Themed collection Protecting Our Water Collection
Urban stormwater capture for water supply: look out for persistent, mobile and toxic substances
Urban stormwater is a source of persistent, mobile and toxic substances, however the risk for water resources is unknown.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 3094-3102
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EW00160A
Advances in special wettable materials for adsorption separation of high-viscosity crude oil/water mixtures
Separation and recovery strategies of high-viscosity crude oil through regulating surface wettability, designing pore structures and reducing crude oil viscosity.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 7559-7578
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC00984J
Advances in harvesting water and energy from ubiquitous atmospheric moisture
Sorbent-assisted AWH and moisture-enabled energy generation are reviewed in parallel to reveal the correlation between these two technologies.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 12456-12481
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA09552A
An overview of atmospheric water harvesting methods, the inevitable path of the future in water supply
Although science has made great strides in recent years, access to fresh water remains a major challenge for humanity due to water shortage for two-thirds of the world's population.
RSC Adv., 2023,13, 10273-10307
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA07733G
Recent advances in interfacial solar vapor generation: clean water production and beyond
This review summarizes the recent progress in interfacial solar vapor generation, which was first proposed in 2014. The technique shows great potential for decentralized desalination applications using ubiquitous and renewable solar energy.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 5978-6015
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA10083E
Bubble-propelled micro/nanomotors: a robust platform for the detection of environmental pollutants and biosensing
Recently, bubble-propelled micro/nanomotors have been considered as the cutting-edge micro/nano-sensing tools that use their unique features for fast detection of various hazardous environmental pollutants and biosensing.
Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 1460-1480
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00798C
Water treatment using stimuli-responsive polymers
Stimuli-responsive polymers are a new category of smart materials used in water treatment via a stimuli-induced purification process and subsequent regeneration processes.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 5940-5964
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00992G
Current trends in the detection and removal of heavy metal ions using functional materials
The shortage of freshwater resources caused by heavy metal pollution is an acute global issue, which has a great impact on environmental protection and human health.
Chem. Soc. Rev., 2023,52, 5827-5860
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CS00683A
Review of analytical techniques for arsenic detection and determination in drinking water
This review presents an overview of various analytical techniques for arsenic determination in drinking water, and will enhance awareness and appreciation of their role in informing and protecting our environment and water resources, globally.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 171-195
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00218C
Metal oxide-based electrochemical sensors for pesticide detection in water and food samples: a review
The increasing need for food and agricultural resources necessitates using pesticides to protect plants, but this approach also poses pesticide poisoning and environmental hazards.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2024,3, 154-176
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00313B
Modeling the hydrological benefits of green roof systems: applications and future needs
Green roof contributes to urban stormwater management.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 3120-3135
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EW00149K
Next generation decentralized water systems: a water-energy-infrastructure-human nexus (WEIHN) approach
This review highlights the pressing need for sustainable water management strategies within the water-energy-infrastructure-human nexus, and accentuates the critical roles of infrastructure and human engagement for sustainable water management.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 2446-2471
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EW00506B
Sustainable design of water–energy–food nexus: a literature review
The water–energy–food nexus aims to achieve sustainable development by meeting present needs while safeguarding the capacity of future generations.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1332-1353
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00110E
Antibiotic resistance in urban stormwater: a review of the dissemination of resistance elements, their impact, and management opportunities
Traditional stormwater infrastructure facilitates the transport of antibiotic resistance genes while green stormwater infrastructure may capture the genes and promote horizontal gene transfer.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 2188-2212
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EW00356F
Preservation, storage, and sample preparation methods for freshwater microplastics – a comprehensive review
Sampling, storage, preservation, pre-treatment, and extraction are essential components of microplastic detection. Hence, to obtain an accurate representation of microplastics, it is crucial to carefully choose the most suitable pre-analysis methods.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 1060-1081
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00043E
Devising a people-friendly test kit for overcoming challenges in the assessment of water quality and analysis of water pollution in the river Ganga
This article provides an inclusive understanding of the factors responsible for the water quality deterioration of Ganga, the activities by people towards harming the water quality and available test kits for determining the toxic pollutants.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 418-431
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SU00071G
Carbon nanomaterial-based membranes for water and wastewater treatment under electrochemical assistance
Carbon nanomaterial-based membranes exhibit fascinating permselectivity for water and wastewater treatment, and their performance could be further improved under electrochemical assistance, benefiting from their good electrical conductivity.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 11-40
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00545J
Fluoride contamination, consequences and removal techniques in water: a review
Fluoride contamination has created a drinking water crisis globally.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2022,1, 620-661
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1VA00039J
Detection and differentiation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water using a fluorescent imprint-and-report sensor array
We report the development of a high throughput differential PFAS sensing platform using dynamic combinatorial libraries as sensors, with sensing at the lowest concentrations and in the most complex mixtures reported to date via fluorescence methods.
Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 928-936
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC05685B
Water quality trade-offs for risk management interventions in a green building
Summary of the water sampling locations, water quality parameters monitored, and intervention methods performed.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2024,10, 767-786
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EW00650F
The Alaska permanent fund dividend increases residential payments for water services
Alaska has the lowest rate of access to in-home water services in the United States.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2024,3, 186-197
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00219E
Quaternary ammonia compounds in disinfectant products: evaluating the potential for promoting antibiotic resistance and disrupting wastewater treatment plant performance
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are a class of compounds that were widely used as disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to be used as disinfecting agents.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2024,3, 208-226
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00063J
Core–shell Ag@polypyrrole for synchronous pre-enrichment and immobilization of iodine (I−, IO3−) from liquid radioactive wastes
A core–shell silver-encapsulated polypyrrole, Ag@PPy, was prepared via in situ synthesis for simultaneous efficient adsorption and immobilization of iodide and iodate.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 149-160
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00675A
Polyamidoxime (PAO) granules for solar-enhanced uranium extraction from seawater
Extracting uranium (U(VI)) from seawater can effectively solve the shortage of uranium resources on land.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2024,3, 44-50
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00179B
Microplastic distribution and ecological risks: investigating road dust and stormwater runoff across land uses
This study in Melbourne, Australia, reveals higher levels of microplastic pollution in industrial areas compared to commercial or residential areas. Stormwater runoff is identified as the main pathway for transporting MPs from road dust to aquatic ecosystems.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2024,3, 62-75
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00128H
A luminescent cationic MOF and its polymer composite membrane elicit selective sensing of antibiotics and pesticides in water
Medicines and pesticides are being used excessively, misused, or abused in recent times, resulting in major environmental contamination and, more specifically, water pollution.
Mol. Syst. Des. Eng., 2023,8, 1483-1491
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3ME00008G
A stochastic approach for assessing the chronic environmental risk generated by wet-weather events from integrated urban wastewater systems
Environmental chronic risk generated by wet-weather discharges compared to final effluent was stochastically assessed, also from a climate-change perspective, stressing their growing contribution for many (micro-)pollutants.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 3174-3190
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EW00143A
Non-targeted identification and semi-quantitation of emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in US rainwater
Analysis of precipitation finds many emerging PFAS.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2023,25, 1771-1787
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EM00349J
The emission of low pH water from Gulf of Mexico seeps as revealed by δ13C–CO2 and methane oxidation data
During investigations of aerobic methane oxidation, this study found that seafloor seeps emit low pH water alongside methane. This discovery was revealed through isotopic measurement and model experiments.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 1600-1606
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00117B
Layer-wise physicochemical and elemental distribution in an urban river water, Bangladesh: potential pollution, sources, and human health risk assessment
Surface and deep water samples of the Buriganga River were measured to assess the water quality, pollution level, elemental sources, and their potential ecological and human health risks.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 1382-1398
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00094J
Predictive capability of THM models for drinking water treatment and distribution
This work evaluates generalizability of THM models and provides a framework to promote cohesive and collaborative model development efforts moving forward.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 2745-2759
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EW00308F
Impact of the surface aging of potable water plastic pipes on their lead deposition characteristics
The use of plastic potable water pipes to replace corroded metallic plumbing and construct new potable water plumbing systems is rapidly increasing due to the low cost, noncorrosive characteristics, and easy installation of plastic water pipes.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 2501-2514
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EW00043E
Full-spectrum utilization of solar energy for simultaneous CO2 reduction and seawater desalination
To address the underutilization of infrared light in photocatalysis, a synergistic CO2 photoreduction and seawater desalination system was developed, which exhibited a good bifunctional performance.
EES. Catal., 2023,1, 755-764
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00098B
Industrial lignins as efficient biosorbents for Cr(VI) water remediation: transforming a waste into an added value material
Effective Cr(VI) water remediation can be obtained by using industrial lignins and lignin-based materials from a circular economy perspective.
RSC Sustain., 2023,1, 1423-1435
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00081H
Prioritizing toxic shock threats to sewage treatment plants from down-the-drain industrial chemical spills: the RAVEN STREAM online tool
The RAVEN STREAM online tool aims to help sewage treatment plants (STPs) identify and manage industrial chemicals used upstream that, if spilled, could cause a toxic shock to the STP microorganisms utilized in the wastewater treatment process.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 1235-1246
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00067B
Conceptualizing turbidity for aquatic ecosystems in the context of sustainable development goals
The novelty of the work: understanding turbidity and its relationship to UN SDGs.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 1220-1234
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00327A
Highly effective nanoparticle removal in plant-based water filters
Water treatment plants offer the opportunity to reduce the exposure of humans to nanoparticle contamination. An affinity-based filter made from natural materials and Moringa oleifera seed protein achieves high removals of various nanoparticles.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 1130-1138
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00035D
Flow cytometry for on-line microbial regrowth monitoring in a membrane filtration plant: pilot-scale case study for wastewater reuse
With the use of on-line flow cytometric fingerprinting, we confirmed that cell densities in a RO permeate were caused by bacterial regrowth in the piping, and that there was no problem with the integrity of the membrane and resulting water quality.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 2128-2139
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00921H
Nanobubbles can modulate microbial communities and sedimentary ecosystem during the treatment of pond water
Nanobubbles are applied in diverse water-treatment technologies.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 1804-1812
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EW00257H
Exposures and potential health implications of contaminant mixtures in linked source water, finished drinking water, and tapwater from public-supply drinking water systems in Minneapolis/St. Paul area, USA
Mixtures of contaminants are observed in public-supply drinking water. Frequent exceedances of human-health advisories indicate potential cumulative risk to vulnerable subpopulations and the continued need for broad chemical assessments in tapwater.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 1813-1828
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EW00066D
Resolving the controls over the production and emission of ice-nucleating particles in sea spray
Oceans emit ice-nucleating particles (INPs) which freeze supercooled cloud droplets, modifying clouds. We added dead biomass of three phytoplankton to seawater. Each time, this stimulated INP production in the water and INP emissions in sea spray.
Environ. Sci.: Atmos., 2023,3, 970-990
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EA00154C
Development of diffusive gradients in thin-films with mixed binding gels for in situ monitoring of artificial sweeteners in waters
The extensive use of artificial sweeteners (ASs) has raised concerns regarding their presence, fate, and detrimental effects in water resources.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 837-847
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00320A
A field-validated equilibrium passive sampler for the monitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sediment pore water and surface water
A simple equilibrium passive sampler, consisting of water in an inert container capped with a rate-limiting barrier, for the monitoring of PFAS in sediment pore water and surface water was developed and tested through a series of laboratory and field experiments.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2023,25, 980-995
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EM00483F
Biogeochemical and hydrologic synergy control mercury fate in an arid land river-reservoir system
Methylmercury formed in anoxic reservoirs associates with organic-rich particles and is exported downstream.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2023,25, 912-928
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EM00032J
A highly adaptive real-time water wave sensing array for marine applications
A thin-film cross-vertical double-layer electrode array is uniquely proposed, and this flexible sensor device can be combined with signal processing links and display terminals to form a complete usable maritime sensing system.
Nanoscale, 2023,15, 9162-9170
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR00856H
Spatiotemporal trends and characteristics of microplastic contamination in a large river-dominated estuary
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems and have caused substantial concern worldwide.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2023,25, 929-940
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EM00014A
A novel environment-tolerant hydrogel via a combination effect of a polyurethane coating and hygroscopic salt for underwater monitoring
A combination effect of a polyurethane coating and hygroscopic lithium chloride endows various hydrogels with more adaptability to harsh environments.
J. Mater. Chem. C, 2023,11, 5388-5401
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TC00444A
Arsenic in Lake Geneva (Switzerland, France): long term monitoring, and redox and methylation speciation in an As unpolluted, oligo-mesotrophic lake
The formation and dynamic partitioning of As species in the water column of a large oligo-mesotrophic lake is driven by biological processes.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2023,25, 850-869
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EM00431C
Leaf vein-biomimetic nanofibrous membrane with self-assembled nanonet for surface filtration of water contaminants
A leaf vein-biomimetic nanofibrous membrane was constructed by nonsolvent-induced phase inversion for high-performance surface filtration of water contaminants.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 1030-1039
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN01078J
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
About this collection
The water industry is crucial in so many ways. Whether treating wastewater, protecting precious ecosystems or safeguarding clean drinking water, the industry has critical importance. And so we want to make sure they have access to the things they need to succeed throughout your career, which led to the creation of this curated article collection.
This collection includes articles from 16 journals, covering a range of topics including drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, urban water, stormwater, seawater, water reuse and more.