Articles tagged with Wastewater Treatment
A new framework calculates the most cost-effective way for multiple treatment facilities to jointly plan, build, and operate infrastructure to remove excess nitrogen from wastewater. The tool found that coordination could cut total capital and operating costs by up to 48 percent, a savings of $268 million over 30 years compared to the ...
Researchers at Stony Brook University have developed an intermediate nitrification/denitrification bioreactor that achieves high levels of nitrogen removal while maintaining low levels of organic material. The design uses wood chips to enable successful denitrification and reduce component system size, lowering costs.
Researchers have developed a technology to transition microbial communities in wastewater treatment plants from nitrogen removal to recovery, enabling the reuse of nitrogen compounds as an energy resource. This process reduces energy consumption and mitigates environmental impact, promoting a more sustainable wastewater treatment appro...
Researchers found that reconstructed coal gangue can activate powerful oxidation reactions to break down persistent organic pollutants. The material's intrinsic reactivity and surface chemistry are key factors in its ability to degrade pollutants.
Researchers developed an AI framework for detecting and managing microplastics in wastewater treatment systems. The system uses computer vision and machine learning to predict removal efficiency and identify pollution sources. While AI can complement chemical analysis, major challenges remain before these tools can be widely deployed.
Researchers are engineering biochar-based composites to overcome limitations, such as insufficient adsorption capacity and limited selectivity for certain emerging pollutants. The new review highlights the importance of balancing treatment performance with environmental safety throughout the material's life cycle.
A study by Texas A&M University reveals significant accumulation of PFAS on reverse osmosis filters used in desalination and advanced wastewater treatment. The researchers found that long-chain PFAS compounds bind strongly to organic fouling layers, posing risks to workers handling the equipment or leaching into local groundwater.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new method for removing microplastics from wastewater, achieving removal rates of more than 90% through the use of microbubbles and nanobubbles. The approach is simple to implement and significantly increases plastic removal during primary treatment.
A global analysis reveals that coupling data centres with wastewater treatment plants can eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, conserve freshwater, and generate economic savings. The study found that 87.8% of the economically viable linkages fall within 40 km of each other, making near-term urban deployment realistic.
A study by Jeonbuk National University researchers highlights the potential risks of chemical-enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) sewage sludge, but also shows that thermal treatment can lead to secondary heavy metal pollution. The team recommends using lower pyrolysis temperatures to enhance sustainability.
Researchers explore how METs convert organic waste into electricity, fuels, fertilizers, and usable water. Pilot deployments demonstrate its potential to reclaim energy from 359 billion cubic meters of wastewater annually.
Emerging microbially-powered technologies can convert up to 35% of wastewater's chemical energy into electricity and extract valuable nutrients. This approach could power agriculture, global sanitation and its own treatment, while reducing pollution and overcoming regulatory obstacles.
Research evaluates various scaled decentralized system configurations, demonstrating their potential to outperform centralized systems in environmental sustainability. Carefully designed SDSs offer a sustainable pathway for wastewater management in dense cities by integrating treatment and local resource recovery.
Animal manure biochar effectively removes hazardous pollutants such as dyes, antibiotics and heavy metals from wastewater. The material's surface chemistry and mineral content support mechanisms like electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding and ion exchange.
Researchers discovered complex viral communities in wastewater treatment plants, interacting with bacteria to influence treatment efficiency and health risks. The study found that viruses can act as reliable biological indicators of treatment performance, while also potentially promoting the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
Scientists discovered 14 new species of denitrifying endosymbionts in wastewater, which contribute to nitrate removal and help hosts generate energy. However, one species produces nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, with widespread global distribution.
A nationwide study found that water treatment methods using chlorine as a primary disinfectant increase the risk of Legionnaires' disease. Chlorine used as a secondary disinfectant also increases disease rates, whereas monochloramine reduces the risk.
Researchers analyzed 1,240 wastewater samples from 351 cities worldwide and discovered latent antimicrobial resistance genes. The study highlights the need for broader surveillance of resistance in wastewater to curb future pandemics.
Engineered biochar emerges as a powerful tool to combat water pollution, removing hazardous substances from wastewater. Its tailored surface chemistry and structure make it an ideal candidate for environmental cleanup, capturing both heavy metals and organic contaminants simultaneously.
Researchers at Princeton University have found a way to use treated wastewater instead of pure water for hydrogen production, reducing treatment costs by up to 47% and energy costs by about 62%. The method involves acidifying the water with sulfuric acid, which maintains ion conductivity and enables continuous hydrogen production.
Researchers developed a gravity-driven biochar microreactor from rattan, achieving ultrahigh flux and complete degradation of common pollutants. The system activated peroxymonosulfate through a non-radical pathway, with boundary-like defects as primary active sites.
Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology have discovered fluorinated covalent organic polymers (FCOPs) that can remove 67.3% of beta-blockers like atenolol and metoprolol within the first minute. The FCOPs' strong adsorption performance is attributed to their rich structure, which enables multiple synergistic ...
A new study shows that animal manure can be converted into a valuable solution for cleaning polluted water. Biochar, a carbon-rich material formed by heating organic matter, is stable, safe, and highly effective at removing contaminants such as toxic dyes, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical residues.
A machine learning approach enhances the treatment of livestock manure, predicting phosphorus distribution and recovery. The process converts biowaste into hydrochar and a nutrient-rich liquid, reducing environmental pollution and supporting sustainable agriculture.
A new review highlights how biochar can capture and reduce nitrate contamination in groundwater, agricultural soils, and wastewater. Biochar offers the advantage of being renewable, affordable, and adaptable to different environmental conditions, with removal efficiencies above 80-90 percent in some cases.
Researchers at Rice University developed a mechanistic model to simulate how oxidants and pollutants move through and react inside catalytic membranes. The framework identifies the ideal range for catalyst loading and introduces new performance metrics to improve membrane design.
This book presents innovative nanomaterials for efficient pollutant removal from wastewater, reducing energy consumption and promoting eco-friendly treatment outcomes. It explores emerging trends and future directions in nanotechnology-based purification, providing practical insights for researchers and professionals.
Scientists discover natural compounds from turmeric and rhubarb can combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater, which could pose risks to public health if not treated. The study found emodin and curcumin to be effective at inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation.
Microbial electrochemical sensors (MESs) exhibit linear correlation with standard BOD₅ and demonstrate validated long-term stability, allowing precise BOD quantification in saline wastewater. However, high salinity impairs sensor performance and requires adapted mechanisms to maintain functionality.
A team of scientists has developed a new method for desalination that uses liquid tin to simultaneously purify water and recover valuable metals. The process, powered by concentrated solar energy, can transform desalination brine into a valuable resource.
The EBDM system effectively controls membrane fouling, enhances effluent quality, and improves methane productivity in wastewater treatment. The electric field modifies the physicochemical properties of the biomass, reducing the fouling potential and promoting microbial metabolism.
Researchers developed an in-situ EPR setup to accurately identify radicals generated by PAA activation under different UV wavelengths, revealing distinct radical generation pathways. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of radical formation and transformation using density functional theory calculations.
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a solar-powered method to transform sewage sludge into green hydrogen and single-cell protein, reducing environmental damage and creating renewable energy and sustainable food. The three-step process recovers 91.4% of organic carbon and converts 63% into single-cell protein without producing h...
Researchers unveiled an innovative system that outperforms conventional filtration methods by combining microbial electrochemical technologies with enhanced biodegradation processes. The biofilter demonstrates significant removal of pharmaceuticals and herbicides, altering their chirality to influence toxicity and biodegradability.
Researchers developed a 3D contactless solar evaporation design to enhance heat and mass transport, achieving high evaporation rates and improved scalability. The design's performance variation between small and large devices is minimal, making it suitable for diverse water treatment scenarios.
Researchers created a novel mix-charged NF membrane featuring horizontal charge distribution, exhibiting remarkable salt permeation and organic matter retention capabilities. The membrane achieves 58.6% salt permeation and 68.7% COD rejection when treating high-salinity organic wastewater.
Researchers found that landfills retain most plastic waste but release high levels of PFAS into leachate, while wastewater treatment plants remove microplastics but accumulate PFAS in biosolids. The study highlights the need for pollution prevention and reduces to landfill disposal.
A new biomass densification technique increases bioethanol production efficiency by up to 95% sugar retention and 90% enzymatic sugar conversion. The method also utilizes biomass residues as effective bio-adsorbents for dye wastewater treatment, achieving removal rates of over 90%.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a combination of green algae and yeast that enhances wastewater treatment efficiency. The mixture boosts the growth environment, uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions, making it an effective solution for wastewater treatment facilities.
A new study finds that pathogens like Listeria and E. coli can survive on microplastics in wastewater treatment plants. These biofilms, called plastispheres, protect the pathogens from treatment processes, highlighting a challenge for safely reusing treated water.
A team of researchers has developed a method to extract valuable materials such as biopolymers and phosphorus from wastewater treatment plants. These biomaterials can be used as sustainable alternatives to oil-based products in various industries, including paper production, building materials, and water purification.
The review highlights the potential of cellulose-based materials in purifying wastewater without causing environmental harm. Cellulose can be converted into valuable products like hydrogels, aerogels, and nanocellulose for sustainable water remediation.
Researchers developed a framework to measure how water systems can adjust their energy use to balance power grid supply and demand. They found that water systems could shift up to 30% of their energy use during peak demand times, leading to significant cost savings.
Researchers have developed a novel biochar-based substrate that improves denitrification in constructed wetlands under low C/N ratios. The new approach boosts nitrogen removal rates by up to 45.89% and reduces nitrous oxide emissions by 70.57%.
A new study from European universities has developed a method to analyze wastewater data from seven major cities, identifying thousands of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and antimicrobial resistance. This approach can detect potential health threats simultaneously, potentially preventing epidemics from escalating into outbreaks.
Researchers found that reverse osmosis removed 99% of contaminants, including arsenic and cyanide, meeting environmental standards. This innovative method provides a scalable solution for the mining industry to improve sustainability.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that foaming plastic carriers promote 44 times more biofilm formation, enhancing wastewater treatment. Adding waste biomass further improves performance, especially in nitrate removal during the moving bed biofilm reactor process.
A new IIASA study assesses the feasibility of recovering phosphorus from Swedish municipal wastewater as a sustainable source, providing alternative fertilizers. The researchers found that economic viability varies between individual plants and hub strategies, with collaborative approaches offering cost savings.
Researchers developed an effective catalyst that significantly enhances ammonia conversion efficiency, offering potential for wastewater treatment and hydrogen production. The catalyst's design allows it to operate at lower voltages, producing less harmful substances like nitrite and nitrate.
Studies explore converting leftover wastewater from hydrothermal liquefaction into fertilizer for agricultural crops. Using a fungal treatment, researchers found significant increases in nitrate and ammonia concentrations, increasing nutrient availability. The method also removes toxic compounds, enabling circular economy applications.
Researchers isolated three bacterial strains that produce amylase enzymes from sugar factory waste, showing great potential for production. The optimal conditions for amylase production were found to be 37°C and pH 7.0, leading to increased enzyme activity.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method to create waterproof and grease-resistant paper coatings using extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from anaerobic granular sludge. The study found that EPS derived from waste sludge can improve paper coating properties, including water/grease-proofing behaviour.
A study by Griffith University reveals high levels of microplastics in Australian biosolids, which can accumulate in soils and break down into smaller plastics. The research found that synthetic clothing fibres were the dominant type of microplastic, with highest concentrations during cold and wet seasons.
Rice University engineers have developed a hybrid urban water supply system that combines conventional, centralized water sources with reclaimed wastewater to save energy and reduce freshwater use. The system is also more resilient against disruptions such as hurricanes and flooding.
Brazilian researchers developed a 3D zinc oxide photocatalyst that efficiently degrades sertraline, an emerging pollutant contaminating groundwater. The material's high photocatalytic activity and stability make it suitable for wastewater treatment.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to remove low-concentration methane from air using UV light and chlorine. The technique has shown promise in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock housing, biogas production plants, and wastewater treatment plants.
Researchers at WVU develop a cotreatment process that reduces demand for chemicals to soften wastewater, allowing treated water to be reused up to 99% of its original volume. The study's findings offer a potential solution to the industry's water use challenge and could close the cycle of treating cooling tower blowdown and reusing it.
A research team from the University of Waterloo developed an AI tool called PlasticNet to identify microplastics with unprecedented speed and accuracy. This system enables researchers to rapidly analyze large numbers of particles, reducing the time and error associated with manual identification, and providing quality information for i...
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a technology to convert wastewater sludge into potent oil that can replace fossil fuels in planes, ships, and trucks. The hydrothermal liquefaction process produces energy-rich bio crude oil with minimal waste and pollutants.