bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the homogeneity of a sewage sludge-based phosphorus fertilizer by Monte Carlo simulation of the production chain
Authors: Brueck Felix , Vogt Svenja , Schnabel Kevin , Weigand Harald
Published: August 2023

Sewage sludge mono-incineration with subsequent phosphorus (P) recovery from the ash is becoming increasingly important in many European countries. Plant operators are facing the challenge to produce a homogeneous P output which needs to conform to fertilizer standards (including trace elements levels) upon processing. This needs to take into account (i) the compositional variability of municipal sewage, (ii) design of incinerator and phosphorus recovery unit, and (iii) logistical and management aspects. In this study, those challenges were considered in Monte Carlo simulations based on a discretized sewage sludge input. To propagate the uncertainty along the entire process chain of thermal sewage sludge treatment and P-recovery, a simulation model was implemented using MATLAB. Specifically, logistical factors, different management options along the treatment chain, technical boundary conditions were investigated and the distribution of the P2O5 concentrations in the output (fertilizer/ash) was calculated. The results show how appropriate handling and treatment of sewage sludge helps to reduce the width product properties (e.g. P2O5 distribution, trace metal distribution in the output. From the options tested, storage management (including automated crane operation) had the strongest homogenization effect and could be easily implemented at incinerator sites.
Mapping the path of an inclusive transition towards circular economy: Local accelerator hubs as enablers of circular business model innovation?
Authors: Ort Valentina , Ruiz Hernan , Katusic Vlatka , Demetriou Giorgos
Published: August 2023

While the goal of the circular agenda is clear, the path to circularity is anything but mapped out. On a regional level, Local Accelerator Hubs (LAHs) can play a key role in leading this transition by connecting important players to collectively solve local challenges that pose obstacles to the implementation of wholesome circular practices. To ensure the success and longevity of LAHs, it is important to understand the critical success factors that allow such (business) networks to exploit their full potential and evolve from the founding stage to established circular ecosystems.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how LAHs collaborate with multiple actors to develop sustainable, circular business products and practices while focusing on circular business innovation. Particular attention is given to inclusive and comprehensive approaches, which ensure that the needs of all stakeholders are considered during the transformation.

A participatory, intercultural social experiment based on a meso-level approach is conducted to analyze the effectiveness of LAHs as enablers of circular business innovation.
In detail, the social experiment covers four different European locations and intends on building one LAH on each site. The LAHs will each create a network consisting of 10+ businesses and other key stakeholders. Data will be collected through interviews and focused participant observations, which will identify good practice cases. A comparative analysis will be conducted to derive learnings based on cultural, geographical, and social outcomes. In addition, the experiment expects to deliver valuable insights on how to implement inclusive, behavioral change on the individual and collective levels. Furthermore, practical insights on how to support companies in their circular transition efforts and how to align different key groups to achieve co-production and acceptance will result in important findings.
This short abstract has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 101036640 (Shared Green Deal).
Electricity generators in the European Union emissions trading system: definitional aspects in the light of a judicial decision
Authors: Tzouvaras NIKOLAOS
Published: August 2023

The "electricity generator" definition (introduced through Directive 2009/29/EC, based on electricity sale and effective since 1.1.2005) is significant within the European Union greenhouse gases Emissions Trading System (ETS). Established through Directive 2003/87/EC, ETS currently (2021-2030) runs Phase IV of free allowances distribution (for emitted carbon-dioxide equivalent tonnes), following the 2005-2007, 2008-2012 and 2013-2020 Phases. Starting with Phase III (2013), electricity generators do not receive free allowances (except for specific reasons), with auction intended for the power sector. For Phase III preparation the legally non-binding "Guidance paper to identify electricity generators" (revised v2, 18.03.2010) partly limiting the definition's scope (through comparison of on-site electricity consumption with production), was published by the European Commission; it was withdrawn in preparation for Phase IV, with a European Court of Justice decision (5th Chamber, 20.6.2019, Case C-682/17) involving the definition (among other questions) issued in between. Since the definition reaches beyond the power sector, aspects of it (scope, retroactivity, congruity with the equal treatment principle) are considered, relevant to the decision's content, underlining merits of the Guidance paper provision (differentiation between occasional and core electricity sale, less prominent differences in allowances cost recovery possibilities) and the fairness of a flexible electricity sale starting point.
Insights gained from stormwater e-monitoring in Viimsi, Estonia
Authors: Suits Kristjan , Rajarao Gunaratna , Kändler Nils , Vassiljev Anatoli , Annus Ivar
Published: August 2023

The Baltic Sea is at risk from urban societies' diffuse pollution, which includes harmful substances, nutrients, and marine debris. Stormwater, the primary means by which these pollutants are transported, is typically evaluated through the collection and analysis of grab samples, which show the water quality at a particular moment in time. This method, however, is ineffective at capturing instances of high pollutant concentrations, which makes it more difficult to accurately assess the pollutant load or the impact of the pollutants on the environment. In order to better monitor fluctuations in stormwater quality, an e-monitoring station based on surrogate water quality parameters was built in Viimsi, Estonia. The developed system was based on variables such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, flow rate, and water level. The developed system was successful at capturing high frequency data (5-minute time step) over a three-month period, missing only 15% of the data collected and capturing extreme values that would otherwise not be captured (with traditional grab sampling). The gathered data opens up new avenues for stormwater management and investigations (such as identifying unauthorized connections), as having high frequency and real-time data is the first step towards creating a smart stormwater system that can be controlled in real-time in accordance with water quality criteria.
Sustainable water resources governance developments: cross-sectorial policies and societal practice
Authors: Ernsteins Raimonds , Skute Arturs , Konkovs Karlis , Lagzdina Erika , Ozolins Maris
Published: August 2023

The governance process of surface water resources in Latvia, particularly, in small river catchment areas and lake lands, also being Natura 2000 territories, was the main foci for two studies described. Previous traditional research done in related fields in Latvia has been focusing on water studies/protection and nature protection, diverse agriculture sector developments, but often mono-disciplinary and very limited on governance studies, particularly, cross-sectorial governance of the local-regional water/lake/nature territorial socio-ecological system, and also on general and environmental-water-nature governance communications, especially to have all complementary communication instrument groups (information, education/training, participation and pro-environmental behavior).
For this extended abstract/paper, we are to recognize still not sufficiently developed cross-sectorial understanding and its top-down management applications, but also a kind of partially compensatory instrument - existing bottom-up management applications with more cross-sectorial practice and also innovative participatory management qualities. Communities and local municipalities, having limited national support and capacities limitations, developed different specific management approaches for water resources and also Natura 2000 territories governance – they could be called as non-governmental management approach and also tourism communication management approach, where lakes etc. are managed by NGOs established by the municipalities or combined with inhabitants and anglers, being the issue studied during these research projects.
Chemical properties of plant-based biochar to be used as soil fertiliser in Galicia (NW Spain)
Authors: Mosquera-Losada María Rosa , Ferreiro-Domínguez Nuria , Salman Salman
Published: August 2023

The excessive use of chemical fertilisers can cause soil acidification, depletion of soil quality, and biodiversity loss. Alternatively, biochar can improve crop productivity due to its ability to bind macronutrients and micronutrients and also adsorb various contaminants. However, the properties of the biochar depend among other factors on the material used to produce the biochar and the pyrolysis process. This study aims to evaluate the total nitrogen concentration of different types of biochar produced from forest plants to be used as fertiliser and amendment in acidic soils of Galicia (NW Spain). In this experiment, the biochar was produced from different tree fractions (branches, dry leaves, green leaves) of six tree species (Pinus radiata D. Don, Pinus sylvestris L., Pinus pinaster Aiton, Betula alba L., Quercus robur L., Castanea sativa Mill.) under different pyrolysis times (30, 60 and 120 minutes) at a temperature of 300°C. The results obtained showed that Betula alba L. and Pinus sylvestris L. increased the total nitrogen concentration in the biochar, independently of the tree faction. The same result was observed for Quercus robur L. when the branches and green leaves were used to produce biochar. Moreover, a pyrolysis time of 60 minutes increased the total nitrogen in the biochar, mainly in the case of Pinus radiata D. Don and Pinus pinaster Aiton. Therefore, the biochar produced from these tree species and fractions with a pyrolysis time of 60 minutes could be used as amendment and fertiliser in the Galician soils.
Assessment of sustainability of extensive livestock farming in Central Greece (Evrytania prefecture) using S.W.O.T Analysis
Authors: Bakogiorgos Giorgos , Tasios Aristeidis , Lappa Vassiliki , Papadopoulos Andreas , Pantera Anastasia
Published: August 2023

Animal husbandry, both in Greece and worldwide, is under constant threat, being at the center of multiple crises: wars, droughts, pandemics, successive economic crises. The increase in the prices of livestock inputs, especially after 2020, has tested and highlighted the strengths of the various livestock systems, bringing to the fore the need to make political decisions and choices, in the direction of the production of sufficient and quality products and also for the benefit of the producers and the development of the regional economy. For this purpose, we utilize the S.W.O.T analysis (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats) focusing on the prefecture of Evrytania in Central Greece.
Fate Of Nitrofurans: Photochemistry, Transformation Products And Toxicity Evaluation In Surface Water Systems
Authors: Albanis Triantafyllos , Efthymiou Christina , Boti Vasiliki , Konstantinou Ioannis
Published: August 2023

Nitrofurans (NFs) consist a group of broad-spectrum antibiotic compounds provided as a basic dietary supplement in livestock husbandry as swine farms, beekeeping and aquaculture. Among nitrofurans furaltadone (FTD) is an antibiotic with a protective effect against bacterial and protozoan infections. Its application has been restricted in EU since 1993 followed by other NFs, as it exhibited toxicological effects in human. However, NFs are still supplied in many developing countries to date, because of high effectiveness and low cost. In this research, the photolytic behavior of NFs in aquatic environment as well as the photochemical transformation products were investigated using a solid phase extraction method coupled with UHPLC- LTQ/Orbitrap HRMS analysis. This study was conducted in distilled, lake, river and sea water under natural and artificial solar irradiation. The determined half-life times demonstrated that this process is the main degradation path of NFs in natural aquatic systems, compared to hydrolysis which presented negligible impact. Furthermore, the mechanism of NFs photodegradation in aqueous environment was exploited based on MS-MS data, indicating that hydrolysis, cleavage of carbon-nitrogen bond, and denitration etc are the dominant photochemical reactions. In addition, acute toxicity evaluation of NFs and photoproducts was performed, using Vibrio Fischeri as tested species. Finally, this study has as ultimate aim the investigation of the fate and impact of NFs and their transformation products, so in surface waters as in the related living organisms.

Acknowledgements. The authors would like to thank the Unit of Environmental, Organic and Biochemical high-resolution analysis–Orbitrap-LC–MS of the University of Ioannina for providing access to the facilities.
A presumptive and interactive map of PFAS contamination in Greece: a tool for the identification of possible exposure sources
Authors: Soubasakou Georgia , Evrenoglou Lefkothea , Cavoura Olga
Published: August 2023

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging global contaminants that can have adverse environmental and human health effects. In recent years regulatory authorities have focused on setting stricter environmental limits and implementing precautionary principles. The extent and severity of PFAS contamination in Greece are still little known, despite the widespread occurrence of facilities that release the compounds. An assessment of potential sources of PFAS emission and population exposure in Greece was undertaken and the findings were used to create a presumptive and interactive map using QGIS software. Private and public industrial and governmental facilities including mining and landfill sites, wastewater treatment facilities, military bases, and airports, both on the mainland and on islands, were included. Contamination levels from existing studies in Greece were also mapped. The potential for population exposure was estimated based on the proximity of residence. This useful tool allows stakeholders and communities to rapidly and methodologically recognize possible sources, potential exposure, and public health risk, and can be expanded to incorporate future research.

Acknowledgments
This research paper has been funded by the doctoral grant of the Special Account for Research Grants of the University of West Attica given to the Ph.D. candidate Mrs. Georgia Soubasakou.
Removal Of Selenium From Polluted Water By Fexoy-Sucrose Foams
Authors: Lopez-Anton Maria Antonia , Lopez-Toyos Lucía , Rodríguez Elena , Garcia Roberto , Martinez-Tarazona Maria Rosa
Published: August 2023

A series of iron-based carbon foams were evaluated as adsorbents for selenium removal from aqueous solutions. The carbon foams were prepared using sucrose as a precursor and then impregnated with different iron oxides/hydroxides. The efficiency of iron-based sucrose foams was compared to that achieved with a commercial activated carbon impregnated by the same method. The sucrose foams showed removal percentages of 10-90% depending on the synthesis process and pH (2 7). Acidic pH enhanced the adsorption of Se increasing the removal percentages up 80-90%. The chemical and textural properties of the carbon support play a fundamental role in the type of iron species loaded, and hence in the adsorption of selenium. The morphology and dispersion of the iron nanoparticles can also influence the adsorption processes. Furthermore, the sucrose foams developed in this study could be an efficient and sustainable method to remove other metalloids from wastewater.
Understanding the alteration of organic pollutants and microbiome profiles in a petrochemical wastewater biotreatment process
Authors: Deng Fucai , Wu Fengji , Liu Shasha , Hose Grant , Simon George
Published: August 2023

A better understanding of the alteration of organic pollutants and microorganisms in wastewater biotreatment processes is essential for the elucidation of pollutant removal mechanisms. This study investigated the alteration of organic pollutants, microbial communities and functional genes in a petrochemical wastewater treatment plant in China. Results show that the dominant organic components are phenols and aromatic amines in the influent of the biotreatment process, while linear hydrocarbons remained in the effluent. Microorganisms in the activated sludge samples were mainly bacteria, with Rhodocyclales and Burkholderiales dominating in the biotreatment process, but their relative abundances decreased dramatically during the biotreatment process, along with the removal of organic compounds. Based on functional gene annotations from the eggNOG database, the microbial community possessed high numbers of genes associated with amino acid transport and metabolism, energy production and conversion, replication, recombination and repair, and cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis. Generally, the relative abundances of KEGG orthologous genes involved in alkane and aromatic degradation initially increased, then dropped during the biotreatment process. This study gives insights into the mechanisms of petrochemical biodegradation processes in wastewater treatment plants.
Using CO2- induced magnesium carbonate as environmental friendly additives for petroleum decontamination sandy soils
Authors: Abdeh Keykha Hamed , Mavroulidou Maria , Mohamadzadeh Hadi
Published: August 2023

Chemical pollutants, including petroleum contaminations causes soil pollution due to improper transportation, leakage, or storage. Several methods for soil decontamination have been presented according to the type of soil and their level of pollution. In choosing the appropriate method and materials, paying attention to environmental issues, availability and cost-effectiveness of the used method is particularly important. In the current research, the ability of various environmentally friendly materials as absorbents of petroleum pollutants and their effect on sandy soil has been studied. Mineral additives including zeolite and perlite as well as magnesium carbonate produced by carbon dioxide released from industries have been selected as absorbents of petroleum pollutants. In the first stage of the research, the amount of absorption of oil pollutants (i.e., diesel and kerosene) has been investigated by different additives. For this purpose, the absorption percentage of the studied soil and various additives has been determined. The results showed the high absorption capacity of all three additives. as well as magnesium carbonate absorbed more than 90% by weight of diesel pollutant, which is the highest absorption percentage among the additives, and compared to the absorption percentage of soil, which was 26.5%. The results of this research indicated the optimal performance of magnesium carbonate for absorption of oil pollutants in sand. In addition to the significant amount of absorption of oil pollutants, magnesium carbonate can be considered by researchers and engineers as an environmentally friendly adsorbent due to the use of carbon dioxide released from industries in its production process
Biological Oxygen-dosed Activated Carbon (BODAC) filters - A bio-based treatment for wastewater reuse and reclamation
Authors: Larasati Amanda , Bernadet Olga , Pinela Sara , Meulepas Roel , Gagliano M.
Published: August 2023

Water re-use from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluent has recently gained more attention. This effluent water usually contains nutrients and trace contaminants, such as organic micro-pollutants (OMPs). Conventional municipal WWTPs are not currently designed to completely remove these OMPs, making additional and reliable treatments might be needed before the water is safely discharged to the environment or is to be re-used.

Biological oxygen-dosed activated carbon (BODAC) filters were operated as one of the treatments to further remove nutrient and OMPs from the municipal WWTP effluent in Emmen, the Netherlands, for producing ultrapure water. The long service life, i.e., more than 11 years without carbon replacement or off-site regeneration, of the BODAC filters makes it an attractive bio-based and chemical-free technology for water purification. Additionally, the BODAC filters were demonstrated to be able to protect the reverse osmosis (RO) units from biofouling placed downstream of the filters. In this paper, a holistic approach by analysing BODAC granules and water samples was conducted for one year to understand the mechanisms behind the long-term operation of the BODAC filters in a full- and pilot-scale. Additionally, microbial community analysis was conducted to elucidating the putative microbes for the efficient BODAC filter performance. This study aims to demonstrate BODAC filter performance as a promising bio-based tertiary treatment to further remove foulants and OMPs in WWTP effluent by harnessing the microbiological growth in the filter.
Cometabolic removal of ibuprofen, diclofenac and ciprofloxacin driven by glycerol fermentation in an acidogenic biofilm reactor
Authors: Carneiro Rodrigo , Gomes Gisele , Zaiat Marcelo , Santos-Neto Álvaro
Published: August 2023

The presence of pharmaceuticals in wastewater has increasingly become a public health issue globally due to the potential impacts it can cause on the environment and public health. In this study, we sought to analyze the cometabolic effect of glycerol fermentation on the removal of ibuprofen (IBU), diclofenac (DCF), and ciprofloxacin (CIP). The results indicated a positive effect of the glycerol addition on the removal of these compounds: without GOH – 65%, 35%, and 25%; with GOH – 91%, 48%, and 45%, respectively for IBU, DCF and CIP. A significant increase in the production of volatile fatty acids, especially propionate and valerate, was observed during the glycerol fermentation, which may have favored the prevalence of fermentative bacteria, as well as the production of specific microbial enzymes active in the biotransformation of the microcontaminants. Glycerol proved to be a good alternative supplementation in wastewater treatment systems to optimize the pharmaceutical compounds removal, in addition to the fact that it is a by-product of the biodiesel production with high availability on the market in many parts of the world.
Advancements, Design, and Improvement Strategies for Modern-era Membranes for the Treatment of Wastewater
Authors: Khan Nadeem , Santos Allan , Afzal Khan , Simranjeet Singh
Published: August 2023

Membranes are widely used in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment plants, among others, to purify and recycle water, separate dissolved substances from the environment, such as organic and inorganic contaminants, and recover valuable materials. Additionally, they may be supported by different materials such as a fibrous network that should be impermeable to substances in a solution. Along with the type of materials, the polymeric membranes may be classified into different groups according to the process and respective usage. They can be divided according to the type of material into organic and inorganic ones, besides the organizational structure of their matrices as isotropic and anisotropic. Organic membranes are made from synthetic organic polymers and the most used in industrial applications are polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PA), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polypropylene (PP), polysulfone (PS), regenerated cellulose (RC) and cellulose acetate (CeA). Meanwhile, the main inorganic membranes used in industry technologies are made from materials such as ceramics, silica, zirconia, glass, metals, and zeolites. Regarding the structure of polymeric membranes and their respective matrix, they can be classified as isotropic and anisotropic. This review article will cover the use of different membranes and their role in treatment of wastewater.
The invisible environmental impact of tourism in show caves: microplastic pollution in three Italian show caves
Authors: Balestra V , Drudi L , Bellopede R
Published: August 2023

Show caves are the most important geological heritage in the world, a significant economic resource and unique ecosystems characterized by speleothems, particular species and important drinking water reserves, however, microplastic (MP) pollution in caves is poorly studied. The deposits of three NW Italian show caves were investigated: for each cave, six sediment samples were collected along the tourist paths and one in a non-touristic area. MPs were identified and characterized using MUPL automated software, observed with and without UV light under a microscope, and verified under μFTIR-ATR. MPs were present in sediments of all examined caves: an average of 4300 MPs/kg were found along the tourist paths and of 2570 MPs/kg in the speleological zones. MPs less than 1 mm, fibre-shaped, polyesters and polyolefins dominated the samples suggesting that synthetic clothes are the main source of pollution in show caves. Our results highlight a high pollution of MPs in the examined show caves, despite the different touristic and environmental characteristics. The subterranean environment monitoring gives useful information to assess risks posed by MPs in show caves and consequently define strategies for the conservation and management of caves and natural resources.
Evaluation of a new technology for increasing the quality of a compost
Authors: Marini Paola , Mori De Olivera Camila , Sammito Andrea , Boano Mauro , Fischetti Matteo , Toso Lorenzo , Pizio Roberta , Bellopede Rossana
Published: August 2023

Composting is a treatment process that transforms biodegradable organic waste into compost, a product that is rich in essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) and can be used as a fertilizer for the cultivation of agricultural land. By decreasing landfill disposal and avoiding incineration, this procedure is advantageous, and it has a good impact on the environment. In the treatment scheme for the production of compost, a critical issue has been identified that needs a solution: during the final refining process, the compost, which has already passed all the maturation stages, is screened at 12 mm with a drum sieve. In this way, the compost ready for the market is obtained. The oversize > 12 mm of this separation is sent via conveyor belt to a star disc screen with an opening of 50 mm. The product > 50 mm is actually made up of plastic films and paper and is disposed of, the product < 50 mm and > 12 mm (surplus) is used as inoculum as it is rich in bacteria useful for starting biodegradation organic, but still contains a significant amount of plastic film, which thanks to the recirculation as inoculum continues to remain in the process.
Therefore, in order to improve the characteristics of the overstock, the following actions were decided:
 granulometric and product characterization of the surplus
 tests with aeraulic separator and characterization of the products obtained.
In collaboration with the companies G.A.I.A. S.p.A. and TOSO S.r.l. this study is focused on the design and construction of a machine capable of removing plastics from organic overflow, improving the quality of the final product. To propose the effective plant solution, the degree of impurity in the compost produced was investigated and tests to improve the design and to evaluate the efficiency of the deplasticizer machine were performed. The final machine proposed consists in a mesh conveyor belt, with beater rollers capable of making the mesh "jump". The fine clean material falls through the mesh, and it is separated of the coarse impure material. The results thus obtained were satisfactory with the recovery of more than 10% of the of fine clean compost and very low percentages of unwanted substances.
One-stage and multistage anoxic/oxic systems based on continuous plug-flow anammox process for mature landfill leachate treatment
Authors: Peng Yongzhen , Ren Shang
Published: August 2023

As a promising biotechnology, the anammox process has been increasingly investigated for landfill leachate treatment. However, its application has been limited by the long generation time of anammox bacteria (AnAOB) and insufficient nitrite supply in actual projects. To overcome these obstacles, this study innovatively established one-stage and multistage anoxic/oxic systems (S1 and S2) based on the continuous plug-flow anammox process to treat mature landfill leachate. Ultra-efficient nitrogen removal was achieved through the partial nitrification coupled anammox (PNA) and the partial denitrification coupled anammox (PDA) pathways. Over 97.0% of nitrogen was removed from the leachate (1800-2000 mg NH4+-N/L). Stable isotope tracing tests demonstrated that 89.8%-92.4% and 90.3%-95.0% of the nitrogen loss were contributed by the anammox pathway in S1 and S2, respectively. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the oxic zone, especially the oxic biofilm was the hotspot for AnAOB enrichment. Candidatus_Kuenenia with higher nitrite affinity and stronger tolerance to free ammonia (FA) and salinity stress outcompeted Candidatus_Brocadia and became the dominant anammox genus. Multiple bacteria capable of hydrolysis and acidogenesis were enriched under the in-situ FA anoxic treatment, facilitating complex organic matters degradation and volatile fatty acids production, which could be used as the carbon source during the PDA process.
Environmental Effects on the Fate and Co-Transport of Pesticides and Microplastics in Soils Irrigated with Wastewater
Authors: Bagtzoglou Amvrossios , Djebbari Khaled , Li Baikun , Shor Leslie , Anagnostou Emmanouil
Published: August 2023

In this paper we report results from a series of kinetics and isotherms experiments under different conditions (salinity, organic carbon, and temperature) that were conducted in order to determine the equilibrium time and the sorption response of typical biodegradable microplastics in comparison to non-degradable microplastics to three common pesticides present in wastewater. Moreover, we investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in this sorption via characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Finally, we also present results from soil column experiments designed to facilitate understanding the key and fundamental processes of MPs transport in saturated soil influenced by aging and sorption under various scenarios.
Review and evaluation of the methods for building the Carbon Farming Calculation Tool
Authors: Oliveira Melissa Yves , Guerrero Carlos , Panagopoulos Thomas
Published: August 2023

Agriculture accounts for around 30% of total GHG emissions worldwide. Carbon calculators are vital to accurately measure GHG emissions from farms and decrease their impact through carbon harvesting techniques. This paper aims to review various carbon calculator models and group them into typologies to provide helpful information on selecting the most appropriate calculator for different farming systems. Farm scale calculators enable farmers to monitor GHG emissions and reduce them by adopting sustainable agricultural practices. Landscape-scale calculators are useful in larger areas, with different land uses and agricultural practices. The AgRE Calc, Cool Farm Tool, and Solagro carbon calculators were the most adequate to estimate greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities. By comprehending GHG emissions in agriculture, accurately calculating them, and adopting sustainable practices, farmers can strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
A Literature Review on the Benefits of Healing Gardens
Authors: Oliveira Melissa Yves , Guerrero Carlos , Panagopoulos Thomas
Published: August 2023

Healing gardens can be traced back to the Greeks at the end of the sixth century B.C. when they used healing centers in temples with the specific usage of natural spring water. Despite the well-known benefits of healing gardens, most healthcare facilities do not include them as part of their process to cure. Thus, this paper aims to explore and provide evidence for the potential benefits of healing gardens for health and well-being in healthcare facilities. Several important research has examined the advantages of healing gardens in hospitals. In addition, there has been an increase in the use of salutogenic and biophilic design approaches in healthcare environments over the last decade. Through a literature review and analysis of successful healing gardens, this paper demonstrates the importance of healing gardens for physical, mental, and emotional health and recommends their incorporation in healthcare facilities as a standard policy. Acknowledgments
The study was supported by a grant from the Foundation for Science and Technology–Portugal (UIDB/04007/2020) and project LIFE20 PRE/GR/018 LIFE GEOCARBON.
The Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Microplastics: different treatment technologies for wastewater treatment plants in Oman
Authors: Yavari Zeinab , Al Amri Abrar , Nikoo Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2023

Microplastics (MPs) are considered an emerging pollutant and one of the greatest challenges for many states and are a significant environmental concern that requires to be addressed. Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are usually suspected of being major contributors to environmental MPs that can cause environmental disutility in distinct ways. The purpose of this study is to quantify and characterize MPs at different treatment technologies in major WWTPs in Oman as well as to mitigate human and environmental risks. Water samples were taken from three WWTPs; WWTP A (CAS), WWTP B (MBR), and WWTP C (SBR). Sampling points were Primary, tertiary effluent, and sludge (10L, 30L, and 2.5 L respectively). Water samples were then sieved in stainless sieves with a mesh size of 1 mm, 425 µm, 45 µm, and 1.2 µm. The samples then undergo wet peroxidation (WPO) to remove the organic matter pursued by density separation of inorganic matter. Suspected MPs were then counted under a light microscope and morphologically characterized into fibers, fragments, foams, spheres, and others. Detected MPs were then counted under a light microscope and morphologically characterized into fibers, fragments, foams, spheres, and others. Fiber MPs were dominant in all effluent types, followed by a considerable amount of fragments. Most detected MPs in tertiary effluent were small (< 425µm) and fibers in shape. Almost all shapes colors and several sizes of MPs were detected in the sludge sample which is considered the sink of microplastics. Nonetheless, diverse treatment stages are capable of removing a significant proportion of MPs, fiber MPs can effectively survive the studied treatment processes, including advanced treatment using ultrafiltration. The outcomes of this study show that a considerable number of microplastics are discharged into the environment through treated effluent and sludge. The application of on-site management advanced practices for microplastic remediation such as nanotechnology shall be recommended to the wastewater management authority in Oman..
Rapid adsorption of diclofenac by polyaniline-coated carbon nanofiber
Authors: Xia Mingzhu , Xu Haihua , Wang Fengyun
Published: August 2023

In this work, polyaniline-coated carbon nanofiber with acid treatment (named CNFA@PANI) composite was synthesized and used to eliminate diclofenac from the water environment. Thanks to the abundant amino functional groups and benzene-ring structures, the as-prepared CNFA@PANI composite presented the excellent adsorption capacity (qe) of 202.9 mg/g and high distribution constant (Kd) value of 1.02×104 for diclofenac. The physical and chemical properties of the manufactured composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The novel adsorbent possessed rapid and excellent adsorption performance for diclofenac. Moreover, in the wide pH range, the CNFA@PANI possessed well adsorption capacities. Meanwhile, after five adsorption-desorption cycles, the composite still showed excellent reusability performance. Furthermore, quantum chemical theory calculations indicated the possible adsorption sites of the composite for diclofenac. In total, this work provides an easy method to design novel composites for the efficient removal of diclofenac from the water environment.
Experiential learning as a strategy for reducing household food waste among young Greeks
Authors: Chioti Despoina , Sepp Hanna , Nyberg Maria
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Food waste is a contemporary challenge with impacts on the environment, economy, and society. Every year 1/3 of the food produced is wasted, where the households are responsible for 53% of the total food waste. In Greece, 87 kg of household food waste are produced per inhabitant/year. Youth are among the high food waste producers.
Objective: The purpose was to investigate whether experiential learning stimulated pro- environmental behaviour for household food waste prevention among young people (aged 18-21 years) in Greece.
Methods: This qualitative study was divided into four-phases; a minor questionnaire, two focus groups and an intervention. The focus groups approach was based on the consumption characteristics of Greek consumers. Experiential learning was used as the intervention method to develop food waste prevention skills.
Results: The participants were interested in gaining practical knowledge and cooking skills for food waste prevention as they found it is an important issue. They had theoretical knowledge and understanding on food waste prevention which was gained through family practices, awareness campaigns, and on the Internet. However, they lacked practical knowledge. The participants through focus group discussions reshaped their thought process on food waste prevention. The experiential learning intervention provided useful skills and practical knowledge, that will help them reach the target of food waste prevention.
Preliminary results of climate effect on phenology of honeydew producing insects of fir trees and the production of fir honey in Evritania - Greece
Authors: Gounari S , Botonakis S , Papadopoulos A , Pantera A , Tassios A , Fotiadis G
Published: August 2023

In a 3-year program (2019-2021) the production of fir honey in the prefecture of Evritania, the most mountainous prefecture of Greece, was studied. The production of fir honey is influenced by the condition of the tree, the phenology of the honeydew producing insect, the beekeeper's management of bee colonies, while the main regulator is the weather conditions. The weather conditions of each year affect not only honey production, but also the well-being of bee colonies and the survival of honeydew producing insects. Our effort is to correlate the biological cycle of the insect, its honeydew secretion and the development of beehives with climatic factors, in order to isolate the most critical of them in honey production. A specific identification of these impacts is required, so that appropriate solutions can be proposed in order to safeguard beekeeping activity in Evritania in relation to the environmental changes.
Assessment of Pesticide Occurrence, Attenuation, and Transport Dynamics in the Pampanga River Basin
Authors: AGUSTIN RENATO , ROLLON ANALIZA , KWAN CHARITA , BALLESTEROS FLORENCIO
Published: August 2023

The goal of this study is to detect chlorpyrifos, a pesticide, in the Pampanga River basin and to create a new model, or improve upon an existing one, that can accurately predict the concentration levels of micro pollutants in the river bed. The complete dry and wet seasons are accounted for by taking samples within a single calendar year. Method of analysis include the preparation of samples in line with the standard test available utilizing GC-MS. The analyses were done at the National Sciences Research Institute- Research Analytical Services Laboratory. The widely acceptable water quality model (WASP8) provided by the USEPA is used with an added feature like Monte Carlo Program is incorporated in this model to predict future concentration results. The research includes a risk analysis of potential hazards posed by both target and non-target organisms.
The first samples were taken from locations that had been previously determined to have a high concentration of the pollutants of interest, such as nearby farmlands and tributaries. Identified sampling sites with high concentrations of target pesticides (chlorpyrifos, endosulfan and malathion) constitute subject regions for the model. A dynamic box model was used in the Pampanga River channel with loads based on the laboratory results. Actual test results from GC-MS demonstrated that the model, with parameters and constants provided, can estimate amounts of pesticides at the downstream of the river water. The model is cross-validated based on the fact that it produces a mean error of 0.0263% when applied to the tributaries and a mean error of 0.65% when applied to the main channel.
The predicted exposure concentrations for most of the identified pesticides were found to be greater than the regulation permissible value during the risk assessment for aquatic species. Additional study on safe pesticide concentrations is required before the Philippines can implement exposure scenarios and models for pesticide authorization. Further studies are also needed to build top-tier model and risk management that may be utilized in the Philippine scenario.
People will require this model to help them make educated choices about how to deal with micro-pollutants like pesticides. The results of this investigation can be used as a basis of social and industrial strategies.
Settling and filtration experiments for the removal of flocs produced by a hybrid sono-electrochemical process
Authors: Vouk Drazen , Posavcic Hana , Halkijevic Ivan , Nakic Domagoj
Published: August 2023

Choosing the right method for floc separation after electrochemical treatment seemed to be a problem in a number of previous research papers. Therefore, ultrasonic and electrochemical (sono-EC) processes in circulating flow mode were combined with settling and filtration to treat the oily wastewater and to remove the produced flocs. Experimental results showed that the inclined settling, which represented lamellar settling, was not recommended for the low-density flocs, as it did not accelerate the settling process. Overall settling time was 45 min with the final mineral oil concentrations up to 25 mg/l. On the other hand, mineral oil removal efficiency was about 57 % using the combination of settling and filtration. Achieved mineral oil concentrations (8.76 mg/l and 28.63 mg/l) were in accordance with the European standards for discharge into the sewerage system or direct discharge into the water body. It was recommended that all three filter pore sizes are used together to achieve the complete removal of mineral oil, turbidity and safety, as the filter with the smallest pores would often clog due to the floc residue in the treated wastewater.
The AquaSPICE Industrial Symbiosis Enabling Platform
Authors: Angelis-Dimakis Athanasios , Earnshaw Samuel , Dedousis Panagiotis , Vyrkou Antonia , Pieri Tryfonas , Arampatzis George
Published: August 2023

The role of the AquaSPICE Symbiosis Enabling platform is to facilitate the development of one-to-one waste reuse value chains, through the collaboration of an industrial waste source and a potential waste user. This can be achieved by adopting a three-step process: (i) map and characterize the potential sources and sinks of waste in a region; (ii) match them based on technical criteria; and (iii) identify and assess potential business models for opportunity exploitation.
Direct upgrading of biogas produced by anaerobic digestion: preliminary results at laboratory scale
Authors: Calabrò Paolo , Bonaccorsi Lucio , Fazzino Filippo , Fotia Antonio , Malara Angela , Pedullà Altea
Published: August 2023

The present study investigated, at laboratory scale, the possibility of achieving biogas upgrading with a single step of treatment, namely without involving any pre- or post-treatment or multiple stage recirculation. In this respect, three commercial molecular sieves (i.e., Honeywell 13X, 4A, and 5A) have been tested according two different configurations in series (4A/13X and 4A/5A) in 25/75 v/v relative amounts. A control trap containing only the 4A molecular sieve using the same amount of the in series configurations has also been used. Real biogas feed directly from the production reactors at atmosphere pressure has been used in the experiments. 4A sample resulted highly efficient in biogas upgrading (CO2 retention rate of 42.4 gCO2/kg, equivalent to 0.96 mmolCO2/g) but its activity was limited to 18 days while by increasing the material amount and combining different types of molecular sieves in series, performance increased. The possibility to regenerate and reuse the sieves was also proven although preliminary.
Mass-transfer processes of toxic hexavalent chromium adsorption onto food waste adsorbent
Authors: ASSELAH Amel , AFRICANO CANI Zua , ABRAÃO MANUEL BUZI Nunes
Published: August 2023

Heavy metal pollution caused by industrial operations is a global environmental issue. Chromium, used in chrome plating, textile dyeing, wood preservation, and metal fnishing, is classifed as a highly toxic agent to humans and other living organisms. To minimize health risks, these contaminant should be removed from the aquatic ecosystem. In the present study, a bioadsorbant was fabricated from vegetable waste biomass : potato peels (PP) was tested for the adsorption of toxic hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] from simulated wastewater. Due to the health effects associated to Cr(VI) toxicity, it is mandatory to treat chromium-bearing wastewaters before disposal in to the environment to avoid consequent health problems. The research of cheaper, locally available and renewable materials as precursors for producing activated carbon with comparable functionalities to the commercial product. The purpose of this study is to highlight vegetable waste and to examine the efficiency of potato peels towards the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution. The physicochemical and textural characterization of the prepared adsorbent was accomplished by using available techniques. The influence of the operating parameters were investigated in batch mode. Eight bottles were used during the batch experiments under the following operating conditions: Mass of PP and PAC: 0.25 g to 1.5 g,time: 0-60mn, pH:2-12,initial concentration of Cr (VI) : 10-30mg/l, Temperature: 30 to 60°C. Adsorption kinetics was assessed by fitting the experimental data with the chosen kinetic models. The ability of potato peels to adsorb Cr(VI) ion was determined from the adsorption isotherms plots and the thermodynamic parameters were estimated. Furthermore, a comparison of the results obtained is carried out with commercial powdered activated carbon (PAC). The best removal efficiencies are obtained at pH of order 2 and 12 for PAC and PP respectively, an optimal mass of PP at 0,5 g and 1 g of PAC at 300 rpm. The most appropriate model is Langmuir model and the kinetics are the pseudo second order. The adsorption reaction is a chemisorption according to Elovich's model and the diffusion is extraparticle by Webber and Morris model. The results obtained from this study suggest that the adsorbent prepared from plant biomass could be an interesting low-cost adsorbent to remove chromium VI.
Keywords: Chromate VI, bioadsorbent, adsorption, kinetic, isotherms