Themed collection Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology Recent HOT Articles

60 items
Open Access Paper

Amino acid-driven adsorption of emerging contaminants in water by modified graphene oxide nanosheets

Amino acid modified graphene nanosheets adsorb emerging contaminants from tap water outperforming unmodified precursors and activated carbon for carbamazepine, bisphenol A and benzophenone 4. Structure–adsorption relationships are unraveled.

Graphical abstract: Amino acid-driven adsorption of emerging contaminants in water by modified graphene oxide nanosheets
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Combined sewer overflows: relating event duration monitoring data to wastewater systems' capacity in England

Water pollution caused by the frequent use of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) has been attracting increased media and political coverage in England as in other places in the world.

Graphical abstract: Combined sewer overflows: relating event duration monitoring data to wastewater systems' capacity in England
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Pyrolysis transports, and transforms, PFAS from biosolids to py-liquid

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater solids have resulted in bans on land application of biosolids, causing utilities to explore thermal treatment options.

Graphical abstract: Pyrolysis transports, and transforms, PFAS from biosolids to py-liquid
Open Access Paper

Novel protein nanofibril–carbon hybrid adsorbent efficiently removes As(III), As(V) and other toxic elements from synthetic and natural waters in batch and rapid small-scale column tests

Novel adsorbents produced from β-lactoglobulin, a low-cost milk protein, have shown a high affinity to inorganic As(III) and As(V).

Graphical abstract: Novel protein nanofibril–carbon hybrid adsorbent efficiently removes As(iii), As(v) and other toxic elements from synthetic and natural waters in batch and rapid small-scale column tests
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

The role of ammonia oxidizing microorganisms in biofiltration for the removal of trace organic compounds in secondary wastewater effluent

Although nitrifying microorganisms play an important role in TOrC biotransformation, ammonia-rich environments appear to hinder important cometabolic processes, whereas low-dose monochloramine has minimal impact on biofilter performance.

Graphical abstract: The role of ammonia oxidizing microorganisms in biofiltration for the removal of trace organic compounds in secondary wastewater effluent
Paper

Spatiotemporal profiling of chemicals of emerging concern in a megacity: a case study of Lagos, Nigeria

This is the first study reporting the use of pharmaceutical and illicit drugs by profiling wastewater in Lagos, Nigeria.

Graphical abstract: Spatiotemporal profiling of chemicals of emerging concern in a megacity: a case study of Lagos, Nigeria
Paper

Sludge-based biochar with lanthanum modification for phosphate recovery from wastewater streams

Sludge based biochar granules were prepared and modified with lanthanum for effective phosphate recovery from wastewater and anaerobic digestion liquid.

Graphical abstract: Sludge-based biochar with lanthanum modification for phosphate recovery from wastewater streams
Paper

Piezoelectric catalytic performance of BaTiO3 for sulfamethoxazole degradation

During the piezoelectric catalytic process, highly reactive species might be generated and contribute to the effective degradation of the target organic pollutants.

Graphical abstract: Piezoelectric catalytic performance of BaTiO3 for sulfamethoxazole degradation
Paper

Kinetics, products and pathways for the removal of pentachlorophenol (PCP) by sulfidated nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nZVI)

Sulfidated nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nZVI) was applied in the treatment of pentachlorophenol (PCP)-polluted water to explore the reaction pathways and the effects of water chemistry on PCP adsorption and transformation.

Graphical abstract: Kinetics, products and pathways for the removal of pentachlorophenol (PCP) by sulfidated nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nZVI)
Paper

Cationic dye removal using surface treated activated carbon as an adsorbent

The use of treated activated carbon (AC) is investigated to eliminate cationic dye malachite green (MG) using modelled dye solution.

Graphical abstract: Cationic dye removal using surface treated activated carbon as an adsorbent
Open Access Paper

QSDsan: an integrated platform for quantitative sustainable design of sanitation and resource recovery systems

QSDsan is an open-source platform that integrates the design, simulation, and sustainability characterization of sanitation and resource recovery systems.

Graphical abstract: QSDsan: an integrated platform for quantitative sustainable design of sanitation and resource recovery systems
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Enhanced electro-peroxymonosulfate activation using a carbon nanotube filter with a functionalized polyelectrolyte

An innovative electroactive membrane was designed with polyelectrolyte modification for electro-PMS activation and degradation of refractory organic contaminants in a flow-through filtration model.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced electro-peroxymonosulfate activation using a carbon nanotube filter with a functionalized polyelectrolyte
Paper

Effects of dissolved oxygen on water quality and biofilms in the raw water distribution pipeline for a reserved water source

Higher initial DO concentrations could enhance the nitrification reaction and purification process of the raw water.

Graphical abstract: Effects of dissolved oxygen on water quality and biofilms in the raw water distribution pipeline for a reserved water source
Paper

Degradation of sulfapyridine antibiotics by chlorination in a pilot-scale water distribution system: kinetics, THMs, and DFT studies

Sulfonamides (SAs) have been proved to damage organisms if the contact time last over the long term.

Graphical abstract: Degradation of sulfapyridine antibiotics by chlorination in a pilot-scale water distribution system: kinetics, THMs, and DFT studies
Paper

Inactivation mechanisms of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica by free residual chlorine

The sub-cellular mechanisms by which residual free chlorine (FC) inactivates E. coli O157:H7 and S. enterica in the absence of organic matter was investigated.

Graphical abstract: Inactivation mechanisms of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica by free residual chlorine
Paper

Preparation of an rGO and iron oxide nanoparticle-incorporated polyvinyl acetate based membrane for the removal of Pb2+ from anticorrosive paint industrial wastewater

rGO–Fe2O3 NPs incorporated PVAc based mixed matrix membrane for efficient removal of Pb2+ from anti-corrosive paint industrial wastewater.

Graphical abstract: Preparation of an rGO and iron oxide nanoparticle-incorporated polyvinyl acetate based membrane for the removal of Pb2+ from anticorrosive paint industrial wastewater
Paper

Mechanism of galvanic reduction of selenate oxyanions and surface immobilization by nano zero-valent iron aggregates under anaerobic conditions: towards high electron efficiency

Elucidation of the galvanic mechanism of selenate reduction by nZVI leads to >99.95% removal and record electron efficiency by suppressing H2 evolution via in situ Se doping.

Graphical abstract: Mechanism of galvanic reduction of selenate oxyanions and surface immobilization by nano zero-valent iron aggregates under anaerobic conditions: towards high electron efficiency
Paper

Integrated experimental and modeling evaluation of removal efficiency and energy consumption for an autotrophic denitrifying biocathode

A mathematical model for autotrophic biocathodic denitrification of groundwater has been developed. The model predictions captured current demand and energy consumption related to reduction of N-forms.

Graphical abstract: Integrated experimental and modeling evaluation of removal efficiency and energy consumption for an autotrophic denitrifying biocathode
Paper

The development of a rapid monitoring method for radiocesium in seawater in the Fukushima region

A new monitoring method has been developed for the rapid assessment of low levels of 137-Cs and its effective concentration and quantification in Fukushima seawater, directly using KCuHCF slurry ink with a 137-Cs recovery exceeding 99% within 30 min.

Graphical abstract: The development of a rapid monitoring method for radiocesium in seawater in the Fukushima region
Paper

Recovery of anaerobic ammonium oxidation via hydrazine following sulfate inhibition

The presence of sulfate in sewage treatment has obvious impacts on biological nitrogen removal.

Graphical abstract: Recovery of anaerobic ammonium oxidation via hydrazine following sulfate inhibition
Open Access Paper

Removal of 293 organic compounds in 15 WWTPs studied with non-targeted suspect screening

The influence of WWTP treatment standard on contaminant breakthrough is explored for 293 compounds.

Graphical abstract: Removal of 293 organic compounds in 15 WWTPs studied with non-targeted suspect screening
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Emerging investigator series: meta-analyses on SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA levels in wastewater and their correlations to epidemiological indicators

Recent applications of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) have demonstrated its ability to track the spread and dynamics of COVID-19 at the community level.

Graphical abstract: Emerging investigator series: meta-analyses on SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA levels in wastewater and their correlations to epidemiological indicators
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Elimination of micropollutants by the solar/chlorine process: contribution of reactive species and formation risk of NDMA

Role of reactive species in the solar/chlorine process for elimination of diuron and risk of NDMA formation.

Graphical abstract: Elimination of micropollutants by the solar/chlorine process: contribution of reactive species and formation risk of NDMA
Open Access Paper

Drivers of variability in disinfection by-product formation potential in a chain of thermally stratified drinking water reservoirs

Increasing hydraulic residence time (HRT) along a chain of interconnected reservoirs enhances the formation potential of carbonaceous disinfection by-products (DBPs) and reduces the formation potential of nitrogenous DBPs, particularly N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

Graphical abstract: Drivers of variability in disinfection by-product formation potential in a chain of thermally stratified drinking water reservoirs
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Emerging investigator series: a comparison of strong and weak-acid functionalized carbon electrodes in capacitive deionization

Strong-acid functionalized cathode is pH stable and sulfonic groups are stable to charge–discharge cycling.

Graphical abstract: Emerging investigator series: a comparison of strong and weak-acid functionalized carbon electrodes in capacitive deionization
Paper

Succession of founding microbiota in an anaerobic baffled bioreactor treating low-temperature raw domestic wastewater

Spatiotemporal development of anaerobic seed sludge in a new ABR after transfer from a long-running ABR treating low-temperature domestic wastewater.

Graphical abstract: Succession of founding microbiota in an anaerobic baffled bioreactor treating low-temperature raw domestic wastewater
Open Access Paper

Simultaneous prediction of trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, haloacetonitriles and haloacetamides using simulated distribution system tests

This study analysed the spatial and temporal occurrence of 29 disinfection by-products (DBPs) formed by chlorination and chloramination.

Graphical abstract: Simultaneous prediction of trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, haloacetonitriles and haloacetamides using simulated distribution system tests
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

SARS-CoV-2 RNA is enriched by orders of magnitude in primary settled solids relative to liquid wastewater at publicly owned treatment works

We compared SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in primary settled solids and raw wastewater samples matched in date to investigate the relationship between the two matrices.

Graphical abstract: SARS-CoV-2 RNA is enriched by orders of magnitude in primary settled solids relative to liquid wastewater at publicly owned treatment works
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Glycerol-driven denitratation: process kinetics, microbial ecology, and operational controls

This study implicated stoichiometric limitation of influent organic carbon, unique microbial community enrichment, and differential nitrate and nitrite reduction kinetics as determinant factors in glycerol-driven denitratation.

Graphical abstract: Glycerol-driven denitratation: process kinetics, microbial ecology, and operational controls
Paper

Comparison of disinfection in intermittently mixed (6 am–6 pm) and continuously mixed high rate algal ponds treating domestic wastewater in winter

Daytime-only and continuously mixed HRAPs had equivalent disinfection performance, compliant with reuse guidelines. Daytime-only mixing reduces energy demand and capital cost of wastewater treatment, promoting adoption of HRAPs in rural communities.

Graphical abstract: Comparison of disinfection in intermittently mixed (6 am–6 pm) and continuously mixed high rate algal ponds treating domestic wastewater in winter
Paper

Modelling of a CH4-producing microbial electrosynthesis system for energy recovery and wastewater treatment

Electrode kinetics, gaseous CO2 dissolution, mass transfer, and equilibrium of pH buffer and bicarbonate are considered to illustrate the bioelectrochemical behaviors of an MES.

Graphical abstract: Modelling of a CH4-producing microbial electrosynthesis system for energy recovery and wastewater treatment
Paper

Simple and selective method for simultaneous removal of mercury(II) and recovery of silver(I) from aqueous media by organic ligand 4,4′-azo-1,2,4-triazole

Based on coordination chemistry, the removal of Hg2+ and the recovery of Ag+ are achieved simultaneously by selecting the 4,4′-azo-1,2,4-triazole (Atrz) as an organic ligand only through simple mixing, agitation and filtration.

Graphical abstract: Simple and selective method for simultaneous removal of mercury(ii) and recovery of silver(i) from aqueous media by organic ligand 4,4′-azo-1,2,4-triazole
Open Access Paper

Reactivities of hydrated electrons with organic compounds in aqueous-phase advanced reduction processes

Novel linear free energy relationships were determined between experimentally measured rate constants of solvated electrons and theoretically calculated one electron reduction potential for the elucidation of reductive reaction mechanisms.

Graphical abstract: Reactivities of hydrated electrons with organic compounds in aqueous-phase advanced reduction processes
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Application of plasma for the removal of pharmaceuticals in synthetic urine

Application of plasma oxidation for removal of pharmaceuticals in urine was assessed and compared to a traditional advanced oxidation process.

Graphical abstract: Application of plasma for the removal of pharmaceuticals in synthetic urine
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Fate of influent microbial populations during medium chain carboxylic acid recovery from brewery and pre-fermented food waste streams

Waste streams continuously introduce active and inactive microbial populations that can influence assembly of microbial communities in chain elongation systems.

Graphical abstract: Fate of influent microbial populations during medium chain carboxylic acid recovery from brewery and pre-fermented food waste streams
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Exploring the carbon and nitrogen removal capacity of a membrane aerated biofilm reactor for low-strength municipal wastewater treatment

Sustainable HRT of 3–4 h achieved for MABR effluent with carbon and nitrogen meeting the discharge standard of level I class A in China for synthetic municipal wastewater treatment.

Graphical abstract: Exploring the carbon and nitrogen removal capacity of a membrane aerated biofilm reactor for low-strength municipal wastewater treatment
Paper

Efficient phosphate recovery as vivianite: synergistic effect of iron minerals and microorganisms

Dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria greatly increased the production of vivianite. Phosphate promoted the dissimilatory reduction of iron minerals and a high Fe/P ratio (2–4) is conducive for phosphorus recovery as vivianite.

Graphical abstract: Efficient phosphate recovery as vivianite: synergistic effect of iron minerals and microorganisms
Paper

Piloting carbon-lean nitrogen removal for energy-autonomous sewage treatment

Unique pilot design and innovative control strategies enabled mainstream nitrogen removal with a low COD to N removal ratio at both summer and winter conditions.

Graphical abstract: Piloting carbon-lean nitrogen removal for energy-autonomous sewage treatment
Paper

Prediction of NDMA formation potential using non-target analysis data: a proof of concept

In the present study we coupled nontarget analyses data and predictive models in order to estimate the formation potential of NDMA, a nitrogenous disinfection by-product that has been included in drinking water regulations worldwide.

Graphical abstract: Prediction of NDMA formation potential using non-target analysis data: a proof of concept
Paper

Emerging investigator series: electrochemically-mediated remediation of GenX using redox-copolymers

GenX is a major per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) of environmental concern. Redox-copolymers are explored as selective adsorbents for the electrochemically-mediated separation and remediation of GenX from water.

Graphical abstract: Emerging investigator series: electrochemically-mediated remediation of GenX using redox-copolymers
Paper

Chlorinated solvent degradation in groundwater by green rust–bone char composite: solute interactions and chlorinated ethylene competition

Potential inhibitors in the groundwater matrix that affect bone char (BC) mediated dechlorination of chlorinated ethylenes by green rust (GR).

Graphical abstract: Chlorinated solvent degradation in groundwater by green rust–bone char composite: solute interactions and chlorinated ethylene competition
Open Access Paper

Immunological detection of thymine dimers in indigenous genomic DNA from pre-disinfection drinking water as an ultraviolet disinfection dosimeter

A linear UV dose response is demonstrated using an ELISA assay that measures thymine dimers formed in the genomic DNA extracted from the mixed species of microorganisms filtered from UV treated pre-disinfection drinking water.

Graphical abstract: Immunological detection of thymine dimers in indigenous genomic DNA from pre-disinfection drinking water as an ultraviolet disinfection dosimeter
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Elementary reaction-based kinetic model for the fate of N-nitrosodimethylamine under UV oxidation

UV photolysis is an effective process to remove nitrosamines from contaminated water resources.

Graphical abstract: Elementary reaction-based kinetic model for the fate of N-nitrosodimethylamine under UV oxidation
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

The heat recovery potential of ‘wastewater’: a national analysis of sewage effluent discharge temperatures

Environmental water quality data from England are used to establish the excess heat in sewage effluent discharges to rivers and subsequently estimate the national scale heat recovery potential of wastewater.

Graphical abstract: The heat recovery potential of ‘wastewater’: a national analysis of sewage effluent discharge temperatures
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Open Access Paper

Development of trash exclusion for mechanized pit latrine emptying

The trash-excluding attachment (Excluder) can be connected to a custom vacuum (such as the Flexcrevator), a vacuum truck, or a sludge pump. The system allows the mechanized emptying of pit latrines with high levels of trash without manual “fishing”.

Graphical abstract: Development of trash exclusion for mechanized pit latrine emptying
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

A new Zn(II) complex-composite material: piezo-enhanced photomineralization of organic pollutants and wastewater from the lubricant industry

A ZnO–[Zn(CPAMN)] complex-composite acts as a piezo-photocatalyst for the degradation of dyes pollutants and industry wastewater under ultrasonication and visible light irradiation due to the low rate of electron–hole pair recombination.

Graphical abstract: A new Zn(ii) complex-composite material: piezo-enhanced photomineralization of organic pollutants and wastewater from the lubricant industry
Paper

Photodegradation of an ammonium ionic liquid: spiking in urban wastewater and comparison with aromatic ionic liquids

The photodegradation of an emerging pollutant, ammonium ionic liquid, is thoroughly investigated by using an advanced oxidation technique.

Graphical abstract: Photodegradation of an ammonium ionic liquid: spiking in urban wastewater and comparison with aromatic ionic liquids
Paper

A comparative study on the removal of dyes from wastewater by nascent-state manganese dioxide and ferric hydroxide under acidic conditions

In this study, the removal of dyes by NSMD and NSFH was investigated, and two high-quality QSAR models for these adsorbents were established using multiple linear regression (MLR). Finally, the dye removal mechanisms of the two adsorbents were studied and compared.

Graphical abstract: A comparative study on the removal of dyes from wastewater by nascent-state manganese dioxide and ferric hydroxide under acidic conditions
Paper

Chemical removal in waste stabilisation pond systems of varying configuration

Better chemical removal in waste stabilisation ponds was linked to the presence of a maturation pond, higher solar irradiation, and warmer temperatures.

Graphical abstract: Chemical removal in waste stabilisation pond systems of varying configuration
Paper

Electron transfer mechanism of peroxydisulfate activation by sewage sludge-derived biochar for enhanced degradation of sulfamethoxazole

The electron-transfer process is the main pathway occurring in the BC800/PDS system and the singlet oxygen pathway is determined to have little contribution to the oxidation of SMX.

Graphical abstract: Electron transfer mechanism of peroxydisulfate activation by sewage sludge-derived biochar for enhanced degradation of sulfamethoxazole
Paper

Coagulation of organic pollutants by Moringa oleifera protein molecules: in silico approach

This study used a molecular dynamics simulation approach to predict and evaluate the coagulation of organic pollutants around the Moringa oleifera 2S albumin protein extracted from the seed.

Graphical abstract: Coagulation of organic pollutants by Moringa oleifera protein molecules: in silico approach
Paper

Application of a H2-based MBfR in advanced nitrogen removal from real municipal secondary effluent

A potentially scalable configuration of a H2-based MBfR was developed in this study to test the feasibility of treating real secondary effluent.

Graphical abstract: Application of a H2-based MBfR in advanced nitrogen removal from real municipal secondary effluent
Paper

Decreasing waste brine volume from anion exchange with nanofiltration: implications for multiple treatment cycles

Ion exchange (IX) removes hexavalent chromium from water, but waste brine disposal makes implementation cost-prohibitive in many communities. Nanofiltration treats waste brine for reuse in the next regeneration cycle.

Graphical abstract: Decreasing waste brine volume from anion exchange with nanofiltration: implications for multiple treatment cycles
Paper

Architecting a Janus biomass carbon/sponge evaporator with salt-rejection and ease of floatation for sustainable solar-driven desalination

A Janus biomass carbon/sponge (JBCS) solar-driven desalination system is composed of carbonized original leaf particles and commercial melamine sponge seamlessly integrated with each other by a simple “soak-dip” method.

Graphical abstract: Architecting a Janus biomass carbon/sponge evaporator with salt-rejection and ease of floatation for sustainable solar-driven desalination
Paper

Optimization of reverse osmosis operational conditions to maximize ammonia removal from the effluent of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor

RO enables the recovery of clean water and ammonium in anaerobic membrane bioreactor effluent. pH governs the ammonia speciation and membrane surface charge and is the key operational factor that affects the total ammonia rejection efficiency of RO.

Graphical abstract: Optimization of reverse osmosis operational conditions to maximize ammonia removal from the effluent of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor
Paper

Emerging investigator series: 3D graphene anchored zerovalent Fe/Cu aerogel activating persulfate for efficiently 2,4 dichlorophenol degradation over a broad pH range

3D graphene anchored zerovalent metal aerogel as an alternative route for the efficient removal of organic pollutants from wastewater.

Graphical abstract: Emerging investigator series: 3D graphene anchored zerovalent Fe/Cu aerogel activating persulfate for efficiently 2,4 dichlorophenol degradation over a broad pH range
Paper

Impact of sodium silicate on lead release from lead(II) carbonate

Sodium silicate has been used to control lead levels in drinking water, but there is little theoretical support for this practice. We find that sodium silicate is not effective in controlling lead release from lead(II) carbonate.

Graphical abstract: Impact of sodium silicate on lead release from lead(ii) carbonate
Open Access Paper

Reproducibility and sensitivity of 36 methods to quantify the SARS-CoV-2 genetic signal in raw wastewater: findings from an interlaboratory methods evaluation in the U.S.

The reproducibility and sensitivity of 36 methods for quantifying the genetic signal of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater was evaluated in a nationwide interlaboratory assessment in the U.S.

Graphical abstract: Reproducibility and sensitivity of 36 methods to quantify the SARS-CoV-2 genetic signal in raw wastewater: findings from an interlaboratory methods evaluation in the U.S.
From the themed collection: Recent Open Access Articles
Paper

Understanding the formation of recalcitrant dissolved organic nitrogen as a result of thermal hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion of municipal sludge

This study for the first time investigated the turnover of dissolved organic nitrogen in lab-scale thermal hydrolysis pretreatment at different temperatures with and without mesophilic anaerobic digestion at a solids retention time of 15 days.

Graphical abstract: Understanding the formation of recalcitrant dissolved organic nitrogen as a result of thermal hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion of municipal sludge
Paper

Effects of peracetic acid on aromatic polyamide nanofiltration membranes: a comparative study with chlorine

Peracetic acid (PAA) is being considered as a disinfectant in membrane-based wastewater reuse systems. This study shows that PAA is overall compatible with polyamide membranes and proposes PAA-polyamide reaction mechanisms.

Graphical abstract: Effects of peracetic acid on aromatic polyamide nanofiltration membranes: a comparative study with chlorine
60 items

About this collection

Here is a collection of recent Environmental Science: Water, Research & Technology articles which have been classified as ‘HOT articles’ due to receiving particularly high scores at peer review.

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