bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidation of acetaminophen by ultrasound waves and H2O2 combined technology
Authors: Villota Natalia , Lomas Jose , Ferreiro Cristian , Camarero Luis , Lombraña Jose
Published: November 2022

This study analyses the colour acquired by oxidizing paracetamol aqueous samples through the combined US/H2O2 technology. When operating with only the action of the waves [US]=1.0 kWh/mmol C8H9NO2, the water acquires progressively hue according to a ratio of 0.0004 AU/min, with a degradation output of 14%. Working under these conditions, the presence of hydroquinone, muconic acid and formic acid was evaluated. Colour formation presents a maximum intensity when water containing paracetamol is degraded using molar ratios of 1.5 mol H2O2/mol C8H9NO2. This dosage leads to the formation of benzoquinone, as well as muconic and formic acids, reaching an efficiency of 30%. Oxidazing with 6.0 mol H2O2/mol C8H9NO2, colour formation occurs slowly during the first hour of reaction, leading to the formation of benzoquinone, hydroquinone, acetamide, phoroglucinol and formic and muconic acids. This last one presents a molecular structure that is prone to reacting with other species that are present in the system forming complexes.
Correction of the predicted wave characteristics using regression methods – a case study for the Iberian coastal environment
Authors: Rusu Liliana
Published: November 2022

The west Iberian coast is affected by various storms developed in the North Atlantic Ocean. For this reason, an accurate prediction of the sea state conditions is very important to manage the protection of the harbours and population living in the coastal cities. In recent years computing power has increased significantly, which has allowed the improvement of the numerical models. The wave models have undergone the same evolution, which makes them an important tool for the most accurate prediction of the wave conditions. In this study, the wave predictions on the west Iberian coast are performed with the SWAN model. Simulations are performed in winter 2013-2014 when various storms affected all the European coasts. It is well known that in the simulation of extreme wave events some errors may occur. Altimeter measurements are used to correct the errors that appeared in the simulation results. By using these measurements together with regression methods, it was possible to improve the significant wave height fields simulated with the SWAN model in each point of the computational domain of the target area. This improvement is indicated by the statistical parameters calculated by comparing the simulated significant heights with buoy measurements.
Bioelectronics and Green Electronics for a clean Environment
Authors: Ravariu Cristian , Topor A. , Mihaiescu Dan , Manea Elena
Published: November 2022

Some directions of environmental tasks for Romania in collaboration with foreign partners for next decade are: (i) electric and electronic wastes recycling using sustainable future networks suppliers-materials conversion-production, in a chain of countries; (ii) strategies at group of countries till European initiatives about reforestation, deforestation stopping, soils re-invigoration for agriculture including smart irrigation and bio-nano-technologies help, (iii) water depolluting and monitoring in see, rivers, potable water, treatment of the biological contaminated waters; (iv) air contamination with pollutants; (v) human education for the planet conservation. Starting from our achievements in the domain of bioelectronics and green electronics, we propose some directions of action.
Artificial Neural Network (ANNs) for predicting petroleum hydrocarbons from heavy metals contaminated soils around fuel stations
Authors: Bonelli Maria Grazia , Manni Andrea , Saviano Giovanna
Published: November 2022

Petrol stations are classified as a dangerous source of pollution for the human population due to the toxicity of emissions from evaporated vehicle fuels and fuel spillages. The contaminants released in the environment are mainly complex mixtures of petroleum hydrocarbon compounds (PHCs) and heavy metals, especially lead. Lead phased out as a fuel additive by the dawn of the 21st century, but some soils near old or long-standing gas stations have been contaminated.
Contamination found at these sites, affecting groundwater, drinking water, and the soil, can run deep and spread over an area that extends well beyond the site's border.
The correlation between heavy metals and heavier petroleum hydrocarbons (C>12) in soils from an urban area near petrol stations has been studied, looking to predict the organic concentration through inorganic contaminants concentration values. Metals were analyzed by ICP-OES and FP-XRF (Field Portable XRF), while PHCs were analyzed by GC/FID. No linear statistical correlation has been proved between Pb, Cu, Mn, V, Zn, Sn, Fe, and PHCs. The ANNs model, instead, has been demonstrated to have the capability to determine the relationships between organic and inorganic contaminants, allowing an accurate prediction of PHCs (C>12) (R2=0,86).
Development of a non-target screening workflow for the evaluation of micropollutants fate during oxidation processes
Authors: Huynh Nina , Le Roux Julien , Guyot Jeremy , Moilleron Régis
Published: November 2022

Non-target screening (NTS) is of great interest for environmental monitoring because it enables the screening of numerous pollutants, including unknown products. However, methods to identify unknowns are still time-consuming and only deal with a limited portion of the signal. The objective of this work was to develop a NTS workflow that enables an automated and comprehensive characterization of the evolution of a sample during water treatment, using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Considering different conditions (matrix, micropollutant concentration), methods based on the obtention of raw formulas of detected compounds were evaluated. Oxidation processes (chlorination, UV/H2O2 or ozonation) were applied to wastewater samples to obtain contrasted HRMS fingerprints and to assess the relevance of the workflow to characterize transformation products (TPs). Batch experiments were conducted to confirm the ability of such a workflow to properly characterize the modification of the sample. Different extraction methods were also applied to enlarge the range of detected TPs. Preliminary results show that the workflow is able to rapidly compare the fingerprints of the samples (e.g., highlighting the presence of oxidation products characterized by the incorporation of oxygen atoms into compounds). The applied workflow also enables the tracking and identification of specific TPs formed by oxidation.
Toxicity study of Norfloxacin degradation by advanced oxidative process
Authors: Hoehne Lucélia , Costa Bruna , Cordeiro Sabrina , Schweizer Ytan , Weber Ani , Haas Peterson , de Oliveira Letícia , Ethur Eduardo
Published: November 2022

Advanced oxidative processes (AOPs) are promising techniques that have been developed to treat and remove these organic contaminants in surface waters and effluents. The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of products generated from UV/H2O2 degradation of solutions containing 5 µg/mL of Norfloxacin (NOR) and 1.4 mmol/L of H2O2 at pH 4.0, 7.0 and 9.0 against the micro crustacean Artemia salina. For the toxicity test, Artemia salina eggs were hatched in a solution containing 2.7% sea salt, for 48 h, with temperature at 27 °C and forced aeration. The ecotoxicity test was performed on 24-well plates. For each well, 10 nauplii of A. salina containing a control of the dilution solution, a positive control of toxicity and test solutions in the proportions of 100% were transferred, 50% and 25%, after 48 h mortality was verified. The data show that there was 100% mortality of A. salina in the wells containing 100% of the solution obtained through the degradation in all tested pH ranges, whereas the solutions containing 50 and 25% of the degraded drug showed a low rate of mortality demonstrating that there is no toxicity of products formed from degradation in the last two conditions described.
Degradation of refractory compounds in industrial wastewaters by advanced technologies based on electrochemical and photochemical oxidation
Authors: Plakas Konstantinos , Petsi Panagiota , Sarasidis Vasilios , Karabelas Anastasios
Published: November 2022

Results are presented of a systematic experimental investigation aiming to eliminate refractory organics from industrial effluents, of high and non-biodegradable organic load, by two Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). Bench scale experiments were performed with real wastewater samples collected from a pesticides manufacturing plant, of varying TOC content (800-1820 mg/L), to investigate the effectiveness of boron-doped diamond (BDD) anodic oxidation (AO), of H2O2 photolysis with UV-C irradiation (H2O2/UV-C), and their combination (i.e. AO/H2O2/UV-C) on the total organic carbon (TOC) removal. The effect of main operating conditions was investigated for both processes, separately and in combination. In the case of AO, TOC and COD were removed at a rate of 36.4 mgC/h and 89.5 mgO2/L, by applying a current density of 100 mA/cm2 and a recirculation flow rate of 1400 mL/min. The H2O2/UV-C process achieved a TOC removal rate of 369 mgC/h and over 98% color removal after 4 h of treatment, when a single dose of 6 g/L H2O2 and 11.8 W/L of UVC irradiation dose were applied. Finally, the combined process (AO/H2O2/UV-C) led to a faster TOC abatement (534 mgC/h) and a higher color removal, after treating the wastewater with 77 mA/cm2 current density, 5.9 W/L UVC irradiation dose and ‘on-line’ dosing 15.7 g/L H2O2.
Preliminary Research on Removal of Organic Substances Contained in Wastewater from Plastic Lenses Production
Authors: Umiejewska Katarzyna , Różycki Michał
Published: November 2022

More than 80 percent of all eyeglasses worn today have plastic lenses. Plastic lenses made of polycarbonate discs are created through the process of machining which requires the use of a coolant. During the production process, the rotating disc and blade are poured with a mixture of water and synthetic coolant to remove the resulting chips and cool the blade and discs. The ensuing wastewater contains chips, water and coolant. The chips are separated by filtration and the water and coolant are returned to the machine tool. Due to the low particle weight some of the plastic dust flotates easily and creates foam. If there is too much foamed dust, a skimmer is added. In order to avoid machine damage and product quality deterioration, the mixture in circulation is changed every 24 hours. This mixture is wastewater with a high COD value of 11 200 - 20800 mg/L, a turbidity of 260-870 NTU, and a colour of about 200 mg/L. For their treatment, a coagulation process using mainly aluminum coagulants and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) used of Fenton reagents were applied.
Climate Adaptation and Local Institutions: An Assessment of The Adaptive Capacities of Key Sectors In Adansi North District
Authors: Enu Kirk Bright , Ahenkan Albert , Ackom Emmanuel , Odame Appiah Divine
Published: November 2022

The over-domineering of political policies aimed at perpetuating power means issues of social interest such as climate adaptation capabilities are often relegated to the background. Thus, the success of adaptation efforts often hinges ultimately on the nature of institutional robustness and willingness to commit to the provision of adaptive capacity building at the local level. The objectives of this study were to assess the impacts of climate variability and change on the agricultural and health sectors in AND and assess the adaptive capacities of the same sectors. The study approach was mixed methods. Qualitative data was collected through interviews while quantitative data was consulted from weather data, DMTDP, CB, AAPs, crop yield data and OPD cases data. The magnitude of identified climate change impacts was analyzed using the formular, Magnitude= MEco+Menv+MSoc /15 x 100. The adaptive capacities of the key sectors were assessed using the Adaptive Capacity Wheel framework. The study revealed that rainfall, temperature and wind speed have increased in AND. This has led to a number of negative impacts with floods being the most devastating. Also, while the adaptive capacities of both the agricultural and health sectors need improving, the health sector has the better robustness.
Developing a framework for local climate change adaptation plan (LCCAP): The case of Mandra-Attiki, Greece
Authors: LEKA AKRIVI , CHARCHOUSI DESPOINA , Papadopoulou Maria
Published: November 2022

The present work deals with the development of a preliminary climate change (CC) adaptation action plan at local level. The area of interest area is the greater area of Mandra Municipality, Attica, Greece; a suburban area that in November of 2017 had experienced a major flood incident with human casualties. The suggested methodology follows a combined 2-step, top-down and bottom-up, approach. The top-down approach deals with current CC policies and related guidelines at European, national and regional level, such as: European CC Policy (Green Paper 2030, Climate Neutral Europe 2050), National CC Adaptation Plan (National Climate Change Strategy ESPKA), Regional CC Adaptation Plan of Attica Region (PESPKA), Flood Risk Management Plan of Attica Region with emphasis to the Low Zone Aspropyrgos-Elefsina. In the bottom-up approach we focus on the main characteristics/variables of the area under study that have impacted significantly in the recent flood incident. Natural and man-made environmental variables that are necessary to be monitored on a regular basis are highlighted. A matrix of flood incidents effects is developed in order to define the most affected variables by sector. Among the outcomes of this analysis a road map of requirements will be proposed for local adaptation CC Plans (LACCPs) to increase city resilience in flood events.
Histopathological alteration in gills and liver of Cyprinus Carpio after a short-term exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Iftikhar Nazish , Hashmi Imran
Published: November 2022

With the rapid development of nanotechnology in past few decades, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been extensively used in variety of domestic, commercial, and industrial products. Nano-titanium dioxide is one of the most widely used nano-material due to its UV light absorption, optical properties, thermally stable nature, and photocatalytic activity. Frequent use of nano sized titanium is likely to end up in the discharge of these particles into different environmental compartments. However, it is still uncertain if these nano materials are harmful to aquatic biota. In present study, titanium dioxide nanoparticles were prepared using liquid impregnation method and were characterized through SEM and XRD. Toxicity of selected five concentrations: 0.01, 1.5, 3.0, 10 and 100 mg/L of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on freshwater fish Cyprinus Carpio were assessed using histological biomarker approach. Gills and liver tissues showed increasing degree of damage including pycnotic nuclei, cytolysis, vacuolization, blood congestion and architectural loss along the exposure period of 96 hrs. This study elucidates the time and dosage dependent toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the fish implying that short-term exposure to sublethal concentrations is sufficient to produce detrimental impacts on metabolic and physiological functioning of fish.
Assessment of yields and properties of bioplastics production from acidified sugary wastewaters via mixed microbial cultures
Authors: Ntaikou Ioanna , Kora Elianta , Tsaousis Panayiotis , Andrikopoulos Kostas , Chasapis Christos , Voyiatzis George , Lyberatos Gerasimos
Published: November 2022

A mixed microbial culture (MMC) of poly-hydroxy-alkanoates (PHAs) producers was developed in a draw- fill reactor (DFR) subjected to sequential nitrogen/carbon limitation stress using short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as carbon source. The distribution of microorganisms was analyzed in the beginning of the process and after six weeks of limitation, in order to verify the domination of PHA producers in the consortium. The potential of the enhanced MMC for production of co-polymers was then evaluated in batch mode using synthetic media. The parameters tested were the C to N ratio (C/N), the propionate to butyric ratio (prop/but) and the initial pH (pHin). It was shown that the type, yields and productivity of PHAs was highly affected and the optimal yield, 40 % PHAs/dry cell weigh (DCW) (w/w), was achieved for a C/N of 200 (w/w), prop/but 10/90 (mol/mol) and pHin, 7.5. The MMC was further assessed for the production of PHAs from acidified sugary wastewater (ASW) containing SCFAs, sugars and lactate at different ratios. PHAs were solvent-extracted from the microbial biomass; they were further analyzed in terms of their chemical composition, via 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR, their structure at molecular level via Attenuated total reflectance – Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and their thermal properties, via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was shown that in all cases, P(3HB-co-3HV) was produced with Tm ranging from 170,0 to 164,1 oC.
Seasonal variation of the biochemical methane potential of fruit and vegetable wastes produced in the Mediterranean area
Authors: Stamatelatou KATERINA , Kalogiannis Achilleas , Vasiliadou Ioanna
Published: November 2022

Fruit and vegetable wastes produced massively in open markets are a suitable feedstock for biogas production and digestate of high fertilizing value. A first step of designing anaerobic digestion systems for treating these wastes efficiently is to study the impact of the seasonal variation on the biochemical methane potential. Moreover, during mechanical pretreatment applied to reduce the size of the waste mixtures, several fractions derive which affect the rate of the methane production as well as the ultimate methane yield. Fractionation of the chopped wastes through sieving resulted in fractions of different parts of wastes and size, affecting the initial rate and the ultimate methane yield. It was found that the smaller fraction yielded methane at an initial higher rate but at lower ultimate value than the larger fraction. These results were consistent in all waste mixtures chosen to represent the typical composition of the organic fraction of wastes generated in open market in autumn/winter, spring and summer. In all cases examined the BMP of these wastes varied between 360 and 527 ΝmL CH4 g VS-1 with an average value of 436±51 ΝmL CH4 g VS-1.
Biogas upgrade via ex-situ technologies
Authors: Stamatelatou Katerina , Spyridonidis Apostolos , Vasiliadou Ioanna
Published: November 2022

The biological upgrade of biogas to biomethane (CH4 > 90%) is a popular emerging technology, since the produced CO2 is not removed but is converted to biomethane using hydrogen (H2). The initial aim of the present study is the acclimatization of a microbial population derived from a typical biogas plant, under high concentrations of H2, as well as the development of an enriched biomass in hydrogenotrophic methanogens. The enriched biomass was used to inoculate ex-situ bioreactors for biomethane production under continuous operation. Specifically, a bubble reactor and a trickle bed reactor were studied, and their performance was compared under the same operating conditions. Both reactors were provided with a mixture of H2, CH4 and CO2, which was injected through a conventional diffuser. The methane content in the upgraded biogas reached 92.7±1.1% and 95.7±1.1% for bubble and trickle bed reactor respectively, under a loading rate of 1.26 LH2 Lreactor-1 d-1 (11.5h gas retention time). However, at increased H2 loading rates the trickling bed reactor outperformed the bubble reactor.
Canada’s New Substances Notification Regulations
Authors: Pinsonnault C.
Published: November 2022

Canada’s New Substances Notification Regulations

Under the New Substances Program, Health Canada (HC) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) administer the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers) and New Substances Notification Regulations (Organisms) (NSNR) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) to examine the potential risks to Canadians and their environment before the substances enter the Canadian marketplace. These regulations are an integral part of the Canadian government’s national pollution prevention strategy. Under this joint endeavour between HC and ECCC, the New Substances program has completed over 20,000 New Substances Notification risk assessments.

The following poster presentation outlines the NSNR and the substances subject to them. An overview of the regulations is provided including the definition of a new substance, the notification process, risk assessment and potential risk management measures, and how to find additional information and resources.
Chemical weathering rates and CO2 consumption in the Savuto basin (Sila Massif, Italy) inferred from riverine water chemistry
Authors: Fuoco Ilaria , De Rosa Rosanna , Timpano Andrea , Cundari Ferdinando , Apollaro Carmine
Published: November 2022

The aim of this work was to estimate the silicates (SWR) and carbonates (CWR) weathering rates as well as the CO2 consumption in the Savuto basin (Sila Massif, Southern Italy), studying the riverine water chemistry. Six sampling sites were investigated. Starting from the rain composition, atmospheric and anthropogenic inputs were subtracted to total dissolved load allowing the estimation of the SWR and CWR. The obtained weathering rates are: (i) SWR= 9.6 t/km2a and (ii) CWR= 12.8 t/km2. Moreover, an indirect estimation of CO2 moles consumed was performed based on the reaction stoichiometry for both silicate (CO2 sil) and carbonate (CO2 carb) weathering processes. The results show that the consumption of CO2 sil is equal to 2.2x105 mol/Km2 a, whereas the consumption of CO2 carb is equal to 3.5x105 mol/Km2 a.
Microalgae bio-fixation efficiency of carbon dioxide through innovative planar photobioreactor
Authors: Riggio Vincenzo , Derossi Clara , Costantino Valentina , Carone Michele , Alpe Davis , Occhipinti Andrea , Zanetti Mariachiara
Published: November 2022

The high anthropogenic activity of recent centuries has led to an urgent need to improve CO2 capture and sequestration technologies. In this context, microalgae systems have gained importance, thanks to their high photosynthetic efficiency and the many applications to which they can be destined. For this reason, a new photobioreactor prototype was developed, consisting of two interconnected units: a photostage loop, composed by fluorescent lamps and two parallel alveolar flat-panel, and an obscured tank in which culture mixing is achieved. The photobioreactor is also equipped with a system of sensors that allows to control all the growth parameters of the culture and a system to control the CO2 flow rate introduced. In this study a series of parameters were monitored to characterize the photobioreactor both as regards the hydraulic and the luminous parts. Furthermore, a series of biological tests were carried out using the alga Acutodesmus obliquus to verify the growth system under different hydraulic conditions (4÷18 L min-1) and the CO2 removal efficiency of this microalgal species.
The next phase will be to try to optimize the photobioreactor from an energy point of view in order to maximize the efficiency of the entire system.
Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2, noroviruses and adenoviruses in wastewater in the Czech Republic
Authors: Mlejnková Hana , Sovová Kateřina , Vašíčková Petra , Gharwalová Lucia , Očenášková Věra , Jašíková Lucie , Juranová Eva
Published: November 2022

Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 presence in wastewater has been carried out since April 2020, when the new disease COVID-19 began to spread rapidly in the Czech Republic. The aim of this study was to detect viruses in order to evaluate the possibility of using wastewater analysis as one of the tools for the establishment of an early warning system. As a complement to SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection, noroviruses and adenoviruses were detected, as well. In the first round of monitoring, which took place from April to June 2020, a total of 122 samples of untreated wastewater were collected from 35 WWTPs of different size within the Czech Republic. Viral RNA was concentrated from wastewater and RT-PCR was used to detect RNA of viruses. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in 15 % of all samples, noroviruses in 43 % and adenoviruses in 95 %. It was confirmed that even low amounts of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater might be detected. Our data indicate that wastewater analysis may be a suitable tool for the establishment of early warning system. However, for unambiguous interpretation of data, it is necessary to evaluate other factors that might significantly influence the concentration of viral RNA in wastewater.
Seafood wastes as an attractive biosorbent: Chitin-based shrimp shells
Authors: Çelebi Hakan , Bahadır Tolga , Gök Gülden , Şimşek İsmail , Gök Oğuzhan
Published: November 2022

In recent years, water quality deteriorated with Zn (II) ions has started to take place among the important environmental problems. Zn (II) is a primary type of toxic and bioaccumulative pollutant commonly found in industrial wastewater. Biosorption is the most practical method in the treatment of water contaminated with Zn (II). Researchers have evaluated the biosorption efficiency with various innovative adsorbents in the aquatic environment recently. In this study, the biosorption capacity of chitin based shrimp shell waste (Cht-SSW) was investigated in Zn (II) containing wastewater. Initial findings showed that Cht-SSW is an effective biosorbent due to high porosity and functional groups. Within the scope of the study, the effects of Cht-SSW dose, contact time, pH and temperature on the treatment efficiency of Zn (II) were evaluated by batch mode experiments. The surface morphology and functional groups of Cht-SSW used in the study were determined using FT-IR and SEM. The isotherms and kinetics confirmed that Cht-SSW has high value of adsorption capacity. Experimental results point out Cht-SSW is a biosorbent that eco-friendly, economical, easily available and efficiently (4e) on the removal of Zn (II) from aqueous solution.
Ηexavalent chromium reduction in a photocatalytic membrane reactor in the presence of organic acids
Authors: Sarasidis V. , Kyriakou E. , Plakas K. , Karabelas A.
Published: November 2022

This study deals with the photocatalytic reduction of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium, encountered in industrial effluents and surface waters, to much less toxic and harmful trivalent form. Experiments were performed in a pilot scale Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor employing titanium dioxide suspension as a catalyst, UVC lamps as irradiation source and hollow fiber UF membranes as separation media. It is observed that the reduction of Cr(VI) is enhanced in the presence of carboxylic acids, which are used as sacrificial agents and act as electron donors, mainly due to formation of Cr(VI)/organic-acid complexes. The effect of all key operating parameters, including pH, catalyst loading, hydraulic retention time, UV dose, organic acid type and molar ratio over Cr(VI) ions, water matrix, on system performance is also examined. Encouraging results are obtained since complete reduction can be achieved in the presence of 300 mg/L citric acid or 180 mg/L oxalic acid under acidic conditions (pH 3), meeting the standards for safe disposal to natural water bodies. Complete reduction can be also obtained at higher pH values (~5.5) with simultaneous ‘on-line’ dosing of approx. 8 mg/L/min H2O2. Moreover, up to 62% photocatalytic oxidation of organics is attained, under the most favorable conditions.
Alternative wastewater treatment process with algae (AlgA) – general mathematical model and dynamic simulation
Authors: Lorenz Tatjana , Behr Alexander , Theilen Ulf
Published: November 2022

Conventional wastewater treatment systems are based on processes including the steps of pre-/ primary, sec-ondary and finally the sludge treatment. In this study a treatment step with algae as an alternative secondary treatment is supposed to improve the biological nutri-ent removal efficiency.
In comparison with conventional technologies, less is known about the internal functioning of microalgae wastewater treatment systems. To integrate an algal system into a conventional wastewater treatment pro-cess, a mathematical model based on Activated Sludge Models (ASM) can help to understand the influences of algae on the general system of a wastewater treat-ment plant.
The main outcome of the present study is to apply a dynamic model for a conventional wastewater treat-ment plant including an integrated microalgae-bacteria model to remove the nutrients nitrogen and phospho-rus. The AlgA system is simulated in SIMBA# (soft-ware for modelling and dynamic simulation in wastewater technology) considering the annual varia-tion of environmental influences in Central Europe.
Photocatalytic Removal of Pesticides Present in Agro-industrial Water Effluents
Authors: Falaras Polycarpos , Arfanis Michalis , Theodorakopoulos Georgios , Anagnostopoulos Christos , Georgaki Irene , Liappis Konstantinos , Romanos Georgios , Markellou Emilia
Published: November 2022

Pesticide residues accumulated in agricultural wastewaters constitute a potential risk for the environment and the human health. Hence, focused actions for their elimination are of high priority for both the industry and national authorities. This work evaluates the effectiveness of the photocatalytic process to decompose four representative pesticides of different physicochemical properties; chlorpyrifos an organophosphate; thiamethoxam an neonicotinoid; flonicamid a pyridine and tebuconazole a triazole, frequently detected in the water effluents generated of the fruit-industry. Their photocatalytic degradation was examined using the commercial photocatalyst Evonik P25 TiO2 in a lab-scale batch reactor. The optimum conditions of the photocatalytic reactions were defined and the apparent reaction rate constants for the pesticide decomposition was determined. It was confirmed that the reaction rate depends on the pesticides concentrations (varying from 1 to 10 mg/L), the pH values of the solution (from strong acidic, to neutral and strong alkaline medium) and the presence of scavenger reagents (acting as reactive radicals quenchers). The photocatalytic efficiencies were evaluated taking into thorough consideration the compounds solubility and their adsorption onto the catalyst’s surface. Complete degradation of the selected pesticides was achieved after one hour illumination under UV-A light, without any formation of toxic by-products.
Removal of wood dyes from aqueous solutions by sorption on un-treated pine sawdust
Authors: González-Álvarez Julia , Pimentel Catarina , Freire S , Gómez-Díaz Diego
Published: November 2022

Synthetic dyes are extensively used in industry for various applications among which is the preparation of dyed wood veneers. The discharge of effluents containing dyes is of great concern due to their toxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity and causes serious environmental problems. In this work, the possibility of using un-treated pine (Pinus radiata) sawdust, a waste product from the wood industry, as biosorbent for the removal of wood dyes from wastewaters was investigated. The BET surface area of the material was 0.36 ± 0.01 m2/g and the point of zero charge 4.8. Batch adsorption experiments were performed at 25ºC, natural pH (5.1, 6.0, 6.2 for blue, black and red dyes, respectively), 100 rpm and initial dye concentration of 5 mg L-1 to analyze the effect of the adsorbent dose (5 or 10 g L-1) and contact time (up to equilibrium) on the adsorption percentage for three dyes (blue, red and black). The highest adsorption percentage was attained at 10 g L-1 for an equilibrium time of 48 h: 67 ± 2.46% for blue, 34.46 ± 0.34% for black and 29.93 ± 0.27% for red. The maximum adsorption capacity decreased in this order: blue, 0.374 ± 0.032 mg g-1; black, 0.183 ± 0.001 mg g-1 and red, 0.161 ± 0.002 mg g-1. Kinetic data were best fitted to the pseudo-second order model, which suggests a chemisorption process.
Enhanced-Electrocoagulation For Organic Matter Removal From Surface Drinking Water Sources: Operational Parameters And Energy Consumption
Authors: Daraei H. , Intwala P. , Awad J. , Bertone E. , Chow C. , Duan J. , Stewart R. , Leuuwen J.
Published: November 2022

In this study, an Enhanced Electro-Coagulation (En-EC) technique is described for the removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from surface drinking water sources. Assessment of the En-EC technique included investigation of the impacts of operational factors on the organic removal efficiency (R%) and energy consumption (CE). A decision support system for En-EC control was developed, referred to as Water Treatment Control for Electro-Coagulation (WTC-ECoag). Experiments were conducted using two surface water samples with contrasting water qualities. An electrocoagulation (EC) cell equipped with the capability for measuring consumed coulombs (C) during the process was used. Three different sets of experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of process parameters (i.e. the electric current (IEC)¬, the pH during EC process (pHEC), and the coagulant dose) on the R% and CE. The R% was determined during the process based on absorbance at 254 nm (A254). The CE was calculated through the monitoring of the IEC and electric potential during the process. In the IEC impact study, similar R% but different CE results (under constant coagulant dose and pH conditions) were obtained for different applied IEC¬. The investigation of pHEC impact (under constant coagulant dose and IEC conditions) indicated an optimum pHEC of 6 for the process. Investigation of the impact of coagulant dose (under constant pH and IEC conditions) indicated a maximum R% of 73% and 92% for low and high DOC waters, respectively. It is concluded that En-EC has potential as an alternative to conventional dosing processes for enhanced coagulation.
Continuous Flocs Image Analyser (C-FIA) For Flocs Dynamics Tracking During Conventional Water Treatment
Authors: Daraei H. , Bertone E. , Khedher Mahmoud , Chow C. , Awad J. , Akyol B. , Duan J. , Leeuwen J. , STEWART R. , Intwala Parth
Published: November 2022

In this paper an image analyser termed ‘Continuous Floc Image Analyser (C-FIA)’ developed for tracking the dynamics of floc formation, growth and settling during conventional water-treatment (i.e. coagulation, flocculation, and settling processes) is described. The C-FIA is proposed as an alternative to light-beam scattering and signal-based analysers such as Photometric Dispersion Analyser (PDA). A primary configuration of the C-FIA was developed for collecting video recordings of flocs in a flowing suspension of water sample during the treatment process. A MATLAB script was developed to analyse the image data. A Flocculation Index (FI) based on RGB data associated with video frame pixels was calculated as a measure of flocs concentration. The practicality of the C-FIA in comparison with the PDA was tested using jar testing under laboratory conditions for two different surface water samples with contrasting water qualities. The results demonstrated the C-FIA capability to track the floc dynamics during the conventional treatment process using the FI. The C-FIA showed distinct baseline, rapid mixing, flocculation, and settling stages by providing different levels of FI for each stage. The results obtained indicated impacts of light intensity and light beams radiation angle to the photography cell on the resulted FI. This through its effects on the pixels RGB values of the floc images and raw water image used for determining the background FI value. The comparison of the FI data obtained through the C-FIA with the PDA indicates similarity in FI signal trends during process time by either technique. To achieve a more reliable signal with comparable results between experiments, a more advanced configuration with higher consistency in the photography system is needed.
Increasing the recovery of automobile shredder residue (ASR) through assimilation to a solid recovered fuel (SRF): the results of a feasibility study
Authors: Ruffino Barbara , Minardi Marta , Guglielmino Matteo , Bonino Francesco , Zanetti Mariachiara
Published: November 2022

This study analyzes the possibility of assimilating some fractions extracted from the shredder light fraction (SLF) to a solid recovered fuel (SRF). Italian Ministerial Decree D.M. 22/2013 fixes the criteria for the assimilation in the compliance of three parameters (heating value and chlorine and mercury content) and a number of heavy metals with threshold values. A sample of SLF underwent a product composition analysis. The results demonstrated that polyurethane foam (PUR) and heavy textile were the most abundant fractions, with 46.0% and 23.5% by weight (b.w.) respectively. Because of their size, amounts equal to 50% b.w. of PUR and to 75% of heavy textile could be separated by using a 150 mm sieve. The mixture of the separated products had a net heating value of 25.7 kJ/g, that made it suitable to be classified as a first class SRF. The content of heavy metals was well below the threshold values fixed by D.M. 22/2013, with the only exception of nickel, the concentration of which in the mixture of the two products was 40 mg/kg, 33.3% higher than the threshold value. The results of the analyses and tests demonstrated that PUR and heavy textile were good candidates to be assimilated to a SRF and, furthermore, they could integrate the conventional fuel in cement factories, foundries or other thermal plants.
Accumulation of microplastic in road dust and in soil alongside roads – a case study from the Eastern Region, Abu Dhabi
Authors: Thiemann Thies , Habib Rana , Al Kindi Ruwaya , Ghebremedhin Furtuna , Elkashlan Marim , Ajejevbe Agatha
Published: November 2022

Roadsides and soil have been sampled for microplastic content in 7 locations in the Al Ain area, Eastern Region, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The collection sites constituted residential areas and fall-out roads, but also one Wadi and the shoreline of a man-make lake. The concentration of micro-tire particles was found to be high on the roadsides of the residential areas. While a significant amount of tire macroparticles could be found on the roadsides of fall-out roads, these exhibited less micro-tire particles. Here, significant amounts of micro-tires could be found off-road, along the fallout roads, indicating, in absence of run-off water, Aeolic transport of the particles. The Wadi and the lakeshore sites were essentially free of micro-tires, but in all sites, microfibers were found. Collection of run-off water from roads during a rare rainstorm event showed transport of plastic microparticles both into the storm drains as well as to the adjacent soil. High surface temperatures and extreme aridity in the summer leads to the evaporation of small organic additives from the plastic materials leaving them dry and brittle. This leads to easy further mechanical fragmentation of the particles.
Destruction of anthracene and phenanthrene using PDS/UV, one of advanced oxidation processes in terms of degree of destruction and by-products.
Authors: Nowakowski Michał , Czyż Ewelina , Wolski Robert , Andrzejewski Przemysław
Published: November 2022

Anthracene and phenanthrene belong to a group of persistent environmental contaminants called PAHs. Evaluation of the structural of two selected PAHs i.e. anthracene and phenanthrene on its resistance to destruction by UV-activated PDS was the aim of this study. Authors focused on two aspects of this problem:
- role of so called ‘bay-region’, in the structure of phenanthrene, during PDS/UV oxidation
- formation of substituted forms of these PAHs in absence and presence of three nitrogen containing compounds i.e. ammonia and nitrite or nitrate ions.
Even though phenanthrene and anthracene have the same molecular formula, the difference in their ring assessment influence their degradability. Considering all the results, in all the cases anthracene was degraded faster and/or had higher degradation rate. That proves phenanthrene to be more stable and resistant for degradation however comparison of PDS/UV systems vs. UV– irradiation alone confirms that addition of PDS accelerate the degradation of anthracene and phenanthrene.
Comparison of PDS/UV with the addition of three different nitrogen-containing compounds showed significant difference between anthracene and phenanthrene. In the experiments with phenanthrene were observed additional peaks with the absorption maximum between 230-240 cm-1 which is characteristic for nitro-group. Based on their absorption maximum and the addition of nitrogen-containing compounds, emerging by-products are assumed to be nitro-derivatives of phenanthrene.
Clean water – Healthy city. Using of WBE for monitoring of the consumption of illicit drugs in the city Prague
Authors: Očenášková V. , Tušil P. , Marešová D. , Pospíchalová D. , Cielecká N.
Published: November 2022

The results of the three years long project named Municipal wastewater as a diagnostic medium of the capital city of Prague are presented. The post informs about regular, almost two-year long monitoring of municipal wastewater at selected sampling points of the Prague sewerage network. In addition to selected illicit drugs and some pharmaceuticals (e.g. methamphetamine, MDMA, THC, cocaine, fentanyl), nicotine and its metabolites and the ethanol metabolite ethyl sulphate were monitored in municipal wastewater. 24-hour composite samples each fourth day (the first year) or eighth day (the second year) were collected. There were obvious differences in consumption of individual drugs in different parts of the city.
For the purposes of the project, analytical methods standardly used in the laboratory for the determination of monitored substances were extended.
The project included a Socio-economic study of spatial distribution of the population and identification of risk areas in terms of population lifestyle.
Comparison of regression model and artificial neural network model in noise prediction in a mixed area of Dhaka City
Authors: Chowdhury Vuban , Zarif Sagupth , Tofa Tajkia , Laskar Mubashir
Published: November 2022

The equivalent noise levels regularly exceed acceptable limits within Dhaka city, the capital of Bangladesh, especially in the mixed urban areas (where trips are generated to serve commercial, residential, and industrial demands). The study aims to assess the noise level in mixed urban areas, build noise prediction models and allow scopes for ensuring sustainable environmental management. Two traffic noise prediction models were assessed: a regression model and an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the equivalent noise level (Leq). Traffic and noise level data were collected from two mixed urban areas, statistical analyses were performed to describe the existing trends and to evaluate both model’s responses in predicting equivalent noise level (Leq). The ANN model (coefficient of determination: 0.82) showed better performance than the regression model (coefficient of determination: 0.70). The predicted equivalent noise levels from the ANN model were compared to acceptable limits to display the extent of noise pollution using GIS. The traffic noise models can assist in environmental impact assessment to protect the communities susceptible to the adversities of noise pollution.
Extent and distribution of microplastic contamination in the benthic sediment of Turag river in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Vuban , Tofa Tajkia , Nur Shafkath , Chowdhury Md. Rwanakul
Published: November 2022

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment. However, a limited number of studies have been conducted on the quantification of accumulated microplastics in benthic sediments of freshwater bodies, which pose threat to the health of benthic communities through food chain contamination. The research aims to quantify, categorize, and determine the distribution pattern of microplastic residues in the benthic sediment along the stretch of an alluvial river (adjacent to public and private establishments such as markets, mosques, universities etc.) on the northern part of Dhaka city. A two-step mechanism made up of size-fractionation and density separation was carried out for microplastic extraction. Extracted microplastics were classified based on size, type and density. The mean abundance was 559.03 ± 10.71 items per 500 g. ANOVA indicated a significant variability with respect to location, size and interaction between the two. Correlating size and microplastic number revealed the presence of a higher number of microplastic in smaller size fractions. Contamination was the highest in the sample beside a market (1311 items) and the lowest beside a university (236 items). Discoveries from this study help to reduce the scarcity of knowledge on microplastic contamination in the context of a freshwater body in the study area.
A Decision Support Matrix for Water Quality Based Stormwater Management
Authors: Suits Kristjan , Annus Ivar , Kändler Nils , Vassiljev Anatoli
Published: November 2022

Extreme weather events and climate change are stressing urban stormwater systems beyond their capacity, posing potential threat to both the built and natural environments. This paper aims to contribute to risk mitigation through evaluating the feasibility of using a decision support matrix for developing an e-monitoring system for stormwater quantity and quality.
The decision support matrix used in the design of the e-monitoring system was created using data from previous water quality research and it assumes that water quality is influenced by the characteristics of the watershed. This premise was put to the test during an investigation of water quality across the catchment of the pilot site in Viimsi Parish, Estonia.
The comparison of the developed matrix and the sampling results revealed that the assumed relationships do not hold on a small catchment and that there is a need for further validation of relationships between surrogate and traditional water quality parameters.
A comparison of electrooxidation of phenol on boron doped diamond and mixed metal oxide anodes
Authors: Malinovic Borislav , Djuricic Tijana , Prosen Helena , Kravos Aleksander , Micin Sasa
Published: November 2022

Phenolic compounds are widespread in wastewater from various industries. Since the phenols are potentially carcinogenic for humans and hazardous for the environment, their presence in wastewater raises concerns. In this paper electrooxidation process was used for treatment of synthetical prepared wastewater containing phenol. Initial phenol concentration in wastewater was 50 mg/L with addition of different supporting electrolytes (NaCl, Na2SO4, H2SO4). The treatment was performed in a batch electrochemical reactor at constant current density of 20 mA/cm2. Boron doped diamond (BDD) and mixed metal oxide (MMO) anode materials were examined, and stainless steel was used as cathode. Phenol concentration before and after treatment was determined by standard spectrophotometric method with 4-aminoantipyrine, while transformation products were identified by different chromatographic methods. Experiments have shown that the treatment is very efficient and with low energy consumption, wherein the phenol removal efficiency mostly depends on the duration of treatment and the type of supporting electrolyte.