Sustainable Water Research Articles

Polymeric Adsorbent for the Effective Removal of Toxic Dyes from Aqueous Solutions: Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Modeling

AbstractThis study investigates the adsorption behavior of anionic (Congo red, Eosin yellow) and cationic (Malachite green) dyes on synthesized TD polymer particles, highlighting the material's potential as an effective adsorbent for industrial wastewater treatment. Key operational parameters, including initial solution's pH, contact time, initial dye concentration, and temperature, were systematically evaluated to determine their influence on adsorption efficiency. The experimental data demonstrated that the Langmuir isotherm provided the best fit for all three dyes, indicating monolayer adsorption with maximum adsorption capacities of 153.8 mg/g for Malachite green, 49.36 mg/g for Congo red, and 227.9 mg/g for Eosin yellow. Kinetic analysis revealed that the adsorption of Malachite green and Congo red followed pseudo‐second‐order kinetics, while Eosin yellow adsorption was better described by the intra‐particle diffusion model. Thermodynamic assessments, including Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°), and entropy (ΔS°), confirmed the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption processes for Malachite green and Eosin yellow, contrasting with the exothermic behavior observed for Congo red. These findings underscore the versatility and effectiveness of TD polymer particles in removing both anionic and cationic dyes from aqueous solutions. Further research could explore material optimization and real‐world applications to broaden their utility in sustainable water treatment strategies.

Enhancing flocculation and dewatering performance of fine phosphate tailings: A sustainable approach for water resources management

The sustainable recovery of water from fine phosphate tailings (FPTs) is essential for reducing water consumption and mitigating the environmental risks associated with phosphate beneficiation operations, particularly during tailings storage. Dewatering through enhanced flocculation techniques is among the most sustainable management practices in the mining industry. However, the interactions between phosphate tailings and polymers remain insufficiently explored, particularly in the context of the flocculation process. To address this, the present study investigates the improvement of dewatering performance through optimized flocculation techniques. Fourteen flocculants, including anionic, nonionic, and cationic types, were assessed for their effectiveness in enhancing water recovery, sedimentation rates, and turbidity reduction. Among the tested flocculants, polyethylene oxide (PEO 4 M) and anionic polyacrylamide (AN923) exhibited superior performance, achieving water recovery rates exceeding 84 %, solid contents above 38 %, and settling rates over 13.9 cm/min, along with significant turbidity reductions to below 4.40 NTU. Insights into the adsorption mechanisms, derived from zeta potential measurements and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, revealed that anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) induces flocculation primarily through hydrogen bonding and polymer bridging, whereas polyethylene oxide (PEO) operates via hydrophobic interactions and charge neutralization. These findings lay the groundwork for more sustainable water management strategies in phosphate mining, enhancing both resource efficiency and environmental protection.

Continuous lattice oxygen participation of NiFe stack anode for Sustainable water Splitting

Non-noble anode catalysts exhibit insufficient activity and stability for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE). Accordingly, we propose an electrolyte additive strategy involving NiFe-layered double hydroxide. In situ Raman spectroscopy and 18O isotope labeling experiments reveal that Fe ions in the electrolyte change the oxygen evolution reaction mechanism from adsorbate evolution to the lattice oxygen participation mechanism (LOM). These Fe ions continuously refill Fe vacancies owing to facile metal dissolution via the LOM. In a unit cell, we achieve an excellent cell voltage of 1.73 V and energy conversion efficiency (ECE) of 69.4 % at 3.0 A cm−2, meeting the target set by the U.S. Department of Energy (1.80 V and 69.0 % ECE). Our optimized membrane electrode assembly enhances the cell activity (1.567 V at 1.0 A cm−2; ECE = 76.5 %) and stability (0.125 mVcell h−1 at 0.5 A cm−2 for 500 h) with a 100 cm2 AEMWE stack.

A hybrid technique to enhance the rainfall-runoff prediction of physical and data-driven model: a case study of Upper Narmada River Sub-basin, India

Accurate streamflow prediction is crucial for effective water resource management and planning. This study aims to enhance streamflow simulation accuracy in the data-scarce Upper Narmada River Basin (UNB) by proposing a novel hybrid approach, ANNHybrid, which combines a physically-based model (WEAP) with a data-driven model (ANN). The WEAP model was calibrated and validated using observed streamflow data, while the ANN model was trained and tested using meteorological variables and simulated streamflow. The ANNHybrid model integrates simulated flow from both WEAP and ANN to improve prediction accuracy. The results demonstrate that the ANNHybrid model outperforms the standalone WEAP and ANN models, with higher NSE values of 95.5% and 92.3% during training and testing periods, respectively, along with an impressive R2 value of 0.96. The improved streamflow predictions can support better decision-making related to water allocation, reservoir operations, and flood and drought risk assessment. The novelty of this research lies in the development of the ANNHybrid model, which leverages the strengths of both physically-based and data-driven approaches to enhance streamflow simulation accuracy in data-limited regions. The proposed methodology offers a promising tool for sustainable water management strategies in the UNB and other similar catchments.

Development of membrane distillation powered by engine exhaust for water desalination

To address water shortage in arid areas and make use of waste heat, an experimental investigation is presented for a novel system of air gap membrane distillation unit driven by an engine exhaust heat source for the development of an on-board car water desalination. The design of the gas-to-water heat exchanger is presented and optimized. The system’s performance, governed by the achieved feed water temperature and measured by the output vapor mass flux, is evaluated with time under varying operational parameters, including engine load, engine speed, and feed water flow rate, with the analysis of production cost for economic viability. Experimental results revealed that higher engine loads and speeds lead to rapid temperature increase of the feed water, enhancing the efficiency of the membrane distillation process and increasing the permeate flux. Notably, a maximum permeate flux of 45 kg/m2h was achieved after 40 min of operation. A minimum production cost of 3.2 $/m3 is estimated at an engine load of 35 N.m. With production costs ranging from 3.2 to 5.8 $/m3, the proposed system emerges as a highly competitive option when compared with other membrane distillation systems driven by waste heat in literature. This study underscores the potential of utilizing waste heat from car engines for cost-effective and sustainable water desalination, paving the way for further development and implementation of the system as a mobile desalination unit for different applications.

Enhanced charge carrier separation in stable Type-1 CoNi2S4/MoS2 nanocomposite Photocatalyst for Sustainable water treatment

Enhanced charge carrier separation in stable Type-1 CoNi2S4/MoS2 nanocomposite Photocatalyst for Sustainable water treatment

One-step development of photothermal omniphobic membrane for vacuum membrane distillation towards sustainable water desalination using solar energy

Nowadays, development of photothermal omniphobic membranes (POMs) for water desalination using solar energy has gained considerable attention to face water and energy challenges in a sustainable way. Scientists have been developing POM via different techniques based on photothermal component loading and surface energy reduction, all of which suffer from multi-step processes. Obviously, researchers and especially industrial developers aspire to one-step techniques that make the production process highly accelerated and economical. In this study, a one-step technique to develop POMs is demonstrate, using which the omniphobic and photothermal properties are simultaneously imparted to the membrane through being integrated with the membrane fabrication process. The technique works based on elaborate design of membrane surface chemistry and roughness via electrospinning of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/poly(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl acrylate) (PPFOA) blend solution containing carbon black nanoparticles (CB NPs). Optimum concentrations for PPFOA and CB NPs with respect to the PVDF weight were obtained as 60 and 15 wt%, respectively. The developed membrane exhibited permeate flux and salt rejection as high as 2.94 kg/m2·h and > 98 %, respectively, under one sun radiation. Evaporation rate and efficiency of the developed membrane were calculated as 1.49 kg/m2.h and 83.5 %, respectively. The membrane exhibited stable long-term performance for 600 min in contact with the sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.8 mM)-containing NaCl aqueous solution (3.5 wt%). Besides single-step implementation, the introduced technique benefits from endowing the entire membrane structure with omniphobic and photothermal properties not only the membrane surface. This can drastically improve the membrane performance and life time.

Sustainable Water Production Study from Simulation Humid Air by Condensation Unit

Sustainable Water Production Study from Simulation Humid Air by Condensation Unit

Isolation and Identification of Alkaloid Genes from the Biomass of Fritillaria taipaiensis P.Y. Li

Background/Objectives: Fritillaria taipaiensis P.Y. Li is a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal herb that utilizes bulbs as medicine, which contain multiple alkaloids. Biomass, as a sustainable resource, has promising applications in energy, environmental, and biomedical fields. Recently, the biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms of the main biomass components of biomass have become a prominent research topic. Methods: In this article, we explored the differences in the heterosteroidal alkaloid components of F. taipaiensis biomass using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. Results: The experimental results demonstrated significant differences in the eight types of heterosteroidal alkaloid components among the biomass of F. taipaiensis, including peimisine, imperialine, peimine, peiminine, ebeinone, ebeiedine, ebeiedinone, and forticine. Transcriptomic analysis revealed substantial significant differences in gene expression patterns in the various samples. Three catalytic enzyme-coding genes, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase (HMGS), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), and terpene synthase (TPS), were speculated to contribute to the regulation of the differential accumulation of alkaloid synthesis in F. taipaiensis bulbs. A strong positive correlation was observed between the transcriptional level of the TPS gene and the alkaloid content of F. taipaiensis biomass, suggesting that TPS may be a key gene in the biosynthesis pathway of alkaloids. This finding can be used for subsequent gene function verification and molecular regulatory network analysis. Conclusions: This work provides fundamental data and novel insights for the subsequent research on alkaloid biosynthesis in F. taipaiensis.

Sustainable Water Management Solutions for Urban Areas

The management of water resources is a serious concern in urban areas because of the effects of climate change, aging infrastructure, and rapid population increase. This essay examines the vital significance of sustainable water management in urban settings, emphasizing cutting-edge frameworks for policy and technology that can improve water resilience and efficiency. Successful strategies, such as demand management and diversification of the water supply, are demonstrated by case studies like Windhoek, Namibia. In order to solve the intricate and interrelated problems of urban water scarcity, infrastructure constraints, and environmental repercussions, the essay emphasizes integrated water resources management (IWRM) as a crucial technique that incorporates multidisciplinary viewpoints. In order to guarantee a sustainable urban water future, the importance of inclusive policies and governance is also covered, highlighting the necessity of cooperative and flexible problemsolving techniques.

Orthogonal experimental investigation on permeability evolution of unconsolidated sandstones during geothermal fluid reinjection: A case study in the Minghuazhen Formation, Tianjin, China

Geothermal fluid reinjection (GFR) is vital for sustainable sandstone hydrothermal geothermal resource extraction. However, the permeability damage mechanisms of sandstone geothermal reservoirs due to reinjection remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the permeability evolution of unconsolidated sandstone during GFR through an orthogonal experiment. The influence mechanism of the factors, including temperature, injection rate, confining pressure, geothermal fluid concentration (GFC), and depth, on sandstone permeability is also discussed. The results showed the sandstone samples suffered permeability damage in 34.62–72.73 %. Particle clogging emerged as the primary mechanism responsible for the permeability damage, serving as a crucial bridge in understanding the influences of the factors on sandstone permeability. Efficient GFR requires the optimization of reinjection conditions tailored to the characteristics of geothermal reservoirs. Sensitivity analysis showed that the order-sensitive characteristic of permeability damage to the factors was injection rate > GFC > temperature > depth > confining pressure. Through the optimization of reinjection parameters, the heat exploitation performance under the worst permeability damage case can be improved by 1.77–1.93 times. This study could offer valuable insights into the challenges and considerations associated with GFR in sandstone reservoirs.

Analyzing urban water metabolism of Adama city using water mass balance method for advancing water sensitive interventions

Urban water metabolism focuses on measuring water inflows and outflows within a defined urban system. As an emerging concept, it provides valuable understandings into water flow dynamics, supporting evidence-based decision-making. One approach to quantify these flows is the urban water mass balance method, which accounts for both human-induced and natural water resources. By equating these flows, it identifies whether water movement within the system is linear or circular. The primary goal of water mass balance analysis is to assess how closely a city aligns with water-sensitive management approaches. However, urban metabolism studies are rare in developing countries, where cities often lack the experience to estimate water inflows and outflows for informed water-sensitive interventions. This study addresses this gap by analyzing Adama city in Ethiopia using the water mass balance method to measure its water metabolism. The result revealed that the city faces a negative water balance with outflows exceeding inflows by 46.89 million cubic meters annually. The results indicated that Adama’s water flow follows a linear “take-make-use-dispose” model. The imbalance in Adama’s water cycle is driven by urbanization, impervious surfaces, and climate change, which increase runoff and evaporation. The study found that 61.3% of the city’s water comes from a centralized system, with 90% sourced from distant rivers through a telecoupling system. In the city, inadequate water harvesting, high population density and intensive water use are worsening water scarcity. Urban water metabolism indicators reveal significant losses and indicating the need for water conservation efforts. Despite the reliance on centralized systems, the study identifies strong potential for decentralized solutions and alternative water harvesting. To tackle these challenges, the research recommends adopting water-sensitive strategies such as low-impact development, sustainable urban drainage systems, and water-sensitive urban design and planning. These approaches can reduce the negative effects of urbanization, mitigate urban water scarcity risks and improve water management through water sensitive management approach. The study also emphasizes the need for collaborative learning, community involvement, and innovative technologies, supported by legal frameworks to ensure effective water wise interventions. Shifting toward circular water management and decentralized water systems will boost Adama’s resilience and promote sustainable water resource management, making the city more internally self-sufficient.

Leaching Efficiency During Autumn Irrigation in China’s Arid Hetao Plain as Influenced by the Depth of Shallow Saline Groundwater and Irrigation Depth, Using Data from Static Water-Table Lysimeters and the Hydrus-1D and SIMDualKc Models

The need for controlling salinity in arid zones is essential for sustainable agricultural production and irrigation water use. A case study performed for two years in Hetao, Inner Mongolia, China, is used herein to rethink the contradictory issues of arid lands represented by water saving and controlling soil and water salinity. Two sets of static lysimeters, where water table depths (WTDs) were fixed at 1.25, 150, 2.00, and 2.25 m, were continuously monitored, and soil water and solute data were used to calibrate and validate two models: the soil water balance model SIMDualKc and the deterministic soil water and salt dynamics model HYDRUS-1D. Once accurately calibrated, the models were used to simulate maize water use, percolation, and capillary rise, along with the observed variables for the actual WTD and the autumn irrigation applied. Simulation scenarios also considered agricultural system degradation and dynamic water table behavior. Results have shown that large leaching efficiencies (Lefs) were obtained for large irrigation depths in cases of shallow water tables, but higher Lefs corresponded to high application depths when the water table was deeper. Agricultural system degradation, particularly increased groundwater salinity, lowered Lef, regardless of WTD. Conversely, water savings were minimal and only achievable when considering the dynamic nature of groundwater. These results indicate that there is a need to define different WTDs based on soil characteristics that influence fluxes and root zone storage, as well as the impacts of newly installed drainage systems aimed at salt extraction.

The Chemistry of Levulinic Acid: Its Potential in the Production of Biomass‐based Chemicals

Biomass has been identified as the ultimate sustainable resource for all carbon‐based consumer products of the chemical industries in the future. Its catalytic conversion leads to the formation of various platform chemicals that could partially or even fully replace the fossil‐based building blocks that have been currently used in synthetic chemical processes. Among these compounds, levulinic acid (LA) has been recognized as a member of the "Top Value Added Chemicals from Biomass" and has attracted significant attention since the seminal paper reported by Werpy and Petersen in 2004. This review summarizes the properties, recent advances, and developments in the chemistry of levulinic acid. The production of LA from both plant and animal‐based carbohydrate feedstocks via 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural or furfuryl alcohol is discussed from a mechanistic perspective, highlighting intrinsic molecular‐level limitations to LA formation. The efficiencies of recently developed catalytic systems are also summarized and compared. Furthermore, the conversion of LA into high‐value‐added downstream chemicals, including its role in the synthesis of complex molecular structures, is overviewed. This section discussed the reactions of LA in the points of view of its various transformations on carbonyl‐, carboxy‐, methyl‐, and methylene functional groups. The reactions of these functionalities with C‐ ,N‐, O‐, and S‐nucleophiles, alcohols, amines, organometallic reagents, oxygen etc. were thematically summarized. Our review also outlooks to highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with the extensive research area of organic chemistry of levulinic acid.

Advancing Sustainable Water Quality Monitoring and Remediation in Malaysia: Innovative Analytical Solutions for Detecting and Removing Emerging Contaminants

Advancing Sustainable Water Quality Monitoring and Remediation in Malaysia: Innovative Analytical Solutions for Detecting and Removing Emerging Contaminants

Revisiting the Aral Sea crisis: a geographical perspective

ABSTRACT The Aral Sea crisis is one of the greatest ecological and socio-economic disasters of the 20th century. The main cause was the large-scale diversion of water for cotton cultivation. This article examines the crisis with a human geography perspective and emphasises the need for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. It highlights the importance of sustainable water management, regional cooperation and active community participation. The study also discusses the role of integrated water and energy management supported by strong policies to prevent future water scarcity and address climate change. Finally, this article emphasises the significance of empowering local communities through traditional ecological knowledge and education to promote resilience and sustainable development. The conclusions focus on solutions to resolve the Aral Sea crisis that would ultimately improve the well-being of people in the region and beyond.

Assessment of the Impact of LID Techniques on Water Cycle Recovery in Industrial Complexes

Urbanization and industrialization have significantly disrupted the natural water cycle, leading to increased runoff, flooding, and groundwater depletion. Research on LID (Low Impact Development) techniques is ongoing in order to address these challenges. This study has analyzed the improvement in the water cycle system by applying LID techniques to the Daejeongcheon watershed in Ulsan. Using SWMM, this study has assessed the long-term effects of LID on runoff reduction and water cycle recovery rate improvement. Based on local climate data, topographical information, and regional characteristics, LID elements such as permeable pavements, green roofs, bioretention, and vegetative swales were applied. The results showed that the LID techniques reduced runoff by 8.44% and also improved the water cycle recovery rate by 13.52%. Additionally, the study confirmed that LID techniques effectively contributed to managing runoff from the 25.5 mm rainfall management target. LID techniques are expected to serve as sustainable water management strategies in urbanized and industrialized areas, offering effective restoration and management solutions.

Repurposing Quality-Downgraded Fluorinated Carbon Nanotubes as Eco-Additives in Microgel Composites for Sustained Water Release

Repurposing Quality-Downgraded Fluorinated Carbon Nanotubes as Eco-Additives in Microgel Composites for Sustained Water Release

Using a Game to Educate About Sustainable Development

Sustainable natural resource management is a high priority in the 21st century as it plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change and preventing some of its consequences like loss of biodiversity, land degradation, desertification, and the exhaustion of natural resources. This concern is reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasize, among other factors, sustainable cities and communities, responsible production and consumption, and climate action. Achieving sustainable natural resource management begins with raising awareness and educating the next generation. Therefore, it is essential to develop educational initiatives that prepare young people to become responsible and proactive adults in promoting environmental sustainability across industries and communities. Additionally, these initiatives should develop critical and analytical thinking skills, nurture innovative mindsets for creating environmentally sound solutions, and enhance the ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams. The NATURE project addressed these needs by designing and developing a serious educational game that fosters this set of skills. The results of the pilot testing show that the game is an effective tool and contributes to the education and awareness of the younger generation.

Innovative solar-assisted direct contact membrane distillation system: Dynamic modeling and performance analysis

The study presents an innovative solar-assisted dual-tank direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) system designed to enhance the operational stability and efficiency of solar-powered desalination. The proposed system integrates a dual thermal storage tank configuration, allowing for continuous operation by alternating between two tanks that store pre-heated water, thereby mitigating the impact of solar energy fluctuations. The dynamic modeling approach used in this study predicts the system's performance under varying solar conditions, focusing on key parameters such as permeate flux, evaporation efficiency, and specific thermal energy consumption. The simulation results show that the system achieves an average permeate flux of 14.4 L/h m² and a thermal efficiency of 53.3 % at a hot water temperature of 60 °C, with a corresponding average specific thermal energy consumption of 1567 kWh/m³. These findings highlight a substantial improvement in both thermal efficiency and water production compared to conventional single-tank systems.The dual-tank DCMD system is particularly suited for deployment in remote or arid regions where stable and efficient freshwater production is critical. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of a novel solar-assisted desalination technology, contributing to the advancement of sustainable water resources management by providing a reliable and scalable solution that can maintain high operational efficiency even in remote areas with variable solar conditions.