Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Hoffmann, Nicolás; Fincheira, Paola; Tortella, Gonzalo; Rubilar, Olga

doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-23302-3pmid: 36219292

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the most widely used technology for organic matter treatment. However, multiple types of research have reported on improving the process because different operation inhibition factors and limitations affect the performance of AD process. Owing to the increasing use of iron-nanoparticles (Fe-NP) on AD, this review addresses the knowledge gaps and summarizes the finding from academic articles based on (i) the AD upgrading operations: limitations and upgrade techniques, (ii) Fe-NPs mechanisms on AD, (iii) Fe-NP effect on microbial communities associated to AD systems, and (iv) perspectives. The selected topics give the Fe-NP positive effects on the AD methane-production process in terms of gas production, effluent quality, and process optimization. The main results of this work indicate that (i) Fe-NP addition can be adapted among different feedstocks and complement other pretreatments, (ii) Fe-NP physicochemical characteristics enhance biogas production via direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) mechanisms, and Fe-ion release due to their structure and their conductivity capability, and (iii) syntrophic bacteria and acetoclastic methanogens have been reported as the communities that better uptake Fe-NPs on their metabolisms. Finally, our research perspectives and gaps will be discussed to contribute to our knowledge of using Fe-NPs on AD systems.

Kim, Kuk Chol; Lin, Xiaoqiu; Li, Congju

doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-23066-wpmid: 36219296

Although membrane distillation (MD) is a promising technology for water desalination and industrial wastewater treatment, the MD process is not widely applied in the global water industry due to the lack of a suitable membrane for the MD process. The design and appropriate manufacture are the most important factors for MD membrane optimization. The well-designed porous structure, superhydrophobic surface, and pore-wetting prevention of the membrane are vital properties of the MD membrane. Nowadays, electrospinning that is capable of manufacturing membranes with superhydrophobic or omni phobic properties is considered a promising technology. Electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs) possess the characteristics of cylindrical morphology, re-entrant structure, and easy-shaping for a specific purpose, benefiting the membrane design and modification. Based on that, this review investigates the current state and future progress of the superhydrophobic, multi-layer, and omniphobic ENMs manufactured with various structural designs for seawater desalination and wastewater purification. We expect that this paper will provide some recommendations and guidance for further fabrication research and the configuration design of ENMs in the MD process for seawater desalination and wastewater purification.

Ajala, Oluwaseyi Aderemi; Oke, Margret Racheal; Ajibade, Temitope Fausat; Ajibade, Fidelis Odedishemi; Adelodun, Bashir; Ighalo, Joshua O.; Ajala, Margaret Opeyemi; Kumar, Pankaj; Demissie, Hailu; Ugya, Adamu Yunusa; Sulaymon, Ishaq Dimeji; Silva, Luis F. O.

Ahmaruzzaman, Mohammed

doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-23357-2pmid: 36219282

The presence of high concentrations of arsenic species in drinking water and other water bodies has become one of the most critical environmental concerns. Therefore, decontamination of arsenic-containing water is essential for improved health and environmental concern. In recent years, nano-adsorbents have been widely used for the adsorptive removal of arsenic from water. Separating existing nano-adsorbents from treated waters, on the other hand, is a critical issue for their potential applications in natural water treatment. To address these issues and to effectively remove arsenic from water, researchers looked at iron oxide-based magnetic nanocomposite adsorbents. The magnetic nanoadsorbents have the benefit of surface functionalization, making it easier to target a specific pollutant for adsorption, and magnetic separation. In addition, magnetic nanoparticles have a large surface area, high chemical inertness, superparamagnetic, high magnetic susceptibility, small particle size, and large specific surface area, and are especially easily separated in a magnetic field. Magnetic nano-adsorbents have been discovered to have a lot of potential for eliminating arsenic from water. The recent advances in magnetic nano-absorbents for the cleanup of arsenic species from water are summarized in this paper. Future perspectives and directions were also discussed in this article. This will help budding researchers for the further advancement of magnetic nanocomposites for the treatment of water and wastewater contaminated with arsenic.

Meskher, Hicham; Belhaouari, Samir Brahim; Thakur, Amrit Kumar; Sathyamurthy, Ravishankar; Singh, Punit; Khelfaoui, Issam; Saidur, Rahman

doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-23392-zpmid: 36223015

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has delayed global economic growth, which has affected the economic life globally. On the one hand, numerous elements in the environment impact the transmission of this new coronavirus. Every country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area has a different population density, air quality and contaminants, and water- and land-related conditions, all of which influence coronavirus transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) has advocated fast evaluations to guide policymakers with timely evidence to respond to the situation. This review makes four unique contributions. One, many data about the transmission of the new coronavirus in various sorts of settings to provide clear answers to the current dispute over the virus’s transmission were reviewed. Two, highlight the most significant application of machine learning to forecast and diagnose severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Three, our insights provide timely and accurate information along with compelling suggestions and methodical directions for investigators. Four, the present study provides decision-makers and community leaders with information on the effectiveness of environmental controls for COVID-19 dissemination.Graphical Abstract[graphic not available: see fulltext]

Xiong, Xianqing; Yue, Xinyi; Dong, Weihang; Xu, Zhenzhong

doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-23532-5pmid: 36224464

To promote the development of the green and low-carbon wood industry and explore the current status and trend of China’s used-furniture recycling, this paper summarizes the research status of used-furniture recycling and interprets governmental strategies, such as the development of used-furniture recycling system, the way of handling used-furniture by manufacturers, and the attitudes of customers towards used-furniture, through extensive literature reviews and market research. From such three respects as government, furniture manufacturers, and consumers, the problems of national used-furniture recycling are analyzed, for example, imperfect system, high cost, and weak awareness. Therefore, to solve the above issues, it is necessary to construct national used-furniture recycling system and methods. The government should pay attention to the construction of recycling network, the supervision and support of entrepreneurial responsibilities, and the formulation of recycling standards. For furniture manufacturers, the improvement of the durability and recyclability of furniture and the development of new models and new technologies for furniture recycling and transportation are their primary assignment. And for consumers, the improvements of their concepts of consuming and the environmental protection are in focus. In sum, it aims to provide both suggestions for the amelioration of the measures and methods, and support for the understanding of the change, of used-furniture recycling in China.

Ni, Chenquan; Liu, Chang; Xie, Yu; Xie, Weiqi; He, Zhiguo; Zhong, Hui

doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-23416-8pmid: 36224467

Rapid industrialization is deteriorating water quality, and fluoride pollution in water is one of the most serious environmental pollution problems. Adsorption technology is an efficient and selective process for removing fluoride from aqueous solutions using adsorbents. Metal-based adsorbents synergize the advantages of fast adsorption, high adsorption capacity, and excellent selectivity to effectively remove fluoride from water bodies, promising to satisfy environmental sustainability requirements. This paper reviews the metal-based adsorbents: iron-based, aluminum-based, lanthanum-based, cerium-based, titanium-based, zirconium-based, and multi-metal composite adsorbents, primarily focusing on the adsorption conditions and fluoride removal capacities and discusses prospects and challenges in the synthesis and application of metal-based adsorbents. This paper aims to stimulate new thinking and innovation in developing the next generation of sustainable adsorbents.Graphical abstract[graphic not available: see fulltext]

Li, Yutong; Yan, Zhen; Liu, Jun; Song, Chao; Zhu, Fanping; Wang, Shuguang

doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-21299-3pmid: 35752665

Polyaspartic acid is considered a green agent for the treatment of circulating cooling water. However, its chemosynthetic process is not green, as it requires significant amounts of energy and causes water pollution. In this work, we identified an analog of polyaspartic acid, namely polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA), which could be directly produced by Bacillus spp., and we explored its performance and scale inhibition mechanism as a scale inhibitor. We found that γ-PGA secreted by B. megaterium with a molecular weight of ~ 70 kDa showed poor scale inhibition, while the γ-PGA secreted by B. licheniformis with a molecular weight of ~ 15 kDa had a 26.87% higher efficiency compared to commercially available polyaspartic acid. The scale inhibition mechanism was explored using the γ-PGA material secreted by B. licheniformis. Fourier transform spectrometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the scale inhibition performance of γ-PGA was due to the combination of its functional groups and Ca2+, which affected the growth process of CaCO3 and inhibited the formation of CaCO3. This study provided deeper insight into scale inhibition performance related to the scale inhibition mechanism.

Oyebanji, Modupe Oluyemisi; Kirikkaleli, Dervis

doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-21590-3pmid: 35752677

Among the EU countries, Greece relies heavily on coal the most, and it has lagged behind in cutting emissions. Further, following the oil crisis of the 1970s, Greece has strategically invested in lignite. Solid fossil fuels such as lignite are classified as fossil fuels that are detrimental to environmental performance. This continued burning of fossil fuels has emerged as one of the most serious concerns in Greece, even globally. The aim is to capture the effect of energy productivity on carbon dioxide emissions (CO2E) in Greece while controlling trade openness, energy consumption, and economic growth. Toward this end, we employ a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model and other econometric robust techniques. The findings of the study are as follows: (i) trade openness positively impacts carbon emissions growth; (ii) economic growth adds to increased CO2E; (iii) expanding energy productivity is beneficial to the environment as it causes CO2E to decline; and (iv) increase in energy consumptions further results in CO2 cutbacks. The recommendation of our study suggests some innovative policies to counter the detrimental effects of carbon emissions by an increase in energy efficiency for the Greek economy. The study recommends that embracing a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and circular economy is of paramount importance to Greece in order to ensure environmental protection, as well as to boost green growth, create new jobs, and combat unemployment. Greece should ensure that energy efficiency techniques are promoted, and renewable energy sources are expanded in order to increase the options for cleaner alternatives and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thus preserving the environment.

Oyebanji, Modupe Oluyemisi; Kirikkaleli, Dervis

doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-21874-8pmid: 35781669