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Almeida-Naranjo CE, Aguilar AD, Valle V, Bastidas-Caldes C, Debut A, Sinchiguano B. A Circular Bioeconomy Approach to Using Post-Bioadsorbent Materials Intended for the Removal of Domestic Wastewater Contaminants as Potential Reinforcements. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1822. [PMID: 39000678 PMCID: PMC11244392 DOI: 10.3390/polym16131822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Agro-industrial residue valorization under the umbrella of the circular bioeconomy (CBE) has prompted the search for further forward-thinking alternatives that encourage the mitigation of the industry's environmental footprint. From this perspective, second-life valorization (viz., thermoplastic composites) has been explored for agro-industrial waste (viz., oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers, OPEFBFs) that has already been used previously in other circular applications (viz., the removal of domestic wastewater contaminants). Particularly, this ongoing study evaluated the performance of raw residues (R-OPEFBFs) within three different size ranges (250-425, 425-600, 600-800 µm) both before and after their utilization in biofiltration processes (as post-adsorbents, P-OPEFBFs) to reinforce a polymer matrix of acrylic resin. The research examined the changes in R-OPEFBF composition and morphology caused by microorganisms in the biofilters and their impact on the mechanical properties of the composites. Smaller R-OPEFBFs (250-425 µm) demonstrated superior mechanical performance. Additionally, the composites with P-OPEFBFs displayed significant enhancements in their mechanical properties (3.9-40.3%) compared to those with R-OPEFBFs. The combination of the three fiber sizes improved the mechanical behavior of the composites, indicating the potential for both R-OPEFBFs and P-OPEFBFs as reinforcement materials in composite applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina E Almeida-Naranjo
- Grupo de Biodiversidad Medio Ambiente y Salud (BIOMAS), Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Redondel del Ciclista Antigua Vía a Nayón, Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | - Alex Darío Aguilar
- Departamento de Ciencias de Alimentos y Biotecnología, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ladrón de Guevara E11-253, Quito 17-07-2759, Ecuador
- Advanced Materials and Processes (MAP)-Technische Fakultät, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Polymer Technology (LKT), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Am Weichselgarten 10, 91058 Erlangen-Tennenlohe, Germany
| | - Vladimir Valle
- Departamento de Ciencias de Alimentos y Biotecnología, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ladrón de Guevara E11-253, Quito 17-07-2759, Ecuador
| | - Carlos Bastidas-Caldes
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Redondel del Ciclista Antigua Vía a Nayón, Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | - Alexis Debut
- Center of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí 17-15-231B, Ecuador
| | - Britanny Sinchiguano
- Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Construcción, Universidad UTE, Rumipamba y Bourgeois, Quito 17-07-2759, Ecuador
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He J, Tang M, Zhong F, Deng J, Li W, Zhang L, Lin Q, Xia X, Li J, Guo T. Current trends and possibilities of typical microbial protein production approaches: a review. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38566484 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2024.2332927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Global population growth and demographic restructuring are driving the food and agriculture sectors to provide greater quantities and varieties of food, of which protein resources are particularly important. Traditional animal-source proteins are becoming increasingly difficult to meet the demand of the current consumer market, and the search for alternative protein sources is urgent. Microbial proteins are biomass obtained from nonpathogenic single-celled organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and microalgae. They contain large amounts of proteins and essential amino acids as well as a variety of other nutritive substances, which are considered to be promising sustainable alternatives to traditional proteins. In this review, typical approaches to microbial protein synthesis processes were highlighted and the characteristics and applications of different types of microbial proteins were described. Bacteria, fungi, and microalgae can be individually or co-cultured to obtain protein-rich biomass using starch-based raw materials, organic wastes, and one-carbon compounds as fermentation substrates. Microbial proteins have been gradually used in practical applications as foods, nutritional supplements, flavor modifiers, and animal feeds. However, further development and application of microbial proteins require more advanced biotechnological support, screening of good strains, and safety considerations. This review contributes to accelerating the practical application of microbial proteins as a promising alternative protein resource and provides a sustainable solution to the food crisis facing the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- JinTao He
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible Forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and Byproduct Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Min Tang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible Forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and Byproduct Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - FeiFei Zhong
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible Forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and Byproduct Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- Changsha Institute for Food and Drug Control, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Deng
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible Forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and Byproduct Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Wen Li
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible Forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and Byproduct Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seasonings Green Manufacturing, Changsha, China
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible Forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and Byproduct Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - QinLu Lin
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible Forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and Byproduct Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seasonings Green Manufacturing, Changsha, China
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics/Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Xia
- Huaihua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Huaihua, China
| | - Juan Li
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Edible Forestry Resources Safety and Processing Utilization, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and Byproduct Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
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3
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Lykos C, Tsalpatouros K, Fragkos G, Konstantinou I. Synthesis, characterization, and application of Cu-substituted LaNiO 3 perovskites as photocatalysts and/or catalysts for persulfate activation towards pollutant removal. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141477. [PMID: 38387662 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The presence of emerging contaminants in environmental aqueous matrices is an ever-growing problem, since conventional wastewater treatment methods fail to adequately remove them. Therefore, the application of non-conventional methodologies such as advanced oxidation processes is of great importance to tackle this modern problem. Photocatalysis as well as catalytic activation of persulfates are promising techniques in this field as they are capable of eliminating various emerging contaminants, and current research aims to develop new materials that can be utilized for both processes. In this light, the present study focused on the use of a simple sol-gel-combustion methodology to synthesize Cu-substituted LaNiO3 perovskite materials in an attempt to improve the photocatalytic and catalytic performance of pure LaNiO3, using molar ratios of Cu:Ni that have not been previously reported in the literature. The morphological, structural, and optical features of the synthesized materials were characterized by a series of analytical techniques (e.g., X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, etc.). Also, their performance as photocatalysts, persulfate anion activators and simultaneously as photocatalysts/persulfate anion activators (hybrid) was evaluated by conducting laboratory-scale experiments using phenol (phenolics) as a model emerging contaminant. Interestingly, the results revealed that LaCu0.25Ni0.75O3 exhibited the best efficiency in all the applied processes, which was mainly attributed to the introduction of oxygen vacancies in the structure of the substituted material. The contribution of selected reactive species in the hybrid photocatalytic/catalytic experiments utilizing LaCu0.25Ni0.75O3 as a (photo)catalyst was investigated using appropriate scavengers, and the results suggested that singlet oxygen is the most dominant. Additionally, the stability of all synthesized perovskites was assessed by monitoring the concentration of the leached Cu and/or Ni cations at the end of every applied process. Finally, the reusability of LaCu0.25Ni0.75O3 was evaluated in three consecutive catalytic cycles using the hybrid experiment methodology, as this process demonstrated the best efficiency in terms of phenolics removal, and the results were rather promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Lykos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, 45110, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Fragkos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, 45110, Greece
| | - Ioannis Konstantinou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, 45110, Greece; Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, University Research and Innovation Center, Ioannina 45110, Greece.
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4
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Santos AD, Pinho E, Reis P, Martins RC, Gmurek M, Nogueira A, Castro-Silva S, Castro LM, Quinta-Ferreira RM. Heterogeneous photosensitization for water reuse in cellars: evaluation of silica, spongin, and chitosan as carrier material. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-31178-0. [PMID: 38135794 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31178-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Photosensitization, a powerful oxidation reaction, offers significant potential for wastewater treatment in the context of industrial process water reuse. This environmentally friendly process can be crucial in reducing water consumption and industrial pollution. The ultimate goal is to complete process water reuse, creating a closed-loop system that preserves the inherent value of water resources. The photosensitized oxidation reaction hinges on three essential components: the photosensitizer, visible light, and oxygen. In this study, we assess the performance of three distinct materials-silica, chitosan, and spongin-as carrier materials for incorporating the phthalocyanine photosensitizer (ZnPcS4) in the heterogenous photosensitization process. Among the three materials under study, chitosan emerged as the standout performer in reactor hydrodynamic performance. In the photooxidation process, the photosensitizer ZnPcS4 exhibited notable efficacy, resulting in a significant reduction of approximately 20 to 30% in the remaining COD concentration of the cellar wastewater. Chitosan demonstrated exceptional hydrodynamic characteristics and displayed a favorable response to pH adjustments within the range of 8 to 10, outperforming the other two carrier materials. To further enhance the efficiency of continuous operation, exploring methods for mitigating photosensitizer bleaching within the reaction medium and investigating the impact of different pH values on the process optimization would be prudent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia D Santos
- CIEPQPF - Chemical Engineering Processes and Forest Products Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Rua Silvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute of Engineering, Rua Pedro Nunes, Quinta da Nora, 3030-199, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Eduardo Pinho
- CIEPQPF - Chemical Engineering Processes and Forest Products Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Rua Silvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Reis
- CIEPQPF - Chemical Engineering Processes and Forest Products Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Rua Silvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui C Martins
- CIEPQPF - Chemical Engineering Processes and Forest Products Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Rua Silvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marta Gmurek
- Department of Molecular Engineering, Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 213, 90-924, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anabela Nogueira
- , Lda, Rua de Fundões, 151, 3700-121, São João da Madeira, Portugal
| | | | - Luís M Castro
- CIEPQPF - Chemical Engineering Processes and Forest Products Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Rua Silvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute of Engineering, Rua Pedro Nunes, Quinta da Nora, 3030-199, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosa M Quinta-Ferreira
- CIEPQPF - Chemical Engineering Processes and Forest Products Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Rua Silvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
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5
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Liu X, Guo W. Dynamic nonlinear effects of urbanization on wastewater discharge based on inertial characteristics of wastewater discharge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166514. [PMID: 37633396 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the impact of urbanization on wastewater discharge (WD) in 30 provinces in mainland China, considering the inertia characteristics of WD. Various models, including the Tapio decoupling model, dynamic curve relationship model, dynamic threshold effect model, and dynamic quantile model, are employed to analyze the decoupling relationship, curve relationship, threshold relationship, and quantile relationship, respectively. The research findings indicate a shift in the relationship between urbanization and total wastewater discharge (TWD) from expansionary negative decoupling to strong decoupling. Regarding household wastewater discharge (HWD), the relationship is primarily characterized by expansionary negative decoupling and weak decoupling, while industrial wastewater discharge (IWD) is mainly associated with strong decoupling. Urbanization does not exhibit an (inverted) N-shaped relationship with TWD, IWD, and HWD, but it does show an inverted U-shaped relationship with TWD and HWD. The study also reveals that urbanization has a dynamic threshold effect and regional heterogeneity on HWD, but not on TWD and IWD. As the quantile increases, the positive impact of urbanization on TWD and HWD decreases, while the negative impact on IWD increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Liu
- Business School, Changshu Institute of Technology, Changshu 215500, China
| | - Wen Guo
- College of Accounting, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China.
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6
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Hua Z, Tang L, Li L, Wu M, Fu J. Environmental biotechnology and the involving biological process using graphene-based biocompatible material. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139771. [PMID: 37567262 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Biotechnology is a promising approach to environmental remediation but requires improvement in efficiency and convenience. The improvement of biotechnology has been illustrated with the help of biocompatible materials as biocarrier for environmental remediations. Recently, graphene-based materials (GBMs) have become promising materials in environmental biotechnology. To better illustrate the principle and mechanisms of GBM application in biotechnology, the comprehension of the biological response of microorganisms and enzymes when facing the GBMs is needed. The review illustrated distinct GBM-microbe/enzyme composites by providing the GBM-microbe/enzyme interaction and the determining factors. There are diverse GBM modifications for distinct biotechnology applications. Each of these methods and applications depends on the physicochemical properties of GBMs. The applications of these composites were mainly categorized as pollutant adsorption, anaerobic digestion, microbial fuel cells, and organics degradation. Where information was available, the strategies and mechanisms of GBMs in improving application efficacies were also demonstrated. In addition, the biological response, from microbial community changes, extracellular polymeric substances changes to biological pathway alteration, may become important in the application of these composites. Furthermore, we also discuss challenges facing the environmental application of GBMs, considering their fate and toxicity in the ecosystem, and offer potential solutions. This research significantly enhances our comprehension of the fundamental principles, underlying mechanisms, and biological pathways for the in-situ utilization of GBMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Hua
- Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, China
| | - Liang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, China.
| | - Liyan Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Minghong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, China.
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Mahmoud MS, Wang JH, Shen Y, Guo ZW, Yang Y, Zhu DC, Peters RW, Mostafa MK, Mahmoud AS. Performance of the Dual-Chamber Fungal Fuel Cell in Treating Tannery Wastewater. APPLIED SCIENCES 2023; 13:10710. [DOI: 10.3390/app131910710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Fungi are typically expressed as excellent microorganisms that produce extracellular enzymes used in the bioaccumulation phenomenon. In this study, laboratory-scale dual-chamber fungal fuel cells (FFCs) were applied as an alternate approach for the available degradation of complex organic pollutants represented in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total nitrogen (TN), as well as inorganic pollutants represented as total chromium (Cr), and the generation of bioenergy represented in output voltages (V), power density (PD) and current density (CD), as applied to tannery effluent. Aspergillus niger strain, (A. niger), which makes up 40% of the fungal population in tannery effluent was examined in a training study for efficient hexavalent chromium bioaccumulation, especially in high concentrations. The trained A. niger showed a faster growth rate than the untrained one in broth media containing different loaded chromium concentrations. For an external resistance of 1000 Ω, two FFCs were utilized, one with electrolytic matrices including phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and bicarbonate buffer solution (BBS), and the other without electrolytic matrices, where the energy generation and treatment efficacy of the two dual-chamber FFCs were evaluated for a period of 165 h. At 15 h, the electrolytic FFCs showed a high voltage output of 0.814 V, a power density of 0.097 mW·m−2, and a current density of 0.119 mAm−2 compared to the non-electrolytic FFC. At 165 h, the electrolytic FFCs showed high removal efficiency percentages for COD, TN, and total Cr of up to 77.9%, 94.2%, and 73%, respectively, compared to the non-electrolytic FFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S. Mahmoud
- National Research Base of Intelligent Manufacturing Service, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China
- Housing and Building National Research Center (HBRC), Sanitary and Environmental Institute (SEI), Cairo 12311, Egypt
| | - Jian-Hui Wang
- National Research Base of Intelligent Manufacturing Service, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China
| | - Yu Shen
- National Research Base of Intelligent Manufacturing Service, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Guo
- National Research Base of Intelligent Manufacturing Service, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China
| | - Yan Yang
- National Research Base of Intelligent Manufacturing Service, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China
| | - Dao-Chen Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Robert W. Peters
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Mohamed K. Mostafa
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S. Mahmoud
- Scientific Research Development Unit, Egyptian Russian University (ERU), Badr 11829, Egypt
- Institute of Environmental Studies, Arish University, Al Arish 45511, Egypt
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François M, Lin KS, Rachmadona N, Khoo KS. Advancement of biochar-aided with iron chloride for contaminants removal from wastewater and biogas production: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162437. [PMID: 36858210 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The use of fossil fuels, emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere, and waste pose a problem to the environment and public health that urgently needs to be dealt with. Among numerous chemical activating agents that can be added to anaerobic digestion (AD) to enhance nutrient removal and increase the quality and quantity of biomethane, iron chloride (FeCl3) is the one that has the lowest cost and is the most environmentally friendly. This state-of-the-art review aims to revise the influence of FeCl3 on the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of biochar and its ability to increase methane (CH4) yield and remove contaminants from biogas and wastewater. The novelty of the study is that FeCl3, an activating agent, can increase the BET surface area of biochar, and its efficacy increases when combined with zinc chloride or phosphoric acid. Regarding the removal of contaminants from wastewater and biogas, FeCl3 has proven to be an effective coagulant, reducing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of wastewater and hydrogen sulfide in biogas. The performance of FeCl3 depends on the dosage, pH, and feedstock used. Therefore, FeCl3 can increase the BET surface area of biochar and CH4 yield and remove contaminants from wastewater and biogas. More research is needed to investigate the ability of FeCl3 to remove water vapor and carbon dioxide during biogas production while accounting for a set of other parameters, including FeCl3 size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathurin François
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science/Environmental Technology Research Center, Yuan Ze University, Chung-Li District, Taoyuan City 32003, Taiwan; Environmental Technology Research Center, Yuan Ze University, Chung-Li District, Taoyuan City 32003, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Song Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science/Environmental Technology Research Center, Yuan Ze University, Chung-Li District, Taoyuan City 32003, Taiwan; Environmental Technology Research Center, Yuan Ze University, Chung-Li District, Taoyuan City 32003, Taiwan.
| | - Nova Rachmadona
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, West Java 45363, Indonesia; Research Collaboration Center for Biomass and Biorefinery between BRIN and Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, West Java 45363, Indonesia
| | - Kuan Shiong Khoo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan..
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9
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Pasciucco F, Pecorini I, Iannelli R. A comparative LCA of three WWTPs in a tourist area: Effects of seasonal loading rate variations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 863:160841. [PMID: 36526170 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Although the wastewater treatment is a fundamental utility for the protection of human health and the environment, non-evident drawbacks are associated with it. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in tourist areas generally suffer from the seasonal increase in wastewater flow-rate and associated pollution loads. In this study, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of three medium-size urban WWTPs, located in a tourist area in central Italy, was carried out. The study compared the environmental impacts generated by 1 m3 of treated wastewater in low season (LS) and high season (HS). All the material and energy flows involved in the operational phase of wastewater treatment were considered within the system boundaries, including the disposal or recovery treatment of the waste streams generated by the WWTPs, namely screenings, waste from grit removal and wastewater sludge. The analysis was conducted using almost only real data from full-scale plants. In each WWTP, the environmental impacts produced in HS were higher than those generated in LS; therefore, the environmental impacts increased as the loading rate increased. Furthermore, a correlation between WWTP size and environmental performance was observed. Indeed, in 8 out of 11 environmental indicators, the percentage increase in pollutant emissions due to wastewater treatment in HS decreased as the WWTP size increased. Results revealed that larger WWTPs suffered less from seasonal loading rate variations, showing greater flexibility. The existence of a scale factor suggests that the centralization of WWTPs in tourist areas can be an option to enable better treatment performance in terms of environmental impacts. A sensitivity analysis was performed, increasing N2O emission factors from wastewater treatment in LS: considering a 75 % increase, the outcomes found in default LCA were not confirmed. Future research should investigate the operational factors and biological mechanisms that most affect wastewater treatment when significant seasonal variations are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pasciucco
- Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Isabella Pecorini
- Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Renato Iannelli
- Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
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