Researches
Engineered Nanomaterials for Water Treatment and Remediation
Water is one of the world’s most abundant resources, but less than 1% of the global supply of water is available and safe for human consumption [1]. According to the World Health Organization, over 760 million people were without adequate drinking water supply in 2011 [2]. Where it is available, the cost of potable water is rising due to increasing energy costs, growing populations, and climatic or other environmental issues [1,3]. In addition, an increasing number of drinking water sources are showing evidence of contamination, especially by emerging pollutants like pharmaceuticals and personal care products [4,5]. Many traditional water and wastewater treatment methods do not effectively remove these emerging contaminants, and/or are not capable of removing enough to meet increasingly stringent water quality standards [5,6]. Contamination of surface waters also constitutes a risk to water supplies because pollutants may penetrate into aquifers, where they can be transported to drinking water sources.
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Sludge Biotic Index
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the relationship between activated sludge microfauna, the sludge biotic index (SBI) and the effluent quality of a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) working with shock organic and ammonium loadings caused by periodic wastewater delivery from septic tanks. Irrespective of high/low effluent quality in terms of COD, BOD5, ammonium and suspended solids, high SBI values (8–10), which correspond to the first quality class of sludge, were observed. High SBI values were connected with abundant taxonomic composition and the domination of crawling ciliates with shelled amoebae and attached ciliates. High SBI values, even at a low effluent quality, limit the usefulness of the index for monitoring the status of an activated sludge system and the effluent quality in municipal WWTP-treated wastewater from septic tanks. It was shown that a more sensitive indicator of effluent quality was a change in the abundance of attached ciliates with a narrow peristome (Vorticella infusionum and Opercularia coarctata), small flagellates and crawling ciliates (Acineria uncinata) feeding on flagellates.
Sludge Biotic Index
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the relationship between activated sludge microfauna, the sludge biotic index (SBI) and the effluent quality of a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) working with shock organic and ammonium loadings caused by periodic wastewater delivery from septic tanks. Irrespective of high/low effluent quality in terms of COD, BOD5, ammonium and suspended solids, high SBI values (8–10), which correspond to the first quality class of sludge, were observed. High SBI values were connected with abundant taxonomic composition and the domination of crawling ciliates with shelled amoebae and attached ciliates. High SBI values, even at a low effluent quality, limit the usefulness of the index for monitoring the status of an activated sludge system and the effluent quality in municipal WWTP-treated wastewater from septic tanks. It was shown that a more sensitive indicator of effluent quality was a change in the abundance of attached ciliates with a narrow peristome (Vorticella infusionum and Opercularia coarctata), small flagellates and crawling ciliates (Acineria uncinata) feeding on flagellates.
Emerging desalination technologies for water treatment: A critical review
Abstract:
In this paper, a review of emerging desalination technologies is presented. Several technologies for desalination of municipal and industrial wastewater have been proposed and evaluated, but only certain technologies have been commercialized or are close to commercialization. This review consists of membrane-based, thermal-based and alternative technologies. Membranes based on incorporation of nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes or graphene-based ones show promise as innovative desalination technologies with superior performance in terms of water permeability and salt rejection. However, only nanocomposite membranes have been commercialized while others are still under fundamental developmental stages. Among the thermal-based technologies, membrane
distillation and adsorption desalination show the most promise for enhanced performance with the availability of a waste heat source. Several alternative technologies have also been developed recently; those based on capacitive deionization have shown considerable improvements in their salt removal capacity and feed water recovery. In the same category, microbial desalination cells have been shown to desalinate high salinity water without any external energy source, but to date, scale up of the process has not been methodically evaluated. In this paper, advantages and drawbacks of each technology is discussed along with a comparison of performance, water quality and energy consumption.
Emerging desalination technologies for water treatment: A critical review
Abstract:
In this paper, a review of emerging desalination technologies is presented. Several technologies for desalination of municipal and industrial wastewater have been proposed and evaluated, but only certain technologies have been commercialized or are close to commercialization. This review consists of membrane-based, thermal-based and alternative technologies. Membranes based on incorporation of nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes or graphene-based ones show promise as innovative desalination technologies with superior performance in terms of water permeability and salt rejection. However, only nanocomposite membranes have been commercialized while others are still under fundamental developmental stages. Among the thermal-based technologies, membrane
distillation and adsorption desalination show the most promise for enhanced performance with the availability of a waste heat source. Several alternative technologies have also been developed recently; those based on capacitive deionization have shown considerable improvements in their salt removal capacity and feed water recovery. In the same category, microbial desalination cells have been shown to desalinate high salinity water without any external energy source, but to date, scale up of the process has not been methodically evaluated. In this paper, advantages and drawbacks of each technology is discussed along with a comparison of performance, water quality and energy consumption.
Renewable Energy-Driven Desalination: New Trends And Future Prospects Of Small Capacity Systems
Abstract:
New trends and future prospects for small capacity systems of Renewable Energy-driven Desalination (REDES) are reviewed and assessed in this paper over a nominal desalination capacity range of 3–1000 m3/d. A thorough literature review is reported in order to evaluate current research and developing activities. Outstanding commercial prospects in the near future are identified for two off-grid REDES technologies under development. First, wave energy converters with direct coupling to seawater desalination. Second, solar micro gas turbines with biofuel backup coupled to reverse osmosis (RO) desalination and/or zero liquid discharge water treatment. These systems, as well as mature REDES plants (namely PV/RO and wind turbines/RO), will benefit from forthcoming advances in energy efficiency in the RO process itself. The Closed Circuit RO desalination (CCROTM) concept may be a key configuration for enhancing RE-driven RO desalination. Additionally, opportunities for innovation in seawater RO desalination with variable power consumption are highlighted. On the other hand, our conclusions highlight opportunities for developing novel portable REDES systems based on solar membrane distillation with a portable linear Fresnel concentrator manufactured by SOLATOM. Additionally, the concept of portable systems could foster the commercial development of microbial desalination cells combined with solar PV energy and RO powered by tidal currents.
Renewable Energy-Driven Desalination: New Trends And Future Prospects Of Small Capacity Systems
Abstract:
New trends and future prospects for small capacity systems of Renewable Energy-driven Desalination (REDES) are reviewed and assessed in this paper over a nominal desalination capacity range of 3–1000 m3/d. A thorough literature review is reported in order to evaluate current research and developing activities. Outstanding commercial prospects in the near future are identified for two off-grid REDES technologies under development. First, wave energy converters with direct coupling to seawater desalination. Second, solar micro gas turbines with biofuel backup coupled to reverse osmosis (RO) desalination and/or zero liquid discharge water treatment. These systems, as well as mature REDES plants (namely PV/RO and wind turbines/RO), will benefit from forthcoming advances in energy efficiency in the RO process itself. The Closed Circuit RO desalination (CCROTM) concept may be a key configuration for enhancing RE-driven RO desalination. Additionally, opportunities for innovation in seawater RO desalination with variable power consumption are highlighted. On the other hand, our conclusions highlight opportunities for developing novel portable REDES systems based on solar membrane distillation with a portable linear Fresnel concentrator manufactured by SOLATOM. Additionally, the concept of portable systems could foster the commercial development of microbial desalination cells combined with solar PV energy and RO powered by tidal currents.
Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Multi-Metal Aqueous Solution by Sunflower Plant Biomass-Based Carbons
Abstract
This study reports the competitive adsorption
of Ni(II), Cd(II) and Cr(VI) onto sunflower waste biomass
carbons, viz. sunflower head carbon and sunflower stem
carbon from multi-metal aqueous solution.
Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Multi-Metal Aqueous Solution by Sunflower Plant Biomass-Based Carbons
Abstract
This study reports the competitive adsorption
of Ni(II), Cd(II) and Cr(VI) onto sunflower waste biomass
carbons, viz. sunflower head carbon and sunflower stem
carbon from multi-metal aqueous solution.
Artificial Neural Network Model for the Prediction of Groundwater Quality
The present article delves into the examination of groundwater quality, based on WQI, for drinking purposes in Baghdad City. Further, for carrying out the investigation, the data was collected from the Ministry of Water Resources of Baghdad, which represents water samples drawn from 114 wells in Al-Karkh and Al-Rusafa sides of Baghdad city. With the aim of further determining WQI, four water parameters such as (i) pH, (ii) Chloride (Cl), (iii) Sulfate (SO4), and (iv) Total dissolved solids (TDS), were taken into consideration. Additionally, to anticipate changes in groundwater WQI, IBM® SPSS® Statistics 19 software (SPSS) was used to develop an artificial neural network model (ANNM). With the application of this ANNM model, the results obtained illustrated high prediction efficiency, as the sum of squares error functions (for training and testing samples) and coefficient of determination (R2), were found to be (0.038 and 0.005) and 0.973, respectively.
Artificial Neural Network Model for the Prediction of Groundwater Quality
The present article delves into the examination of groundwater quality, based on WQI, for drinking purposes in Baghdad City. Further, for carrying out the investigation, the data was collected from the Ministry of Water Resources of Baghdad, which represents water samples drawn from 114 wells in Al-Karkh and Al-Rusafa sides of Baghdad city. With the aim of further determining WQI, four water parameters such as (i) pH, (ii) Chloride (Cl), (iii) Sulfate (SO4), and (iv) Total dissolved solids (TDS), were taken into consideration. Additionally, to anticipate changes in groundwater WQI, IBM® SPSS® Statistics 19 software (SPSS) was used to develop an artificial neural network model (ANNM). With the application of this ANNM model, the results obtained illustrated high prediction efficiency, as the sum of squares error functions (for training and testing samples) and coefficient of determination (R2), were found to be (0.038 and 0.005) and 0.973, respectively.
Analysis of the Flux Performance of Different RO/NF Membranes in the Treatment of Agroindustrial Wastewater by Means of the Boundary Flux Theory
Abstract:
Dynamic membrane system behaviour must be adequately addressed to avoid process unfeasibility. The lack of proper analysis will mean relying on erroneous permeate flux values in the system design, which will lead to quick and/or steady high fouling rates. In this paper, the authors present additional data supporting the boundary flux theory as a helpful tool for membrane engineers to carefully avoid process failures. By fitting the dynamic permeate flux data to the
boundary flux model, it was possible to calculate the β fouling index for the three selected membranes (one nanofiltration (NF) and two reverse osmosis (RO) ones). The dynamic flux given by the low-pressure RO membrane did not follow sub-boundary operating conditions, since a sharp flux loss was measured throughout the whole operating cycle, pinpointing that supra-boundary flux conditions were governing the system. This was supported by the calculated value of the β fouling parameter, which resulted to be in the order of ten times higher for this membrane. However, the values of β→0 for the SC-RO and DK-NF ones, supported by the very low value of the sub-boundary fouling parameter α (0.002 and 0.007 L·h −1·m−2 ·bar−2 , respectively), ensure nearly boundary operating conditions for these membranes.
Analysis of the Flux Performance of Different RO/NF Membranes in the Treatment of Agroindustrial Wastewater by Means of the Boundary Flux Theory
Abstract:
Dynamic membrane system behaviour must be adequately addressed to avoid process unfeasibility. The lack of proper analysis will mean relying on erroneous permeate flux values in the system design, which will lead to quick and/or steady high fouling rates. In this paper, the authors present additional data supporting the boundary flux theory as a helpful tool for membrane engineers to carefully avoid process failures. By fitting the dynamic permeate flux data to the
boundary flux model, it was possible to calculate the β fouling index for the three selected membranes (one nanofiltration (NF) and two reverse osmosis (RO) ones). The dynamic flux given by the low-pressure RO membrane did not follow sub-boundary operating conditions, since a sharp flux loss was measured throughout the whole operating cycle, pinpointing that supra-boundary flux conditions were governing the system. This was supported by the calculated value of the β fouling parameter, which resulted to be in the order of ten times higher for this membrane. However, the values of β→0 for the SC-RO and DK-NF ones, supported by the very low value of the sub-boundary fouling parameter α (0.002 and 0.007 L·h −1·m−2 ·bar−2 , respectively), ensure nearly boundary operating conditions for these membranes.
Fouling and Cleaning Characteristics of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membranes
Abstract:
This work deals with fouling and successive cleaning of RO membrane fouled by an organic foulant, sodium alginate using a laboratory-scale cross flow test unit. First, spiral-wound RO membrane was fouled with sodium alginate solution up to 10% and 15%, respectively at an applied pressure of 1380 kPa with flow rate of 10 lit/min. An anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used as a chemical cleaning agent for cleaning of RO membrane. The effect of cleaning chemical dose and cross-flow velocity on the membrane chemical cleaning duration to achieve 100% cleaning efficiency (i.e., to get original water flux) was also investigated. As the SDS concentration increases, the membrane chemical cleaning time decreases due to increase in the solubility of the foulant (when the surface tension decreases by an increase in the SDS concentration). Furthermore, the membrane chemical cleaning time decreases with increasing cross-flow velocity of the cleaning chemical solution (SDS). Higher cross-flow velocity enhances the turbulence at the fouling layer and hence the mass transfer of the foulant from the fouling layer to the bulk solution is improved, then the SDS has weakened the structural integrity of the fouling layer. It is observed that better cleaning is occurred with higher concentration of SDS and flow rate. The obtained results clearly reveal that SDS cleaning is proved to be an efficient cleaning method for RO membranes fouled with organic foulant.
Fouling and Cleaning Characteristics of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membranes
Abstract:
This work deals with fouling and successive cleaning of RO membrane fouled by an organic foulant, sodium alginate using a laboratory-scale cross flow test unit. First, spiral-wound RO membrane was fouled with sodium alginate solution up to 10% and 15%, respectively at an applied pressure of 1380 kPa with flow rate of 10 lit/min. An anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used as a chemical cleaning agent for cleaning of RO membrane. The effect of cleaning chemical dose and cross-flow velocity on the membrane chemical cleaning duration to achieve 100% cleaning efficiency (i.e., to get original water flux) was also investigated. As the SDS concentration increases, the membrane chemical cleaning time decreases due to increase in the solubility of the foulant (when the surface tension decreases by an increase in the SDS concentration). Furthermore, the membrane chemical cleaning time decreases with increasing cross-flow velocity of the cleaning chemical solution (SDS). Higher cross-flow velocity enhances the turbulence at the fouling layer and hence the mass transfer of the foulant from the fouling layer to the bulk solution is improved, then the SDS has weakened the structural integrity of the fouling layer. It is observed that better cleaning is occurred with higher concentration of SDS and flow rate. The obtained results clearly reveal that SDS cleaning is proved to be an efficient cleaning method for RO membranes fouled with organic foulant.
Desalination: From Ancient To Present And Future
Abstract:
Water is life, and without water, there would be no civilizations and a vacant Earth. Water is considered an abundant natural resource on the earth. Water covers 3/4 of the surface. However, 97% of the available water on the earth is salty oceanic water, and only a tiny fraction (3%) is freshwater. This small portion of the available water supplies the needs of humans and animals. However, freshwater exists in underground, rivers, and lakes and is insufficient to cover all the world’s water demands. Thus, water saving, water reuse, rainwater harvesting, stormwater utilization, and desalination are critical for maintaining water supplies for the future of humanity. Desalination has a long history spanning centuries from ancient times to the present. In the last two decades, desalination has been rapidly expanding to meet water needs in stressed water regions of the world. Yet, there are still some problems with its implementation in several areas of the world. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the history of desalination for wiser and smarter water extraction and uses to sustain and support the water needs of the earth’s inhabitants.
Desalination: From Ancient To Present And Future
Abstract:
Water is life, and without water, there would be no civilizations and a vacant Earth. Water is considered an abundant natural resource on the earth. Water covers 3/4 of the surface. However, 97% of the available water on the earth is salty oceanic water, and only a tiny fraction (3%) is freshwater. This small portion of the available water supplies the needs of humans and animals. However, freshwater exists in underground, rivers, and lakes and is insufficient to cover all the world’s water demands. Thus, water saving, water reuse, rainwater harvesting, stormwater utilization, and desalination are critical for maintaining water supplies for the future of humanity. Desalination has a long history spanning centuries from ancient times to the present. In the last two decades, desalination has been rapidly expanding to meet water needs in stressed water regions of the world. Yet, there are still some problems with its implementation in several areas of the world. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the history of desalination for wiser and smarter water extraction and uses to sustain and support the water needs of the earth’s inhabitants.
Cleaning Methods for Ceramic Ultrafiltration Membranes Affected by Organic Fouling
Abstract:
The use of ceramic membranes in the treatment and processing of various liquids, including those of organic origin, has increased tremendously at the industrial level. Apart from the selection of the most appropriate membrane materials and operational conditions, suitable membrane cleaning procedures are a must to minimize fouling and increase membrane lifespan. The review summarizes currently available and practiced non-reagent and cleaning-in-place methods for ceramic membranes that are used in the treatment of organic liquids, thus causing organic fouling. Backflushing, backwashing, and ultrasound represent the most often used physical methods for reversible fouling treatment. At the same time, the use of alkalis, e.g, sodium hydroxide, acids, or strong oxidants is recommended for cleaning of irreversible fouling treatment.
Cleaning Methods for Ceramic Ultrafiltration Membranes Affected by Organic Fouling
Abstract:
The use of ceramic membranes in the treatment and processing of various liquids, including those of organic origin, has increased tremendously at the industrial level. Apart from the selection of the most appropriate membrane materials and operational conditions, suitable membrane cleaning procedures are a must to minimize fouling and increase membrane lifespan. The review summarizes currently available and practiced non-reagent and cleaning-in-place methods for ceramic membranes that are used in the treatment of organic liquids, thus causing organic fouling. Backflushing, backwashing, and ultrasound represent the most often used physical methods for reversible fouling treatment. At the same time, the use of alkalis, e.g, sodium hydroxide, acids, or strong oxidants is recommended for cleaning of irreversible fouling treatment.
Current Advances in Membrane Technologies for Saline Wastewater Treatment A Comprehensive Review
ABSTRACT
The saline wastewater from various sources including agriculture and industrial activities, appears to have high salt concentration, organic content and other pollutants which can harm the environment. Thus, saline waste[1]water treatment has become one of the major concerns in many countries. Membrane technology offers great potential in saline wastewater treatment due to its high permeate quality, flexibility, and desalination capability. This paper highlights the current development in various types of membrane processes such as pressure driven[1]based membranes, forward osmosis, membrane distillation, electrodialysis and membrane bioreactor, either as a stand-alone or integrated process for saline wastewater treatment. The membranes performance in terms of water reclamation as well as resource recovery is discussed. Besides, the membrane fouling issue is highlighted, and the efficiency of various fouling mitigation strategies when dealing with real/challenging saline wastewater are reviewed. Finally, the future challenges and outlook in the context of membrane application for saline wastewater treatment are discussed.
Current Advances in Membrane Technologies for Saline Wastewater Treatment A Comprehensive Review
ABSTRACT
The saline wastewater from various sources including agriculture and industrial activities, appears to have high salt concentration, organic content and other pollutants which can harm the environment. Thus, saline waste[1]water treatment has become one of the major concerns in many countries. Membrane technology offers great potential in saline wastewater treatment due to its high permeate quality, flexibility, and desalination capability. This paper highlights the current development in various types of membrane processes such as pressure driven[1]based membranes, forward osmosis, membrane distillation, electrodialysis and membrane bioreactor, either as a stand-alone or integrated process for saline wastewater treatment. The membranes performance in terms of water reclamation as well as resource recovery is discussed. Besides, the membrane fouling issue is highlighted, and the efficiency of various fouling mitigation strategies when dealing with real/challenging saline wastewater are reviewed. Finally, the future challenges and outlook in the context of membrane application for saline wastewater treatment are discussed.
Overview Of The Main Disinfection Processes For Wastewater And Drinking water Treatment Plants
Abstract: The use of water disinfection as a public health measure reduces the spread of diseases. Various disinfection technologies can be used to meet the pathogen inactivation demand in water. This work is an overview of the main disinfection technologies of wastewater and drinking water that reports for the conventional processes the action mechanism, the possible formation of by-products, the operative conditions, the advantages and disadvantages. For advanced and natural processes the action mechanisms are reported. Advanced technologies are interesting but are still in the research state, while conventional technologies are the most used. There is a tendency, especially in Italy, to use chlorine-based disinfectant, despite in some forms could lead to production of disinfection by-products.
Overview Of The Main Disinfection Processes For Wastewater And Drinking water Treatment Plants
Abstract: The use of water disinfection as a public health measure reduces the spread of diseases. Various disinfection technologies can be used to meet the pathogen inactivation demand in water. This work is an overview of the main disinfection technologies of wastewater and drinking water that reports for the conventional processes the action mechanism, the possible formation of by-products, the operative conditions, the advantages and disadvantages. For advanced and natural processes the action mechanisms are reported. Advanced technologies are interesting but are still in the research state, while conventional technologies are the most used. There is a tendency, especially in Italy, to use chlorine-based disinfectant, despite in some forms could lead to production of disinfection by-products.
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