bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicity assessment of the extract of compost as a final product from Bio-Toilet
Authors: Kakimolo T. , Imai Y. , Funamizu N. , Takakuwa T. , Kunimoto M.
Published: February 2016

Bio-Toilet is the name of a dry closet or composting toilet using sawdust as an artificial soil matrix for bioconversion of human excrement into compost. Since feces and urine contain several chemicals such as pharmaceutical residues and endocrine disruptors and they may still remain in compost after biological reaction in the Bio-Toilet, it is required to examine the possibility of soil and/or groundwater pollution by applying compost to a soil system in farmland. In this study, toxicity of Bio-Toilet compost was evaluated by measuring the viability of human neuroblast (NB-1). The bio-assay was applied to the water extract of compost from the Bio-Toilets which are in practical use in Japan. The assay results showed that (1) the extract of feces showed no toxicity, and the extracts of unused sawdust had no or low level toxicity and (2) the extracts of composts had heavier toxicity than unused sawdust. These results implied that some chemicals that have toxicity were generated by biological reactions or accumulated in toilet system. The bio-assay results with fractionated organic matter by its molecular weight showed that the small molecular weight fraction had stronger toxicity than other fractions. The effect of inorganic matter on toxicity was examined by comparing the dose-response relationship of the extracts of compost with positive control with 1M of sodium chloride solution. The comparison showed that sodium concentration in the extract was too low to develop the toxicity and the effect of inorganic matter could be neglected in this study.
P controller calibration for the real time control of moveable weirs in (proportional) sewer channels
Authors: Campisano A. , Creaco E. , Modica C.
Published: February 2016

Publisher‘s note. We very much regret that in the final stages of production an error was introduced into the title of the above article. In attempting to clarify the meaning of “P” in the term “P controller”, the parenthetical phrase “(proportional)” was accidentally introduced into the wrong location, giving the meaningless phrase printed in the original title. We wish to apologise to authors and readers for this error and any confusion it may have caused: the correct version of the title is as given below:
Electricity production from molasses wastewater in two-chamber microbial fuel cell
Authors: Zhang Yong-juan , Sun Cai-yu , Liu Xiao-ye , Han Wei , Dong Yi-xing , Li Yong-feng
Published: February 2016

Molasses wastewater contains large amounts of glucose, and it can provide enough energy for microbial decomposition. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) in this study was demonstrated to be able to treat real wastewater with the benefit of harvesting electricity energy. Efficient operation of this MFC requires a molasses wastewater and preferably an inexpensive anode electrolyte. The results from a batch of experiments showed that molasses wastewater could not only serve as the electron acceptor in anode, but also generate electricity stably. A maximum voltage output of 514.5 mV and a maximum power density of 65.82 mW/m2 were recorded at external resistance of 1,000 Ω. The MFC not only effectively dealt with the molasses wastewater, the chemical oxygen demand removal rate is 81.22%, but also had a significant effect in the processing of analog silver wastewater. At the end of the experiment, after disassembling the device, silver precipitation was found stacked on the cathode carbon paper electrode, and some black sediment was found at the side of the proton membrane anode.
Ocean bacteria: performance on CODCr and NH4+-N removal in landfill leachate treatment
Authors: Feng Yali , Yi Aifei , Li Haoran , Wang Weida , Du Yunlong
Published: February 2016

An experiment was carried out to investigate the performance of mixed ocean bacteria, isolated from the ocean sediment, on landfill leachate treatment. In this treatment, ocean bacteria were the only constituent added to remove organics and NH4+-N. Given their considerable influence on wastewater purification, factors such as inoculum, initial pH, processing time and oxygen condition, were directly involved in this research. As indicated by laboratory test results, chemical oxygen demand (CODCr) and NH4+-N removal could reach 94.45% and 67.87%, respectively, after 3 days of treatment, in conditions of natural pH 6.3 and with the application of oxygen. The volt–ampere characteristics of the bacteria solution verified the redox-active ability of the bacteria in landfill leachate treatment.
Enhanced electrochemical oxidation of Acid Red 3R wastewater with iron phosphomolybdate supported catalyst
Authors: Wang Li , Yue Lin , Shi Feng , Guo Jianbo , Yang Jingliang , Lian Jing , Luo Xiao , Guo Yankai
Published: February 2016

Electrochemical oxidation of Acid Red 3R (AR3R) was investigated with the new catalyst of iron phosphomolybdate (FePMo12) supported on modified molecular sieves type 4 Å (4A) as packing materials in the reactor. The results of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction indicated that the heteropolyanion had a Keggin structure. The optimal conditions for decolorization of simulated AR3R wastewater were as follows: current density 35 mA/cm2, initial pH 4.0, airflow 0.08 m3/hour and inter-electrode distance 3.0 cm. With the addition of NaCl to the system, the decolorization efficiency increased. But Na2SO4 had a negative effect on the decolorization efficiency, which was attributed to the negative salt effect. The degradation mechanisms of AR3R were also discussed in detail.
Optimized photocatalytic degradation of caffeic acid by sol–gel TiO2
Authors: García-Montelongo Xiomara L. , Martínez-de la Cruz Azael , Contreras David , Mansilla Héctor D.
Published: February 2016

TiO2 anatase powder was prepared by means of the sol–gel method with titanium(IV) butoxide as precursor. The formation of a tetragonal crystal structure of TiO2 anatase at 500 °C was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction. The characterization of the samples synthesized was complemented by scanning electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 anatase powder was evaluated in the degradation of caffeic acid in aqueous solution under ultraviolet radiation. A central composite circumscribed design was used to assess the weight of the experimental variables, pH and amount of catalyst in the percentage of caffeic acid degraded and the optimal conditions. The optimized conditions were found to be pH = 5.2 and a load of TiO2 of 1.1 g L−1. Under these conditions more than 90% of caffeic acid degradation was achieved after 30 min of lamp irradiation. At this time the mineralization reached was almost 60%.
Use of multivariate calibration models based on UV-Vis spectra for seawater quality monitoring in Tianjin Bohai Bay, China
Authors: Liu Xianhua , Wang Lili
Published: February 2016

A series of ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectra from seawater samples collected from sites along the coastline of Tianjin Bohai Bay in China were subjected to multivariate partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis. Calibration models were developed for monitoring chemical oxygen demand (COD) and concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC). Three different PLS models were developed using the spectra from raw samples (Model-1), diluted samples (Model-2), and diluted and raw samples combined (Model-3). Experimental results showed that: (i) possible nonlinearities in the signal concentration relationships were well accounted for by the multivariate PLS model; (ii) the predicted values of COD and TOC fit the analytical values well; the high correlation coefficients and small root mean squared error of cross-validation (RMSECV) showed that this method can be used for seawater quality monitoring; and (iii) compared with Model-1 and Model-2, Model-3 had the highest coefficient of determination (R2) and the lowest number of latent variables. This latter finding suggests that only large data sets that include data representing different combinations of conditions (i.e., various seawater matrices) will produce stable site-specific regressions. The results of this study illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and its potential for use as a seawater quality monitoring technique.
Beta diversity as a tool for determining priority streams for management actions
Authors: Barboza Luis Gabriel Antão , Mormul Roger Paulo , Higuti Janet
Published: February 2016

Beta diversity has become essential for understanding ecosystem functioning and for determining biodiversity-conservation priority areas. However, the beta diversity patterns of invertebrates in tropical aquatic ecosystems are not well known, particularly in streams. Using data from low-order streams located in southern Brazil, we evaluated the beta diversity of Chironomidae. We tested the hypothesis that increased environmental heterogeneity increases beta diversity. The streams were grouped into two categories, rural and urban, according to the percentage of urbanization in their micro-basins. Our results showed that the heterogeneity of environmental variables can determine the beta diversity of Chironomidae, and the increased environmental heterogeneity caused by differences in the intensity of urbanization impacts can increase the beta diversity in urban streams. Therefore, the intensified impacts of anthropogenic activities in aquatic ecosystems can also increase beta diversity. Finally, we suggested that beta diversity can be an effective tool for not only designing measures and determining priority conservation areas, but also accurately identifying potentially degraded and priority sites that require water management plans.
Summertime conditions of a muddy estuarine environment: the EsCoSed project contribution
Authors: Brocchini Maurizio , Calantoni Joseph , Reed Allen H. , Postacchini Matteo , Lorenzoni Carlo , Russo Aniello , Mancinelli Alessandro , Corvaro Sara , Moriconi Giacomo , Soldini Luciano
Published: February 2016

As part of the Estuarine Cohesive Sediments (EsCoSed) project, a field experiment was performed in a highly engineered environment, acting as a natural laboratory, to study the physico-chemical properties of estuarine sediments and the associated hydro-morphodynamics during different seasons. The present contribution focuses on the results obtained from the summertime monitoring of the most downstream part of the Misa River (Senigallia, Italy). The measured hydrodynamics suggested a strong interaction between river current, wave forcing and tidal motion; flow velocities, affected by wind waves traveling upstream, changed significantly along the water column in both direction and magnitude. Surficial salinities in the estuary were low in the upper reaches of the estuary and exceeded 10 psu before the river mouth. Montmorillonite dominated the clay mineral assemblage, suggesting that large, low density flocs with high settling velocities (>1 mm s−1) may dominate the suspended aggregate materials.
An investigation into the effectiveness of sand media amended with biochar to remove BOD5, suspended solids and coliforms using wetland mesocosms
Authors: de Rozari P. , Greenway M. , El Hanandeh A.
Published: February 2016

Constructed wetland ecotechnologies (CWEs) are a promising solution to effectively treat domestic wastewater in developing countries at low cost. This paper reports the findings of the effectiveness of sand media amended with woody biochar and two plants species (Melaleuca quinquenervia and Cymbopogon citratus) in removing biological oxygen demand (BOD5), suspended solids and coliforms. The experimental design consisted of 21 vertical flow (VF) mesocosms. There were seven media treatments using sand amended with varying proportions of biochar. During the first 8 months, the mesocosms were loaded with secondary clarified wastewater (SCW) then septage. The influent had a 4-day hydraulic retention time. Samples were monitored for BOD5, total suspended solids (TSS), total volatile solids (TVS), total coliforms and faecal coliforms. In the first 8 months, there were no significant performance differences between media treatments in the outflow concentrations of BOD5, TSS and TVS. The significant differences occurred during the last 3 months; using septage with biochar additions performed better than pure sand. For coliforms, the significant differences occurred after 6 months. In conclusion, the addition of biochar was not effective for SCW. The VF mesocosms system proved to be more effective in removing BOD5, TSS, TVS and coliforms when septage was loaded into the media.
Improved light-transmission method for the study of LNAPL migration and distribution rule
Authors: Zhao Yongsheng , Sun Jiaqiang , Sun Chao , Cui Jian , Zhou Rui
Published: February 2016

In this study, diesel was selected as a pollutant to study the migration and distribution rule of light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) in the simulated vadose zone. Saturation was regarded as a critical parameter to reflect the LNAPL migration and distribution rule. To get LNAPL saturation distribution figures, an image processing method of saturation was established to improve light-transmission technology, which can deal with digital camera images. Results showed that the vadose zone contains three areas from top to bottom, named dry media, transition zone and capillary zone. The system has two interfaces at which moisture content increased significantly. The significant increase in moisture content induced two apparent horizontal LNAPL diffusions in the two interfaces. Furthermore, the highly saturated LNAPL was mostly distributed near the wet interface, which lay between the dry media and the transition zone. Moreover, the downstream expansion of LNAPL in the capillary zone was promoted by groundwater flow, yet cutting off LNAPL supply could stop the downstream expansion after a period of time. The accuracy of this image processing method of saturation was verified by mass balance theory and reported a relative error of 4.38%.
Electrochemical degradation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in groundwater
Authors: Trautmann A. M. , Schell H. , Schmidt K. R. , Mangold K.-M. , Tiehm A.
Published: February 2016

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) represent hazardous pollutants and are frequently detected in the environment, e.g. in contaminated groundwater. PFASs are persistent to biodegradation and conventional oxidation processes such as ozonation. In this study electrochemical degradation of PFASs on boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes is demonstrated. Experiments were performed with model solutions and contaminated groundwater with a dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content of 13 mg/L. The perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) perfluorobutanoate, perfluoropentanoate, perfluorohexanoate, perfluoroheptanoate and perfluorooctanoate, and the perfluorinated sulfonic acids (PFSAs) perfluorobutane sulfonate, perfluorohexane sulfonate, perfluorooctane sulfonate and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate were detected in the groundwater samples. At PFAS concentrations ranging from 0.26 to 34 mg/L (0.7 to 79 μM), the degradation of PFASs was achieved despite of the high DOC background. Pseudo first-order kinetic constants of PFSA degradation increased with the increase of carbon chain length. Fluoride formation as well as the generation of PFCAs with shortened chain lengths was observed. Inorganic byproducts such as perchlorate were also formed and have to be considered in further process optimization.
Performance of microbial electrolysis cells with bioanodes grown at different external resistances
Authors: Rago Laura , Monpart Nuria , Cortés Pilar , Baeza Juan A. , Guisasola Albert
Published: February 2016

Bioelectrochemical systems need an anode with a high abundance of exoelectrogenic bacteria for an optimal performance. Among all possible operational parameters for an efficient enrichment, the role of external resistance in microbial fuel cell (MFC) has gained a lot of interest since it indirectly poises an anode potential, a key parameter for biofilm distribution and morphology. Thus, this work aims at investigating and discussing whether bioanodes selected at different external resistances under MFC operation present different responses under both MFC and microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) operation. A better MEC performance (i.e. shorter start-up time, higher current intensity and higher H2 production rate) was obtained with an anode from an MFC developed under low external resistance. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) confirmed that a low external resistance provides an MFC anodic biofilm with the highest content of Geobacter because it allows higher current intensity, which is correlated to exoelectrogenic activity. High external resistances such as 1,000 Ω led to a slower start-up time under MEC operation.
Dynamic modelling of nitrous oxide emissions from three Swedish sludge liquor treatment systems
Authors: Lindblom E. , Arnell M. , Flores-Alsina X. , Stenström F. , Gustavsson D. J. I. , Yang J. , Jeppsson U.
Published: February 2016

The objective of this paper is to model the dynamics and validate the results of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from three Swedish nitrifying/denitrifying, nitritation and anammox systems treating real anaerobic digester sludge liquor. The Activated Sludge Model No. 1 is extended to describe N2O production by both heterotrophic and autotrophic denitrification. In addition, mass transfer equations are implemented to characterize the dynamics of N2O in the water and the gas phases. The biochemical model is simulated and validated for two hydraulic patterns: (1) a sequencing batch reactor; and (2) a moving-bed biofilm reactor. Results show that the calibrated model is partly capable of reproducing the behaviour of N2O as well as the nitritation/nitrification/denitrification dynamics. However, the results emphasize that additional work is required before N2O emissions from sludge liquor treatment plants can be generally predicted with high certainty by simulations. Continued efforts should focus on determining the switching conditions for different N2O formation pathways and, if full-scale data are used, more detailed modelling of the measurement devices might improve the conclusions that can be drawn.
Life cycle assessment of introducing an anaerobic digester in a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Spain
Authors: Blanco David , Collado Sergio , Laca Adriana , Díaz Mario
Published: February 2016

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is being established as a standard technology to recover some of the energy contained in the sludge in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as biogas, allowing an economy in electricity and heating and a decrease in climate gas emission. The purpose of this study was to quantify the contributions to the total environmental impact of the plant using life cycle assessment methodology. In this work, data from real operation during 2012 of a municipal WWTP were utilized as the basis to determine the impact of including AD in the process. The climate change human health was the most important impact category when AD was included in the treatment (Scenario 1), especially due to fossil carbon dioxide emissions. Without AD (Scenario 2), increased emissions of greenhouse gases, mostly derived from the use of electricity, provoked a rise in the climate change categories. Biogas utilization was able to provide 47% of the energy required in the WWTP in Scenario 1. Results obtained make Scenario 1 the better environmental choice by far, mainly due to the use of the digested sludge as fertilizer.
Multivariate probability distribution for sewer system vulnerability assessment under data-limited conditions
Authors: Del Giudice G. , Padulano R. , Siciliano D.
Published: February 2016

The lack of geometrical and hydraulic information about sewer networks often excludes the adoption of in-deep modeling tools to obtain prioritization strategies for funds management. The present paper describes a novel statistical procedure for defining the prioritization scheme for preventive maintenance strategies based on a small sample of failure data collected by the Sewer Office of the Municipality of Naples (IT). Novelty issues involve, among others, considering sewer parameters as continuous statistical variables and accounting for their interdependences. After a statistical analysis of maintenance interventions, the most important available factors affecting the process are selected and their mutual correlations identified. Then, after a Box-Cox transformation of the original variables, a methodology is provided for the evaluation of a vulnerability map of the sewer network by adopting a joint multivariate normal distribution with different parameter sets. The goodness-of-fit is eventually tested for each distribution by means of a multivariate plotting position. The developed methodology is expected to assist municipal engineers in identifying critical sewers, prioritizing sewer inspections in order to fulfill rehabilitation requirements.
Enhanced treatment of tannery wastewater in an integrated multistage bioreactor (IMBR) by the predominant bacterial strains enriched from marine sediments
Authors: Huang Guangdao , Fan Guofeng , Liu Guoguang
Published: February 2016

An innovative integrated multistage bioreactor (IMBR) system, which was augmented with three predominant bacterial strains (Lactobacillus paracasei CL1107, Pichia jadinii CL1705, and Serratia marcescens CL1502) isolated from marine sediments, was developed to treat real tannery wastewater without performing physicochemical pretreatment, with the potential to reduce the generation of waste sludge and odors. The performance of the IMBR treatment system, with and without the inclusion of the predominant bacterial strains, was compared. The results indicated that the performance of the IMBR system without bioaugmentation by the predominant bacterial strains was poor. However, when in the presence of the predominant bacterial strains, the IMBR system exhibited high removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD) (97%), NH4+-N (97.7%), and total nitrogen (TN) (90%). In addition, the system had the capacity for the simultaneous removal of organics and nitrogen, heterotrophic nitrification and denitrification being carried out concurrently, thereby avoiding the strong inhibition of high concentrations of COD on nitrification. The system possessed excellent adaptability and ability to resist influent loading fluctuations, and had a good alkalinity balance such that it could achieve a high NH4+-N, and TN removal efficiency without a supplement of external alkalinity. In addition, an empirical performance modeling of the IMBR system was analyzed.
Pilot scale studies on nitritation-anammox process for mainstream wastewater at low temperature
Authors: Trojanowicz Karol , Plaza Elzbieta , Trela Jozef
Published: February 2016

Process of partial nitritation-anammox for mainstream wastewater at low temperature was run in a pilot scale moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) system for about 300 days. The biofilm history in the reactor was about 3 years of growth at low temperature (down to 10 °C). The goal of the studies presented in this paper was to achieve effective partial nitritation-anammox process. Influence of nitrogen loading rate, hydraulic retention time, aeration strategy (continuous versus intermittent) and sludge recirculation (integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) mode) on deammonification process' efficiency and microbial activity in the examined system was tested. It was found that the sole intermittent aeration strategy is not a sufficient method for successful suppression of nitrite oxidizing bacteria in MBBR. The best performance of the process was achieved in IFAS mode. The highest recorded capacity of ammonia oxidizing bacteria and anammox bacteria in biofilm was 1.4 gN/m2d and 0.5 gN/m2d, respectively, reaching 51% in nitrogen removal efficiency.
Spatial–temporal distribution and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of total phosphorus and total nitrogen in the Yangtze River Estuary
Authors: Liu Ruimin , Chen Yaxin , Yu Wenwen , Xu Fei , Shen Zhenyao
Published: February 2016

Based on water sample data collected from the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE) during four sampling periods in 2010 and 2011, the total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) content were evaluated using the traditional single-factor evaluation (TSE) and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE). Statistical analyses showed that the average TN and TP for the four periods were 2.60 mg/L and 0.11 mg/L, respectively. August 2010 showed the lowest TN (1.57 mg/L), and February 2011 showed the highest TP (0.15 mg/L). The annual spatial distribution results indicated that an area of high TN concentration (TN ≥ 3.0 mg/L) occurred in the adjacent sea and increased on an eastward gradient. An area of high TP concentration (TP ≥0.10 mg/L) occurred in the inner YRE and decreased on an eastward gradient. There were significant differences in the results of TSE and FCE. The TSE results only reflected the TN evaluation results for certain locations of the YRE. The FCE method combined the effects of the TN and TP factors, and the results indicate that the Chinese water quality classification of Class 5 was dominant in the YRE.
Stabilized chitosan/Fe0-nanoparticle beads to remove heavy metals from polluted sediments
Authors: Liu T. , Sun Y. , Wang Z. L.
Published: February 2016

Sediment contamination by heavy metals has become a widespread problem that can affect the normal behaviors of rivers and lakes. After chitosan/Fe0-nanoparticles (CS-NZVI) beads were cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GLA), their mechanical strength, stability and separation efficiency from the sediment were obviously improved. Moreover, the average aperture size of GLA-CS-NZVI beads was 20.6 μm and NZVI particles were nearly spherical in shape with a mean diameter of 40.2 nm. In addition, the pH showed an insignificant effect on the removal rates from the sediment. Due to the dissolution of metals species into aqueous solutions as an introduction of the salt, the removal rates of all heavy metals from the sediment were increased with an increase of the salinity. The competitive adsorption of heavy metals between the sediment particles and GLA-CS-NZVI beads became stronger as the sediment particles became smaller, leading to decreased removal rates. Therefore, the removal efficiency could be enhanced by optimizing experimental conditions and choosing appropriate materials for the target contaminants.
Influence of flocculation on sediment deposition process at the Three Gorges Reservoir
Authors: Wang Dangwei , Liu Xiaofang , Ji Zuwen , Dong Zhandi , Hu Haihua
Published: February 2016

By comparing the original particle gradation of sediment from the Three Gorges Reservoir with the single particle gradation, the differences in these two particle gradations showed that there is sediment flocculation in the Three Gorges Reservoir, which can accelerate the sediment deposition rate in the reservoir. In order to determine the influence of flocculation on the sediment settling velocity, sediment was collected at the Three Gorges Reservoir, and the indoor quiescent settling experiment was performed to study the mechanism of sediment flocculation. The experimental results showed that sediments aggregated from single particles into floccules in the settling processes. The single particles smaller than 0.022 mm will participate in the formation of floccules, which accounts for 83% of the total amount of sediment in the Three Gorges Reservoir. Moreover, the degree of sediment flocculation and the increase in sediment settling velocity were directly proportional to the sediment concentration. Taking the average particle size and the median particle size as the representative particle size, respectively, the maximum flocculation factors were calculated to be 3.4 and 5.0. Due to the sediment flocculation, the volume of sediment deposition will increase by 66% when the mass settling flux factor of total sediment had a maximum value of 1.66, suggesting that flocculation has a significant influence on the sediment deposition rate in the Three Gorges Reservoir.
Good modelling practice in applying computational fluid dynamics for WWTP modelling
Authors: Wicklein Edward , Batstone Damien J. , Ducoste Joel , Laurent Julien , Griborio Alonso , Wicks Jim , Saunders Stephen , Samstag Randal , Potier Olivier , Nopens Ingmar
Published: February 2016

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling in the wastewater treatment (WWT) field is continuing to grow and be used to solve increasingly complex problems. However, the future of CFD models and their value to the wastewater field are a function of their proper application and knowledge of their limits. As has been established for other types of wastewater modelling (i.e. biokinetic models), it is timely to define a good modelling practice (GMP) for wastewater CFD applications. An International Water Association (IWA) working group has been formed to investigate a variety of issues and challenges related to CFD modelling in water and WWT. This paper summarizes the recommendations for GMP of the IWA working group on CFD. The paper provides an overview of GMP and, though it is written for the wastewater application, is based on general CFD procedures. A forthcoming companion paper to provide specific details on modelling of individual wastewater components forms the next step of the working group.
Evaluation of anaerobic digestion processes for short sludge-age waste activated sludge combined with anammox treatment of digestate liquor
Authors: Ge Huoqing , Batstone Damien , Keller Jurg
Published: February 2016

The need to reduce energy input and enhance energy recovery from wastewater is driving renewed interest in high-rate activated sludge treatment (i.e. short hydraulic and solids retention times (HRT and SRT, respectively)). This process generates short SRT activated sludge stream, which should be highly degradable. However, the evaluation of anaerobic digestion of short SRT sludge has been limited. This paper assesses anaerobic digestion of short SRT sludge digestion derived from meat processing wastewater under thermophilic and mesophilic conditions. The thermophilic digestion system (55°C) achieved 60 and 68% volatile solids destruction at 8 day and 10 day HRT, respectively, compared with 50% in the mesophilic digestion system (35°C, 10 day HRT). The digestion effluents from the thermophilic (8–10 day HRT) and mesophilic systems were stable, as assessed by residual methane potentials. The ammonia rich sludge dewatering liquor was effectively treated by a batch anammox process, which exhibited comparable nitrogen removal rate as the tests using a control synthetic ammonia solution, indicating that the dewatering liquor did not have inhibiting/toxic effects on the anammox activity.
Electrochemical removal of carbamazepine in water with Ti/PbO2 cylindrical mesh anode
Authors: García-Espinoza J. D. , Gortáres-Moroyoqui P. , Orta-Ledesma M. T. , Drogui P. , Mijaylova-Nacheva P.
Published: February 2016

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is one of the most frequently detected organic compounds in the aquatic environment. Due to its bio-persistence and toxicity for humans and the environment its removal has become an important issue. The performance of the electrochemical oxidation process and in situ production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as O3 and H2O2, for CBZ removal have been studied using Ti/PbO2 cylindrical mesh anode in the presence of Na2SO4 as supporting electrolyte in a batch electrochemical reactor. In this integrated process, direct oxidation at anode and indirect oxidation by in situ electrogenerated ROS can occur simultaneously. The effect of several factors such as electrolysis time, current intensity, initial pH and oxygen flux was investigated by means of an experimental design methodology, using a 24 factorial matrix. CBZ removal of 83.93% was obtained and the most influential parameters turned out to be electrolysis time, current intensity and oxygen flux. Later, the optimal experimental values for CBZ degradation were obtained by means of a central composite design. The best operating conditions, analyzed by Design Expert® software, are the following: 110 min of electrolysis at 3.0 A, pH = 7.05 and 2.8 L O2/min. Under these optimal conditions, the model prediction (82.44%) fits very well with the experimental response (83.90 ± 0.8%). Furthermore, chemical oxygen demand decrease was quantified. Our results illustrated significant removal efficiency for the CBZ in optimized condition with second order kinetic reaction.
Joined statistical – thermodynamic expression for entropy and Hook’s law in the analysis of states of elongated ligament biostructure
Authors: Stankovic Milan , Janjic Natasa , Ninkovic Srdjan , Harhaji Vladimir , Savic Dragan , Milankov Miroslav
Published: February 2016

Analytic joined statistical - thermodynamic expression for entropy as a
function of state for measuring disorder of the corresponding micro state and
the mechanical parameters which feature in Hooke?s law on elasticity as a
measure of macro state was used in the situation of isothermal elongation of
viscoelastic ligament biostructure simultaneously with external force of
constant intensity to determine the change of entropy and the resultant
reactive elastic force in the function of relative elongation. The sample
used for the analysis and testing of the original joined theory shown with
adequate equations is tested on linear biostructure approximating the data of
Lig. collatelare fibulare which strengthens the lateral side of the knee
joint. The obtained results for the tested linear biostructure according to
which the minimal value of the difference in dS corresponds to the state of
maximal entropy and the minimal value of elastic force indicates the
acceptable level of elongation at which a reversible process is still
possible, with low probability. This leads to the conclusion that, according
to the results obtained here, the biostructure under examination can
withstand the elongation which is approximately equal to twice the initial
length L0. The relation between the friction force Ftr and the elasticity
force Fe for the initial state is 1.0417, which indicates that the friction
force is to a certain extent higher than the elastic force. With elongation
this ratio changes in favour of the friction force and becomes more prominent
with advanced age.
Adaptive continuously variable transmission used for maintaining stationary regime of driving machine
Authors: Cavic Maja , Pencic Marko , Zlokolica Miodrag
Published: February 2016

Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) contained in many complex systems
of modern techniques can be designed as purely mechanical systems that can,
thanks to their structure, do self adjustments, meaning they can change their
own characteristics in order to adapt to the external parameters variations.
In this way adaptive CVT can be used for automatic regulation of a system. A
general approach to the dynamical description of adaptive CVT behavior as a
nonholonomic, completely mechanical system is developed. For the dynamical
description of the mechanical nonholonomic system, Appell`s differential
equations are used. By numerically solving differential equations of motion,
answers about the working stability as well as the dynamical and kinematic
behavior of the observed CVT system are obtained thus proving CVT?s
functional applicability as a regulator for a changeable working regime.
Presented approach can be used in choosing optimal parameters for the
synthesis of this type of transmissions.
Profitability of smart grid solutions applied in power grid
Authors: Katic Nenad
Published: February 2016

The idea of a Smart Grid solution has been developing for years, as complete
solution for a power utility, consisting of different advanced technologies
aimed at improving of the efficiency of operation. The trend of implementing
various smart systems continues, e.g. Energy Management Systems, Grid
Automation Systems, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Smart power equipment,
Distributed Energy Resources, Demand Response systems, etc. Futhermore,
emerging technologies, such as energy storages, electrical vehicles or
distributed generators, become integrated in distribution networks and
systems. Nowadays, the idea of a Smart Grid solution becomes more realistic
by full integration of all advanced operation technologies (OT) within IT
environment, providing the complete digitalization of an Utility (IT/OT
integration). The overview of smart grid solutions, estimation of
investments, operation costs and possible benefits are presented in this
article, with discusison about profitability of such systems.
Adapting the Forchheimer equation for the flow of air through wheat straw beds
Authors: Doder Djordjije , Miljkovic Biljana , Stepanov Borivoj , Pesenjanski Ivan
Published: February 2016

The paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of air
pressure drop while flowing through wheat straw beds. According to Darcy?s
law, the smaller the porosity of the bed is, the bigger the pressure drop
will be. The investigation was conducted using three different porosities (or
three bed densities), and for two different air flow rates. After determining
porosity (which is directly measurable), the permeability of straw could be
found. For high flow velocities, such as the velocity of air flowing through
a straw bale, the Forchheimer equation becomes more relevant as a correction
of Darcy?s law with inertial effects included. Otherwise, the permeability
tensor depends only on the geometry of the porous medium. With permeability
known, the Forchheimer equation coefficients can be easily estimated. These
results may be important for the future development of efficient biomass
combustion facilities. The measurement methods and facility characteristics
are described in more detail.
Coordination and Symmetry Patterns During the Drop Vertical Jump in People With Chronic Ankle Instability and Lateral Ankle Sprain Copers
Authors: Doherty Cailbhe , Bleakley Chris , Hertel Jay , Caulfield Brian , Ryan John , Sweeney Kevin , Patterson Matthew R. , Delahunt Eamonn
Published: February 2016

Background

The drop vertical jump (DVJ) task has previously been used to identify movement patterns associated with a number of injury types. However, no current research exists evaluating people with chronic ankle instability (CAI) compared with people coping with lateral ankle sprain (LAS) (referred to as “LAS copers”) during this task.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the coping movement and motor control patterns of LAS copers in comparison with individuals with CAI during the DVJ task.

Design

This was a case-control study.

Methods

Seventy individuals were recruited at convenience within 2-weeks of sustaining a first-time acute LAS injury. One year following recruitment, these individuals were stratified into 2 groups: 28 with CAI and 42 LAS copers. They attended the testing laboratory to complete a DVJ task. Three-dimensional kinematic and sagittal-plane kinetic profiles were plotted for the lower extremity joints of both limbs for the drop jump phase (phase 1) and drop landing phase (phase 2) of the DVJ. The rate of impact modulation relative to body weight during both phases of the DVJ also was determined.

Results

Compared with LAS copers, participants with CAI displayed significant increases in hip flexion on their “involved” limb during phase 1 of the DVJ (23° vs 18°) and bilaterally during phase 2 (15° vs 10°). These movement patterns coincided with altered moment-of-force patterns at the hip on the “uninvolved” limb.

Limitations

It is unknown whether these movement and motor control patterns preceded or occurred as a result of the initial LAS injury.

Conclusions

Participants with CAI displayed hip-centered changes in movement and motor control patterns during a DVJ task compared with LAS copers. The findings of this study may give an indication of the coping mechanism underlying outcome following initial LAS injury.
Further Validation of Workplace Spirituality Scale in an Eastern Context
Authors: Shrestha Arjun Kumar
Published: February 2016

Several scales for measuring workplace spirituality (WPS) are available. However, a majority of the available scales were developed in the Western context that may not be generalizable in an Eastern context. Petchsawang and Duchon (2009) developed a 22-item, four dimensional WPS scale with a sample from an Eastern Buddhist-centric culture for capturing WPS in an Eastern context. The purpose of this study was to assess the generalizability, dimensionality, and convergent and discriminant validity of this scale in another Eastern context, which has a strong tradition of Hindu culture. Confirmatory Factor Analyses were conducted on the data collected from 211 individuals, and results supported the four dimensions of the scale. Other statistical analyses demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity of the scale. Limitations of the study are highlighted, and suggestions for future research are discussed.Journal of Business and Management Studies Vol.1(1) 2016: 1-13
Cyclical Behavior of Public and Private Sector Banks: A Comparative Study of Non-performing Assets
Authors: Durafe Aniruddha , Singh Manmeet
Published: February 2016

This study examines the cyclical behavior of both the public and private sector banks in India with a focus on non-performing assets. The motivation behind this study is to find out whether non-performing assets of public sector banks and private sector banks in India exhibit procyclical behavior. Pearson correlation coefficient results suggest countercyclical behavior of gross non-performing assets and current state of economy in both public and private sector banks. The study also employed multiple regression analysis which shows that all bank specific variables have significant effect on gross non-performing assets in public sector banks while macroeconomic variables are found to be insignificant in presence of bank specific variables. In case of private sector banks, current state of economy is found to be significant in presence of bank specific variables with negative sign. In another model, which includes only macroeconomic variables, economy wide fluctuations and inflation are found significant in both public and private sector banks in India.Journal of Business and Management Studies Vol.1(1) 2016: 14-25
Relationship between Remittance and Credit Disbursement of the Banking Sector: A Study from Bangladesh
Authors: Muktadir-Al-Mukit Dewan , Islam Nazrul
Published: February 2016

The paper investigates the relationships of remittance with credit disbursement of the banking sector in Bangladesh. The major portion of the remittance in Bangladesh is transferred through different banks as official channel. Besides, remittance recipient families transfer a portion of the remittance in the deposit accounts of different commercial banks. This two-way process helps to increase the liquidity position of the bank that enables them to increase the credit disbursement position of the banks. Moreover, the use of this loan by the business entrepreneurs indirectly helps economic development of Bangladesh. This study uses time series econometric techniques with monthly data spanning from 1976 to 2012 to explore the relationships between the remittances and the credit disbursements of the banks. The findings of the study clearly show that remittances assist to enhance the amount of credit disbursements of the banking sector in Bangladesh. The normalized co-integrating coefficients are found statistically significant and show a stable and positive relationship between the variables under this study. Finally, Granger causality analysis suggests the existence of bidirectional causality between remittances and credit disbursements.Journal of Business and Management Studies Vol.1(1) 2016: 39-52
Activity-Based Model with Dynamic Traffic Assignment and Consideration of Heterogeneous User Preferences and Reliability Valuation
Authors: Zockaie Ali , Saberi Meead , Mahmassani Hani S. , Jiang Lan , Frei Andreas , Hou Tian
Published: February 2016

To forecast the impact of congestion pricing schemes, it is essential to capture user responses to these schemes and the resulting dynamics of traffic flow on the network. The responses of users must include route, departure time, and mode choices. To capture the effects of these decisions, this paper lays out a framework for the integration of the relevant elements of an activity-based model (ABM) with a dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) model and a simulation framework to support the analysis and evaluation of various pricing schemes. In this paper, a multicriterion dynamic user equilibrium traffic assignment model is used; the model explicitly considers heterogeneous users who seek to minimize travel time, out-of-pocket cost, and travel time reliability in the underlying route choice framework. In addition to the methodological developments, various demand and supply parameters are estimated and calibrated for the selected application network (the Greater Chicago, Illinois, network). This paper showcases the integration of ABM components and a DTA in one coherent modeling framework for the implementation and evaluation of congestion pricing in an actual large-scale network.
Implementation of a Practical Model System to Predict Long-Distance Travel for the Entire U.S. Population
Authors: Bradley Mark , Outwater Maren L. , Ferdous Nazneen
Published: February 2016

This paper describes a model system designed and implemented to simulate long-distance travel for all U.S. households. The model system was created in the final phase of FHWA research project Foundational Knowledge to Support a Long-Distance Passenger Travel Demand Modeling Framework. It is a tour-based system simulating individual tours for individual households from a synthetic population. The models are disaggregate models of auto ownership, tour generation, tour duration, travel party size, tour destination choice, and tour mode choice. The model system runs in 1 to 2 h on a standard PC, simulating a full year’s long-distance tours for the entire U.S. population. The paper describes the model structure, input data, and software implementation and provides some results from the initial model calibration, validation, highway assignment, and sensitivity tests.