Research

9 pages, 1919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrogen Removal Efficiency for Pharmaceutical Wastewater with a Single-Stage Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation Process

by Lushen Zuo, Hong Yao, Huayu Li, Liru Fan and Fangxu Jia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 7972; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17217972 - 30 Oct 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1844

Abstract

A single-stage anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) process with an integrated biofilm–activated sludge system was carried out in a laboratory-scale flow-through reactor (volume = 57.6 L) to treat pharmaceutical wastewater containing chlortetracycline. Partial nitrification was successfully achieved after 48 days of treatment with a [...] Read more.

A single-stage anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) process with an integrated biofilm–activated sludge system was carried out in a laboratory-scale flow-through reactor (volume = 57.6 L) to treat pharmaceutical wastewater containing chlortetracycline. Partial nitrification was successfully achieved after 48 days of treatment with a nitrite accumulation of 70%. The activity of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) decreased when the chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration of the influent was 3000 mg/L. When switching to the single-stage ANAMMOX operation, (T = 32–34 °C, DO = 0.4–0.8 mg/L, pH = 8.0–8.5), the total nitrogen (TN) removal loading rate and efficiency were 1.0 kg/m³/d and 75.2%, respectively, when the ammonium concentration of the influent was 287 ± 146 mg/L for 73 days. The findings of this study imply that single-stage ANAMMOX can achieve high nitrogen removal rates and effectively treat pharmaceutical wastewater with high concentrations of COD (1000 mg/L) and ammonium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Processes in Wastewater Treatment)

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15 pages, 2971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Results: Innovative Solar Disinfection Technology for Treated Wastewater that Integrates Materiality, Geometry, and Reflective Panels

by Pedro Cisterna-Osorio, Sergio Quijada-Vera, Daniela Ruiz-Duran, Rodrigo Peirano-Cuevas and Pamela Ortiz-Briones

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6523; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17186523 - 08 Sep 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2058

Abstract

Climate change is having drastic consequences in Chile. The lack of water in various regions is causing environmental impacts on ecosystems, including the decrease in the productive activities of rural economies and the deterioration in the quality of life of the inhabitants that [...] Read more.

Climate change is having drastic consequences in Chile. The lack of water in various regions is causing environmental impacts on ecosystems, including the decrease in the productive activities of rural economies and the deterioration in the quality of life of the inhabitants that occupy the affected physical spaces. In this paper, we propose a sustainable, low-cost treatment of wastewater and its reuse as an adaptation and mitigation policy, patented in 2019, that consists of a wastewater disinfection system based on solar energy. This system can work in both continuous and discontinuous modes. The water passes through a canal of reflective material in the continuous regime, and in the batch regime, the water remains in the canal. The panels are located parallel to the lateral faces of the canal. These panels concentrate the radiation in the canal through reflection. The trapezoidal geometry of the disinfectant canal deflects the radiation and reflects in the direction of the front walls of the canal, radiating what is returned and vice versa. The fraction of the radiation reflected outside the canal reaches the reflective side panels that return the radiation to the canal. The synergy of these three considerations increases the radiation in the canal area, augmenting the elimination of the bacterial load. In the trapezoidal reflective canal without panels, only 5% of the measured radiation exceeded the atmospheric radiation, eliminating 83% of the coliforms. The incorporation of panels surpassed the atmospheric radiation over 36% of the measured radiations, and the removal of coliforms exceeded 99.7%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Processes in Wastewater Treatment)

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14 pages, 4505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Domestic Sewage Treatment Using a One-Stage ANAMMOX Process

by Yuan Wei, Yue Jin and Wenjie Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(9), 3284; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17093284 - 08 May 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3282

Abstract

A one-stage anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) reactor can be quickly started within 40 days by mixing partial nitrifying sludge with ANAMMOX granular sludge with an average temperature of 30 °C. After 70 days of nitrogen load acclimation, Acinetobacter, including Candidatus Kuenenia, became the [...] Read more.

A one-stage anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) reactor can be quickly started within 40 days by mixing partial nitrifying sludge with ANAMMOX granular sludge with an average temperature of 30 °C. After 70 days of nitrogen load acclimation, Acinetobacter, including Candidatus Kuenenia, became the dominant strain of the system within the reactor, which exhibited high efficiency and a stable nitrogen removal performance. At an influent chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH₄⁺-N content, total nitrogen (TN) content, hydraulic retention time (HRT), temperature, and reactor dissolved oxygen (DO) content of 100, 60, and 70 mg/L, 6 h, 30 ± 1 °C, and below 0.6 mg/L, respectively, the one-stage ANAMMOX reactor could effectively treat domestic sewage on campus. The removal rates of COD, NH₄⁺-N, and TN were approximately 89%, 96.7%, and 70%, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Processes in Wastewater Treatment)

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15 pages, 2666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Adjusting the S₂O₃²⁻/NO₃⁻ Ratio to Adapt to Dynamic Influents in Coupled Anammox and Denitrification Systems

by Yuqian Hou, Shaoju Cheng, Mengliang Wang, Chenyong Zhang and Bo Liu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2200; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17072200 - 25 Mar 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2345

Abstract

In this study, anammox, sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification, and heterotrophic denitrification (A/SAD/HD) were coupled in an expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor to explore the feasibility of enhancing denitrification performance by adjusting the S₂O₃^2−/NO₃⁻ (S/N) ratio to [...] Read more.

In this study, anammox, sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification, and heterotrophic denitrification (A/SAD/HD) were coupled in an expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor to explore the feasibility of enhancing denitrification performance by adjusting the S₂O₃^2−/NO₃⁻ (S/N) ratio to accommodate dynamic influents. The results indicated that the optimal influent conditions occurred when the conversion efficiency of ammonium (CEA) was 55%, the S/N ratio was 1.24, and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was 50 mg/L, which resulted in a total nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) of 95.0% ± 0.5%. The S/N ratio regulation strategy was feasible when the influent COD concentration was less than 100 mg/L and the CEA was between 57% and 63%. Characterization by 16S rRNA sequencing showed that Candidatus Jettenia might have contributed the most to anammox, while Thiobacillus and Denitratisoma were the dominant taxa related to denitrification. The findings of this study provide insights into the effects of CEA and COD on the performance of the A/SAD/HD system and the feasibility of the S/N ratio regulation strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Processes in Wastewater Treatment)

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15 pages, 3562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adsorption of As(V) from Aqueous Solution on Chitosan-Modified Diatomite

by Qintao Yang, Liang Gong, Lili Huang, Qinglin Xie, Yijian Zhong and Nanchun Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(2), 429; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17020429 - 08 Jan 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2395

Abstract

A novel chitosan (CS)-modified diatomite (Dt) was prepared by a simple mixture in the mass ratio to remove As(V) from aqueous solution in this research. The CS-modified Dt adsorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray powder [...] Read more.

A novel chitosan (CS)-modified diatomite (Dt) was prepared by a simple mixture in the mass ratio to remove As(V) from aqueous solution in this research. The CS-modified Dt adsorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. The parameters to influence the adsorption of As(V) ion were studied under such conditions as kinetics, adsorption isotherm, and pH effect. The results revealed that adsorption of As(V) was initially rapid and the equilibrium time was reached after 40 min. The optimal value of the pH was 5.0 for better adsorption. The equilibrium data were well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm compared to the Freundlich isotherm, and exhibited the highest capacity and removal efficiency of 94.3% under an initial As(V) concentration of 5 mg/L. The kinetic data were well described by the pseudo-second-order model. In addition, 0.1 M NaOH has the best desorption efficiency of As(V) adsorbed on CS-modified Dt, and the removal efficiency of As(V) was still higher than 90% when after six adsorption-desorption cycles. These results showed that the CS-modified Dt could be considered as a potential adsorbent for the removal of As(V) in aqueous solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Processes in Wastewater Treatment)

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19 pages, 4745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Preparation of Chitosan-Crosslinked Bismuth Ferrite/Biochar Coupled Magnetic Material for Methylene Blue Removal

by Xiaoxi Cai, Jiang Li, Yunguo Liu, Xinjiang Hu, Xiaofei Tan, Shaobo Liu, Hui Wang, Yanling Gu and Lerong Luo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(1), 6; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17010006 - 18 Dec 2019

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 3355

Abstract

Biochar obtained by pyrolysis of the fiber plant kenaf was mixed with bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃) in a chitosan-containing acetic acid solution, magnetized, and modified to prepare a chitosan-crosslinked BiFeO₃/biochar coupled magnetic material. The adsorption properties of the composite were [...] Read more.

Biochar obtained by pyrolysis of the fiber plant kenaf was mixed with bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃) in a chitosan-containing acetic acid solution, magnetized, and modified to prepare a chitosan-crosslinked BiFeO₃/biochar coupled magnetic material. The adsorption properties of the composite were investigated using methylene blue dissolved in water, and the effects of external conditions, such as pH, methylene blue concentration, reaction time, and temperature, on the adsorption performance were studied. The adsorption data were fitted and analyzed with kinetic and isotherm models, and the results showed that the BiFeO₃/biochar coupled magnetic material effectively adsorbed methylene blue. The amounts adsorbed onto this magnetic material increased with increasing initial methylene blue concentration, reaction time, and temperature, and the adsorption performance improved under neutral and alkaline conditions. The pseudo-first-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models satisfactorily fitted the adsorption data, showing that the adsorption of methylene blue involved both chemical and physical adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity of methylene blue onto the BiFeO₃/biochar coupled magnetic material reached 18.942 mg·g⁻¹ at 25 °C, confirming the excellent dye binding activity of this material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Processes in Wastewater Treatment)

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13 pages, 1844 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrogen Removal from Domestic Wastewater and the Development of Tropical Ornamental Plants in Partially Saturated Mesocosm-Scale Constructed Wetlands

by Carlos Nakase, Florentina Zurita, Graciela Nani, Guillermo Reyes, Gregorio Fernández-Lambert, Arturo Cabrera-Hernández and Luis Sandoval

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(23), 4800; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph16234800 - 29 Nov 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4145

Abstract

Vertical partially saturated (VPS) constructed wetlands (CWs) are a novel wastewater treatment system for which little information is known about its design parameters and performance under tropical climates. The objective of this study is to evaluate the nitrogen removal process from domestic wastewater [...] Read more.

Vertical partially saturated (VPS) constructed wetlands (CWs) are a novel wastewater treatment system for which little information is known about its design parameters and performance under tropical climates. The objective of this study is to evaluate the nitrogen removal process from domestic wastewater and the production of tropical ornamental plants (Canna hybrids and Zantedeschia aethiopica) in VPS CWs at a mesocosms scale. Nine VPS CWs, with a free-flow zone of 16 cm and a saturated zone of 16 cm, were used as experimental units. Three units were planted with Canna hybrids., and three, with Zantedeschia aethiopica (one plant per unit); the remaining three units were established as controls without vegetation. They were fed with domestic wastewater intermittently and evaluated for the elimination of COD, N-NH₄, N-NO₃, Norg, NT, and PT. The results showed an increase in the removal for some pollutants in the vegetated systems, i.e., N-NH₄ (35%), Norg (16%), TN (25%), and TP (47%) in comparison to the unvegetated systems. While N-NO₃ removal showed better removal in 10% of the systems without vegetation, no significant differences were found (p > 0.05) for COD removal. The aerobic and anaerobic conditions in the VPS CWs favor the elimination of pollutants in the systems, and also the development of the tropical species evaluated in this study; good development was exhibited by a high growth rate and biomass production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Processes in Wastewater Treatment)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

33 pages, 956 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Process Waters from Hydrothermal Carbonization of Sludge: Characteristics and Possible Valorization Pathways

by Michela Langone and Daniele Basso

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6618; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17186618 - 11 Sep 2020

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 6603

Abstract

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is an innovative process capable of converting wet biodegradable residues into value-added materials, such as hydrochar. HTC has been studied for decades, however, a lack of detailed information on the production and composition of the process water has been highlighted [...] Read more.

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is an innovative process capable of converting wet biodegradable residues into value-added materials, such as hydrochar. HTC has been studied for decades, however, a lack of detailed information on the production and composition of the process water has been highlighted by several authors. In this paper the state of the art of the knowledge on this by-product is analyzed, with attention to HTC applied to municipal and agro-industrial anaerobic digestion digestate. The chemical and physical characteristics of the process water obtained at different HTC conditions are compared along with pH, color, organic matter, nutrients, heavy metals and toxic compounds. The possibility of recovering nutrients and other valorization pathways is analyzed and technical feasibility constraints are reported. Finally, the paper describes the main companies which are investing actively in proposing HTC technology towards improving an effective process water valorization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Processes in Wastewater Treatment)

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16 pages, 1855 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of the Anammox in China—A Review

by Ruolan Wen, Yue Jin and Wenjie Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(3), 1090; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17031090 - 09 Feb 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5512

Abstract

Anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) has been one of the most innovative discoveries for the treatment of wastewater with high ammonia nitrogen concentrations. The process has significant advantages for energy saving and sludge reduction, also capital costs and greenhouse gases emissions are reduced. Recently, [...] Read more.

Anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) has been one of the most innovative discoveries for the treatment of wastewater with high ammonia nitrogen concentrations. The process has significant advantages for energy saving and sludge reduction, also capital costs and greenhouse gases emissions are reduced. Recently, the use of anammox has rapidly become mainstream in China. This study reviews the engineering applications of the anammox process in China, including various anammox-based technologies, selection of anammox reactors and attempts to apply them to different wastewater treatment plants. This review discusses the control and implementation of stable reactor operation and analyzes challenges facing mainstream anammox applications. Finally, a unique and novel perspective on the development and application of anammox in China is presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Processes in Wastewater Treatment)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

11 pages, 1509 KiB

Open AccessProject Report

Treatment of High-Concentration Wastewater from an Oil and Gas Field via a Paired Sequencing Batch and Ceramic Membrane Reactor

by Yuan Wei, Yue Jin and Wenjie Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(6), 1953; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17061953 - 17 Mar 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3181

Abstract

A sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and a ceramic membrane bioreactor (CMBR) were used in conjunction (SBR+CMBR) to treat high-concentration oil and gas field wastewater (HCOGW) from the China National Offshore Oil Corporation Zhanjiang Branch (Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China). The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and [...] Read more.

A sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and a ceramic membrane bioreactor (CMBR) were used in conjunction (SBR+CMBR) to treat high-concentration oil and gas field wastewater (HCOGW) from the China National Offshore Oil Corporation Zhanjiang Branch (Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China). The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the oil concentrations in the wastewater were 20,000–76,000 and 600–2200 mg/L, respectively. After the SBR+CMBR process, the effluent COD and oil content values were less than 250 mg/L and 2 mg/L, respectively, which met the third level of the Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standards of China (GB8978-1996). Through microbiological analysis, it was found that the CMBR domesticated a previously unreported functional microorganism (JF922467.1) that successfully formed a new microbial ecosystem suitable for HCOGW treatment. In conjunction with the SBR process, the CMBR process effectively reduced pollutant concentrations in HCOGW. Moreover, economic analyses indicated that the total investment required to implement the proposed infrastructure would be approximately 671,776.61 USD, and the per-unit water treatment cost would be 1.04 USD/m³. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Processes in Wastewater Treatment)

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