Treatment Technologies Research Articles

Conjoint analysis of nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism in urban system: A case study of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

AbstractNitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) metabolism is becoming an increasingly complex process during urbanization due to increasing rates of consumption and emission worldwide. Understanding the urban N and P metabolism helps identifying production capacity, consumption demand, and the impact of N and P emissions on the environment, providing a scientific basis for decision‐making in sustainable utilization of N and P resources. Quantifying and mapping the source, path, and sinks of N and P in an urban system is the premise of controlling emissions. In this paper, we used the substance flow analysis (SFA) method to describe the N and P metabolism processes in the urban system of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) in 2017, and used the scenario‐based analysis method to understand the impact of different N and P metabolisms on potentially recoverable N and P sources by 2030. The results showed that the urban system of Dar es Salaam receives a total input flow of 28,101.8 tN/year and 3,379 tP/year, with a total output flow of 18,859.6 tN/year and 1,849.3 tP/year with net stock changes of 9,242.2 t/year for N and 1,529.7 t/year for P, respectively. We noticed that increased human activities largely represented the city's waste released after the household consumption, and would become the main causes of N and P emissions. In addition to this, 59.38%, 31.25%, and 9.38% of N flow quantification quality were at high, medium, and low levels, respectively, while 74.07%, 11.11%, and 14.81% of P flow quantification quality were at high, medium, and low levels, respectively. Our results suggest that implementing integrated nutrient management measures, such as changes in people's diets and the use of washing products, and improved management and technologies of manure, sewage, and landfill leachate treatment, would be the most effective approach to resolve the urban nutrient emissions in Dar es Salaam.

Monitoring of enteropathogenic Gram-negative bacteria in wastewater treatment plants: a multimethod approach.

The wastewater treatment processes are associated with the emission of microbial aerosols, including enteropathogenic bacteria. Their presence in this work environment poses a real threat to the health of employees, both through the possibility of direct inhalation of the contaminated air and indirectly through the pollution of all types of surfaces with such bioaerosol particles. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of enteropathogenic bacteria in the air, on surfaces, and in wastewater samples collected in four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The effectiveness of conventional culture-biochemical, as well as spectrometric and molecular methods for the rapid detection of enteropathogenic bacteria at workstations related to particular stages of wastewater processing, was also evaluated. Bioaerosol, surface swab, and influent and effluent samples were collected from wastewater plants employing mechanical-biological treatment technologies. The air samples were collected using MAS-100 NT impactor placed at a height of 1.5m above the floor or ground, simulating aspiration from the human breathing zone. Surface samples were collected with sterile swabs from different surfaces (valves, handles, handrails, and coveyor belts) at workplaces. The raw influent and treated effluent wastewater samples were aseptically collected using sterile bottles. The identification of bacterial entheropathogens was simultaneously conducted using a culture-based method supplemented with biochemical (API) tests, mass-spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS), and molecular (multiplex real-time PCR) methods. This study confirmed the common presence of bacterial pathogens (including enteropathogenic and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and Yersinia enterocolitica) in all air, surface, and wastewater samples at studied workplaces. Higher concentrations of enteropathogenic bacteria were observed in the air and on surfaces at workplaces where treatment processes were not hermetized. The results of this study underline that identification of enteropathogenic bacteria in WWTPs is of great importance for the correct risk assessment at workplaces. From the analytical point of view, the control of enteropathogenic bacterial air and surface pollution using rapid multiplex-PCR method should be routinely performed as a part of hygienic quality assessment in WWTPs.

Emerging trends in POME treatment and applications: chemical and biotechnological aspects

Globally, environmental challenges are growing more and more significant. Changes in soil have been caused by the years-long discharge and careless disposal of palm oil mill effluent (POME). A systematic review explored emerging trends in POME treatment and applications, with a focus on recent, innovative methods for POME treatment with biological and chemical treatment technologies, chemical and biotechnological approaches. The review highlighted several key findings, including the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these approaches, their ability to reduce environmental impacts, and their potential to recover resources such as energy and nutrients. Quantitative information on the efficacy of these approaches was also provided. Based on these findings, the review concludes that the aforementioned approaches can significantly improve POME treatment and offer a promising way to reduce environmental impacts and recover resources. However, further research is needed to optimize and scale up these approaches, as well as to assess their long-term sustainability. In addition, it is important to consider the social, economic, and environmental factors that may affect the successful implementation of these approaches.

Human Health Risk Assessment of Radionuclide Contamination in Drinking Water

This study investigates the human health risks of uranium, radium, radon, and other drinking water radionuclides and their mitigation strategies. It was implemented through literature review, field sampling, and analytical methods. Samples were taken from various sources, including groundwater, surface water, municipal supplies, and private wells. ICPI-MS and liquid scintillation counters were used for radiation measurements. Statistical analysis and risk assessment models were used to measure health risks and treatment effectiveness. Groundwater sources were the main sources of radionuclides, with private wells being the main sources. The elimination efficiencies of reverse osmosis were exceptional, reaching up to 99%. The elderly population (60+ years) were the most likely to have cancer, with the highest risks for bladder cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and leukemia. The frequency of radionuclide contamination in drinking water sources varied, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Nigerian EPA, and Canada having the strictest schedules. The results emphasize the urgent need for monitoring programs, effective treatment technologies, and targeted risk management strategies to cope with radionuclide contamination. Government advice includes improving the regulatory system, developing advanced treatment methods, long-term epidemiological studies, public awareness, interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific exploration of alternative water sources, and prioritizing interventions for vulnerable populations.

Travel-Time Disparities in Access to Proton Beam Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Proton beam therapy is an emerging radiotherapy treatment for patients with cancer that may produce similar outcomes as traditional photon-based therapy for many cancers while delivering lower amounts of toxic radiation to surrounding tissue. Geographic proximity to a proton facility is a critical component of ensuring equitable access both for indicated diagnoses and ongoing clinical trials. To characterize the distribution of proton facilities in the US, quantify drive-time access for the population, and investigate the likelihood of long commutes for certain population subgroups. This population-based cross-sectional study analyzed travel times to proton facilities in the US. Census tract variables in the contiguous US were measured between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021. Statistical analysis was performed from September to November 2023. Drive time in minutes to nearest proton facility. Population totals and prevalence of specific factors measured from the American Community Survey: age; race and ethnicity; insurance, disability, and income status; vehicle availability; broadband access; and urbanicity. Poor access to proton facilities was defined as having a drive-time commute of at least 4 hours to the nearest location. Median drive time and percentage of population with poor access were calculated for the entire population and by population subgroups. Univariable and multivariable odds of poor access were also calculated for certain population subgroups. Geographic access was considered for 327 536 032 residents of the contiguous US (60 594 624 [18.5%] Hispanic, 17 974 186 [5.5%] non-Hispanic Asian, 40 146 994 [12.3%] non-Hispanic Black, and 195 265 639 [59.6%] non-Hispanic White; 282 031 819 [86.1%] resided in urban counties). The median (IQR) drive time to the nearest proton facility was 96.1 (39.6-195.3) minutes; 119.8 million US residents (36.6%) lived within a 1-hour drive of the nearest proton facility, and 53.6 million (16.4%) required a commute of at least 4 hours. Persons identifying as non-Hispanic White had the longest median (IQR) commute time at 109.8 (48.0-197.6) minutes. Multivariable analysis identified rurality (odds ratio [OR], 2.45 [95% CI, 2.27-2.64]), age 65 years or older (OR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.06-1.11]), and living below the federal poverty line (OR, 1.22 [1.20-1.25]) as factors associated with commute times of at least 4 hours. This cross-sectional study of drive-time access to proton beam therapy found that disparities in access existed among certain populations in the US. These results suggest that such disparities present a barrier to an emerging technology in cancer treatment and inhibit equitable access to ongoing clinical trials.

Technical and financial feasibility of a chemicals recovery and energy and water production from a dairy wastewater treatment plant

Due to the high volume of wastewater produced from dairy factories, it is necessary to integrate a water recovery process with the treatment plant. Today, bipolar membrane electrodialysis units (BMEUs) are increasingly developed for wastewater treatment and reutilizing. This article aims to develop and evaluate (technical and cost analyses) a combined BMEU/batch reverse osmosis unit (BROU) process for the recovery of chemicals and water from the dairy wastewater plant. The combined BROU/BMEU process is able to simultaneously produce water and strong base-acid, and reduce power consumption due to the injection of concentrated feed flow into the BMEU. A comprehensive comparative analysis on the performances of two combined and stand-alone BMEU configurations are developed. The proposed combined technology for dairy factory wastewater treatment is designed on a new structure and configuration that can address superior cost analysis compared to similar technologies. Further, the optimal values of permeate flux and current density as two vital and influencing parameters on the performance of the studied dairy wastewater treatment process were calculated and discussed. From the outcomes, the total cost of production in the combined configuration has been reduced by approximately 26% compared to the stand-alone configuration. Increasing the feed concentration rate using the batch reverse osmosis process for the dairy wastewater treatment process can be an ideal solution from an economic point of view. Moreover, point (current density, feed concentration rate, total unit cost) = 328.9,7,14.37\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\left(328.9, 7, 14.37\\right)$$\\end{document} can be considered as an optimal point for the economic performance of the studied wastewater treatment process.

Influence of Different Proportions of the Addition of Electrocoagulated Metal Sludge (EMS) Obtained from Oily Wastewater Treatment on the Properties of Laboratory Bricks

Electrochemical wastewater treatment technologies are increasingly being used in practice, and the combination of electrocoagulation with advanced oxidation processes has been shown to increase treatment efficiency. The treatment of oily wastewater produces electrocoagulated metal sludge (EMS). In this work, the possibility of using different ratios of EMS produced during oily wastewater treatment was investigated. EMS was dried conventionally in an oven at 105 °C and used as a partial substitute for clay in the manufacture of laboratory bricks. The main research objectives of this study were to examine the possibility and justification of introducing EMS in brick production. The results show that an increase in the proportion of EMS in the manufacturing of bricks leads to a deterioration in the quality of the bricks. Bricks with an addition of 1 wt% and 5 wt% EMS showed the best properties. The loss on ignition (LOI), compressive strength, boiling water absorption and initial water absorption were determined at 5.7%; 49 N/mm2, 16%, 14 g/min/200 cm2, 15% for modified bricks with 1 wt% EMS and 6.3%, 48 N/mm2, 20%, 15 g/min/200 cm2 for modified brick with 5 wt%.

Phytoremediation of radium contaminated soils: recent advances and prospects

Abstract Radioactive radium (Ra) mainly comes from the mining and milling of uranium and other metal or non-metal mines, phosphate production and fertilizer use, production of oil and gas, coal combustion, wastewater treatment, and various wastes from the above activities, which is ubiquitous in the environment. Phytoremediation is a green and cheap remediation technology for metal/radionuclide-contaminated sites. Radium is often of particular interest and there are many literatures on parameters of Ra concentration in plants and transfer factors from soil to plant from a radiological impact assessment point of view. However, review articles on phytoremediation of Ra-polluted soil are relatively few. This review focused on radium-polluted soil phytoremediation, involving two main strategies of phytoextraction and phytostabilization, which covered the potential (hyper)accumulators for Ra, characteristics of Ra uptake from soil by plants, influencing factors, and phytostabilization application. In future research works, more attention should be paid to the deep insights and mechanism researches of Ra uptake/immobilization by plants. This review will deepen the understanding of the relationship of radium-soil-plants, and to enhance the potential application of phytoremediation as an alternative treatment technology for remediation of Ra-polluted soil site.

Water Treatment with Clean Technologies Using Moringa oleifera Seeds in Alternative Low-Cost Clarification Units

Water is an essential element for human survival, yet many individuals still lack access to treated water to meet their basic needs. To mitigate this situation, alternative water treatment technologies that are accessible and easy to handle are being explored. Among these, the use of Moringa oleifera seeds as a natural coagulant and the application of a helically coiled tube as a flocculation unit have been studied. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the turbidity removal efficiency using two different coagulants (Moringa oleifera and aluminum sulfate) in an alternative water clarification system. The system consists of a helically coiled tube flocculator (HCTF) coupled with a conventional decantation unit. It was observed that the coagulant solution from shelled seeds required a lower dosage to achieve efficiencies above 90% compared to the coagulant solution from seeds with shells. The optimal dosage was 30 mL/L of the coagulant solution from shelled seeds. This dosage resulted in high turbidity-removal efficiencies, ranging from 92% to 100%. The processing method of the seeds that yielded the highest efficiency in turbidity removal was the mortar and pestle, as opposed to a blender. The optimal configuration of the alternative water clarification system comprised using the lower HCTF in a horizontal orientation. The use of the alternative water clarification system, along with the natural coagulant, proves to be a promising alternative clean technology for water clarification in locations without access to conventional treatment, being efficient in turbidity removal.

Dissolved Organic Matter-Mediated Photosensitized Activation of Monochloramine for Micropollutant Abatement in Wastewater Effluent.

Utilizing solar light and water matrix components in situ to reduce the chemical and energy demands would make treatment technologies more sustainable for micropollutant abatement in wastewater effluents. We herein propose a new strategy for micropollutant abatement through dissolved organic matter (DOM)-mediated photosensitized activation of monochloramine (NH2Cl). Exposing the chlorinated wastewater effluent with residual NH2Cl to solar irradiation (solar/DOM/NH2Cl process) degrades six structurally diverse micropollutants at rate constants 1.26-34.2 times of those by the solar photolysis of the dechlorinated effluent (solar/DOM process). Notably, among the six micropollutants, the degradation rate constants of estradiol, acetaminophen, bisphenol A, and atenolol by the solar/DOM/NH2Cl process are 1.13-4.32 times the summation of those by the solar/DOM and solar/NH2Cl processes. The synergism in micropollutant degradation is attributed to the generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and hydroxyl radicals (HO·) from the photosensitized activation of NH2Cl. Triplet state-excited DOM (3DOM*) dominates the activation of NH2Cl, leading to the generation of RNS, while HO· is produced from the interactions between RNS and other photochemically produced reactive intermediates (e.g., O2·- and DOM·+/·-). The findings advance the knowledge of DOM-mediated photosensitization and offer a sustainable method for micropollutant abatement in wastewater effluents containing residual NH2Cl.

A Review About the Occurrence and Effectiveness of Conventional and Advanced Treatment Technologies of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Surface Water

A Review About the Occurrence and Effectiveness of Conventional and Advanced Treatment Technologies of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Surface Water

Efficient ozone decomposition in high humidity environments using novel iron-doped OMS-2-loaded activated carbon material.

This study effectively addresses the rapid deactivation of manganese-based catalysts in humid environments during ozone decomposition by introducing iron-doped manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieve (Fe-OMS-2) catalysts supported on activated carbon (AC). By optimizing the doping ratio of Fe-OMS-2, the Fe-OMS-20.5/AC catalyst achieves nearly 100% ozone decomposition efficiency across a wide range of relative humidity levels (0 to 60%), even at elevated air flow rates of 800 L·g-1·h-1, outperforming standalone AC, Fe-OMS-2, or a simple mixture of OMS-2 and AC. The Fe-OMS-20.5/AC catalyst features a porous surface and a mesoporous structure, providing a substantial specific surface area that facilitates the uniform distribution of the Fe-OMS-2 active phase on the AC surface. The incorporation of Fe3+ ions enhances electron transfer between valence state transitions of Mn, thereby improving the catalyst's efficiency in ozone decomposition. Additionally, the AC component protects catalytic sites and enhances the catalyst's humidity resistance. In conclusion, this research presents a novel strategy for developing highly efficient and cost-effective ozone decomposition catalysts that enhance dehumidification, significantly contributing to industrial ozone treatment technologies and advancing environmental protection.

Oxygen-Centered Organic Radicals-Involved Unified Heterogeneous Self-Fenton Process for Stable Mineralization of Micropollutants in Water.

Removing organic micropollutants from water through photocatalysis is hindered by catalyst instability and substantial residuals from incomplete mineralization. Here, a novel water treatment paradigm, the unified heterogeneous self-Fenton process (UHSFP), which achieved an impressive 32% photon utilization efficiency at 470nm, and a significant 94% mineralization of organic micropollutants-all without the continual addition of oxidants and iron ions is presented. In UHSFP, the active species differs fundamentally from traditional photocatalytic processes. One electron acceptor unit of photocatalyst acquires only one photogenerated electron to convert into oxygen-centered organic radical (OCOR), then spontaneously completing subsequent processes, including pollutant degradation, hydrogen peroxide generation, activation, and mineralization of organic micropollutants. By bolstering electron-transfer capabilities and diminishing catalyst affinity for oxygen in the photocatalytic process, the generation of superoxide radicals is effectively suppressed, preventing detrimental attacks on the catalyst. This study introduces an innovative and cost-effective strategy for the efficient and stable mineralization of organic micropollutants, eliminating the necessity for continuous chemical inputs, providing a new perspective on water treatment technologies.

Retrospective analysis of diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in designated medical institutions in China from 2017 to 2022

Objective: To understand the status of tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment capacity and the development and changes of tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment in provincial and municipal designated medical institutions in China from 2017 to 2022, so as to provide a basis for the formulation of relevant policies for the improvement and development of designated medical institutions for tuberculosis and the tuberculosis prevention and treatment service system, and to provide reasonable support for further strengthening the capacity of designated medical institutions for tuberculosis. Methods: This study was initiated and carried out by Beijing Chest Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University/Clinical Center for Tuberculosis Prevention and Control of China CDC (hereinafter referred to as "Clinical Center") by means of questionnaire survey, and the investigation was carried out from March to November 2023. During this period, the clinical center distributed questionnaires to the hospital member units of "Beijing Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Innovation Alliance", retrospectively collected their tuberculosis-related diagnosis and treatment data from 2017 to 2022, and used descriptive statistical methods to analyze the number of tuberculosis beds, outpatients and hospitalizations in medical institutions. The results were expressed in absolute numbers (percentages), and three-line tables, bar charts and line charts were drawn to describe the analysis results and changing trends. Results: The 54 medical institutions surveyed in this survey included 21 provincial-level designated medical institutions and 33 prefecture-level designated medical institutions. Most medical institutions have set up clinical departments, auxiliary departments and functional departments to undertake public health tasks of infectious diseases. The tuberculosis laboratory in the hospital has a comprehensive ability and has the detection technology needed for most tuberculosis diagnosis; The number of tuberculosis beds, children's tuberculosis beds and ICU beds all showed an increasing trend from 2017 to 2022. The proportion of tuberculosis beds in the hospital decreased slightly, from 39.31% in 2017 to 34.76% in 2022, showing a slight downward trend. Compared with the hospital surveyed, the number of tuberculosis outpatients in 2019 was 562 029, and the number of outpatients in 2020-2022 was 462 328, 519 630 and 424 069 respectively, which was significantly lower than that in 2019. The number of tuberculosis outpatients in medical institutions decreased significantly from 2020 to 2022. By analyzing the proportion of patients with different types of tuberculosis, the proportion of sensitive tuberculosis outpatients in 2017-2022 decreased from 84.49% in 2017 to 78.05% in 2022, showing a downward trend year by year. The proportion of patients with multidrug-resistant/ rifampin-resistant tuberculosis increased from 2.03% in 2017 to 7.18% in 2022. From 2017 to 2019, the total number of inpatients with tuberculosis showed an upward trend. Compared with 2019, the number of inpatients in 2020, 2021 and 2022 showed a downward trend, and the decline in 2020 was large (down 14.94% compared with 2019). Among the inpatients, the absolute number and proportion of patients with sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis remained relatively stable, and the number and proportion of inpatients with multidrug-resistant/rifampin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis increased year by year. Conclusions: Most medical institutions have the capacity to carry out routine diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, but the public health function needs to be strengthened. The transformation of medical institutions requires proper guidance and adequate support. During 2019-2022, most medical institutions were affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, and their tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment work also changed to varying degrees. During this period, hospitals took various measures to overcome difficulties and tried their best to maintain the normal development of tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment, and the tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment work of various institutions gradually resumed in 2022.

Impact of Bisphenol‐A in the environment and its removal through biological agents: A review

AbstractEndocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are synthetic compounds that can cause abnormalities in the functioning of the endocrine system of the human being, resulting in various health problems. Bisphenol‐A (BPA) is one of the important EDCs that is used in the manufacturing of plastics, food packaging canisters, and other day‐to‐day necessities. Since BPA is estrogenic in nature; its presence can affect the living component at a very low concentration. BPA and other EDCs are released from various sources like the plastic manufacturing industry, sewage treatment plants, and solid waste disposal points. Due to its global use, BPA has permeated different matrices, including our food sources. As a result, many adverse health effects have been reported, considering which, their treatment is necessary. Under the present investigation, we have reviewed various studies dealing with the sources, concentrations, and impact of BPA on the environment. In addition, we have also incorporated different treatment technologies including phytoremediation and bioremediation which can remove BPA effectively. Regardless of significant developments in our understanding of EDCs, uncertainties and knowledge gaps still occur and more studies are required to eradicate the problems of BPA contamination from our environment.

Planning a Sewage Treatment System for Smart Housing Societies: A Review

Smart housing societies are increasingly incorporating sustainable practices, including on-site sewage treatment. This paper reviews key considerations for planning a sewage treatment system in such communities. Factors like resident population, water usage patterns, and available space are analyzed. Different treatment technologies, including activated sludge, constructed wetlands, and membrane bioreactors, are evaluated for their suitability in smart housing contexts. The integration of smart monitoring and control systems for optimizing treatment processes and water reuse is discussed. Finally, the importance of adhering to local regulations and involving residents in the planning process is highlighted.

Efficient Catalytic Elimination of Toxic Volatile Organic Compounds via Advanced Oxidation Process Wet Scrubbing with Bifunctional Cobalt Sulfide/Activated Carbon Catalysts.

Advanced oxidation process (AOP) wet scrubber is a powerful and clean technology for organic pollutant treatment but still presents great challenges in removing the highly toxic and hydrophobic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Herein, we elaborately designed a bifunctional cobalt sulfide (CoS2)/activated carbon (AC) catalyst to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for efficient toxic VOC removal in an AOP wet scrubber. By combining the excellent VOC adsorption capacity of AC with the highly efficient PMS activation activity of CoS2, CoS2/AC can rapidly capture VOCs from the gas phase to proceed with the SO4•- and HO• radical-induced oxidation reaction. More than 90% of aromatic VOCs were removed over a wide pH range (3-11) with low Co ion leaching (0.19 mg/L). The electron-rich sulfur vacancies and low-valence Co species were the main active sites for PMS activation. SO4•- was mainly responsible for the initial oxidation of VOCs, while HO• and O2 acted in the subsequent ring-opening and mineralization processes of intermediates. No gaseous intermediates from VOC oxidation were detected, and the highly toxic liquid intermediates like benzene were also greatly decreased, thus effectively reducing the health toxicity associated with byproduct emissions. This work provided a comprehensive understanding of the deep oxidation of VOCs via AOP wet scrubber, significantly accelerating its application in environmental remediation.

Bibliometric Analysis of Nanostructured Anodes for Electro-Oxidative Wastewater Treatment

Last decade, a growing emphasis on developing sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies for electro-oxidative wastewater treatment has catalyzed innovation and spurred research efforts worldwide. Researchers may explore the use of renewable energy sources to drive electrochemical processes, as well as the development of eco-friendly electrode materials for wastewater treatments. The integration of nanostructured anodes into the electrolytic system for wastewater treatment has led to significant advancements in the removal of pollutants via electro-oxidation. Despite the great number of research articles related to the development and use of nanostructured anodes for electro-oxidative wastewater treatment, to our knowledge, no bibliometric analysis has been published in this domain. Therefore, this work presents a bibliometric study of publications on the designated theme, retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database, which were published over the last decade. The visual and network analysis of co-authorship among authors, organizations, countries, co-citation of authors, citation of documents and sources, as well as the co-occurrence of author keywords was performed using two compatible pieces of scientometric software, namely VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) and CiteSpace (version 6.2.R4). From 2013 to 2023, there has been a gradual increase in the number of publications regarding the development and use of nanostructured anodes for electro-oxidative wastewater treatment. It suggests a steady advancement in this field. The People’s Republic of China emerges as the most productive country, and it is a leader in international collaborations. Also, the United States of America, South Korea, and European Union countries have significant impacts on the research in this domain. The development and application of nanostructured materials for urea electro-oxidation is a main and prospective research theme. This bibliometric analysis allowed for the visualization of the present landscape and upcoming trends in this research field, thereby facilitating future collaborative research endeavors and knowledge exchange.

Performance evaluation of a microbial fuel cell for resource recovery as struvite and bioelectricity generation from slaughterhouse wastewater

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a potential cost‐effective technology for the energy‐neutral treatment of wastewater. However, the successful implementation of this technology in resource recovery is still limited. In this study, a microbial electrochemical cell was designed and operated for 30 days. Critical factors for removal and recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus as struvite from wastewater were assessed.RESULTSOptimization studies on critical factors such as the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of wastewater (500–2000 mg L−1) and cathode aeration rate (45–135 mL min−1) were conducted using a pure culture of Escherichia coli. The system yielded an average power density of 465 mW m−2, average current density of 915 mA m−2 and phosphorus recovery at an extent of 40% as struvite. Additionally, a maximum reduction in the COD of 90% with an average coulombic efficiency of about 82% was obtained at a short interval of 30 days. Solubility studies of the recovered struvite for 12 h at different pH values from 4.5 to 9 showed a maximum solubility of 80% at pH 4.5 and a minimum of 3.5% at pH 9.CONCLUSIONThis study moves one step closer to applying MFC technology for nitrogen‐ and phosphorus‐rich wastewater treatment with concurrent struvite precipitation and electricity production. In this way, Sustainable Development Goals 2, 6 and 7 can be achieved through resource recovery, clean water and bioenergy. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Current state of laundry grey water fluxes and exploitation in rural–urban households: physico-chemical–bacteriological characteristics with reference to disposal norms and current treatment technologies

Current state of laundry grey water fluxes and exploitation in rural–urban households: physico-chemical–bacteriological characteristics with reference to disposal norms and current treatment technologies