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


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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 1030-1040
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00871H

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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 707-722
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00637E
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 386-395
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00677D

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).
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 375-385
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00502F
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2994-3006
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00662F
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2917-2939
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00034B
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2873-2883
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00624C
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 3007-3018
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00314G
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2567-2579
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00440B
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2545-2566
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00460G

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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2289-2303
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00455K
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2314-2325
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00398H
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2277-2288
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00184E
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2207-2215
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00198E
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2006-2018
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00382A
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1895-1909
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00172A
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1910-1922
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00321J
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1466-1477
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00165A
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1547-1560
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00211F
Recovery of anaerobic ammonium oxidation via hydrazine following sulfate inhibition
The presence of sulfate in sewage treatment has obvious impacts on biological nitrogen removal.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1458-1465
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00041E

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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1423-1433
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00088A

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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1391-1407
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00084A
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1252-1260
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00965F

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).
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 968-980
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00788B
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 949-956
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00967B
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 792-806
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00014H

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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 742-756
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00824B

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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 757-770
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00826A
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 729-741
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00700A
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 771-780
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00691F
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 781-791
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00725D
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 534-542
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00651G

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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 543-574
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00897H

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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 523-533
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00863C

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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 257-269
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00656H
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 280-289
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00724F
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 270-279
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00782C
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 2268-2281
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00525A
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 2255-2267
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00540E
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 2231-2240
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00544H
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).
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 2043-2053
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00484K

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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 2010-2020
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW00939C

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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1748-1759
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00262G

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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1760-1777
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00411E

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”.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1714-1722
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00383F
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1737-1747
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00378J
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1723-1736
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00245G
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1600-1610
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00281C
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1587-1599
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00129A
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1563-1575
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00279A
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1453-1464
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00247C
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1492-1503
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00236H
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 886-903
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00001B
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 879-885
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00070E
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 739-747
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW01112F
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 714-725
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW01091J
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 599-609
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW00886A

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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 504-520
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW00946F
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 335-345
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW00944J
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.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 306-320
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW01007C
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.