Over 70 countries have adopted wastewater surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic as a novel tool to detect unidentified cases and monitor epidemic curves. However, epidemic prediction models are highly site-specific, necessitating tailored approaches. This study aimed to establish a citywide wastewater surveillance system and develop an epidemic prediction model for Taipei City, Taiwan. From May to August 2022, wastewater samples were collected daily from the Xinyi and Neihu districts and twice weekly from the remaining 10 districts. SARS-CoV-2 genetic material was quantified using RT-qPCR, and a “relative signal” was calculated as the ratio of SARS-CoV-2 viral concentration to the concentration of the human RNase P gene to normalize variability in sample collection. Regression analysis based on data from the two districts was conducted to forecast new COVID-19 cases. On average, wastewater samples contained 1,829.0 ± 2,237.7 viral copies per liter, with relative signals averaging 17.1 ± 16.7. The best-fitting model, adjusted for temperature, indicated that a 1 % increase in viral signals corresponded to an approximately 0.27 % rise in the future 5-day moving average of new cases. With an R-squared value of 0.78, the model demonstrated robust explanatory power. The model, validated via a paired sample t-test, reliably estimated epidemic trends with no significant difference between predicted and reported cases in the other 10 districts. These findings suggest that wastewater viral surveillance can be an effective supplementary tool for epidemic forecasting in urban settings like Taipei, where high sewer connectivity is in place.
{"title":"Modelling COVID-19 epidemic curve in Taipei City, Taiwan by a citywide wastewater SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance","authors":"Chung-Yen Chen , Yu-Hsiang Chang , Chi-Hsin Sally Chen , Sui-Yuan Chang , Chang-Chuan Chan , Pau-Chung Chen , Ta-Chen Su","doi":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100635","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100635","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Over 70 countries have adopted wastewater surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic as a novel tool to detect unidentified cases and monitor epidemic curves. However, epidemic prediction models are highly site-specific, necessitating tailored approaches. This study aimed to establish a citywide wastewater surveillance system and develop an epidemic prediction model for Taipei City, Taiwan. From May to August 2022, wastewater samples were collected daily from the Xinyi and Neihu districts and twice weekly from the remaining 10 districts. SARS-CoV-2 genetic material was quantified using RT-qPCR, and a “relative signal” was calculated as the ratio of SARS-CoV-2 viral concentration to the concentration of the human RNase P gene to normalize variability in sample collection. Regression analysis based on data from the two districts was conducted to forecast new COVID-19 cases. On average, wastewater samples contained 1,829.0 ± 2,237.7 viral copies per liter, with relative signals averaging 17.1 ± 16.7. The best-fitting model, adjusted for temperature, indicated that a 1 % increase in viral signals corresponded to an approximately 0.27 % rise in the future 5-day moving average of new cases. With an R-squared value of 0.78, the model demonstrated robust explanatory power. The model, validated via a paired sample <em>t</em>-test, reliably estimated epidemic trends with no significant difference between predicted and reported cases in the other 10 districts. These findings suggest that wastewater viral surveillance can be an effective supplementary tool for epidemic forecasting in urban settings like Taipei, where high sewer connectivity is in place.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of hazardous materials advances","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100635"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143429103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100622
Asep Denih , Toru Matsumoto , Indriyani Rachman , Gustian Rama Putra , Irma Anggraeni , Ema Kurnia , Endang Suhendar , Anggiat Mora Simamora
Humans produce waste in their daily lives and activities. Waste comes from domestic and industrial activities, including organic and inorganic types. This study aimed to develop a model for a waste identification system to evaluate the plastic waste management that currently being uncommercial. Waste identification can be done quickly, precisely, and accurately using advanced technology, such as edge computing embedded on drones that can capture waste in rivers with various environmental conditions. Different types of waste can be identified according to predetermined specifications as guide data that is further processed using image processing software object detection methods based on mobile SVD. Based on our research in The Cinagara Caringin area, Bogor, this research managed to achieve an accuracy rate of 92 %. Therefore, this study successfully proposed a new method to automatically identify the type of waste using edge computing technology and make a significant contribution to efforts to mitigate the waste problem.
{"title":"Identification of plastic waste with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using deep learning and internet of things (IoT)","authors":"Asep Denih , Toru Matsumoto , Indriyani Rachman , Gustian Rama Putra , Irma Anggraeni , Ema Kurnia , Endang Suhendar , Anggiat Mora Simamora","doi":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100622","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100622","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Humans produce waste in their daily lives and activities. Waste comes from domestic and industrial activities, including organic and inorganic types. This study aimed to develop a model for a waste identification system to evaluate the plastic waste management that currently being uncommercial. Waste identification can be done quickly, precisely, and accurately using advanced technology, such as edge computing embedded on drones that can capture waste in rivers with various environmental conditions. Different types of waste can be identified according to predetermined specifications as guide data that is further processed using image processing software object detection methods based on mobile SVD. Based on our research in The Cinagara Caringin area, Bogor, this research managed to achieve an accuracy rate of 92 %. Therefore, this study successfully proposed a new method to automatically identify the type of waste using edge computing technology and make a significant contribution to efforts to mitigate the waste problem.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of hazardous materials advances","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100622"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143452934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100582
Muhammad Naeem , Zaki-ul-Zaman Asam , Mohsin Abbas , Ala'a H. Al-Muhtaseb , Mujahid Farid , Muhammad Ali Haider , Farayi Musharavati , Mohammad Rehan , Mohammad Ilyas Khan , Muhammad Naqvi , Abdul-Sattar Nizami
Leachate is an extremely contaminated liquid generated as rainwater permeates through the open dumps and contains significantly high concentrations of heavy metals, organic pollutants and hazardous compounds. This study focused on assessing the concentration of heavy metals in leachate and their potential to contaminate soil near the Lohsar dumpsite in Rawalpindi. The leachate samples were collected from inside the dumpsite and the soil samples were collected at varying distances (25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 m) from the dumpsite, and a control was selected 1 km away. The samples were also collected vertically at depths of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 m from each of the sampling points. The leachate analysis from Lohsar dumpsite revealed elevated levels of organic and inorganic constituents surpassing acceptable limits. Except for Zinc (Zn) (2.26 mg l-1), Chromium (Cr) (0.52 mg l-1), and Nickel (Ni) (0.83 mg l-1), the concentrations of other heavy metals including Cadmium (Cd) (0.43 mg l-1), Copper (Cu) (1.73 mg l-1), Lead (Pb) (1.38 mg l-1) and Iron (Fe) (69.1 mg l-1), exceeded the appreciable limits as prescribed by Pakistan National Environmental Quality Standard (NEQS) for municipal and industrial effluent discharge. Soil analysis indicated silty clay to silty clay loam composition, with pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), and organic contents decreasing with distance from the dumpsite, while bulk density increased. Concentrations of heavy metals, including Fe (18,330–54,320 mg Kg-1), Pb (69.4–909 mg Kg-1.), Cu (93.8–447.4 mg Kg-1), Ni (31–248.9 mg Kg-1), Cr (61–436.6 mg Kg-1), Zn (171–1283.2 mg Kg-1), and Cd (0.2–45.1 mg Kg-1), exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) appreciable limits for agricultural soils, with higher levels near the dumpsite. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) suggested moderate contamination, while contamination factor (CF) indicated high levels for Cd and Pb. Pollution load index (PLI) depicted severe pollution, affirming anthropogenic contamination and a significant contribution from leachate. Pearson correlation analysis corroborated leachate-associated contamination. Mitigating measures are recommended, including efficient waste disposal and landfill practices, leachate treatment, continuous monitoring and adherence to pollution control standards.
{"title":"Evaluating heavy metal contamination from leachate percolation for sustainable remediation strategies","authors":"Muhammad Naeem , Zaki-ul-Zaman Asam , Mohsin Abbas , Ala'a H. Al-Muhtaseb , Mujahid Farid , Muhammad Ali Haider , Farayi Musharavati , Mohammad Rehan , Mohammad Ilyas Khan , Muhammad Naqvi , Abdul-Sattar Nizami","doi":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100582","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100582","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leachate is an extremely contaminated liquid generated as rainwater permeates through the open dumps and contains significantly high concentrations of heavy metals, organic pollutants and hazardous compounds. This study focused on assessing the concentration of heavy metals in leachate and their potential to contaminate soil near the Lohsar dumpsite in Rawalpindi. The leachate samples were collected from inside the dumpsite and the soil samples were collected at varying distances (25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 m) from the dumpsite, and a control was selected 1 km away. The samples were also collected vertically at depths of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 m from each of the sampling points. The leachate analysis from Lohsar dumpsite revealed elevated levels of organic and inorganic constituents surpassing acceptable limits. Except for Zinc (Zn) (2.26 mg <span>l</span><sup>-1</sup>), Chromium (Cr) (0.52 mg <span>l</span><sup>-1</sup>), and Nickel (Ni) (0.83 mg <span>l</span><sup>-1</sup>), the concentrations of other heavy metals including Cadmium (Cd) (0.43 mg <span>l</span><sup>-1</sup>), Copper (Cu) (1.73 mg <span>l</span><sup>-1</sup>), Lead (Pb) (1.38 mg <span>l</span><sup>-1</sup>) and Iron (Fe) (69.1 mg <span>l</span><sup>-1</sup>), exceeded the appreciable limits as prescribed by Pakistan National Environmental Quality Standard (NEQS) for municipal and industrial effluent discharge. Soil analysis indicated silty clay to silty clay loam composition, with pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), and organic contents decreasing with distance from the dumpsite, while bulk density increased. Concentrations of heavy metals, including Fe (18,330–54,320 mg Kg<sup>-1</sup>), Pb (69.4–909 mg Kg<sup>-1</sup>.), Cu (93.8–447.4 mg Kg<sup>-1</sup>), Ni (31–248.9 mg Kg<sup>-1</sup>), Cr (61–436.6 mg Kg<sup>-1</sup>), Zn (171–1283.2 mg Kg<sup>-1</sup>), and Cd (0.2–45.1 mg Kg<sup>-1</sup>), exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) appreciable limits for agricultural soils, with higher levels near the dumpsite. The geoaccumulation index (I<sub>geo</sub>) suggested moderate contamination, while contamination factor (CF) indicated high levels for Cd and Pb. Pollution load index (PLI) depicted severe pollution, affirming anthropogenic contamination and a significant contribution from leachate. Pearson correlation analysis corroborated leachate-associated contamination. Mitigating measures are recommended, including efficient waste disposal and landfill practices, leachate treatment, continuous monitoring and adherence to pollution control standards.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of hazardous materials advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100582"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100559
Nida Khan , K. Sudhakar , R. Mamat
The growing demand for plastics has raised environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature. Sustainable solutions are urgently required to decrease plastic pollution. This study explored the potential of Sargassum wightii, a seaweed found in Malaysia, as a sustainable material for bioplastic films. The seaweed-based bioplastic was produced using an extraction-based method where alginate was formed using NaOH, followed by mixing sodium alginate with isopropanol and potato starch. The bioplastic was then characterized using various analytical techniques, including Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Physical properties such as density and moisture content, along with environmental tests like water absorption and biodegradability, were evaluated. TGA analysis indicated that 31.12 % of the sample remained as residue. FTIR spectroscopy identified the presence of bioactive compounds, with a prominent alcohol group peak at 3358cm-1. XRD analysis revealed a peak at 23.1°, indicating crystallinity within the sample. The moisture content of the bioplastic film was found to be 21.16 %. The water absorption test demonstrated the film's hydrophilic nature, showing a 60 % increase in weight. A soil burial test for biodegradability confirmed a 40 % reduction in weight over 21 days, indicating a reasonable degradation rate. These findings suggest that seaweed holds promise as an alternative raw material for bioplastic production, contributing to more sustainable materials and reducing reliance on non-biodegradable plastics.
{"title":"Biodegradable plastics from marine biomass: A solution to marine plastic pollution","authors":"Nida Khan , K. Sudhakar , R. Mamat","doi":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100559","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100559","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing demand for plastics has raised environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature. Sustainable solutions are urgently required to decrease plastic pollution. This study explored the potential of <em>Sargassum wightii</em>, a seaweed found in Malaysia, as a sustainable material for bioplastic films. The seaweed-based bioplastic was produced using an extraction-based method where alginate was formed using NaOH, followed by mixing sodium alginate with isopropanol and potato starch. The bioplastic was then characterized using various analytical techniques, including Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Physical properties such as density and moisture content, along with environmental tests like water absorption and biodegradability, were evaluated. TGA analysis indicated that 31.12 % of the sample remained as residue. FTIR spectroscopy identified the presence of bioactive compounds, with a prominent alcohol group peak at 3358cm<sup>-1</sup>. XRD analysis revealed a peak at 23.1°, indicating crystallinity within the sample. The moisture content of the bioplastic film was found to be 21.16 %. The water absorption test demonstrated the film's hydrophilic nature, showing a 60 % increase in weight. A soil burial test for biodegradability confirmed a 40 % reduction in weight over 21 days, indicating a reasonable degradation rate. These findings suggest that seaweed holds promise as an alternative raw material for bioplastic production, contributing to more sustainable materials and reducing reliance on non-biodegradable plastics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of hazardous materials advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100559"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143176343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100545
Albert Kobina Mensah , Ephraim Sekyi-Annan , Prince Addai , Ophelia Osei Ulzen , Musah Salifu , Sadick Adams
The poor soil quality and high concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) found in gold mine tailings make them inappropriate for crop production. Assessing the viability of mine tailings for crop production after mining is essential because of the harmful impacts of these PTEs on food safety and human health. A 44-day pot experiment was conducted to test the effectiveness of different soil amendments in reducing the levels of PTEs at a decommissioned mining site in south-western Ghana. Compost, iron oxides, and poultry manure were applied individually or in combination to the mine soil in the pots. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was subsequently planted in the pots. Upon reaching maturity, the lettuce was harvested, and an analysis of the nutrients and PTE contents in both the soil and plants was done. The uptake of PTE by lettuce was evaluated, and the transfer coefficients of the PTEs were determined. The addition of manure and iron oxide as distinct ameliorants significantly decreased the uptake of PTEs by lettuce. The application of manure led to a 93 % decrease in arsenic (As) bioaccumulation in lettuce. Iron oxide resulted in a notable 67 % decrease in the bioaccumulation of As in lettuce. The exclusive application of manure led to an 83 % reduction in Hg uptake by lettuce plants, while Co uptake experienced a 46 % increase. Utilizing manure and iron oxides could prove beneficial in enhancing soil quality and potentially reducing the uptake of arsenic and mercury by lettuce grown in the contaminated mining site.
{"title":"Manure and iron oxide show potential for reducing uptake of arsenic and mercury in lettuce grown in a contaminated mining site","authors":"Albert Kobina Mensah , Ephraim Sekyi-Annan , Prince Addai , Ophelia Osei Ulzen , Musah Salifu , Sadick Adams","doi":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100545","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100545","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The poor soil quality and high concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) found in gold mine tailings make them inappropriate for crop production. Assessing the viability of mine tailings for crop production after mining is essential because of the harmful impacts of these PTEs on food safety and human health. A 44-day pot experiment was conducted to test the effectiveness of different soil amendments in reducing the levels of PTEs at a decommissioned mining site in south-western Ghana. Compost, iron oxides, and poultry manure were applied individually or in combination to the mine soil in the pots. Lettuce (<em>Lactuca sativa</em> L.) was subsequently planted in the pots. Upon reaching maturity, the lettuce was harvested, and an analysis of the nutrients and PTE contents in both the soil and plants was done. The uptake of PTE by lettuce was evaluated, and the transfer coefficients of the PTEs were determined. The addition of manure and iron oxide as distinct ameliorants significantly decreased the uptake of PTEs by lettuce. The application of manure led to a 93 % decrease in arsenic (As) bioaccumulation in lettuce. Iron oxide resulted in a notable 67 % decrease in the bioaccumulation of As in lettuce. The exclusive application of manure led to an 83 % reduction in Hg uptake by lettuce plants, while Co uptake experienced a 46 % increase. Utilizing manure and iron oxides could prove beneficial in enhancing soil quality and potentially reducing the uptake of arsenic and mercury by lettuce grown in the contaminated mining site.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of hazardous materials advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100545"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143176344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100603
Rajalakshmi Sridharan , Manasa Muralidharan , P. Senthil Kumar , K. Veena Gayathri , Gayathri Rangasamy
Bacterial strains degrading hydrophobic pollutants are known to produce surfactants, which reduce the hydrophobicity and enhance the biodegradation process. The bacterial strains reported in previous study with the ability to degrade LDPE and PAH were used in this study to screen for their ability to produce biosurfactants. The produced biosurfactant was optimized for enhanced activity using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The P < 0.05 confirmed the reliability of the generated quadratic model for biosurfactant activity. The biosurfactant produced by S. hominis and V. owensi showed a positive hemolytic activity with a constant increase in the diameter of the zone formed. The former resulted in 4 µg/mL and the latter in 3 µg/mL of CMC. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of C-H stretching, C=O stretching, N-H stretching, and C=C stretching as common in biosurfactants produced by both bacterial strains. The 1H NMR revealed the presence of secondary amides/imides in the biosurfactants. GC–MS analysis indicated the presence of esters and acids in the biosurfactant. These conclude that the extracted biosurfactant is a mixture of compounds which degrades LDPE and PAHs.
{"title":"Extraction of biosurfactants from LDPE and PAH degrading bacterial strains isolated from plastics and oil contaminated sites: Statistical optimization using response surface methodology","authors":"Rajalakshmi Sridharan , Manasa Muralidharan , P. Senthil Kumar , K. Veena Gayathri , Gayathri Rangasamy","doi":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100603","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100603","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bacterial strains degrading hydrophobic pollutants are known to produce surfactants, which reduce the hydrophobicity and enhance the biodegradation process. The bacterial strains reported in previous study with the ability to degrade LDPE and PAH were used in this study to screen for their ability to produce biosurfactants. The produced biosurfactant was optimized for enhanced activity using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The <em>P</em> < 0.05 confirmed the reliability of the generated quadratic model for biosurfactant activity. The biosurfactant produced by <em>S. hominis</em> and V<em>. owensi</em> showed a positive hemolytic activity with a constant increase in the diameter of the zone formed. The former resulted in 4 µg/mL and the latter in 3 µg/mL of CMC. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of C-H stretching, C=O stretching, N-H stretching, and C=C stretching as common in biosurfactants produced by both bacterial strains. The <sup>1</sup>H NMR revealed the presence of secondary amides/imides in the biosurfactants. GC–MS analysis indicated the presence of esters and acids in the biosurfactant. These conclude that the extracted biosurfactant is a mixture of compounds which degrades LDPE and PAHs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of hazardous materials advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100603"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143176353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100572
Zita Zrínyi , Nikoletta Kovács , Renáta Gerencsér-Berta , Ildikó Galambos , Barbara Kovács , Tamás Kucserka , István Gábor Hatvani , Anna Viktória Vancsik , László Bauer , Lili Szabó , Zoltán Szalai , Gábor Maász , Attila Csaba Kondor
The occurrence, attenuation factors, and risks of 31 organic micropollutants (OMPs), including pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), pesticides, and bisphenols were investigated in the transboundary catchment of the lower River Mur. Water samples were collected monthly for one year from the river and its small, wastewater-impacted tributaries in two Central European countries, Croatia and Hungary. The analysis showed that the most polluted streams for PhACs, as well as the herbicides and neonicotinoids studied, were the smallest tributaries on the Hungarian side. However, the concentrations of persistent pollutants detected in almost all River Mur samples (e.g., bezafibrate, carbamazepine, diclofenac (DIC), atrazine) were not affected by the polluted water of the sampled tributaries. This, in turn, highlighted the importance of long-distance pollution of the river. Principal component analysis showed that photo- and biodegradation may be considered the most important attenuation factors in the river, resulting in lower OMP concentrations in warmer seasons. This, however, could not be confirmed in the case of the tributaries, in which there is not enough space and time for in-stream attenuation. The risk assessment showed that DIC and estrone were the pollutants of greatest risk in all watercourses investigated, including small streams. The key findings of the study are that even in small streams in rural settings, some wastewater-derived PhACs pose serious environmental risks throughout the year, compared to pesticides with stronger seasonality. This is exacerbated by low attenuation and increased detection of some non-persistent OMPs due to relatively low dilution and short retention time.
{"title":"Wastewater-impacted streams within an agricultural catchment: Occurrence, attenuation, and risks of organic micropollutants","authors":"Zita Zrínyi , Nikoletta Kovács , Renáta Gerencsér-Berta , Ildikó Galambos , Barbara Kovács , Tamás Kucserka , István Gábor Hatvani , Anna Viktória Vancsik , László Bauer , Lili Szabó , Zoltán Szalai , Gábor Maász , Attila Csaba Kondor","doi":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100572","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100572","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The occurrence, attenuation factors, and risks of 31 organic micropollutants (OMPs), including pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), pesticides, and bisphenols were investigated in the transboundary catchment of the lower River Mur. Water samples were collected monthly for one year from the river and its small, wastewater-impacted tributaries in two Central European countries, Croatia and Hungary. The analysis showed that the most polluted streams for PhACs, as well as the herbicides and neonicotinoids studied, were the smallest tributaries on the Hungarian side. However, the concentrations of persistent pollutants detected in almost all River Mur samples (e.g., bezafibrate, carbamazepine, diclofenac (DIC), atrazine) were not affected by the polluted water of the sampled tributaries. This, in turn, highlighted the importance of long-distance pollution of the river. Principal component analysis showed that photo- and biodegradation may be considered the most important attenuation factors in the river, resulting in lower OMP concentrations in warmer seasons. This, however, could not be confirmed in the case of the tributaries, in which there is not enough space and time for in-stream attenuation. The risk assessment showed that DIC and estrone were the pollutants of greatest risk in all watercourses investigated, including small streams. The key findings of the study are that even in small streams in rural settings, some wastewater-derived PhACs pose serious environmental risks throughout the year, compared to pesticides with stronger seasonality. This is exacerbated by low attenuation and increased detection of some non-persistent OMPs due to relatively low dilution and short retention time.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of hazardous materials advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100572"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100626
Amir Hossein Behroozi , Louise Meunier , Arghavan Mirahsani , Pascale Champagne , Ehssan H. Koupaie
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic chemicals used in various commercial and industrial applications. As an emerging global concern due to their ubiquity and toxicity, PFAS are the focus of ongoing environmental research. Although production is partially limited by regulations, PFAS are released in water, soil, and air worldwide. Considering their deleterious impacts on wildlife and humans, developing strategies to capture and remove PFAS is crucial. Graphene materials may be advantageously applied to PFAS remediation. A survey of graphene-based materials and technologies used to treat PFAS-contaminated water is presented in this review. First, the general concept of PFAS and their related environmental and health problems are outlined. Then, the features and structures of graphene-containing materials, including graphene quantum dots, graphene oxide (GO), reduced-GO, carbon nanotubes, and graphene nanoplatelets, are described. Finally, prevailing PFAS treatment techniques, i.e., adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, membrane separation, electrochemical separation, and hybrid applications, are described along with the mechanisms involved. Currently, PFAS cannot be effectively treated to the very low regulatory guidelines (less than one part per billion for certain compounds) using any current methods because of incomplete removal, impractical applications, or operating costs. Barriers remain, including adsorbent regeneration, membrane fouling, system scale up, and toxic by-product generation. Integrating graphene-based materials, especially graphene nanoplatelets, into treatment may address these problems if PFAS can be removed completely without secondary contamination. Further research is required to achieve effective PFAS removal. However, health and environmental risks remain associated with PFAS and graphene-based materials, which must be addressed.
{"title":"Graphene-based materials and technologies for the treatment of PFAS in water: A review of recent developments","authors":"Amir Hossein Behroozi , Louise Meunier , Arghavan Mirahsani , Pascale Champagne , Ehssan H. Koupaie","doi":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100626","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100626","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic chemicals used in various commercial and industrial applications. As an emerging global concern due to their ubiquity and toxicity, PFAS are the focus of ongoing environmental research. Although production is partially limited by regulations, PFAS are released in water, soil, and air worldwide. Considering their deleterious impacts on wildlife and humans, developing strategies to capture and remove PFAS is crucial. Graphene materials may be advantageously applied to PFAS remediation. A survey of graphene-based materials and technologies used to treat PFAS-contaminated water is presented in this review. First, the general concept of PFAS and their related environmental and health problems are outlined. Then, the features and structures of graphene-containing materials, including graphene quantum dots, graphene oxide (GO), reduced-GO, carbon nanotubes, and graphene nanoplatelets, are described. Finally, prevailing PFAS treatment techniques, i.e., adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, membrane separation, electrochemical separation, and hybrid applications, are described along with the mechanisms involved. Currently, PFAS cannot be effectively treated to the very low regulatory guidelines (less than one part per billion for certain compounds) using any current methods because of incomplete removal, impractical applications, or operating costs. Barriers remain, including adsorbent regeneration, membrane fouling, system scale up, and toxic by-product generation. Integrating graphene-based materials, especially graphene nanoplatelets, into treatment may address these problems if PFAS can be removed completely without secondary contamination. Further research is required to achieve effective PFAS removal. However, health and environmental risks remain associated with PFAS and graphene-based materials, which must be addressed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of hazardous materials advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100626"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143176570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A new structure composed of Bi2WO6 and basic bismuth nitrate, abbreviated as BWO/BBN composite, is made by a one-step hydrothermal process, with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) serving as the reducing agent. The composites were characterized using several techniques, including FT-IR, DRS, SEM, TEM, XPS, and XRD. The BET apparatus was applied to survey the surface area of the material. EIS, PL, and EPR tests were performed to explore the mechanism of the BWO/BBN process. Based on EPR investigation, when BWO/BBN was irradiated in the existence of DMPO, we observed the development of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including •OH and •O2-, as well as a broad EPR signal attributed to W5+ ions (g = 1.96). The BWO/BBN photocatalyst showed meaningfully amended separation of electrons and holes upon photoexcitation, as evidenced by the photocurrent and EIS procedure outcomes. The removal efficiency of BWO/BBN for Rhodamine B dye and tetracycline is 99 % in acidic pH and 90 % in basic pH, respectively. The photocatalytic cycle test was performed 5 times without chemical treatment, and the degradation efficiency remained the same. Based on experimental data, the BWO/BBN composite showed great promise for application in the photocatalytic decay of organic impurities illuminated by visible light.
{"title":"One-step hydrothermal process for fabrication of Bi2WO6/basic bismuth nitrate heterojunction with improved photocatalytic efficacy under visible light","authors":"Soghra Yaghoobi-Rahni , Habibollah Younesi , Nader Bahramifar , Hua Yang , Hassan Karimi-Maleh","doi":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100624","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100624","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A new structure composed of Bi<sub>2</sub>WO<sub>6</sub> and basic bismuth nitrate, abbreviated as BWO/BBN composite, is made by a one-step hydrothermal process, with sodium borohydride (NaBH<sub>4</sub>) serving as the reducing agent. The composites were characterized using several techniques, including FT-IR, DRS, SEM, TEM, XPS, and XRD. The BET apparatus was applied to survey the surface area of the material. EIS, PL, and EPR tests were performed to explore the mechanism of the BWO/BBN process. Based on EPR investigation, when BWO/BBN was irradiated in the existence of DMPO, we observed the development of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including <sup>•</sup>OH and <sup>•</sup>O<sub>2</sub><sup>-</sup>, as well as a broad EPR signal attributed to W<sup>5+</sup> ions (g = 1.96). The BWO/BBN photocatalyst showed meaningfully amended separation of electrons and holes upon photoexcitation, as evidenced by the photocurrent and EIS procedure outcomes. The removal efficiency of BWO/BBN for Rhodamine B dye and tetracycline is 99 % in acidic pH and 90 % in basic pH, respectively. The photocatalytic cycle test was performed 5 times without chemical treatment, and the degradation efficiency remained the same. Based on experimental data, the BWO/BBN composite showed great promise for application in the photocatalytic decay of organic impurities illuminated by visible light.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of hazardous materials advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100624"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143343031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100563
Pooja Singh, Basant Yadav
Assessing seasonal variations in pollution within lentic small waterbodies (LSWBs) is crucial, particularly in regions with significant temperature and rainfall fluctuations, as these variations are driven by natural and anthropogenic inputs from both point and non-point sources. This study assesses the seasonal dynamics of physicochemical parameters and their impact on the trophic status of lentic small waterbodies (LSWBs). Using statistical modeling, including regression analysis, it explores chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) as a proxy for eutrophication and establishes empirical relationships between nutrients (TN, TP) and Chl-a based on data collected from December 2022 to November 2023. The ratios of total nitrogen (TN) to total phosphorus (TP) were analysed to understand the conditions that limit phytoplankton biomass production. Nutrient (TN, TP)-Chl-a correlations were established to explain seasonal eutrophication in these waterbodies. Furthermore, the trophic level index (TLI) was employed to assess the eutrophication status across seasons. The results suggest that LSWBs are the most polluted during the monsoon season, characterised by low Secchi disk depth (SDD) and dissolved oxygen (DO), along with high TN/TP concentrations from domestic sewage and agricultural runoff. Nutrient (TN:TP) ratios and their correlations with Chl-a suggest that TN (<10) primarily affects algal growth, especially during monsoons. TN:TP ratio displayed a notable rise in the post-monsoon season for all three LSWBs. TLI assessment indicated a general deterioration in water quality from oligotrophic (0 to 30) to hypertrophic (70 to 100) conditions in the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Our findings highlight the importance of accounting for limitation-specific, season-specific, and type-specific correlations between algal biomass and environmental factors. By subdividing water bodies for type-specific management, the research offers a framework to address the limitations in interpreting empirical nutrient-Chl-a relationships. These findings contribute to more accurate, site-specific management strategies for mitigating eutrophication, advancing both regional and global efforts to protect freshwater ecosystems.
{"title":"Seasonal eutrophication in lentic small waterbodies: Understanding nutrients-chlorophyll-a relationships and implications","authors":"Pooja Singh, Basant Yadav","doi":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100563","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100563","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Assessing seasonal variations in pollution within lentic small waterbodies (LSWBs) is crucial, particularly in regions with significant temperature and rainfall fluctuations, as these variations are driven by natural and anthropogenic inputs from both point and non-point sources. This study assesses the seasonal dynamics of physicochemical parameters and their impact on the trophic status of lentic small waterbodies (LSWBs). Using statistical modeling, including regression analysis, it explores chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) as a proxy for eutrophication and establishes empirical relationships between nutrients (TN, TP) and Chl-a based on data collected from December 2022 to November 2023. The ratios of total nitrogen (TN) to total phosphorus (TP) were analysed to understand the conditions that limit phytoplankton biomass production. Nutrient (TN, TP)-Chl-a correlations were established to explain seasonal eutrophication in these waterbodies. Furthermore, the trophic level index (TLI) was employed to assess the eutrophication status across seasons. The results suggest that LSWBs are the most polluted during the monsoon season, characterised by low Secchi disk depth (SDD) and dissolved oxygen (DO), along with high TN/TP concentrations from domestic sewage and agricultural runoff. Nutrient (TN:TP) ratios and their correlations with Chl-a suggest that TN (<10) primarily affects algal growth, especially during monsoons. TN:TP ratio displayed a notable rise in the post-monsoon season for all three LSWBs. TLI assessment indicated a general deterioration in water quality from oligotrophic (0 to 30) to hypertrophic (70 to 100) conditions in the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Our findings highlight the importance of accounting for limitation-specific, season-specific, and type-specific correlations between algal biomass and environmental factors. By subdividing water bodies for type-specific management, the research offers a framework to address the limitations in interpreting empirical nutrient-Chl-a relationships. These findings contribute to more accurate, site-specific management strategies for mitigating eutrophication, advancing both regional and global efforts to protect freshwater ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of hazardous materials advances","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100563"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143176326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}