Articles tagged with Wastewater
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers monitored mercury levels in artificial lakes to identify sources and factors affecting concentration. Most mercury originated from soil in catchment areas, with surface runoff contributing in shorter-residence time reservoirs.
Researchers create high-performance catalyst to pull ammonia and solid fertilizer from low-level nitrates in industrial wastewater, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The process works at room temperature and under ambient pressure, with potential for decentralized ammonia production.
Researchers have developed an eco-friendly and reusable solution for removing toxic synthetic dyes from wastewater using nanocomposite-based hydrogels. The new material, made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and graphene oxide, demonstrates high adsorption capacities and retains its effectiveness even after multiple cycles of use.
A team of researchers from INRS has developed a new tool to measure the effects of endocrine disruptors in wastewater. Using human cell lines, they can detect the presence of these contaminants and predict their harmful effects without resorting to animal testing.
A recent study found that COVID-19 spreads extensively in households, with approximately 50% of household members infected from the first-infected individual. Children were less likely to spread the virus but equally likely to become infected as adults, highlighting their potential role in transmission.
A new study assesses wastewater infrastructure in 129 countries to explore community-wide health indices using Wastewater-based Epidemiology (WBE). The technique detects factors influencing health, including disease biomarkers detectable in wastewater.
A new framework by Stanford University could help policymakers spend billions on federal infrastructure funding more wisely. The study optimizes hourly demand and supply of power and water with integrated neighborhood-based power and water plants, significantly reducing costs and pollution.
A team of researchers discovered that combining food-grade plant extracts like okra and aloe can effectively remove microplastics from wastewater. The most effective combination was found to be okra paired with fenugreek in ocean water, while okra paired with tamarind worked best for freshwater samples.
Researchers have created a novel sorbent that effectively removes copper and zinc from water solutions, with the ability to be reused for efficient treatment of industrial wastewater and drinking water. The sorbent's adsorption properties were enhanced through modification, allowing for up to 60% removal of heavy metals within minutes.
The Bureau of Reclamation is providing $5.6 million in funding to 15 projects focused on improving desalination and water purification technologies. These advancements aim to expand access to otherwise unusable water resources, addressing the climate crisis and meeting Western communities' needs for a new source of water.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a simple synthesis method for iron-based single-atom catalysts that activate peroxymonosulfate to break down difficult-to-degrade pollutants. The team discovered two distinct chemical pathways involving 'high-spin' state iron sites, which interact with peroxymonosulfate to create r...
Researchers at Stanford University developed an electrochemical sulfur oxidation process that can transform wastewater into valuable materials. The technology has the potential to power renewable energy-powered wastewater treatment, creating drinkable water.
Scientists have created a 'greener' way to clean wastewater treatment filters by using glucose-based nanoparticles, which effectively remove contaminants without destroying the membrane. The new system is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than traditional methods.
A novel graphene-based field effect transistors (FETs) device can detect four different synthetic and natural opioids at once in wastewater. The device uses aptamers to trap opioid metabolites, enabling real-time monitoring with high geographical resolution and low cost.
Scientists identified a new plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) that enhances duckweed biomass productivity by 2.7-fold, increasing photosynthesis and wastewater treatment efficiency. The molecular mechanism suggests that organic compounds are transferred from the bacteria to duckweed, triggering an increase in photosynthetic activity.
Researchers have found toxic and carcinogenic contaminants in untreated fracking wastewater samples, including organic chemicals and metallic elements. The study provides critical information for regulatory agencies to fine-tune guidelines on safe treatment and disposal of fracking wastewater.
Researchers at MIT and China developed a desalination system that is both more efficient and less expensive than previous methods. The system uses natural convection to draw salt from the water, eliminating the need for wicks or power sources.
Swine waste lagoon construction dates have been established for the first time using satellite imagery, providing insights into their environmental impact. The study focused on North Carolina and found that approximately 16% of lagoons were already in place before 1987.
Researchers found that sewer slime can accumulate SARS-CoV-2 RNA, which could decompose or slough off later. The slime's ability to hold onto the viral RNA was linked to the number of diagnosed COVID-19 cases in late fall. Further studies are needed to assess its impact on wastewater epidemiology.
Researchers from UC Davis successfully monitored wastewater for COVID-19, supporting student return to campus and community insights. The approach offers early warning of infection and cost-effectiveness but also has limitations due to high transmission rates and resource requirements.
Researchers detect four cryptic variants of SARS-CoV-2 in NYC wastewater samples, suggesting possible animal origins. The variants' mutations could help identify the next variant of concern for COVID-19.
A team of researchers used wastewater-based epidemiology to detect SARS-CoV-2 in more areas of the Olympic village than clinical testing indicated. The study found that daily screenings missed asymptomatic and post-quarantine patients, highlighting the need for alternative methods.
Native marine macroalgae thrive in environments created by natural groundwater seeps, benefiting from enhanced nutrients despite lowered salinity levels. In contrast, tainted groundwater seeps support invasive species, threatening native algal dominance.
A new procedure uses high-intensity pulses of light to dramatically accelerate the removal of organic micropollutants from water. The treatment can degrade pollutants at extraordinary rates, making it an ideal solution for high-throughput water treatment applications.
Researchers are working on developing low-cost, environmentally benign materials that can selectively remove nutrients from municipal and agricultural wastewaters. The goal is to create novel materials for the recovery of phosphates and nitrates, which could become valuable, environmentally friendly fertilizers for agricultural fields.
Researchers used wastewater samples from 25 treatment plants across 10 countries to track the popularity of new synthetic drugs. Synthetic cathinones, including eutylone and 3-MMC, were found to have high per capita levels in wastewater, with increased international presence reported between 2020-2021 New Year periods.
A new study detected designer drugs like bath salts and eutylone in wastewater samples from 10 countries over the New Year. The study found that New Zealand consumed the highest loads of NPS, with high levels of eutylone also detected in Australia and Canada.
A study by FAU Harbor Branch reveals that even properly functioning septic systems contribute to nitrogen pollution in the Indian River Lagoon. Groundwater samples showed higher dissolved nutrient concentrations than surface waters, indicating contaminated groundwater as a major source of nutrient loading.
Researchers emphasize the need for monitoring drinking water for HIV medications, as they can contaminate rivers and streams through wastewater. The lack of regulation on pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment plants poses a significant challenge in ensuring safe drinking water.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a new peptide sensor to detect and quantify water-soluble synthetic polymers in wastewater. The technique uses machine learning algorithm to identify and discriminate between different polymers.
A team of scientists at KAUST has developed a novel approach for cleaning biofouled membranes in anaerobic bioreactors, combining UV irradiation with bacteriophages to eliminate bacteria. The method improved upon individual treatments and was proven effective over four cleaning cycles.
Researchers have developed new qPCR assays to quantify the transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using water and wastewater samples. These methods provide a more exact way to determine AMR by measuring DNA in wastewater samples.
Researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 viral load in wastewater samples that correlated with reported COVID-19 cases. The study suggests wastewater-based epidemiology as a valuable tool for early warning detection during outbreaks.
A new study by PSE Healthy Energy reveals that over 16 billion barrels of oil and gas wastewater were disposed of in unlined pits, contaminating regional aquifers with salts and toxins. The Tulare Basin, home to four million people, is at risk due to a lack of regulatory protections for groundwater near these disposal sites.
A UCLA-led team develops a breakthrough in microbial fuel cells by adding silver nanoparticles to bacteria, boosting electron transport efficiency and generating more electricity. The innovation could lead to practical applications of renewable energy from wastewater treatment.
Researchers develop a novel method to convert nitrate in wastewater into ammonia with nearly 100% efficiency and zero greenhouse gas emissions. The system utilizes cobalt catalysts and solar power to achieve unprecedented solar-to-fuel efficiency, outperforming existing technologies.
A team of researchers characterized different bacterial populations isolated from the International Space Station's potable water system, exploring their functional properties and long-term interactions. The study aimed to improve microbial risk assessments for human-built environments in space and on Earth.
Researchers at Flinders University have created a cost-effective way to harvest microalgal biomass from wastewater ponds, producing a sustainable source of biofuels. The high-rate algal pond model uses algae and bacteria to treat wastewater, reducing treatment time to 5-10 days and minimizing costs.
Researchers found a spike in prescription opioid and anti-anxiety sedative consumption, while illicit drug use plummeted during the early pandemic. The study used wastewater analysis to track community-wide habits and anxiety levels.
Researchers found substantial amounts of pharmaceutical compounds in a stream in Baltimore, despite low concentrations over the course of a year. The high loads are likely coming from leaking sewer pipes, posing a significant threat to aquatic life and ecosystems.