Municipal Wastewater Treatment Using Moringa oleifera Seed and Press Cake Powder: A Comparative Analysis

Moringa oleifera (MO), also known as drumstick tree, has gained worldwide attention among researchers and policy makers, for showing its remarkable potential in environmental management. Recently, MO seed or press cake (a by-product of oil extraction industry) powder has also emerged as an alternative and promising coagulant for environmental remediation. In this view, attempts have been made in this study to evaluate the efficacy of MO seed and press cake powder (MSP & PCP) for the treatment of municipal wastewater. Both MSP and PCP are characterized by using swelling ratio, scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The effect of various operational parameters such as coagulation–flocculation pH (2–10), coagulant dosage (0.1–1 g L⁻¹), and sedimentation time (0–180 min), etc., is investigated to understand the potential of MSP and PCP. At optimized operational conditions, sedimentation kinetics is also performed suggesting that the treatment process is being governed by the second-order kinetic model. The chemical and biological oxygen demand removals at optimized conditions are observed as follows: ≈38 and ≈73% for MSP and ≈47 and ≈85% for PCP. Overall, the results of the present study elucidated that PCP can be employed as a promising alternative of MSP for municipal wastewater with improved treatment efficiencies.     

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.     

Typology of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Technologies in Latin America

This paper presents an analysis of the wastewater treatment plants in six Latin American and Caribbean countries. Based on a sample of 2734 municipal treatment facilities, the applied processes are classified by sizes (influent flow) and type of technologies. The distribution of the technologies is also presented for each of the six countries. In addition, a representative municipal wastewater characterization, based on influent data from 174 treatment plants, is proposed. Results show that stabilization ponds, activated sludge, and the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors represent 80% of the treatment facilities of the sample, providing treatment to 81% of the total flow considered. Moreover, 67% of the plants in the sample are small (flow <25 L/s) and the very small facilities (influent flow <5 L/s) are extensively applied in the region (34% of the sample), especially in Mexico and Brazil. The use of very small treatment plants may result in low energy efficiency systems and on possible incompliance of the discharge standards. This common practice in several countries in Latin America should be revised in order to improve the environmental performance of such facilities.     

Performance Evaluation of Constructed Wetlands Treating Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent in Taihu Lake,China

Constructed wetlands are often used for advanced treatment of the secondary effluent of municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Through assessing wetlands based on economic, technical, environmental, and social impacts, an optimal process is selected. In this study, a set of assessment methods for wetland treatment technology is established: The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to establish the evaluation index system; the entropy weight method is employed to calculate the index weights; and the preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE) is utilized for ranking of the selected treatment technologies. Then four processes applied in Taihu Lake basin, China are evaluated. The results show the following ranking: Vertical‐flow wetland–ecological pond–surface‐flow wetland–horizontal‐flow wetland, vertical‐flow wetland–horizontal‐flow wetland, ecological pond–horizontal‐flow wetland–surface‐flow wetland, and ecological ditch–ecological pond. The wetland exhibits certain universality and space portability with regard to treatment of municipal WWTP effluent. From the view of comprehensive benefits, the ranking of the treatment technology based on the vertical‐flow wetland is high (Φ values between 0.0224 and 0.0349), whereas that based on the ecological pond is low (Φ values between ?0.2086 and ?0.2652), owing to the mechanism of the process itself and the role of microorganisms in the system. Moreover, for organic matter removal, a vertical‐flow wetland process is recommended (48%), whereas for the removal of N contamination, an integrated‐flow wetland process is suggested (31.2% for NH₃‐N, 32.4% for TN removals).     

Electrocoagulation/Electroflotation Process for Removal of Organics and Microplastics in Laundry Wastewater

In the present research, laundry wastewater treatment is studied using the electrocoagulation/electroflotation process. For the optimization of treatment conditions such as electrode type (Al–Al, Al–Fe, Fe–Fe, and Fe–Al), initial pH (5–9), current (0.54–2.16 A), and application time (15–60 min), response surface methodology is used. Removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD), color, anionic surfactant, microplastic, and phosphate are studied. It is determined that the most effective removal is obtained with 2.16 A current, pH 9, and 60 min reaction time using Fe–Al electrode. Here, 91%, 94%, 100%, and 98% removal efficiencies are achieved for COD, surfactant, color, and microplastic, respectively. The operating cost of the combined process is calculated as $1.32 m^?3 for the optimum removal parameters. The adsorption kinetics study shows that the removal follows second‐order kinetics. The laboratory‐scale test results indicate that the electrocoagulation/electroflotation process is feasible for the treatment of laundry wastewater.     

Options for the Treatment and Management of Municipal Landfill Leachate: Common and Specific Issues

This paper aims to explore information from the literature for emphasizing the state‐of‐the art and progress in landfill leachate generation, fate and migration, and treatment. Leachate composition is discussed in terms of types of waste disposed and the processes occurring within landfill. The focus is also on potential pathways of environmental contamination by leachate, which may increase environmental and human health risk. The analysis addresses the opportunity and support for decision making concerning alternatives for leachate management and treatment. Advantages and limitations of treatment methods and processes are discussed considering leachate transfer, physico‐chemical methods, biodegradation, and combined methods.     

A Comprehensive Review on Microalgae-Based Biorefinery as Two-Way Source of Wastewater Treatment and Bioresource Recovery

In the past few years, microalgae have gained huge recognition from the scientific community due to their potential applications in the production of a broad array of bio-based products varying from biofuels to nanoparticles. Due to their elevated growth rate, high tolerance to various types of abiotic stresses, and complex metabolic capacity, microalgae can be used as promising tools for the attainment of a circular bioeconomy. Moreover, they can simply utilize nutrients from wastewater for biorefinery purposes, resulting in resource recovery coupled with wastewater treatment. However, due to their sub-optimal yields and high production costs, microalgae-based bio-products have not yet been commercialized. This review provides insights into the employment of microalgae as an efficient bioresource for the treatment of wastewater with simultaneous enactment as a biorefinery to produce biofuels, biochar, bioplastic, fertilizers, and other high-value bioproducts. Furthermore, the application of microalgal nanoparticles in wastewater treatment and prospects for genetic modification of microalgae for enhanced biorefinery capabilities have also been briefly highlighted.     

Growing Spirodela polyrrhiza in Swine Wastewater for the Production of Animal Feed and Fuel Ethanol: A Pilot Study

To evaluate the performance of Spirodela polyrrhiza grown in swine wastewater for protein and starch production under field conditions, a pilot‐scale duckweed culture pond was installed at Barham Farm, Zebulon, North Carolina and operated from May to November 2010. The anaerobically treated swine wastewater was fed to the duckweed pond intermittently to provide nutrients for the growth of duckweed, and the duckweed biomass was harvested regularly from the pond and prepared as a protein‐ or starch‐rich feedstock for the production of animal feed or fuel ethanol. Over the experimental period, the duckweed pond produced protein and starch at rates of 2.68 and 1.88 g m^?2 day^?1, respectively. During the same time, NH₄–N and o‐PO₄–P in the wastewater were, respectively, removed at rates of 92.9 and 2.90 mmol m^?2 day^?1.     

A Novel Method for Dye Removal: Ionic Liquid‐Based Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Extraction (IL‐DLLE)

A novel, simple, fast, and efficient ionic liquid‐based dispersive liquid–liquid extraction (IL‐DLLE) has been applied to extract and remove Congo Red (CR; a carcinogenic textile dye) from aqueous solutions. In this methodology a binary solution, containing the extraction solvent (1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimmidazolium bis(trifluormethylsulfonyl) imid) and a suitable disperser solvent, was rapidly injected into the water sample containing CR dye. Therewith, a cloudy solution was formed, and most of the dye molecules were extracted into fine IL droplets and removed from aqueous phase. The effects of pH, type, and amount of IL, initial concentration of the dye, type and volume of the dispersant, and concentrations of salt on the extraction of the dye were studied. Experimental surveys were also accomplished for recovery of the IL by applying a reverse dispersive liquid–liquid extraction using acidic stripping solutions.     

湖泊湿地的水质净化效应——以太湖三山湿地为例

为了解湖泊湿地的水质净化效果,以太湖三山湿地为研究对象,综合利用遥感、GIS技术、现场水质监测、实验室分析和模型模拟等方法,分析三山湿地对污染物的拦截净化效果,进而探讨湖泊湿地对水体氮、磷污染物的削减渠道及其贡献率.结果表明三山湿地对太湖水体和三山岛生活污水均有明显净化效果.2014年三山湿地的总氮(TN)、总磷(TP)输入通量分别为549.45和19.4 t,通过水草打捞/收割分别去除20.99和4.52 t,湿地水体内TN、TP变化量分别为528.46和14.88 t,这部分营养盐输出途径包括沉积到底泥、降解转化、水体交换等.湿地的TN、TP拦截能力分别为2723.56和102.48 kg/(hm2·a).水生植物收割打捞与底泥疏浚是提高湿地水质净化能力的有效措施.水动力模拟结果显示,三山湿地建成后使附近水域水体流向发生变化,流速减小,对湿地内水质产生多方面的作用.     

Current Status of Textile Industry Wastewater Management and Research Progress in Malaysia: A Review

Textile industry is one of the fastest growing industries and significantly contributes to the economic growth in Malaysia. However, this industry also has high water consumption and subsequently produces high discharge rate of wastewater with high load of contaminants. The release of dyes into the environment during textile fiber dyeing and finishing processes is a main source of water pollution. Individual wastewater treatment through physical, biological, or chemical method is often very costly and results in large amount of sludge. Thus, there is a need to look for alternative treatment processes that covers from pre to post wastewater treatment stage. This paper reviews the current scenario with respect to textile industry effluent in Malaysia and technologies available for the treatment of the effluent. Prospects, challenges, and recommendations for future direction as well as on‐going research works dedicated to the treatment of textile wastewater are also reviewed in detail.     

Optimization of a Photo‐assisted Fenton Oxidation Process: A Statistical Model for MDF Effluent Treatment

In the present study, the effects of initial COD (chemical oxygen demand), initial pH, Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ molar ratio and UV contact time on COD removal from medium density fiberboard (MDF) wastewater using photo‐assisted Fenton oxidation treatment were investigated. In order to optimize the removal efficiency, batch operations were carried out. The influence of the aforementioned parameters on COD removal efficiency was studied using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions for maximum COD removal efficiency from MDF wastewater under experimental conditions were obtained at initial COD of 4000 mg/L, Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ molar ratio of 0.11, initial solution pH of 6.5 and UV contact time of 70 min. The obtained results for maximum COD removal efficiency of 96% revealed that photo‐assisted Fenton oxidation is very effective for treating MDF wastewater.     

Modification of MCM‐41 with Anionic Surfactant: A Convenient Design for Efficient Removal of Cationic Dyes from Wastewater

The potential of MCM‐41 for the removal of cationic dyes from water solution was evaluated using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for the surface modification of this mesoporous material. Admicelle structures formed on the surface of the calcined MCM‐41 are capable of removing organic pollutants and cationic species from water environment. The structural, textural, and surface chemical characteristics of the prepared SDS‐modified MCM‐41 (SDS‐MCM‐41) were studied. The adsorption capacity of SDS‐MCM‐41 was evaluated for methylene blue (MB) as a target cationic dye. Equilibrium adsorption isotherm data were manipulated employing nonlinear regression analysis. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips isotherm models were examined. The adsorption data were well fitted to both Langmuir and Sips isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity of SDS‐MCM‐41 for MB, based on Langmuir and Sips models, were 290.8 and 297.3 mg g^?1, respectively. Ethanol was found to be an effective solvent for partial regeneration of the adsorbent.     

Synthesis,Mechanism, and Performance Assessment of Zero‐Valent Iron for Metal‐Contaminated Water Remediation: A Review

Recently, increased industrial and agriculture activities have resulted in toxic metal ions, which has increased public concern about the quality of surface and groundwater. Various types of physical, biological, and chemical approaches have been developed to remove surface and groundwater metal ions contaminants. Among these practices, zero‐valent iron (ZVI) is the most studied reactive material for environmental clean‐up over the last two decade and so. Although ZVI can remove the contaminants even more efficiently than any other reactive materials. However, low reactivity due to its intrinsic passive layer, narrow working pH, and the loss of hydraulic conductivity due to the precipitation of metal hydroxides and metal carbonates limits its wide‐scale application. The aim of this work is to document properties, synthesis, and reaction mechanism of ZVI for the treatment of metal ions from the surface and groundwater in recent 10 years (2008–2018). So far, different modified techniques such as conjugation with support, bimetal alloying, weak magnetic field, and ZVI/oxidant coupling system have been developed to facilitate the use of ZVI in various environmental remediation scenarios. However, some challenges still remain to be addressed. Therefore, development and research in this field are needed to overcome or mitigate these limitations.     

A one‐year study of the Rostherne Mere ecosystem: seasonal dynamics of water chemistry,plankton, internal nutrient release,and implications for long‐term trophic status and overall functioning of the lake

A study of Rostherne Mere (Cheshire, UK) was undertaken to reveal relationships among various ecosystem components and assess the progress in lake recovery following sewage diversion. An intensive monitoring programme included measurements of dissolved oxygen, T, pH, electric conductivity, K, Mg, Ca, Si, N and P species, Secchi depth, suspended solids, chlorophyll‐a, phyto‐ and zooplankton counts. Recorded changes and the results of correlation analysis broadly confirmed to the classic limnoecological theory and allowed detailed interpretation of the dynamics observed. The Si level was used to estimate the amount of diatom detritus produced in spring. Chemical profiles were used to estimate the amount of nutrients accumulated in the hypolimnion during the stratified period. These estimates were compared with simulations made using the model of exponential decay, which showed a good performance in the case of Si but considerable underestimation in the case of P. The differences between the values simulated by the model and estimates based on field observations resulted from the additional P release from the sediments. This release could have been stimulated by a combination of factors, including the development of anoxic layers on the sediment–water interface and Si‐induced desorption from Fe, Al and Mn oxides. Internal P loading during the stratified period was thus estimated at about 4–9 g/m², suggesting that rapid changes in the lake's trophic status are at present unlikely. Certain aspects of this work (including interpretation of interrelationships between ecosystem components, estimation of the decomposition constant, analysis of factors controlling nutrient accumulation in the hypolimnion, and a low‐cost method to estimate internal P release) may be useful for studies of other aquatic systems and have, therefore, general limnological applicability. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Review Paper: A semi‐empirical model of strain sensitivity for 4D seismic interpretation

We reformulate the original model of Hatchell and Bourne and Røste, Stovas and Landrø that couples fractional velocity change to subsurface strain via a fundamental constant R. The new model combines elastic compressibility of a dual‐porosity system for a sand–shale mixture with horizontal planes of inter‐granular weakness. The majority of observed R‐factor magnitudes from post‐stack 4D seismic data in both the reservoir and overburden can thus be explained. R is predicted to depend strongly on lithology and also initial strain state. The model is also extended to predict the observed angle‐dependence of time‐lapse time‐shifts from pre‐stack data. An expression for the gradient of time‐shift with incidence angle is obtained in terms of the background V_P/V_S, and also the ratio of tangential to normal compliances B_T/B_N representing loss or creation of inter‐granular coupling. If accurately estimated from data, this compliance ratio can be used as an additional parameter to assess the post‐production state of the overburden. It is concluded that whilst R remains the over‐arching parameter controlling the magnitude of time‐shifts measured from 4D seismic data, B_T/B_N is a subtler parameter that may also prove of future value.