Search

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) at pig farms are significant environmental reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In particular, contamination by multidrug-resistant Alcaligenes faecalis (MDR-AF) poses an increasingly severe threat to human health. However, no safe and effective method is currently available to hinder its dissemination in the environment. In this study, two hitherto unreported bacteriophages were screened. In addition, qPCR experiments demonstrated that applying these bacteriophage preparations to wastewater significantly eradicates MDR-AF and reduces ARGs by 0.7–2.5 orders of magnitude (P < 0.05), thereby substantially diminishing the risk of antibiotic resistance transmission. Furthermore, various characterizations, bacteriophage genomic analysis, and microbial community analysis indicated that these bacteriophage preparations possess safety, specificity, and high resilience, rendering them an efficient and eco-friendly biological control measure. [Display omitted] • Bacteriophages CASP1 & CASP2 isolated to target multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. • CASP1 & CASP2 reduce MRD Alcaligenes faecalis & antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). • Monotypes cause more inactivation than mixed phages owing to competitive inhibition. • Mixed phages decrease ARGs more effectively than monotypic phages. • Both bacteriophages are confirmed as environmentally friendly, safe, and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) are critical resources increasingly released into the environment due to their pivotal role for an ever-growing number of high-tech products and processes. Fjords, worldwide and particularly in Norway, are not only of high importance for biodiversity but they also have great economic value. Knowledge on the distribution of REY in Norwegian coastal and riverine waters is, however, surprisingly scarce. We here report REY data for water samples from depth profiles from ten stations in the Trondheimfjord, one of Norway's largest fjords, several Norwegian rivers, and two wastewater treatment plants in Trondheim. Our results show that water from different locations in the Trondheimfjord yield similar REY concentrations that correlate well with dissolved organic carbon. The deepest sample at each station shows the lowest REY concentrations. The shale-normalised (SN) REY patterns of the fjord waters resemble those of North Atlantic seawater, but can be distinguished from open-ocean water by the smaller fractionation between light and middle REY (Pr SN /Tb SN ≥ 0.5). Stations in the vicinity of a river mouth show considerably higher REY concentrations at shallow depths. The respective REY SN patterns resemble the typically flat patterns of boreal rivers that are often rich in nanoparticles and colloids (NPCs). The REY SN patterns of the four rivers investigated (Nidelva, Orkla, Gaula, Stjørdalselva) show the features of the shallow(er) fjord water samples but have even higher REY concentrations. Ultrafiltration (< 1 kDa) data for the Nidelva corroborate that the typical "REY SN seawater signature" is in fact already present in freshwater where it is, however, usually hidden by the REY associated with NPCs. The local wastewater treatment plants release anthropogenic Gd (from contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging) into the Trondheimfjord, but this signal is immediately diluted and thus is not observed in the REY SN patterns of the fjord water. However, our results in general suggest that the slightly elevated Gd/Tb ratios observed in almost all fjord waters relative to North Atlantic marine water may rather be due to the presence of anthropogenic Gd in the southern North Sea and the Baltic Sea, corroborating that anthropogenic Gd can be applied as a sensitive far-field watermass tracer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor management in the municipal waste disposal is a serious crisis for the health of the ecosystem and society. The implementation of the waste-to-energy projects can simultaneously recover the available energy in waste and significantly mitigate the environmental impacts of releasing waste into the environment. In this article, a novel bio-waste-driven multigeneration cycle (BW-MGC) integrated with a solar thermal field for the production of various valuable products from sewage sludge is introduced and evaluated (from thermodynamic, environmental and economic points of view). Herein, the biogas and syngas are obtained through the anaerobic digestion and gasification processes, respectively. Besides that, hydrogen energy and water production cycles are based on the water-gas shift reaction and atmospheric water harvesting cycle (AWHC) units, respectively. In the offered project, the heating capacity and a part of the electricity are obtained through the waste heat recovery system. The offered project provides a new process with a novel structure and configuration to produce useful products. Moreover, it can jointly address the simultaneous issues of energy, water, and environment. The offered plant can produce 18.1 MW of electricity, 18.72 l/h of water, and 0.9 kg/s of hydrogen fuel. The energy efficiency of the system in such design conditions was calculated as 36.12%, while the exergy efficiency was 40.9%. Further, the exergy sustainability factor, total products unit cost, and levelized total CO 2 emissions are calculated as 0.5281, 0.05168 USD/kWh, and 0.2124 kg/kWh, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sludge management account for high economic costs and energy consumption in wastewater treatment. Accurate forecasting of sewage sludge generation thus can be important for the planning, operation and optimization of processes at wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). In this study data from a municipal treatment plant with a capacity of 88 thousand cubic meters of sewage per day located in south part of Poland were used to find a good forecasting model for sludge amount prediction. Among models an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) is one of the popular linear models in time series forecasting. Since the ARIMA model cannot capture the non-linear structure of the data research activities in forecasting suggest using neural networks. Long-short term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network proved its usability in time series forecasting. Looking at the curve representing data of sludge amount generated in the previous years at WWTP the linear and non-linear patterns could be distinguished. To address these issue a hybrid methodology that combines advantage of ARIMA and LSTM was proposed and used for forecasting purpose. Experimental results showed that the combined model can be an effective way to improve the forecasting accuracy of sludge amount generated at this WWTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are considered as an Ultra Low Head (ULH) hydraulic resource. This has provoked an inadequate extraction of its potential energy by Micro Hydroelectric Plants (MHP) due to the improper relationship between the size and performance of the turbine. Thus, this work proposes the optimized design of a turbine composed of an intake-runner-diffuser, which looks for the maximum energy extraction from this kind of hydraulic resource. The annual Flow Duration Curve (FDC) of a WWTP effluent was examined to determine the flow rate with which the maximal available energy could be extracted through an adequate runner design. A 3D computational model of the intake-runner-diffuser was optimized by coupling a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software with a Multi Island Genetic Algorithm, while the pressure and flow field of the selected cases were qualitative and quantitatively analyzed. It was found that with the lowest Reaction Degree (RD), a propeller turbine reached its highest efficiency and pressure ratio coefficient, extracting 76% of the annual available energy of the hydraulic resource. In this way, the maximal exploitation of a ULH resource through the turbine design of the MHP system instead of adapting turbines from Large Hydropower Plants (LHP) could help to establish an actual and attractive project cost-benefit ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the carbon efficiency (CE) of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is crucial for guiding these facilities towards carbon neutrality. Nevertheless, enhancing carbon performance ought not to be pursued to the detriment of pollutant removal efficiency. In this study, the CE of WWTPs is calculated as a composite index that integrates carbon emissions with the volume of pollutants removed from wastewater, including organic matter, suspended solids, nitrogen, and phosphorus. To achieve this, the Stochastic Non-parametric Envelopment of Data (StoNED) method is employed. This approach, distinct from the commonly used Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), accounts for both empirical data and random variations in the estimation of CE, thereby enhancing the reliability of the CE evaluation. The study assesses the CE of 109 Spanish WWTPs, finding that none of them are fully carbon efficient. This involves that all plants have potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions without sacrificing pollutant removal efficiency. The average CE of the WWTPs is 0.529, indicating a possible reduction in carbon emissions by approximately 0.076 kg of CO 2 equivalent per cubic meter of wastewater treated. The analysis also reveals that neither the volume of wastewater treated nor the type of reactor used for secondary treatment has a significant impact on the CE of the facilities. The CE metric proposed in this study serves as an important decision-support tool for advancing towards the carbon neutrality of wastewater treatment processes. By providing a more comprehensive understanding of the environmental performance of WWTPs, it helps identifying areas for improvement and guiding policy and operational decisions. • Carbon efficiency of wastewater treatment plants is estimated using StoNED. • All wastewater treatment plants evaluated present room for reducing carbon emissions. • Estimated reductions in carbon emissions were calculated for each individual facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the proposal of dual carbon goals and stringent effluent standards, the path of mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has gained significant research attention. Here, we evaluate the impact of season, elevated standards, operating parameters, and using clean energy on GHG emissions from 8 typical WWTPs in Beijing based on 180 monthly monitoring data. Coupled with the increasing demand for wastewater treatment and 77% more chemical oxygen demand being removed in 2017, total GHG emissions from 5 WWTPs increased by 89% compared to the status quo in 2007, and after energy structure reform total GHG emissions decreased by 17% in 2021. Scenario analysis reveals that energy recovery and clean energy utilization provide 64% and 48% mitigation potential by 2050, respectively. We argue stricter effluent standard leads to GHG emissions growth in WWTPs; meanwhile, process optimization, proper temperature and targeted policies at WWTPs can reduce GHG emissions. [Display omitted] • Calculating direct CO 2 emissions and using actual operating data is necessary. • With strict effluent standards, wastewater treatment creates more greenhouse gas. • Greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment have significant seasonality. • Targeted policy could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment plants are hotspots for the release of antimicrobial resistant pathogenic bacteria into aquatic ecosystems, significantly contributing to the cycle of antimicrobial resistance. Special attention should be paid to antimicrobial resistant ESKAPE bacteria, which have been identified as high-priority targets for control measures. Among them, Klebsiella pneumoniae is particularly noteworthy. In this study, we collected wastewater samples from the inlet, sedimentation tank, and effluent water of a wastewater treatment plant in June, July, October, and November of 2018. We detected and characterized 42 K. pneumoniae strains using whole genome sequencing (15 from the inlet, 8 from the sedimentation tank, and 19 from the effluent). Additionally, the strains were tested for their antimicrobial resistance phenotype. Using whole genome sequencing no distinct patterns were observed in terms of their genetic profiles. All strains were resistant to tetracycline, meanwhile 60%, 47%, and 37.5% of strains isolated from the inlet, sedimentation tank, and effluent, respectively, were multidrug resistant. Some of the multidrug resistant isolates were also resistant to colistin, and nearly all tested positive for the ep tB and arn T genes, which are associated with polymyxin resistance. Various antimicrobial resistance genes were linked to mobile genetic elements, and they did not correlate with detected virulence groups or defense systems. Overall, our results, although not quantitative, highlight that multidrug resistant K. pneumoniae strains, including those resistant to colistin and genetically unrelated, being discharged into aquatic ecosystems from wastewater treatment plants. This suggests the necessity of monitoring aimed at genetically characterizing these pathogenic bacteria. [Display omitted] • MDR and colistin resistant K.pneumoniae were present in WWTP effluent • K. pneumoniae genetically different were isolated within WWTP • No correlation between ARGs and defense systems was observed in K.pneumoniae • No correlation between ARGs and virulence classes was observed in K.pneumoniae [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) play an indispensable role in the process of urbanization and sustainable development, while their construction often faces challenges due to diverse public opinions. Therefore, strategies to improve public acceptance of WWTPs are essential for their implementation and the planning of wastewater system. To resolve this dilemma, publicly accessible WWTPs designed in conjunction with public spaces have emerged globally. In order to validate its effectiveness, this research investigated the public acceptance of publicly accessible WWTPs and the determinants of public acceptance in China, where an online questionnaire survey was launched with 3000 responses and hypothesis testing was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results indicated that compared to conventional WWTPs, publicly accessible WWTPs were much more preferred by the majority of respondents (92.3%). Moreover, this study revealed that factors including perceived benefit, perceived risk, and public spaces directly impact public acceptance, while trust and perceived fairness indirectly influence it. What's more, this research highlighted and validated the significant role of public spaces in enhancing public acceptance of WWTPs, and enriched the understanding of how multiple factors influence public acceptance, providing practical implications for the site selection, design and management of publicly accessible WWTPs. • An empirical study is demonstrated to investigate public acceptance of WWTPs. • Publicly accessible WWTPs help to mitigate NIMBY-related concerns. • People with site visit experience show a distinct higher acceptance. • Perceived benefit works as a key factor for improving public acceptance. • Public spaces in WWTPs are significant for enhancing public acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate state estimation of wastewater treatment plants is critical for optimizing wastewater treatment processes and reducing operating costs and energy consumption. Due to their large size and numerous state variables, these wastewater treatment plants are considered as high-dimensional systems. The complexity of wastewater treatment plants results in varying and complex process noise statistics, posing challenges for state estimation. This paper proposes a novel state estimation method for wastewater treatment plants subject to inaccurate process noise statistics. The high-dimensional state vector is partitioned into multiple state blocks based on the system architecture, and lost correlations between blocks are compensated by considering time-series correlations. Real-time modification of the process noise covariance matrix is applied to adaptively adjust the inaccurate process noise statistics and compensate for errors from block division. It is verified through simulations that the proposed Bayesian algorithm can achieve satisfactory estimation results while the computational cost is moderate. • WWTP is divided into subsystems for faster state estimation. • Using time series association to make up for block division errors. • Introducing auxiliary variables for correction of process noise covariance matrix. • Adjusting process noise covariance matrix compensates for partitioning errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been striving to recover energy and resources, targeting water and carbon near zero emissions. This study aims to develop a water-energy-tailored model for such a proposal. On one hand, this model will unveil the potential for resource and energy recovery by analyzing the energy flow and mass balance of the WWTP. On the other hand, it explores in-situ energy generation by calculating photovoltaic power generation at a specific location using high spatial-temporal resolution data. The model is employed in a typical town-level WWTP with a capacity of 4000 m3/d located in China. The potentials for carbon emission reduction and associated cost-benefit were analyzed under four different power supply paradigms from the perspective of life cycle assessment. Key findings are as follows: firstly, there is untapped chemical energy (1.65 kWh/m3) and thermal energy (2.32 kWh/m3 for heating) potential within wastewater. It is necessary to recover energy from it and enable water reuse to achieve near-zero wastewater discharge. Secondly, it is hard to balance operation energy consumption and in-situ solar energy recovery along with water-borne energy in the WWTP. The tipping point is identified at a scale of 10,000 m3/d, when constructing a photovoltaic and energy storage system within all available space on the plant premises, with a capacity potential of 95 kWh/(m2 ∙ a). Thirdly, under this condition, the cost of the photovoltaic and energy storage system is at least 73% of the electricity cost from the grid over the assessed 25-year period. The economic viability of WWTPs throughout the entire lifecycle remains a challenge. Therefore, caution is warranted in claiming the feasibility of constructing near-zero carbon WWTPs. Policy implications are also carefully discussed, targeting to achieve a balance among technology, economy, and environment while making the model work in real. [Display omitted] • A water-carbon near-zero emission model of wastewater treatment plants is developed • Coupling energy in influent and solar-roof energy is crucial to achieving the zero goals • Life cycle energy recovery and cost benefits are explored in four scenarios • The model is empirically used at a town-scale wastewater treatment plant [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • p CO 2 shows pulsatile features in karst urban river after receiving WWTP effluents. • WWTP effluents influences DIC weathering end-members discrimination in karst rivers. • Identified geochemical controls on DIC in a karst stream impacted by WWTP effluents. • WWTP effluents are one of essential contributors to karst river DIC pool. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are an important manifestation of the impact of urbanization on aquatic ecosystems, and the influences of effluents discharge from WWTPs on receiving river carbon biogeochemical cycle processes has been a research hotspot. However, our knowledge about potential impacts of WWTP effluents on dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) cycle in karst rivers is rather limited. This study investigates the water chemistry and carbon isotope composition (δ13C DIC) in the urbanized reach of a river that drains the world's largest continuous karst region in Southwest China, in an attempt to determine the effects of WWTP effluents on karst river DIC cycle and source discrimination. The results reveal: (1) Partial pressure of dissolved carbon dioxide (p CO 2) levels in the river increased noticeably during the dry and normal seasons after receiving WWTP effluents; (2) There existed an ionic ratio overlap between end-members of silicate rock weathering and WWTP effluents which requires caution in identifying end-members of rock weathering in urbanized karst rivers; (3) DIC in the highly urbanized karst rivers was affected by complex geochemical processes and these processes varied in different seasons; (4) The contribution of WWTP effluents to the riverine DIC pool was 21±13 %, 58±21 % and 66±33 % in the wet, dry, and normal seasons, respectively. These findings highlight the interference of WWTP effluents with DIC carbon cycling in the receiving karst rivers. Since DIC from WWTPs do not relate with consuming atmospheric or soil CO 2 , it is important to exclude their contribution from the watershed's rock weathering carbon sink budget. Based on these findings, we insist that the role and effect of WWTP effluents should be carefully considered when examining DIC carbon source and cycling in rivers that drain urbanized watersheds with abundant wastewater treatment plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African penguin is currently experiencing a significant decline, with just over 10,000 breeding pairs left. A substantial body of research reflects the impacts of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) on the marine environment, with wastewater treatment plants reported as one of the main sources of CEC release. In South Africa, CECs were identified contaminating the marine environment and bioaccumulating in several marine species. Approximately 70 % of all African penguin colonies breed in close proximity to cities and/or harbors in South Africa. Currently, the impact of CECs as a stressor upon the viability of African penguin populations is unknown. Based on the search results there was a clear lack of information on CECs' bioaccumulation and impact on the African penguin. This narrative review will thus focus on the prevalent sources and types of CECs and examine the reported consequences of constant exposure in seabirds, particularly African penguins. • Current stressors impacting the African penguin Spheniscus demersus • Contaminants of emerging concern in the marine environment across the globe including South Africa • Bioaccumulation and impacts of contaminants of emerging concern in different avian species • Potential impact of contaminants of emerging concern on African penguin populations in South Africa [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the characteristics and main impact factors of microplastics in wastewater at Shaanxi Province of China, the abundance, color, size and composition of microplastics in the influent and effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in two regions have been comprehensively studied. Three different types of wastewater have been investigated, including industrial wastewater, wastewater from urban area and wastewater from rural area. Compared with the microplastics in wastewater from industrial and urban areas, microplastics in the wastewater from rural area had a larger percentage of small particles (<0.5 mm) with bead shape. Polypropylene, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate were the three most abundant polymeric materials for microplastics. Furthermore, microplastics with film shape were relatively easy to be removed with the removal efficiency up to 90%. Our results have also shown that the types of wastewater, locations, population density, and treatment plant performance were all important factors influencing the potential microplastics pollution. Source control was considered as the most effective measure for preventing the microplastics pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the criticality of phosphorous and the harm eutrophication causes, wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are undergoing circular economy (CE) conversions into becoming centres for resource recovery. This framework paper identifies the environmental, societal, political, commercial, economic, consumer, regulatory, legal, infrastructural, technological, international compliance, academic, agricultural, and plant-operator factors affecting the micro, macro and meso success and failure of nutrient CE WWTP across scope classifications. From this, nutrient CE framework is not as simplistic as it looks, given the multitude of impingers that need to be considered. The lack of technological readiness and vast selection methodologies for some nutrient recovery technologies, low private-sector investment, divisive consumer perceptions, unique economic situations, localised regulatory specifications, threats of inefficient technology lock-ins, poor acceptance among farmers and WWTP operators due to infrastructural incompatibilities, lack of efficient CE supply chains, legacy infrastructure, poor digitised solutions for nutrient CE management, low training and awareness, and integration of nutrient CE WWTPs with broader society are barriers. On the contrary, nutrient CE WWTP will mainly be driven by regulations, subsidies and consumer-WWTP-farmer nutrient CE acceptances. This framework aims to tie in and provide solutions to overcoming barriers to nutrient CE WWTPs that is universally applicable. Consequently, the framework provides a holistic structure for policy, legislative, academic, agricultural, plant operators, commercial and consumer stakeholders a roadmap for the success and difficulties of nutrient CE WWTP adoption. • Social, environmental and economic elements are applied to nutrient CE WWTP. • Meso, micro and macro systems factored across different scope areas. • Framework provides a roadmap for stakeholders towards nutrient CE WWTP. • Drivers and enablers are identified. • A universal nutrient CE WWTP framework model is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe water and energy shortfalls hinder widespread access and challenge sustainable resource management in various supply systems. This study proposed a new decentralized distribution network with net-negative emissions concept and flexible strategies to ensure efficient water and mix-energy with low-carbon emissions The proposed net-negative water-energy emission decentralized distribution network (N-NWEE-D 2 N) was formulated by assessing spatio-temporal interactions at local-regional scale of multi-sector water and energy demand and supply using flexible nexus regulation strategies. The feasibility of self-production and CO 2 -based regeneration from biogas recovery in activated sludge process and non-renewable energy generation, respectively, was investigated. The N-NWEE-D 2 N-based water-energy distribution showed an effective balance between supply and demand, with low deficits, efficient surplus utilization, and reduced CO 2 emissions. The water and energy management efficiencies based on N-NWEE-D 2 N improved by 67.196% and 78.11%, respectively, compared to scenarios without such considerations, due to the effective decentralized distribution of water and energy among the regions. Thus, proposed N-NWEE-D 2 N can contribute to the sustainable operation of WWTPs and promoting long-term sustainability in water and energy distribution transmission. [Display omitted] • Flexible nationwide decentralized water-energy distribution network is newly developed. • The N-NWEE-D 2 N reduces water and energy shortfalls by 67.2% and 78.1%, respectively. • Recovering bioenergy and CO 2 -based regeneration aided regional consumption needs. • The proposed N-NWEE-D 2 N achieved 0.95 stability in energy and water distribution. • Regional N-NWEE-D 2 N cuts total costs and emissions by 63.5% and 105,928.84 tons CO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) has been used worldwide to estimate drug consumption routinely. Even though WBE provides valuable data to support legal and health interventions associated to drug use, monitoring studies in Portuguese wastewaters are scarce. Hence, this work aimed to estimate the consumption of some conventional abuse and illicit drugs such as amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (MAMP), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and the synthetic cathinones buphedrone (BPD), butylone (BTL), 3,4-dimethylmethcathinone (3,4-DMMC) and 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC), considering not only the liquid phase, but also the suspended particulate matter (SPM). Moreover, the enantiomeric profiling of the samples was studied, exploring for the first time the possible enantioselective sorption of these drugs onto SPM. For that, 24 h composite raw wastewaters were collected from a conventional wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Portugal. After extraction, the liquid phase and SPM extracts were derivatized with an enantiomerically pure reagent and then, analysed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical method. The results showed a low and non-enantioselective adsorption to SPM at environmental relevant levels. Only (S)-AMP was detected in two SPM samples, whereas AMP, MAMP, MDMA, BPD, and 3,4-DMMC were detected in the liquid phase. AMP was the most frequently found drug with an estimated load up to 166.0 mg day−1 1000 people−1 and mostly found with enrichment of (S)-AMP. Nevertheless, (R)-AMP was also determined, which may be related to the consumption of either the illicit racemic AMP or the medicine (R)-deprenyl. The use of MDMA, MAMP and synthetic cathinones (BPD and 3,4-DMMC) was also suggested in Portugal. Nevertheless, the levels and the consumption estimate of the target chemicals were lower than in other European countries or worldwide. These findings provide the first step to the implementation of WBE monitoring campaigns to assess the status of drug consumption in Portuguese communities, contributing to the understanding of drug use patterns and trends worldwide and helping enforce preventive measures. • Low and non-enantioselective adsorption to SPM at environmentally relevant levels. • AMP was the most frequently, in the (S)-AMP form, but (R)-AMP was also present. • (R)-AMP could be due to the consumption of illicit racemic AMP or the (R)-deprenyl. • Lower consumption levels of SC and AMP-like substances compared to European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the occurrence, removal rate, and potential risks of 43 organic micropollutants (OMPs) in four municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Korea. Results from two-year intensive monitoring confirmed the presence of various OMPs in the influents, including pharmaceuticals such as acetaminophen (pain relief), caffeine (stimulants), cimetidine (H 2 -blockers), ibuprofen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs- NSAIDs), metformin (antidiabetics), and naproxen (NSAIDs) with median concentrations of >1 μg/L. Some pharmaceuticals (carbamazepine-anticonvulsants, diclofenac-NSAIDs, propranolol- β -blockers), corrosion inhibitors (1H-benzotriazole-BTR, 4-methyl-1H-benzotriazole-4-TTR), and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were negligibly removed during WWTP treatment. The OMP concentrations in the influents and effluents were mostly lower in August than those of other months (p- value <0.05) possibly due to wastewater dilution by high precipitation or enhanced biodegradation under high-temperature conditions. The anaerobic-anoxic-oxic process (A2O) with a membrane bioreactor exhibited higher OMP removal than other processes, such as A2O with sedimentation or the conventional activated sludge process (p- value <0.05). Pesticides (DEET and atrazine), corrosion inhibitors (4-TTR and BTR), and metformin were selected as priority OMPs in toxicity-driven prioritization, whereas PFCs were determined as priority OMPs given their persistence and bioaccumulation properties. Overall, our results contribute to an important database on the occurrence, removal, and potential risks of OMPs in Korean WWTPs. [Display omitted] • 43 multi-class OMPs were monitored in four Korean municipal WWTPs. • High influent concentrations (>1 μg/L) for metformin, acetaminophen, naproxen etc. • A2O-MBR exhibited better OMP removals than other biological treatment processes. • DEET, atrazine, and benzotriazole as priority OMPs due to their toxicity. • Perfluorinated compounds as priority OMPs due to their persistence/bioaccumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The culturable bioaerosol concentrations of global WWTPs are 102–105 CFU/m3. • WWTPs have unique core pathogenic communities and distinct continental divergence. • Sources and environmental factors affect the distribution of airborne pathogens. • Potential health risks are associated with the core determined airborne pathogens. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been recognized as one of the major potential sources of the spread of airborne pathogenic microorganisms under the global pandemic of COVID-19. The differences in research regions, wastewater treatment processes, environmental conditions, and other aspects in the existing case studies have caused some confusion in the understanding of bioaerosol pollution characteristics. In this study, we integrated and analyzed data from field sampling and performed a systematic literature search to determine the abundance of airborne microorganisms in 13 countries and 37 cities across four continents (Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa). We analyzed the concentrations of bioaerosols, the core composition, global diversity, determinants, and potential risks of airborne pathogen communities in WWTPs. Our findings showed that the culturable bioaerosol concentrations of global WWTPs are 102–105 CFU/m3. Three core bacterial pathogens, namely Bacillus, Acinetobacter , and Pseudomonas , as well as two core fungal pathogens, Cladosporium and Aspergillus , were identified in the air across global WWTPs. WWTPs have unique core pathogenic communities and distinct continental divergence. The sources of airborne microorganisms (wastewater) and environmental variables (relative humidity and air contaminants) have impacts on the distribution of airborne pathogens. Potential health risks are associated with the core airborne pathogens in WWTPs. Our study showed the specificity, multifactorial influences, and potential pathogenicity of airborne pathogenic communities in WWTPs. Our findings can improve the understanding of the global diversity and biogeography of airborne pathogens in WWTPs, guiding risk assessment and control strategies for such pathogens. Furthermore, they provide a theoretical basis for safeguarding the health of WWTP workers and ensuring regional ecological security. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Distributions of natural estrogens and their conjugates in the Pearl River were given. • Natural estrogens were frequently detected in the wet season. • Natural estrogens were found to be much higher in the wet season. • The combined collection systems of sewage and rainfall runoff is undesirable. So far, little has been known about how the combined collection systems of sewage and rainfall runoff (CCSs) affect emerging contaminants in river water. To fill up the knowledge gap, this study was conducted to investigate the spatial distributions of three natural estrogens (NEs, i.e., estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3)) and their conjugates (C–NEs) in the Pearl River in the wet and dry seasons. Results showed that the respective average concentrations of NEs and C–NEs at different locations alongside the Pearl River in the wet season were 7.3 and 1.8 times those in the dry season. Based on estrogen equivalence (EEQ), the average estimated EEQ level in the Pearl River waters in the wet season was nearly 10 times that in the dry season. These seemed to imply that the CCSs in the wet season not only cause untreated sewage into the receiving water body, but greatly decrease the removal efficiency of NEs and C–NEs in wastewater treatment plant. Furthermore, the estimated annual loads of E1, E2, and E3 to the Pearl River in the wet season accounted for about 88.6 %, 100 %, and 99.3 % of the total annual loads. Consequently, this work for the first time demonstrated that the CCSs in cities with high precipitation are unfavorable for controlling of emerging contaminants. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) employ a series of complex chemical and biological processes, to transform an influent stream of contaminated water to an effluent suitable for return to the water cycle. To optimize the performance of WWTP control schemes, appropriate mathematical models capable of accurately simulating the plant dynamic behavior are essential. However, the development of reliable dynamic representations for these large-scale plants is challenging, mainly because of the complex biological reactions taking place and the significant fluctuations in the disturbances that affect the operation of WWTPs. First-principles models, such as the well-known benchmark simulation model no. 1 (BSM1), may be capable of capturing the highly nonlinear nature of WWTPs, but this comes at the cost of employing complex, high-order representations of the reactive units and settling processes. This complexity leads to highly complicated configurations that cannot be efficiently integrated in advanced process control schemes, like model predictive controllers (MPCs). Furthermore, the large number of unknown parameters in these models, along with the non-convex nature of the underlying functions, renders the use of conventional system identification techniques insufficient. To remedy these issues, in this work we introduce a reduced-order first-principles model for WWTPs, incorporating low order mathematical models for the chemical phenomena of the reactive units and the settling procedure. Furthermore, we present a novel system identification scheme, which is based on a customized cooperative particle swarm optimization approach; the scheme effectively handles the high-dimensionality and multimodality of the underlying nonlinear optimization problem, enabling accurate estimation of the model parameters. Comparison results between the dynamic behavior of the original BSM1 and the identified reduced-order model, indicate that the proposed approach is capable of accurately and robustly capturing the highly nonlinear nature of WWTPs, while being simple enough for incorporation in the design of MPC and other advanced control schemes. This represents a significant advancement over traditional models, offering a more practical and efficient approach for WWTP management and control. • We present an accurate low-complexity WWTP model, suitable for integration in MPC. • Reduced-order representations for the activated sludge process and settler are used. • An identification scheme for estimating the reduced model parameters is proposed. • Accurate parameter identification is based on a customized cooperative PSO approach. • Comparison results against the original BSM1 configuration prove the model validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influent quality indicators play a significant role in wastewater treatment plant performance due to their correlation with reactor operations and effluent quality. However, selecting a specific/best parameter indicator for predicting influent wastewater quality is one of the challenges in wastewater treatment. This study, therefore, focused on determining suitable variables as influent quality indicators. For this purpose, a logistic regression model involving different inflow parameters from two wastewater treatment plants in Poland was used to identify the best wastewater parameter as a suitable indicator for operational monitoring, process control and simulation purpose. The results showed that the model is flexible enough to simultaneously predict two or three effective wastewater quality indicators. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis results showed a strong nonlinear relationship between the complex values of total nitrogen, total phosphorus and suspended solids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study comprehensively deciphered the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on anammox flocculent sludge, including nitrogen removal performance, microbial community structure, functional enzyme abundance, antibiotic resistance gene (ARGs) dissemination, and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mechanisms. After long-term exposure to 0–2.5 mg/L AgNPs for 200 cycles, anammox performance significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while the relative abundances of dominant Ca. Kuenenia and anammox-related enzymes (hzsA , nirK) increased compared to the control (P < 0.05). For antibiotic resistome, ARG abundance hardly changed with 0–0.5 mg/L AgNPs but decreased by approximately 90% with 1.5–2.5 mg/L AgNPs. More importantly, AgNPs effectively inhibited MGE-mediated HGT of ARGs. Additionally, structural equation model (SEM) disclosed the underlying relationship between AgNPs, the antibiotic resistome, and the microbial community. Overall, AgNPs suppressed the anammox-driven nitrogen cycle, regulated the microbial community, and prevented the spread of ARGs in anammox flocs. This study provides a theoretical baseline for an advanced understanding of the ecological roles of nanoparticles and resistance elements in engineered ecosystems. [Display omitted] • AgNPs effects on anammox flocs were comprehensively deciphered. • AgNPs inhibited anammox performance and regulated the microbial community. • The antibiotic resistome significantly decreased (> 80%) with 1.5-2.5 mg/L AgNPs. • AgNPs effectively prevented the MGE-mediated HGT of ARGs. • Ca. Kuenenia was found to be the potential host of aminoglycoside gene aadA6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review offers a comprehensive overview of the occurrence, fate, and ecological risk associated with six major categories of antibiotics found in influent, effluent, and sludge from urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in China. Further exploration includes examining the correlation between antibiotic residual rates in the effluents and process parameters of urban WWTPs across the country. Lastly, a nationwide and urban cluster-specific evaluation of the ecological risk posed by antibiotics in WWTPs is conducted. The findings reveal that the average concentrations of antibiotics in influent, effluent, and sludge from urban WWTPs in China are 786.2 ng/L, 311.2 ng/L, and 186.8 μg/kg, respectively. Among the detected antibiotics, 42% exhibit moderate to high ecological risk in the effluent, with ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, erythromycin, azithromycin, and tetracycline posing moderate to high ecological risks in sludge. The current biological treatment processes in WWTPs demonstrate inefficacy in removing antibiotics. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop and integrate innovative technologies, such as advanced oxidation processes. This review aims to offer a more comprehensive understanding and identify priority antibiotics for control to effectively manage antibiotic pollution within WWTPs at both national and regional levels. [Display omitted] • Investigation of antibiotic occurrence in WWTPs across China. • Compilation of Kd of antibiotics in sludge and their PNEC in effluent and sludge. • Identification of medium- and high-risk antibiotic types in effluent and sludge. • HRT, NsB and seasonal variations significantly affect antibiotic fate in WWTPs. • Comparison of antibiotic occurrence and risk in WWTPs across different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic wastewaters contaminated with N -nitrosamines pose a significant threat to river ecosystems worldwide, particularly in urban areas with riparian cities. Despite widespread concern, the precise impact of these contaminants on receiving river waters remains uncertain. This study investigated eight N -nitrosamines in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and their adjacent receiving river, the Lijiang River in Guilin City, Southwest China. By analyzing thirty wastewater samples from five full-scale WWTPs and twenty-three river water samples from Guilin, we quantified the mass loads of N -nitrosamines discharged into the surrounding watershed via domestic effluents. The results revealed that N -nitrosodimethylamine (10–60 ng/L), N -nitrosodiethylamine (3.4–22 ng/L), and N -nitrosopyrrolidine (not detected–4.5 ng/g) were predominant in influents, effluents, and sludge, respectively, with the overall removal efficiencies ranging from 17.7 to 65.6% during wastewater treatment. Cyclic activated sludge system and ultraviolet disinfection were effective in removing N -nitrosamines (rates of 59.6% and 24.3%), while chlorine dioxide disinfection promoted their formation. A total of 30.4 g/day of N -nitrosamine mass loads were observed in the Lijiang River water, with domestic effluents contributing about 31.3% (19.4 g/day), followed by livestock breeding wastewater (34.5%, 12.0 g/day), and unknown sources (24.7%, 7.5 g/day). These findings highlight the critical role of WWTPs in transporting N -nitrosamines to watersheds and emphasize the urgent need for further investigation into other potential sources of N -nitrosamine pollution within watersheds. [Display omitted] • The overall removal rates of ∑NAs in WWTPs ranged from 17.7 to 65.6%. • Approximately 11.5% of ∑NAs entered the sludge in WWTPs. • The removal rates for biotreatment were ranked as CASS > A/A/O > A/O. • WWTP effluents contributed 31.3% of N -nitrosamines to the watershed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mass concentration of nanoplastics investigated across different treatment stages of WWTPs by Pyr-GC/MS. • Eight different nanoplastics (PMMA, nylon 6, nylon 66, PC, PS, PET, PP, PE) identified and quantified. • Nylon 66, PE, PP, PET, and nylon 6 were the most prevalent nanoplastics types detected in the wastewater samples. • Up to 96 % of the nanoplastics identified were removed from effluent during treatment. Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) play a crucial role in the collection and redistribution of plastic particles from both households and industries, contributing to their presence in the environment. Previous studies investigating the levels of plastics in WWTPs, and their removal rates have primarily focused on polymer type, size, shape, colour, and particle count, while comprehensive understanding of the mass concentration of plastic particles, particularly those <1 µm (nanoplastics), remains unclear and lacking. In this study, pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to simultaneously determine the mass concentration of nine selected polymers (i.e., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), nylon 6, nylon 66, polyvinylchloride (PVC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC)) below 1 µm in size across the treatment processes or stages of three WWTPs in Australia. All the targeted nanoplastics were detected at concentrations between 0.04 and 7.3 µg/L. Nylon 66 (0.2–7.3 µg/L), PE (0.1–6.6 µg/L), PP (0.1–4.5 µg/L), Nylon 6 (0.1–3.6 µg/L) and PET (0.1–2.2 µg/L), were the predominant polymers in the samples. The mass concentration of the total nanoplastics decreased from 27.7, 18 and 9.1 µg/L in the influent to 1, 1.4 and 0.8 µg/L in the effluent, with approximate removal rates of 96 %, 92 % and 91 % in plants A, B and C, respectively. Based on annual wastewater effluent discharge, it is estimated that approximately 24, 2 and 0.7 kg of nanoplastics are released into the environment per year for WWTPs A, B and C, respectively. This study investigated the mass concentrations and removal rates of nanoplastics with a size range of 0.01–1 µm in wastewater, providing important insight into the pollution levels and distribution patterns of nanoplastics in Australian WWTPs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 12 municipal WWTPs were investigated over a span of four seasons. • Over 37.5 % final effluent samples exhibit potential estrogenic risks. • Estrogens' contribution is unaffected by wastewater treatment and seasonal changes. • Certain secondary and tertiary treatment outstands in removing estrogenic activity. • SRT positively correlates with estrogenic activity removal in WWTPs. Efforts in water ecosystem conservation require an understanding of causative factors and removal efficacies associated with mixture toxicity during wastewater treatment. This study conducts a comprehensive investigation into the interplay between wastewater estrogenic activity and 30 estrogen-like endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDCs) across 12 municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) spanning four seasons in China. Results reveal substantial estrogenic activity in all WWTPs and potential endocrine-disrupting risks in over 37.5 % of final effluent samples, with heightened effects during colder seasons. While phthalates are the predominant EEDCs (concentrations ranging from 86.39 %) for both estrogenic activity and major EEDCs (phthalates and estrogens), with the secondary and tertiary treatment segments contributing 88.59 ± 8.12 % and 11.41 ± 8.12 %, respectively. Among various secondary treatment processes, the anaerobic/anoxic/oxic-membrane bioreactor (A/A/O-MBR) excels in removing both estrogenic activity and EEDCs. In tertiary treatment, removal efficiencies increase with the inclusion of components involving physical, chemical, and biological removal principles. Furthermore, correlation and multiple liner regression analysis establish a significant (p < 0.05) positive association between solid retention time (SRT) and removal efficiencies of estrogenic activity and EEDCs within WWTPs. This study provides valuable insights from the perspective of prioritizing key pollutants, the necessity of integrating more efficient secondary and tertiary treatment processes, along with adjustments to operational parameters like SRT, to mitigate estrogenic activity in municipal WWTPs. This contribution aids in managing endocrine-disrupting risks in wastewater as part of ecological conservation efforts. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are the main source of bioaerosol emissions. The cover of deodorization within WWTPs serves not only to manage odors but also to limit the dispersion of bioaerosols. This study investigated the emission characteristics and exposure risks of bioaerosols inside deodorization covers from a WWTP in Northern China. The results revealed that the concentration of bacteria in bioaerosols ranged from 96 ± 8 to 706 ± 45 CFU/m3, with the highest concentration observed in the biochemical reaction tank. The predominant bacterial genera in bioaerosols within the odor control covers were Cetobacterium , Romboutsia , Bacteroides , Lactobacillus , and Tubricibacter , while the dominant fungal genera included Aspergillus , Alternaria , Fusarium , and Cladosporium. The main water-soluble ions in the air were NH 4 +, Ca2+, SO 4 2−, and Cl−. SO 4 2− was found to promote the survival of Cetobacterium, Brevibacterium, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Filobasidium , while Cl− exhibited inhibitory effects on most microorganisms in bioaerosols. Source tracker analysis indicated that wastewater was the primary source of bioaerosols in the biochemical reaction tank. The non-carcinogenic risk associated with bioaerosols within deodorization covers was less than 1 (2.34 × 10−9 to 3.08 × 10−2). FunGuild fungal functional prediction suggested that the abundance of animal pathogens was highest in the bioaerosols from the anaerobic sedimentation tank. BugBase phenotypic prediction showed that the abundance of potential pathogens in secondary sedimentation tank bioaerosols was the highest. This study effectively revealed the characteristics and sources of bioaerosols in the sewage and sludge treatment area under the deodorization cover, which provided a theoretical basis for enhancing the management and control of bioaerosols. [Display omitted] • The characteristics of the bioaerosols within the covers were analyzed. • The bioaerosols in the biochemical reaction tank were originated from the wastewater. • SO 4 2− exhibited a promoting effect on the survival of the dominant bacterial genera. • There were symbiotic relationships among the pathogenic microorganisms. • Highest abundance of animal pathogens in anaerobic sedimentation tank bioaerosols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a previous study, we identified several novel contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) using non-targeted screening of extracts prepared from passive samplers deployed in wastewater and surface waters in Hamilton Harbour. In the present study, we investigated whether several of these novel compounds are widely distributed in tributaries and coastal waters in other areas of the Great Lakes Basin. Extracts prepared from archived Polar Organic Chemical Integrated Samplers (POCIS) were analyzed for targeted CECs, which included four tire-derived compounds, two prescription pharmaceuticals (i.e., lamotrigine, formycin), a metabolite of a cough suppressant (i.e., dextrorphan) and a component of coal tar (i.e., lepidine). Five of these analytes were widely distributed in the basin. Concentrations in surface waters were estimated using sampling rates (R s) predicted from physical-chemical properties. The estimated maximum time-weighted average concentrations for three compounds derived from tire-wear, hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM), diphenylguanidine and 6PPD-quinone were 680, 48 and 17 ng/L, respectively. The distribution of these tire-wear compounds and lepidine indicated that they are transported into surface waters from urban runoff. Dextrorphan and lamotrigine were detected at the highest estimated concentrations near discharges of domestic wastewater. This study demonstrates an approach to identify and assess the sources of novel CECs as part of the development of an "Early Warning System" for potential threats to the Laurentian Great Lakes and their tributaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon neutral systems are gaining importance in recent years as a sustainable technology that reduces both carbon and energy footprints. Nitrous oxide (N 2 O), a greenhouse gas (GHG) with global warming potential of 273 times as that of CO 2 equivalents , is generated from all wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that undergo biological nitrogen removal. Because of the critical situation imposed by this GHG emission, there has been a dire need to entrap N 2 O for mitigating uncontrolled release of the gas into the atmosphere. WWTPs cause unintended and uncontrolled emission of N 2 O, increasing carbon footprint. In the light of the hypothesis of controlling carbon footprint using N 2 O as fuel, this present article analyses the practical application of the idea and the limiting factors that prevent the technology from being implemented. The article summarizes the concepts of N 2 O recovery pathways in biological effluent treatment systems, evaluating feasibility for energy generation using N 2 O as a fuel additive that can have severe negative environmental impacts, if not collected and stored properly. This review also discusses the various models developed to predict N 2 O emissions from treatment plants, highlighting the areas of further research and investigation required for full-scale application of N 2 O recovery. The critical review indicates the retrieval of nitrogen as N 2 O and its reuse would indicate a potential carbon neutral solution for WWTPs treating high strength wastewater, an area yet to be investigated. [Display omitted] • N 2 O is unintentionally emitted from biological wastewater treatment units. • Recovery of N 2 O can be used as a fuel-oxidant with CH 4 for higher energy generation. • Collection and storage challenges limits the application of this technology. • N 2 O recovery from high strength wastewater with proper collection can be promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In temperate coastal areas, the resident population often increases during holidays. As a result, this can lead to higher wastewater production and release of pollutants. The connection between micropollutants such as plasticizers and hormones with the changing resident population along the Baltic Sea coast has yet to be thoroughly studied. Therefore, we have monitored the wastewater quality and specific micropollutants before and after treatment at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) at small and large seaside resorts. The findings indicate a strong link between tourism indicators and wastewater production during the summer months. The rise in different micropollutants, specifically plasticizers, during the summer demonstrates a link with tourism activity. Furthermore, we have identified a non-linear association between the tourism indicators and the total estrogenic equivalent (EEQ). Overall, this research particularly emphasizes the growing importance of wastewater quality in terms of conventional nutrient pollution and various micropollutants. [Display omitted] • Tourism is a source of micropollutants occurring in the coastal urban areas. • The Yeast Estrogen Screen was used to quantify estrogenicity in the wastewater. • Estrogenicity in effluent exceeded the concentration of environmental concern. • A relationship was found between micropollutants and tourism indicators. • It is necessary to address the release of micropollutants from coastal WWTPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) usually contain microplastics (MPs) due to daily influents of domestic and municipal wastewater. Thus, the WWTPs act as a point source of MPs distribution in the environment due to their incapability to remove MPs completely. In this study, MPs occurrence and distribution in anaerobic sludge from WWTPs in different regions (Kaifeng "KHP", Jinan "JSP", and Lanzhou "LGP") were studied. Followed by MPs identification by microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum. The microbial communities associated with anaerobic sludge and MPs were also explored. The results showed that MPs concentrations were 16.5, 38.5, and 17.2 particles/g of total solids (TS) and transparent MPs accounted for 49.1%, 58.5%, and 48.3% in KHP, JSP, and LGP samples, respectively. Fibers represented the most common shape of MPs in KHP (49.1%), JSP (56.0%), and LGP (69.0%). The FTIR spectroscopy indicated the predominance of polyethylene polymer in 1–5 mm MPs. The Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Planctomycetes were the abundant phyla in all anaerobic sludge. The bacterial genera in KHP and LGP were similar, in which Caldilinea (>23%), Terrimonas (>10%), and Ferruginibacter (>7%) formed the core bacterial genera. While Rhodococcus (15.3%) and Rhodoplanes (10.9%) were dominating in JSP. The archaeal genera Methanosaeta (>69%) and Methanobrevibacter (>10%) were abundant in KHP and LGP sludge. While Methanomethylovorans accounted for 90% of JSP. Acetyltransferase and hydratase were the major bacterial enzymes, while reductase was the key archaeal enzyme in all anaerobic sludge. This study provided the baseline for MPs distribution, characterization, and MPs associated microbes in WWTPs. [Display omitted] • Microplastics varied from 16.5 to 38.5 items/g total solids in anaerobic sludge. • Transparent (48.3–58.5%) and fiber (49.1–69%) were the main MPs colors and shapes. • Larger MPs (1–5 mm) accounted for less (9.1–19%) in anaerobic sludge. • Caldilinea (23.6–38.7%) and Terrimonas (22.1%) are the dominant bacterial genera. • Methanosaeta and Methanomethylovorans were the dominant archaeal genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical scrubbing and biofiltration are well-established technologies for treating contaminated pollutants generated at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Nevertheless, the growing need to reduce the ecological footprint of abatement technologies without affecting process efficiency is prioritizing biological alternatives. This study deals with the challenge of designing a structure for converting a chemical scrubber currently operating at a WWTP with a capacity of 6400 population equivalent (PE) into a modular bioreactor without any actual modification of the scrubber´s structure. The inside of the reactor was divided into three levels or platforms for holding the biomaterial, and the corresponding parts were manufactured in PVC, with the exceptions of the screws and cross bracing. The study of the parts' stress and strain limits revealed that the slats and half-rings should be reinforced with ribs, and the optimal rib height was studied on a case-by-case basis. It was also concluded that the base legs could hold the weight of 80 cm height biomaterial bed onto each of the three platforms. Based on previous studies, the converted biofilter with an inlet flow rate of 1150 m3/h could render simultaneous removal efficiencies greater than 90 % for H 2 S and NH 3. Regarding the viability study, the annual savings from the elimination of chemical consumption were around 9.7 % of the total investment cost. One of the main strengths of replacing the scrubber with a biofilter was the improvement in sustainable performance and health and safety, reducing both risk and the budget for prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study attempts to determine the degree of discharged treated wastewater impact on the Biebrza ecosystem and its tributaries. The content of metals: Cu, Cr, Zn, Mn, and Fe was analyzed in bottom sediments (HCl and HNO3 decomposition and HCl extraction) located above and below the cross-section of the discharge of treated wastewater. Wastewater treatment plants were located in the following towns: Lipsk, Szczuczyn, Dolistowo, Sztabin, Goniądz, Rajgród, and Trzcianne - Poland. A higher content of both forms of metals was found in places after the discharge of wastewater compared to places before the discharge, which indicates the influence of the treatment plant on the bottom sediments of the tested receivers in the absence of other metal sources. The average content of metals in bottom sediments (decomposition in HCl and HNO3) from the points before the sewage discharge was: Cu - 11.3, Zn - 51.1, Cr - 11.7, Mn - 141.8, Fe - 1,029.8 mg kg-1 and after the discharge of treated wastewater, the contents were as follows: Cu - 21.3, Zn - 81.3, Cr - 16.3, Mn - 193.4, Fe - 1,210.7 mg kg-1. Based on the calculation of the geo-accumulation index, the examined sediments were classified as non-contaminated. The content of soluble metal forms in sediments is to a larger extent shaped by discharged purified sewage than the content of total forms, which is mainly related to the natural origin of metals as confirmed by statistical analyses (FA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to detect and quantify selected antibacterial drugs in the raw and treated wastewater collected under various temperature conditions (i.e. winter and summer period) from two urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), located in the northern and southern part of Poland. An additional goal of the study was to estimate the effectiveness of the removal of these antibacterial drugs in the above-mentioned conditions. For the study were selected: clarithromycin (CLA), erythromycin (ERY), roxithromycin (ROX), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), N-acetyl-sulfamethoxazole (N-Ac-SMX), sulfamethoxine (SMN), sulfamerazine (SMR), tiamulin (TIA), and trimethoprim (TRP). The study showed that CLA, ERY, ROX, SMX, TRP, and N-Ac-SMX (main SMX metabolite) were detected in all wastewater samples, regardless of the place of collection and the season of the sampling, while SMN, SMR, and TIA were not detected in the investigated wastewater. The studies have shown that N-Ac-SMX was the most efficiently removed compound at both treatment plants, regardless of the process temperature (over 95%), however, this substance may reversibly transform into the origin form of SMX under the conditions prevailing at WWTPs, which means that the removal can be only apparent. In the study, the temperature was an important parameter affecting the removal efficiency of CLA, ROX, and TRP. The removal efficiency of these substances always has been higher in summer than in the winter period. The process was also slightly more effective at WWTP 2. At WWTP 2, the average removal for CLA, ROX, and TRP in the summer period was equal to 76%, 47%, and 38%, respectively. Erythromycin, was a substance that was not degraded in any of the investigated technological systems and no effect of temperature on the removal efficiency was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research analyzes the water-energy nexus contribution to climate change from the integral water cycle perspective. A prior analysis of the sectors involved in global warming showed that clear water/energy interdependence was a crucial factor in increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Although the analysis of water consumption in the energy sector has been widely studied, global requirements of energy for water are still poorly understood as is their contribution to climate change. With this in mind, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were chosen for the specific analysis conducted in the present study as they are one of the biggest GHG emitters in the water industry. They are located in the Canary Islands (Spain), an archipelago that, like many others, is characterized by its dependence on external water and energy resources. The methodology employed involved an initial analysis of the WWTPs in the islands and the selection of four full-scale WWTPs of varying capacity for further in-depth analysis. This was followed by consideration of the different protocols and tools that can be used to quantify direct and indirect GHGs emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change protocol was selected due to the great diversity of operational data and the emission factors proposed by experts when the data are not available for a specific region under analysis. The results show that the highest emission source is due to energy consumption (ranging from 165 to 2,716 Tmeq CO2/y for the smallest and largest size WWTPs, respectively). To solve the problem, the introduction of renewable energies is presented as a feasible and attractive option due to the specific characteristics of the analyzed territory. Likewise, the use of sludge as an internal energy resource (in anaerobic digestion) obviates the need for its transport and management, contributing to the circular technology and reducing emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]