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Quality of Pellets Obtained from Whole Trees Harvested from Plantations, Coppice Forests and Regular Thinnings. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13040502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Woody biomass represents a sustainable type of fuel that is marketed directly as firewood or pre-treated by grinding, drying and compressing. Densified biomass fuels provide benefits in transport, storage and handling, and wood pellets in particular are one of the most commercially attractive products. With this in mind, the objective of the presented research was to evaluate the quality of various pellets obtained from different tree parts of five species (and various age): Eucalyptus spp., Fagus sylavtica L., Pinus eldarica Medw., Pinus radiata D.Don, and Robinia pseudoacacia L. In all the analysed cases, the wooden material was harvested according to the whole tree system (WTS), with their branches and leaves. The samples were chipped, refined by a shredder and dried. Pelletisation was finally carried out using a 4 kW Bianco line (Cuneo, Italy) pelletiser. Physical and chemical analyses were undertaken to determine the quality of the pellets as an energy source. Results of this classification showed that the best pellets, mostly due to better mechanical properties, were from plantation trees of Eucalyptus spp. (6- and 3-year-old) and from thinnings of Fagus sylavtica L. (70-year-old), whereas the least attractive types were made from 18-year-old, coppice Eucalyptus spp. and 3-year-old Robinia pseudoacacia L. Regarding the classification developed within this study, all the pellet types were found to be classifiable as none exceeded the toxic content limit. In terms of the influence of the species, management system and stem age on pellet quality, this study showed the presence of a link between cycle duration and pellet quality, with increasing stem age resulting in better pellet characteristics.
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Mainardis M, Cecconet D, Moretti A, Callegari A, Goi D, Freguia S, Capodaglio AG. Wastewater fertigation in agriculture: Issues and opportunities for improved water management and circular economy. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 296:118755. [PMID: 34971741 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Water shortages are an issue of growing worldwide concern. Irrigated agriculture accounts for about 70% of total freshwater withdrawals globally, therefore alternatives to use of conventional sources need to be investigated. This paper critically reviews the application of treated wastewater for agricultural fertigation (i.e., water and nutrient recovery) considering different perspectives: legislation, agronomic characteristics, social acceptability, sustainability of treatment technologies. Critical issues that still need further investigation for a wider application of fertigation practices include accumulation of emerging contaminants in soils, microbiological and public health implications, and stakeholders' acceptance. A techno-economic methodological approach for assessing the sustainability of treated wastewater reuse in agriculture is subsequently proposed herein, which considers different possible local conditions (cultivated crops and effluent characteristics). The results showed that tailoring effluent characteristics to the desired nutrient composition could enhance the process economic sustainability; however, water savings have a major economic impact than fertilizers' savings, partly due to limited P reuse efficiency. The developed methodology is based on a practical approach and may be generalized to most agricultural conditions, to evaluate and encourage safe and efficient agricultural wastewater reuse practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matia Mainardis
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture (DPIA), University of Udine, Via Del Cotonificio 108, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Daniele Cecconet
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretti
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture (DPIA), University of Udine, Via Del Cotonificio 108, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Arianna Callegari
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Goi
- Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture (DPIA), University of Udine, Via Del Cotonificio 108, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Stefano Freguia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrea G Capodaglio
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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A GIS-Based Model to Assess the Potential of Wastewater Treatment Plants for Enhancing Bioenergy Production within the Context of the Water–Energy Nexus. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14102838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The necessity of developing renewable energy sources has contributed to increasing interest in developing the anaerobic digestion for producing biomethane since it both provides green energy and reduces disposal treatment. In this regard, to assure efficient water utilization by finding alternative water sources, sewage sludge collected from the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was recently investigated because it could represent a suitable resource for producing biomethane within the context of a circular economy. Therefore, this study aims at improving the current knowledge on the feasibility of biomethane production from sewage sludge by optimizing the logistic-supplying phase. In this regard, a GIS-based model was developed and applied to the Emilia-Romagna region to consider the existing networks of WWTPs and biogas systems to valorize sewage sludge for bioenergy production and minimizing environmental impact. The results of the GIS analyses allowed to localize the highest productive territorial areas and highlighted where sewage sludges are abundantly located and could be better exploited within agricultural biogas plants. Finally, the achieved results could help plan suitable policy interventions that are centered on biomass supply and outputs diversification, governance, and social participation, since the regulatory framework could play a crucial role in planning the reuse of these wastes for developing a more sustainable biomethane sector in line with the green economy goals.
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Removal of Pathogens in Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems: A Review of Design Considerations and Influencing Factors. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13091190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Conventional onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs) could potentially contribute to the transmission of infectious diseases caused by waterborne pathogenic microorganisms and become an important human health concern, especially in the areas where OWTSs are used as the major wastewater treatment units. Although previous studies suggested the OWTSs could reduce chemical pollutants as well as effectively reducing microbial contaminants from onsite wastewater, the microbiological quality of effluents and the factors potentially affecting the removal are still understudied. Therefore, the design and optimization of pathogen removal performance necessitate a better mechanistic understanding of the hydrological, geochemical, and biological processes controlling the water quality in OWTSs. To fill the knowledge gaps, the sources of pathogens and common pathogenic indicators, along with their major removal mechanisms in OWTSs were discussed. This review evaluated the effectiveness of pathogen removal in state-of-art OWTSs and investigated the contributing factors for efficient pathogen removal (e.g., system configurations, filter materials, environmental and operational conditions), with the aim to guide the future design for optimized treatment performance.
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The Potential Role of Hybrid Constructed Wetlands Treating University Wastewater—Experience from Northern Italy. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su122410604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
University wastewater is a type of wastewater with higher pollutants load and flow rate variability than typical domestic wastewater. Constructed wetlands (CW) could be used for university wastewater treatment and consequently for wastewater reuse. A hybrid CW pilot plant, at the University of Bologna (Italy), was monitored to assess its potential to be used at the university. Its treatment performance was monitored for one year and public acceptance explored through a survey. The pilot plant had two treatment lines, (1) a vertical flow CW (VFCW) and a planted horizontal flow CW (HFCW), and (2) the same VFCW and an unplanted horizontal flow filter (HFF). The HFCW achieved higher removals than the HFF, but it was also found to be prone to higher water losses. However, both treatment lines met the Italian limits for discharge in natural water bodies and some of the limits for wastewater reuse in Italy and the EU. The VFCW alone was not able to meet the same limits, demonstrating the advantages of hybrid over single stage CWs. A positive attitude towards CWs and wastewater reuse was found among the survey participants. Therefore, hybrid CWs (planted and unplanted) are considered a feasible technology for application at universities.
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6
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Nan X, Lavrnić S, Toscano A. Potential of constructed wetland treatment systems for agricultural wastewater reuse under the EU framework. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 275:111219. [PMID: 32858266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
One of the solutions for the problems regarding increasing water scarcity and pollution of water resources can be wastewater reuse. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are a sustainable and cost-effective technology for wastewater treatment. If they are able to produce effluent of a needed quality, they can be a valuable addition for wastewater reuse schemes. This review studied 39 treatment systems based on CWs, and it assessed their characteristics and performance on pollutant removal. Moreover, their potential to reach the new European Union standards for agricultural wastewater reuse was evaluated. The results showed that the combination of CWs with additional technologies (e.g. UV treatment, anaerobic reactors) can further increase their performance and provide better removal efficiencies in comparison with conventional horizontal and vertical subsurface flow CWs. Particularly, hybrid systems showed a better removal of organic matter and bacterial indicators than single-stage CWs. For most of the systems considered, the concentrations of biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids in treated effluent were below the limits for agricultural reuse. However, that was often not the case with Escherichia coli and therefore it is recommended to add a disinfection unit to the systems in order to achieve the levels required in the case of agricultural reuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Nan
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 50, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Stevo Lavrnić
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 50, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Attilio Toscano
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 50, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
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Li X, Wu S, Yang C, Zeng G. Microalgal and duckweed based constructed wetlands for swine wastewater treatment: A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 318:123858. [PMID: 32732065 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Constructed wetlands for swine wastewater treatment have been one of the most exciting research topics. Usually hydrophytes based constructed wetlands could not adapt well to high concentration of ammonia nitrogen in swine wastewater, while microalgal and duckweed based constructed wetlands are promising for the nutrient removal. In this critical review, the important roles of microalgae and duckweeds played in wastewater treatment in constructed wetlands were first summarized. Performances including biomass growth, nutrient removal capacities and mechanisms of microalgal and duckweed based constructed wetlands were reviewed for swine wastewater treatment. Challenges for the applications of constructed wetlands including microalgal and duckweed based ones were discussed which includes a better understanding and utilization of synergistic effects among microalgae and duckweeds, difficulty and costs in harvesting biomass, applications in various field conditions including low temperatures, and selections of various types of microalgal and duckweed species. Future research needs were also proposed accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Pollution Processes and Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, Guangdong 525000, China
| | - Shaohua Wu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Pollution Processes and Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, Guangdong 525000, China
| | - Chunping Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Pollution Processes and Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, Guangdong 525000, China; Hunan Provincial Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Organic Pollution Control of Urban Water and Wastewater, Changsha, Hunan 410001, China.
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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Enhancement of Sono-Fenton by P25-Mediated Visible Light Photocatalysis: Analysis of Synergistic Effect and Influence of Emerging Contaminant Properties. Catalysts 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/catal10111297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The main purpose is to figure out the involved synergistic effects by combining sono-Fenton using in situ generated H2O2 and the photocatalytic process of P25 under visible light (Vis/P25). Two emerging contaminants, dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP), with similar structure but different properties were selected to examine the influence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of target pollutants. Results show that there is synergy between sono-Fenton and Vis/P25, and more significant synergy can be obtained with low dose of Fe3+ or Fe2+ (0.02 mM) and for more hydrophilic DMP. Based on systematic analysis, the primary mechanism of the synergy is found to be the fast regeneration of Fe2+ by photo-electrons from P25 photocatalysis, which plays the dominant role when the Fe3+/Fe2+ concentration is low (0.02 mM). However, at high Fe3+/Fe2+ concentration (0.5 mM), the photoreduction of Fe(III) to Fe2+ can play a key role with relatively low efficiency. By studying the degradation intermediates of both DMP and DEP, the degradation pathways can be determined as the hydroxylation of aromatic ring and the oxidation of the aliphatic chain. Better mineralization performance is achieved for DMP than that for DEP due to the enhanced utilization efficiency of H2O2 by accelerating Fe2+ regeneration.
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Lavrnić S, Alagna V, Iovino M, Anconelli S, Solimando D, Toscano A. Hydrological and hydraulic behaviour of a surface flow constructed wetland treating agricultural drainage water in northern Italy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 702:134795. [PMID: 31726347 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A surface flow constructed wetland (SFCW) treating agricultural drainage water was investigated with the aim to detect modifications in hydrological and hydraulic characteristics after more than a decade of operation. Ponded infiltration tests were conducted to estimate the saturated hydraulic conductivity, Ks, of the surface soil layer at the point scale. At the global scale, infiltration rate, i, was computed from the water balance to detect leakages from the pervious wetland surface. Tracer tests were conducted to analyse the existence of preferential flow inside the system and to estimate its hydraulic retention time (HRT). Clogging phenomena occurred given a mean Ks value of 30 mm h-1 was measured near the SFCW inlet, that was 9.61 times lower than the value at the outlet zone. The estimated infiltration losses were two orders of magnitude lower than infiltration measured at the point scale. The results also confirmed the existence of a moderate amount of preferential flow paths and dead zones in the SFCW as the actual HRT (6.7 days) was shorter than the nominal one (8.1 days). Despite this, it can be concluded that the system performance is still good after 17 years of operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lavrnić
- Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 50, Bologna 40127, Italy.
| | - V Alagna
- Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 50, Bologna 40127, Italy; Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - M Iovino
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - S Anconelli
- Consorzio di Bonifica Canale Emiliano Romagnolo, Via Ernesto Masi 8, Bologna 40137, Italy.
| | - D Solimando
- Consorzio di Bonifica Canale Emiliano Romagnolo, Via Ernesto Masi 8, Bologna 40137, Italy.
| | - A Toscano
- Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 50, Bologna 40127, Italy.
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Matafonova G, Batoev V. Review on low- and high-frequency sonolytic, sonophotolytic and sonophotochemical processes for inactivating pathogenic microorganisms in aqueous media. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 166:115085. [PMID: 31539667 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet and ultrasound-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are gaining considerable research attention for water treatment and disinfection. Compared to low-frequency ultrasound (LFUS, <100 kHz), high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS, >100 kHz and MHz range) for water disinfection remains much less investigated. The present review aims at surveying and discussing literature data on microbial inactivation in non-food aqueous media using HFUS alone and with AOPs. More specifically, the review covers sonophotolytic (US/UV) processes under sequential and simultaneous modes as well as sonophotochemical processes, where both low and high frequencies were applied. Addressing a state-of-the-art biomedical research, we have attempted to provide more insight into mechanical and sonochemical mechanisms of inactivation under ultrasonic exposure. Sonoporation, intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), energy stimulation of aquaporins to deliver ROS, and injection of extracellular ROS into sonoporated cells have all been identified as primary ways of inactivation. Application of ultrasound in the 0.2-2 MHz range and mercury-free light sources to support the Minamata Convention on Mercury is an ongoing challenge for effective elimination of microbial pathogens from water and wastewater through sonophotolytic and sonophotochemical AOPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Matafonova
- Laboratory of Engineering Ecology, Baikal Institute of Nature Management, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Ulan-Ude, Russia.
| | - Valeriy Batoev
- Laboratory of Engineering Ecology, Baikal Institute of Nature Management, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Ulan-Ude, Russia
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Evapotranspiration from Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands Planted with Different Perennial Plant Species. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w11102159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents the results of an experiment carried out in Southern Italy (Sicily) on the estimation evapotranspiration (ET) in pilot constructed wetlands planted with different species (Chrysopogon zizanioides, Myscanthus x giganteus, Arundo donax, Phragmites australis, and Cyperus papyrus). In the two monitored growing seasons, reference ET0 was calculated with the Penman-Monteith formula, while actual ET and crop coefficients were measured through a water balance and the FAO 56 approach, respectively. The highest average seasonal ET value was observed in Phragmites australis (17.31 mm d−1) followed by Arundo donax (11.23 mm day−1) Chrysopogon zizanioides (8.56 mm day−1), Cyperus papyrus (7.86 mm day−1), and Myscanthus x giganteus (7.35 mm day−1). For all plants, crop coefficient values showed different patterns in relation to growth stages and were strongly correlated with phenological parameters. Myscanthus x giganteus and Arundo donax showed a water use efficiency values significantly higher than those observed for the other tested species. Results of this study may contribute to select appropriate plant species for constructed wetlands located in semi-arid regions, especially when the use of reclaimed water and/or the use of aboveground biomass are planned.
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Russo N, Marzo A, Randazzo C, Caggia C, Toscano A, Cirelli GL. Constructed wetlands combined with disinfection systems for removal of urban wastewater contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 656:558-566. [PMID: 30529960 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The removal efficiency of an urban wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to obtain an effluent suitable for agriculture reuse was evaluated in a one-year period, taking into account the Italian wastewater limits and the recent European proposal for the minimum requirements water quality for agricultural irrigation. The secondary effluent of WWTP was treated by three full-scale horizontal sub-surface flow (H-SSF) constructed wetlands (CWs), working in parallel, planted with different macrophytes species, and combined with a UV device and a lagooning system running in series. The H-SSF CW system effectively reduced physico-chemical pollutants and its efficiency was steady over the investigation period, while, Escherichia coli densities always exceed the Italian limits required for wastewater reuse in agriculture. The UV system significantly reduced the microbiological indicators, eliminating E. coli, in compliance with the Italian regulation, and somatic coliphages, although a variable efficacy against total coliforms and enterococci, especially in winter season, was achieved. Although the lagooning unit provides a high removal of the main microbial groups, it did not reduce physico-chemical parameters. Even if the overall performance target, for the whole treatment chain, met the recent log10 reduction (≥5.0), required by the European Commission, the persistence of enterococci, especially in winter season, poses a matter of concern for public health, for the potential risk to serve as a genetic reservoir of transferable antibiotic-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunziatina Russo
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 100, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Alessia Marzo
- Center for the Conservation and Management of Nature and Agroecosystems (CUTGANA), University of Catania, via Santa Sofia 98, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Randazzo
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 100, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Cinzia Caggia
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 100, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Attilio Toscano
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 50, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Luigi Cirelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 100, Catania 95123, Italy
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Adegoke AA, Amoah ID, Stenström TA, Verbyla ME, Mihelcic JR. Epidemiological Evidence and Health Risks Associated With Agricultural Reuse of Partially Treated and Untreated Wastewater: A Review. Front Public Health 2018; 6:337. [PMID: 30574474 PMCID: PMC6292135 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of partially treated and untreated wastewater for irrigation is beneficial in agriculture but may be associated with human health risks. Reports from different locations globally have linked microbial outbreaks with agricultural reuse of wastewater. This article reviews the epidemiological evidence and health risks associated with this practice, aiming toward evidence-based conclusions. Exposure pathways that were addressed in this review included those relevant to agricultural workers and their families, consumers of crops, and residents close to areas irrigated with wastewater (partially treated or untreated). A meta-analysis gave an overall odds ratio of 1.65 (95% CI: 1.31, 2.06) for diarrheal disease and 5.49 (95% CI: 2.49, 12.10) for helminth infections for exposed agricultural workers and family members. The risks were higher among children and immunocompromised individuals than in immunocompetent adults. Predominantly skin and intestinal infections were prevalent among individuals infected mainly via occupational exposure and ingestion. Food-borne outbreaks as a result of crops (fruits and vegetables) irrigated with partially or untreated wastewater have been widely reported. Contamination of crops with enteric viruses, fecal coliforms, and bacterial pathogens, parasites including soil-transmitted helminthes (STHs), as well as occurrence of antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have also been evidenced. The antibiotic residues and ARGs may get internalized in crops along with pathogens and may select for antibiotic resistance, exert ecotoxicity, and lead to bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms with high risk quotient (RQ). Appropriate mitigation lies in adhering to existing guidelines such as the World Health Organization wastewater reuse guidelines and to Sanitation Safety Plans (SSPs). Additionally, improvement in hygiene practices will also provide measures against adverse health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony A. Adegoke
- SARChI, Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
| | - Isaac D. Amoah
- SARChI, Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thor A. Stenström
- SARChI, Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Matthew E. Verbyla
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - James R. Mihelcic
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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Omondi DO, Wairimu MA, Maingi MS, Otieno OG, Jepkorir KC, Okoth OJ, Bangding X. Integrating MFT-qPCR techniques in constructed wetland faecal bacterial purification monitoring; a case of a typical tropical hybrid constructed wetland system. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2018; 78:2008-2018. [PMID: 30566104 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2018.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The sanitation control of pathogens in the tropical effluents needs much more attention to ensure ecosystem health integrity and the safety of human health. The common use of chemicals in achieving this in wastewater treatment has remained unsustainable due to much health concern. Indeed, based on the numerous challenges associated with faecal pathogenic bacteria in wastewaters, the focus is now on achieving higher purification efficiencies in the elimination of the human pathogens from wastewater through eco-sustainable systems such as constructed wetlands (CWs). Hence, the need to explore the application of constructed wetlands in wastewater treatment under specific local environmental conditions for accurate understanding and improved treatment efficiency. This study therefore aimed at monitoring constructed wetlands faecal bacteria purification efficiency through integrated non-molecular membrane filtration technique and molecular quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MFT-qPCR) technique. The results showed some shortfall in the treatment system and also proved that integrating MFT-qPCR in faecal bacterial purification monitoring within a constructed wetland system provides a more accurate and reliable outcome. Additionally, the wetland purification efficiency was low (<80%) with the dissolved oxygen posing the strongest influence on faecal pathogenic bacterial purification trend across the wetland. Hence, the need to regularly carry out dredging and macrophyte harvesting as well as the use of holistic and more integrative approaches such as MFT-qPCR in managing and monitoring the performance of CWs in faecal pathogen eradication for improved CWs purification efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donde Oscar Omondi
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology of Chinese Academy of Sciences - Lake Restoration Research Group, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China E-mail: ; International College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Department of Environmental Science, Egerton University, P. O. Box 536-20115, Nakuru, Kenya
| | - Muia Anastasia Wairimu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Egerton University, P. O. Box 536-20115, Nakuru, Kenya
| | - Makindi Stanley Maingi
- Department of Environmental Science, Egerton University, P. O. Box 536-20115, Nakuru, Kenya
| | | | - Kibet Caroline Jepkorir
- International College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, No. 7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ogalo Joseph Okoth
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, No. 44, Xiahong Shan Zhong Qu Fruit Lake Street 430071, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Bangding
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology of Chinese Academy of Sciences - Lake Restoration Research Group, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China E-mail:
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15
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Marzo A, Ventura D, Cirelli GL, Aiello R, Vanella D, Rapisarda R, Barbagallo S, Consoli S. Hydraulic reliability of a horizontal wetland for wastewater treatment in Sicily. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 636:94-106. [PMID: 29704721 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the hydraulic behavior of a horizontal subsurface wetland (HF), that is part of the hybrid wetland (hybrid-TW) of the IKEA® store in Eastern Sicily (Italy), influences the overall wastewater treatment performance. The HF unit experiences frequent overloading peaks due to the extreme variability in the number of visitors at the store, and after 2 years of operation it showed signals of partial clogging at the inlet area. The hydraulics of the HF unit has been monitored through measurements of hydraulic conductivity at saturation (Ks), tracer tests, and geophysical (i.e. electrical resistivity tomography-ERT) measurements carried out during the years 2016 and 2017. Results indicated a general good agreement between the performed measurement techniques, thus their combination, if adequately performed and calibrated, might be a reliable tool for detecting those wetland areas mainly affected by clogging conditions. The results also indicated that partial clogging had no significant effect on the quality of the discharged water.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Marzo
- CUTGANA, Università degli Studi di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 98, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - D Ventura
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione, Ambiente (Di3A), Università degli Studi di Catania, Via S. Sofia, 100, 95123 Catania, (Italy).
| | - G L Cirelli
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione, Ambiente (Di3A), Università degli Studi di Catania, Via S. Sofia, 100, 95123 Catania, (Italy)
| | - R Aiello
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione, Ambiente (Di3A), Università degli Studi di Catania, Via S. Sofia, 100, 95123 Catania, (Italy)
| | - D Vanella
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione, Ambiente (Di3A), Università degli Studi di Catania, Via S. Sofia, 100, 95123 Catania, (Italy)
| | - R Rapisarda
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione, Ambiente (Di3A), Università degli Studi di Catania, Via S. Sofia, 100, 95123 Catania, (Italy)
| | - S Barbagallo
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione, Ambiente (Di3A), Università degli Studi di Catania, Via S. Sofia, 100, 95123 Catania, (Italy)
| | - S Consoli
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione, Ambiente (Di3A), Università degli Studi di Catania, Via S. Sofia, 100, 95123 Catania, (Italy)
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16
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Consoli S, Milani M, Cirelli G, Barbagallo S, Marzo A, Vanella D, Toscano A. Energy and water balance of a treatment wetland under mediterranean climatic conditions. ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING 2018; 116:52-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2018.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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17
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18
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Schierano MC, Maine MA, Panigatti MC. Dairy farm wastewater treatment using horizontal subsurface flow wetlands with Typha domingensis and different substrates. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2017; 38:192-198. [PMID: 27989224 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2016.1231228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of different substrates in the performance of a horizontal flow constructed wetland employed in dairy farm wastewater treatment. Typha domingensis was chosen for this study due to its high productivity and efficiency in nutrient removal. Fifteen microcosm-scale reactors simulating horizontal flow constructed wetlands were disposed in a greenhouse in triplicate. Five substrates (river gravel, gravel, LECA, river gravel + zeolite and gravel + zeolite) were evaluated. Real effluent with previous treatment was used. Dairy farm effluents favoured T. domingensis growth, probably due to their high nutrient concentrations. The treatments with the different substrates studied were efficient in the treatment of the dairy farm effluent obtaining ammonium ([Formula: see text]) and total phosphorus (TP) removals between 88-99% and 86-99%, respectively. Removal efficiencies were significantly higher in treatments using LECA and combined substrate (gravel + zeolite). After treatment, the quality of the final effluent was significantly improved. Outlet effluent complied with regulations and could be discharged into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Celeste Schierano
- a Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) , Buenos Aires , Argentina
- b GEM (Grupo de Estudios de Medio Ambiente), Universidad Tecnológica Nacional Facultad Regional Rafaela , Rafaela , Argentina
| | - María Alejandra Maine
- a Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) , Buenos Aires , Argentina
- c Facultad de Ingeniería Química , Universidad Nacional del Litoral , Santa Fe , Argentina
| | - María Cecilia Panigatti
- b GEM (Grupo de Estudios de Medio Ambiente), Universidad Tecnológica Nacional Facultad Regional Rafaela , Rafaela , Argentina
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Aiello R, Bagarello V, Barbagallo S, Iovino M, Marzo A, Toscano A. Evaluation of clogging in full-scale subsurface flow constructed wetlands. ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING 2016; 95:505-513. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2016.06.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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20
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Wu S, Carvalho PN, Müller JA, Manoj VR, Dong R. Sanitation in constructed wetlands: A review on the removal of human pathogens and fecal indicators. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 541:8-22. [PMID: 26398446 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Removal of human pathogens from wastewater is a critical factor with linkage to human health. Constructed Wetlands (CWs) are environmental friendly ecosystems that are applicable not only for chemical pollution control, but also for the reduction of pathogens from wastewater. Yet the knowledge on the fate and removal of such indicator bacteria in CWs is still not sufficient due to the complexity of removal mechanisms and influencing factors. This review serves to provide a better understanding of this state-of-the-art technology, which is necessary for further investigations and design development. The fecal indicator bacteria in CWs mainly come from three sources, namely, influent wastewaters, regrowth within the CWs, and animal activities. The properties of microbial contamination vary depending on the different sources. The removal of pathogens is a complex process that is influenced by operational parameters such as hydraulic regime and retention time, vegetation, seasonal fluctuation, and water composition. The most frequent and well-validated removal mechanisms include natural die-off due to starvation or predation, sedimentation and filtration, and adsorption. The concentration of the main fecal indicator bacteria in the effluent was found to be exponentially related to the loading rate. Generally, horizontal subsurface flow CWs have better reduction capacity than free water surface flow CWs, and hybrid wetland systems were found to be the most efficient due to a longer retention time. Further improvement of fecal indicator bacteria removal in CWs is needed, however, levels in CW effluents are still higher than most of the regulation standards for reuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubiao Wu
- College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory for Clean Renewable Energy Utilization Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100083, PR China.
| | - Pedro N Carvalho
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000C Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jochen A Müller
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, Leipzig D-04318, Germany
| | | | - Renjie Dong
- College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory for Clean Renewable Energy Utilization Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100083, PR China
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Sangare D, Sou Dakoure M, Hijikata N, Lahmar R, Yacouba H, Coulibaly L, Funamizu N. Toilet compost and human urine used in agriculture: fertilizer value assessment and effect on cultivated soil properties. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2015; 36:1291-1298. [PMID: 25371046 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2014.984774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Toilet compost (TC) and human urine are among natural fertilizers, which raise interest due to their double advantages to combine sanitation and nutrient recovery. However, combination of urine and TC is not so spread probably because the best ratio (urine/TC) is still an issue and urine effect on soil chemical properties remains poorly documented. This study aims to determine the best ratio of urine and TC in okra cultivation, by targeting higher fertilization effect combined with lower impact on soil chemical properties. Based on Nitrogen requirement of okra, seven treatments were compared: (T0) no fertilizer, (T1) chemical fertilizer (NPK: 14-23-14), (T2) 100% urine, (T3) 100% TC, (T4) ratio of 75% urine+25% TC, (T5) 50% urine+50% TC and (T6) 25% urine+75% TC. Results indicated that T4 (75% urine+25% TC) gave the highest plant height and yield. In contrast, T2 (100% urine) gave the lowest results among all treatments, indicating toxicity effects on plant growth and associated final yield. Such toxicity is confirmed by soil chemical properties at T2 with soil acidification and significant increase in soil salinity. In contrast, application of urine together with TC mitigates soil acidification and salinity, highlighting the efficiency of urine and TC combination on soil chemical properties. However, further investigation is necessary to refine better urine/TC ratio for okra production.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sangare
- a International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering , Ouagadougou , Burkina Faso
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Toscano A, Marzo A, Milani M, Cirelli GL, Barbagallo S. Comparison of removal efficiencies in Mediterranean pilot constructed wetlands vegetated with different plant species. ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING 2015; 75:155-160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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