bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyethersulfone/Polyamide11Cost Effective, Antifouling- Nanofiltration Blend Membrane
Authors: Shalaby Marwa , Abdallah Heba , Alanezi Adnan , shaban Ahmed
Published: November 2022

Nanofiltration membranes (NF) are considered and used extensively in seawater softening, food, textile, and mining industries for the removal of di-and multi-valents to increase RO lifetime by decreasing fouling rates, and chemical cleaning intervals. In this work, blend membranes of polyethersulfone and polyamide11 were prepared by phase inversion process. The membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM),pore size distribution, mechanical properties and membranes performance. The results indicated that, the membrane (N2), which was prepared using PA11 (1 wt%) with a solution of sodium dodecylsulphate (0.5wt%) and TiO2 (1 wt%) provides the best performance according to rejection percentage. Where, the rejection percentage of magnesium sulfate reached 99 %, 97% and 91% as a function of feed synthetic salt solutionof concentration 1g/l, 2 g/l, and 5 g/l respectively. Permeate flux of (N2) was the lowest one due to havinga dense top layer of this membrane and low mean pore size (7.7 nm) which was 66.7 L/m2.h, 64.2 L/m2.h and 53.5 L/m2.h as a function of feed synthetic salt solutionof concentration 1g/l, 2 g/l and 5 g/l respectively. The fouling test was carried out using methylene blue dye, where the membrane (N2) exhibits good antifouling properties.
Novel technologies & methods for Lithium batteries expansion of life cycle
Authors: KONDILI EMILIA , VLACHOU KONSTANTINA , KALDELLIS JOHN
Published: November 2022

The technology of Lithium batteries is nowadays greatly developing, as they are an efficient mean of energy storage. Their main use is in electric and electronic devices. Moreover after 2010, these batteries are also used in the development of electric vehicles, an industrial sector which has a high growth rate. Since these technologies are advancing and the quantitative use of Lithium batteries in Europe is expected to increase, a flow of lithium batteries waste will be generated that will need novel methods to be treated. Therefore, much research should be done focusing on the waste batteries, their collection and possibilities of reuse. Recent approaches in battery recycling are focusing on material separation and partially processed raw material re-use. But concerns about the great amounts of waste, the possible lack of the primary materials included in the batteries and also the possible soil and water contamination, is leading the scientists to find new methods of restoring, reusing and expanding the life cycle of Lithium batteries.
The objective of the present work is to review the current status and future prospects of lithium batteries use and treatment as waste. The increasing importance of lithium as well as its present applications, the storage and reuse methods as well as its constraints as an energy storage material will be highlighted in the work.
Comparative Study of Flow through Vegetation Stems With and Without Foliage
Authors: Christodoulou George , Mavrommatis Aristotelis
Published: November 2022

The presence of vegetation in rivers, streams and riparian zones affects significantly the flow field and consequently the resistance, pollutant dispersion, sediment transport and ecological habitat. In this paper, a comparative study is undertaken to investigate the effect of an array of simple rigid or compound semi-flexible elements, resembling submerged small plants, on key features of the flow field. . Measurements were taken by means of a 3-D ADV instrument at selected locations within the vegetation array and downstream of it. Vertical profiles of the (temporal mean) velocities and turbulent shear stresses were obtained and compared.
Utilising Pay As You Throw Systems and Autonomous Composting Units in Balkan Med countries
Authors: Maragkaki Angeliki
Published: November 2022

In this paper a European Union and National funded project activities are described. The project “BIOWASTE” promotes the transfer and application test of innovative technologies (PAYT and ACUs), aiming to enhance managing efficiency in solid wastes related issues, such as source separation schemes and treating systems emphasizing in organic wastes. The proposed systems will be introduced in three different types of touristic municipalities, Municipality of Yermasoyia (intensified touristic area with prolonged touristic summer), Municipality of Katerini (less intensive touristic area, with short summer period directly related with the sea cost) and Municipality of Probistip (less intensive touristic area with a very large number of small and decentralized communities with significant number of tourists). Ιn the framework of the BIOWASTE, each municipality will: a) develop a detailed Pay as You throw (PAYT) system, b) provide the appropriate equipment for the implementation of the PAYT system (weighing units for waste collection trucks, bins with identification systems), and c) install an Autonomous Composting Unit (ACU) at the sites of a hotel or hospitality units or decentralized communities to receive the bio-waste produced directly without the need to collect them. ACUs are small closed integrated composting units, with zeroing of effluent and expanding liquids.
Life Cycle Assessment of Electricity production in the Czech Republic – case-study of lignite combustion and hydropower
Authors: Štefanica Jiří , Zakuciová Kristína , Kočí Vladimír , Šerešová Markéta , Vlček Zdeněk , Vitvarová Monika , Opatřil Jan
Published: November 2022

Environmental impacts of various types of energy production are compared in the scope of an ongoing national research project “Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Production”. The project is using the LCA method to compare the potential environmental impacts of selected energy sources throughout their whole life cycle. The energy sources are representative for the energy grid of the Czech Republic. The inventory data used for the LCA are based on case studies of selected Czech power plants. Presented article is showing the preliminary results – the comparison of environmental impacts of two electricity sources. Lignite power plant and a hydroelectric power plant are compared. Only the impacts of plant operation are compared so far, the construction and decommissioning are not included in the current analysis.
Characterizing activated carbon synthesized from corn straw aiming water treatment
Authors: Abud Ana Karla , Silva Tácio Paulo , Souza Iann , Silva Carlos Eduardo
Published: November 2022

The emerging agenda for sustainable development and global warming control searches urgent researches to reduce environmental impacts. In this sense, activated carbons from agroindustrial wastes are widely used as adsorbents in food and pharmaceuticals industries, mainly for the separation and purification of biomolecules, due to their complex pore structure and high surface area. This research evaluates the corn straw activated carbon obtained from the chemical impregnating with phosphoric acid under stirring for 30 min, being sequentially drying at 50 °C and characterized looking for water treatment application. The adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solutions was investigated by batch experiments carried out at 30 °C and 100 rpm, obtaining 99 mg g-1 as the maximum adsorption capacity. The activated carbon had different functional groups when compared to its precursor material, an iodine value of 405.83 mg I2 g-1 and pHPZC of 5.75, characterizing it as slightly acidic, with a surface area of 409.314 m2 g-1, presenting potential as a biosorbent for technological application.
Testing and validation of ENVI-met simulations based on in-situ micrometeorological measurements: the case of Syntagma square, Athens, Greece
Authors: Pantavou K. , Koletsis I. , Tseliou A. , Lykoudis S. , Tsiros I.
Published: November 2022

The present paper focuses on the development of a methodology that simulates micrometeorological thermal conditions in an urban context based on weather station data. The micrometeorological conditions at Syntagma square, the central square of Athens, Greece were simulated by ENVI-met software in order to evaluate the thermal conditions experienced by its users. Located in the heart of city’s commercial activity, the square attracts many visitors, especially during summer months, when extreme thermal conditions could be encountered. ENVI-met can simulate the necessary factors for the estimation of thermal sensation through thermal indices, i.e. air temperature, mean radiant temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The meteorological data needed as input were obtained from the nearest weather station. In-situ micrometeorological measurements recorded at the height of 1.1m, were used to validate the simulated results. ENVI-met simulations were performed at a high spatial and temporal resolution. The appropriate adjustments were made to the modeling procedure to achieve a successful and resource-effective simulation.
Dairy wastewater as growth substrate for biomass and biocompound production by Spirulina platensis
Authors: Arroyave Quiceno Catalina , Llugany Ollé Mercè , Escolà Oliva Glòria , Zapata López Daniela , Aristizábal Castrillón Adriana , Poschenrieder Charlotte
Published: November 2022

Spirulina former Arthrospira is a Cyanobacteria with economic applications in agriculture, biofuel production and wastewater management. In order to evaluate the suitability of organic carbon containing wastewater for the production of biomass and biocompounds by Spirulina platensis (UTEX) strain was grown in three different culture media: water with inorganic carbon as sodium bicarbonate and carbonate (SAG media from the Culture Collection of Algae from Göttingen University), modified SAG media where inorganic carbon was replaced by lactic acid, and sea water enriched with lactic acid. Growth responses, morphological parameters (degree of spiralisation), chlorophyll and phytohormone production were assessed. The phytohormone analysis revealed the presence of jasmonic (JA), indole acetic (IAA) and phenylacetic (PAA) acids, and benzylaminopurine (BA) in the Spriulina strains. Spirulina biomass production was similar in all media. The salinity of seawater caused enhancement of spiralization as a possible stress response. Our results support the view that Spirulina may be an efficient organism for biomass production on wastewater from the food industry characterized by high salinity and rich in organic carbon. This type of wastewater can be a low cost substrate for achieving large-scale renewable energy production by the cultivation of Spirulina. Moreover, this technology may provide high-valued bioproducts.
Sustainable landscapes: restoration and land use planning in an adaptive approach to climate change and desertification. Case study of Inter-Andean Valley of Cauca River in Colombia
Authors: Alvarado-Solano Diana Patricia , Otero Joel Tupac , Šarapatka Bořivoj
Published: November 2022

The inter-Andean valley of Cauca River (IVCR) is one of the most industrialized regions in Colombia leading its seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF) to a fragmented and degraded state. Changes in land cover may alter the climatic and hydrological patterns. In the period 1984 – 2014, 26% of natural areas detected remotely at IVCR have persisted in a sugarcane matrix. However, IVCR species composition and its ecological status are unknown. After reviewing several datasets, 1725 plant species were compiled. Using a modelling approach, habitat suitability was predicted with a maximum entropy algorithm implemented in Biomod2 R-Package for 14 prioritized plant species. Models were produced using as predictors, the variables selected with their Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) and for those selected with a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Although the selected variables differed between VIF and PCA, the geographic space predicted to be suitable for the species were similar. VIF and PCA variables strongly reflect the temperature and precipitation under warm and wet periods and their seasonality. These models will help to estimate the potential restoration of SDTF at the ICVR and its vulnerability to climate change. This information will contribute to planning effectively the IVCR landscape for the future.
Identification and Quantification of Microplastic in Sewage systems by TED-GC-MS
Authors: Altmann K. , Goedecke C. , Bannick C. G. , Abusafia A. , Scheid C. , Steinmetz H. , Braun U.
Published: November 2022

Over the last years, the number of publications reporting the amount of microplastic (MP) all over the world increased rapidly. But harmonised sampling, sample preparation and analysis strategies are missing. Commonly used methods are very time consuming and not comparable to each other. Hence, quantitative data, including identification and mass contents of the polymers found, are missing. This leads to a lack of comprehensive understanding of MP occurrence, source and entry pathways into the environment.
We developed the thermoanalytical method TED-GC-MS as a fast screening method for MP analysis. Solid residues of water samples are heated up to 600 °C under a N2 atmosphere, collected decomposition gases are sepa¬rated in a gas chromatography system and detected in a mass spectrometer without any sample prepa¬ration. Mass contents of the identified polymers can be calculated.
In this presentation we will show first results from influent and effluent of the waste water treatment plant Kaiserslautern and its combined sewage system as possibly entry pathway. In order to determine the relevance of waste water split streams analysis of grey water will be conducted. Samples are fractionally filtered by a sieve cascade with mesh sizes of 500, 100, 50 and 10 µm.
A computationally efficient metamodeling-based approach for the automatic calibration of coupled hydrodynamic and water quality models
Authors: Kandris K , Romas E , Tzimas A , Pechlivanidis I , Giardino C , Bresciani M , Schenk K , Bernert H
Published: November 2022

Computational budget is a severe limitation on the automatic calibration of expensive hydrodynamic and water quality models. To tackle this limitation, the present work formulated a metamodeling-based approach for parameter estimation of such models and assessed the computational gains of this approach compared to a benchmark alternative (a derivative-free optimization method). A response surface proxy of the original model was designed to emulate the behavior of the underlying system, employing Latin hypercube sampling as a strategy for the design of computer experiments and kriging as the technique for the analysis of computer experiments. The response surface proxy of the original model was employed in the automatic fine-tuning of model parameters and, finally, the computational gain over the benchmark alternative was estimated. The metamodeling-based approach was tested in the calibration of the hydrodynamic and water quality models of two water reservoirs. The benchmark alternative analysis indicated that the metamodeling-based approach required 20% to 38% less function evaluations to reach a solution with the same quality compared to the benchmark alternative.
IMPREGNATED RESINS AS NOVEL SORBENTS FOR REMOVAL OF TOXIC METAL IONS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
Authors: Zawierucha Iwona , Nowik-Zajac Anna , Kozlowski Cezary
Published: November 2022

The adsorption/solid phase extraction (SPE) processes are the most attractive methods for effective removal of metals ions from different aqueous solutions. In SPE procedure, the choice of appropriate adsorbent is a critical factor to obtain full recovery and high enrichment factor.
For this reason, modification and impregnation techniques of solid phase have been employed to increase the surface adsorption capacity, and to enhance the removal efficiency and selectivity of the solid phase. Novel types of resins incorporating macrocyclic ligands may be the best choice for the removal of toxic metal ions. The modification of Amberlite XAD-4 with macrocyclic ligands results in the high capacity and selectivity of the impregnated resins. The extractant is retained in the micropores of an inert polymer without any chemical bonds onto the polymer matrix and the properties of the impregnated extractant are responsible for the adsorption of novel resin.
In this study the efficiency of impregnated resins as solid extractants using solid–liquid extraction and sorption characteristics of impregnated resins were evaluated. The removal efficiency of impregnated resin was determined under various conditions of treatment system. Impregnated resins as novel sorbents have been found efficient and easily regenerable and can be used several times.
Second generation bioethanol production from household food wastes via a newly isolated yeast strain of Wickerhamomyces anomalus
Authors: Ntaikou Ioanna , Dazea Dafni , Antonopoulou Georgia , Alexandropoulou Maria , Ben Atitallah Imen , Mechichi Tahar , Lyberatos Gerasimos
Published: November 2022

The aim of the present study, was to investigate the efficiency of second generation bioethanol production from the pre-dried and shredded organic fraction of household food waste (food residue biomass, FORBI) using the newly isolated yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus X19. W. anomalus is a physiologically versatile yeast strain, capable of growing on a wide range of carbon sources, under low pH, high osmotic pressure and anaerobic conditions. Due to those characteristics W. anomalus exibits high stress tolerance and can be exploited as biocatalyst for various biotechnological applications. In the frame of the present study, separatete hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) as well as simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) experiments were conducted at batch mode. Different loadings of cellulolytic enzymes as well as different mixtures of cellulolytic with amylolytic enzymatic blends were tested in order to enhance the substrate saccharification and conversion efficiency, leading to promising ethanol yields and productivities.
Adsorption of silver on virgin and aged microplastics
Authors: Kalčikova Gabriela , Jemec Kokalj Anita , Marolt Gregor , Žgajnar Gotvajn Andreja
Published: November 2022

When microplastics enter aquatic ecosystems they are submitted to environmental aging which change their properties. Especially colonization by microorganisms alter their properties in term of density and adsorption properties. Hence the aim of the study was to evaluate the adsorption and leaching properties of virgin and aged microplastics. Silver (in form of silver nitrate) was selected as a model metal used for adsorption study. Results showed that silver is quickly adsorbed on both types of microplastics while aged microplastics adsorbed significantly more silver than virgin ones. However, also leaching of silver from aged particles proceeds much faster - after 48 hours in Steinberg medium (pH = 5.8), only 23.7% of silver was leached out from virgin microplastics in comparison to 45.6% leached out from aged microplastics. In OECD medium (pH = 7.3) leaching was minimal. Our results showed that aging of microplastics and development of biofilm can significantly alter their properties and thus it is necessary to enhance our knowledge about microplastics’ aging in the aquatic environment, which is still far from well-understood.
The role of sustainability rating systems in delivering infrastructure and building engineering’s contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation
Authors: Venables Roger
Published: November 2022

Although overall drivers for climate change mitigation and adaptation are clear, it is often difficult for professionals working on infrastructure and buildings to assess what relevant action they should be taking in their designs and construction. In parallel, scientists working on construction or environment-related topics often need guidance on the key construction areas that need further investigation to assist with the challenges derived from the need for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Over the last few years, rating systems have been developed for the environmental performance of buildings and infrastructure, and more recently their sustainability performance. Their development has included the formation of assessment questions and criteria that direct designers and constructors towards improved environmental and social performance. Alongside those rating systems, tools such as carbon calculators have also been refined to enable option comparisons.
This paper explores a selection of climate change-related issues assessed in or by such rating systems and tools, and how the nature of assessment questions, scoring systems and measurement tools can drive improved performance. Through that improved performance, design and construction teams can maximise their contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and scientists identify the key areas for further examination.
Trends in hydrologic prediction for the design of hydraulic projects
Authors: Daniil E. , Michas S.
Published: November 2022

Estimation and prediction of runoff and related design discharges under past and future conditions are key elements for the design of flood defense, watercourse demarcation, urban stormwater, road drainage systems. Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation, Greece, is in the process of updating design guidelines for hydraulic projects, including hydrologic computations. Special Secretariat for Water, Ministry of the Environment and Energy, for the implementation of 2007/60/EU Floods Directive published idf relations for all areas of Greece, based on advanced methodology. Prediction, especially for ungaged areas is difficult and involves high uncertainty. Advanced computer capabilities provided by GIS and hydrologic modeling software facilitate computations and allow for the comparison of results by different approaches. However, still many empirical relations are included, based on limited field data developed decades ago. Internationally there is a trend towards risk-based design. The basic form of risk-based optimisation is economic optimisation aiming at minimisation of the lifetime cost of the project. USACE issued (2016) a guidance for incorporating climate change impacts to inland hydrology in civil works studies, requiring qualitative analysis, whereas for changes other than climate that affect hydrology, reference is made to guidance dated to 1994. Economic and climate change projections also involve high uncertainty.
Printing ink wastewater treatment using electrocoagulation in lab- and pilot-scale
Authors: Vayenas Dimitris , Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Argyriou Rafailia , Economou Christina , Tatoulis Triantafyllos , Tekerlekopoulou Athanasia
Published: November 2022

Packaging paper wastewaters, stemming mainly from the dyeing sector of the production process (where printing inks are utilized), are characterized by high concentrations of organic matter, intense color and almost zero biodegradability factor. These physicochemical characteristics, in combination with the presence of some toxic compounds (heavy metals, volatile organic compounds etc.) make further treatment necessary prior to wastewater discharge to prevent serious environmental problems. The present study deals with the treatment of these effluents in lab- and pilot-scale using electrocoagulation (EC). During the EC process, metallic species are electrochemically dissolved in the wastewater solution, resulting in coagulation, flocculation and subsequent separation of the pollutants via flotation or sedimentation. The efficiency of this method was evaluated by examining the organic matter removal and decolorization of the wastewater under a wide range of operating parameters (current density, initial pH and electrode material). It was observed that EC is efficient under most of the operating conditions used, as the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color removal ranged between 72.03% to 85.81% and 98.7% to 100%, respectively. Finally, one set of experiments was performed in a local corrugated board packaging factory using a portable EC pilot-unit. The removal percentage of COD and color was comparable.
Biotreatment of Brewery Wastewater Using the Filamentous Cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp.
Authors: Vayenas D , Papadopoulos K , Economou C , Moustaka-Gouni M , Tekerlekopoulou A , Aggelis G
Published: November 2022

Brewery wastewater is generated from the beer brewing process in large amounts (4-8 m3 per m3 of beer produced). Brewery wastewater consists of high organic matter content, significant nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and easily biodegraded compounds. Even though most biological treatment technologies applied to brewery wastewaters include the use of bacteria, cyanobacteria (photosynthetic microorganisms) constitute attractive means for sustainable and low cost wastewater treatment producing high biomass concentration. In this study, the capacity of a filamentous cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. for the pollutants removal from brewery wastewater was investigated coupled with objective to determine its proteins, carbohydrates and lipids content after wastewater treatment. The experiments were conducted in batch mode under non-sterile conditions in lab-scale photobioreactors. The removal rates of nitrate, ammonium, orthophosphates, total phosphorus and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were almost 49.2%, 100%, 57.1%, 57.9% and 24.3%, respectively, within the first 7 days of cultivation. The maximum biomass concentration was 350 mg/L, while the biomass produced was consisted of approximately 53.5% carbohydrates, 20.2% proteins and 10% lipids. Therefore, the treatment of brewery wastewater using cyanobacteria species could be effective, while the cyanobacterial biomass could be used in numerous fields for diverse applications
Air pollution exposure and respiratory health
Authors: Ntarladima A.M. , Vaartjes I. , Grobbee D.E. , Dijst M. , Schmitz O. , Uiterwaal C. , Dalmeijer G. , Ent C. , Hoek G. , Karssenberg D.
Published: November 2022

Background: Studies relating air pollution exposures and health in children tend to show inconsistent associations. The most of the studies rely on the front-door air pollution estimates to represent individual exposure; however, there is evidence that residential address exposures tend to misclassify exposure. Aim: This study aims to assess the relations between air pollution exposures and pulmonary status by applying a sophisticated exposure assessment technique. Methods: The study relies on a Dutch cohort which includes 733 children. The prevalence of asthma and wheeze were determined at age 5. The annual average concentration maps of Particle Matters and Nitrogen Oxides at 5m resolution used in the study derived from the European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects. To assess air pollution individual exposure an updated exposure assessment technique was applied; this technique defines individual air pollution exposure as the time-weighted air pollution concentration for each activity place visited by each child. Results: This study did not show a significant association between air pollution exposures and pulmonary health in young children. For example, after adjusting for possible confounders, the ORs were 1.2 (95% CI: 0.86, 1.61) and 1.2 (95% CI: 0.87, 1.64) for wheezing prevalence for NOx and PM2.5 respectively.
Treatment of various agro-industrial wastewaters using electrocoagulation
Authors: Vayenas Dimitrios , Benekos Andreas , Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Triantaphyllidou Irene-Eva , Tekerlekopoulou Athanasia
Published: November 2022

Greece, although not over-industrialized, is facing issues connected to pollution of its water resources, as conventional wastewater treatment methods often prove ineffective in terms of removing some pollutantssuch as suspended solids and pigments. Therefore, the need of developing efficient, modern anti-pollution techniques for the preservation of a viable environment is urgent as ever. Electrocoagulation (EC) is one of these widely studied, promising methods. EC consists of generating coagulant species by electrolytic dissolution of sacrificial anode materials triggered by electric current applied through the electrodes, leading to destabilization of colloidal pollutants.The present study utilizes EC for the treatment of various agro-industrial wastewaters (table olive, cheese whey, printing ink and brewery) and evaluates its efficiency under a wide range of operating parameters (current density, initial pollutant concentration, pH, electrode material).It was observed that EC proved efficient under most cases, managing effective decolorization, suspended solids sedimentation, as well as organic matter removal. Moreover, operating cost proved reasonable compared to other conventional physicochemical methods, leading to the conclusion that EC can be a viable and realistic choice for agro-industrial wastewater treatment.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF TOURISM AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE CULTURAL HERITAGE
Authors: FRAGKOU DIONYSIA , SINOU MARIA
Published: November 2022

The natural and cultural heritage, peculiar and living cultures are great tourist attraction. The intensive and inefficient management of tourism and the association with this development can damage the nature, integrity and the dominant characteristics of these. In this way the ecological structure, cultural features and lifestyle of the host community can also be degraded, as is the experience of the visitor in this place. The architecture of tourism in Greece is "pressed" by overexploitation and the need to offer more and more benefits and amenities. It is therefore necessary to search for and formulate a new architectural example. An architecture that will look for the "less" form, the unintentional materiality and will aim at the minimal (environmental) footprint.
The purpose of this lecture is to underline that the relevant legislation for the protection of sites, buildings and residential complexes did not have the expected results. The architecture of tourism in Greece, the morphological integration of new buildings into traditional architectural ensembles, overexploitation of natural resources and the alteration of the environment lead to the distortion of the truth about the concept of authentic and truly traditional architecture. The subject approach will be made through the presentation of examples.
Sustainable purification of greywater with green walls
Authors: Boano Fulvio , Caruso Alice , Costamagna Elisa , Fiore Silvia , Demichelis Francesca , Ridolfi Luca , Galvão Ana , Pisoeiro Joana , Rizzo Anacleto , Masi Fabio
Published: November 2022

In this study, we describe a sustainable system for treatment and reuse of grey wastewater in urban areas through vertical green walls constructed on unused surfaces of buildings. The system integrates the benefits linked to the introduction of green spaces in urban areas with the advantages connected with the reuse of purified greywater (non-potable reuse) and the reduction of potable water use, allowing a sustainable use of water resources. We constructed a vertical green wall composed of modular panels with 12 vegetated pots per panel. The green wall was irrigated with synthetic greywater, and the removal efficiency was monitored weekly with regards to different parameters (e.g., BOD5, COD, nitrogen, phosphorus). The results showed good results in terms of treatment performances, indicating the suitability of the green wall for treatment of greywater.
RECOVERY AND SEPARATION OF VALUABLE METALS (COPPER AND ZINC) FROM ACIDIC MINE WATERS BY ION-EXCHANGE RESINS
Authors: Vecino X. , Reig M. , López J. , Valderrama C. , Gibert O. , Cortina J.L.
Published: November 2022

Mining wastewaters, containing heavy metals such as copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), have a huge impact on the environment due to they are not biodegradable and tend to bioaccumulate in plants or living organisms. Therefore, in this work the performance of ion-exchange and solvent-impregnated resins were compared for the separation and recovery of valuable metals (Cu, Zn) from acidic mine waters (AMW). Lewatit 207 as an ion-exchange resin, and an impregnated resin containing Di-2-ethylhexylphosphate, named Lewatit 1026, were evaluated for extract both metal ions. Additionally, the metal extraction was determined as a function of pH (from 1 to 5) when an AMW was used to carry out the experiments. Batch experiments results showed that best extraction of Zn was obtained using Lewatit 1026 being around 96% (pH=2.5-3); whereas Lewatit 207 performance was optimum for Cu extraction (about 99%) at pH=3-4. Moreover, using a fixed-bed configuration column, it was possible to separate and concentrate Zn (10 times) and Cu (40 times) by using Lewatit 1026 and 207, respectively. Overall, the application of an ion-exchange process showed a great potential in the recovery of valuable metals from mine waters to promote a circular economy scheme in the metallurgical industries.
Valorisation of waste polyethylene by blending with ethylene-vinyl acetate and incorporation of a new type of compatibilizer
Authors: Simon-Stőger Lilla , Varga Csilla
Published: November 2022

Nowadays polyethylene is one of the polymers produced in the greatest volume, therefore, parallelly the amount of generated waste polyethylene (w-HDPE) significant as well. Valorisation and recycling of w-HDPE can be realized by blending with different types of polymers and/or elastomers in order to result in thermoplastic elastomer end-product for example. One potential candidate can be ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) nevertheless interfacial interaction between between w-HDPE and EVA is inadequate reflected in deterioration of mechanical properties of the blend in spite of the fact that they possess favourable mechanical properties themselves and they may complement each other. For the purpose of boosting of interfacial interactions between these two polymers experimental olefin-maleic-anhydride based additives have been incorporated in the blends after optimization of the processing temperature. Impact and tensile tests have been carried out in our research work besides microscopy measurements and investigation of the effects of additive structure by FT-IR and rheology.
Improved LC/LU maps and flood models through crowdsourced information
Authors: Tsiakos Valantis , Krommyda Maria , Tsertou Athanasia , Amditis Angelos , Jonoski Andreja , Popescu Ioana , Assumpção Thaine , Kopsinis Yannis
Published: November 2022

Flood risk prediction has been traditionally based on models that are developed from time-series of data collected over long periods of time from expensive and hard to maintain in situ sensors available only in specific areas.
Scent is a EU project which provides an integrated toolbox of smart collaborative and innovating technologies that augment costly in situ infrastructure, enabling citizens to become the ‘eyes’ of the policy makers by monitoring LC/LU changes in their everyday activities and related environmental phenomena like floods by crowdsourcing relevant information.
Policy makers and relevant stakeholders are able to set-up citizen science campaigns in areas where specific environmental information is needed through the use of a dedicated tool. These data may include images that are processed through an intelligent engine and classified based on a LC/LU taxonomy, sensor measurements with low-cost portable environmental sensor or river measurements.
The citizen-generated data are used to produced LC/LU maps of improved accuracy of the area of interest where taxonomy elements such as river banks are identified and categorized base on their coverage, such as low grass and stone.
The produced LC/LU maps along with the sensor and river measurements are used to create flood models, used by public authorities and stakeholders to better understand the area of interest, its needs and the steps needed to support its sustainability.
New Aspects on Prevention, International Policies and Actions for Public Health of Electro Magnetic Field (EMF) related Health Problems
Authors: Lercher Piero
Published: November 2022

New wireless technologies have been introduced to mankind without any certainty about potentially adverse effects, raising new challenges for medicine, public health and society. Meanwhile in almost every area of life, EMF exposure occurs. Various studies, empirical observations and patient reports clearly indicate interactions between EMF exposure and health problems. There is strong evidence that particularly long-term exposure to certain EMFs is a risk factor for diseases. Similarly, mobile communication-associated diseases, like addiction and orthopaedic disorders increase in frequency and severity over time.
Therefore, it is important to carry out adequate assessments and to establish correct parameters for diagnosis. Prior to treatment we should mainly focus on prevention or reduction of EMF exposure in everyday life.
Restoring a world without wireless communication is an illusion. It is a matter of propagating, precautions and rules for prudent handling and encouraging and motivating the people to use these technologies as a tool, that is, only when really needed. Furthermore, potentially harmful technologies can be replaced by the implementation of other technologies without loss of comfort with sometimes even faster data transmission, like fibre optic cables. Last but not least, the simplest and easiest strategy is to implement EMF-free zones and periods.
Wastewater treatment processes utilizing hydrodynamic cavitation
Authors: Innocenzi Valentina , Prisciandaro Marina , Vegliò Francesco
Published: November 2022

In the present work, the potentiality of the hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) for the degradation of organic pollutants from industrial effluents has been studied. Cavitation is a phenomenon of formation, growth, collapse of microbubbles or cavities, in a few milli- to microseconds and releases large magnitude of energy in a short span of time. The main chemical effects of HC are the generation of highly reactive free radicals in the aqueous environment; it is possible to exploit these radicals for the intensification of chemical processes such as degradation of the water pollutants. HC represents an innovative advanced oxidation processes that can replace or be combined with the traditional oxidation processes. Lab experiments have been performed to remove pollutants as dyes (methyl orange and methylene blue) that can be present in textile effluents. The core of the experimenal apparatus was a Venturi Tube having a diameter of 12 mm and a convergent of 2 mm. In order to investigate the potentiality of HC, the effect of several operative conditions was investigated as contaminant concentration, inlet pressure and time. Other experiments have been conducted adding hydrogen peroxide, iron and titanium oxides in order to monitor the effect of hybrid treatment on pollutant degradation.
Innovative methods of ground improvement for problematic transport earthwork materials
Authors: Mavroulidou Maria , Safdar Muhhamad , Gunn Michael , Gray Christopher , Payne Ian , Garelick Jonathan , Purchase Diane
Published: November 2022

The paper focuses on emerging (bio-) chemical techniques used to improve engineering properties of two problematic earthwork materials of the UK rail network to address transport earthwork infrastructure resilience in view of climate change. Studied techniques include novel cementing agents (e.g. alkali-activated cements), and/or soil cementation through calcite precipitation mediated by screened and isolated non-pathogenic indigenous bacteria, enhanced by bioaugmentation and electrokinetic treatment. The proposed treatments were evaluated based on unconfined compressive strength (UCS). For the ash, regular cement gave the best results however the feasibility of using alternative stabilisers merits further study. UCS and CaCO3 measurements proved biocementation of peat for a number of treatment combinations. Electrokinetic treatment enhanced the strength of the peat. Ongoing work is carried out to optimise treatments and implementation methods towards the upscaling of the techniques.
Aerobic degradation of tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) from effluents of semiconductor industries: kinetic studies of laboratory and pilot experiments
Authors: Innocenzi Valentina , De Michelis Ida , Ippolito Nicolò , Mazziotti Di Celso Giuseppe , Prisciandaro Marina , Vegliò Francesco
Published: November 2022

Aerobic degradation of effluents contains tetramethylammonium hydroxide molecules (TMAH), coming from an electronic industry, were studied at laboratory and pilot scale. At the first, the preliminary experiments were conducted using a lab scale reactor inoculated with activated sludge coming from urban wastewater treatment. Several batches have been performed on real effluent, in which TMAH concentration was about 1800 mg/L. The results showed that after acclimation, the microorganisms removed 99% of TMAH in seven days. Kinetic studies have provided the following kinetic parameters able to describe the trends of TMAH, ammonium ions and biomass concentration as a function of time in the reactor: KS = 0.8 g/L; µmax = 0.042 h-1. Then, in a second phase the experiments were conducted at pilot scale using a pilot plant realized within Life Bitmpas project (LIFE15 ENV/IT/000332). The plant has three biological reactors of 1 m3 and it is possible to feed up to 25 L/h of TMAH effluent. The experiments were conducted in a continuous mode and the results showed that in 8 days the total degradation of TMAH was 99%; moreover, from kinetic study have been determined the following kinetic parameters: Ks = 0. 83 g/L and µmax = 0.0074 h-1.
Microbiological diversity and microbial related risks at Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow, Poland
Authors: Pyzik Adam , Dyda Magdalena , Wilkojc Ewa , Winiewicz-Wolska Joanna
Published: November 2022

Microorganisms are known to colonize and modify various environments, including cultural heritage buildings. Anthropogenic indoor environments often provides specific conditions for microbial growth e.g. microclimatic parameters. These conditions are potentially easy to control thus it is advisable to characterize and monitor bacterial and fungal communities in indoor habitats. Microbiological pollution in museums is particularly important because bacteria and fungi contribute to the deterioration of cultural heritage objects and may have a negative impact on people’s health.
In our study we performed microbiological analysis of Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow, which is one of the greatest Polish national heritage, and was visited by over 1.4 million tourists in 2017. There are large and valuable collections of objects related to the Polish rulers e.g. rare tapestries and paintings. Microbiome analysis was done by culture-dependent experiments for I) airborne microorganisms (50 litres of air) sampled onto various types of agar media, as well as culture-independent analysis of II) airborne microorganisms (12000 litres of air) sampled onto saline, and III) microbes from dust from historical surfaces. Microbiological diversity was determined by analysis of deep sequenced amplicons covering hypervariable regions V3V4 of 16S rDNA gene and ITS2 region located between 5.8S and 26S rDNA.
Evaluating production and utilisation pathways of a coupled Anaerobic Digestion (AD) and Gasification/Pyrolysis system using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA).
Authors: Curry Robin , Cromie Thomas , Somerville Gareth
Published: November 2022

Life Cycle Analysis modelling has been applied to an operational Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant, (utilising Cattle Slurry/Grass Silage), currently producing biogas for electricity and heat production, with digestate going to land-spreading. The aim of the research was to evaluate the environmental costs and benefits of coupling the existing plant with Gasification or Pyrolysis systems for the utilisation of digestate from the plant, producing either predominantly Syngas (Gasification) or Oils/Tars (Pyrolysis). Utilisation pathways evaluated as part of the research include the following: Gasification: Syngas to Methanation to Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG); and Pyrolysis: Syngas and bio-oil to dual-fuel electricity production. While the focus of the evaluation will be the potential GHG-eq emissions reductions achievable from the different processing and utilisation pathways, the full range of impact areas are included in the analysis. The analysis will include reflection on the challenges of applying LCA to complex biorefinery/bioenergy systems to inform future methodological developments and guidance.
Evaluation of innovative water treatments at molecular level based on high resolution mass spectrometry and advanced statistical tools
Authors: Gago-Ferrero Pablo , ALYGIZAKIS Nikiforos , Velo-Gala Inma , Sbardella Luca , Gernjak Wolfang , Petrovic Mira
Published: November 2022

This work aims at integrating the last advances in high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and statistical analysis to develop and optimize a smart methodology (workflow) for the assessment of the performance of innovative water treatments using different technological approaches based on advanced oxidation processes with UV-254nm: (i) UV/K2S2O8, where oxidation takes place mainly following the initial formation of sulfate radicals, (ii) UV/KHSO5, where oxidation begins with the formation of both sulfate and hydroxyl radicals and (iii) UV/H2O2, when only the formation of hydroxyl radicals takes place initially.
Experiments were carried out using secondary effluent from a local wastewater treatment plant. The developed workflow allows the evaluation of the treatments in terms of overall oxidation through the careful study of Van Krevelen diagrams, where all information of the HRMS chromatograms is considered. The potential formation of transformation products with sulfur due to the sulfate radicals was also evaluated using statistical tools based on the accurate mass and the isotopic pattern. In a similar way, the potential addition of halogens was also assessed. Finally, the behavior of a large number of micropollutants with a wide range of physicochemical properties was studied using suspect screening strategies.
Analysis of degradation of the micropollutant amoxicillin by photolysis and evaluation of the degradation products
Authors: Hoehne Lucélia , Vettorello Gabriela , Ethur Eduardo , Kuhn Daniel , Freitas Elisete , Steffens Clarice
Published: November 2022

Emerging micro pollutants are substances that have recently been identified in environmental matrices, of which information on environmental permanence and toxicity is still scarce. Because of their chemical structure, antibiotics are more stable and require more complex processes for degradation. The present study aimed to elaborate a proposal for the degradation of the β-lactam antibiotic amoxicillin by photolysis, evaluating the formation of by-products. As a methodology, 100 μg /L amoxicillin solutions were submitted to different ultraviolet lamp irradiations, at different potencies and distances, by means of a 100 mL batch quartz reactor. For the evaluation of the degradation of amoxicillin and of the products generated, the technique of high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry was used. As a result, the best degradation condition (greater than 90% reduction of the original molecule) was with a 95W lamp, at a distance of 5 to 10 cm from the sample at 10 min irradiation time. Two by-products originated under different pH conditions of the irradiated solution were identified. Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that this prototype and the applied method can be used in the future to reduce this pollutant.