Search

This research investigates a sustainable and renewable mobile energy system designed for electricity production, hydrogen generation, and seawater desalination. It targets critical energy and freshwater needs during disaster scenarios, particularly in island nations and coastal cities where infrastructure may be compromised. The system integrates advanced technologies, including wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, solar collectors, and reverse osmosis units, all mounted on a green ship. Simulations using Engineering Equation Solver software indicate that in July, the system can produce 2,201,865 MJ of electricity, 7252 kg of hydrogen, and 3456 tons of fresh and hot water. This output can power 1072 electric vehicles and 1284 hydrogen-powered vehicles while supplying cold water to 57,600 people and hot water to 5760 people. By relying on renewable energy, the system prevents approximately 43,543 kg of carbon emissions in July. The total monthly economic value is estimated at $47,241.36, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable solution for disaster response and coastal communities. [Display omitted] • Hydrogen generation of the combined hybrid renewable system. • Thermodynamic efficiencies of components and overall the system for a green ship. • The comparison of the power generation of the wind turbine, Organic Rankine Cycle, and solar cell. • The monthly carbon saving quantity of the renewable hybrid system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution due to organic compounds has emerged as a global concern. Among various methods for wastewater treatment like advanced oxidation process, photodegradation, reverse osmosis, etc., adsorption is an economical and effective method. Different research scientists have focused on developing low-cost materials for the adsorption of organic pollutants from aqueous streams. The Discovery of M-xenes has led to a new and interesting vein of research. This article summarises M-xenes and M-xenes based nanocomposites for wastewater treatment. Adsorption kinetics and mechanism is also discussed in this paper. The adsorption is due to chemical attractions between pollutants and functional groups on the surface of M-xenes. Surface modified M-xenes have the potential to be excellent adsorbent materials for water remediation. Various factors affecting the adsorption capacity of M-xenes are discussed. Lastly, the future prospects for developing M-xenes as efficient, low-cost and non-toxic materials for water remediation are also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the global water crisis and the role of membrane technology, particularly reverse osmosis (RO), microfiltration (MF), and ultrafiltration (UF), in addressing water challenges by 2050. Membrane technology has evolved to provide safe, sustainable drinking water by treating unconventional water sources like seawater, brackish groundwater, and wastewater. The article highlights the advancements in RO membranes for desalination, the importance of MF and UF membranes for pathogen treatment, and the potential of other membrane technologies like electrodialysis (ED) and membrane distillation (MD) in water treatment by 2050. [Extracted from the article]

Organic solvent reverse osmosis (OSRO) is an emerging and promising technology for the separation of organic mixtures, which is realized by differential transport rates of organics through polymer membranes. However, the solvent transport characteristics and separation mechanism within OSRO systems remain unclear. Herein, we investigate the solvent transport behavior in polymer membranes with intrinsic microporosity by combining nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations with solvent permeation examinations. The results indicate that organic molecules permeate through the micropores in a clustered state driven by both pressure and concentration gradients. The selectivity of solvents is co‐determined by their sorption and diffusion in the swollen polymer membranes with a microporous character. The sorption selectivity is predominant in the overall selectivity toward polar ethyl ether/n‐butanol separation, whereas diffusion selectivity is more critical in nonpolar 1,3,5‐triisopropylbenzene/toluene separation. Generally, this work provides valuable insights into the development of next‐generation OSRO membranes for solvent separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydraulic turbocharger plays a vital role in harnessing the energy stored in brine within reverse osmosis desalination plants. To optimize the efficiency and durability of this equipment, it is crucial to develop accurate dynamic models of the turbocharger rotor. An improved understanding of rotor dynamics enables the integration of innovative technologies such as Hydraulic Energy Management Integration, effectively enhancing efficiencies in systems characterized by small capacities and high rotational speeds. This study presents a dynamic modeling methodology for the hydraulic turbocharger. The analysis involves approximating the turbocharger rotor with an equivalent finite element shaft line model. Verification of the model's natural frequency is conducted using three-dimensional finite element analysis, employing the ANSYS modal analysis module. Computational fluid dynamics is employed to evaluate the fluid forces, while the Reynolds equation is utilized to assess the journal bearing forces. The resulting model is employed to investigate the nonlinear dynamics of the rotor, examining the impact of various system parameters, including rotational speed, unbalance forces, and shaft geometrical parameters. The results highlight the significance of balancing the turbine and pump disks for optimal performance. Furthermore, the research demonstrates that increasing the shaft length reduces the rotor's threshold speed, while increasing the shaft diameter initially raises the threshold speed until it reaches a critical value. Beyond this critical value, further increases in shaft diameter lead to a decrease in the threshold speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid industrialization and ever‐increasing global population culminate in continuous upsurge in freshwater crisis worldwide. The most reliable and promising solution to this crisis is utilizing sea‐water as the freshwater source, and desalination technologies pave the way for efficient production of freshwater from sea‐water. In this regard, membrane‐based desalination method comes forth owing to its' efficient separation, operational ease, and low‐energy consumption. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), the most explored crystalline porous materials, show tremendous promise as membrane‐materials for desalination owing to their structural diversity, tunability, and porous voids which provide secondary water channels. Given significant advances are made in MOF‐materials for desalination in the past few years, it is crucial to systematically summarize the recent progress and development of this field. In this review, a brief overview of various saline water systems and prerequisites for desalination are first presented. Then, advanced fabrication strategies MOF‐membranes followed by the recent progress in MOF‐materials for various desalination processes such as reverse osmosis and forward osmosis are systematically summarized. Finally, the authors' perspectives on the unsolved scientific and technical challenges and opportunities for MOF‐integrated membranes toward real‐world implementation are proposed. With further systematic development, MOF‐materials promise to provide an ideal platform for next‐generation desalination technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass is a viable and accessible source of energy that can help address the problem of energy shortages in rural and remote areas. Another important issue for societies today is the lack of clean water, especially in places with high populations and low rainfall. To address both of these concerns, a sustainable biomass-fueled power cycle integrated with a double-stage reverse osmosis water-desalination unit has been designed. The double-stage reverse osmosis system is provided by the 20% of generated power from the bottoming cycles and this allocation can be altered based on the needs for freshwater or power. This system is assessed from energy, exergy, thermoeconomic, and environmental perspectives, and two distinct multi-objective optimization scenarios are applied featuring various objective functions. The considered parameters for this assessment are gas turbine inlet temperature, compressor's pressure ratio, and cold end temperature differences in heat exchangers 2 and 3. In the first optimization scenario, considering the pollution index, the total unit cost of exergy products, and exergy efficiency as objective functions, the optimal values are, respectively, identified as 0.7644 kg/kWh, 32.7 USD/GJ, and 44%. Conversely, in the second optimization scenario, featuring the emission index, total unit cost of exergy products, and output net power as objective functions, the optimal values are 0.7684 kg/kWh, 27.82 USD/GJ, and 2615.9 kW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A main constraint of hydroponics is the need for high-quality water. This study evaluated the viability of reverse osmosis concentrate backflush, or reject water, as a water source for hydroponic lettuce production. We compared the growth of ‘Casey’ butterhead lettuce produced using nutrient film technique hydroponics with municipal (tap) water (TW), reverse osmosis (RO) water, and reject water from an RO system [wastewater (WW)]. Characterization of water sources showed the following: RO had trace minerals; TW had the greatest potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg); and WW had greatest sulfur (S), sodium (Na), and chloride (Cl). No water source had detectable heavy metals. Mineral and heavy metal tissue contents were determined at mid-harvest and end-harvest, and nutrient budgets for nitrogen (N), S, Ca, Mg, Na, and Cl were calculated. Water sources did not impact lettuce growth during the 4-week hydroponic production cycle based on leaf greenness, diameter, fresh weight, or dry weight. In the nutrient reservoirs, Ca and Mg increased over time and were greatest in TW. The Cl and Na levels in WW were 106 and 203 mg·L-1, respectively, and the electrical conductivity (EC) of this treatment increased to 3.5 dS·m-1 after 4 weeks; however, plant water uptake, water use efficiency, and percent moisture loss were unaffected. In shoot tissue, lettuce grown with WW had less Ca at mid-harvest and less Mg at mid-harvest and end-harvest compared with other treatments, suggesting antagonization of uptake by high salt. Tissue S was not different across treatments; however, there were differences in reservoirs of the water sources as S accumulated more from WW. Tissue Na and Cl levels were different among the treatments, and higher amounts in nutrient reservoirs translated to higher uptake by lettuce. Although the heavy metal content in all water sources was <0.01 ppm, arsenic, lead, and chromium were measured in lettuce tissue at levels that exceed recommended limits in most instances. Our results indicated that a water source of RO reject water from municipal feed water is a viable irrigation option for shortterm hydroponic production of butterhead lettuce; however, EC reduction in the nutrient solution would be necessary when continuing sequential cropping [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a novel control algorithm for a standalone Photovoltaic Reverse-Osmosis (PV-RO) system without a battery. It highlights the importance of tracking the maximum power tracking points in the photovoltaic panels. The development of new methods has become more urgent than before. The PV-RO system combines solar energy and reverse osmosis technology to provide reliable and sustainable access to clean drinking water in remote areas. Traditional PV-RO systems often require energy storage solutions such as batteries to maintain a constant water supply during periods of low solar irradiation. However, the integration of batteries adds complexity, cost, and environmental impact to the system. The paper presents the development of different MPPT techniques, which are better than traditional techniques (more accurate and faster). The paper also provides a comparison with the studied methods (P&O and Incremental Conductance) and the proposed one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often composed of a variety of natural medicines. Its composition is complex, and many of its components can not be analyzed and identified. The first step in the rational application of TCM is to successfully separate the effective components which is also a great inspiration for the development of new drugs. Among the many separation technologies of TCM, the traditional heating concentration separation technology has high energy consumption and low efficiency. As a new separation technology, membrane separation technology has the characteristics of simple operation, high efficiency, environment-friendly and so on. The separation effect of high molecular weight difference solution is better. The applications of several main membrane separation technologies such as microfiltration, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis are reviewed, the methods of restoring membrane flux after membrane fouling are discussed, and their large-scale industrial applications in the future are prospected and summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Slaughterhouse wastewater recycling using a combined process consisting of flotation, membrane bioreactor, and reverse osmosis. The implementation of research results in industrial applications is a crucial step in the development of innovative technologies. In this work, slaughterhouse wastewater recycling was successfully realized. The system, comprising a process combination of flotation, membrane bioreactor, and reverse osmosis, was able to treat the wastewater from a medium-sized poultry slaughterhouse in northwestern Tunisia. The process managed to treat approximately one-third of the wastewater to the required standard for agricultural irrigation. An additional 35% was purified to drinking-water quality. The remaining water was discharged as concentrate, meeting the necessary limits for indirect discharge. As a result, the slaughterhouse's fresh water consumption was reduced by 35% and the amount of wastewater by around 70%. With the combined system, average reductions of 99%, 98%, and 96% were achieved for the parameters COD, TN, and electrical conductivity, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater resources have faced serious threats in recent decades, primarily due to rapid population growth and climate change. Seawater desalination has emerged as an essential process to ensure a sustainable supply of freshwater to meet the global demand for freshwater. However, this approach has some shortcomings, such as the disposal of brines containing high levels of contaminants creating environmental problems, and the energy-intensive nature of desalination, primarily powered by fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, as a solution, the zero liquid discharge approach has been identified by the body of research to be one of the viable methods to solve these problems. Over 90% of freshwater and reusable salts could be recovered through this approach. Adopting renewable energy-powered systems could make zero-liquid discharge desalination plants operate in an entirely environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. This review explores the integration of renewable energy-powered systems for the optimisation of seawater desalination treatment processes for zero-waste and improved productivity. The review also examines technologies and strategies that improve the efficiency and sustainability of desalination systems. By analysing recent research, we provide insights into the advancements, challenges, and prospects for optimizing renewable energy-powered seawater desalination processes aimed at achieving zero waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bottled drinking water market has seen significant growth and diversification, yet the selection criteria lack scientific basis, as all must adhere to stringent health standards. Prior studies predominantly focused on chemical quality, with limited assessments of microbial quality using methods prone to underestimation. Moreover, insufficient research explores the impact of packaging materials and temperatures optimal for mesophilic growth on microbial quality. To understand the unique characteristics and justify the distinction among different types of bottled waters, a comprehensive analysis encompassing both chemical and microbiological aspects is imperative. Addressing these gaps, our study examines 19 diverse bottled water brands comprising purified, mineral, artesian, and sparkling water types from Saudi Arabia and abroad. Our findings reveal distinct chemical compositions among bottled waters, with notable variations across types. Flow cytometry analysis reveals significant differences in bacterial content among water types, with natural mineral waters having the highest concentrations and treated purified waters the lowest. Bacterial content in plastic-bottled mineral water suggests it may be higher than in glass-bottled water. Flow cytometry fingerprints highlight separate microbial communities for purified and mineral waters. Additionally, temperatures favorable for mesophilic growth reveal varying microbial responses among different types of bottled waters. Some variation is also observed in mineral water bottled in plastic versus glass, suggesting potential differences that warrant further investigation. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identifies unique microbial taxa among different mineral waters. Overall, our study underscores that all bottled waters meet health regulations. Furthermore, the combined chemical and microbial profiles may serve as authenticity indicators for distinct bottled water types. This study can serve as a basis for future research on the environmental impact of bottled water transportation, suggesting that locally produced water may offer a more sustainable option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrosynthesis, a viable path to decarbonize the chemical industry, has been harnessed to generate valuable chemicals under ambient conditions. Here, we present a membrane-free flow electrolyzer for paired electrocatalytic upcycling of nitrate (NO3−) and chloride (Cl−) to ammonia (NH3) and chlorine (Cl2) gases by utilizing waste streams as substitutes for traditional electrolytes. The electrolyzer concurrently couples electrosynthesis and gaseous-product separation, which minimizes the undesired redox reaction between NH3 and Cl2 and thus prevents products loss. Using a three-stacked-modules electrolyzer system, we efficiently processed a reverse osmosis retentate waste stream. This yielded high concentrations of (NH4)2SO4 (83.8 mM) and NaClO (243.4 mM) at an electrical cost of 7.1 kWh per kilogram of solid products, while residual NH3/NH4+ (0.3 mM), NO2− (0.2 mM), and Cl2/HClO/ClO− (0.1 mM) pollutants in the waste stream could meet the wastewater discharge regulations for nitrogen- and chlorine-species. This study underscores the value of pairing appropriate half-reactions, utilizing waste streams to replace traditional electrolytes, and merging product synthesis with separation to refine electrosynthesis platforms. Electrosynthesis offers a greener alternative to traditional chemical production by utilizing renewable energy and waste streams. Herein, the authors report a membrane-free electrolyzer that efficiently produces and separates ammonia and chlorine from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient 2D membranes play a critical role in water purification and desalination. However, most 2D membranes, such as graphene oxide (GO) membranes, tend to swell or disintegrate in liquid, making precise ionic sieving a tough challenge. Herein, the fabrication of the polyoxometalate clusters (PW12) intercalated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) membrane (rGO‐PW12) is reported through a polyoxometalate‐assisted in situ photoreduction strategy. The intercalated PW12 result in the interlayer spacing in the sub‐nanometer scale and induce a nanoconfinement effect to repel the ions in various salt solutions. The permeation rate of rGO‐PW12 membranes are about two orders of magnitude lower than those through the GO membrane. The confinement of nanochannels also generate the excellent non‐swelling stability of rGO‐PW12 membranes in aqueous solutions up to 400 h. Moreover, when applied in forward osmosis, the rGO‐PW12 membranes with a thickness of 90 nm not only exhibit a high‐water permeance of up to 0.11790 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and high NaCl rejection (98.3%), but also reveal an ultrahigh water/salt selectivity of 4740. Such significantly improved ion‐exclusion ability and high‐water flux benefit from the multi‐interactions and nanoconfinement effect between PW12 and rGO nanosheets, which afford a well‐interlinked lamellar structure via hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze desalination is a promising technique for wastewater treatment and zero/minimum liquid discharge systems, often requiring multiple stages to produce potable water. This research focuses on developing a Multiple Effect Freeze Desalination (MEFD) system based on experimental data for Single-Stage Desalination Efficiency (SSDE) and Single-Stage Recovery Rate (SSRR). The study analyzes various MEFD setups, calculating cooling energy consumption and correlating it with electrical usage through the coefficient of performance (COP). Comparisons with Reverse Osmosis (RO), Multi Effect Evaporation (MEE), and Multi-Stage Flashing (MSF) suggest that MEFDs may face challenges in matching RO efficiency but can compete with MEE and MSF within specific operational ranges. Exergy assessments indicate difficulties against even 10-stage MSF systems. Achieving SSDE and SSRR levels above 65% enables MEFDs to rival 10-stage MSF plants in terms of energy efficiency, surpassing MEE and MSF at over 85% efficiency. Despite these challenges, MEFDs offer benefits for treating high salt concentrations and resisting corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power output of reverse electrodialysis (RED), an important renewable energy technology, can be improved using high-salinity feed solutions. Herein, a RED stack of ultrathin ion exchange membranes was operated continuously for 10 days using reverse osmosis brine (~0.9 M NaClequivalent) and underground water (~0.01 M NaClequivalent). The net power and net energy efficiency were initially 1.8 W m−2cell pair and 40.8%, respectively, and then decreased gradually, as did the generated current and stack resistance. This deterioration was caused not by conventional membrane fouling but by trapped water inside the polymer matrix of the anion exchange membrane, especially near the cathode. The high salinity gradient and ultrathin membranes caused a flux imbalance between co-ion transport and osmotic water permeation. Further, bulk mass transfer was enhanced inside the RED stack to maintain electroneutrality. Therefore, combinations of membranes with high water permeability and permselectivity may be required to achieve stable RED operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of natural organic matter (NOM) causes many problems in drinking water treatment processes. The degradation of different fractions of NOM in drinking water was studied using the ultraviolet/persulfate (UV/PS) process. The NOM was separated into hydrophobic (HPO), transition hydrophilic (TPI) and hydrophilic (HPI) fractions by reverse osmosis and XAD series resins. The effects of degradation were evaluated by dissolved organic carbon (DOC), UV254, three-dimensional fluorescence-parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC), and trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP). The results showed that UV/PS process could remove the three fractions of DOC, UV254, as well as the fluorescent components humic acid-like (C1 and C2) and protein-like (C3). The maximum removal rates of DOC of HPO, TPI, and HPI fractions were 34.6%, 38.4%, and 73.9%, respectively, and the maximum removal rates of UV254 were 72.1%, 86.3%, and 86.8%, respectively. The removal rate of the three fluorescent components can reach 100%, and C3 is easier to remove than C1 and C2 under the low PS dosage conditions. The order of kinetic degradation rate constant of UV254 first-order reaction is HPI > TPI > HPO. The optimum pH conditions for the degradation of HPO, TPI, and HPI fractions were acidic, basic, and neutral, respectively. The specific THMFP of HPO was higher than that of TPI and HPI. The specific THMFP of HPO and TPI fractions increased with the increase of radiation time, while the HPI fraction showed the opposite trend. THMFP has different degrees of correlation with DOC, UV254, C1, and C2. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the selection of the UV/PS process for drinking water sources containing NOM with different characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractEmerging contaminants (ECs) have become a significant threat to the aquatic environment due to their persistence and potential to harm living organisms exposed to them over extended periods. The identification of a broad range of ECs in various water bodies has accelerated research into their harmful effects and removal methods. The presence and durability of ECs, such as endocrine-disrupting substances, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and their transformation products pose important environmental and health challenges. Traditional wastewater treatment processes often fail to eliminate ECs due to their ability to form hazardous derivatives, complexes, dynamic partitioning, and transformation products. Membrane processes have become increasingly important in pollution control, as their performance has been proven from technological, economic, energy, and environmental perspectives. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the origins and effects of ECs on humans and the environment. It discusses various membrane technologies for the efficient and ecologically responsible removal of emerging pollutants from wastewater. Reverse Osmosis (RO), Microfiltration (MF), Ultrafiltration (UF), and Nanofiltration (NF) membranes demonstrated outstanding removal efficiency for a variety of ECs; nevertheless, both methods are hindered by fouling problems. The paper highlights the methods used by hybrid membrane technology to eliminate emerging pollutants. Additionally, the use of ceramic membrane technology in removing emerging pollutants has been investigated. Ceramic membrane technology is particularly appealing due to its inherent benefits, such as chemical and thermal stability, low fouling propensity, and extended lifespan. Future research avenues for the removal of emerging pollutants using green, sustainable technologies and hybrid membranes are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study offers a thorough techno-economic evaluation of a hybrid desalination system merging Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO) with Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) process. The primary aim is to determine the feasibility and economic viability of the hybridized approach to conventional SWRO methods. Diverse scenarios are studied based on parameters such as PRO module costs, energy savings achievable and payback period. Our findings reveal the potential for energy savings through the PRO-SWRO hybrid system. For instance, in scenarios where PRO membrane costs are low, such as $450 per element, and electricity prices are relatively high at $0.12 per kilowatt-hour, energy savings of up to 7% are attainable compared to standalone SWRO setups. This potential could be amplified with increasing salinity levels in the feed solution and higher draw solution pressures. The study extends beyond theoretical analysis, offering practical solutions for the design and implementation of sustainable desalination solutions; by studying the interaction between various parameters and their impact; on both energy consumption and economic viability. The current study estimates the membrane break-even costs of a PRO-SWRO hybrid system by estimating and equating the Net Present Value (NPV) of the SWRO system (base configuration) with the NPV of the PRO-SWRO hybrid. This research lays a solid foundation for the development of hybrid desalination systems capable of addressing water scarcity challenges in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A computational model was developed to investigate the significance of system design and operating conditions on the rejection of neutral, low‐MW organics by reverse osmosis for potable reuse. The model demonstrated that the decrease in local rejection as net driving pressure decreases is substantially greater for moderately rejected compounds than for highly rejected compounds. At recovery values less than 70%, the local permeate concentration can exceed the pressure vessel feed concentration for moderately rejected compounds. System‐level rejection of moderately rejected compounds is likewise substantially more sensitive to operating conditions than highly rejected compounds. The findings highlight a drawback of relying on rejection results from bench‐scale testing that operates at low recovery, which invariably has higher rejection than full‐scale systems operating at similar pressure. The analysis demonstrates a trade‐off in which the low‐pressure, high‐recovery operation desired for potable reuse systems can be detrimental to the removal of low‐MW neutral organics. The removal of low‐MW neutral organics can be improved if organics rejection is explicitly evaluated during the design process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers a thorough examination of cutting-edge membrane technologies used in water treatment, specifically highlighting the use of nanomaterials and nanoparticles in the production of membranes. The text examines advanced purification techniques, including nanofiltration, electro-dialysis, and photocatalysis. The study emphasizes the utilization of state-of-the-art nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, titanium dioxide, and silver nanoparticles, as advanced substances that can adsorb and catalyze effectively. The article discusses the latest advancements in membrane technology, specifically focusing on improvements in processes like as reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration. An assessment is conducted to determine the efficacy of these nanotechnologies in eliminating diverse organic and inorganic contaminants that provide considerable difficulties for conventional water treatment procedures. Furthermore, this study investigates the incorporation of biological processes such as bioremediation and phytoremediation with nanotechnology, highlighting both progress and existing constraints. This thorough examination highlights the advantages of various materials and compounds utilized in water filtration systems and pinpoints crucial areas for future investigation. In addition, the research examines high-quality materials mentioned in existing literature, emphasizing their substantial influence on the progress of membrane technologies. The offered insights seek to optimize the efficiency and efficacy of contemporary water treatment systems, thereby contributing to the worldwide provision of uncontaminated and secure water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population growth, coupled with industrial and agricultural development, has resulted in increased demand for freshwater supply. For countries with scarce water resources, desalination constitutes the only viable solution to this problem. Reverse osmosis (RO) technology has become widely used as the membrane materials have been upgraded and the costs have been reduced. Nowadays, RO is the foremost technology for desalting different types of water such as seawater, brackish, and tap water. However, its design is critical since many parameters are involved in obtaining a good design. The high use of RO encourages the establishment of a procedure that facilitates the design process and helps in obtaining an optimum-performance RO desalination system. This paper presents a procedure divided into three parts: (1) classifying RO parameters; (2) choosing the parameters in a certain order and doing the calculation process through 12 steps; and (3) then inserting the selected parameters and the obtained values on RO System Analysis (ROSA) software. These points are then summarized by creating an algorithmic chart to follow during the design phase of the RO system using ROSA. An example on the proposed list is then taken to validate the procedure, and a comparison is conducted on choosing different values for the parameters. The results of this comparative study show that choosing different parameters affects the RO system productivity. Additionally, every design has a specific optimum set of parameters, which depends upon the design constraints set by the user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article conveys the psychoanalyst's hallucinatory experience during a session with a patient who experienced premature birth trauma. Engaging with the patient's primal fears of disappearance and confusion with the object through hallucinosis initiated the analyst's engagement with her own trauma. The concept of osmotic communication within the patient-analyst relationship is viewed as central to description and understanding of the primal dialogue of two unconscious minds. The filtration of psychic content from the patient's to the analyst's unconscious is facilitated by the semipermeable membrane of analyst's receptivity. As a recipient, the analyst embodies and processes the patient's unmentalized experiences in a transformative manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an innovative woody biomass‐fueled hybrid tetrageneration system composed of a single‐effect lithium bromide‐water absorption refrigeration system, a reverse osmosis desalination system, two organic Rankine cycle for the production of cooling, heating, power, and freshwater in two distinct configurations (configurations A and B), compared and discussed using energy, exergy, economic, and exergoeconomic analyses. The poplar sawdust used as a local woody biomass fuel was a by‐product of the Iran Wood and Paper Industries Company, located in northern Iran. The results revealed that the highest heating production and lowest exergy destruction were related to configuration B. The overall cost of configuration A was higher than that of configuration B. A detailed sensitivity analysis was also developed to study the effect of various factors on the thermodynamic and economic performance of the proposed configurations. By increasing the turbine inlet temperature of ORC1 from 625 to 692 K, the total sum unit costs of product of the system in configurations A and B decreased by 20 and 23 $ GJ−1, respectively (about 21%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Residual lipids (RL) in whey protein isolate (WPI) are detrimental to optimal functional applications (e.g., foaming and low turbidity) and contribute to off-flavor development during powder storage. The objective of this research was to prepare an experimental WPI by removing RL without using the traditional microfiltration process and compare its properties with commercially available WPI made using microfiltration and some other whey powders. We hypothesize that by adjusting the pH of whey to <5.0, we would be close to the isoelectric point of any remaining denatured proteins (DP) and phospholipoproteins (PLP), and therefore reduce electrostatic repulsion between these molecules. Furthermore, demineralization of the acidified whey protein solution by UF combined with diafiltration (DF) should reduce ionic hindrance to aggregation and thereby help with the aggregation of these DP as well as most RL; centrifugation or clarification could be used to remove these materials. Calcium should also be more extensively removed by this approach, which should improve the heat stability of the experimental WPI. Demineralization was achieved on a pilot scale by acidifying liquid (cheese) whey protein concentrate containing 34% protein (WPC-34) to pH 4.5 using HCl, and UF of the whey protein solution along with extensive DF using acidified (pH ∼3.5) reverse osmosis filtered water. Demineralized whey protein solution was adjusted to various combinations of pH (4.1–4.9), conductivities (500–2,000 μS/cm), and protein concentrations (1%–7%) and then centrifuged at 10,000 × g for 10 min. The effective sedimentation (precipitation) of RL in these treatments was estimated by measuring the turbidity of the supernatants. Maximum precipitation was observed at pH 4.5 to 4.7. Reducing conductivity via UF/DF increased the precipitation of RL due to reduced ionic hindrance to aggregation. Maximum sedimentation of RL was observed at protein concentrations ≤3% because of a higher density difference between the precipitate and serum phase. Analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis confirmed the sedimentation of phospholipoproteins, caseins, and DP upon isoelectric precipitation at pH ∼4.5, while native whey proteins or undenatured whey proteins remained soluble in the supernatant, unaffected by the pretreatment. To scale up the process, 750 L of fluid WPC-34 was acidified and demineralized by UF (volume concentration factor = 1.35) and DF until the permeate solids reached 0.1% (when desired demineralization was achieved), clarified using a pilot-scale desludging clarifier to remove RL, neutralized, ultrafiltered to concentrate the protein, and then spray-dried to produce an experimental WPI (91% protein and 1.8% fat on a dry basis [db]). In another trial, demineralized UF concentrate was clarified by gravity sedimentation and the supernatant was neutralized, ultrafiltered, and spray-dried to produce a second experimental WPI (91% protein and <1% fat db). These experimental WPI powders were compared with several commercially available WPI powders to assess functional properties such as solubility, heat stability, foamability and foam strength, gelation, and sensory attributes over accelerated storage. Experimental WPI had excellent functional properties, had low turbidity, were highly heat stable, and only developed very slight-to-slight off-flavors upon accelerated storage, and their properties were comparable to the WPI manufactured commercially using microfiltration even after accelerated storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phalaenopsis is the most popular potted plant worldwide. However, its typically long stalks often lead to increased shipping costs and risks. This study investigates the effectiveness of varying the concentration, timing, and frequency of paclobutrazol (PP333) applications on shortening the stalk of Phalaenopsis Join Grace 'TH288-4'. Concurrently, it also examines the potential for producing visually appealing and single-flower potted phalaenopsis products by means of truncation. Mature phalaenopsis plants were moved to a cool room in the seventh week to induce flowering. Four experimental groups were established based on different PP333 application schedules: the control (CK) group, with reverse osmosis water application in the second week; the T2 group, with a single application in the second week; the T2T3 group, with applications in both the second and third weeks; and the T7T8 group, with applications in the seventh and eighth weeks. The PP333 concentrations used were 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg·L−1, applied as foliar sprays. The results showed that the shortest stalks, measured from the base to the first flower, were observed in the T2 group treated with PP333 at 750 mg·L−1 and in the T2T3 group with PP333 at 500, 750, and 1000 mg·L−1. These treatments resulted in stalk lengths of 19.18–22.17 cm, which are 67.2–71.6% shorter than the controls. PP333 application had minimal effect on the stalk diameter, pedicel length, flower width, length, and length/width ratio. However, root diameter was thicker in plants treated with PP333 compared with the control plants. For producing single-flower phalaenopsis, a foliar spray of 750 mg·L−1 PP333 is recommended approximately a month before moving the plants to cooler conditions, followed by truncation, retaining only the first flower. As a result, this study establishes a PP333 treatment protocol for phalaenopsis, offering a strategy to effectively shorten the stalks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes used in reverse osmosis (RO) desalination techniques often face fouling challenges. In this experimental study, the phase inversion method was employed to investigate the incorporation of graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONP) metal–organic frameworks (MOF), into the casting solution for composite CA‐RO membranes. The effects of varying GONP concentrations on fouling resistance and hydrophilicity were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurements, and water content analysis. The results demonstrated that the modified CA membrane with 0.05 wt% GONP exhibited improved water permeability (10.3 L/m2 h) and salt rejection (95.8%) compared with the pristine CA membrane. These improvements stem from increased hydrophilicity and reduced fouling. This study's findings suggest that incorporating GONP into the polymeric doped solution can effectively mitigate fouling issues and enhance the performance of RO membranes in desalination applications. Highlights: GONP enhances hydrophilicity, reducing fouling in desalination.Effects of varying GONP concentrations were studied.GONP‐CA membrane shows better permeability and salt rejection than pristine.Nanocomposite membranes promise in overcoming fouling in RO membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium-contaminated soil is a serious environmental problem that threatens human health and the environment. Electrokinetic technology is used as a promising solution to treat these soils, as it relies on applying an electric field to remove pollutants from the soil. In this study, four experiments were conducted, where experiments have shown that the use of wheat straw as an available, cheap, economical and efficient adsorbent material to prevent the occurrence of reverse osmosis. The results showed that the percentage of removal increased with the increase in the acidity of the medium, that is, as the pH decreased. This is due to an increase in the movement of pollutants as the soil particles become more positively charged, which enhances Attract negative heavy metal ions. This leads to increased movement of heavy metal ions into soil pores, making them more susceptible to transport under the influence of an electric field. The results proved that when using a disinfection solution with a pH of 2, it gave a higher result compared to pH 7 and 12, where the percentage of removal was 78.3%, 62.6 %, and 51.9% respectively. The dissolution of these metals can be enhanced by adding oxalic acid at a constant voltage gradient 1.2 v/cm and an initial concentration of 200 mg/kg. It was noted after the end of the experiment that the percentage of removal reached 81.9%, as the concentration of metals on the cathode side was higher than on the cathode side. The anode, and this is due to the migration of metals under the influence of electromigration to the cathode side, where the chromium concentration was 47 mg/kg at the cathode side, 27 mg/kg at the anode side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to create a communication tool for low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wine production, catering to scientists, educators, students, and wine producers in the field. With health concerns regarding alcohol consumption, the need for information on low-alcohol wines is essential. This paper outlines the methods for the pre-fermentation (leaf area reduction, early grape harvest, grape must dilution, filtration of grape juice and addition of glucose oxidase), mid-fermentation (employing non-saccharomyces yeasts, using genetically modified yeasts through metabolic engineering, and controlling yeast nutrition), and post-fermentation (nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, osmotic distillation, pervaporation, spinning cone column, vacuum distillation, and multi-stage membrane-based systems) stages and their effects on wine quality. It also presents evidence of the impact of alcoholic, low-alcohol, and nonalcoholic wines on cardiovascular health. Finally, the potential market for low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wines is discussed. Key findings indicate a shift toward low-alcohol alternatives due to health, economic, and social factors and consumer interest in healthier lifestyles. Low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wines offer health benefits, particularly cardiovascular health, presenting an opportunity for winemakers to cater to a health-conscious market. From an economic perspective, the low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wine market is poised to grow and diversify its revenue streams. The development of high-quality low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wines, which can command premium prices, enhances profitability. The changing regulatory landscape in Europe, with a focus on transparency in alcohol labeling and nutritional information, aligns with the new consumer preferences and regulatory standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic ozone oxidation, which is characterized by strong oxidizing properties and environmental friendliness, has been widely used in organic wastewater treatments. However, problems such as a low organic pollutant removal efficiency and unstable operation during the catalytic ozone treatment process for wastewater remain. To address these disadvantages, in this study, the treatment efficacy of catalytic ozone oxidation on a coal chemical reverse osmosis concentrate was investigated. The basic water quality indicators of the chemical reverse osmosis concentrate were analyzed. The effects of initial pollutant concentration, pH, ozone concentration, and catalyst concentration on the COD removal rate from the coal chemical reverse osmosis concentrate were explored. Water quality indicators of the chemical reverse osmosis concentrate before and after the catalytic ozone treatment were studied using spectroscopic analysis methods. The RO concentrate demonstrated large water quality fluctuations, and the catalytic ozonation process removed most of the pollutants from the treated wastewater. A possible deactivation mechanism of the ozone catalyst was also proposed. This study provides a theoretical reference and technical support for the long-term, efficient, and stable removal of organic pollutants from coal chemical reverse osmosis concentrate using a catalytic ozone oxidation process in practical engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental Quality Management is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this work, the performance of a Reverse Osmosis (RO) process using different types of reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes is evaluated for brackish water desalination for producing irrigation-grade water. The proposed desalination system is a single-stage system, where three types of RO and two NF membranes were examined. The different desalination systems were simulated using ROSA72 software. In order to validate the theoretical model, the results obtained from the simulation were compared to those obtained from the experiment conducted in this work. The El-Moghra aquifer of Egypt is considered the test bed due to a considerable amount of data being available for this aquifer. The El-Moghra aquifer has 79 wells, and the available water data, when checked against several quality parameters, show that none of the investigated wells are suitable for direct irrigation without treatment due to problems of salinity, the sodium adsorption ratio, and low water quality according to the irrigation water quality index values. The obtained results show that nanofiltration membranes exhibited superior energy efficiency compared to reverse osmosis membranes. However, what sets the nanofiltration membranes apart is their ability to elevate water quality in 89.9% of the total investigated wells to an acceptable level for agricultural purposes. This underscores the nanofiltration membranes as a highly effective alternative to reverse osmosis membranes, demonstrating the capability to produce water suitable for irrigation while concurrently reducing operational costs due to the lower energy consumption in nanofiltration-based systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MIL-101(Cr) has a special pore cage structure that provides broad channels for the transport of water molecules in the reverse osmosis (RO) water separation and purification. Combining MIL-101(Cr) with Fe3O4 nanoparticles forms a water transport intermediate layer between the polyamide separation membrane and the polysulfone support base under an external magnetic field. MIL-101(Cr) is stable in both water and air while resistant to high temperature. With the introduction of 0.003 wt.% MIL-101(Cr)/Fe3O4, the water flux increased by 93.31% to 6.65 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1 without sacrificing the NaCl rejection of 95.88%. The MIL-101(Cr)/Fe3O4 multilayer membrane also demonstrated certain anti-pollution properties and excellent stability in a 72-h test. Therefore, the construction of a MIL-101(Cr)/Fe3O4 interlayer can effectively improve the permeability of RO composite membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating global water scarcity crisis has propelled an increasing dependence on nonconventional water sources, particularly desalination and treated wastewater. Assessments of the United Nations' water-related sustainable development goals on a global scale have brought to light a paradoxical trend of localized water decisions that have exacerbated long-term water scarcity issues. This study employs a water-energy-food (WEF) nexus framework to evaluate nonconventional water resources, fostering an understanding of interconnected water dynamics and promoting enhanced resource utilization and sustainability. Utilizing a multicriteria mathematical model grounded in life cycle assessment (LCA), this study optimizes water usage across the WEF nexus. The augmented simplex lattice mixture (ASLM) design is employed to identify WEF optimal frontiers under varying priorities within the hyperarid region of Kuwait. The findings underscore the significant influence of hidden virtual water on overall outcomes. Specifically, for wastewater permeate treated by reverse osmosis (WWROP), each cubic meter of permeate utilizes 1.78 m3 , with 90% consumed virtually for chemical production. Within the water-for-food nexus, the results reveal that tertiary-level treated wastewater (WWTTE) contains 67% of the required phosphate for fodder cultivation, leading to an additional 24.89 t/ha of fodder compared with WWROP and desalinated water. An evaluation of the energy-for-water nexus indicates that WWTTE and WWROP exhibit the lowest cumulative energy demand. Consequently, these results advocate for the utilization of WWTTE over WWROP and desalinated water to enhance the overall WEF nexus. Practical Applications: Research suggests that a misrepresentation of the local context in WEF solutions may contribute to the slow adoption of WEF concepts in governance and political reform. This study addresses the pressing issue of water scarcity through the application of LCA. This analysis involves the evaluation of commercially available nonconventional water technologies concerning demand requirements across municipal, agricultural, and industrial sectors. A mathematical model is employed to assess and optimize the demand and supply assignment problem considering various impacts associated with WEF frontier priorities. The primary focus of this research is on the critical water scarcity challenges faced by hyperarid regions. Specifically, this study delves into the interrelationships among water, energy, and food consumption and their collective impact on these precious resources. Employing LCA, sensitivity analysis, and optimization models, this research scrutinizes the existing state of water, energy, and food in Kuwait. The aim is to provide specific recommendations that contribute to enhancing the equilibrium among these three vital resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined process of low-temperature heat pump evaporation,biochemistry, and reverse osmosis(RO) was used to deeply treat and reuse the cleaning wastewater from a certain enterprise. Firstly,a low-temperature evaporator was used to remove most of the organic matter and salt, followed by a biochemical system to remove the organic matter and ammonia nitrogen,and finally the RO system was used to remove the remaining organic matter and salt. The operation results indicated that the effluent quality could meet the water quality requirements of the enterprise's production process. The specific water quality indicators were COD≤10 mg/L, ammonia nitrogen≤1 mg/L, SS≤1 mg/L, LAS≤1 mg/L, and conductivity ≤60 μS/cm, pH=6-9. The project was implemented with significant economic benefits. An economic and technical comparison was conducted between low-temperature heat pump evaporation and other traditional evaporation technologies.

The production wastewater of a circuit board enterprise comes from the printing plate washing wastewater,developing and post-developing cleaning wastewater, deinking cleaning wastewater, etching cleaning wastewater, pre-treatment cleaning wastewater, intermediate treatment cleaning wastewater, and OSP antioxidant cleaning wastewater. The produced wastewater in this project was divided into high-concentration organic wastewater, etching cleaning wastewater, and general cleaning wastewater for separate pretreatment, and then converged for biochemical treatment and advanced treatment. The results showed that the COD, BOD5, NH3-N, and SS of the discharged wastewater after treatment were ≤95 mg/L, ≤22.4 mg/L, ≤11.3 mg/L, and ≤78 mg/L, respectively, which reached the indirect emission limit of the “Electronic Process Water Pollutant Emission Standards”(GB 39731—2020) and the second-stage secondary emission standard of the “Water Pollutant Emission Limits”(DB 44/26—2001) in Guangdong Province. The COD, BOD5, NH3-N, and conductivity of the reclaimed water were ≤27 mg/L, ≤8.14 mg/L, ≤2.4 mg/L, and ≤843 μS/cm. After meeting the process and product water standards of “Recycling of Urban Sewage for Industrial Water Quality”(GB/T 19923—2005), it could be reused for etching, deinking, and other production processes. The direct operating cost of wastewater treatment in this project was 10.54 yuan/ton of water, and the cost of reclaimed water treatment was 2.72 yuan per ton of water.

Abstract The purification of water is not only essential for human consumption but is becoming a necessity considering the limited freshwater reserves of the planet. Over the last few decades advancements in material sciences and technology have paved the way for the development of novel purification techniques. Amongst these techniques membrane-based filtration is considered as the least expensive and most effective. These membrane-based filtration techniques can be broadly categorized into reverse osmosis (RO), ultrafiltration, microfiltration and activated carbon filters (ACF). The mode of operation, research evolution and practical applications of each technique are compared in this holistic analysis. Although RO is the oldest and most established membrane-based filtration technique in the literature, it is ACF that is ranked as the most promising new technique with much simplicity and effectiveness.

The aim of this investigation is to assess the feasibility and benefits of integrating a renewable energy system into a seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination station in Aqaba, Jordan. Through meticulous analysis, the study aims to determine the optimal SWRO system configuration that minimizes specific energy for produced fresh-water output while maintaining high rejection rates for various contaminants. Additionally, the economic and environmental assessments of the optimal design of the Wind-Diesel Generator-Battery configuration will be conducted to evaluate its potential in reducing the Cost of Energy (COE), increasing the Renewable Fraction (RF), and minimizing Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Overall, the aim is to demonstrate the viability of renewable energy integration in desalination operations, highlighting its potential contributions to economic sustainability and environmental preservation.

Population growth, coupled with industrial and agricultural development, has resulted in increased demand for freshwater supply. For countries with scarce water resources, desalination constitutes the only viable solution to this problem. Reverse osmosis (RO) technology has become widely used as the membrane materials have been upgraded and the costs have been reduced. Nowadays, RO is the foremost technology for desalting different types of water such as seawater, brackish, and tap water. However, its design is critical since many parameters are involved in obtaining a good design. The high use of RO encourages the establishment of a procedure that facilitates the design process and helps in obtaining an optimum-performance RO desalination system. This paper presents a procedure divided into three parts: (1) classifying RO parameters; (2) choosing the parameters in a certain order and doing the calculation process through 12 steps; and (3) then inserting the selected parameters and the obtained values on RO System Analysis (ROSA) software. These points are then summarized by creating an algorithmic chart to follow during the design phase of the RO system using ROSA. An example on the proposed list is then taken to validate the procedure, and a comparison is conducted on choosing different values for the parameters. The results of this comparative study show that choosing different parameters affects the RO system productivity. Additionally, every design has a specific optimum set of parameters, which depends upon the design constraints set by the user.

Water pollution and contamination give rise to significant health risks for humanity. As the global population swells and industries expand, the demand for safe drinking water continues to flow. Water filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis filters, effectively eliminate contaminants from the water. During an experimental study, we assessed and compared four widely-used brands of home water filters (reverse osmosis systems). Each home water filter system was subjected to analysis across seven parameters. In the majority of cases, the physicochemical parameters examined remained within acceptable limits as agreed by the World Health Organization. This study included the measurement of various parameters, including hydrogen ion potential, temperature of water, water turbidity, color, specific conductance, total dissolved solids, and total hardness. These measurements were taken both before and after the application of the filters to all samples. The percentage reduction in each parameter was calculated by comparing the readings before and after treatment. Among the four brands examined in this research, the RO1-CLASS and RO2-PURERITEK brands exhibit greater performance in the context of reverse osmosis membrane purification systems, particularly those employing six-stage filter media.

Critical water scholarship has acquired a sustained interest in the quantification of water flows to further agendas of control and commodification. However, these numerical politics receive greater attention in the areas of agricultural water and wastewater than that of drinking water quality. This paper explores the numerical politics of the water quality parameter of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and how it shapes the privatisation of drinking water quality in the small town of Bhuj in the western Indian state of Gujarat. TDS, which measures the total organic and inorganic substances dissolved in a specific volume of water, produces a numerically simplified engagement with the complex materiality of drinking water quality in Bhuj, supplanting a more embodied, experiential, and gustatory understanding of the same expressed through a rich lexicon of local terms. As TDS emerges as the sole legitimised indicator of water quality, the TDS meter functions like a clinical thermometer, digitally displaying the health of the drinking water in numbers. This numerical homogenisation of a diverse sensorial understanding of taste and quality serves to stabilise market demand for membrane-based reverse osmosis (RO) water purifiers – the only technology that promises to address the 'problem' of 'excess' TDS in drinking water. As TDS numbers become an indicator of contamination, it nudges the middle classes of Bhuj to seek mediation of public water supply through RO water purifiers, which are exclusively provided through private markets. As I go on to show, interrogating the numerical politics of drinking water quality is critical to understanding the diffused commodification of water in the majority world.

Securing sustainable access to water resources is a critical concern for all nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea, and Algeria is no exception. Leveraging its extensive 1,200-kilometer coastline, Algeria has embraced desalination as a key strategy, treating both seawater and brackish water sources. This approach provides potable water to inland towns and cities, extending as far as 60 kilometers from the coast. Currently, Algeria boasts an impressive network of 21 desalination plants, with a combined daily production capacity of 2.6 million cubic meters. The majority of these facilities utilize reverse osmosis, a widely employed desalination technology. This study focused on the Bousfer mini-desalination plant situated on Algeria's western coast. Various water samples were analyzed throughout the desalination process: seawater intake, post-desalination (osmosis) water, remineralized drinking water, and the resulting brine wastewater. A physicochemical and bacteriological analysis was conducted to assess water quality at each stage. Statistical comparisons were performed using paired-sample T-tests for seawater and osmosis water, and one-sample T-tests were used to compare drinking water and wastewater against established international standards. The analysis revealed significant reductions (p-value < 0.001) in most physicochemical parameters for the reverse osmosis water, including conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, total hardness, chlorides, calcium, and magnesium. Conversely, these parameters were significantly elevated in the brine wastewater. The bacteriological analysis confirmed the absence of harmful bacteria like E. coli, enterococci, and sulphite-reducing clostridia in the final drinking water. However, this study also highlighted a negative environmental externality, the presence of debris and foam layers on the water surface near the desalination plant outlet, attributed to chemical discharges, which poses a potential nuisance for tourists visiting nearby Bousfer beaches.

In connection with the rapidly growing market of reverse osmosis membrane elements, particularly those intended for use in commercial water treatment installations, the problem of their regeneration and reuse has become acute. Today, the service life of such elements does not exceed 6-12 months, after which they turn into plastic waste and end up in landfills in the amount of no less than 60,000 tons per year, which leads to the emergence of serious environmental problems. This paper proposes methods and conditions for achieving almost complete restoration of the properties of used commercial reverse osmosis membrane elements by means of their regeneration and modification. The possibility of using restored elements in vending machines for filling safe physiologically complete drinking water has been demonstrated.

The present article introduces and investigates a new approach for shaving the peak electricity demand and mitigating energy instability. At the heart of this concept is a smart integration for efficient hydrogen production/storage/usage to minimize energy costs and maximize the renewable penetration in the local electricity grid. The system is driven by a wind farm integrated with proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and reverse osmosis desalination units for efficient electricity, hydrogen, and freshwater production. It also combines with PEM fuel cells equipped with a hydrogen tank to meet the demand constantly when renewable electricity is unavailable or unstable. The system's practicality is assessed and compared for various Swedish cities with high wind potential from thermodynamic, economic, and environmental aspects to see where it works effectively. The comparative results of various scenarios show that integrating 32 wind turbines, 2 electrolyzers, and 2 reverse osmosis units, with 25% of electricity going to electrolyzers, 20% to reverse osmosis, and 55% to the grid, is the most optimal configuration/allocation. Optimal locations for the power plant are identified in Visby, Halmstad, and Lund due to favorable wind conditions. Setting up the system in Visby could prevent 1878.2 tonnes of CO 2 emissions, generate 93,910 MWh of electricity annually, and create 213 ha of green space. The proposed system in Visby could boast the biggest electricity generation capacity, reaching 11,263 MWh, sufficient to power 938 households. Scaling this model to 12 cities in Sweden could provide the electricity needs of 4500 households, demonstrating the potential for widespread impact. • A novel strategy for peak electricity shaving and wind stability is introduced. • Wind turbines are intelligently integrated with fuel cells to reduce costs. • The system's practicality is compared for various Swedish cities from all facets. • The system in Visby produces 94 GWh of electricity, avoiding 1878 tons of CO 2. • This strategy offers sustainable energy to 4500 homes if scaled up to 12 cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most affordable and readily available energy sources is solar energy. Humanity is in danger due to the lack of freshwater. Finding novel approaches to these issues that make use of solar energy has grown in popularity as a research area. The previous work presented was made to cool solar cells to increase their performance. The reverse-osmosis system is then fed by the cooling water. This study investigated the ideal conditions for cooling water fed into a reverse-osmosis system. Two identical solar cells were used for the current experiments. Water was used to cool one of the two cells. Measurements were made of the cell surface temperature, output voltage, current, and power. It was calculated to find the electrical efficiency of both cooled and uncooled cells. The cooled cell produced a maximum power of 6.75 W, according to the results. At 1:00 p.m., the gain power reached its maximum. The greatest efficiency gain, 50.2%, was observed at 4:00 p.m. Throughout the work that was presented, there was an 8% decrease in cell surface temperature. The water application value engine (WAVE) was used to simulate a reverse-osmosis system. The program's findings demonstrated that energy consumption dropped as feed water temperature rose. The findings of a case study conducted in a real water-desalination plant were confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, due to the lack of drinking water and the increase in global demand, desalination by reverse osmosis (RO) has been developed. In this regard, activities have been carried out to increase water flux and salt removal, which are important indicators in this process, including membrane modification by loading nanoparticles (NPs). Process simulation plays an important role in reducing laboratory costs, improving efficiency, and investigating operational parameters in more detail. This is an important factor that leads us to process simulation. The simulation of the RO process by thin‐film composite membranes modified with nanoporous titanate (mNTs) NPs has been conducted using COMSOL software. The performance of this process was checked by loading different amounts of mNTs with the desired membrane. The results revealed that by adding 0.01 w % of mNTs to the membrane composition, the performance of the process was improved in that the initial water flux through the membrane increased by about 95.4 %, while the salt rejection remained nearby 98 % and did not decrease much. Finally, to validate and expand the simulation results, the model outcomes were compared with experimental data, and the mean relative error for water flux and salt removal percentage was 1.15 % and 0.83 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]