Wastewater Treatment Strategies Research Articles

Enabling Logistics Automation in Nanofactory: Cobalt Phosphide Embedded Metal-Organic Frameworks for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia.

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NitRR) in neutral condition offers a promising strategy for green ammonia synthesis and wastewater treatment, the rational design of electrocatalysts is the cornerstone. Inspired by modern factory design where both machines and logistics matter for manufacturing, it is reported that cobalt phosphide (CoP) nanoparticles embedded in zinc-based zeolite imidazole frameworks (Zn-ZIF) function as a nanofactory with high performance. By selective phosphorization of ZnCo bimetallic zeolite imidazole framework (ZnCo-ZIF), the generated CoP nanoparticles act as "machines" (active sites) for molecular manufacturing (NO3 - to NH4 + conversion). The purposely retained framework (Zn-ZIFs) with positive charge promotes logistics automation, i.e., the automatic delivery of NO3 - reactants and timely discharge of NH4 + products in-and-out the nanofactory due to electrostatic interaction. Moreover, the interaction between Zn-ZIF and CoP modulates the Co sites into electron insufficient state with upshifted d-band center, facilitating the reduction/hydrogenation of NO3 - to ammonia and restricting the competitive hydrogen evolution. Consequently, the assembled CoP/Zn-ZIF nanofactory exhibits superior NitRR performances with a high Faraday efficiency of ≈97% and a high ammonia yield of 0.89mmol cm-1 h-1 in neutral condition, among the best of reported electrocatalysts. The work provides new insights into the design principles of efficient NitRR electrocatalysts.

Elastic, Janus 3D evaporator with arch-shaped design for low-footprint and high-performance solar-driven zero-liquid discharge

Solar-driven zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) is a promising wastewater management strategy for freshwater recovery and solid waste harvesting. However, practical application of the solar-driven ZLD is severely constrained due to its low evaporation efficiency, large footprint, and rapid salt accumulation. Here, we present a Janus arch-shaped solar-driven evaporator (▪) comprising a hydrophobic top photothermal layer for effective light absorption, solar-thermal conversion, and vapor evaporation, which exhibits an evaporation rate of 2.82 kg∙m−2∙h−1 in pure water. The design also includes shapable delignified longitudinal wood (D-L-wood) serving as the hydrophilic bottom water transport layer, which enables dual-directional saltwater transportation and salt crystallization. D-L-wood, with numerous aligned channels, exhibits a low thermal conductivity of 0.04 W·m−1·K−1 along perpendicular direction and can effectively localize heat on the photothermal layer of the evaporator. D-L-wood has excellent hydrophilicity, and the salty water can be transferred quickly along both ends of the wood, providing sufficient salty water for rapid evaporation. The anisotropy of the wood makes the heat transfer quickly along the channel, improving the thermal management ability of the evaporator. Moreover, during vapor evaporation on the hydrophilic-hydrophobic interface, salt is crystallized at the hydrophilic layer, resulting in an enhanced anti-salt performance, a 1.5 folds evaporation rate compared with non-Janus evaporator after 15 h test. Under the conditions of a salt concentration of 3.5 %, a high salt harvest performance of 62.4 g∙m−2∙h−1 can be obtained under AM 1.5 solar irradiation. The arch-shaped design fully utilizes the upper space and effectively reduces evaporator footprint, resulting in an evaporation area to footprint ratio of 1.57:1. The designed evaporator can also be utilized for ZLD treatment of other heavy metal polluted water including Cu2+, CrO42−, Co2+, and so on. Therefore, the Janus-arch-shaped, solar-driven evaporator enables a potentially low-footprint, low-cost, scalable, and practical ZLD strategy for sustainable wastewater treatment.

Regulating charge transfer for enhanced PAA activation over sulfur-doped magnetic CoFe2O4: A novel strategy for simultaneous micropollutants degradation and bacteria inactivation

Micropollutants and bacteria are prevalent pollutants in wastewater, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health. As peracetic acid (PAA) is being increasingly used as a disinfectant, activation of PAA by low-cost and high-performance activators is a promising strategy for wastewater treatment. In this study, the sulfur-doped magnetic CoFe2O4 (SCFO) is successfully developed for efficient PAA activation to simultaneously decontaminate and disinfect wastewater. PAA/SCFO-0.3 exhibits exceptional performance, degrading 100 % of 8 μM sulfamethoxazole (SMX) with a first-pseudo reaction rate of 1.275 min−1, and achieving 5.3-log inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) within 3 min at a PAA dosage of 0.2 mM and catalyst dosage of 0.025 g/L (initial pH 6.5). Scavenging experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis identify CH3C(O)O• and CH3C(O)OO• as the dominant reactive species for SMX degradation. The sulfur species in SCFO-0.3 facilitate Co2+ regeneration and regulate charge transfer, promoting PAA activation for SMX degradation. Moreover, the PAA/SCFO-0.3 system demonstrates operational feasibility over a broad range of water matrices and has excellent stability and reusability (maintaining 93 % removal of SMX after 5 cycles), demonstrating its potential for industrial applications. This study provides insights into enhancing PAA activation through sulfur doping in transition metal catalysts and highlights the practical applicability of the PAA/SCFO-0.3 system as an advanced alternative to conventional disinfection for simultaneous decontamination and disinfection in wastewater.

ТЕРМОДИНАМИЧЕСКИЙ АНАЛИЗ ОКИСЛИТЕЛЬНО – ВОССТАНОВИТЕЛЬНЫХ РЕАКЦИЙ, ПРОТЕКАЮЩИХ ПРИ ГАЛЬВАНОКОАГУЛЯЦИОННОЙ ОЧИСТКЕ СТОКОВ

Abstract. One of the most important environmental problems is the purification of industrial wastewater from heavy metal ions. Various methods are used to solve this problem: chemical, physico-chemical, sorption, but the most promising method for cleaning industrial wastewater containing heavy metal ions, namely copper, nickel and zinc, is the galvanocoagulation method. However, the literature does not sufficiently cover the processes of cementation of heavy metals on cathode loading. A physico-chemical approach to this process is necessary to confirm the process of separation of heavy metal ions from wastewater in the form of sediment and the creation of new industrial wastewater treatment schemes. The composition of the loading is essential in galvanocoagulation neutralization, therefore, in order to determine the effect of the type of active loading, a carbon mineral sorbent (SGN) obtained from ores of cryptocrystalline graphite (Noginsky deposit of the Krasnoyarsk Territory) was used. The studies were carried out in a galvanocoagulation module by passing wastewater through a loading consisting of a mixture of iron shavings and granules of carbon mineral sorbent based on ores of cryptocrystalline graphite (SGN). At the same time, the air dispersed in the lower part of the device was bubbled through the loading. As a result of the operation of the Fe-SGN short-circuited galvanic cell, iron scrap was dissolved and its intensive oxidation to Fe3+ by air oxygen. The article considers the mechanism of galvanocoagulation neutralization of wastewater based on thermodynamic analysis of redox reactions occurring during galvanocoagulation wastewater treatment.
 Subject of the study: both model and real wastewater from the production of electroplating coatings containing copper, zinc and nickel ions with the following concentrations were used: =60 mg/dm3; =15 mg/dm3; =20 mg/dm3
 Materials and methods: galvanocoagulation neutralization using a short-circuited Fe-SGN galvanic cell (carbon mineral sorbent)
 Results: the physico-chemical patterns of the galvanocoagulation process of wastewater treatment have been studied and the thermodynamic parameters of heavy metal ion reduction reactions have been determined
 Conclusions. It has been experimentally established that it is possible to intensify the process of galvanocoagulation of wastewater containing heavy metal ions by using a carbon mineral sorbent as a cathode loading, which reduces the processing time with a high purification effect and a difficult-to-dissolve precipitate is formed.

Unraveling the role of inert biomass in membrane aerated biofilm reactors for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification

This study presents an innovative 2D spatio-temporal model that sheds light on the intricate formation of biofilms, incorporating two essential biomass decay pathways: cell lysis and endogenous respiration. The model encompasses heterotrophic bacteria (HB), anaerobic heterotrophic bacteria (AHB), and autotrophic bacteria (AB), offering a comprehensive understanding of multi-species biofilm development. Through meticulous simulations, we explore the primary mechanisms behind inert biomass formation in biofilms, revealing the key roles played by the lysis of HB, AHB, and AB, as well as the endogenous respiration of HB. Moreover, the simulations reveal how species of higher abundance contribute significantly to inert biomass generation, reshaping our understanding of biofilm dynamics. Crucially, this study highlights the indispensability of considering biofilm inert biomass when modeling the nitrification and denitrification behaviors of a membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR). The distribution of oxygen and acetate across biofilm thickness is remarkably different when inert biomass is factored in, underscoring the necessity for a more holistic approach to modeling biofilm behavior. With the introduction of the inert biomass inclusive biofilm model, our simulations explore the interactive effects of key process conditions - bulk concentrations of oxygen ($O_{\infty}$), ammonium nitrogen ($N_{1\infty}$), acetate ($A_{\infty}$), and biofilm thickness - on the nitrification and denitrification performance of MABR. A compelling correlation emerges between higher bulk concentrations of oxygen and ammonium nitrogen and optimal nitrification rates, achieving an impressive range of 0.3 to 1.1 g ammonium/$m^{2}/d. Delving into denitrification, we observe that high $O_{\infty}$, low $N_{1\infty}$, and either high or low $A_{\infty}$ levels impede AHB formation and consequently hinder denitrification. Our findings provide a roadmap for achieving simultaneous nitrification and denitrification, contingent on specific conditions: $10[gm^{-3}] < O_{\infty} < 15[gm^{-3}]$, $12[gm^{-3}] < N_{1\infty} < 20[gm^{-3}]$, $A_{\infty}$ ranging from $3[gm^{-3}]$ to $12[gm^{-3}]$, and a biofilm thickness $> 1.4[mm]$. While our study reveals promising avenues for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification, denitrification rates still lag behind nitrification rates under the same conditions. As a result, we advocate for further investigations to devise strategies that can enhance denitrification in MABR systems. In conclusion, this study advances our knowledge of biofilm dynamics by introducing a comprehensive model and illuminating the key factors driving nitrification and denitrification performance in MABRs. These findings pave the way for improved biofilm engineering and wastewater treatment strategies, opening new horizons for sustainable environmental practices.

Hyphenated Fenton-column packed nMnO-modified wood biochar for tannery effluent treatment: Adsorption mechanism and reusability study

Industrial wastewater contains a wide range of pollutants that, if released directly into natural ecosystems, have the potential to pose serious risks to the environment.This study aims to investigate sustainable and efficient approaches for treating tannery wastewater, employing a combination of hyphenated Fenton oxidation and adsorption processes. Rigorous analyses were conducted on wastewater samples, evaluating parameters like COD, sulphide, NH3–N, PO43−, NO3−, and Cr(VI). The performance of this adsorbent material was gauged through column adsorption experiments. A comprehensive characterization of the adsorbent was undertaken using techniques such as SEM, EDX, BET, FTIR, XRD, and LIBS. The study delved into varying operational parameters like bed depth (ranging from 3.5 to 9.5 cm) diameter (2.5 cm) and influent flow rate (ranging from 5 to 15mLmin-1). The experimental outcomes revealed that increasing the bed depth and decreasing the influent flow rate significantly bolstered the adsorption column's effectiveness. Breakthrough curves obtained were fitted with different models, including the Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models. The most optimal column performance was achieved with a bed height of 10.5 cm and a flow rate of 5mLmin-1. The combined process achieved removal efficiencies of 94.5% for COD, 97.4% for sulphide, 96.2% for NH3–N, 83.1% for NO3−, 79.3% for PO43−, and 96.9% for Cr(VI) in tannery effluent. This research presents a notable stride toward the development of sustainable and efficient strategies for tannery wastewater treatment.

A review on ZnO and its modifications for photocatalytic degradation of prominent textile effluents: Synthesis, mechanisms, and future directions

Effective and eco-friendly approaches are essential for dealing with organic pollutants in industrial waste. Textile dyes are toxic and carcinogenic, and releasing them into the environment leads to water pollution, posing significant health risks to all living beings and endangering aquatic life. The use of semiconducting metal oxides for photocatalytic pollutant degradation has emerged as an advanced wastewater treatment strategy. The multifunctional nature of ZnO, stemming from its affordability, environmentally friendly characteristics, structure-dependent properties, and ability to fully mineralize pollutants, positions it as a superior photocatalyst compared to other materials. However, its primary drawback is poor performance in visible light. This review delves into various synthesis techniques and their effects on morphology, structure, and band gap, and its subsequent influence on the photocatalytic performance. The review highlights the effect of doping ZnO with various alkaline earth metals, transition metals, noble metals, rare earth metals, and non-metals, along with studies reported on ZnO-metal oxide nanocomposites for photocatalytic dye degradation, by providing insights into the photodegradation mechanism involved. Furthermore, this review extensively investigates the strategies to improve ZnO's efficiency in degrading textile dyes, namely cationic and anionic dyes, under visible light conditions. For thorough understanding, the influence of various operational parameters such as catalyst loading, irradiation source, dye concentration, reaction time, and reaction kinetics on photocatalytic efficiency have been investigated in detail. The review also addresses existing challenges and potential future directions, providing some insights for possible development in this field.

Advances in Biological Wastewater Treatment Processes: Focus on Low-Carbon Energy and Resource Recovery in Biorefinery Context.

Advancements in biological wastewater treatment with sustainable and circularity approaches have a wide scope of application. Biological wastewater treatment is widely used to remove/recover organic pollutants and nutrients from a diverse wastewater spectrum. However, conventional biological processes face challenges, such as low efficiency, high energy consumption, and the generation of excess sludge. To overcome these limitations, integrated strategies that combine biological treatment with other physical, chemical, or biological methods have been developed and applied in recent years. This review emphasizes the recent advances in integrated strategies for biological wastewater treatment, focusing on their mechanisms, benefits, challenges, and prospects. The review also discusses the potential applications of integrated strategies for diverse wastewater treatment towards green energy and resource recovery, along with low-carbon fuel production. Biological treatment methods, viz., bioremediation, electro-coagulation, electro-flocculation, electro-Fenton, advanced oxidation, electro-oxidation, bioelectrochemical systems, and photo-remediation, are summarized with respect to non-genetically modified metabolic reactions. Different conducting materials (CMs) play a significant role in mass/charge transfer metabolic processes and aid in enhancing fermentation rates. Carbon, metal, and nano-based CMs hybridization in different processes provide favorable conditions to the fermentative biocatalyst and trigger their activity towards overcoming the limitations of the conventional process. The emerging field of nanotechnology provides novel additional opportunities to surmount the constraints of conventional process for enhanced waste remediation and resource valorization. Holistically, integrated strategies are promising alternatives for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of biological wastewater treatment while also contributing to the circular economy and environmental protection.

Remediation of malachite-green dye from textile wastewater using biosorbent almond shell-based cellulose

The presence of malachite green (MG) in surface waters represents a major health hazard for aquatic organisms and communities living near contaminated water sources. In this study, almond shell adsorbents prepared from the four almond types Marcona (M), Fournat de Brézenaud (FZ), Ferraduel (FD) and Ferriages (FG), used to clean wastewater from the textile industry that had been contaminated with the color MG. Optimal adsorption parameters were determined through batch experiments using a standard dye solution. Further, SEM, XRD, BET, and FTIR were employed for characterizing the biosorbents. The examination of the experimental data using isotherms and kinetic models revealed that the adsorption of the MG occurs in a monolayer, with chemical adsorption as the rate-controlling step. The maximum adsorption capacities, under pH around 7 and temperature of 35 °C were 41.0, 61.0, 48.1, and 118.0 mg/g for M, FD, FG, and FZ, respectively. In addition, Monte-Carlo simulation models, and density functional theory calculations were performed to provide a more detailed understanding of the adsorption mechanism. Topological studies such as NCI, RDG, LOL, and ELF were conducted and discussed using Multiwave function (Multiwfn) and VMD programs in liquid phase. In conclusion, chemisorption limits the rate of the adsorption process, and that green cation malachite is more susceptible to nucleophilic than electrophilic attacking. Based on these experimental and theoretical results, it is possible to consider these materials as an inexpensive and viable solution to eliminate MG from wastewater. Adsorption on cellulose can be considered as a feasible strategy for wastewater treatment, and the adsorbents can be optimized for use in real wastewater samples at even lower concentrations. This approach offers an inexpensive and effective technological alternative to conventional methods for the retention of MG.

Giant mud crab shell biochar: A promising adsorbent for methyl violet removal in wastewater treatment

Giant mud crab (Scylla serrata sp.) shell prepared through pyrolysis at various temperatures without any modification were characterized for physicochemical properties and methyl violet (MV) removal potential. Hence, this paper investigated the performance and mechanism of biochar derived from giant mud crab shell as adsorbent in the removal of methyl violet as well as the potential for regenerating adsorbents via hot water regeneration. The results show that CSB500 (produced through pyrolysis at 500 °C) exhibits a surface area of 59.73 m2/g and mesopore size of 31.3 nm, favorable for methyl violet removal at 3139 mg/g. The equilibrium adsorption data agreed well with Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson isotherm models, indicating a monolayer adsorption of MV. The kinetics data fitted better with both pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. The intraparticle diffusion and Boyd's models revealed that both film and pore diffusion may be involved in the adsorption process. In hot water regeneration studies, CSB500 shown superior regeneration performance when using water with temperature of 70 °C rather than 30 °C for 9th regeneration cycles, with retained to achieve >90 % MV removal for 6th regeneration cycles. Biochar derived from giant mud crab shell has shown significant promise as a low-cost, effective, and ecologically friendly with reasonably good adsorption capacity and reusability for dye removal, and it can be considered as an environmental sustainability strategy in wastewater treatment.

Performance of full-scale rural wastewater treatment plants in the reduction of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes from small-city effluents

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of full-scale rural wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the reduction of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from small-city effluents. Twenty full-scale WWTPs in rural Chile with different biological treatment technologies (vermifiltration (VF), activated sludge (AS) and biodisc (BD)) and disinfection treatments (chlorination (Cl) and UV irradiation (UV)) were monitored and studied in two campaigns: Campaign 1 (20 WWTPs) and Campaign 2 (6 WWTPs). In both campaigns, the rural WWTPs improved the water quality of the effluents very significantly (90%, 70%, and 40% reductions in TU, COD, and NH4+-N, respectively) and reduced ARB and ARG loads by 2–4 log units. All three biological treatments contributed to the final quality of the effluents, especially in terms of microbiological parameters, with statistically indistinguishable efficiencies between them. These results show the importance of rural WWTPs in improving the water quality of urban effluents while reducing microbiological risk and the spread of antibiotic resistance into the environment. The study demonstrates the utility of a non-centralized, self-managed wastewater treatment scheme that can be implemented in many sparsely populated areas around the world.

Photocatalytic activation of peracetic acid by metal–free C2N3 for efficient water purification under visible light: High–efficiency bifurcated electron transport

Photocatalytic activation of environmental-friendly and lowcost peracetic acid (PAA) is a “green” strategy for wastewater treatment. Herein, C2N3, an allotrope of g-C3N4, was prepared for the first time via a simple calcination. The C2N3/PAA/Vis system was used to degrade sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and inactivate E. coli. The SMX was completed removed within 70 min, and its degradation rate constant was 10 times that of g-C3N4/PAA/Vis system. The system showed excellent degradation performance under wastewater simulation experiments. Electrochemical and EPR experiments verified that C2N3 acted as an electron donor under visible light, and its electrons were transferred to O2 to produce O2–. PAA acted as another electron acceptor and accepted electrons to generate 1O2 via non-radical pathways. This work reveals that high–efficiency bifurcated electron transport processes enhanced the degradation of contaminants and provides a superior metal–free catalyst/matrix-material for further doping to improve the performance in other applications.

A Critical Review of Green Approach on Wastewater Treatment Strategies

Green approach on wastewater treatment strategies aims to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly methods for treating wastewater while also reducing the environmental impact of traditional wastewater treatment processes. Hence, the objective of this paper was to undertake a critical review of green approach on wastewater treatment strategies using standard techniques of harvesting data from secondary sources from 2015 to 2023. Information obtained reveals that energy-efficient treatment technologies, such as anaerobic digestion and membrane bioreactors, use less energy than traditional treatment technologies. Treating wastewater for reuse can reduce the demand for freshwater resources and the energy required for water treatment. Onsite wastewater treatment systems, such as septic systems and composting toilets, can reduce the amount of wastewater that needs to be transported and treated at centralized facilities. Incorporating green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and permeable pavement, into urban areas can help reduce the amount of stormwater runoff that enters the wastewater treatment system. Extracting nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from wastewater can be used as a fertilizer for crops, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Overall, these green wastewater treatment strategies aim to reduce the energy consumption, chemical usage, and environmental impact of traditional wastewater treatment processes, while promoting sustainable and efficient use of resources.

Amperometry for real-time and on-site monitoring of phenol and H2O2 during the treatments

In conventional wastewater treatment processes, a predetermined quantity of chemicals is introduced at the onset, without ongoing monitoring of the treatment progress. Thus, it is difficult to perform timely intervention in the treatment process. Herein, we develop an amperometry-guided wastewater treatment strategy based on a green oxidation process with H2O2 and an iron-tetraamidomacrocyclic ligand (Fe-TAML) catalyst. During the process, users can monitor both phenol and H2O2 concentrations in real time and then intervene by adding more H2O2 to accelerate the reaction. As a proof of concept, a wastewater sample containing 9.3 ppm of phenol is treated by using the amperometry-guided strategy with 1 dosage of Fe-TAML (0.45 ppm) and 3 dosages of H2O2 (1.86 ppm). After the treatment, phenol concentration in the wastewater decreases to 0 ppm after 21 min. In contrast, with only 1 dosage of Fe-TAML (0.45 ppm) and 1 dosage of H2O2 (1.86 ppm), the reaction slows down after 5 min and stops prematurely. After that, the reaction kinetics of ppb-level phenol are investigated, in which the phenol rate and the rate constant are estimated. Compared to conventional detections, the designed amperometry shows faster response, lower limit of detection (LOD, phenol: 11 ppb, H2O2: 80 ppb) and consumable cost, easier operation, and no pollution generated. This example demonstrates the importance of early intervention during wastewater treatment with the help of real-time information.

Assessing the determinants of scale effects on carbon efficiency in China's wastewater treatment plants using causal machine learning

The debate over the merits of centralized versus decentralized wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has gained prominence considering pressing sustainable development objectives and the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This highlights the importance of innovative analytical tools to shape forthcoming policies. Using causal machine learning, we evaluate the impact of WWTP scale on GHG emission intensities and investigate contributing factors. Results show GHG intensity typically decreases as WWTPs scale up. However, this trend varies based on regional environmental, economic, and infrastructure elements. Specifically, regions with fewer industrial wastewater contributions, increased rainwater composition, and elevated temperatures show smaller scale effects. This suggests limited GHG reductions from merely expanding WWTPs in such areas, as the benefits of handling fluctuating inflow volumes, tackling heavy pollution, and operating in cooler conditions offered by larger WWTPs are compromised. This research lays the foundation for comprehensive models promoting sustainable wastewater treatment strategies.

Metal-free carbon-based anode for electrochemical degradation of tetracycline and metronidazole in wastewater

Degradation of antibiotics through electrocatalytic oxidation has recently been comprehended as a promising strategy in wastewater treatment. Herein, nitrogen and sulphur doped graphene oxide (N,S-rGO) nanosheets were synthesized and employed as metal-free anodic material for electrochemical degradation of antibiotics, viz. metronidazole (MNZ) and tetracycline (TC). The synthesized anodic material was characterized using various spectral techniques and further the electrochemical behaviour of N,S-rGO was thoroughly examined. Thereafter, the N,S-rGO material was then employed as the anode material towards the electrocatalytic degradation of antibiotics. Parameters such as initial concentration of the antibiotics and current densities were varied and their effect towards the degradation of MNZ and TC were probed. Notably, the N,S-rGO based anode has shown impressive removal efficiency of 99% and 98.5%, after 120 min of reaction time for MNZ and TC, respectively, under optimized conditions. The obtained results including the kinetic parameters, removal efficiency and electrical efficiency ensure that the prepared anodic material has huge prospective towards real-time application for removal of antibiotics from water.

A critical review on sustainable biorefinery approaches and strategies for wastewater treatment and production of value-added products

A critical review on sustainable biorefinery approaches and strategies for wastewater treatment and production of value-added products

2D/2D Ni-MOF/BiOCl S-scheme heterojunction with boosted charge transfer and photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

Constructing S-scheme heterojunction with boosted charge separation efficiency and high photoredox ability is a promising strategy in photocatalytic wastewater treatment. Herein, we report a novel S-scheme photocatalyst composed of two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets (NSs) of Ni-based metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF) and 2D BiOCl NSs. Such a unique 2D/2D stacking structure affords a large contact area at the interface, which promotes electron transfer and ensures the construction of S-scheme heterojunction between Ni-MOF and BiOCl. Benefitting from the efficient charge transfer and sufficient redox ability, the developed Ni-MOF/BiOCl heterojunctions exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performance for tetracycline (TC) degradation. Especially, the optimum 0.1Ni-MOF/BiOCl catalyst achieves a remarkable TC removal rate constant of 0.00274 min−1, 7.21 folds larger than that of single BiOCl (k = 0.00038 min−1). This study offers an ideal strategy for designing and fabricating novel S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts with applicability in wastewater treatment

A review of microbial fuel cell and its diversification in the development of green energy technology

The advancement of microbial fuel cell technology is rapidly growing, with extensive research and well-established methodologies for enhancing structural performance. This terminology attracts researchers to compare the MFC devices on a technological basis. The architectural and scientific successes of MFCs are only possible with the knowledge of engineering and technical fields. This involves the structure of MFCs, using substrates and architectural backbones regarding electrode advancement, separators and system parameter measures. Knowing about the MFCs facilitates the systematic knowledge of engineering and scientific principles. The current situation of rapid urbanization and industrial growth is demanding the augmented engineering goods and production which results in unsolicited burden on traditional wastewater treatment plants. Consequently, posing health hazards and disturbing aquatic veracity due to partial and untreated wastewater. Therefore, it's sensible to evaluate the performance of MFCs as an unconventional treatment method over conventional one to treat the wastewater. However, MFCs some benefits like power generation, stumpy carbon emission and wastewater treatment are the main reasons behind the implementation. Nonetheless, few challenges like low power generation, scaling up are still the major areas needs to be focused so as to make MFCs sustainable one. We have focused on few archetypes which majorities have been laboratory scale in operations. To ensure the efficiency MFCs are needed to integrate and compatible with conventional wastewater treatment schemes. This review intended to explore the diversification in architecture of MFCs, exploration of MFCs ingredients and to provide the foreseen platform for the researchers in one source, so as to establish the channel for scaling up the technology. Further, the present review show that the MFC with different polymer membranes and cathode and anode modification presents significant role for potential commercial applications after change the system form prototype to pilot scale.

Biotreatment of swine wastewater by mixotrophic Galdieria sulphuraria

Biotreatment of swine wastewater via microalgae is an environmentally sustainable and economical efficient strategy capable to transform nitrogen, phosphorous, and organic/inorganic carbons into value added products as lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, while high ammonium tolerant microalgal species with efficient COD and ammonium removal efficiency is lacking, limiting its practical application. Thermophilic and acidophilic Galdieria sulphuraria (G. sulphuraria) are reported to have high ammonium removal efficiency, while its application in ammonium rich swine wastewater treatment without dilution is rarely reported. Accordingly, mixotrophic cultivation of G. sulphuraria has been tested for biotreatment of swine wastewater. The results indicate that G. sulphuraria can grow well in swine wastewater with maximum growth rate of 0.72 g/(L.d) when 15 g/L of glucose is added. Simultaneously, a maximum COD removal efficiency of 94.8% and ammonium removal rate of 550.5 mg/(L.d) are observed. The addition of glucose leads to decreases of lipid, protein and ash contents, and simultaneous increase of carbohydrates owing to the varied C/N ratios. The final microalgal biomass has relatively lower carbon content of 48.5% with 20 g/L glucose than 49.3% of control, consequently leads to a relatively lower HHV value of 20.64 MJ.kg−1. Above all, mixotrophic cultivation of G. sulphuraria are promising strategy for swine wastewater treatment with high energy recovery, potentially providing an economical strategy for swine wastewater treatment.