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This review embarks on a comprehensive journey, exploring the application of lignocellulosic biomass materials as highly effective adsorbents for the removal of textile dyes (cationic and anionic dyes) from wastewater. A literature review and analysis were conducted to identify existing gaps in previous research on the use of lignocellulosic biomass for dye removal. This study investigates the factors and challenges associated with dye removal methods and signifies their uses. The study delves into the pivotal role of several parameters influencing adsorption, such as contact time, pH, concentration, and temperature. It then critically examines the adsorption isotherms, unveiling the equilibrium relationship between adsorbent and dye and shedding light on the mechanisms of their interaction. The adsorption process kinetics are thoroughly investigated, and a detailed examination of the adsorbed rate of dye molecules onto lignocellulosic biomass materials is carried out. This includes a lively discussion of the pseudo-first, pseudo-second, and intra-particle diffusion models. The thermodynamic aspects of the adsorption process are also addressed, elucidating the feasibility and spontaneity of the removal process under various temperature conditions. The paper then dives into desorption studies, providing insights into the regeneration potential of lignocellulosic biomass materials for sustainable reusability. The environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of employing lignocellulosic biomass materials in textiles including Congo Red, Reactive Black 5, Direct Yellow 12, Crystal Violet, Malachite Green, Acid Yellow 99, and others dyes from wastewater treatment are discussed, emphasizing the significance of eco-friendly solutions. In summary, this review brings together a wealth of diverse studies and findings to present a comprehensive overview of lignocellulosic biomass materials as adsorbents for textile cationic and anionic dye removal, encompassing various aspects from influential parameters to kinetics, adsorption isotherms, desorption, and thermodynamics studies. Its scope and other considerations are also discussed along with its benefits. The collective knowledge synthesized in this paper is intended to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and efficient water treatment technologies in the textile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction (NOX SCR) of nitrogen oxides can be obtained from sludge in industrial waste treatment, and, due to the complex composition of sludge, NOX SCR shows various SCR efficiencies. In the current work, an SCR catalyst developed from the sludge produced with Fe/C micro-electrolysis Fenton technology (MEF) in wastewater treatment was investigated, taking into account various sludge compositions, Fe/C ratios, and contaminant contents. It was found that, at about 300 °C, the NOX removal rate could reach 100% and there was a wide decomposition temperature zone. The effect of individual components of electroplating sludge, i.e., P, Fe and Ni, on NOX degradation performance of the obtained solids was investigated. It was found that the best effect was achieved when the Fe/P was 8/3 wt%, and variations in the Ni content had a limited effect on the NOX degradation performance. When the Fe/C was 1:2 and the Fe/C/P was 1:2:0.4, the electroplating sludge formed after treatment with Fe/C MEF provided the best NOX removal rate at 100%. Moreover, the characterization results show that the activated carbon was also involved in the catalytic reduction degradation of NOX. An excessive Fe content may cause agglomeration on the catalyst surface and thus affect the catalytic efficiency. The addition of P effectively reduces the catalytic reaction temperature, and the formation of phosphate promotes the generation of adsorbed oxygen, which in turn contributes to improvements in catalytic efficiency. Therefore, our work suggests that controlling the composition in the sludge is an efficient way to modulate SCR catalysis, providing a bridge from contaminant-bearing waste to efficient catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioelectrochemical processes are emerging as one of the most efficient and sustainable technologies for wastewater treatment. Their application for industrial wastewater treatment is still low due to the high toxicity and difficulty of biological treatment for industrial effluents. This is especially relevant in pharmaceutical industries, where different solvents, active pharma ingredients (APIs), extreme pH, and salinity usually form a lethal cocktail for the bacterial community in bioreactors. This work evaluates the impact of the anode architecture on the detoxification performance and analyzes, for the first time, the profile of some key bioremediation enzymes (catalase and esterase) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the operation of microbial electrochemical cells treating real pharmaceutical wastewater. Our results show the existence of oxidative stress and loss of cell viability in planktonic cells, while the electrogenic bacteria that form the biofilm maintain their biochemical machinery intact, as observed in the bioelectrochemical response. Monitorization of electrical current flowing in the bioelectrochemical system showed how electroactive biofilm, after a short adaptation period, started to degrade the pharma effluent. The electroactive biofilms are responsible for the detoxification of this type of industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main challenges in the treatment of industrial wastewater is the removal of oil-in-water emulsions, which are stable and therefore difficult to treat. Bacterial cellulose (BC) has structural characteristics that make it an ideal filtration membrane. Several research projects are underway to develop new materials, both biotechnological and traditional, for use in filter beds. The study examined the potential of a BC membrane filtration system for treating oily industrial wastewaters, an underexplored biomaterial in wastewater treatment. The results demonstrated that BC is highly effective at removing oily contaminants (~99%), reducing the colour and particulate matter of wastewater, as well as eliminating nearly the entire microbiological load (~99%). SEM, MEV, FTIR, XRD, and TGA confirmed the presence of oil in the interior of the membrane after filtration, characteristic peaks of its chemical composition, and a 40% reduction in crystallinity. TGA revealed an increase from three (pre-filtration) to five (post-filtration) stages of thermal degradation, indicating the retention of the contaminant in the BC. The mechanical tests demonstrated that the membrane has a tensile strength of 72.13 ± 8.22 MPa and tolerated elongation of up to 21.11 ± 4.81% prior to tearing. The BC membrane also exhibited excellent flexibility, as it could be folded >100 times at the same point without exhibiting signs of tearing. The BC surpasses traditional methods, such as activated charcoal and effluent treatment stations, in the removal of emulsified oils. The findings demonstrate that BC is promising for the treatment of industrial wastewaters, which is a field that requires continual technological innovations to mitigate the environmental impacts of the oil industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Elimination of Emerging Pollutants (pesticides) present in effluents from industrial wastewater treatment plants. Emerging pollutants in wastewater pose significant risks to human health and wildlife, particularly due to their persistence in treated effluents from WWTPs. Very recent research has focused on developing new techniques based on advanced oxidation processes using inorganic and organic photocatalysts for treating polluted effluents under visible light. This study investigates a pesticide-removal system utilizing heterogeneous photoactive polymeric materials P2, P3, and P4. These materials, engineered as hydrophilic polymeric microparticles and functionalized with Rose Bengal, have demonstrated efficient singlet oxygen generation and first-order kinetics in the degradation of AHMPD, a pyrimidine fungicide. Given that most studies in the literature have concentrated on urban WWTPs, with less emphasis on industrial wastewater treatment, this research focused on real water samples from the effluent of an industrial WWTP in the agri-food sector, which processes large volumes of citrus and where high concentrations of AHMPD and other pesticides were detected at certain times of the year. The degradation potential of photoactive materials P3 and P4 was evaluated, achieving removal rates of AHMPD up to 85% under conditions of pH = 11 with 48 h of exposure to visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic fibre (MPF) pollution is a pressing concern that demands urgent attention. These tiny synthetic textile fibres can be found in various ecosystems, including water and air, and pose significant environmental risks. Despite their size (less than 5 mm), they can harm aquatic and terrestrial organisms and human health. Studies have demonstrated that these imperceptible pollutants can contaminate marine environments, thereby putting marine life at risk through ingestion and entanglement. Additionally, microplastic fibres can absorb toxins from the surrounding water, heightening their danger when consumed by aquatic organisms. Traces of MPFs have been identified in human food chains and organs. To effectively combat MPF pollution, it is crucial to understand how these fibres enter ecosystems and their sources. Primary sources include domestic laundry, where synthetic textile fibres are released into wastewater during washing. Other significant sources include industrial effluents, breakdown of plastic materials, and atmospheric deposition. Additionally, MPFs can be directly released into the environment by improperly disposing of consumer products containing these fibres, such as non-woven hygienic products. A comprehensive approach is necessary to address this pressing issue, including understanding the sources, pathways, and potential risks of MPFs. Immediate action is required to manage contamination and mitigate MPF pollution. This review paper provides a systematic literature analysis to help stakeholders prioritise efforts towards reducing MPFs. The key knowledge gaps identified include a lack of information regarding non-standardised test methodology and reporting units, and a lack of information on manufacturing processes and products, to increase understanding of life cycle impacts and real hotspots. Stakeholders urgently need collaborative efforts to address the systematic changes required to tackle this issue and address the proposed opportunities, including targeted government interventions and viable strategies for the industry sector to lead action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breakdown of dyes, which are environmentally hazardous substances and notoriously difficult to degrade, presents the main treatment challenge for wastewater from textile industries. Most advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for dye degradation usually use costly decolorizing agents, whose residue from Wastewater Treatment Plants may be hazardous to the environment. The present study aimed to apply ultrafine bubbles (UFBs) for water AOPs to degrade textile dyes. Our most recent innovation, ultrafine bubbles, enables the production of reactive oxygen species recently introduced as oxidants in AOPs. First, the disc diffuser was optimized by introducing various flow rates of 1–5 L Per Minute (LPM) to generate UFBs with unique characteristics observed from Zeta Potential, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and Oxidation–Reduction Potential (ORP). The air UFBs using a disc diffuser with 3 LPM were selected to degrade the Navacron Ruby S-3B dye solution (1000 Pt-Co). The treatment was optimized on the coagulant dosage (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 ppm) and bubbling times (0–120 min). As a result, the UFBs were successful in degrading the Navacron Ruby S-3B dye solution, resulting in a 45% reduction in Pt-Co color scale with a bubbling time of only 120 min and minimal coagulant dosage (0.5 ppm) compared to the Navacron Ruby S-3B dye solution treatment commonly using a coagulant dosage of 1.5 ppm without UFBs. Based on FTIR, XRF, and PL analysis, we propose the AOP mechanism of hydroxyl radicals for the Navacron Ruby S-3B dye solution. It is emphasized that UFB water AOPs (UFBs–WAOPs) represent a promising alternative technology for treating textile wastewater without chemicals or decolorizing agents. Thus, the UFBs-WAOPs are economical and environmentally benign textile wastewater treatment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic dyes, exceeding 100,000 types on the market and produced at a global scale of over 700,000 tons annually, are extensively used in the textile industry. This industry, a leading contributor to water contamination, relies on dyes like reactive, azo, anthraquinone, and triphenylmethane, resulting in substantial water usage and significant effluent generation. A significant modern challenge is the pollution caused by dye-mixed wastewater, releasing hazardous chemicals into water bodies and posing threats to ecosystems, plants, and human health. Traditionally, physicochemical techniques have addressed textile dye-containing wastewater, but their drawbacks, including cost, inefficiency, and potential secondary pollution, have steered attention towards biological alternatives. Utilizing microorganisms and enzymes, these biological methods, such as microbial cell enzyme immobilization, the biofilm technique, bioreactors, biofuel/bioelectricity production, and genetic engineering, have emerged as promising, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions for efficient dye removal from wastewater. This review paper specifically highlights advanced biological techniques and emphasizes their efficacy in addressing the challenges posed by synthetic textile dyes. Through a systematic review of recent research papers, published results, and observations, this review paper provides insights into emerging biological treatment strategies for effectively removing synthetic textile dyes and contaminants from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed an innovative thin-film nanocomposite membrane that contains cellulose acetate (CA) with small amounts of TiO2-decorated graphene oxide (GO) (ranging from 0.5 wt.% to 2 wt.%) sandwiched between two polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-like thin films. The PTFE-like films succeeded in maintaining the bulk porosity of the support while increasing the thermal and chemical robustness of the membrane and boosting the catalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles. The membranes exhibited a specific chemical composition and bonding, with predominant carbon–oxygen bonds from CA and GO in the bulk, and carbon–fluorine bonds on their PTFE-like coated sides. We have also tested the membranes' photocatalytic activities on azithromycin-containing wastewaters, demonstrating excellent efficiency with more than 80% degradation for 2 wt.% TiO2-decorated GO in the CA-GO-TiO2/PTFE-like membranes. The degradation of the azithromycin formulation occurs in two steps, with reaction rates being correlated to the amount of GO-TiO2 in the membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological wastewater treatment using trickle bed reactors is a commonly known and used solution. One of the key elements of the proper operation of the trickle bed bioreactor is the appropriate selection of biofilm support elements. The respective properties of the bioreactor packing media used can influence, among other things, the efficiency of the treatment process. In this study, the possibility of polyester waste material usage for the preparation of the biofilm support elements was tested. The following properties were checked: adsorption capacity, swelling, surface morphology, microbicidal properties, as well as the possibility of their use in biological wastewater treatment. The tested elements did not adsorb copper nor showed microbicidal properties for bacterial strains Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as well as fungal strains Aspergillus niger and Chaetomium globosum. The hydrophilic and rough nature of the element surface was found to provide a friendly support for biofilm formation. The durability of the elements before and after their application in the biological treatment process was confirmed by performing tests such as compressive strength, FTIR analysis, hardness analysis and specific surface area measurement. The research confirmed the applicability of the packing elements based on polyester textile waste to the treatment of textile wastewater. The treatment efficiency of the model wastewater stream was above 90%, while in the case of a stream containing 60% actual industrial wastewater it was above 80%. The proposed solution enables the simultaneous management of textile waste and wastewater treatment, which is consistent with the principles of a circular economy. The selected waste raw material is a cheap and easily available material, and the use of the developed packing elements will reduce the amount of polyester materials ending up in landfills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing concern over climate change has spurred significant interest in exploring the potential of microalgae for wastewater treatment. Among the various types of industrial wastewaters, high-salinity NH4+-N wastewater stands out as a common challenge. Investigating microalgae's resilience to NH4+-N under high-salinity conditions and their efficacy in NH4+-N utilization is crucial for advancing industrial wastewater microalgae treatment technologies. This study evaluated the effectiveness of employing nitrogen-efficient microalgae, specifically Oocystis lacustris, for NH4+-N removal from saline wastewater. The results revealed Oocystis lacustris's tolerance to a Na2SO4 concentration of 5 g/L. When the Na2SO4 concentration reached 10 g/L, the growth inhibition experienced by Oocystis lacustris began to decrease on the 6th day of cultivation, with significant alleviation observed by the 7th day. Additionally, the toxic mechanism of saline NH4+-N wastewater on Oocystis lacustris was analyzed through various parameters, including chlorophyll-a, soluble protein, oxidative stress indicators, key nitrogen metabolism enzymes, and microscopic observations of algal cells. The results demonstrated that when the Oocystis lacustris was in the stationary growth phase with an initial density of 2 × 107 cells/L, NH4+-N concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 mg/L achieved almost 100% removal of the microalgae on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th days of treatment, respectively. On the other hand, saline NH4+-N wastewater minimally impacted photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and antioxidant systems within algal cells. Additionally, NH4+-N within the cells was assimilated into glutamic acid through glutamate dehydrogenase-mediated pathways besides the conventional pathway involving NH4+-N conversion into glutamine and assimilation amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is a significant global issue caused by the prolonged disregard and unsustainable management of this essential resource by both public and private bodies. The dependence on fossil fuels further exacerbates society's bleak environmental conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to explore alternative solutions to preserve our nation's water resources properly and promote the production of biofuels. Research into the utilization of E. crassipes to remove heavy metals and generate biofuels is extensive. The combination of these two lines of inquiry presents an excellent opportunity to achieve sustainable development goals. This study aims to develop a sustainable wastewater treatment system and generate biohydrogen from dry, pulverized E. crassipes biomass. A treatment system was implemented to treat 1 L of industrial waste. The interconnected compartment system was built by utilizing recycled PET bottles to generate biohydrogen by reusing the feedstock for the treatment process. The production of biological hydrogen through dark fermentation, using biomass containing heavy metals as a biohydrogen source, was studied. Cr (VI) and Pb (II) levels had a low impact on hydrogen production. The uncontaminated biomass of E. crassipes displayed a significantly higher hydrogen yield (81.7 mL H2/g glucose). The presence of Cr (IV) in E. crassipes leads to a decrease in biohydrogen yield by 14%, and the presence of Pb (II) in E. crassipes leads to a decrease in biohydrogen yield of 26%. This work proposes a strategy that utilizes green technologies to recover and utilize contaminated water. Additionally, it enables the production of bioenergy with high efficiency, indirectly reducing greenhouse gases. This strategy aligns with international programs for the development of a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the redesign of a dewatering process in a polymer sludge wastewater treatment plant. The study focuses on addressing the challenges posed by high levels of organic pollutants in the sludge, with the aim of enhancing dewaterability, reducing odors, and minimizing suspended solids. Initially, a vacuum belt filter was utilized, but it proved inadequate in removing sufficient water, resulting in substantial annual disposal costs. To address this issue, a filter press system was proposed, which significantly improved the dewatering process, producing a dryer cake with a solid content of 35%, compared to 19% achieved by the vacuum belt filter. Performance evaluation of the processes was conducted based on concentration of solids and capture efficiency, demonstrating the superiority of the filter press method. Furthermore, the filtrate obtained through the filter press met local discharge regulations, eliminating the need for additional treatment before disposal. The implementation of the filter press not only improved the dewatering process and ensured compliance with discharge standards but also resulted in substantial cost savings of up to 50% per year. The payback period for the current system was determined to be 1.5 years, highlighting the economic advantages of the filter press. Overall, the findings of this study emphasize the practical advantages of the filter press in handling sludge cakes and filtrate for disposal, making it a favorable choice for dewatering polymer sludge and other wastewater treatment plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosand reactors (BSRs), alternatively known as slow or biological sand filters, are passive systems that are used to remove contaminants from domestic wastewater, industrial wastewater and drinking water. This review focuses specifically on their application for remediation of industrial effluent and sewage-containing municipal and household effluent. The relationships between the physicochemical characteristics of the sand grains (size, size distribution, shape, chemical composition) and the hydraulic conductivity of the sand employed in BSFs are critically discussed in relationship to the achievable loading rates and hydraulic retention times. The modes of operation and influence of the functional microbial biomass as well as biodegradable and recalcitrant particulates on these parameters is comprehensively reviewed. Finally, the bioremediation of sewage-based and industrial wastewater is examined. This includes an account of the biotic and abiotic removal mechanisms and the limitations of BSRs for removal of pollutants such as phosphorus/phosphate and nitrates/nitrites. The removal mechanisms and removal efficiencies of macronutrients, micropollutants, fecal indicators and other microorganisms such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria in BSRs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has developed considerably over the last 15 years and offers a viable alternative for the utilization of municipal and industrial organic waste such as sewage sludge. However, the technology has yet to establish itself as a valorization process for waste biomasses (2024) and is not yet a recognized state of the art. Nevertheless, the HTC technology could gain greater relevance in the future, especially as an alternative valorization pathway for sewage sludge. During HTC, significant amounts of HTC process water (PW) are produced as a byproduct. The process water is inorganically and organically polluted and has to be treated, as it would be a burden on water bodies and thus on the environment if left untreated. In the EU and specifically Germany, industrial wastewater producers like HTC-plant operators are obliged to treat their industrial wastewater before discharging it into the environment. In addition to a large amount of PW and its treatment to the required limits, the organic load and possible persistent and toxic substances pose major challenges for plant operators. Many proven processes from industrial wastewater treatment were transferred for the treatment of PW. Treatment of the PW in a manner that is industrially viable, economically viable, and efficient is crucial for the effective commercialization of HTC technology. In this, the challenges and opportunities of PW composition, management, and treatment, including legal aspects, are mainly discussed. Therefore, the legal framework in the European Union and specifically for Germany will be elaborated. Furthermore, different treatment pathways are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water security and industrial wastewater treatment are significant global concerns. One of the main issues with environmental contamination has been the discharge of dye wastewater from the textile and dye industries, contributing to an ever-growing problem with water pollution, poisoning water supplies, and harming the ecosystem. The traditional approach to wastewater treatment has been found to be inefficient, and biosorption techniques and mechanisms have been proven to be a successful replacement for conventional methods. Recent developments have led to the recognition of fibrous materials as an environmentally friendly option with broad application in several industries, including wastewater treatment. This review explores the potential of fibrous materials produced by the electrospinning technique as adsorbents for wastewater treatment, while at the same time, for the removal of adsorbates such as oil, dyes, heavy metals, and other substances, as reported in the literature. Textile wastewater filtering structures, produced by electrospinning, are summarized and the use of synthetic and natural polymers for this purpose is discussed. The limitations of electrospun textile wastewater filtering structures are also mentioned. Electrospun nanofibrous membranes appear to be a very promising route to filter textile wastewater and therefore contribute to water reuse and to reducing the contamination of water courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desulfurization wastewater is industrial wastewater with a high salt content, high metal ions, and high hardness produced by flue gas desulfurization of the limestone-gypsum method in coal-fired power plants. This paper summarizes the source of desulfurization wastewater, water quality characteristics, water quality impacts, and other factors, combined with the current status of research worldwide to introduce the advantages and shortcomings of the existing desulfurization wastewater treatment technology. In addition, zero liquid discharge technology as a novel method to treat desulfurization wastewater is also summarized. It mainly includes evaporation and crystallization, flue gas evaporation, membrane distillation removal, etc. Finally, this manuscript looks forward to the future development direction of desulfurization wastewater based on its existing technology and emission standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous treatment modalities have been employed over the years to eradicate bacterial communities in industrial wastewater. Oxidizing agents and chemical additives, such as ozone, permanganate, glutaraldehyde, and chlorine, are effective in treating microbial contaminants that are typically found in domestic wastewater. However, the chemical complexity of water produced from fracking requires novel approaches, because the microbes have developed mechanisms to overcome typical disinfectants. In this work, we test the effectiveness of bacteriophages for the eradication of two model bacteria from produced water: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus megaterium. These bacteria were grown in low salinity produced water and exposed to their corresponding phage. Overall, the total inactivation of the P. aeruginosa population was achieved, as well as the inactivation of B. megaterium. These promising results provide a potentially useful tool for bacterial elimination in overall PW treatment, at an industrial scale. Particularly, since phage treatment is a rapid and cost-effective alternative. Moreover, these results fall within the objectives proposed as part of the sustainable development goals adopted worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of Cr(VI), a highly-toxic heavy metal, from industrial wastewater is a critical issue in water treatment research. Photocatalysis, a promising technology to solve the Cr(VI) pollution problem, requires urgent and continuous improvement to enhance its performance. To address this need, an electric field-assisted photocatalytic system (PCS) was proposed to meet the growing demand for industrial wastewater treatment. Firstly, we selected PAF-54, a nitrogen-rich porous organic polymer, as the PCS's catalytic material. PAF-54 exhibits a large adsorption capacity (189 mg/g) for Cr(VI) oxyanions through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction. It was then coated on carbon paper (CP) and used as the photocatalytic electrode. The synergy between capacitive deionization (CDI) and photocatalysis significantly promotes the photoreduction of Cr(VI). The photocatalytic performance was enhanced due to the electric field's influence on the mass transfer process, which could strengthen the enrichment of Cr(VI) oxyanions and the repulsion of Cr(III) cations on the surface of PAF-54/CP electrode. In addition, the PCS system demonstrates excellent recyclability and stability, making it a promising candidate for chromium wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most significant challenges the world is currently facing is wastewater treatment. A substantial volume of effluents from diverse sources releases numerous pollutants into the water. Among these contaminants, organic pollutants are particularly concerning due to the associated risk of being released into the environment, garnering significant attention. Rapid advancements in agriculture and industry on a global scale generate vast volumes of hazardous organic compounds, which eventually find their way into natural systems. Recently, the release of industrial wastewater has been increasing, due to the progress of numerous businesses. This poses a danger to humans and the environment, leading to environmental contamination. The application of carbon nanocomposites in applied nanotechnology has recently expanded due to their large surface area, substantial pore volume, low preparation cost, and environmental resilience. Expanding the use of nanomaterials in water treatment is essential, as magnetic carbon nanocomposites consistently demonstrate an efficient elimination of pollutants from water solutions. In the current study, we have highlighted the application of magnetic porous carbon nanocomposites in removing organic pollutants from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion is a potential treatment for industrial wastewater that provides valuable end-products, including renewable energy (biogas). However, waste streams may be too variable, too dilute at high volumes, or missing key components for stable digestion; all factors that increase costs and operational difficulty, making optimisation crucial. Anaerobic digestion may benefit from process intensification, particularly the novel combination of high-strength source-separated wastewater to minimise volume, together with the use of biosolids biochar as a chemical and microbial stabiliser. This study investigates the stability, yield, and microbial community dynamics of the anaerobic digestion of source-separated industrial wastewater from a food manufacturer and a logistics company, using biosolids biochar as an additive, focusing on gas and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, process stability, and the microbial community using bench-scale semi-continuous reactors at 30- and 45-day hydraulic retention time (HRT). While gas yields were lower than expected, stability was possible at high HRT. Methane production reached 0.24 and 0.43 L day−1 per litre reactor working volume at 30- and 45-day HRT, respectively, despite high VFA concentration, and was linked to the relative abundance of Methanosarcina in the microbial community. Interactions between substrate, VFA concentration, and the microbial community were observed. Biochar-assisted anaerobic digestion holds promise for the treatment of source-separated wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater discharges from industrial processes typically include elevated concentrations of contaminants, which largely consist of potentially harmful chemicals such as heavy metals. These contaminants are characterized by their slow rate of decomposition. Hence, the removal of these metallic ions from effluents poses a challenge. Among different treatments, the adsorption approach has considerable potential due to its ability to effectively eliminate both soluble and insoluble pollutants from effluent, even at lower levels of concentration. Of various wastes, fly ash (FA) material has been the subject of attention because it is abundant, has favorable qualities, and contains a high percentage of minerals. This review investigates multiple facets, with a specific focus on the application of FA, an industrial byproduct, as an adsorbent in removing heavy metals. A comprehensive examination was conducted on a range of concerns pertaining to the pollution caused by metallic ions, including the underlying causes, levels of contamination, health implications of heavy metals, and removal methods. Multiple factors were found to affect the adsorption process. Of all the factors, the pH value considerably influences the elimination of heavy metals. An acidic pH range of 2.5–4.5 was found to be optimal for achieving the highest possible elimination of As(V), Cu(II), Hg(II), and Cr(VI). The latter elimination rate reached 89% at the optimal pH level. Most heavy metals' adsorption isotherms conformed to the Langmuir or Freundlich models, while the pseudo-second-order kinetics provided a satisfactory match for their removal. Using a raw FA, adsorption capacities were achieved in the removal of metallic ions, Ni(II), Pb(II), and Cr(VI), that ranged from 14.0 to 23.9 mg g−1. Meanwhile, the FA-zeolite showed a remarkable capacity to adsorb ions Mn(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), and Pb(II), with values ranging from about 31 to 66 mg g−1. The cost analysis showed that the treatment of FA is economically advantageous and may result in significant cost reductions in comparison to commercial adsorbents. In summary, FA is an inexpensive waste material with potential for water treatment applications and several other purposes due to its excellent chemical and mineralogical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Craft breweries release wastewater into the environment, posing serious environmental concerns. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are an attractive technology that has been used in industrial wastewater treatment. This study used a scalable system of nine MFCs (stacked) to treat 150 L of craft brewery wastewater (CBW). The CBW had 1831 ± 85 mg COD (chemical oxygen demand) L−1. The hydraulic retention time was 5 days, with a COD removal percentage of 93 ± 1.8%. The total internal resistance of the stack was 204.8 ± 5.2 Ω at 26 ± 2 °C without the use of a metal catalyst; the reduction of oxygen was the limiting process. Finally, the sequence of treatments applied with this proposed system demonstrated its self-sustainability, which could be a viable option for the real-life conditions of this kind of wastewater. Further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Application of some hybrid materials as coagulation–flocculation agents in single or combined treatment steps for colored wastewater (industrial dye-containing effluents). Polluting species released in industrial-colored effluents contaminate water, degrading its quality and persisting in the aquatic environment; therefore, it must be treated for safe discharge or onsite reuse/recycling to ensure a fresh water supply. This review has the principal goal of facilitating understanding of some important issues concerning wastewater (WW) treatment systems, mainly based on a coagulation–flocculation step, as follows: (i) the significance of and facilities offered by specialized treatment processes, including the coagulation–flocculation step as a single or associated step (i.e., coagulation–flocculation followed by sedimentation/filtration or air flotation); (ii) the characteristics of industrial-colored WW, especially WW from the textile industry, which can be reduced via the coagulation–flocculation step; (iii) primary and secondary groups of hybrid materials and their characteristics when used as coagulants–flocculants; (iv) the influence of different process operating variables and treatment regimens on the efficiency of the studied treatment step; and (v) the benefits of using hybrid materials in colored WW treatment processes and its future development perspectives. The consulted scientific reports underline the benefits of applying hybrid materials as coagulants–flocculants in colored textile WW treatment, mainly fresh, natural hybrid materials that can achieve high removal rates, e.g., dye and color removal of >80%, heavy metals, COD and BOD of >50%, or turbidity removal of >90%. All of the reported data underline the feasibility of using these materials for the removal of colored polluting species (especially dyes) from industrial effluents and the possibility of selecting the adequate one for a specific WW treatment system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine wastewater (SW) was treated using industrial wastes as raw materials in a pre-treatment process (coagulation or adsorption), followed by a continuous heterogeneous Fenton reaction. Before the treatment conducted as a continuous operation, two different batch optimization strategies were evaluated, in which the effects of H2O2 concentration and pH were studied. The results show that using excessive H2O2 results in the same behavior, regardless of whether the pH is 3 or 7.5, while at low H2O2 concentrations, the acidic pH improves the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal due to a higher solubility of iron. The partial addition of H2O2 after 60 min of the reaction proved to be unbeneficial. Considering other perspectives, a continuous Fenton process using iron filings (IF) as the iron source ([H2O2] = 50 mg/L) was applied after the SW pre-treatment, consisting of adsorption with red mud (RM) or coagulation with poly-diallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC). The RM adsorption presented higher COD removal and lower toxicity than the PDADMAC coagulation, revealing to be a suitable material for this purpose, but for both pre-treatments, the application of a subsequent continuous Fenton process revealed to be essential to achieve the COD discharge limits imposed by the Portuguese law. In addition, high amounts of dissolved iron were present in the samples (55–58 mg/L) after the Fenton process. However, after the overall treatment, the samples showed no harmful characteristics for Lepidium sativum, being classified as "non-toxic", contrary to the initial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of various advanced oxidation methods in the treatment of wastewater has become the subject of many studies published in recent years. In particular, it is exceedingly significant to compare these treatment methods for industrial wastewater to reduce environmental effects and optimize plant operations and economics. The present study is the first to deal with the treatability of real epoxy paint wastewater (EPW) using MW- and UV-assisted Fenton processes within an optimization framework. A three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken experimental design combined with response surface methodology (RSM) was conducted for maximizing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color removal efficiencies of ultraviolet (UV)/Fenton and microwave (MW)/Fenton processes in the treatment of the real epoxy paint wastewater (EPW, initial COD = 4600 ± 90 mg/L, initial color = 114 ± 4 Pt-Co), based on 15 different experimental runs. Three independent variables (reaction time ranging from 20 to 60 min (UV) and from 5 to 15 min (MW), power ranging from 20 to 40 W (UV) and from 300 to 600 W (MW), and H2O2/Fe2+ ratio ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 (for both UV and MW)) were consecutively coded as A, B, and C at three levels (−1, 0, and 1), and four second-order polynomial regression equations were then derived to estimate the responses (COD and color removals) of two distinct systems. The significance of the independent model components and their interrelations were appraised by means of a variance analysis with 99% confidence limits (α = 0.01). The standardized differences of the independent variables and the consistency between the actual and predicted values were also investigated by preparing normal probability residual plots and experiment-model plots for all processes. The optimal operating conditions were attained by solving the quadratic regression models and analyzing the surface and contour plots. UV/Fenton and MW/Fenton processes, which constitute combined Fenton processes, were performed using advanced oxidation methods, while Fenton processes were utilized as the standard method for wastewater treatment. When UV/Fenton and MW/Fenton processes were applied separately, the COD removal efficiencies were determined to be 96.4% and 95.3%, respectively. For the color parameter, the removal efficiencies after the application of both processes were found to exceed 97.5%. While these efficiencies were achieved in 1 h with a 38 W UV unit, they were achieved in 15 min with a MW power of 570 W. According to the RSM-based regression analysis results, the R2 values for both processes were greater than 0.97 and p values were less than 0.003. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global concern regarding the release of micropollutants (MPs) into the environment has grown significantly. Considerable amounts of persistent micropollutants are present in industrial discharges. Depending solely on a singular treatment approach is inadequate for the effective removal of MPs from wastewater due to their complex composition. The performance of different treatment methods to meet the discharge standards has been widely studied. These efforts are classified as hybrid and sequential processes. Despite their adequate performance, the optimization and industrial application of these methods could be challenging and costly. This review focuses on integrated (sequential) and hybrid processes for MP removal from actual wastewater. Furthermore, to provide a thorough grasp of the treatment approaches, the operational conditions, the source of wastewater containing MPs, and its characteristics are detailed. It is concluded that the optimal sequence to achieve the removal of MPs involves biological treatment followed by an advanced oxidation process (AOP) with a final passage through an activated carbon column. To refine this process further, a membrane unit could be added based on the desired effluent quality. Nevertheless, considering practical feasibility, this study identifies specific areas requiring additional research to implement this integrated treatment strategy effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pine cones are a widely available and abundant natural resource in Algeria, and they are rich in active molecules. This study investigated the valorization of Pine cones as a natural and abundant bio-coagulant in raw form (powder) and extract form. The active components of the Pine cones were extracted using two solvents, distilled water (DW) and NaCl, to obtain coagulants (proteins, polyphenols, and carbohydrates) for the treatment and improvement of industrial water quality parameters (discharge from a processing plant and tomato production) and an adsorbent (residue extract, RE). The recovered bio-coagulant was used to remove turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and zeta potential. The formed adsorbent was used to remove crystal violet (CV). Coagulation-flocculation experiments were carried out in a jar test to evaluate the performance of the coagulant in powder and extract form. The use of pine cone powder (PCP), extract using NaCl (PC-NaCl), and extract using DW (PC-DW) resulted in turbidity reductions of 96%, 94%, and 98%, respectively. For the residue recovered after extraction, a CV removal percentage of 99.9% was achieved at the optimal conditions of pH 10, CV concentration of 20 mg/L, adsorbent dose of 20 mg/L, and contact time of 120 min, as determined using the Box–Behnken design (BBD). Furthermore, all the effects were significant in the process of the CV phase adsorption on the bio-adsorbent. The model designed for optimal design fit the experimental data well, with a coefficient of determination, R2, of 0.965 and an Adj-R2 of 0.926. The p-value of this model was 0.000, which indicated that the model was very significant. This confirmed the effectiveness of the bio-adsorbent in removing dyes from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater from plastic manufacturing or processing industries is often highly polluted with microplastics (MPs) and high levels of oxidizable organic matter, which results in a high chemical oxygen demand (COD). When industrial wastewater enters wastewater streams, the high microplastic load is a high burden for municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), as they are not sufficiently removed. To prevent MP from entering the WWTPs, an upstream prevention method is essential. This paper presents a pilot-scale plant study for the removal of MP and COD from industrial wastewater that was tested on-site at a plastic manufacturer in Germany. Eight test phases were performed over 3 months, with each test phase processing 1 m3 wastewater and four treatments. Per test phase, 12 samples were analyzed for 5 parameters: COD, total suspended solids (TSSs), particle count, pH, and turbidity. The results showed an average decrease in MP by 98.26 ± 2.15% measured by TSSs and 97.92 ± 2.31% measured by particle count. This prevents the emission of 1.1 kg MP/m3 water and an estimated 2.7 t MP/year. The COD was reduced efficiently by 94.3 ± 8.9%. Besides MP and COD, this treatment allows reuse of water and agglomerates, resulting in a reduction in the CO2 footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improper discharge of industrial wastewater causes severe environmental pollution and the textile industry's dye usage contributes significantly to industrial wastewater pollution. Hence, an effective method for removing the harmful substance methylene blue (MB) from dye wastewater is proposed. This method adopts a three-dimensional graphene composite material based on manganese dioxide (MnO2), named polyurethane@ reduced graphene oxide@ MnO2 (PU@RGO@MnO2). First, graphene is prepared with hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent and polyurethane as a framework. MnO2 nanoparticles are synthesized by the reaction of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) with carbon. These nanoparticles are then loaded onto the three-dimensional framework to create the composite material. Finally, adsorption and removal experiments for MB are conducted to compare the performance of the composite material. The results indicate that the graphene based on the polyurethane framework exhibits favorable mechanical properties. The unique three-dimensional lattice structure provides abundant active sites for loading MnO2 nanoparticles, significantly increasing the contact area between the adsorbent and MB solution and thus improving the adsorbent utilization rate (reaching 94%). The nanoparticles synthesized through the reaction of KMnO4 with carbon effectively suppress the agglomeration phenomenon. Additionally, the introduction of dynamic adsorption and dynamic removal modes, aided by a water pump, substantially enhances the adsorption and removal rates, showcasing excellent performance. The research on a multi-porous three-dimensional structure holds significant practical value in water treatment, offering a new research direction for dye wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Wastewater Treatment: Functional Materials and Advanced Technology" discusses the issue of water pollution caused by the increase in wastewater discharge and the emergence of new contaminants. The article introduces a Special Issue that focuses on feasible methods and insights for addressing these challenges. The Special Issue includes 34 publications that cover topics such as functional adsorption materials, ion sieves, and oxidation/reduction materials for various contaminants. The article also suggests future research directions, including the application of treatment methods to real wastewater, the development of efficient materials for emerging pollutants, and the consideration of economic factors in wastewater treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: Several large tanneries operate in Saudi Arabia. The tanneries produce more than 15,000 pieces of leather per day and 200 metric tons of wastewater per day. Leather manufacturing is a highly polluting activity throughout the world, and in many places, it is not known how efficient the wastewater treatments in the factories are. This was found to be the case in Saudi Arabia, where we revealed insufficient treatments in all four of the factories that we studied. We propose here an additional biological treatment using a bacterial–fungal consortium. Bacteria and fungi were isolated from tannery wastewaters, and their collagenase and gelatinase activities were measured to discover their potential to clean tannery wastewater. Different single bacteria and fungi and their consortia were used in the experiment to find the most suitable species for the treatment. The treatment appeared to be efficient, reducing almost all parameters to below the environmental regulation limit for wastewater discharge to the environment in Saudi Arabia. Environmental pollutants such as toxic heavy metals and oxygen-demanding solids are generated by leather manufacturing. In most tanneries, wastewaters are treated with physico-chemical methods but overly high levels of pollutants remain in surface waters. The efficiency of tanning wastewater treatment with conventional techniques was evaluated in four tanneries in Saudi Arabia. It was observed that the wastewaters contained high amounts of pollutants, needing further treatment. We isolated microorganisms from the wastewaters and carried out experiments to treat the effluents with different bacteria, fungi, and their consortia. We hypothesized that a consortium of microorganisms is more efficient than the single microorganisms in the consortium. The efficiency of five single bacterial and five fungal species from different genera was tested. In a consortium experiment, the efficiency of nine bacterial–fungal consortia was studied. The bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum and the fungus Acremonium sp. were the most efficient in the single-microbe treatment. In the consortium treatment, the consortium of these two was the most efficient at treating the effluent. The factory wastewater treatment reduced total dissolved solids (TDS) from 1885 mg/L to 880 mg/L. C. glutamicum treatment reduced TDS to 150 mg/L and Acremonium sp. to 140 mg/L. The consortium of these two reduced TDS further to 80 mg/L. Moreover, the factory treatment reduced BOD from 943 mg/L to 440 mg/L, C. glutamicum to 75 mg/L, and Acremonium sp. 70 mg/L. The consortium reduced BOD further to 20 mg/L. The total heavy-metal concentration (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Pb) was reduced by the factory treatment from 43 μg/L to 26 μg/L and by the consortium to 0.2 μg/L. The collagen concentration that was studied using hydroxyproline assay decreased from 120 mg/L to 39 mg/L. It was shown that the consortium of the bacterium C. glutamicum and the fungus Acremonium sp. was more efficient in reducing the pollutants than the single species. The consortium reduced almost all parameters to below the environmental regulation limit for wastewater discharge to the environment in Saudi Arabia. The consortium should be studied further as an additional treatment to the existing conventional tannery wastewater treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addressing eutrophication and enhancing water quality, this study builds upon previous research involving the development of an Efficient Phosphorus Removal Composite (EPRC), a material created using modified industrial wastes (steel slag and fly ash) as adsorbent substrates, supplemented with a binder and porosity-forming agent. In this investigation, the EPRC was further enhanced through the addition of zirconium oxychloride octahydrate, resulting in the production of Zr-EPRC particles as reinforced phosphorus removal materials. Comparative experiments were conducted to assess different methods for preparing Zr-EPRC, the static adsorption performance, and dynamic adsorption behavior. The optimal preparation of Zr-EPRC was achieved by separately modifying the base materials, steel slag and fly ash. Loading with mass ratios of zirconium chloride octahydrate to fly ash and steel slag at 0.4 and 0.6, respectively, for a duration of 12 h at a pH of 10 yielded the best results. In static adsorption experiments conducted at temperatures of 15 °C, 25 °C, and 35 °C, Zr-EPRC exhibited saturated phosphorus adsorption capacities of 11.833 mg/g (variance = 0.993), 12.550 mg/g (variance = 0.993), and 13.462 mg/g (variance = 0.996), respectively. Zr-EPRC emerges as a cost-effective and readily available solution with promising stability for general wastewater treatment applications, contributing significantly to the mitigation of eutrophication and the improvement of water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are highly effective in wastewater treatment and have generated lines of research with a focus on technological development and implemented innovations. This work concentrates on the most recent technical and scientific advances that have obtained optimal results in the construction of CWs using sustainable materials and the use of ornamental plants and other aquatic plants. Efficiency is also documented through models and simulation with neural networks, the use of the random forest method, and the use of software such as MODFLOW, MODPATH, and COMSOL Multiphysics. The information shown is structured by geographical area and addresses regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania. It is important to consider that the optimization and innovation of CW for pollutant removal may benefit developing countries that do not have sufficient infrastructure to meet the demand for municipal and industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution is an issue of particular concern, specifically when industrial waste products are not subjected to appropriate treatment. Among various industries in the agri-food sector, the brewing industry holds a significant position in this context, given that beer stands as the predominant choice of consumers. Brewery waste generates significant quantities of organic substances, along with ammonium nitrogen and phosphorus. Among the various methods for their treatment, adsorption has received substantial attention due to its cost-effectiveness and operational simplicity. The present study investigates the adsorption capacity of two materials, zeolite and palygorskite, for the removal of ammonium nitrogen and brewery waste, using columns and batches. Simultaneously, desorption and regeneration experiments were conducted, and the effect of pH on their effectiveness was also examined. To understand the adsorption mechanisms, isotherm and kinetic models have been estimated. The results of the experiments have demonstrated a marked adsorption efficiency of the adsorbent materials, surpassing 90%. In comparison, zeolite has exhibited a better adsorption capacity in the removal of ammonium nitrogen, while palygorskite has shown greater aptitude for phosphorus removal. The purpose of these experiments was to investigate the adsorption capacity of these two materials as a potential medium for brewery wastewater treatment (e.g., as part of adsorption filter, trickling filters, and constructed wetlands). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from the linear economy paradigm to the circular economy in industrial wastewater treatment systems is on the global agenda. The search for new simple, eco-innovative, and low-cost processes for treating industrial wastewater, which can also be used by small and medium-sized industries, has been a constant challenge especially when environmental sustainability is considered. So, a new integrated industrial wastewater treatment system has been developed that includes the immediate one-step lime precipitation process (IOSLM) and atmospheric carbonation (AC), followed by constructed wetlands (CWs) or adsorption. The current review provides an overview of industrial wastewater treatment strategies for high- and low-biodegradable wastewater. A background on functionality, applicability, advantages and disadvantages, operating variables, removal mechanisms, main challenges, and recent advances are carried out for each process that makes up the IOSLM+AC+CW/adsorption integrated system. The prospects of the IOSLM+AC+CW/adsorption integrated system are also discussed. Not neglecting the improvements that still need to be made in the integrated treatment system as well as its application to various types of industrial wastewater, this review highlights that this treatment system is promising in industrial wastewater treatment and consequent by-product recovery. The IOSLM+AC integrated system showed that it can remove high amounts of organic matter, total suspended solids, oils and fats, phosphorus, and ammonium nitrogen from industrial effluents. On the other hand, constructed wetlands/adsorption can be alternatives for refining effluents still containing organic matter and nitrogen that were not possible to remove in the previous steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of petroleum refinery wastewater (PRWW) is of great interest in industrial wastewater management. This wastewater contains a diverse concentration of contaminants such as oil and grease, petroleum hydrocarbons, phenols, ammonia, and sulfides, as well as other organic and inorganic composites. Refinery wastewater treatment has been attempted through various processes, including physical, biological, chemical, and hybrid methods, which combine two or more techniques. This review aims to summarize current research studies involved in the treatment of petroleum refinery wastewater using conventional, advanced, and integrated treatment techniques. Furthermore, it critically highlights the efficiencies and major limitations of each technique and the prospects for improvements. Several conventional treatment techniques (basically, the physicochemical and biological processes) are discussed. In this context, advanced oxidation processes (AoPs), especially electrochemical oxidation and photocatalysis, as well as integrated/hybrid processes are found to be effective in removing the recalcitrant fraction of organic pollutants through their various inherent mechanisms. These techniques could effectively remove COD and phenol concentrations with an average removal efficiency exceeding 90%. Hence, the review also presents an elaborate discussion of the photocatalytic process as one of the advanced techniques and highlights some basic concepts to optimize the degradation efficiency of photocatalysts. Finally, a brief recommendation for research prospects is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are numerous studies on water care methods featured in various academic and research journals around the world. One research area is cellulose residue coupled with continuous systems to identify which are more efficient and easier to install. Investigations have included mathematical design models that provide methods for developing and commissioning industrial wastewater treatment plants, but nothing is provided on how to size and start these treatment systems. Therefore, the objective is to determine recent advances in the treatment of industrial wastewater from different celluloses in continuous systems. The dynamic behavior of the research results with cellulose biomasses was analyzed with the mass balance model and extra-particle and intraparticle dispersion, evaluating adsorption capacities, design variables, and removal constants, and making a size contribution for each cellulose analyzed using adsorption capacities. A mathematical model was also developed that feeds on cellulose reuse, determining new adsorption capacities and concluding that the implementation of cellulose waste treatment systems has a high feasibility due to low costs and high adsorption capacities. Furthermore, with the design equations, the companies themselves could design their systems for the treatment of water contaminated with heavy metals with cellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and colour removals of around 60%, and 32% of total phenolic compounds degradation, were achieved in this work, showing the interest of this fungi in recalcitrant compound treatment. This study concluded that Assamra WWTP is efficient in removing caffeine and pharmaceutically active compounds (except for bisoprolol and carbamazepine) with overall efficiencies higher than 80%, whereas the wastewater treatment process was not able to eliminate antibiotics. Rapid urbanization and industrialization, together with new contaminants arising from many different sources, make it necessary to move forwards with research to face future challenges regarding water pollution. [Extracted from the article]

Rapid technological, industrial and agricultural development has resulted in the release of large volumes of pollutants, including metal ions, into the environment. Heavy metals have become of great concern due to their toxicity, persistence, and adverse effects caused to the environment and population. In this regard, municipal and industrial effluents should be thoroughly treated before being discharged into natural water or used for irrigation. The physical, chemical, and biological techniques applied for wastewater treatment adsorption have a special place in enabling effective pollutant removal. Currently, plenty of adsorbents of different origins are applied for the treatment of metal-containing aqueous solution and wastewater. The present review is focused on mesoporous materials. In particular, the recent achievements in mesoporous materials' synthesis and application in wastewater treatment are discussed. The mechanisms of metal adsorption onto mesoporous materials are highlighted and examples of their multiple uses for metal removal are presented. The information contained in the review can be used by researchers and environmental engineers involved in the development of new adsorbents and the improvement of wastewater treatment technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating a variety of microalgae into wastewater treatment is considered an economically viable and environmentally sound strategy. The present work assessed the growth characteristics of Chlorella sorokiniana during cultivation in balanced synthetic media and domestic wastewater. Increasing the NH4+–N concentration to 360 mg L−1 and adding extra PO43−–P and SO42−–S (up to 80 and 36 mg L−1, respectively) contributed to an increase in the total biomass levels (5.7–5.9 g L−1) during the cultivation of C. sorokiniana in synthetic media. Under these conditions, the maximum concentrations of chlorophylls and carotenoids were 180 ± 7.5 and 26 ± 1.4 mg L−1, respectively. Furthermore, when studying three types of domestic wastewaters, it was noted that only one wastewater contributed to the productive growth of C. sorokiniana, but all wastewaters stimulated an increased accumulation of protein. Finally, the alga, when growing in optimal unsterilized wastewater, showed a maximum specific growth rate of 0.73 day−1, a biomass productivity of 0.21 g L−1 day−1, and 100% NH4+–N removal. These results demonstrate that the tested alga actively adapts to changes in the composition of the growth medium and accumulates high levels of protein in systems with poor-quality water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of boron (B) into the environment as a result of anthropogenic activity modifies sustainable natural conditions, thus affecting ecosystems. To meet water quality regulations, commercial and natural boron adsorbents are available to reduce its concentrations in industrial effluents, with the former being not only more expensive but also less sustainable. In the publication, the biosorption parameters of carob kibbles (Ceratonia siliqua L.) were optimized in order to remove boron from aqueous solutions using batch experiments. The biosorbent used in the present research was agro-waste biomass provided by the local locust-beam gum industry. Boron removal by carob kibbles was favored at high initial pH values, and this capacity was found to be a function of boron initial concentration, biosorbent content in the solution, and particle size. The change in temperature did not affect the potential of biomass to remove boron. The highest boron removal efficiency (55.1%) was achieved under the following optimal conditions: 50 g/L biosorbent dose (Cs), with particle size range 0.025–0.106 mm, for the initial concentration (C0) of boron in the solution of 100 mg/L, at an initial pH of 11.5, for 5 h at 25 °C. This investigation suggests that carob kibble agro-waste can be valorized as a biosorbent to remove boron from wastewater, and the boron-loaded residue may eventually be explored as a new boron-fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palladium (Pd) nanoparticle catalysis has attracted increasing attention due to its efficient catalytic activity and its wide application in environmental protection and chemical synthesis. In this work, Pd nanoparticles (about 71 nm) were synthesized in aqueous solution by microwave-assisted thermal synthesis and immobilized in beech wood blocks as Pd@wood catalysts. The wood blocks were first hydrothermally treated with 10% NaOH solution to improve the internal structure and increase their porosity, thereby providing favorable attachment sites for the formed Pd nanoparticles. The stable deposition of Pd nanoparticle clusters on the internal channels of the wood blocks can be clearly observed. In addition, the catalytic performance of the prepared Pd@wood was investigated through two model reactions: the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and Cr(VI). The Pd@wood catalyst showed 95.4 g−1 s−1 M−1 of normalized rate constant knorm and 2.03 min−1 of the TOF, respectively. Furthermore, Pd nanoparticles are integrated into the internal structure of wood blocks by microwave-assisted thermal synthesis, which is an effective method for wood functionalization. It benefits metal nanoparticle catalysis in the synthesis of fine chemicals as well as in industrial wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyes are responsible for major environmental issues globally due to their toxicity, large-scale production, and extensive use in various industrial sectors. Pollution caused by hazardous dyes is mainly due to textile waste, which is constantly discharged into the aquatic system, often causing harm to humans and affecting water quality. In recent years, the removal of dyes from industrial textile wastewater has been a major challenge. Numerous technologies and methods have been developed to remove dyes from wastewater and meet clean water requirements. In this study, the effectiveness of activated carbon prepared by chemical activation of jujube stones for textile wastewater treatment was investigated. The effects of the concentration of H3PO4 and the carbonization temperature on the activated carbon's properties were studied. Several physicochemical methods, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, methylene blue index, Boehm titration, iodine index and pH point of zero charge, were considered to characterize the produced adsorbents. To assess the quality of the two studied textile effluents (Mustard and Violet), the following parameters were used: biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity, suspended particles and dissolved solids, before and after treatment with the produced activated carbon. Untreated wastewater analysis revealed high values for almost all parameters: pH > 9, COD of 302.72 mg/L and 230.68 mg/L for Mustard and Violet effluent, respectively. Both effluents from an industrial textile factory exhibited a COD/BOD ratio higher than three, which restricts their biodegradability. Examination of the effect of contact time and activated carbon dosage on the treatment of the two effluents showed that 4 g/L of activated carbon and 60 min of contact time were sufficient for optimal treatment, resulting in pollutant removal rates of 81.03 and 84.65% for the Violet and Mustard effluents, respectively. The results of this research highlight the efficiency of activated carbon derived from jujube stones as a cost-effective adsorbent for the treatment of real textile wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the critical issue of water pollution, this review article emphasizes the need to remove hazardous dyes and phenolic compounds from wastewater. These pollutants pose severe risks due to their toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic properties. The study explores various techniques for the remediation of organic contaminants from wastewater, including an enzymatic approach. A significant challenge in enzymatic wastewater treatment is the loss of enzyme activity and difficulty in recovery post-treatment. To mitigate these issues, this review examines the strategy of immobilizing enzymes on newly developed nanostructured materials like graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). These materials offer high surface areas, excellent porosity, and ample anchoring sites for effective enzyme immobilization. The review evaluates recent research on enzyme immobilization on these supports and their applications in biocatalytic nanoparticles. It also analyzes the impact of operational factors (e.g., time, pH, and temperature) on dye and phenolic compound removal from wastewater using these enzymes. Despite promising outcomes, this review acknowledges the challenges for large-scale implementation and offers recommendations for future research to tackle these obstacles. This review concludes by suggesting that enzyme immobilization on these emerging materials could present a sustainable, environmentally friendly solution to the escalating water pollution crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of new technologies for the removal of pollutants from wastewater has become globally necessary due to the complexity and facilities defined by conventional treatments. Advanced oxidative processes, specifically the Fenton process, have become widely applied given their low cost and ease of use. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the progression of the scientific publications on the implementation of Fenton process, investigating their space–time evolution. Additionally, useful solutions, trends, and gaps in the applications for the removal of pollutants with this methodology were identified, and also different remediation strategies and the design of new treatments for wastewaters were identified within this scientometric analysis. Bibliometric research was conducted in two scientific databases, Web of Science and Scopus, from 2011 to 2022, and we identified 932 and 1263 studies with the word "Fenton," respectively. When these publications are associated with the treatment of alternative effluents, an increase in publications from 2011 (r = 0.95, p < 0.001) and 2013 (r = 0.93, p < 0.001) was observed when analyzing both databases, indicating the relevance of the theme. Among these studies, several of them were conducted on the bench scale (89.8% and 98.3%, Web of Science and Scopus, respectively) and in aqueous matrix (97.8% and 98.4%, Web of Science and Scopus, respectively), with being China the main country with publications associated with these words (28.33% and 41.9%), while Brazil is related to 3.65% and 2.29% of the total studies in Web of Science and Scopus, respectively. In addition, this review provides a guideline for new applications for different species in the matrices and describes the evolution of technological solutions to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White Rot Fungi (WRF) are a class of microorganisms widely understood for their ability to breakdown an extensive range of pollutants generally found in industrial wastewater. This specific literature review centers on the abilities of the White Rot Fungi to treat industrial wastewater, analysis of the biodegradation mechanism, future applications, and scaling up for practical implementation. WRF usually carry out the degradation process with ligninolytic enzyme by targeting complex industrial pollutants, such as aromatic hydrocarbons, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and products of personal care. The unique enzymatic system of WRF converts the complex and harmful industrial pollutants into harmless end and byproducts, thus minimizing the impact on the environment and ecosystem. This review paper also discusses the potential applications of WRF, such as bioremediation, biosorption, and co-culturing with bacteria to enhance the pollutants removal efficiency of already functional wastewater treatment plants. However, there are still challenges in scaling up WRF-based treatment facilities due to factors such as the optimization of conditions and processes of already functional conventional wastewater treatment plants, cost effectiveness, and design modifications of treatment facilities. Conclusively, WRF fungi can play an important role in degrading complex organic and inorganic pollutants specifically, which are not usually treated by conventional wastewater treatment plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, the removal of pharmaceutical contaminants based on atenolol (AT) and propranolol (PR) using modified activated carbon (AC) in a liquid solution was studied. Two methods, adsorption and photodegradation, were used to eliminate AT and PR. First, AC was prepared from date stems and then modified via hydroxylation (AC-OH) and impregnated into titanium dioxide (AC-TiO2) separately. The removal of AT and PR was investigated in terms of experimental parameters, such as pH, concentration, temperature, and the effectiveness of the processes. The results show that the removal of AT and PR reached 92% for the adsorption method, while 94% was registered for the photodegradation process. Likewise, in optimal experimental conditions, the adsorption of AT and PR over AC-OH showed good stability and recyclability, achieving five cycles without a visible decrease in the removal capacity. The results obtained in this work suggest that the low-cost and environmentally friendly synthesis of AC-OH is suitable to be considered for wastewater treatment at the industrial scale. Interestingly, the above results open a potential pathway to determine whether adsorption or photodegradation is more suitable for eliminating wastewater-related pharmaceutical pollutants. Accordingly, the experimental results recommend adsorption as a promising, durable, eco-friendly wastewater treatment method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several types of these contaminants resist removal and degradation by conventional water and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and methods. Water is widely recognized as a fundamental factor in ecosystems and environments, playing a crucial role in human life and health [[1]]. There are various contaminants in water and wastewater effluents (comprising organic contaminants, heavy metals, emerging contaminants, nutrients, and pathogens), each of which requires a specific treatment process [[6]]. Farch et al. [[10]] removed methylene blue (MB), a dye contaminant, using walnut shell. [Extracted from the article]