reliability of the species for testing in the Black Sea. A. tonsa individuals were exposed in controlled laboratory conditions to varying 3,5-dichlorophenol (reference toxicant) concentrations, with their survival rates monitored over 48 h. Survival data were analyzed to determine the lethal concentration (LC50), a metric for assessing toxicity. The derived LC50 values offer important benchmarks for assessing the environmental impact of different effluent discharges in the Black Sea region. The outcomes will contribute to improving the accuracy and consistency of environmental monitoring and risk assessment practices in the Black Sea region, ensuring that variations in toxicity data are attributable to environmental factors rather than methodological discrepancies.