Integration of Microalgae-Based Wastewater Bioremediation–Biorefinery Process to Promote Circular Bioeconomy and Sustainability: A Review

Bioremediation of wastewater using microalgae is inexpensive, energy efficient, and effective in pollutant reduction as compared to conventional wastewater treatment technologies. Wastewater is a huge resource of minerals, nutrients, bioenergy, and valuable organic compounds and can be used for cultivation of microalgae. The microalgal biomass can be further used as biorefinery feedstock to produce biofuels and commercially important high-value products. The potential of microalgae toward bioremediation and biorefinery applications presents the avenues for integrating the two processes to support circular bioeconomy and sustainability. This review presents a holistic view of integration of bioremediation and biorefinery processes using microalgae for deriving multiple benefits like pollutant removal, resource recovery, biofuel production, and generation of high-value commercial products. The current status of high-throughput microalgal screening technologies is also discussed since the selection of suitable microalgal strains is crucial for the application. The review further summarizes various processes involved in bioremediation and biorefinery systems such as cultivation, bioremediation, harvesting, and downstream processing. Recent trends in microalgal strain improvement for bioremediation and biorefinery applications through genetic engineering, bioinformatics, omics technologies, and genome editing tools are highlighted, while addressing the risks, biosafety issues, and regulatory affairs associated with genetically modified algae.     

Sustainable Chemical Technologies in Production of Clean Fuels from Fossil Fuels

Some aspects of the present and the possible future role of sustainable chemical technologies in the production of clean liquid and gaseous fuels from fossil fuels are discussed. The state‐of‐the‐art and the vision of possible sources and alternative routes which may lead to clean fuels from fossil fuels due to the progress in crude oil, natural gas and coal processing are briefly presented. The possible future role of the Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis, methanol synthesis, dimethylether synthesis, and a group of methanol transformation processes is also discussed.     

Operational performance of current synthetic aperture radar sensors in mapping soil surface characteristics in agricultural environments: application to hydrological and erosion modelling

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors are often used to characterize the surface of bare soils in agricultural environments. They enable the soil moisture and roughness to be estimated with constraints linked to the configurations of the sensors (polarization, incidence angle and radar wavelength). These key soil characteristics are necessary for different applications, such as hydrology and risk prediction. This article reviews the potential of currently operational SAR sensors and those planned for the near future to characterize soil surface as a function of users' needs. It details what it is possible to achieve in terms of mapping soil moisture and roughness by specifying optimal radar configurations and the precision associated with the estimation of soil surface characteristics. The summary carried out for the present article shows that mapping soil moisture is optimal with SAR sensors at low incidence angles (<35 ). This configuration, which enables an estimated moisture accuracy greater than 6% is possible several times a month taking into account all the current and future sensors. Concerning soil roughness, it is best mapped using three classes (smooth, moderately rough, and rough). Such mapping requires high‐incidence data, which is possible with certain current sensors (RADARSAT‐1 and ASAR both in band C). When L‐band sensors (ALOS) become available, this mapping accuracy should improve because the sensitivity of the radar signal to Soil Surface Characteristics (SSC) increases with wavelength. Finally, the polarimetric mode of certain imminent sensors (ALOS, RADARSAT‐2, TerraSAR‐X, etc.), and the possibility of acquiring data at very high spatial resolution (metre scale), offer great potential in terms of improving the quality of SSC mapping. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Recent history provides sustainable African water quality project insight

Small-scale projects to provide clean drinking water undertaken in the developing world can contribute to significantly improving the livelihood of rural communities. There has been a historical tendency to poorly plan such projects leading to an unsustainable future. Recent history indicates three simple steps to ensuring successful and enduring clean water projects. First, identification of need by the indigenous community provides ownership in the project. Second, a partnership between key individuals in the indigenous community with the donor provides for ambassadors on both sides of the project. Finally, an exit strategy by the donors for the indigenous communities ensures local sustainability for the future. The study site is the village of Geisha in northern Malawi, Africa. Sustainable implementation approaches are discussed in this case study as well as the various lessons learned. Improved project processes ensure sustainable small-scale water quality projects by donor organizations in developing countries.     

Rainwater and reclaimed wastewater for sustainable urban water use

Concern about the sustainability of urban water use is the strong motivation to understand the potential of rainwater use and water recycling in urbanized cities. The history of water supply in Tokyo and its experience may provide useful information to develop sustainable urban water use and find future possible tasks in rapidly growing cities. Besides, various innovative strategies to meet the current and future water demand in Tokyo may help us to consider new approaches adjusting to the developing mega cities in Asia. In this paper, the past and current practices on utilization of latent water resources such as rainwater and reclaimed wastewater in Tokyo are summarized from the viewpoint of sustainable water use.The storage of rainwater is a useful measure for water demand in emergency cases. In addition, the rainwater use can work as a kind of environmental education to make citizens aware of sustainable urban water use. There are 850 facilities for rainwater use in Tokyo. Since reclaimed wastewater use has several benefits, a huge water volume has been utilized for various purposes such as washing, water-cooling, toilet flushing, waterway restoration and creation of recreational waterfront. From the viewpoint of human health risk, new micropollutants such as estrogens, endocrine disrupters and surfactants should be considered as quality guideline parameter besides the conventional ones. Importance of infiltration facilities should be also highlighted to secure the sound water cycle. Groundwater recharge through the infiltration facilities provide a potential storage of water resource which can be withdrawn in the future if necessary.     

Multifaceted Role of Microalgae for Municipal Wastewater Treatment: A Futuristic Outlook toward Wastewater Management

Municipal wastewater (MWW) or urban wastewater (UWW) is generated by the domestic consumption of freshwater, which contains a huge amount of nutrients. The release of unprocessed wastewater causes eutrophication and harms aquatic life. Moreover, ingestion of polluted MWW causes a severe negative impact on human health. Microalgae are unicellular, eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms and have the capability of nutrient assimilation in the presence of light. Moreover, the produced biomass can be used for the generation of value-added bioproducts such as bioenergy. However, conventional microalgae-based MWW treatment is not as sustainable on a commercial scale. Therefore, more advanced approaches using microalgae need to be integrated in wastewater cultivation systems to improve nutrient removal efficiency. Thus, the present review explores the use of microalgae for the removal of nutrients from MWW, provides an outlook of direct and indirect methods of nutrient uptake from wastewater and the effects of the influencing factors in biomass growth. Moreover, the review also gives insight into recent approaches used for MWW treatment and the applications of algal biomass resulting from treated wastewater. It is predicted that microalgae-based MWW treatment systems will be a significant green approach to help eliminate nutrient loads and implement circular economy.     

Characterisation of flood inundated areas and delineation of poor drainage soil using ERS-1 SAR imagery

Recent years have been marked by a continuous availability of spatial SAR data since the launch of the European remote sensing satellite (ERS-1) in 1991. Consequently, remote sensing techniques now offer an opportunity to map flood inundation fields caused by river overflow or waterlogging in environments characterized by frequent cloud cover. Indeed, inundation fields can clearly be seen on ERS-1 SAR images taken during flooding periods. However, such an identification can be constrained by the similarity in behaviour between water surfaces and other features of the landscape such as extended asphalt areas, permanent water bodies and less illuminated slopes. For consistent flood inundation extent mapping a more robust approach is required. This is provided by a conceptual flood inundation index that is physically sound in relation to radar imaging. Moreover, this index has proved to be useful for highlighting soils located within inundation fields and having significantly different internal drainage. The results achieved in the framework of the research must be seen in the context of intensive use of remote sensing data to support decision methods for sustainable management of land and water resources. Such decision support methods could be provided by river hydraulic models aimed at assessing environmental effects of inundation floods and at early flood warning systems. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

健康水生态系统的退化及其修复——理论、技术及应用

由于人口增加和工农业生产的发展,人类赖以生存的淡水生态系统日益退化,特别是富营养化问题,已严重威胁社会经济的持续发展和人类健康,如何在强污染负荷下修复水生态系统具有重大理论和现实意义,本文总结了自1990年以来在淡水湖泊中进行的物理生态工程（Physico-Ecological Enginnering ,PEEN)实验研究实践,主要结论O 为：（1）地表水环境治理的主要目标是修复为稳定健康的水生态系统;（2）主要方法是与污染源治理相结合实践物理生态工程IPEEN）和生物环保产业（Bio-Environmental Enterprise,BEE);(3)实现目标的主要途径是星火燎原,从局部到大范围乃至全流程;（4）实现目标的主要关键是抓住四个环节（4M）;高等水生植物（Macrophyte),宏观颔生学（Macro-bioimitation), 微生物（Microorganism),及管理（Management).(5)山清水秀,人杰地灵,社会经济生态协调发展的美好未来有可能在不远的将来实现。     

岩石圈内部第二深度空间金属矿产资源形成与集聚的深层动力学响应

中国的快速工业化发展和经济腾飞必须有大量金属矿产资源的支撑,在共享世界资源的同时,其根本出路在于立足本土．因此提出第二深度空间（500～2000 m）金属矿产资源的找矿勘探新理念．通过对国内外金属矿产资源地球物理勘探发展的概况分析和研究提出：①金属矿产资源的集聚和分布受控于地壳内部物质与能量的交换和其深层动力过程;②在地壳内部第二深度空间存在着丰富的矿产资源,包括大型和超大型矿床;③必须充分发挥高精度地球物理探测方法的效能,并进行综合技术集成．     

Holistic environmental assessment and offshore oil field exploration and production

According to UK Government surveys, concern for the environment is growing. Environmental regulation of the industry is becoming wider in its scope and tougher in its implementation. Various techniques are available to assess how the industry can drive down its environmental impact and comply with environmental regulation. Environmental Assessments (EA) required by European law do not cover the whole life cycle of the project that they are analysing. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was developed to assess the environmental loadings of a product, process or activity over its entire life cycle. It was the first technique used in environmental analysis that adopted what was described as a holistic approach. It fails this approach by not assessing accidental emissions or environmental impacts other than those that are direct. Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) offers the opportunity to value environmental effects and appraise a project on the basis of costs and benefits. Not all environmental effects can be valued and of those that can there is considerable uncertainty in their valuation and occurrence. CBA cannot satisfactorily measure the total environmental risk of a project. Consequently there is a need for a technique that overcomes the failures of project-level EA, LCA and CBA, and assesses total environmental risk. Many organizations such as, the British Medical Association, the European Oilfield Speciality Chemicals Association, the Royal Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (Norway) and Shell Expro now recognize that a holistic approach is an integral part of assessing total risk. The Brent SPAR case study highlights the interdisciplinary nature required of any environmental analysis. Holistic Environmental Assessment is recommended as such an environmental analysis.     

Adaptation strategies for mitigating agricultural GHG emissions under dual-level uncertainties with the consideration of global warming impacts

Agriculture plays a central role in maintaining food security and achieving sustainable development for human society. It is a challenge for the agricultural sector to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maintain agricultural production. However, dual-level uncertainties exist in the processes of agricultural GHG accounting and emission reduction management. In this research, an integrated approach for identifying adaptation strategies in agricultural GHG emission reduction management was developed through incorporating life cycle analysis (LCA) of agricultural production into a general mathematical programming model. This approach strengthened the applicability of LCA and the comprehensiveness of programming models in generating agricultural adaptive actions under different GHG emission restriction targets. Also, dual-level uncertainties of LCA and adaptation management can be effectively addressed. A case study was proposed to illustrate application of the approach in Dalian City, China. The results indicated that farming patterns in eight districts would change significantly. The total area of maize fields would account for the primary proportion (i.e., 40–45 %) in its agricultural sector. Rice, peanut and cabbage fields would be the minor contributors in terms of GHG emissions. In addition to effective rainfall (i.e., [156, 259] mm/ha), a certain amount of water would be supplied for agricultural irrigation to maximize the city’s agricultural yields. Compared with other agricultural crops, rice fields would need the largest amount of irrigation water (i.e., [153.72, 277.98] Mt) to meet the requirements of local government plans.     

Artificial Reefs as a Tool to Aid Rehabilitation of Coastal Ecosystems: Investigating the Potential

Utilising case studies, the paper identifies the potential of artificial reefs as a tool to aid the rehabilitation of coastal ecosystems from an ecological perspective. It goes on to discuss how this potential can be constrained by the action of a complex array of legal frameworks and political processes which are not necessarily attuned to or supportive of the needs of habitat restoration (whether based on artificial reefs or other technologies). Apart from institutional inertia, one of the main reasons why support for habitat restoration projects may be lacking is that, while their costs may be expressed in monetary terms, their benefits rarely are. The paper concludes by exploring techniques by which both the benefits and costs of coastal rehabilitation may be monetised, thereby placing them on the same footing as other programmes whose economic returns are more easily quantified.     

Socioeconomic impacts of hydropower development on the Yibin–Chongqing section,upper reaches of the Yangtze River

The aim of this paper is to quantify the socioeconomic impacts of hydropower development to reflect its positive functions from multiple perspectives and dimensions. By applying the multi-regional Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model to a case study of the Yibin–Chongqing section along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, the analysis shows that hydropower development has outstanding benefits for the regional economy and livelihood improvement, as proved by various indicators including consumption, investment, GDP, employment, and income. Meanwhile, application of the CGE model provides an effective way to quantitatively assess the socioeconomic impact of hydropower and other clean energy development.     

The application of neural network to the analysis of earthquake precursor chaotic time series

IntroductionThere are some problems we often meet when we work for earthquake forecasting with theobservational data of earthquake precursor observation. Such items as the deformation of earth'scrust, underground fluid, geoelectricity and so on. These problems include that the ceasing workof the observational apparatus because of malfunction or accident in case of emergent ewthquakesituation will lose some imperative information and make it more difficult to evaluate futUreearthquake situation…     

Assessing Environmental Impacts of Wastewater Treatment Alternatives for Small‐Scale Communities

The effluents of wastewater treatment plants in small sized communities of less than 2000 population equivalent (PE), which are discharged into sensitive receiving water environments, must receive “appropriate treatment” according to the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Appropriate treatment depends on the quality objectives of the receiving waters as well as the relevant provisions of the member states. In this study, wastewater treatment options, such as vegetated land treatment (VLT), constructed wetlands (CW), and activated sludge treatment (AST), by which effluents are discharged to sensitive and less sensitive areas are evaluated by the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. For this purpose, data related to energy usage, land requirement, raw material consumption, and released emissions from the life phases were collected with an inventory study and the environmental impacts were assessed by using SimaPro 7.1 LCA software. The results obtained from the assessments were compared with each other, which indicated that for small‐scale communities VLT and CW are the most environmentally friendly wastewater treatment option.     

地热地球物理勘探新进展

地热作为一种清洁能源具有巨大的开发潜力,将在我国的经济发展中起到巨大的作用.在传统的热水型地热开发的基础上,国际上非常重视热干岩(Enhanced Geothermal)型地热的勘探开发.在这两类地热勘查和开发中,地球物理方法具有非常重要的作用.本文从地热系统的目标体岩石的地球物理性质出发,分析岩石的地球物理性质与温度、压力和含水量等影响因素的关系.例如随着温度的升高,岩石会出现去磁、电阻率降低、密度降低、弹性波速度也现明显降低等现象.进而分析地球物理方法应用到具体的地热勘查地质-地球物理异常模型.结合国际上21世纪以后的新方法技术,分析了重磁、电、地震方法在利用由于岩石温度的升高而出现的特殊地球物理现象,并应用于地热勘探.通过国内外实例介绍了各种地球物理勘探方法在地热勘查中成功应用,为进一步提高我国地热勘查水平,提供一些参考.     

Algal Cultivation for Treating Wastewater in African Developing Countries: A Review

The tremendous increase in human population and rapid decline in freshwater resources have necessitated the development of innovative and sustainable wastewater treatment methods. Africa as a developing continent is currently backing on sustainable solutions to tackle impending water resource crisis brought forward by wastewater‐induced environmental pollution and climate change. Microalgae‐based wastewater treatment systems represent an emerging technology that is capable of meeting the new demand for improved wastewater treatment and climate change mitigation strategies in an environmentally friendly manner. This review critically looks at the opportunities of Africa in harnessing and exploiting the potential of microalgae for the treatment of various wastewaters based on their capacity to recycle nutrients and for concurrent production of valuable biomass and several useful metabolites. Wastewaters, if improperly/completely untreated and discharged, simultaneously pollute freshwater sources and present significant health and environmental risks. Nutrients in wastewater can be utilized and recovered in the form of marketable biomass and products when integrated with the cultivation of microalgae. Several valuable bioproducts can be generated from wastewater‐grown microalgal biomass including biofuels, biofertilizers, animal feed, and various bioactive compounds. This biorefinery approach would most certainly improve wastewater treatment process economics, enhancing the technical feasibility of algae‐based wastewater remediation in African countries.     

Evaluating watershed service availability under future management and climate change scenarios in the Pangani Basin

Watershed services are the benefits people obtain from the flow of water through a watershed. While demand for such services is increasing in most parts of the world, supply is getting more insecure due to human impacts on ecosystems such as climate or land use change. Population and water management authorities therefore require information on the potential availability of watershed services in the future and the trade-offs involved.In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is used to model watershed service availability for future management and climate change scenarios in the East African Pangani Basin. In order to quantify actual “benefits”, SWAT2005 was slightly modified, calibrated and configured at the required spatial and temporal resolution so that simulated water resources and processes could be characterized based on their valuation by stakeholders and their accessibility. The calibrated model was then used to evaluate three management and three climate scenarios.The results show that by the year 2025, not primarily the physical availability of water, but access to water resources and efficiency of use represent the greatest challenges. Water to cover basic human needs is available at least 95% of time but must be made accessible to the population through investments in distribution infrastructure. Concerning the trade-off between agricultural use and hydropower production, there is virtually no potential for an increase in hydropower even if it is given priority. Agriculture will necessarily expand spatially as a result of population growth, and can even benefit from higher irrigation water availability per area unit, given improved irrigation efficiency and enforced regulation to ensure equitable distribution of available water. The decline in services from natural terrestrial ecosystems (e.g. charcoal, food), due to the expansion of agriculture, increases the vulnerability of residents who depend on such services mostly in times of drought. The expected impacts of climate change may contribute to an increase or decrease in watershed service availability, but are only marginal and much lower than management impacts up to the year 2025.     

E-monitoring the nature of water

ABSTRACT

The critical need for hydrological observations in support of water resources management, particularly during extreme events, has transformed traditional methods of hydrological data management. This transformation has given rise to a framework of e-monitoring the hydrological cycle, the aim of which is to improve understanding of the nature of water. New trends in data science, coupled with increasing technological evolution, make the new generation of data systems more agile and responsive to the needs and expectations for efficient and effective data sharing and service delivery. The WMO Hydrological Observing System was designed around the integration of observations, data exchange, research, data processing, modelling and forecasting, in such a way that societal needs for disaster risk reduction, improved sustainability of environmental resources, climate resilience and economic growth can be effectively met. With its implementation of conceptual functionalities for sustainable data management, the WHOS operational architecture is hydrology’s system for the future.