Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative contaminants of emerging concern. However, their spatial distribution across land-use watersheds in Thailand remains poorly characterized. Understanding these patterns is essential for identifying sources and developing mitigation strategies. This study evaluated the occurrence, distribution, and ecological risks of 12 PFAS in upstream surface waters, typically considered pristine, and downstream areas impacted by human activities. Surface water samples were collected from 15 sites along the Chao Phraya River Basin (CPRB), the Lop Buri River (LBR), and an irrigation canal (IRR) supplying critical domestic and agricultural water. PFAS were extracted via solid-phase extraction and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Total PFAS concentrations ranged from below detection limits to 79.4 ng/L in CPRB (CP5), 30.3 ng/L in LBR (LB7), and 7.5 ng/L in IRR. Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) were the most frequently detected compounds. These results indicate that land use patterns, including industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and domestic inputs, strongly influenced spatial distributions of PFAS. These findings underscore the need for systematic PFAS monitoring to identify contamination sources, assess ecological risks, and develop targeted mitigation strategies to protect the surface and irrigation waters.
{"title":"Spatial variability of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in surface waters across clean, agricultural, and suburban zones in Thailand","authors":"Jedsada Chuiprasert , Pitchaya Piyaviriyakul , Narin Boontanon , Kawinthip Wichatham , Chettiyappan Visvanathan , Sudarshan Kurwadkar , Denis M. O'Carroll , Suwanna Kitpati Boontanon","doi":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative contaminants of emerging concern. However, their spatial distribution across land-use watersheds in Thailand remains poorly characterized. Understanding these patterns is essential for identifying sources and developing mitigation strategies. This study evaluated the occurrence, distribution, and ecological risks of 12 PFAS in upstream surface waters, typically considered pristine, and downstream areas impacted by human activities. Surface water samples were collected from 15 sites along the Chao Phraya River Basin (CPRB), the Lop Buri River (LBR), and an irrigation canal (IRR) supplying critical domestic and agricultural water. PFAS were extracted via solid-phase extraction and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Total PFAS concentrations ranged from below detection limits to 79.4 ng/L in CPRB (CP5), 30.3 ng/L in LBR (LB7), and 7.5 ng/L in IRR. Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) were the most frequently detected compounds. These results indicate that land use patterns, including industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and domestic inputs, strongly influenced spatial distributions of PFAS. These findings underscore the need for systematic PFAS monitoring to identify contamination sources, assess ecological risks, and develop targeted mitigation strategies to protect the surface and irrigation waters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34388,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 101297"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study investigated the effects of dialyzer reuse on both convective and diffusive mass transport, using model solutes of different molecular sizes. Membrane permeability was used to evaluate convective transport, while solute clearance under co-current flow conditions was used to evaluate the diffusive performance. Three dialyzer types (ATA, PEPA, and PES membranes) were evaluated over seven reuse cycles. It was found that permeability decreased progressively with reuse at rates of −5.47, −4.10, and −3.55 mL/min cycle−1 for ATA, PEPA, and PES dialyzers, respectively. In contrast, urea clearance remained stable or showed a slight increase, with corresponding slopes of 2.87, 2.09, and 1.49 mL min−1·cycle−1 for PEPA, ATA, and PES. Maltodextrin clearance demonstrated a more noticeable decline; however, the overall change remained minimal, ranging from −1.05 to +1.02 mL min−1·cycle−1 depending on the membrane type. These results demonstrate that convective transport is more sensitive to reuse than diffusive transport, reflecting the stronger influence of membrane fouling and structural alteration on permeability. SEM observations revealed distinct pore structures among membranes and subtle surface changes after reuse, supporting the observed transport trends. The use of controlled model solutions enabled isolation of physical transport mechanisms from biological variability. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for understanding reuse-induced performance changes and could inform membrane selection and reprocessing strategies to maintain dialysis efficacy.
本研究利用不同分子大小的模型溶质，研究了透析器重复使用对对流和扩散质输运的影响。采用膜透性评价对流输运，采用共流条件下溶质间隙评价扩散性能。三种透析器类型（ATA， PEPA和PES膜）在七个重复使用周期中进行了评估。研究发现，ATA、PEPA和PES透析器的渗透率分别以- 5.47、- 4.10和- 3.55 mL/min循环- 1的速率逐渐降低。相比之下，PEPA、ATA和PES的尿素清除率保持稳定或略有增加，相应的斜率分别为2.87、2.09和1.49 mL min - 1·cycle - 1。麦芽糖糊精清除率下降更为明显；然而，总体变化仍然很小，根据膜类型的不同，变化范围为- 1.05至+1.02 mL min - 1·cycle - 1。这些结果表明，对流输运比扩散输运对再利用更为敏感，反映了膜污染和结构改变对渗透率的影响更大。扫描电镜观察发现，膜之间有明显的孔隙结构和细微的表面变化，支持观察到的运输趋势。使用受控模型解决方案可以将物理传输机制与生物变异性隔离开来。这些发现为理解重复使用引起的性能变化提供了机制基础，并可以为膜选择和再处理策略提供信息，以保持透析效果。
{"title":"Effects of dialyzer reuse on convective and diffusive particle transports through membranes during hemodialysis process","authors":"Tarinthon Klahan , Cattaleeya Pattamaprom , Thanee Eiamsitrakoon , Watit Pakdee","doi":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101300","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101300","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the effects of dialyzer reuse on both convective and diffusive mass transport, using model solutes of different molecular sizes. Membrane permeability was used to evaluate convective transport, while solute clearance under co-current flow conditions was used to evaluate the diffusive performance. Three dialyzer types (ATA, PEPA, and PES membranes) were evaluated over seven reuse cycles. It was found that permeability decreased progressively with reuse at rates of −5.47, −4.10, and −3.55 mL/min cycle<sup>−1</sup> for ATA, PEPA, and PES dialyzers, respectively. In contrast, urea clearance remained stable or showed a slight increase, with corresponding slopes of 2.87, 2.09, and 1.49 mL min<sup>−1</sup>·cycle<sup>−1</sup> for PEPA, ATA, and PES. Maltodextrin clearance demonstrated a more noticeable decline; however, the overall change remained minimal, ranging from −1.05 to +1.02 mL min<sup>−1</sup>·cycle<sup>−1</sup> depending on the membrane type. These results demonstrate that convective transport is more sensitive to reuse than diffusive transport, reflecting the stronger influence of membrane fouling and structural alteration on permeability. SEM observations revealed distinct pore structures among membranes and subtle surface changes after reuse, supporting the observed transport trends. The use of controlled model solutions enabled isolation of physical transport mechanisms from biological variability. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for understanding reuse-induced performance changes and could inform membrane selection and reprocessing strategies to maintain dialysis efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34388,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 101300"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-25DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101296
Han Thi Ngoc Lai , Dan Phuoc Nguyen , Long Ta Bui
Exposure to PM2.5 pollution in Hanoi at the WHO threshold of 15 μg/m3 led to significantly more premature deaths than under Vietnam's 50 μg/m3 standard, especially from respiratory diseases. In 2023, economic losses reached 6.3 % of the city's GRDP, highlighting serious health and financial impacts. The study revealed seasonal, gender, and district-level differences, with mortality peaking in Quarter 1 and a slight female predominance. These findings underscore the urgent need for stricter air quality standards and effective pollution control to protect public health and reduce economic burden.
{"title":"Health and economic impacts of PM2.5 exposure: A case study of pollution-related effects in Hanoi, Vietnam","authors":"Han Thi Ngoc Lai , Dan Phuoc Nguyen , Long Ta Bui","doi":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101296","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101296","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exposure to PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution in Hanoi at the WHO threshold of 15 μg/m<sup>3</sup> led to significantly more premature deaths than under Vietnam's 50 μg/m<sup>3</sup> standard, especially from respiratory diseases. In 2023, economic losses reached 6.3 % of the city's GRDP, highlighting serious health and financial impacts. The study revealed seasonal, gender, and district-level differences, with mortality peaking in Quarter 1 and a slight female predominance. These findings underscore the urgent need for stricter air quality standards and effective pollution control to protect public health and reduce economic burden.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34388,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 101296"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ammonia synthesis is a crucial industrial process, but its high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions highlight the need for advanced modelling to optimise and develop sustainable pathways. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of multiscale modelling in ammonia synthesis, specifically integrating Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and process simulation. A systematic literature review of Web of Science and Scopus databases, up to March 31, 2025, was conducted, focusing on kinetic models, CFD applications, and process simulation studies. The findings reveal the widespread use of various kinetic models (Temkin-Pyzhev, LHHW, microkinetic) to describe reaction rates, while CFD simulations primarily focus on reactor-level details like flow, heat, and mass transfer, evaluating geometry and operating conditions. Process simulation is extensively applied for plant-wide analysis, techno-economic assessment, and dynamic studies, often utilising simplified reactor representations. A significant gap identified is the absence of published studies explicitly integrating CFD and process simulation for ammonia synthesis, despite its demonstrated value in other chemical engineering contexts. Addressing this critical gap through future research is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding and the effective optimisation of sustainable ammonia production.
氨合成是一个至关重要的工业过程，但其高能耗和温室气体排放强调需要先进的建模来优化和开发可持续的途径。本文综述了氨合成中多尺度建模的综合分析，特别是将计算流体动力学（CFD）和过程模拟相结合。本文对截至2025年3月31日的Web of Science和Scopus数据库进行了系统的文献综述，重点关注动力学模型、CFD应用和过程仿真研究。研究结果表明，各种动力学模型（Temkin-Pyzhev、LHHW、微动力学）被广泛用于描述反应速率，而CFD模拟主要侧重于反应器级的细节，如流动、热量和传质，评估几何形状和操作条件。过程模拟广泛应用于工厂范围的分析、技术经济评估和动态研究，通常使用简化的反应器表示。一个重要的差距是，尽管在其他化学工程背景下证明了CFD和氨合成过程模拟的价值，但缺乏明确整合CFD和氨合成过程模拟的公开研究。通过未来的研究解决这一关键差距对于更全面地了解和有效地优化可持续氨生产至关重要。
{"title":"Multiscale modelling in ammonia synthesis: Integrating CFD and process simulation - A review","authors":"Leonardo Bravo , Camilo Rengifo Gutierrez , Martha Cobo , Manuel Figueredo","doi":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101299","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101299","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ammonia synthesis is a crucial industrial process, but its high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions highlight the need for advanced modelling to optimise and develop sustainable pathways. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of multiscale modelling in ammonia synthesis, specifically integrating Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and process simulation. A systematic literature review of Web of Science and Scopus databases, up to March 31, 2025, was conducted, focusing on kinetic models, CFD applications, and process simulation studies. The findings reveal the widespread use of various kinetic models (Temkin-Pyzhev, LHHW, microkinetic) to describe reaction rates, while CFD simulations primarily focus on reactor-level details like flow, heat, and mass transfer, evaluating geometry and operating conditions. Process simulation is extensively applied for plant-wide analysis, techno-economic assessment, and dynamic studies, often utilising simplified reactor representations. A significant gap identified is the absence of published studies explicitly integrating CFD and process simulation for ammonia synthesis, despite its demonstrated value in other chemical engineering contexts. Addressing this critical gap through future research is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding and the effective optimisation of sustainable ammonia production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34388,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 101299"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study investigated the occurrence and ecological risks of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in lake Osisko, northern Quebec, Canada. Ten sites, including storm outfalls and lake stations, were sampled for three summer campaigns. Results showed clear spatial and temporal variation, with storm outfalls acting as major entry points of contaminants into the lake. Among the 11 targeted PPCPs, caffeine, salicylic acid, and methylparaben were most frequently detected in surface water and sediments. Their presence highlights both urban runoff and recreational activities as important pollution sources. Environmental risk assessment revealed that caffeine posed a high risk to aquatic organisms, while ciprofloxacin presented medium risk, and other compounds were classified as low risk when assessed individually. Although some PPCPs are short-lived in the environment, their continuous inputs sustain measurable concentrations that may impact sensitive species. This study provides evidence-based insights for implementing monitoring and pollution control strategies to protect the ecological and recreational functions of Lake Osisko.
{"title":"Assessing pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and their environmental risk in a lake in North Quebec","authors":"Maryem Chekili , Pratishtha Khurana , Selma Etteieb , Satinder Kaur Brar , Jean-François Blais","doi":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101295","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101295","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the occurrence and ecological risks of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in lake Osisko, northern Quebec, Canada. Ten sites, including storm outfalls and lake stations, were sampled for three summer campaigns. Results showed clear spatial and temporal variation, with storm outfalls acting as major entry points of contaminants into the lake. Among the 11 targeted PPCPs, caffeine, salicylic acid, and methylparaben were most frequently detected in surface water and sediments. Their presence highlights both urban runoff and recreational activities as important pollution sources. Environmental risk assessment revealed that caffeine posed a high risk to aquatic organisms, while ciprofloxacin presented medium risk, and other compounds were classified as low risk when assessed individually. Although some PPCPs are short-lived in the environment, their continuous inputs sustain measurable concentrations that may impact sensitive species. This study provides evidence-based insights for implementing monitoring and pollution control strategies to protect the ecological and recreational functions of Lake Osisko.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34388,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 101295"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145361015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-22DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101294
M. Botía-Aristizábal , C. Mora-Torres , J.D. Pedraza-Mejía , M. Pinto-Rebollo , O.L. Acuña , G. Spedding , N. Ratkovich
This study details a project-based learning module on gin distillation integrated into an undergraduate Unit Operations course at Universidad de los Andes (Colombia) to foster engagement, conceptual understanding, and ABET-aligned skills in engineering design, teamwork, and professional communication. Over a 16-week semester, student teams designed and carried out a 2 L batch distillation using Colombian botanicals, combining simulation, thermal infusion, fractional distillation, and sensory evaluation with an electronic nose and tongue. Students developed recipes, chose cut points, and analyzed alcohol content and volatile profiles; most teams produced about 750 mL with an average of 41.2 % ABV. Simulated and experimental distillation curves were compared to study process dynamics. The evaluation addressed six research questions on engagement and perceived learning (RQ1), applied design and experimentation (RQ2), model and experiment integration (RQ3), communication and teamwork (RQ4), team processes (RQ5), and feasibility and transferability under constraints (RQ6). Post-project surveys revealed an overwhelming 88 % agreement on increased motivation, enhanced understanding of unit operations, and improved teamwork. At the same time, rubric-based assessments indicated improvements in critical thinking, process design, and written and oral communication. The case demonstrates a project-based approach that combines sensory science and sustainability to reinforce core concepts of unit operations. It can be adapted for other contexts or products, such as fermentation and essential oils, and aligns with ABET outcomes. Future work will assess long-term learning impacts and expand digital components through AI-enhanced process modeling and sensory prediction. This preliminary, single-cohort feasibility study presents cohort-specific, descriptive findings from surveys and artifact rubrics, with exploratory results.
{"title":"Real-world distillation: Integrating a gin production project into a unit operations course","authors":"M. Botía-Aristizábal , C. Mora-Torres , J.D. Pedraza-Mejía , M. Pinto-Rebollo , O.L. Acuña , G. Spedding , N. Ratkovich","doi":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101294","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101294","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study details a project-based learning module on gin distillation integrated into an undergraduate Unit Operations course at Universidad de los Andes (Colombia) to foster engagement, conceptual understanding, and ABET-aligned skills in engineering design, teamwork, and professional communication. Over a 16-week semester, student teams designed and carried out a 2 L batch distillation using Colombian botanicals, combining simulation, thermal infusion, fractional distillation, and sensory evaluation with an electronic nose and tongue. Students developed recipes, chose cut points, and analyzed alcohol content and volatile profiles; most teams produced about 750 mL with an average of 41.2 % ABV. Simulated and experimental distillation curves were compared to study process dynamics. The evaluation addressed six research questions on engagement and perceived learning (RQ1), applied design and experimentation (RQ2), model and experiment integration (RQ3), communication and teamwork (RQ4), team processes (RQ5), and feasibility and transferability under constraints (RQ6). Post-project surveys revealed an overwhelming 88 % agreement on increased motivation, enhanced understanding of unit operations, and improved teamwork. At the same time, rubric-based assessments indicated improvements in critical thinking, process design, and written and oral communication. The case demonstrates a project-based approach that combines sensory science and sustainability to reinforce core concepts of unit operations. It can be adapted for other contexts or products, such as fermentation and essential oils, and aligns with ABET outcomes. Future work will assess long-term learning impacts and expand digital components through AI-enhanced process modeling and sensory prediction. This preliminary, single-cohort feasibility study presents cohort-specific, descriptive findings from surveys and artifact rubrics, with exploratory results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34388,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 101294"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
<div><div>This study aims to assess the economic and environmental performance of watermelon production in Guilan province using the Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA) methodology. While MFCA has been extensively applied in industrial sectors, its application in agriculture remains limited, and this study contributes to closing that gap by providing one of the first detailed agricultural case studies. In this study, MFCA was applied to watermelon farming in Iran using the ISO 14051 framework, with costs categorized into material, energy, system, and waste management components, and outputs classified as either product or material loss. This research compares the differences between traditional Cost Accounting (CA) and MFCA, especially in terms of accounting for negative environmental impacts and incorporating these effects into economic evaluations. The analysis of the watermelon production process involved quantifying various input resources. These included human labor, agricultural machinery, chemical fertilizers, biocides, machinery fuel, and energy for irrigation and farming operations. Key inputs included 711.3 hours of labor, 52.2 kg of agricultural machinery, 426.7 kg of nitrogen fertilizer, 125.9 kg of phosphate fertilizer, 113.1 kg of potassium fertilizer, and 385.9 kg of farmyard manure. The energy consumption was 55 l of diesel and 260.5 kWh of electricity for irrigation and farming operations. The production process resulted in a primary positive output: a watermelon yield of 27529 kg. However, the production also resulted in several negative outputs with environmental implications, including ammonia (NH<sub>3</sub>) and nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O) emissions to the air, water pollution due to nitrate and phosphate runoff, and biocide emissions to soil, water, and air. Additionally, 1376.5 kg of watermelon was lost, indicating a decrease in overall production efficiency. The inputs cost $940.91, generating revenue of $5505.9 from watermelon sales. The negative outputs, including emissions, runoff, and yield loss, totaled $309.35, reflecting the environmental and resource inefficiencies in the production process. A comparison of the key economic indicators between MFCA and CA revealed that MFCA accounts for the economic value of negative products, such as emissions and waste, leading to a higher overall economic value. For instance, the Gross Value of Production (GVP) under MFCA was $5814.98, compared to $5505.90 under CA. This more rigorous accounting demonstrates that a significant share of hidden costs arises from environmental inefficiencies, providing actionable insights for both farmers and policymakers. This study highlights the potential of MFCA to offer a more comprehensive framework for understanding how reducing environmental losses, such as emissions and waste, can simultaneously improve financial returns. It recommends that farmers adopt precision agriculture technologies, use organic fertilizers, and integrate renewab
{"title":"Balancing profit and planet: A comprehensive analysis of watermelon farming through material flow cost accounting (MFCA)","authors":"Majid Dekamin , Hosein Rezaei , Ashkan Nabavi-Pelesaraei","doi":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101293","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101293","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to assess the economic and environmental performance of watermelon production in Guilan province using the Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA) methodology. While MFCA has been extensively applied in industrial sectors, its application in agriculture remains limited, and this study contributes to closing that gap by providing one of the first detailed agricultural case studies. In this study, MFCA was applied to watermelon farming in Iran using the ISO 14051 framework, with costs categorized into material, energy, system, and waste management components, and outputs classified as either product or material loss. This research compares the differences between traditional Cost Accounting (CA) and MFCA, especially in terms of accounting for negative environmental impacts and incorporating these effects into economic evaluations. The analysis of the watermelon production process involved quantifying various input resources. These included human labor, agricultural machinery, chemical fertilizers, biocides, machinery fuel, and energy for irrigation and farming operations. Key inputs included 711.3 hours of labor, 52.2 kg of agricultural machinery, 426.7 kg of nitrogen fertilizer, 125.9 kg of phosphate fertilizer, 113.1 kg of potassium fertilizer, and 385.9 kg of farmyard manure. The energy consumption was 55 l of diesel and 260.5 kWh of electricity for irrigation and farming operations. The production process resulted in a primary positive output: a watermelon yield of 27529 kg. However, the production also resulted in several negative outputs with environmental implications, including ammonia (NH<sub>3</sub>) and nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O) emissions to the air, water pollution due to nitrate and phosphate runoff, and biocide emissions to soil, water, and air. Additionally, 1376.5 kg of watermelon was lost, indicating a decrease in overall production efficiency. The inputs cost $940.91, generating revenue of $5505.9 from watermelon sales. The negative outputs, including emissions, runoff, and yield loss, totaled $309.35, reflecting the environmental and resource inefficiencies in the production process. A comparison of the key economic indicators between MFCA and CA revealed that MFCA accounts for the economic value of negative products, such as emissions and waste, leading to a higher overall economic value. For instance, the Gross Value of Production (GVP) under MFCA was $5814.98, compared to $5505.90 under CA. This more rigorous accounting demonstrates that a significant share of hidden costs arises from environmental inefficiencies, providing actionable insights for both farmers and policymakers. This study highlights the potential of MFCA to offer a more comprehensive framework for understanding how reducing environmental losses, such as emissions and waste, can simultaneously improve financial returns. It recommends that farmers adopt precision agriculture technologies, use organic fertilizers, and integrate renewab","PeriodicalId":34388,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 101293"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-07DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101292
Hamzah Fansuri , Muhammad Naufal Alief , Nurlina Nurlina , Silvana Dwi Nurherdiana , Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri Abdullah , Subaer Subaer , Ratna Ediati , Witri Wahyu Lestari , Rino Rakhmata Mukti , Wahyu Prasetyo Utomo , Zeni Rahmawati
This study reports TiO2-modified geopolymer membranes synthesized from Indonesian Class C and F fly ash for methylene blue (MB) degradation. TiO2 (0–5 wt%) improved compressive and flexural strength, with Class C showing faster setting and higher strength at 3 wt% TiO2. MB removal reached up to 99.3 %, although permeability declined with increased TiO2. UV-assisted regeneration restored membrane performance over three filtration cycles, demonstrating self-cleaning capability. These findings highlight the potential of fly ash-based photocatalytic geopolymer membranes for wastewater treatment applications.
{"title":"Photocatalytic geopolymer membranes from Indonesian fly ash: TiO2 integration, stability, and methylene blue degradation","authors":"Hamzah Fansuri , Muhammad Naufal Alief , Nurlina Nurlina , Silvana Dwi Nurherdiana , Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri Abdullah , Subaer Subaer , Ratna Ediati , Witri Wahyu Lestari , Rino Rakhmata Mukti , Wahyu Prasetyo Utomo , Zeni Rahmawati","doi":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101292","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101292","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study reports TiO<sub>2</sub>-modified geopolymer membranes synthesized from Indonesian Class C and F fly ash for methylene blue (MB) degradation. TiO<sub>2</sub> (0–5 wt%) improved compressive and flexural strength, with Class C showing faster setting and higher strength at 3 wt% TiO<sub>2</sub>. MB removal reached up to 99.3 %, although permeability declined with increased TiO<sub>2</sub>. UV-assisted regeneration restored membrane performance over three filtration cycles, demonstrating self-cleaning capability. These findings highlight the potential of fly ash-based photocatalytic geopolymer membranes for wastewater treatment applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34388,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 101292"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145265651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Submerged nanofiltration (NF) membrane treatment can be an attractive approach for water purification because advanced drinking water treatment can be performed at a low energy consumption without pre-treatment. This pilot-scale study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of employing flat-sheet NF membrane modules, adapted from commercial 4-inch spiral-wound elements, to scale up the direct NF treatment of polluted water for the first time. The pilot-scale submerged NF systems operated at a transmembrane pressure of approximately 50 kPa, directly filtering municipal secondary-treated wastewater and zoo pond water as feed sources for over 46 and 99 days, respectively. The initial permeate flux for the secondary-treated wastewater effluent was 1.1 L/m2h, which was half of the 2.0 L/m2h flux for the zoo pond water. This discrepancy is attributed to the high salinity (e.g., high osmotic pressure difference) of the secondary-treated wastewater effluent. Over time, the permeate flux gradually declined due to membrane fouling but eventually stabilized for both feed waters. Despite variations in the quality of the feed water during the experiments, the permeate quality met high water quality standards. This study highlights the potential of direct NF treatment using reconfigured commercial NF membrane modules for sustainable urban water cycle management.
{"title":"Nanofiltration of contaminated water and wastewater using membrane modules reconfigured from commercial spiral-wound elements","authors":"Sandrine Boivin , Tetsuro Ueyama , Norika Tanaka , Tatsumi Shimono , Naoki Ohkuma , Kyoungsoo Park , Takahiro Fujioka","doi":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101290","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101290","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Submerged nanofiltration (NF) membrane treatment can be an attractive approach for water purification because advanced drinking water treatment can be performed at a low energy consumption without pre-treatment. This pilot-scale study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of employing flat-sheet NF membrane modules, adapted from commercial 4-inch spiral-wound elements, to scale up the direct NF treatment of polluted water for the first time. The pilot-scale submerged NF systems operated at a transmembrane pressure of approximately 50 kPa, directly filtering municipal secondary-treated wastewater and zoo pond water as feed sources for over 46 and 99 days, respectively. The initial permeate flux for the secondary-treated wastewater effluent was 1.1 L/m<sup>2</sup>h, which was half of the 2.0 L/m<sup>2</sup>h flux for the zoo pond water. This discrepancy is attributed to the high salinity (e.g., high osmotic pressure difference) of the secondary-treated wastewater effluent. Over time, the permeate flux gradually declined due to membrane fouling but eventually stabilized for both feed waters. Despite variations in the quality of the feed water during the experiments, the permeate quality met high water quality standards. This study highlights the potential of direct NF treatment using reconfigured commercial NF membrane modules for sustainable urban water cycle management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34388,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 101290"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145219183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-30DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101291
Wanyin Zhang , Kuixin Cui , Yanqing Lai , Shengming Jin
The high-value utilization of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), a by-product from the lithium-ion battery cathode industry, into high-value sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is crucial for the sustainable development of the battery industry. This study investigated the concentration-dependent effects of nickel ions (Ni2+) impurities on the crystallization, purity, and morphology of NaHCO3 synthesized from battery-derived Na2SO4via metathesis reaction with ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3). Under optimized conditions, the as-prepared NaHCO3 achieved a purity of 99.8 %, meeting the requirement of the Chinese National Standard GB/T 1606–2008. Characterization by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that Ni2+ concentrations below 100 ppm had a negligible impact on NaHCO3 crystallization. However, at levels exceeding 200 ppm, lattice distortions were observed, including expanded unit cell parameters, reduced particle size, and the formation of irregular nodular morphologies. These effects were ascribed to the adsorption of Ni2+ at crystal growth sites, which altered surface energy and impeded ion incorporation kinetics. XPS analysis confirmed that Ni2+ impurities above a critical concentration disrupt NaHCO3 crystallization through dual incorporation pathways: direct lattice bonding (Ni–O) and immobilized Ni(NH3)n2+ complexes (Ni–N), leading to lattice strain and consequently growth inhibition. This work elucidates the mechanistic role of Ni2+ in crystallization pathways, providing critical guidance for optimizing by-product Na2SO4 valorization processes and underscoring the importance of trace metal control in advancing circular economy practices.
{"title":"Investigation into the impact of nickel ions during the preparation of sodium bicarbonate from by-product sodium sulfate of the ternary lithium battery industry","authors":"Wanyin Zhang , Kuixin Cui , Yanqing Lai , Shengming Jin","doi":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101291","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101291","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The high-value utilization of sodium sulfate (Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>), a by-product from the lithium-ion battery cathode industry, into high-value sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO<sub>3</sub>) is crucial for the sustainable development of the battery industry. This study investigated the concentration-dependent effects of nickel ions (Ni<sup>2+</sup>) impurities on the crystallization, purity, and morphology of NaHCO<sub>3</sub> synthesized from battery-derived Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> <em>via</em> metathesis reaction with ammonium bicarbonate (NH<sub>4</sub>HCO<sub>3</sub>). Under optimized conditions, the as-prepared NaHCO<sub>3</sub> achieved a purity of 99.8 %, meeting the requirement of the Chinese National Standard GB/T 1606–2008. Characterization by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that Ni<sup>2+</sup> concentrations below 100 ppm had a negligible impact on NaHCO<sub>3</sub> crystallization. However, at levels exceeding 200 ppm, lattice distortions were observed, including expanded unit cell parameters, reduced particle size, and the formation of irregular nodular morphologies. These effects were ascribed to the adsorption of Ni<sup>2+</sup> at crystal growth sites, which altered surface energy and impeded ion incorporation kinetics. XPS analysis confirmed that Ni<sup>2+</sup> impurities above a critical concentration disrupt NaHCO<sub>3</sub> crystallization through dual incorporation pathways: direct lattice bonding (Ni–O) and immobilized Ni(NH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>n</sub><sup>2+</sup> complexes (Ni–N), leading to lattice strain and consequently growth inhibition. This work elucidates the mechanistic role of Ni<sup>2+</sup> in crystallization pathways, providing critical guidance for optimizing by-product Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> valorization processes and underscoring the importance of trace metal control in advancing circular economy practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34388,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 101291"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145324672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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