Về quản lý môi trường

– Nền kinh tế kỹ thuật số ảnh hưởng đến lượng khí thải carbon như thế nào? Bằng chứng từ 60 quốc gia toàn cầu

– Tác động của ô nhiễm không khí đối với tỷ lệ mắc, mức độ nghiêm trọng và tỷ lệ tử vong do COVID-19: Đánh giá có hệ thống các nghiên cứu ở Châu Âu và Bắc Mỹ

– Mối tương quan giữa tình trạng kinh tế xã hội với các ca nhiễm COVID-19 đã được xác nhận và nồng độ nước thải SARS-CoV-2 trong các cộng đồng quy mô vừa và nhỏ

– Phát thải oxit nitơ trong chu trình nitơ thay đổi và tác động đối với biến đổi khí hậu

– Tác động của khoảng cách giữa đăng ký doanh nghiệp và các trạm giám sát đối với hoạt động môi trường – Bằng chứng từ các trạm giám sát chất lượng không khí

– Xem xét lại các chiến lược phân bổ chính sách: Đánh giá các công cụ chính sách môi trường và áp dụng mô hình CGE

– Những thay đổi về mô hình thời gian và phân bố không gian của các chất gây ô nhiễm môi trường ở 8 quốc gia châu Á do đại dịch COVID-19

– Chúng ta còn cách những ước tính chắc chắn về rò rỉ rác thải nhựa ra môi trường bao xa?

– Hội tụ phát thải carbon và phân tích yếu tố quyết định: Bằng chứng từ các nước ASEAN

Về môi trường đô thị

– Mô hình hóa ngập lụt đô thị tích hợp với dòng chảy và vận chuyển trầm tích trong mạng lưới thoát nước

– Những thách thức về quá trình oxy hóa năng lượng mặt trời khi xử lý sau xử lý nước thải đô thị từ hệ thống UASB: Hiệu quả xử lý, khử trùng và độc tính

– Tác động của sự thay đổi nhiệt và luồng gió vào đối với vận chuyển thẳng đứng xung quanh một tòa nhà siêu cao – Thí nghiệm thực địa The One Vanderbilt

– Loại bỏ độc tính trong nước thải: Giám sát dựa trên hiệu quả và hóa học tích hợp của các nhà máy phản ứng sinh học màng và bùn hoạt tính thông thường quy mô lớn

– Hóa chất phụ gia lốp xe, hạt mài mòn đường lốp xe và polyme sản xuất cao trong nước mặt tại 5 trung tâm đô thị ở Queensland, Úc

– Xác định các hạt vi nhựa lơ lửng trong không khí dạng sợi ở Khu đô thị Bandung, Indonesia

– Xác định các hạt vi nhựa lơ lửng trong không khí dạng sợi ở Khu đô thị Bandung, Indonesia

– Đánh giá về hệ thống bãi chôn lấp chất thải rắn đô thị: Phân tích nước rỉ rác, khí thải, phân tích môi trường và kinh tế

– Đánh giá lợi ích sức khỏe cho trẻ em của chính sách môi trường giao thông vận tải ở thành phố New York

Về môi trường khu công nghiệp

– Phối hợp hóa rắn đất nhiễm chì bằng magie oxit và vi sinh vật

– Kỹ thuật xử lý ô nhiễm dược phẩm bằng khung hữu cơ kim loại – Đánh giá độc học, ứng dụng và cơ chế

– Những tiến bộ gần đây trong quá trình oxy hóa tiên tiến dựa trên polyme sinh học cho các ứng dụng loại bỏ thuốc nhuộm: Đánh giá

– Khám phá tiềm năng giảm phát thải của các ngành công nghiệp: Mô hình phối hợp nguồn-xử lý-đầu cuối và ứng dụng của nó

– Vai trò của công nghệ màng lọc trong xử lý nước thải ngành thực phẩm

– Thiết kế mạng lưới chuỗi cung ứng cạnh tranh bền vững cho sản phẩm xanh trong điều kiện không chắc chắn: Nghiên cứu điển hình về ngành công nghiệp da của Iran

– Việc tạo ra một biên giới dầu mỏ: Động lực lãnh thổ hóa trong ngành công nghiệp dầu mỏ mới nổi của Uganda

– Chuyển đổi mô hình hướng tới tính bền vững trong ngành công nghiệp dầu mỏ thượng nguồn để tăng cường phục hồi – Đánh giá hiện đại

– Những thách thức chính đối với sự phát triển của ngành công nghiệp hydro ở Liên bang Nga

Xin trân trọng giới thiệu!

QUẢN LÝ MÔI TRƯỜNG

1. How does digital economy affect carbon emissions? Evidence from global 60 countries

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 852, 15 December 2022, 158401

Abstract

The digital economy is of great significant for countries to achieve carbon neutrality and carbon peak. Using country-level panel data from 2008 to 2018, this study empirically examined the impact of the development of the digital economy on carbon emissions and the associated transmission mechanisms by using the intermediary effect model. Our main findings are as follows. (1) The level of digital economy development varies greatly between countries, and the difference between “hyper-digitalized countries” and “under-connected countries” is increasingly obvious. (2) Development of the digital economy significantly reduces the carbon emission intensity, but promotes increases in the per capita carbon emissions. (3) Analysis shows that economic growth, financial development, and industrial structure upgrading play mediating roles between the digital economy and carbon emissions. Our study not only advances the study on digital economy and carbon emissions, but also provides a significant reference for policy makers to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality.

2. The impact of air pollution on COVID-19 incidence, severity, and mortality: A systematic review of studies in Europe and North America

Environmental Research, Volume 215, Part 1, December 2022, 114155

Abstract

Background

Air pollution is speculated to increase the risks of COVID-19 spread, severity, and mortality.

Objectives

We systematically reviewed studies investigating the relationship between air pollution and COVID-19 cases, non-fatal severity, and mortality in North America and Europe.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies investigating the effects of harmful pollutants, including particulate matter with diameter ≤2.5 or 10 μm ( or ), ozone (), nitrogen dioxide (), sulfur dioxide () and carbon monoxide (CO), on COVID-19 cases, severity, and deaths in Europe and North America through to June 19, 2021. Articles were included if they quantitatively measured the relationship between exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 health outcomes.

Results

From 2,482 articles screened, we included 116 studies reporting 355 separate pollutant-COVID-19 estimates. Approximately half of all evaluations on incidence were positive and significant associations (52.7%); for mortality the corresponding figure was similar (48.1%), while for non-fatal severity this figure was lower (41.2%). Longer-term exposure to pollutants appeared more likely to be positively associated with COVID-19 incidence (63.8%). , , , , and were most strongly positively associated with COVID-19 incidence, while and with COVID-19 deaths. All studies were observational and most exhibited high risk of confounding and outcome measurement bias.

Discussion

Air pollution may be associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Future research is needed to better test the air pollution-COVID-19 hypothesis, particularly using more robust study designs and COVID-19 measures that are less prone to measurement error and by considering co-pollutant interactions.

3. Socioeconomic status correlations with confirmed COVID-19 cases and SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations in small-medium sized communities

Environmental Research, Volume 215, Part 2, December 2022, 114290

Abstract

Over two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, it is apparent that some populations across the world are more susceptible than others to SARS-CoV-2 infection and spread. Understanding how populations with varying demographic patterns are impacted by COVID-19 may highlight which factors are most important in targeting to combat global suffering. The first objective of this study was to investigate the association of various socioeconomic status (SES) parameters and confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state of Ohio, USA. This study examines the largest and capital city of Ohio (Columbus) and various small-medium-sized communities. The second objective was to determine the relationship between SES parameters and community-level SARS-CoV-2 concentrations using municipal wastewater samples from each city’s respective wastewater treatment plants from August 2020 to January 2021. SES parameters include population size, median income, poverty, race/ethnicity, education, health care access, types of COVID-19 testing sites, and social vulnerability index. Statistical analysis results show that confirmed (normalized and/or non-normalized) COVID-19 cases were negatively associated with White percentage and registered hospitals, and positively associated with registered physicians and various COVID-19 testing sites. Wastewater viral concentrations were negatively associated with poverty, and positively associated with median income, community health centers, and onsite rapid testing locations. Additional analyses conclude that population is a significant factor in determining COVID-19 cases and SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations. Results indicate that community healthcare parameters relate to a negative health outcome (COVID-19) and that demographic parameters can be associated with community-level SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations. As the first study that examines the association between socioeconomic parameters and SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations as well as confirmed COVID-19 cases, it is apparent that social determinants have an impact in determining the health burden of small-medium sized Ohioan cities. This study design and innovative approach are scalable and applicable for endemic and pandemic surveillance across the world.

4. Nitrous oxide emission in altered nitrogen cycle and implications for climate change

Environmental Pollution, Volume 314, 1 December 2022, 120272

Abstract

Natural processes and human activities play a crucial role in changing the nitrogen cycle and increasing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, which are accelerating at an unprecedented rate. N2O has serious global warming potential (GWP), about 310 times higher than that of carbon dioxide. The food production, transportation, and energy required to sustain a world population of seven billion have required dramatic increases in the consumption of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers and fossil fuels, leading to increased N2O in air and water. These changes have radically disturbed the nitrogen cycle and reactive nitrogen species, such as nitrous oxide (N2O), and have impacted the climatic system. Yet, systematic and comprehensive studies on various underlying processes and parameters in the altered nitrogen cycle, and their implications for the climatic system are still lacking. This paper reviews how the nitrogen cycle has been disturbed and altered by anthropogenic activities, with a central focus on potential pathways of N2O generation. The authors also estimate the N2O–N emission mainly due to anthropogenic activities will be around 8.316 Tg N2O–N yr−1 in 2050. In order to minimize and tackle the N2O emissions and its consequences on the global ecosystem and climate change, holistic mitigation strategies and diverse adaptations, policy reforms, and public awareness are suggested as vital considerations. This study concludes that rapidly increasing anthropogenic perturbations, the identification of new microbial communities, and their role in mediating biogeochemical processes now shape the modern nitrogen cycle

5. Impact of distance between corporate registration and monitoring stations on environmental performance – Evidence from air quality monitoring stations

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 323, 1 December 2022, 116192

Abstract

Several countries are adopting vertical environmental regulations (air quality monitoring stations) to control pollution. However, there is a relative lack of research analysing environmental regulations and performance from a geographic distance perspective. This study introduces atmospheric quality monitoring stations as a type of environmental regulation using data from Chinese listed companies from 2010 to 2019 to determine the effect of monitoring station distance on corporate environmental performance and the moderating role of corporate strategy. This analysis yielded the following findings. First, based on institutional and signalling theories, we find that monitoring station distance inhibits environmental performance. Second, disclosure, digital transformation, and environmental strategies can reverse the negative effects of monitoring stations. Third, while market drivers improve the ability to monitor station distances, political corruption hinders this. Fourth, firm heterogeneity analysis tells us that the “crowding out” effect of monitoring station distance is more significant for state-owned enterprises, high-tech firms, and heavy polluters. Finally, we found that the monitoring role of stations can be fully utilised only if they are established within a certain distance from the enterprise. These findings are important for establishing air quality monitoring stations and corporate environmental performance in developing countries, including China.

6. Reconsider policy allocation strategies: A review of environmental policy instruments and application of the CGE model

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 323, 1 December 2022, 116176

Abstract

How to choose environmental policy instruments within a clearly defined scope of the market mechanism and government intervention will profoundly affect the policy effectiveness. Through a systematic review of 111 representative literature, this paper traces the theoretical development of environmental policy instruments, empirical analyses based on the CGE (Computable General Equilibrium) model, and globally practical experience. We find that the reflections on environmental policy instruments have shifted from command-based to market-based, from trade-offs between quantity-based and price-based instruments within the scope of market-based instruments to combining both, and finally a reasonable allocation of both command-based and market-based instruments. The CGE model promotes the shift, deepens the theory, and accelerates the transformation from theoretical thinking to practical application. By providing approaches to recognize and measure the overall economic costs of environmental policies, the CGE model plays an important role in validating efficiency theories, identifying efficiency losses, and amending policy instruments. It also promotes the implementation of environmental tools through region-pertinent settings and simulations. Based on reflections and discussions upon existing literature, we propose that the market should play a dominant role in allocating resources to obtain long-term environmental goals with corresponding environmental regulations as supplementary; under the circumstances with market efficiency losses, command-based instruments should be employed to cope with market failures. The results in this paper can facilitate the expansion of the environmental policy theory and also assist governments with better selection and formulation of environmental policy instruments relying on a solid theoretical basis and rational practical approaches.

7. Does the Emission Trading Scheme achieve the dual dividend of reducing pollution and improving energy efficiency? Micro evidence from China

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 323, 1 December 2022, 116202

Abstract

Resolving the negative externality of environmental pollution has always been a concern in both the theoretical and practical space. To stimulate enterprises to participate in environmental governance actively, China has implemented a series of environmental regulation policies. The Emission Trading Pilot Scheme (ETPS) is an example of such policies implemented to ensure the gradual transition toward marketization. From a micro-enterprise perspective, the study examines how this policy achieves the dual effects of reducing emissions and promoting energy efficiency. We further explore potential channels through which this policy influences the dual effects. We empirically find ETPS to reduce the pollution emissions of enterprises significantly. However, the pollution reduction effect is mainly achieved by encouraging enterprises to strengthen cleaner production rather than through end governance. In addition to bringing environmental dividends, we observe ETPS to improve fossil energy efficiency by about 7.5% indirectly. We conclude by urging policy makers and participants to optimize energy structures and adjust intermediate input as they serve as significant pathways through which ETPS can affect fossil energy efficiency. The ETPS can encourage enterprises to actively step out of their “comfort zone” of environmental governance to be viewed as an effective environmental regulation policy.

8. Wikis as collaborative knowledge management tools in socio-environmental modelling studies

Environmental Modelling & Software, Volume 158, December 2022, 105538

Abstract

The data requirements of many socio-environmental system (SES) modelling studies have increased substantially in recent years. This has made the already challenging task of data compilation, retrieval, and sharing progressively more difficult. Recognising the current lack of best practice for knowledge management in SES modelling studies, we propose using SES wikis as a means of addressing these challenges. Wikis have attributes that make them well suited to complex knowledge management tasks and their hierarchical, interconnected, algorithmic logic closely fits with the logic needed in SES model design. In this article, we describe how wikis can be used at each stage of the SES modelling cycle, and we discuss our experiences of putting the approach into practice. We conclude that while SES wikis can be time consuming to initially develop, they have the potential to significantly improve the quality, transparency, and efficiency of SES modelling projects.

9. Changes in temporal pattern and spatial distribution of environmental pollutants in 8 Asian countries owing to COVID-19 pandemic

Chemosphere, Volume 308, Part 1, December 2022, 136075

Abstract

This study investigated the changes in air pollutant’s concentration, spatio-temporal distribution and sensitivity of changes in air pollutant’s concentration during pre and post COVID-19 outbreak. We employed Google Earth Engine Platform to access remote sensing datasets of air pollutants across Asian continent. Air pollution and cumulative confirmed-COVID cases data of Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia) have been collected and analyzed for 2019 and 2020. The results indicate that aerosol index (AI) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is significantly reduced during COVID outbreak i.e. in year 2020. In addition, we found significantly positive (P < 0.05, 95% confidence interval, two-tailed) correlation between changes in AI and NO2 concentration for net active-COVID case increment in almost each country. For other atmospheric gases i.e. carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (HCHO), ozone (O3), and Sulfur dioxide (SO2), insignificant and/or significant negative correlation is also observed. These results suggest that the atmospheric concentration of AI and NO2 are good indicators of human activities. Furthermore, the changes in O3 shows significantly negative correlation for net active-COVID case increment. In conclusion, we observed significant positive environmental impact of COVID-19 restrictions in Asia. This study would help and assist environmentalist and policy makers in restraining air pollution by implementing efficient restrictions on human activities with minimal economic loss.

10. Policy, technical change, and environmental efficiency: Evidence of China’s power system from dynamic and spatial perspective

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 323, 1 December 2022, 116232

Abstract

Feed-in tariff (FIT) and renewable portfolio standard (RPS) policies have been implemented to facilitate wind and solar power technologies with the aim of achieving sustainable development in power system. It is essential to study how efficient these policies are in accelerating technical progress and how efficient the power system is in balancing development and environmental protection. Dynamic network data envelopment analysis and the global Malmquist productivity index are first employed to study the environmental efficiency and technical progress, after which a dynamic spatial Durbin model is applied to analyze the impact of policies on technical progress. The results reveal that both FIT and RPS lead to technical progress which is the main driving force in environmental efficiency improvement, but that RPS performs better than FIT. From a spatial perspective, the adjacent regions usually show similar characteristics in technical progress. Therefore, future policy design should carefully consider the regional agglomeration effects and should effectively strengthen the implementation of RPS policy.

11. How far are we from robust estimates of plastic litter leakage to the environment?

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 323, 1 December 2022, 116195

Abstract

Litter pollution is a global concern, and identifying sources and pathways is crucial for proposing preventative actions. Existing models of plastic litter leakage to the environment have provided worldwide estimates at a country-based level, but only a few initiatives address subnational scales. Adding relevant parameters and improving models is needed to reduce the limitations of global estimates. However, availability of information, which varies among countries and is critical in the Global South, may preclude such improvements. To understand the potentialities and limitations of subnational estimates of plastic litter leakage to the environment, we reviewed the parameters used in the literature and addressed data usability, considering Brazil as a case study. We gathered data on parameters identified for all 5570 Brazilian municipalities and evaluated their usability considering reliability and temporal and geographic granularity. We identified 51 parameters that are either currently used in models or could improve estimates, including parameters regarding territory, population density, socioeconomic condition, and solid waste generation, composition, collection, and final destination, selective waste collection, recycling, and hydrology. Only 29.4% of parameters were linked to data sources with good or very good usability, while most of them presented average usability (45.1%) and 7.8% were not linked to any data source. This panorama of low data usability reveals uncertainties and explicit difficulties of estimating plastic litter leakage to the environment, including mobilization from the terrestrial environment to the ocean. The Brazilian scenario reflects current data availability conditions and the difficulties of countries in the Global South to robustly understand plastic litter leakage and face land-based sources of marine litter.

12. Spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of PM2.5 concentration in China from 2000 to 2018 and its impact on population

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 323, 1 December 2022, 116273

Abstract

PM2.5 is an important indicator reflecting changes in air quality. In recent years, affected by climate change and human activities, the problem of environmental pollution has become more and more prominent. In this study, the PM2.5 data from 2000 to 2018 obtained by satellite remote sensing inversion algorithm were selected to analyze the temporal and spatial distribution of PM2.5 in China. The results show that the areas with higher PM2.5 concentrations were mainly in the North China, the Sichuan Basin, and the Tarim Basin. The areas with a significant increase in PM2.5 were mainly in the Northeast China, while the areas with a significant decrease were mainly in the Sichuan Basin and southeastern Gansu. The change of PM2.5 in southern China was not significantly correlated with the change of population and economy, while PM2.5 in Northeast China increases with the increase of population and economy. In 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015, the proportion of the population polluted by PM2.5 was 8.65%, 7.2%, 22.99%, and 9.75%, respectively. The year with the highest percentage (37.63%) of population when air quality reached EXCELLENT was 2015. When the PM2.5 spatial cluster number was six, it can better reflect the PM2.5 spatial distribution state. The places with large changes in PM2.5 spatial clustering were mainly in the Northeast China, Sichuan Basin, and Tarim Basin, which were also areas with large changes in PM2.5. This study provides an important reference for atmospheric environmental monitoring and protection.

13. Carbon emissions convergence and determinant analysis: Evidence from ASEAN countries

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 323, 1 December 2022, 116299

Abstract

In this study, we aim to uncover the convergence pattern of carbon emissions and its determinants towards effective reduction policies. In particular, we contribute to the emissions convergence literature by examining convergence in CO2 emissions for a sample of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, spanning the period from 1960 to 2018. We adopt the log (t) club convergence approach and examine convergence patterns in total CO2 emissions as well as emissions disaggregated by sources. We focus on emissions emerging from coal, oil, natural gas and cement production. The findings from the full sample analysis reveal two sub-convergent clubs that reflect population size, geography, and energy demand. The disaggregated analysis by sources show that the sources of emissions significantly influence convergence behaviour across the ASEAN countries investigated. We find that the transition paths of emissions are more pronounced for oil, gas and cement production with a large number of non-converging states. To ascertain the reason behind this result, we examine the determinants of the convergence process. We detect that urbanization plays a vital role in the convergence path of carbon emissions and calls for urgent efforts to decarbonize urbanization-related infrastructure processes.

14. Climate transition risk and bank performance:Evidence from China

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 323, 1 December 2022, 116275

Abstract

Under the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals”, China’s commercial banks are facing a severe climate transition risk. This paper proposes a climate transition risk measurement method for commercial banks, and investigates the impact of climate transition risk on bank performance based on the data of 490 commercial banks in China from 2008 to 2019. The empirical findings are as follows: firstly, the climate transition risk has an inhibitory effect on the performance of commercial banks, and the inhibitory effect weakens with the increase of bank size. Secondly, the signing of the Paris Agreement and the increase of the economic policy uncertainty in China have a positive moderating effect, which weakens the inhibitory effect of the climate transition risk. Finally, the climate transition risk inhibits the performance of commercial banks partly by reducing the scale of bank loans.

15. Environmental impacts of post-consumer plastic wastes: Treatment technologies towards eco-sustainability and circular economy

Chemosphere, Volume 308, Part 1, December 2022, 135867

Abstract

The huge amounts of plastic production (millions of tons) are carried out all around world every year and EU is one of the biggest consumers of these products. In 2021, recycling rate of plastic wastes around 32.5% in the EU and the rest end up on their journey in landfills and oceans that lead to environmental pollution which is a crucial global concern. Thus, it is important to take necessary steps to control the use of such plastic and to sustainably dispose them. One of the solutions to the problem is to use a better alternative to plastics which doesn’t degrade land, water or air nor affects living organisms. Circular economy is another answer to this problem, it would ensure prevention of post-consumer plastic waste from getting formed. In addition, sustainable disposal approaches for plastic waste such as pyrolysis, plasma gasification, photocatalytic degradation, and production of value-added products from polymer waste can be explored. These recycling methods has huge potential for research and studies and can play a crucial in eliminating post-consumer plastic waste. This review paper aims to discuss the environmental effects of post-consumer plastic wastes as well as the emerging approaches for the treatment of these environmental wastes towards eco-sustainability and circular economy.

MÔI TRƯỜNG ĐÔ THỊ

1. Modelling urban flooding integrated with flow and sediment transport in drainage networks

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 850, 1 December 2022, 158027

Abstract

Drainage networks play an essential role in mitigating urban flooding, which, nevertheless, are prone to suffer sediment deposits. To date, however, the effects of sediments in drainage networks on urban flooding remain poorly understood. Here an integrated model is proposed for urban flooding. It is composed of a hydrological module for surface runoff integrated with a one-dimensional hydro-sediment-morphodynamic module for coupled open-channel or pressurized flow and sediment transport in drainage networks. The governing equations are solved synchronously using a well-balanced finite volume method. The model is tested against two laboratory cases involving mixed flow and sediment transport in pipes, and the results agree well with observed data. A new residential area with virtually pervious surface and an established urban area with essentially impervious surfaces are studied using the present model to unravel how sediments in drainage networks affect urban flooding under different extreme rainfall and sediment scenarios. The results reveal that sediments alter the discharge hydrographs in the drainage networks to distinct extents under different storm return periods. As far as the present computational cases are concerned, when a third of the pipe diameter is occupied by sediment deposits, the peak pipeline flow discharge decreases by up to 25 %. Accordingly, the surface inundation depth increases by up to 18 %, and the inundation area expands by up to 12 %, characterizing a considerably higher flooding risk. The present findings provide insight into the influences of sediment transport in drainage networks on urban flooding.

2. Challenges on solar oxidation as post-treatment of municipal wastewater from UASB systems: Treatment efficiency, disinfection and toxicity

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 850, 1 December 2022, 157940

Abstract

The application of solar photo-Fenton as post-treatment of municipal secondary effluents (MSE) in developing tropical countries is the main topic of this review. Alternative technologies such as stabilization ponds and upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) are vastly applied in these countries. However, data related to the application of solar photo-Fenton to improve the quality of effluents from UASB systems are scarce. This review gathered main achievements and limitations associated to the application of solar photo-Fenton at neutral pH and at pilot scale to analyze possible challenges associated to its application as post-treatment of MSE generated by alternative treatments. To this end, the literature review considered studies published in the last decade focusing on CECs removal, toxicity reduction and disinfection via solar photo-Fenton. Physicochemical characteristics of effluents originated after UASB systems alone and followed by a biological post-treatment show significant difference when compared with effluents from conventional activated sludge (CAS) systems. Results obtained for solar photo-Fenton as post-treatment of MSE in developed countries indicate that remaining organic matter and alkalinity present in UASB effluents may pose challenges to the performance of solar advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). This drawback could result in a more toxic effluent. The use of chelating agents such as Fe3+-EDDS to perform solar photo-Fenton at neutral pH was compared to the application of intermittent additions of Fe2+ and both of these strategies were reported as effective to remove CECs from MSE. The latter strategy may be of greater interest in developing countries due to costs associated to complexing agents. In addition, more studies are needed to confirm the efficiency of solar photo-Fenton on the disinfection of effluent from UASB systems to verify reuse possibilities. Finally, future research urges to evaluate the efficiency of solar photo-Fenton at natural pH for the treatment of effluents from UASB systems.

3. The impact of heat and inflow wind variations on vertical transport around a supertall building – The One Vanderbilt field experiment

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 851, Part 2, 10 December 2022, 157834

Abstract

The impact skyscrapers have on wind flow remains poorly characterized, thus affecting atmospheric dispersion predictions in dense urban centers. A new mobile observatory equipped with remote sensors controlled by a smart sampling protocol was developed to collect high-resolution (18 m, 15 s) observations throughout the atmospheric layer below 1.5 km. A series of four deployments was performed around the One Vanderbilt skyscraper (H1 = 427 m) located in Manhattan, NY to document wind flow and temperature in canyons with relatively high width-to-depth ratios (H2/W ~ 1.2–7.5; H2 being the height of the adjacent building) and steepness (H1/H2= 2.1–11.2) and that under a range of inflow wind and solar heating conditions.

A series of flow features were common to all case studies with head-on winds. A stagnation point was observed 2/3 of the way up the impeded portion of the One Vanderbilt, pointing to the importance of the upwind building height in controlling vertical air flow. In the canyons parallel to the flow, three sets of mirroring counterrotating vortices were detected pointing to the fact that H2 is not as important a parameter in controlling flow in canyons parallel to the inflow wind.

Plumes of rapidly rising air were detected near building heat vents under both 10 m s−1 and 3 m s−1 inflow wind conditions, at night and in the morning respectively. This suggests that anthropogenic heat may be an important energy source especially in the absence of solar heating. In the presence of solar heating, a systematic tendency for upward flow was observed above H1. We associate this pattern to the presence of rising thermals, a common mechanism for planetary boundary layer growth. Below H2, complete flow reversal (relative to mechanically driven circulations) was detected ~20 % of the time, showing evidence of dominant thermal effects even under 7 m s−1 inflow wind conditions.

4. Wastewater toxicity removal: Integrated chemical and effect-based monitoring of full-scale conventional activated sludge and membrane bioreactor plants

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 851, Part 1, 10 December 2022, 158071

Abstract

The literature is currently lacking effect-based monitoring studies targeted at evaluating the performance of full-scale membrane bioreactor plants. In this research, a monitoring campaign was performed at a full-scale wastewater treatment facility with two parallel lines (traditional activated sludge and membrane bioreactor). Beside the standard parameters (COD, nitrogen, phosphorus, and metals), 6 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, 29 insecticides, 2 herbicides, and 3 endocrine disrupting compounds were measured. A multi-tiered battery of bioassays complemented the investigation, targeting different toxic modes of action and employing various biological systems (uni/multicellular, prokaryotes/eukaryotes, trophic level occupation). A traffic light scoring approach was proposed to quickly visualize the impact of treatment on overall toxicity that occurred after the exposure to raw and concentrated wastewater. Analysis of the effluents of the CAS and MBR lines show very good performance of the two systems for removal of organic micropollutants and metals. The most noticeable differences between CAS and MBR occurred in the concentration of suspended solids; chemical analyses did not show major differences. On the other hand, bioassays demonstrated better performance for the MBR. Both treatment lines complied with the Italian law’s “ecotoxicity standard for effluent discharge in surface water”. Yet, residual biological activity was still detected, demonstrating the adequacy and sensitivity of the toxicological tools, which, by their inherent nature, allow the overall effects of complex mixtures to be taken into account.

5. Tyre additive chemicals, tyre road wear particles and high production polymers in surface water at 5 urban centres in Queensland, Australia

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 852, 15 December 2022, 158468

Abstract

Plastics pollution is a global issue impacting every part of our environment. Tyre road wear particle (TRWP) plastics pollution is thought to be one of the largest pollution sources in urban environments. These plastics are also of concern due to the presence of additive chemicals, incorporated during manufacture, that can be released into the surrounding environment. This study aimed to provide information on concentrations of a range of anthropogenic plastics related pollutants in the Australian environment through a scoping study of surface water in 5 key urban centres around Queensland, Australia. Samples were analysed for a suite of 15 common tyre additive chemicals, TRWPs and 6 common high production polymers, and included the new transformation product of concern 6PPD-quinone which has recent reports of causing mass mortality events in certain aquatic species. The additives were ubiquitously detected (2.9–1440 ng/L) with 6PPD-quinone concentrations lower than in previous studies (<0.05–24 ng/L) and TRWPs detected at 18 of the 21 sites

6. Material mass balance and elemental flow analysis in a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor for municipal wastewater treatment towards low-carbon operation and resource recovery

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 852, 15 December 2022, 158586

Abstract

The anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) has gained huge attention as a municipal wastewater (MWW) treatment process that combined high organics removal, a low sludge yield and bioenergy recovery. In this study, a 20 L AnMBR was set up and operated steadily for 70 days in temperate conditions with an HRT of 6 h and a flux of 12 LMH for the treatment of real MWW, focusing on the behavior of the major elements (C, N, P and S) from an elemental balance perspective. The results showed that the AnMBR achieved more than 85 % COD removal, a low sludge yield (0.081 gVSS/gCODremoved) and high methane production (0.31 L-CH4/gCODremoved) close to the theoretical value. The elemental flow analysis revealed that the AnMBR converted 77 % of the influent COD to methane (57 % gaseous and 20 % dissolved) and 6 % of the COD for sludge production. In addition, the AnMBR converted 34 % of the total carbon to energy-generated carbon, and only 3 % was in the form of CO2 in the biogas for further upgradation, which was in line with the concept of carbon neutrality. Since little nitrogen or phosphorus were removed, the permeate was nutrient-rich and further treatment to recover the nutrients would be required. This study illustrates the superior performance of the AnMBR for MWW treatment with a microscopic view of elemental behavior and provides a reference for implementing the mainstream AnMBR process in carbon-neutral wastewater treatment plants.

7. Identification of fibrous suspended atmospheric microplastics in Bandung Metropolitan Area, Indonesia

Chemosphere, Volume 308, Part 2, December 2022, 136194

Abstract

Most research mainly focused on microplastics in the aquatics and terrestrial environment, whereas studies related to microplastics in the atmospheric environment are still limited. This study aims to identify microplastics in Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) in two different spatial areas. The measurement and study was to represent the commercial area (urban area) and residential area (sub-urban) in Greater Bandung City, Indonesia. Suspected microplastics were identified by visual observation using a digital microscope, then were confirmed by the hot needle test method. Microplastics fibres were found in all samples with a concentration range of 0.3–0.6 particles/m3 in the commercial area and 0.1–0.3 particles/m3 in the residential area. Black is the dominant colour of microplastics both in the commercial and residential areas, which counted up to 77.2% and 81.8% respectively. Microplastics fibres have various sizes, with the dominant size ranging from 1000 to 1400 μm in the commercial area and 600–1000 μm in the residential area. The proven occurrence of microplastics in Greater Bandung Region and in other parts of the world can be used to attract attention on further study on source, fate, impact, and possibility of a new air quality monitoring parameter.

8. Impact of solid content on hydrothermal pretreatment of municipal sludge prior to fermentation and anaerobic digestion

Chemosphere, Volume 308, Part 3, December 2022, 136363

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of the solid sludge content concentrations (SC) on hydrothermal pretreatment (HTP) before fermentation and anaerobic digestion. Five different SC of 3.5%, 7%, 10%, 12%, and 16% were investigated in two different scenarios. The first scenario entailed using only the pretreated samples as substrates, whereas in scenario two, the substrates included pretreated samples combined with the supernatant. Results revealed that the highest overall pCOD solubilization (considering HTP and fermentation) of 64% was achieved for the sample with 12% SC combined with supernatant. The maximum volatile fatty acids production of 2.8 g COD/L occurred with 10% SC without supernatant. The maximum methane yield of 291 mL CH4/g VSS added was attained at 7% SC without supernatant. Furthermore, the results indicated that increasing the SC beyond 7% in scenario 1 and 10% in scenario two led to a decrease in methane yield. Additionally, optimizing for all desired endpoints may be difficult, and there are limits on the increase in SC concerning methane production.

9. An assessment of volatile organic compounds pollutant emissions from wood materials: A review

Chemosphere, Volume 308, Part 3, December 2022, 136460

Abstract

Various construction materials and interior equipment contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Their higher quantities in indoor air are linked to poor health consequences and are controversial regarding health risks, given that people spend so much time indoors. As a result, VOCs in indoor air cause concern regarding sick building syndrome. From a historical perspective, wood and wood-based panels have been frequently employed. Nonetheless, wood appears to be a product and a material of the future in today’s world. The emission of VOCs from wood and wood products is essential when assessing the impact of different materials on the indoor environment. The emission rate is affected by both the wood species and the boundary circumstances (drying, storage, etc.). The issue of VOCs emitted from wood, and wood-based panels are addressed in this review paper. The most prevalent VOCs were listed. The advantages and limits of using VOCs for analytical determination from these composites are discussed.

10. Identification of fibrous suspended atmospheric microplastics in Bandung Metropolitan Area, Indonesia

Chemosphere, Volume 308, Part 2, December 2022, 136194

Abstract

Most research mainly focused on microplastics in the aquatics and terrestrial environment, whereas studies related to microplastics in the atmospheric environment are still limited. This study aims to identify microplastics in Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) in two different spatial areas. The measurement and study was to represent the commercial area (urban area) and residential area (sub-urban) in Greater Bandung City, Indonesia. Suspected microplastics were identified by visual observation using a digital microscope, then were confirmed by the hot needle test method. Microplastics fibres were found in all samples with a concentration range of 0.3–0.6 particles/m3 in the commercial area and 0.1–0.3 particles/m3 in the residential area. Black is the dominant colour of microplastics both in the commercial and residential areas, which counted up to 77.2% and 81.8% respectively. Microplastics fibres have various sizes, with the dominant size ranging from 1000 to 1400 μm in the commercial area and 600–1000 μm in the residential area. The proven occurrence of microplastics in Greater Bandung Region and in other parts of the world can be used to attract attention on further study on source, fate, impact, and possibility of a new air quality monitoring parameter.

11. A review on landfill system for municipal solid wastes: Insight into leachate, gas emissions, environmental and economic analysis

Chemosphere, Volume 309, Part 1, December 2022, 136627

Abstract

Landfill is one of the common processes for removing and disposing waste materials that comprises the final method of disposing municipal solid waste. Disposal of municipal solid waste through land filling has become an important environmental problem all over the world which results in environmental contamination and pollution. Microbes present in the land act on the dumped materials and decompose the organic content present. The leachate from landfill is rich in organic, inorganic and suspended particles which may cause threat to ecosystem. The pollutants from leachate may be heavy metals, organic and inorganic content and organic compounds. The geological properties of soil get altered when leachate migrates. The physical, chemical and biological properties of the dumped material are determined by the decomposition of substances and microbes acting onto it. Trace gas emission may occur due to volatilization of chemical substances, degradation of waste materials and conversion reactions. The concentration of gas released varies from region to region of dumping, covered and uncovered dumped materials. The current review recommends an engineered landfill design helpful for landfill gas generation which replaces the fossil fuel as a compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas. The landfill area is separated into organic and inorganic cells to scope at the objective of energy generation and resource recovery. However, the impact of these released gaseous emissions has been analyzed completely.

12. Characterizing the source apportionment of black carbon and ultrafine particles near urban roads in Xi’an, China

Environmental Research, Volume 215, Part 1, December 2022, 114209

Abstract

Better knowledge of the sources of black carbon (BC) and ultrafine particles (UFPs) in urban roadway region will provide helpful information for improving road air pollution caused by vehicle emissions. For this purpose, we conducted daily observation of BC and UFPs at two trafficked sites (intersection and roadside), and a background site in Xi’an, China. The concentration data of BC and UFPs measured were combined with Aethalometer model and UFPs source apportion model, to determine and analyze the sources of BC in an urban road region. Further, the source and variation characteristics of primary and secondary UFPs at the roadside sites were clarified. The results showed that average BC concentrations at the intersection, roadside, and background were respectively 3577 ± 2771, 3078 ± 2343, and 1914 ± 1229 ng/m3. The BC source apportionment results revealed contribution rates of on-board fossil fuel combustion (BCff) at the intersection and near the road of ca. 78.7% and 73.6%, respectively. Moreover, the proportion of particles number concentrations directly emitted from vehicles and nucleated upon emission (47%) was lower than that of particles formed during the dilution and cooling of vehicle emissions and by in-situ new particle formation (53%) at the roadside site. At 49%, the proportion of primary particles number was slightly higher at the intersection. The impacts of new particle-formation events on the diurnal variation of secondary particles were explored. Generally, the majority of BC originated from traffic exhausts, while the secondary particles from non-traffic sources are dominant at the road intersections. By providing a better understanding of near-road pollution issues, this study’s findings can be useful for taking effective regulatory efforts to improve air quality and reduce people’s exposure to traffic-pollutants in an urban environment.

13. Indicators for climate change-driven urban health impact assessment

Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 323, 1 December 2022, 116165

Abstract

Climate change can cause multiply potential health issues in urban areas, which is the most susceptible environment in terms of the presently increasing climate volatility. Urban greening strategies make an important part of the adaptation strategies which can ameliorate the negative impacts of climate change. It was aimed to study the potential impacts of different kinds of greenings against the adverse effects of climate change, including waterborne, vector-borne diseases, heat-related mortality, and surface ozone concentration in a medium-sized Hungarian city. As greening strategies, large and pocket parks were considered, based on our novel location identifier algorithm for climate risk minimization.

A method based on publicly available data sources including satellite pictures, climate scenarios and urban macrostructure has been developed to evaluate the health-related indicator patterns in cities. The modelled future- and current patterns of the indicators have been compared. The results can help the understanding of the possible future state of the studied indicators and the development of adequate greening strategies.

Another outcome of the study is that it is not the type of health indicator but its climate sensitivity that determines the extent to which it responds to temperature rises and how effective greening strategies are in addressing the expected problem posed by the factor.

14. Assessment of the health benefits to children of a transportation climate policy in New York City

Environmental Research, Volume 215, Part 3, December 2022, 114165

Abstract

Background

Assessments of health and environmental effects of clean air and climate policies have revealed substantial health benefits due to reductions in air pollution, but have included few pediatric outcomes or assessed benefits at the neighborhood level.

Objectives

We estimated benefits across a suite of child health outcomes in 42 New York City (NYC) neighborhoods under the proposed regional Transportation and Climate Initiative. We also estimated their distribution across racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

Methods

We estimated changes in ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations associated with on-road emissions under nine different predefined cap-and-invest scenarios. Health outcomes, including selected adverse birth, respiratory, and neurodevelopmental outcomes, were estimated using a program similar to the U.S. EPA BenMAP program. We stratified the associated monetized benefits across racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

Results

The benefits varied widely over the different cap-and-investment scenarios. For a 25% reduction in carbon emissions from 2022 to 2032 and a strategy prioritizing public transit investments, NYC would have an estimated 48 fewer medical visits for childhood asthma, 13,000 avoided asthma exacerbations not requiring medical visits, 640 fewer respiratory illnesses unrelated to asthma, and 9 avoided adverse birth outcomes (infant mortality, preterm birth, and term low birth weight) annually, starting in 2032. The total estimated annual avoided costs are $22 million. City-wide, Black and Hispanic children would experience 1.7 times the health benefits per capita than White and Non-Hispanic White children, respectively. Under the same scenario, neighborhoods experiencing the highest poverty rates in NYC would experience about 2.5 times the health benefits per capita than the lowest poverty neighborhoods.

Conclusion

A cap-and-invest strategy to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector could provide substantial health and monetized benefits to children in NYC through reductions in criteria pollutant concentrations, with greater benefits among Black and Hispanic children.

15. Investigation of a haze-to-dust and dust swing process at a coastal city in northern China part I: Chemical composition and contributions of anthropogenic and natural sources’

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 851, Part 2, 10 December 2022, 158270

Abstract

The long retention of dust air masses in polluted areas, especially in winter, may efficiently change the physicochemical properties of aerosols, causing additional health and ecological effects. A large-scale haze-to-dust weather event occurred in the North China Plain (NCP) region during the autumn-to-winter transition period in 2018, affecting the coastal city Qingdao several times between Nov. 27th and Dec. 1st. To study the evolution of the pollution process, we analyzed the chemical characteristics of PM2.5 and PM10–2.5 and source apportionments of PM2.5 and PM10, The dust stagnated around NCP and moved out and back to the site, noted as dust swing process, promoting SO42− formation in PM2.5 and NO3− formation in PM10–2.5. Source apportionments were analyzed using the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) receptor model and weighted potential source contribution function (WPSCF). Before the dust invasion, Qingdao was influenced by severe haze; waste incineration and coal burning were the major contributors (~80 %) to PM2.5, and the source region was in the southwest of Shandong Province. During the initial dust event, mineral dust and the mixed factor of dust and sea salt were the major contributors (46.0 % of PM2.5 and 86.5 % of PM10). During the polluted dust period, the contributions of regional transported biomass burning (22.3 %), vehicle emissions (20.8 %), and secondary aerosols (33.8 %) to PM2.5 from the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region significantly increased. The secondary aerosols source was more regional than that of vehicle emissions and biomass burning and contributed considerably to PM10 (30.8 %) during the dust swing process. Our findings demonstrate that environmental managers should consider the possible adverse effects of winter dust on regional and local pollution.

16. Microplastics in surface sediments of a highly urbanized wetland

Environmental Pollution, Volume 314, 1 December 2022, 120276

Abstract

This study investigates the incidence of MPs in surface sediment samples, collected from the Anzali Wetland, Gillan province, North of Iran. This natural habitat receives municipal wastewater effluents and hosts industries and recreational activities that could release plastic to the wetland. There is need for studies to understand MPs pollution in wetlands. A total of 40 superficial sediment samples were taken covering potential pollution hotspots in the wetland. The average level of MPs was 362 ± 327.6 MP/kg: the highest MPs levels were near the outlet of a highly urbanized river (Pirbazar River) (1380 MP/kg), which runs through Rasht city. This was followed by 1255 MP/kg where there was intense fishing, boating and tourism activities in the vicinity of Bandar-e Anzali city. Fibers were the most common type of MPs (80% of the total MPs detected). The MPs polluting the wetland were predominantly white/transparent (42%), and about 40% of them were >1000 μm. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) prevailed in MPs found. MPs were characterized with polarized light microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Microplastics levels were found to correlate significantly (p > 0.7) with electrical conductivity (EC) and sand-size fraction of the sediments. Coarse-grained sediments presented large capacity to lodge the MPs. This study can be used to establish protection policies in wetlands and newly highlights the opportunity of intercepting MPs in the Anzali Wetland, which are generally >250 μm, before they fragment further.

17. Microplastic reorganization in urban river before and after rainfall

Environmental Pollution, Volume 314, 1 December 2022, 120326

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) present in non-negligible amounts in urban environments, where urban rivers serve as important transport channels for MPs. However, the footprint of MPs in urban rivers under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors is poorly understood. This study investigated the MPs organization, stability and pollution risk before and after rainfall in the Qing River, Beijing. Rainfall potentially diluted the MPs abundance, attributed to opening of barrages and increase of flow velocity. The proportion of small-sized MPs (SMPs, 48–300 μm) decreased slightly, whereas that of normal-sized MPs (NMPs, 300–1000 μm) and large-sized MPs (LMPs, > 1000 μm) increased. However, SMPs dominantly presented in the Qing River before and after rainfall. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS) were main polymers observed in the Qing River. The proportions of PET and PS decreased, while PP and PE increased after rainfall. The main types of MPs introduced by stormwater were PP and PE. The elevated MP diversity integrated index after rain suggested that rainfall enriched the local sources of MPs. Rainfall reduced the stability and fragmentation of MPs owing to the introduction of large debris. NMPs and LMPs were susceptible to further fragmentation and downsizing, implying that MPs abundance in the Qing River tended to rise and SMPs might enriched. In addition, alteration of MPs fragmentation and stability reflected that the likely input source was wastewater treatment plant and atmospheric deposition before rainfall, whereas soil and road dust were possible sources after rainfall. The pollution risk assessment defined the MPs pollution risk of Qing River as low level and decreased after rainfall. This study demonstrated that rainfall substantially influences MPs organization in urban river and provided empirical support for MPs environmental behavior under influence of natural and anthropogenic factors.

MÔI TRƯỜNG KHU CÔNG NGHIỆP

1. Source apportionment of ambient PM10 collected at three sites in an urban-industrial area with multi-time resolution factor analyses

Science of The Total Environment, Volume 850, 1 December 2022, 157981

Abstract

Chemical speciation data for PM10, collected for annual trend analyses of health-relevant species, at three receptor sites in a highly industrialized area (IJmond) in the Netherlands were used in a multi-time resolution receptor model (ME-2) to identify the PM10 sources in this area. Despite the available data not being optimized for receptor modelling, five-factor solutions were obtained for all sites based on independent PMF analysis on PM10 data from the three sites (IJM, WAZ and BEV). Four factors were common to all three sites: nitrate-sulphate (average percentage contributions to PM10: IJM: 35.3 %, WAZ: 37.7 %, and BEV: 36.3 %); sea salt (20.2 %, 23.7 %, 15.2 %); industrial (8.1 %, 11.0 %, 18.1 %) and brake wear/traffic (31.4 %, 21.2 %, 20.6 %). At WAZ, a local/site-specific factor containing most of the PAH measurements was found (6.4 %) while a crustal matter factor was resolved at IJM (7.6 %) and BEV (9.8 %). Additionally, sludge-drying was a potential source of the marker species in the industrial factor at WAZ. Bootstrapping (BS) and factor displacement (DISP) were applied to the factor profiles in this work for error estimation. In general, the factor profiles at all three sites had very small intervals from both BS and DISP methods. To our knowledge, this is the first time DISP was applied in a complex model such as the multi-time resolution model. Most of the measured metal and PAH concentrations found in the IJmond area during the 2017–2019 period had local sources, with significant contributions from several processes related to the steel industry. This study shows that available detailed PM10 chemical speciation data, although primarily collected for annual trend analyses of health-relevant species, could also be used in receptor modelling by applying a multi-time framework. We propose general recommendations for the optimization of the measurement strategy for source apportionment of PM in areas with similar urban-industrial land use.

2. Occurrence of emerging organic contaminants and endocrine disruptors in different water compartments in Mexico – A review

Chemosphere, Volume 308, Part 1, December 2022, 136285

Abstract

This review compiles the studies (2007–2021) regarding the occurrence of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) and endocrine disruptors (EDs) in wastewater, surface water and groundwater in Mexico. A total of 174 compounds were detected, including pharmaceuticals, hormones, plasticizers, personal care products, sweeteners, drugs, and pesticides considered as EDs. The levels of EOCs and EDs varied from ng/L to 140 mg/L, depending on the compound, location, and compartment. Raw wastewater was the most studied matrix, showing a greater abundance and number of detected compounds. Nevertheless, surface waters showed high concentrations of bisphenol-A, butylbenzil-phthalate, triclosan, pentachlorophenol, and the hormones estrone, 17 α-ethinylestradiol, and 17 β-estradiol, which exceeded the thresholds set by international guidelines. Concentrations of 17 α-ethinylestradiol and triclosan exceeding the above-mentioned limits were reported in groundwater. Cropland irrigation with raw wastewater was the principal activity introducing EOCs and EDs into groundwater. The groundwater abundance of EOCs was considerably lesser than that of wastewater, highlighting the attenuation capacity of soils/aquifers during wastewater infiltration. However, carbamazepine and N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide showed higher concentrations in groundwater than those in wastewater, suggesting their accumulation/concentration in soils/pore-waters. Although the contamination of water resources represents one of the most environmental concerns in Mexico, this review brings to light the lack of studies on the occurrence of EOCs in Mexican waters, which is important for public health policies and for developing legislations that incorporates EOCs as priority contaminants in national water quality guidelines. Consequently, the development of legislations will support regulatory compliance for wastewater and drinking water, reducing the human exposure.

3. Legacy of contamination with metal(loid)s and their potential mobilization in soils at a carbonate-hosted lead-zinc mine area

Chemosphere, Volume 308, Part 3, December 2022, 136589

Abstract

Chemical weathering of carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn mines via acid-promoted or oxidative dissolution generates metal-bearing colloids at neutral mine drainage sites. However, the mobility and bioavailability of the colloids associated with metals in nearby soils are unknown. Here, we monitored the mobility of metal(loid)s in soils affected by aeolian deposition and river transport in the vicinity of a carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn mine. Using chemical extraction, ultrafiltration, and microscopic and spectroscopic analysis of metals we find that contamination levels of the soil metals cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were negatively correlated with metal extractability. However, nano-scale characterization indicates that colloid-metal(loid) interactions induced potential mobilization and increased risk from metal(loid)s. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and HRTEM-EDX-SAED analysis further indicate that organic matter (OM)-rich nano-colloids associated with calcium (Ca), silicon (Si) and iron (Fe) precipitates accounted for the majority of the dissolved metal fractions in carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn mine soils. More stable nano-crystals (ZnS, ZnCO3, Zn-bearing sulfates, hematite and Al–Si–Fe compounds) were present in the pore water of aeolian-impacted upland soils rather than in river water-impacted soils. Our results suggest that future work should consider the possibility that potential mobilization of metal(loid)s induced by the weathering and transformation of these metal-bearing nano-crystals to metal-bearing amorphous colloids, potentially elevating metal mobility and/or bioavailability in river water-impacted agricultural soils.

4. Microplastics in sewage sludge: Distribution, toxicity, identification methods, and engineered technologies

Chemosphere, Volume 308, Part 3, December 2022, 136455

Abstract

Microplastic pollution is becoming a global challenge due to its long-term accumulation in the environment, causing adverse effects on human health and the ecosystem. Sludge discharged from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) plays a critical role as a carrier and primary source of environmental microplastic contamination. A significantly average microplastic variation between 1000 and 301,400 particles kg has been reported in the sludge samples. In recent years, advanced technologies have been successfully applied to address this issue, including adsorption, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), and membrane bioreactors (MBRs). Adsorption technologies are essential to utilizing novel adsorbents (e.g., biochar, graphene, zeolites) for effectively removing MPs. Especially, the removal efficiency of polymer microspheres from an aqueous solution by Mg/Zn modified magnetic biochars (Mg/Zn-MBC) was obtained at more than 95%. Also, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are widely applied to degrade microplastic contaminants, in which photocatalytic by semiconductors (e.g., TiO and ZnO) is a highly suitable approach to promote the degradation reactions owing to strongly hydroxyl radicals (OH*). Biological degradation-aided microorganisms (e.g., bacterial and fungal strains) have been reported to be suitable for removing microplastics. Yet, it was affected by biotic and abiotic factors of the environmental conditions (e.g., pH, light, temperature, moisture, bio-surfactants, microorganisms, enzymes) as well as their polymer characteristics, i.e., molecular weight, functional groups, and crystallinity. Notably, membrane bioreactors (MBRs) showed the highest efficiency in removing up to 99% microplastic particles and minimizing their contamination in sewage sludge. Further, MBRs illustrate the suitability for treating high-strength compounds, e.g., polymer debris and microplastic fibers from complex industrial wastewater. Finally, this study provided a comprehensive understanding of potential adverse risks, transportation pathways, and removal mechanisms of microplastic, which full-filled the knowledge gaps in this field.

5. Synergistic solidification of lead-contaminated soil by magnesium oxide and microorganisms

Chemosphere, Volume 308, Part 2, December 2022, 136422

Abstract

Although microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology effectively promotes the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils in low concentrations, the high concentration of heavy metals has a toxic effect on microorganisms, which leads to the decline of carbonate yield and makes the soil strength and environmental safety after remediation no up to the standard. This study describes the synergistic curing effect of MgO and microorganisms on soil contaminated with high concentrations of heavy metals. The experimental results with MgO showed 2–6 times increase in unconfined compressive strength (UCS) compared to bio-cemented samples without MgO. Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure experiments indicated that Pb-contaminated soil at 10,000 mg/kg with quantitative MgO for synergistic solidification could meet the international solid waste disposal standards, which leachable Pb2+ are less than 5 mg/L. In addition, the microscopic results showed that the introduction of MgO promoted the formation of magnesium calcite and dolomite, improved the solidification efficiency of heavy metal contaminants, and demonstrated the presence of Pb2+ in carbonate minerals. This study suggests that MgO and microorganisms have broad application prospects for synergistic solidification of Pb2+ soil.

6. Techniques for remediation of pharmaceutical pollutants using metal organic framework – Review on toxicology, applications, and mechanism

Chemosphere, Volume 308, Part 2, December 2022, 136417

Abstract

Treatment of recalcitrant and xenobiotic pharmaceutical compounds in polluted waters have gained significant attention of the environmental scientists. Antibiotics are diffused into the environment widely owing to their high usages, very particularly in the last two years due to over consumption during covid 19 pandemic worldwide. Quinolones are very effective antibiotics, but do not get completely metabolized due to which they pose severe health hazards if discharged without proper treatment. The commonly reported treatment methods for quinolones are adsorption and advanced oxidation methods. In both the treatment methods, metal organic frameworks (MOF) have been proved to be promising materials used as stand-alone or combined technique. Many composite MOF materials synthesized from renewable, natural, and harmless materials by eco-friendly techniques have been reported to be effective in the treatment of quinolones. In the present article, special focus is given on the abatement of norfloxacin and ofloxacin contaminated wastewater using MOFs by adsorption, oxidation/ozonation, photocatalytic degradation, electro-fenton methods, etc. However, integration of adsorption with any advanced oxidation methods was found to be best remediation technique. Of various MOFs reported by several researchers, the MIL-101(Cr)–SO3H composite was able to give 99% removal of norfloxacin by adsorption. The MIL – 88A(Fe) composite and Fe LDH carbon felt cathode were reported to yield 100% degradation of ofloxacin by photo-Fenton and electro-fenton methods respectively. The synthesis methods and mechanism of action of MOFs towards the treatment of norfloxacin and ofloxacin as reported by several investigation reports are also presented.

7. Recent advances in biopolymer-based advanced oxidation processes for dye removal applications: A review

Environmental Research, Volume 215, Part 1, December 2022, 114242

Abstract

Over the past few years, synthetic dye-contaminated wastewater has attracted considerable global attention due to the low biodegradability and the ability of organic dyes to persist and remain toxic, causing numerous health and environmental concerns. As a result of the recalcitrant nature of those complex organic dyes, the remediation of wastewater using conventional wastewater treatment techniques is becoming increasingly challenging. In recent years, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have emerged as a potential alternative to treat organic dyestuffs discharged from industries. The most widely employed AOPs include photocatalysis, ozonation, Fenton oxidation, electrochemical oxidation, catalytic heterogeneous oxidation, and ultrasound irradiation. These processes involve the generation of highly reactive radicals to oxidize organic dyes into innocuous minerals. However, many conventional AOPs suffer from several setbacks, including the high cost, high consumption of reagents and substrates, self-agglomeration of catalysts, limited reusability, and the requirement of light, ultrasound, or electricity. Therefore, there has been significant interest in improving the performance of conventional AOPs using biopolymers and heterogeneous catalysts such as metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs). Biopolymers have been widely considered in developing green, sustainable, eco-friendly, and low-cost AOP-based dye removal technologies. They inherit intriguing properties like biodegradability, renewability, nontoxicity, relative abundance, and sorption. In addition, the immobilization of catalysts on biopolymer supports has been proven to possess excellent catalytic activity and turnover numbers. The current review provides comprehensive coverage of different AOPs and how efficiently biopolymers, including cellulose, chitin, chitosan, alginate, gelatin, guar gum, keratin, silk fibroin, zein, albumin, lignin, and starch, have been integrated with heterogeneous AOPs in dye removal applications. This review also discusses the general degradation mechanisms of AOPs, applications of biopolymers in AOPs and the roles of biopolymers in AOPs-based dye removal processes. Furthermore, key challenges and future perspectives of biopolymer-based AOPs have also been highlighted.

8. Exploring the emission reduction potential of industries: A source-processing-end coordinated model and its application

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 380, Part 1, 20 December 2022, 134885

Abstract

Many requirements have been proposed for pollution control in a legal, scientific and targeted way. At the critical stage of pollution prevention and control, refined management of industrial pollution is a way of achieving targeted pollution control. Focusing regional pollution reduction targets on industrial production processes with reduction emission potential is an effective way to achieve targeted control. We established a source-processing-end (S–P-E) coordinated model—SPECM—by collaboratively considering the whole-process of raw material-processing-end-of-pipe (EOP) chains and applied the model to the setting of medium- and long-term pollution control targets and selection of reduction options for various industries in Lanzhou, China. The results indicated that (1) chemical manufacturing-related industries are the key potential volatile organic compound (VOC) emission reduction industries in Lanzhou, accounting for approximately 89% of the total emission reduction potential; (2) metal furniture manufacturing and paper-making industries should strengthen processing optimization while also giving attention to material substitution; and (3) printing-related industries need collaborative control of their whole-process, especially material substitution enhancement. The SPECM method focuses on the reduction in industrial processes and proposes reduction options under different reduction targets. This new collaborative control method could facilitate the design of coordinated control schemes across industries under industrial emission reduction targets. Overall, our results could provide new ideas and guidance for the refined management of regional industrial pollution.

9. Role of membrane technology in food industry effluent treatment

Materials Today: Proceedings, Available online 7 December 2022

Abstract

Water is crucial for all industrial as well as domestic use. With the increase in population and development of industry, the demand for potable drinking is surging rapidly.x Wastewater discharge is a major issue for industries as regulatory bodies mandate adequate treatment before releasing it to the aquatic bodies. The food industry is one of the most water-intensive industries. The demand for food increases with the increase in population which leads to more production of readymade food products. This will lead to more water demand and usage for production, which ultimately generates more and more wastewater. Food industry effluent characteristic depends on the type of processing operations. Conventional wastewater treatment plants can treat this type of effluents to some extent. Treatment of this wastewater for utilization in manufacturing applications requires enrichment and development for agricultural and domestic use. Membrane technology is gaining popularity for wastewater remediation methodolgies because of its benefits over traditional methods. Membrane technology is used to extract out valued compounds from the waste stream in many food industries. Membrane technology can also be used as a pre- or post-treatment to enhance the performance of the conventional processes. Many integrated membrane techniques are recently developed and used by various food industries to treat their effluent.

10. A sustainable competitive supply chain network design for a green product under uncertainty: A case study of Iranian leather industry

Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Volume 84, December 2022, 101414

Abstract

The leather industry typically generates a large amount of wastewater. Leather production requires large quantities of freshwater and various chemicals are added to the water at every stage of production. The absence of proper regulatory bodies and specialized treatment plants to recycle the wastewater add to the environmental hazards caused by the industry. Due to the problems cited above and the significant cost of safe wastewater disposal, numerous manufacturers illegally discharge their chemically polluted wastewater, causing immeasurable damage to the environment and public health. Governments’ failure to adopt suitable taxation and subsidy policies further aggravates the crisis and discourages manufacturers from transitioning toward sustainable production practices. As a result, the majority of manufacturers are on the brink of bankruptcy. In this study, we propose a model for a leather industry supply chain that incorporates the three pillars of sustainability which include economic viability, environmental protection, and social equity. The proposed model features flexible governmental policies and enacts a Stackelberg competition between the producers and retailers under both certain and uncertain conditions in the context of the Iranian leather industry to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. To verify the applicability of the model, it was applied to a real-world case study under uncertainty. In the end, the validity of the model was confirmed when the results were approved by a panel of industry experts.

11. The making of an oil frontier: Territorialisation dynamics in Uganda’s emerging oil industry

The Extractive Industries and Society, Volume 12, December 2022, 101188

Abstract

Extractive industries are operating in an increasingly complex global context with concerns about human rights, environmental protection, and transparency high on the agenda. To establish a new oil project, oil companies must navigate a landscape of competing territorialisation processes, where the state and extractive companies put in place measures to recognise community rights, conduct ESIAs and provide local benefits. Indigenous groups, social movements and NGOs may challenge these efforts by demanding greater rights protection and benefits, or by resisting extractive industry projects. Drawing on the post frontier concept, this article explores territorialising and counter territorialising dynamics in Uganda during the pre-oil stages of the industry. We find that the drivers and agents of competing territorialisation processes change over time as the industry develops. This is due to the changing role and priorities of oil multinational companies (MNCs) over time, constraints on Ugandan civil society, and tension between the interests of the state to push through oil infrastructure projects and the pressure on oil MNCs to uphold international standards of human rights. We find that the Ugandan post frontier is emerging through a negotiated process, however, not one that is locally responsive and based on consensus but driven more by the changing priorities of oil MNCs and the need to mitigate risk.

12. Paradigm shift towards the sustainability in upstream oil industry for enhanced recovery – A state-of-art review

Journal of Cleaner Production, Available online 30 December 2022, 135784

Abstract

Sustainability refers to achieving our goals without compromising the capacity of coming generations to accomplish their aims. Sustainability is a multifaceted approach considering ecological, social, and economic factors. Adopting sustainable practices, whether large or small, can have a significant long-term impact. Therefore, a detailed study of sustainability in the upstream Oil and Gas (O & G) industry is presented. In this review, a contemporary explanation of the enhanced oil recovery methods and their evolution over the years in terms of chemicals and mechanisms has been discussed. The application of nano-sized particles for better recovery has been introduced in hydrocarbon recovery. The nanoparticles, the involvement of polymeric surfactants, Pickering emulsions, and ionic liquids show effectiveness in oil recovery. This review encounters the applicability of various chemical enhanced recovery methods. Moreover, the synergistic impacts of the above-mentioned chemicals with standard methods, their efficiency, and their evolution in the petroleum industry have also been investigated thoroughly. The era of enhanced recovery begins with the involvement of surfactants, followed by alkali, polymers, combinations of both, and microemulsions. Then, nanotechnology came into the picture followed by Pickering emulsions. The journey is still continuing in search of sustainable recovery methods for a better tomorrow. Recently, ionic liquids have also been involved in oil recovery methods. Current research works show the potentiality of ionic liquids in the hydrocarbon industry as a green solvent. Overall, this review gives a clear-cut insight regarding the chemicals involved in recovery as well as the paradigm shift happening in the hydrocarbon industry for sustainability. CO2 injection with geological storage has also been discussed and this method could help to achieve a target of net-zero emission. A substantial discussion regarding the applications of chemical enhanced oil recovery and CO2 injection procedures for sustainable production of energy is presented to show the paradigm shift in enhanced oil recovery methods. This paper reviews the previous works done by the researchers on various enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods and tries to meticulously add the new developments that caused the switch from conventional materials to bio-based materials as well as the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) strategies. The major objective of this study is to provide insight into various advancements in the upstream O & G Industry for EOR and also helps in understanding the significance of bio-based additives, microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR), and the CCUS for achieving more environmentally friendly and cost-effective operations. The state-of-art review will provide a complete and detailed comprehensive analysis of EOR methods as well as the shift toward sustainability. This paper is beneficial as it delivers insights into the mechanism of various new synthetics in the EOR application. Also, it offers commendations and guiding principles for future advances in sustainable methods.

13. Assessing the chlorine metabolism and its resource efficiency in chlor-alkali industrial symbiosis – A case of Shanghai Chemical Industry Park

Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 380, Part 2, 20 December 2022, 134934

Abstract

As an important part of China’s chemical industry, chlor-alkali enterprises were featured by heavy consumption of natural resource and large amount of pollutants. Circular economy in chlor-alkali industry should be developed in China to achieve a balance between economic growth and resource consumption. This study took three chlor-alkali enterprises in Shanghai Chemical Industry Park as a case, and three scenarios were established for chlorine metabolism: Scenario 1 (Chlorine flows independently), Scenario 2 (Chlorine flows from Enterprise A to Enterprise B and C), Scenario 3 (Closed loop of Chlorine Gas). An integrated methodology based upon Substance Flow Analysis (SFA), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Cost (LCC), and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was set up and used to evaluate the Chlor-Alkali Industrial Symbiosis. The results showed that the resource efficiency, production and conversion rate of chlorine was significantly improved with the establishment and optimization of symbiosis scenarios, which also showed very positive environmental and economic benefits according to LCA-LCC analysis. DEA was performed to analyze the Chlorine’s resource efficiency in its metabolism, and the results showed that the efficiency of Scenario 1, Scenario 2 and Scenario 3 were 0.8548, 0.9490 and 1, respectively. Especially, in Scenario 3, a new chemical technology, catalytic oxidation of hydrogen chloride, can convert the by-product hydrogen chloride into chlorine, which can be reused and finally made a closed-loop in this industrial symbiosis. The results of this study can provide a new way to optimize the resource recycle, pollutants discharge and carbon emissions of chlor-alkali industry.

14. Key challenges for the development of the hydrogen industry in the Russian Federation

Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, Volume 54, December 2022, 102867

Abstract

The Russian Federation is one of the five largest emitters of carbon dioxide. The carbon intensity of the Russian economy is one of the highest in the world. The development of the hydrogen industry in Russia is of crucial importance because it will allow reducing the carbon footprint of the economy, reducing the impact on the environment and reaching a new level of the fuel production basis and energy complex of the country. The paper presents the development prospects of hydrogen technologies in the Russian Federation, identifies the features of resource constraints in the H2 production and aspects of H2 transportation. Several hydrogen technologies of highest priority are identified, and technological barriers that must be overcome for their wide dissemination are described. Advanced solutions developed by Russian scientific, educational and industrial organizations for hydrogen energy infrastructure are presented. Special attention is paid to the standardization aspects of hydrogen technologies and the educational issues for the hydrogen industry development in the Russian Federation. The actions/targets set by Russian Federation are highlighted in the framework of Sustainable Development Goals system introduced by United Nations.

15. Combination method of multiple molding technologies for reducing energy and carbon emission in the foundry industry

Sustainable Materials and Technologies, Volume 34, December 2022, e00522

Abstract

More advanced technologies are a critical way to achieve energy reduction and energy efficiency in the manufacturing industry. However, the foundry industry has not been sufficiently researched to use multiple molding technologies to reduce energy and carbon emissions. This study proposes a method for reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions, and improving resource efficiency in the foundry industry by combining multiple molding technologies into the modular design. More specifically, the proposed method analyses the indicators of resource utilization, energy consumption and effective energy degree per unit casting, carbon emissions and effective carbon emissions degree per unit casting (resource utilization, energy consumption and effective energy degree per unit casting, carbon emissions and effective carbon emissions degree per unit casting as indices of the ecological impact of the process solution). The experimental results show that the proposed composite mold modules have self-adaptability in forming. Using composite technologies, energy savings of about 8.92% and 6.99% per unit casting may be achieved in single small batch and batch casting manufacturing. Although the energy efficiency of casting is close to that of Additive Manufacturing, the time consumption per unit is much lower, which has significant application value. The results also show that the composite technologies save 6.99% energy in mass production, reduce 11.06% carbon emissions and 5.571 h in manufacturing per unit casting compared to traditional casting methods. Due to the long manufacturing time, the benefits of a single technology (sand 3D printing and sand mold milling) rapidly diminish in mass production. Therefore, composite technologies are a feasible solution to achieve sustainable development of the foundry industry.

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