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


Targeting current and future threats: recent methodological trends in environmental antimicrobial resistance research and their relationships to risk assessment
Recent research on antimicrobial resistance in the environment has emphasized targeted methods. Increased use of non-targeted methods is needed to determine how frequently novel resistance genes arise.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1787-1802
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00087C
CFD-accelerated bioreactor optimization: reducing the hydrodynamic parameter space
CFD modeling of fluidized bed bioreactors can identify desirable operational regimes and improve design.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 456-464
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00666E
Emerging investigator series: modeling of wastewater treatment bioprocesses: current development and future opportunities
Potential modeling framework of integrating mechanistic and data-driven models to address the microbiological composition and functions that are currently underrepresented in standalone models.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 208-225
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00739D
Emerging investigator series: could the superoxide radical be implemented in decontamination processes?
The superoxide radical (O2˙−) is an important reactive oxygen species (ROS) in diverse natural aquatic systems and engineered water treatment processes.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1966-1970
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00463H
Anaerobic membrane bioreactors for resource recovery from municipal wastewater: a comprehensive review of recent advances
The potentials of AnMBR for resource recovery from municipal wastewater are discussed. The main aim is to provide key insights into overcoming key challenges for full-scale implementation from a technical, environmental and economic point of view.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1944-1965
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00217A
Encapsulating microorganisms to enhance biological nitrogen removal in wastewater: recent advancements and future opportunities
Encapsulating microorganisms is promising to enhance biological nitrogen removal (BNR) in wastewater, with benefits of increased efficiency, reduced inhibition, and improved stability.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1402-1416
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00255D

The potential contribution of urine source separation to the SDG agenda – a review of the progress so far and future development options
Closing the human nutrient cycle with decentralized urine separation would help to achieve progress in food security and water protection – especially in poor countries. For this, radical innovation is needed along the whole sanitation value chain.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1161-1176
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW01064B
Recent advances in the treatment and recycling of mineral processing wastewater
Wastewater in the mineral processing industry: treatment technologies and reuse potential.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 1290-1304
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00944G
Characteristics and application of iron-based materials in heterogeneous Fenton oxidation for wastewater treatment: a review
Advanced oxidation processes have been extensively studied in degrading pollutants. This study summarises the previous research on iron-based materials and helps researchers to select and develop more effective iron-based catalysts suitable for different AOP systems.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 1266-1289
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00810F
A comprehensive review on the removal of antibiotics from water and wastewater using carbon nanotubes: synthesis, performance, and future challenges
This review describes the main characteristics of common antibiotics, their environmental and health effects, and also their fate in the environment, and furthermore provides insights into the adsorption of antibiotics onto CNTs as promising adsorbents.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 11-37
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00912E

Quantitative sustainable design (QSD) for the prioritization of research, development, and deployment of technologies: a tutorial and review
This tutorial review synthesizes literature on sustainability analyses to introduce quantitative sustainable design (QSD) for technology research, development, and deployment.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2439-2465
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00431C
Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) perovskite-based advanced nanomaterials with state-of-the-art photocatalytic performance in water clean-up
Bismuth ferrite nanohybrids as efficient photocatalysts for wastewater remediation against toxic azo dyes pollutants.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1590-1618
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00027J

Removal of metals from water using MOF-based composite adsorbents
This review article focuses on metal–organic framework (MOF) composites and the impact of mixing MOFs with other materials, such as polymers, carbon-based materials, and magnetic particles, to increase their performance to remove metals from water.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 1305-1330
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00941B
Various surface-active agents used in flotation technology for the removal of noxious pollutants from wastewater: a critical review
Treating emerging pollutants from industrial effluent that cause inevitable damage to human wellness and the environment is paramount.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 994-1007
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EW00024A

Resource recovery technologies as microbial risk barriers: towards safe use of excreta in agriculture based on hazard analysis and critical control point
Individual resource recovery processes are monitored as health risk barriers.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 1008-1029
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00832G
Metal–organic framework-based materials: emerging high-efficiency catalysts for the heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of pollutants in water
Water pollution has become one of the most important global environmental pollution problems, wherein various toxic and persistent organic pollutants in water pose a major threat to the environment.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 669-695
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00784C
Adsorption as a remediation technology for short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water – a critical review
Proposed treatment steps to target the removal of short-chain PFAS from contaminated aqueous solutions.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 344-362
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00721E
Removal of Cl(−I) from acidic industrial wastewater through oxidation: a review on methods and mechanisms
The oxidation approaches for Cl(−I) removal from acidic industrial wastewater, classified as electrolysis, ultraviolet-induced and strong-oxidant-dominated methods according to the mechanisms, are reviewed in this article.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 38-47
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00628F
Photosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide in water: a promising on-site strategy for water remediation
The history of photocatalysis of hydrogen peroxide in water is reviewed, and methodologies for developing high-performance photocatalysts are developed.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2819-2842
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00504B
Oxidative sorption of arsenite from water by iron: a mechanistic perspective
Removal of arsenite by oxidation and sorption via various iron particles (ZVI, bimetallic particles, iron (oxyhydr)oxides, bi- and tri-metal oxides, structural Fe(II) hydroxides and ferrate), and their respective removal methodologies are discussed.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2466-2490
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00522K
A review of arsenic mitigation strategies in community water supplies with insights from South Asia: options, opportunities and constraints
A critical review of arsenic mitigation strategies, including technologies, practices, opportunities, and challenges, to bridge the knowledge gap between academic research and field applications.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2491-2520
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00958C
Research progress of modified natural zeolites for removal of typical anions in water
The mechanism of natural zeolites for modification and the removal of anions.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2170-2189
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00478J

Addressing main challenges in the tertiary treatment of urban wastewater: are homogeneous photodriven AOPs the answer?
Homogeneous photodriven advanced oxidation processes (HP-AOPs) have been increasingly investigated in past years as a possible alternative solution to conventional tertiary treatment methods of urban wastewater.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2145-2169
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00146B
A critical review on advanced anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) for wastewater treatment: advanced membrane materials and energy demand
Insights into membrane design, reactor configurations, energy balance analysis and concerning challenges in AnMBR application for wastewater treatment.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 2126-2144
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00300G
Essential role of sunlight irradiation in aqueous micropollutant transformations: influence of the water matrix and changes in toxicities
We review the sunlight-induced photodegradation of micropollutants in water.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1619-1638
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00082B
Sorptive removal versus catalytic degradation of aqueous BTEX: a comprehensive review from the perspective of life-cycle assessment
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) are commonly encountered as industrial contaminants.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1359-1390
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00918D
Engineered osmosis – sustainable technology for water recovery, product concentration and energy generation
Engineered osmosis (EO) holds a vast untapped potential to be commercially exploited for various applications, including water recovery, product concentration, and energy generation.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1326-1358
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00005A
Advances in biomass thermochemical conversion on phosphorus recovery: water eutrophication prevention and remediation
This review critically discusses the processes, mechanisms, and implications of indirect prevention and direct remediation of water eutrophication with biomass-based derivatives.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1173-1187
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00169A
Ammonia-oxidizing microbes and biological ammonia removal in drinking water treatment
Ammonia in drinking water can lead to formation of disinfection byproducts in disinfection and bacteria regrowth in water distribution systems. Biological ammonia removal is an economical and environment-friendly way in controlling ammonia.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1152-1172
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00827G
Occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water: a review
The environmental occurrence of PFAS in different water systems and their likely sources and fate is discussed.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 1136-1151
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00851J
Photo-chemical/catalytic oxidative/reductive decomposition of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), decomposition mechanisms and effects of key factors: a review
Mechanisms of photodegradation of PFAS with different chain lengths and structures using a wide range of photo-oxidative/reductive agents, effects of key parameters on these processes, and synergistic effects of other treatments are reviewed.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 698-728
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00774B
A review of the impact of testing conditions on the performance and quality control of locally manufactured, point-of-use ceramic water filters
This review critically analyzes the most recent literature on parameters affecting the performance of ceramic water filters and compares proposed standardization testing as quality control tools.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 510-522
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00587A
Resource utilization of electroplating wastewater: obstacles and solutions
The source, composition and impacts of impurities on electroplating wastewater treatment are discussed to achieve higher recovery of metals and water.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 484-509
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00712B
Insights into the relationship of reactive oxygen species and anions in persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes for saline organic wastewater treatment
This paper reviewed the properties and relationship of reactive oxygen species and anions in persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes for saline organic wastewater treatment.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 465-483
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00731A
Treatment of organic matter and ammonia nitrogen in wastewater by electrocatalytic oxidation: a review of anode material preparation
The research progress of electrochemical treatment of organic matter and ammonia nitrogen in wastewater is reviewed in this work.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022,8, 226-248
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00695A
Occurrences and changes in bacterial growth-promoting nutrients in drinking water from source to tap: a review
Understanding bacterial growth-promoting nutrients are essential to produce and supply biostable drinking water.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 2206-2222
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00514F
Electrospun nanofibers: role of nanofibers in water remediation and effect of experimental variables on their nano topography and application processes
A comprehensive review on electrospun nanofibers: an insight into the latest solutions provided by the scientific community for large scale manufacturing of nanofibers and the role of nanofibers in water remediation.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 2166-2205
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00393C
Influence of atmospheric deposition on surface water quality and DBP formation potential as well as control technology of rainwater DBPs: a review
This manuscript mainly conducted a literature review of the contribution of atmospheric dry and wet deposition to surface water quality and DBP formation potential.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 2156-2165
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00520K
The rejection of perfluoroalkyl substances by nanofiltration and reverse osmosis: influencing factors and combination processes
This paper reviewed the various factors affecting the removal of PFASs from water by nanofiltration and reverse osmosis.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1928-1943
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00490E

Macroscopic covalent organic framework architectures for water remediation
This article has critically reviewed the story of macroscopic developments of COFs for water remediation. The various macroscopic COFs for removing toxic organic and inorganic pollutants have been systematically surveyed.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1895-1927
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00408E
A comprehensive review of adsorbents for fluoride removal from water: performance, water quality assessment and mechanism
This review gives a comprehensive summary of various defluoridation adsorbents in terms of performance, water quality assessment and mechanisms.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1362-1386
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00232E
The fate and impact of coagulants/flocculants in sludge treatment systems
Coagulants and flocculants have been widely used in various applications, especially in wastewater treatment and sludge dewatering, which result in their high accumulation in waste-activated sludge (WAS).
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1387-1401
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00165E
Electrocoagulation for industrial wastewater treatment: an updated review
Electrocoagulation (EC) is a promising method that has been effectively employed in the treatment of various types of industrial effluents.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1177-1196
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00158B
Utilizing cobalt-doped materials as heterogeneous catalysts to activate peroxymonosulfate for organic pollutant degradation: a critical review
This review highlights recent advances in peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) using cobalt-doped materials as heterogeneous catalysts.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1197-1211
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW01042A
Recent advances in membrane distillation using electrospun membranes: advantages, challenges, and outlook
Electrospun nanofiber membranes with different modification strategies can supplement freshwater from abundant saltwater resources containing different contaminants.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 1002-1019
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00128K
Nanoengineered iron oxide-based sorbents for separation of various water pollutants: current status, opportunities and future outlook
Iron oxide based magnetic nanosorbents have emerged as a material of choice for treating a wide range of water pollutants owing to their higher removal efficiencies, faster kinetics, economic viability, better reusability and ease of separation.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 818-860
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EW00108F
Synthesis, fabrication, and mechanism of action of electrically conductive membranes: a review
Synthesis and mechanism of action of electrically conductive membranes.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 671-705
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW01070G
Recovery of viable ammonia–nitrogen products from agricultural slaughterhouse wastewater by membrane contactors: a review
Efficient removal of nitrogen from wastewater is vital to ensure the safekeeping of waterways and their biota.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 259-273
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW00960A
About this collection
In addition to high quality research papers, Environmental Science: Water Research & Technologyfeatures topical review articles. Reviews will be added to this webpage as soon as possible after publication.