Articles tagged with Wastewater
A recent study by Nils Heck and Kenneth Dumack reveals that microbial predators like amoebae and ciliates play a significant role in shaping the bacterial community in wastewater treatment. The findings suggest that these predators, which are temperature-dependent, contribute to seasonal variations in wastewater treatment efficiency.
A new study suggests that wastewater monitoring can be an effective way to track the spread of infectious diseases. The research found that testing for COVID-19 in wastewater was an objective way to measure where the disease was spreading, with most samples processed in under four days.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed an electrochemical device that can recover phosphorus fertilizer from municipal waste with high efficiency. The device achieved over 93% efficiency in recovering phosphorus and precipitating approximately 99% of it into solid form.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a new purification system that uses an electrified version of dialysis to separate salt and other unnecessary particles from wastewater. The method saves money and saps 90% less energy than its counterparts, making it a promising solution for global water scarcity.
A specially designed garden, rain garden, can capture toxic tire chemicals associated with tires entering waterways by more than 90%. Researchers tested a Vancouver rain garden and found that it captured about 75% of the chemical, preventing it from entering salmon-bearing streams.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a new adsorbent that utilizes problematic protons in acidic wastewater to enhance the removal of radioactive cesium ions. The adsorbent, potassium calcium thiostannate, shows improved capacity under strongly acidic conditions.
Researchers are investigating methods to extract critical materials, including lithium for electric vehicle batteries and magnets for electric motors, from diverse water streams. By accelerating evaporation through porous photothermal materials, they aim to reduce energy intensity and improve supply chain security.
Professor Lapointe suggests treating certain types of wastewater with passive, modular, and decentralized solutions, reducing techno-economic barriers. These solutions include bioretention cells, aggregate-decant systems, and seepage areas through functionalized soils.
A new study finds that popular compostable plastics like PLA don't biodegrade in marine environments, instead persisting unchanged. The research highlights the need for standardizing tests to see if materials promoted as compostable or biodegradable actually break down in natural environments.
Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering have developed a sustainable solution to remove phosphate and ammonium from wastewater by utilizing advanced membranes incorporating inorganic particles. This method recovers these nutrients for future use, providing a new source of materials for agricultural fertilizers and helping addr...
A study analyzing the affordability of water services for 28.3 million people in the US found that 15% of households, or one in seven, face financial hardship in paying for access to water and wastewater services. The researchers suggest that solutions require comprehensive strategies at local, state, and federal levels.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed high-adsorption phosphates that can efficiently capture radionuclide cesium ions. These phosphates outperform standard adsorbents with record-high adsorption capacities, making them promising candidates for radioactive waste disposal.
A new type of membrane separation technology is proposed for efficient wastewater treatment, which uses a nonpolar super-aligned carbon nanotube membrane to eliminate covalent-bonding-induced fouling. The membrane exhibits high selectivity and comparable permeability while achieving improved cleaning efficiency and oil/water separation.
Scientists at Washington State University have created a carbon-negative concrete that can sequester up to 23% of its weight in CO2 while maintaining strength comparable to regular cement. This innovation could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint, with potential applications in pavements and bridges.
A study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that wastewaters harbor unique characteristics allowing antibiotic resistance genes to evolve. The researchers found key components necessary for gene movement in wastewater samples worldwide, not in human or animal guts.
A novel copper-containing polymeric filter can effectively capture carbon dioxide from the air, converting it into sodium bicarbonate that can be released harmlessly into the ocean. The technology has garnered international attention and could be powered by renewable energy in the future.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a cellulose-based material that can easily remove 80% of toxic dyes from wastewater using sunlight. The method is cost-effective, simple to set up, and could benefit countries with poor water treatment technologies.
Researchers analysed wastewater from 10 cities to detect chemical and biological markers of health, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals and disease-causing viruses. The study found that analysing wastewater on a large scale could spot new outbreaks of diseases in communities early on.
Researchers explore biotechnologies that use microbes to extract rare minerals and fuels from wastewater. This innovation has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing previously unused resources.
Researchers at Arizona State University used wastewater-based epidemiology to monitor dietary behavior in a small residential district. The study found significant spikes in phytoestrogen levels and human gut metabolites associated with changes in diet, such as increased isoflavonoid consumption from soy-based foods.
The Nile River Delta faces significant environmental threats from heavy metal pollution and coastal erosion, impacting 60 million people in Egypt. The study highlights the need for conservation measures to slow degradation and recover the ecosystem.
A model predicting oxygen levels in freshwater streams, developed by WVU researcher Omar Abdul-Aziz, helps determine stream pollution and health. The tool allows citizen scientists to take action on stream pollution, with potential applications for implementing the Clean Water Act.
A new study by Rice University and Houston Health Department shows that wastewater-based monitoring is an effective way to detect viral outbreaks in schools. The system allows for early detection of illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, enabling strategies to stop the onset of potential outbreaks.
Scientists discovered that 12 strains of cyanobacteria can passively collect rare earth elements from wastewater through a process called biosorption. This process has great potential for the circular recovery and reuse of rare earth metals in industries such as mining, electronics, and chemicals.
New research reveals that municipal wastewater treatment plants release significantly more methane into the atmosphere than previously estimated. The findings suggest that existing guidelines underestimate emissions equivalent to 5.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Anaerobic digesters, used in some facilities, are particularly s...
Researchers at Texas A&M University have created a new method to monitor flocculation and mixing in real-time, allowing for more precise control over the process. This technique reduces energy consumption by halving the workload and improving precision.
A new study by the University of Vienna shows that the persistence of acesulfame varies with temperature, making it an effective tracer for groundwater flows. The research team analyzed seasonal fluctuations in acesulfame concentrations to better understand subsurface processes and optimise waterworks operations.
Researchers found that urine-diverting toilets expelled fewer virus particles than traditional toilets during flushing. The study simulated an average excretion event from a sick person and estimated viral emissions for different types of toilets.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a sustainable biorefinery that turns organic waste, including lignin, into valuable products. The process involves a microbial electrolysis cell that breaks down lignin into aromatic compounds with medicinal properties.
Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 virus in almost all plane wastewater at three UK airports during a period of COVID restrictions. The study suggests that wastewater testing could be used to monitor the general health of passengers on flights entering the country, potentially capturing 8-14% of SARS-CoV-2 cases.
Researchers found that hand washing can drastically cut the amount of fibers shed compared to using a machine, offering guidance for greener laundering methods. The study aims to clarify sources of microplastic pollution in the environment and promote more sustainable textile care practices.
Research from Karolinska Institutet found high levels of antibiotic residues in waterways, including wastewater and drinking water, in regions such as China and India. The study suggests these residues contribute to antibiotic resistance, a global threat to human health.
A study published in Addiction journal found a significant decrease in codeine consumption across Australia after the country's most misused legal opioid was switched to a prescription-only medicine. The switch led to a 37% overall drop in codeine consumption, with smaller decreases observed in regional areas.
A comprehensive assessment evaluates the removal of 38 emerging contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors, using microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, UV radiation, and powdered activated carbon adsorption. PAC adsorption shows high removal rates for most compounds.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that uses microbiome data from wastewater to estimate the number of individuals represented in a sample. The method was trained on over 1,100 people's samples and can be used to link wastewater properties to individual-level data.
A global study reveals that antimicrobial resistance genes in bacteria are driven by various factors, including geographic regions and hosts. The research identifies key genes conferring resistance to critically important drugs, shedding light on the mechanisms of transmission and the need for collaborative interventions.
Two crops, celery and cordifolium, were cultivated using reused medium from domestic wastewater and standard Hoagland nutrient solution. The results showed that the reused medium was effective in promoting plant growth, with cordifolium exhibiting better performance than celery, despite initial salt toxicity issues.
The City of Tempe and Arizona State University have developed a unique partnership to track COVID-19 using wastewater-based epidemiology, providing early warning data for municipalities. The system has been shown to reliably predict SARS-CoV-2 levels in city ZIP codes up to 11 days ahead of clinical testing results.
A new study assesses the environmental safety of three topical antiseptic compounds, finding high margins of safety for two of them. Researchers conclude that these substances are unlikely to cause ecological harm, providing a sound basis for interpreting future environmental data.
Researchers found that PFAS concentrations in treated wastewater are high enough to impact soil filtration and potentially enter crops. The study highlights the need for understanding tradeoffs of using treated wastewater for irrigation practices, especially in agriculture.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that wastewater surveillance can detect almost all infectious diseases classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. However, more research is needed to maximize the utility of this powerful science for public health benefit.
Researchers at Rice University have received National Science Foundation support to speed up the analysis of wastewater for coronaviruses from hours to seconds. The team will develop bioelectric sensors that deliver immediate notice about the presence of viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
Pharmaceutical contamination poses significant risks to ecosystems due to the widespread use of medicines in humans and animals. Researchers emphasize the need for greener drug design, improved wastewater management, and responsible use of drugs.
The global survey highlights intense exposure to extreme heat, water scarcity, and flooding due to climate change, with cities in developing countries facing significant infrastructure gaps. City leaders also report challenges related to private automobiles, biking, and walking, as well as budgetary concerns and mental health issues.
Researchers aim to create intelligent drones that can autonomously inspect coal waste storage facilities, detecting cracks and deformities with thermal and visual images. The drones will be equipped with AI-based software to identify potential hazards, providing a faster and long-term solution to prevent environmental damage.
Researchers at KAUST developed conductive membranes that stimulate microbial growth and separate biochemical products, reducing the CO2 conversion time from over 30 days to just one month. The membranes use nickel nanoparticles to catalyze hydrogen production, enhancing efficiency and stability in microbial electrosynthesis systems.
Researchers propose a new coupling strategy combining photocatalytic water oxidation and catalytic wet peroxide oxidation to efficiently remove organic pollutants from wastewater. The proposed strategy achieves higher total organic carbon removal rates compared to traditional methods.
Coronavirus levels in wastewater accurately predicted hospitalization peaks and healthcare pressure, enabling timely forecasting. The study's results demonstrate the value of virus surveillance in monitoring ongoing outbreaks.
A study by Hokkaido University scientists found a close association between clinical cases of COVID-19 and viral loads in wastewater, with the viral loads picking up to two days before the cases were detected. The researchers used wastewater-based epidemiology to track the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.
Researchers developed a new quantitative RT-qPCR assay to detect and quantify the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. The assay revealed that Omicron displaced Delta as the dominant variant within just 3 weeks in an Italian population.
A novel salt-tolerant HN-AD bacterium, Halomonas venusta TJPU05, was isolated and demonstrated excellent potential in treating high-salinity nitrogenous wastewater. The study showed that 86.12% of NH4+-N, 95.68% of NO3––N, 100% of NO2––N and 84.57% of total nitrogen (TN) could be removed from simulated water within 24 hours.
Scientists at the University of Chicago discover a method to increase lithium selectivity in olivine iron phosphate using electrochemical intercalation. Seeding electrodes with lithium ions can repel unwanted elements, improving the efficiency of lithium extraction from dilute water resources.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a synthetic polymer that can remove certain dyes from water, and the polymer can be recovered and reused. The study found that the polymer's ability to remove dyes was dependent on solution pH and topological polar surface area of the dyes.
A new study reveals that climate change and population growth are putting UK wastewater treatment works at extreme stress, with dynamic stressors linked to increased risk of pollution events. The research proposes using real-time data to mitigate disruption and improve resilience.
Engineers at UIC have been awarded a grant to build a system that selectively removes and destroys PFAS, commonly called 'forever chemicals,' from industrial and municipal wastewaters. The team will develop a prototype of their system and deploy it for scale-up and pilot testing in California's Orange County Water District.
CoVaRR-Net is investing $6.9 million in 15 research projects focused on understanding Omicron subvariants and finding solutions to curb their spread. The studies will explore various aspects of variants, including viral transmission between animals and people, new variant mutations, and the impact of social factors on Indigenous Peoples.
Researchers have discovered a technique to remove phosphorus from wastewater at higher temperatures, using bacteria to store the chemical. The SCELSE-developed innovation extends the temperature range of enhanced biological phosphorus removal to 35 degrees Celsius.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found a spike in acetaminophen concentrations in wastewater preceded a surge in COVID-19 cases. The detection of pharmaceuticals could complement existing efforts to monitor viral RNA, providing a more comprehensive understanding of disease outbreaks.
International meta-analysis finds that streams and rivers' efficiency in retaining nitrates is nearly five times lower for agricultural catchments than pristine ones. Wastewater, agriculture, and urbanization are the top stressors affecting ecological functions, highlighting the need for urgent action.
Researchers have identified efficient technologies to remove endocrine disruptors from wastewater, including ozonation and adsorption with activated carbon. These methods can be added to existing treatment plants, improving performance without major changes.