Sewage Streams Research Articles

Removal of carbamazepine, sulfamethoxazole and aspirin at municipal wastewater treatment plant of Astana, Kazakhstan: paths to increase the efficiency of the treatment process

AbstractBACKGROUNDMedical substances are utilized around the world, and their accumulation in nature is a global concern. This work aimed to identify three priority pharmaceuticals discharged into the domestic sewage stream of Astana city (Kazakhstan). Samples of municipal wastewater were taken before and after the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) over a period of 13 months. The performed experiments demonstrated that there are seasonal variations in the priority pharmaceuticals – carbamazepine (CBZ), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and aspirin (ASP) – identified in the wastewaters.RESULTSThe non‐conventional WWTP of Astana city, which includes a sequence of treatment processes, showed 2–100% removal of these compounds with the following influent concentrations from the entering stream: 12.5–185.6 ppb (μg L−1) for CBZ, 2.6–51.2 ppb for SMX and 1.9–199.8 ppb for ASP. Laboratory‐scale experiments revealed that the application of the membrane separation technique, i.e. ultrafiltration, is able to provide improved removal of these pharmaceuticals. The removal of ASP, CBZ and SMX by phase inversion polyethersulfone and track etch (TE) polycarbonate membranes was investigated. Filtration with TE membrane demonstrated 39–97% removal of the primary pharmaceuticals from the wastewater.CONCLUSIONFiltration with TE membrane was recognized as an affordable and efficient supplementary treatment step. The addition of the TE separation process in the Astana WWTP could potentially improve the removal of the studied pharmaceuticals along with other medical substances. The reported results hold substantial significance, particularly for rapidly expanding urban centers and developing nations. This is especially crucial as there is a scarcity of data regarding the treatment of pharmaceuticals in municipal wastewater for these regions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Acclimated green microalgae consortium to treat sewage in an alternative urban WWTP in a coastal area of Central Italy

This study exposed a microalgal consortium formed by Auxenochlorella protothecoides, Tetradesmus obliquus, and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to six mixed wastewater media containing different proportions of primary (P) or secondary (S) effluents diluted in centrate (C). Algae could grow at centrate concentrations up to 50 %, showing no significant differences between effluents. After acclimation, microalgae cultivated in 50%P-50%C and 50%S-50%C grew at a rate similar to that of control cultures (0.59–0.66 d−1). These results suggest that the consortium acclimated to both sewage streams by modulating the proportion of the species and their metabolism. Acclimation also altered the photosynthetic activity of wastewater-grown samples compared to the control, probably due to partial photoinhibition, changes in consortium composition, and changes in metabolic activity. No major differences were observed between the two streams with respect to biochemical composition, biomass yield, or bioremediation capacity of the cultivated algae but algae grown in the secondary effluent showed qualitatively higher exopolysaccharides (EPS) production than algae grown in primary. Regarding wastewater remediation, microalgae grown in both WW media showed proficient nutrient removal efficiencies (close to 100 %); however, the final pH value (close to 11) would be controversial if the system were upscaled as it is over the legal limit and would cause phosphorus precipitation, so that CO2 addition would be required. The theoretical scale-up of the microalgae system could achieve water treatment costs of 0.109 €·m−3, which was significantly lower than the costs of typical activated sludge systems.

Spatial and temporal trends of 64 pesticides and their removal from Australian wastewater

Pesticides are necessary for the control of pest plant, fungi and insect species. After application, they may find their way into waste streams, such as municipal sewage, where their spatio-temporal distribution has not been well characterised. To further understand the spatio-temporal distribution and to evaluate potential sources and fate after treatment, 64 pesticides were analysed in matched influents and effluents of 22 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) from across Australia. The pesticides consisted of 30 herbicides and 8 herbicide metabolites or transformation products, 16 insecticides and 10 fungicides. The samples were 1084 24-hr composite samples pooled into 113 samples. Pools represented two influent and one effluent pools at each of 22 sites in 2019, as well as two pools per year from 2009 to 2021 for an 11-year long-term temporal trend at a subset of two locations. The total population served by the 22 sites was equivalent to ~41 % of the Australian population. Of the 64 pesticides, 25 were detected in influent, with highest influent concentrations up to 100 μg/L and effluent concentrations up to 16 μg/L for the herbicide 2,4-D. The total mass of pesticides was extrapolated to Australia, suggesting ~33 t of the targeted pesticides entered WWTP influent annually nation-wide, with 14 t emitted into effluents annually. Long-term trends varied by analyte and for carbendazim decreases over time, may be related to restrictions in use. Risk quotients (RQs) were calculated for 14 analytes in the effluent. 35 % had an RQ above one, indicating a potential environmental risk. Fipronil had the highest RQ (49) at Site 6. The population-normalized mass loads of pesticides were site-specific, and in some cases correlated with land use attributes suggestive of point sources. This reflects a need to better characterise sources to enable prevention, or possible pre-treatment of pesticide-containing wastewater entering municipal sewage streams.

Surveillance of sars-cov-2 load and types in open sewage streams within slum districts of medellin-columbia, caracas-venezuela, kampala-uganda, and suva-fiji: a multidisciplinary approach to inform public health on pathogen spread in low resource settings

Surveillance of sars-cov-2 load and types in open sewage streams within slum districts of medellin-columbia, caracas-venezuela, kampala-uganda, and suva-fiji: a multidisciplinary approach to inform public health on pathogen spread in low resource settings

Removal of Reactive Blue 19 dye from synthetic wastewater using UV/H2O2 and UV/Cl advanced oxidation processes

AbstractThe textile and dyeing industries are among the largest water‐consuming and polluting industries in the world. The most important feature of the textile dyeing industry wastewater is its color, due to the use of colored materials. Most of these dye compounds are resistant to conventional purification methods and their biodegradation is very low through secondary purification processes, resulting in incomplete removal. Therefore, selecting the optimal method to remove these color compounds is essential. In this study, we studied the removal of an organic dye contaminant (Reactive Blue dye 19 [RB19]) using advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). For this purpose, ultraviolet (UV) mercury lamps with a wavelength of 254 nm and a voltage of W16 inside a reactor were used as an energy source. The experiments were performed in a collimated beam reactor inside a dark chamber. Two oxidizers, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), were used to remove RB19 from the artificial sewage stream. Removal of RB19 with a concentration of 20 mg/L with variable pH (5, 7, and 9), oxidant concentrations (5, 10, and 20 mg/L), and time (5, 10, 15, and 30 min) were investigated during the processes of photolysis, chemical oxidation (by H2O2 and NaOCl), and UV/NaOCl and UV/H2O2 AOPs. The photolysis process did not remove the RB19. The highest removal efficiencies of RB19 by chemical oxidation processes with NaOCl and H2O2, UV/NaOCl, and UV/H2O2 at optimal conditions (pH = 5, [oxidant] = 20 mg/L, RB19 = 20 mg/L, and radiation intensity of 1005 mJ/cm2) were 64.49%, 0.88%, 99.7%, and 13.31%, respectively. These results indicate that the hydroxyl radical was produced, under optimum conditions, more in the acidic medium; thus, the RB19 removal efficiency was higher in the acidic medium. The combination of UV rays with oxidants resulted in the production of more hydroxyl radicals and increased removal efficiency.

Reusing Sewage Effluent in Greening Urban Areas: A Case Study of: Southern Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The foremost threat facing all living organisms is water pollution, which has a number of detrimental effects. Moreover, the search for alternative sources of clean water has become a high priority for all governments. The current study’s goal is to determine whether it is possible to use the treated wastewater found in wadi Al-Khumra effluent stream in Jeddah governorate in irrigating non-edible crops, gardens, and aromatic plants, instead of allowing it to flow into the sea without being put to any useful use. In light of its high nutritional value, notably in terms of Ca, Mg, and NO3, the results of the water analyses demonstrated the prevalence of its suitability for irrigation. The amount of potentially toxic elements in this water is markedly lower than the Saudi regulations’ permitted limit. Furthermore, the analysis results of soil samples collected from the sewage stream at the study sites showed the richness of this soil with various macro and micronutrients, though the level of some potentially toxic elements exceeded the permitted limits. Overall, before the competent authority decides to use these resources for reforestation and irrigation of some economically significant crops, the mineral content of irrigation water and the soil must be taken into consideration.

Design Optimization for Grey Water Treatment

Abstract: India is facing a water crisis and by 2025 it is estimated that India's population will be suffering from severe water scarcity. Although India occupies only 3.29 million km2 of the geographical area which forms 2.4% of the world's land area, it supports over 15% of the world's population with only 4% of the world's water resources. With increased population growth and development, there is a need to critically look at alternative approaches to ensure water availability. The scarcity of water is soon going to incapacitate the entire world and therefore the sooner newer methods are devised to utilize water in all its possible forms the better for mankind. Ground water and surface water are rapidly getting contaminated by pollutants and hence cannot be utilized for irrigation purposes. Thus, an alternative water source, i.e. grey water comes into play. Grey water is easily available and through an inexpensive laboratory-scale treatment method like ours it can be purified so that it can serve for irrigation and household purposes. Five liters of grey water was treated by physical, chemical, and biological aided treatment procedures which were divided into three main methods namely primary, secondary and tertiary treatment. These alternative resources include rainwater and the bulk of water used in the household will emerge as grey water and contain some minerals, and organic waste materials dissolved and suspended in it. When this is allowed to flow out this will join the sewage and be bacteriologically contaminated, resulting in a sewage stream. It is possible to intercept this grey water, at the household level, and treat it so that it can be recycled for garden washing and flushing purposes as well.

Consequences of disparities in sanitation infrastructures on the environment and the health of populations in the city of Cotonou

This study focused on the problems of disparities in sanitation infrastructure and their consequences on the environment and health in the city of Cotonou. The methodology focuses on documentary research, sociological surveys by questionnaire, direct observation using an observation grid. A total of 10 boroughs and 20 neighborhoods were covered. The Accelerated Participatory Research Method (MARP) was used to reach households in order to have their perceptions on the causes of floods and sanitation problems, their impacts on the environment and health. The model (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) served as the basis for the analysis and interpretation of the results. The cartographic data was processed using GIS software. The maps were drawn up using the topographic base map from the National Geographic Institute (IGN). The results obtained show that there are significant differences in terms of sanitation in Cotonou.This is partly due to the irregular settlement of populations in unhealthy areas where the land have not been serviced in time. As far as the collectors are concerned, there are arrondissements which are not or poorly provided for, whereas the need is real. This is the case of the 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 12th, arrondissements. This same trend is observed with the paved roads and gutters in these respective arrondissements. It has been observed that the majority of domestic wastewater is discharged on the ground, outside or in the courtyard of the concessions (87% households) and this is explained by the fact that the majority of households do not have pits for the collection of this water. The water from the shower is collected in the pits (77% of households) or is left to infiltrate directly into the ground (40% of households). The existence of sewage streams and uncontrolled deposits of solid waste in the city are certainly one of the causes of ailments such as malaria, diarrhea, and acute respiratory ailments.

Tuning the redox activity of polyoxometalate by central atom for high-efficient desulfurization

The efficient removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is of great importance for various industrial processes such as the sewage stream depollution and syngas upgrade. Oxidative desulfurization with polyoxometalates (POMs) has been proved one of the most attractive ways to remove H2S from the systems, while the role of the central atom in POMs has not been well evaluated. Herein, we demonstrate the desulfurization activity of POMs could be well internally switched by the central atoms. In particular, the SVI-centered POM of [Himi]SMo, exhibited greatly enhanced desulfurization performance compared to its structural analogs with GeIV or PV as central atoms, with a breakthrough H2S capacity of 627.0 mg g−1 compared to 39.5 and 54.9 mg g−1 respectively, well surpassing state-of-the-art H2S desulfurizes. In addition, its activity was well maintained at a wide range of temperature (0–50 °C) and pH (4−9). More interestingly, electrochemical re-oxidation of the H2S laden [Himi]SMo was found much more active than the fresh one, achieving H2S capacity up to 2174 mg g−1. Air involved in-situ re-oxidation and S-O metathesis mechanisms were proposed and experimentally evidenced to explain the high capacity. This work opens a new concept for the rational design of POMs in terms of H2S removal.

Flow Measurements Derived from Camera Footage Using an Open-Source Ecosystem

Sensors used for wastewater flow measurements need to be robust and are, consequently, expensive pieces of hardware that must be maintained regularly to function correctly in the hazardous environment of sewers. Remote sensing can remedy these issues, as the lack of direct contact between sensor and sewage reduces the hardware demands and need for maintenance. This paper utilizes off-the-shelf cameras and machine learning algorithms to estimate the discharge in open sewer channels. We use convolutional neural networks to extract the water level and surface velocity from camera images directly, without the need for artificial markers in the sewage stream. Under optimal conditions, our method estimates the water level with an accuracy of ±2.48% and the surface velocity with an accuracy of ±2.08% in a laboratory setting—a performance comparable to other state-of-the-art solutions (e.g., in situ measurements).

IDENTIFICACIÓN FORENSE EN CADÁVERES NO IDENTIFICADOS A PARTIR DE TATUAJES: REPORTE DE UN CASO

Introduction: In the forensic identification of unidentifed corpses, several technological clinical tools are used in order to obtain data that may be relevant in the judicial investigation. One of them is the registration and documentation of tattoos. Tattoos are body modifications with marks on the skin made by impregnating the epidermis with various pigments forming diverse figures. Their presence plays a very important role in our society, as it is also in the study of forensic sciences. Case report: The naked corpse of an unidentified female was located in a sewage stream, in an advanced process of putrefaction, with no soft tissues on the face due to cadaveric anthropophagy. In the external inspection, several tattoos were located that made positive forensic identification possible. Discussion: Biometric features, scars, marks on the body and tattoos have been especially important at a legal and forensic level, their state of conservation persists even after an advanced state of cadaveric decomposition, they remain even after the loss of the superficial layers of skin Conclusions. With this report we demonstrate the usefulness of the exterior study of the corpse and inspection of tattoos in the identification of unidentified corpses.

Analysis of BOD and COD levels for home industry wastewater: A case study in a sewage streams

Environmental pollution caused by waste is pollution that very dangerous for living things. In particular, water pollution, waste that is disposed of through waterways will disrupt the water ecosystem which will have an impact on human life. On the other hand, the development of entrepreneurship such as home industry has a positive impact on society, especially in terms of the economy. Therefore, water pollution indicators are needed that can be used as guidelines in treating wastes such as BOD and COD. In this study, analyzed the levels of BOD and COD from home industry wastewater in the Cawang area. The home industry includes laundry, cracker business, restaurants, printing houses, photocopying, and snack businesses. Based on the results of data analysis, the highest BOD level was 45.827 in samples taken at night. And, the highest COD levels were 95.923 in samples taken at night. These data indicate that the levels of BOD and COD in the water in the home industry waste disposal sites are below the standard threshold for wastewater quality. The levels of BOD and COD are in the safe category for aquatic biota. Keywords: BOD levels, COD levels, Waste, Water pollution

Design of River Cleaning Machine

This project emphasizes on design of a sewage waste collecting machine. The work has been done looking at the current situation of our national rivers which are dump with crores of liters of sewage and loaded with pollutants, toxic materials, debris etc., by taking this all into account, this machine has been designed for an effort not to put floating garbage into water bodies. There are several methods to achieve the above-mentioned objective but in this review paper we shall discuss a mechanically simple yet efficient method. And also, with an effort to minimize human intervention throughout the process by automating it. Today, automation plays an important role in mass production. In this project we have designed a water-propelled river cleaning machine. The main aim of the project was to come up with a mechanically simple as well as electronically simple mechanism which also reduces man power and time spent in cleansing water bodies, whilst achieving the goal of floating waste removal from sewage streams.

Identification and quantification of main anthropogenic stocks and flows of potassium in Brazil.

Potassium (K), along with nitrogen and phosphorus, is an essential resource to ensure agricultural productivity and, therefore, food security around the world. However, diminishing physical reserves of potash salts and high-price volatility of potassium chloride, the main source of K to agricultural soils, has raised concerns about a K scarcity scenario, mainly in countries that depend on fertilizer imports to sustain its production. In this context, Brazil is one of the main agricultural producers in the world, having a major role in the global K flows, since the country sustains its production by a high consumption of imported K fertilizers. In order to seek opportunities to contribute to a more sustainable management of K resources, tools such as the material flow analysis (MFA) can be used to highlight the main K stocks and flows in a country scale, and identify options for reuse and recycle. This study proposed a MFA of K for Brazil, considering the base-year 2013. A total of forty-four flows and seven stocks were identified and quantified considering nine main processes related to human activity. According to the results, for the year of study, the main inputs of K in Brazil were in the form of fertilizers (4.1 × 103 Gg of K per year), and the main outputs were in the form of grain exports (9.1 × 102 Gg of K per year). Agricultural soils were the main stock for K in the country, and from the total flow of 7.3 × 103 Gg of K per year applied to soils, 67% came out as agricultural products, 13% was lost through erosion and leaching, and 20% remained in the soils. The flow of K actually consumed by the Brazilian population was 3.5 × 102 Gg of K per year, just 8.4% of the total food produced in the country. About 1.9 × 103 Gg of K per year has been lost to the environment in sewage streams and solid landfill waste. Prospects for more sustainable K management in the country are identified and discussed.

The core microbiome of sessile ciliate Stentor coeruleus is not shaped by the environment

Microbiomes of multicellular organisms are one of the hottest topics in microbiology and physiology, while only few studies addressed bacterial communities associated with protists. Protists are widespread in all environments and can be colonized by plethora of different bacteria, including also human pathogens. The aim of this study was to characterize the prokaryotic community associated with the sessile ciliate Stentor coeruleus. 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding was performed on single cells of S. coeruleus and on their environment, water from the sewage stream. Our results showed that the prokaryotic community composition differed significantly between Stentor cells and their environment. The core microbiome common for all ciliate specimens analyzed could be defined, and it was composed mainly by representatives of bacterial genera which include also potential human pathogens and commensals, such as Neisseria, Streptococcus, Capnocytophaga, Porphyromonas. Numerous 16S rRNA gene contigs belonged to endosymbiont “Candidatus Megaira polyxenophila”. Our data suggest that each ciliate cell can be considered as an ecological microniche harboring diverse prokaryotic organisms. Possible benefits for persistence and transmission in nature for bacteria associated with protists are discussed. Our results support the hypothesis that ciliates attract potentially pathogenic bacteria and play the role of natural reservoirs for them.

Highly efficient method for oxidation of dissolved hydrogen sulfide in water, utilizing a combination of UVC light and dissolved oxygen

Hydrogen sulfide is a hazardous contaminant that may appear in well-water and in sewage streams. Here we present a very efficient way for the removal of H2S from well-water, based on combining UVC light and oxygen. The method was tested with H2S-enriched tap water as well as with natural well water, both of which containing up to 20 mg/L of H2S. A conversion of up to 90% was obtained within a residence time of no more than a few minutes. The quantum efficiency, defined as the ratio between the number of removed H2S molecules to the number of impinging photons, was found to be as high as 70%, depending on conditions. The main product was found to be sulfate, without the appearance of elemental sulfur, i.e. with no major change in turbidity. The absence of sulfur in the outlet stream in of large importance when treating H2S-containing well-water, since it omits the need for posttreatment removal of particles. Results are explained by the excitation of HS− species, following by formation of polysulfide anions that readily react with any formed elemental sulfur, eventually yielding sulfate ions.

Recycling of Greywater (GW) through Natural Adsorbents

Reuse of water has been a popular choice toward balancing water scarcity and managing water availability in defined areas. GW which can be defined as the wastewater that comprises water from baths, showers etc, when managed and treated properly could be valuable resource for sectors like agricultural and horticultural. GW is one of the best option if treated and if not, it will mix with the sewage stream. It is possible to intercept this GW at the household level using minimum change in design, and with the primary and secondary treatment it can be recycled for garden washing, flushing and many purposes. In the present work, GW from student accommodation were collected, characterized and treated through series of natural adsorbent. Various parameters such as TDS, pH, Turbidity, BOD,COD, amount of nitrate and phosphorus were measured and it was found that most of the parameters were considerably in range after treatment. A simple method has been proposed that may be applied at individual household level.

Bioconversion of beverage waste to high fructose syrup as a value-added product

Waste valorisation practices have attracted a significant amount of attention in recent years with the aim at managing waste in the most sustainable way. Most of the studies focused on converting solid waste feedstock for value-added chemicals and fuels production. However, less effort has been devoted on liquid waste such as beverage waste which is a significant sewage stream in urban area. In this study, a bioconversion process was developed to produce low-cost fructose syrup using beverages waste as feedstock. The process composed of enzymatic hydrolysis, activated carbon treatment, ion exchange chromatography and ligand exchange chromatography. Beverages waste collected from local supermarket was treated by commercial pectinase and sucrase. Optimisation study on enzyme activities indicated that both enzymes were most active at 50°C and pH of 4.0–4.5. Hydrolysate containing 36.0g/L glucose and 45.0g/L fructose was then de-colourised in the activated carbon treatment. Also, more than 98% ions were removed after the cation and anion exchange chromatography. Lastly, high fructose syrup was produced by ligand exchange chromatography at a fructose separation efficiency of 74.9%. A total of 47.5% sugars in the hydrolysate were recovered as high fructose syrup, while the remaining sugars were in the glucose-rich stream. The proposed method would be a green and sustainable process for nutrient recovery in beverage waste valorisation. Future study should focus on increasing fructose separation efficiency by using simulated moving bed system and the enhancement of fructose production yield by isomerisation of glucose-rich stream.

Biodegradation of pretreated olive mill effluent in mixture with a domestic sewage or compatible wastewater stream

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe study focused on the biodegradation of pretreated olive mill wastewater (OMW) properly diluted in and mixed with a biodegradable substrate and/or domestic sewage stream. It utilized the permeate of a chemically conditioned two‐stage ultrafiltration/nanofiltration system with COD of 5700 mg L−1 and a total phenol content of 100 mg L−1. Peptone mixture with similar characteristics to domestic sewage was adopted as the biodegradable synthetic substrate. The study relied on two sets of microbial culture; one acclimated to peptone and the other to a mixture of peptone and domestic sewage. Respirometric analyses were conducted on pretreated OMW diluted in the selected substrate using corresponding biomass seeding.RESULTSModel evaluation of the oxygen uptake rate profiles indicated that the pretreated OMW was fully consumed in the respirometric tests. There were no inhibitory/toxic impacts of OMW dosing on the biomass. The entire biomass participated in the utilization of OMW/substrate with no metabolic adjustment problems.CONCLUSIONExperimental results provided conclusive evidence that co‐treatment with a domestic sewage stream is a viable option for OMW management, after a chemically conditioned two‐stage filtration used as the pretreatment step. Pretreatment removes the recalcitrant nature of the wastewater, which becomes fully biodegradable under appropriate dilution and mixing conditions. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry

Economic feasibility of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil in the UAE

The absence of proper collection methods for waste cooking oil (WCO) particularly in residential areas make the tendency to drain it and clog the sewage stream or dispose of it into the trash bin the only unfavorable choices. Therefore providing an integral residential collection mechanism, incentive or penalty system, inexpensive and robust conversion technology into utilizable fuel, and downstream community usage would change this in environmental malpractice stress and valorize this energy opportunity. The focus of this work is to study the economic feasibility of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil in the UAE, subjected to seven economic scenarios. To provide statistical information on the quantity and quality of generated WCO, a social survey was conducted. The local residential and commercial sector was targeted to gain information on the type of oil, method of drainage and quantity of waste cooking oil. A comparison can be made between conventional and sonication methods of production and results are assessed based on the selling price, net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR). As sonication assisted production is suited for high throughput, it demonstrated better profitability despite of its higher CAPEX and OPEX. Results also indicated that large scale production favored reduction in selling prices and subsidies. The auxiliary benefits like CO2 emissions were calculated and it shows a reduction of 23.1% in emissions and reduces in maintenance cost associated with the current drain clogging. The conclusion that can be drawn is that large scale production with sonication and no oil incentive is the most economically feasible model for the UAE.