Applied Water Science最新文献

Carbamazepine (CBZ), ibuprofen (IBU), and naproxen (NAP) are pharmaceutical compounds frequently found in natural waters due to their persistence during wastewater treatment processes. Their removal is essential for improving future wastewater management globally. In this study, we evaluated the performance of two adsorbents, clay powder (CP) and cuttlefish bone powder (CFBP), for the removal of these pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs). Adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics were investigated at the laboratory scale. The concentrations of the PhCs were measured using a validated method that combined solid-phase extraction (SPE) with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV). The kinetic were well described by the Elovich model, while adsorption isotherms corresponded better with the Freundlich and Sips models, suggesting multilayer adsorption. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption of these PhCs was endothermic, driven by physisorption. The adsorption process demonstrated significant potential for application in real wastewater effluents containing PhCs at low, environmentally relevant concentrations, with removal rates exceeding 70% for carbamazepine, while ibuprofen and naproxen removal rates reached 53% at pH = 4 and at 10 µg L^-1. An assessment of implementation factors and costs suggests that the adsorbents CP and CFBP are promising candidates for real-world applications in water treatment systems. These materials provide a sustainable solution for the remediation of pharmaceutical pollutants in wastewater.

Pesticides have become a common environmental pollutant in bodies of water in recent decades, negatively affecting the aquatic ecosystems along with their living organisms. In this regard, thiabendazole (TBZ) has emerged as one of the most detected pesticides in wastewater due to its widespread application in agriculture. Despite its toxicological effects and persistence, no technology is currently available for its efficient removal. Recent adsorption strategies using eco-friendly porous materials have emerged as an effective, low-cost, and easy-to-operate alternative for water pollutant removal. Among them, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) were selected here as attractive adsorbents due to their outstanding water stability and a priori, compatible pore sizes with the TBZ molecule. Upon screening of 8 MOFs with different natures and structures, the most promising material was the microporous bismuth(III)-ellagate SU-101, with remarkable removal efficiencies (89% in just 5 min). The material was successfully shaped into micrometric pellets and packed into a column for its suitable implementation in a continuous flow device, simulating a real decontamination environment by using pollutant-doped tap water. This SU-101 column was able to efficiently eliminate TBZ during 4.6 consecutive days, with the absence of significant MOF degradation (< 1.5%), and was successfully regenerated (88%) preserving functionality over 2 cycles. These resulting outcomes pave the way for further SU-101 implementation in real decontamination processes.

Crystal violet (CV) is a recalcitrant triphenylmethane dye that poses carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic risks to many organisms. This study was designed to assess the degradation capability of Arthrobacter for CV dye by embedding bacteria in a composite matrix comprising biochar and sodium alginate, and coated with chitosan. The degradation efficiency of the immobilized bacterial agent was evaluated under different conditions by altering key influencing factors. The findings demonstrated that under conditions of 30 °C, pH 7, and an initial CV dye concentration of 100 mg/L, the introduction of 10% of the immobilized bacterial agent attained a decolorization efficiency of 90%. LC–MS analysis revealed that the immobilized bacterial agent could convert CV dye into Michler’s ketone and N, N-dimethylaminophenol, significantly reducing the toxicity of the dye. Seeds irrigated with untreated CV dye exhibited a germination rate of only 37.78%, whereas following a 48-h treatment period, the germination rate increased to 80.00%. Therefore, this work establishes that the immobilized bacterial agent demonstrates considerable promise for CV dye degradation and markedly diminishes its toxicological impact, suggesting that this method represents a promising new approach for treating wastewater containing CV dye.

Freshwater scarcity poses a critical challenge to human survival, necessitating innovative desalination solutions to meet the growing global demand for potable water. Among these, membrane distillation (MD) has emerged as a promising technology due to its high salt rejection efficiency, lower energy consumption compared to conventional thermal desalination methods such as multi-stage flash (MSF) and multi-effect distillation (MED), and its adaptability to diverse water sources, including seawater, brackish water, and wastewater. Within MD, direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) has gained significant attention for its simplicity, high desalination flux, and potential cost-effectiveness. Unlike other MD variants, DCMD operates without requiring expensive external condensers, making it economically attractive for large-scale deployment. However, despite these advantages, DCMD faces challenges such as membrane fouling, thermal polarization, and limited long-term stability, all of which can degrade performance and increase operational costs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of DCMD technology, focusing on membrane module design, material selection, and fabrication techniques. It also addresses key operational challenges and explores innovative strategies to enhance system efficiency. Additionally, it presents an up-to-date analysis of the economic and environmental implications of DCMD and its feasibility for large-scale implementation. By offering a thorough understanding of this technology, the review aims to facilitate its optimization and unlock its full potential as a sustainable solution to global freshwater scarcity.

Aim and objectives

This study aims to evaluate the groundwater quality across four coastal delta districts of Tamil Nadu (Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Pudukottai) where groundwater serves as a vital resource for drinking and agricultural needs. The objectives are framed to assess spatial and seasonal variations, identify geogenic and anthropogenic influences, and evaluate potential human health risks.

Materials and methods

A total of 343 groundwater samples were collected during pre- and monsoon seasons to assess seasonal variability. Samples were analyzed for major cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺), anions (Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻), and key physicochemical parameters using standard protocols. The assessment combined Water Quality Index (WQI), geospatial mapping, hydrochemical facies classification (Piper diagram), and multivariate statistical modeling to identify geogenic and anthropogenic influences. This integrated approach provided a detailed understanding of groundwater quality patterns and associated health risks, supporting sustainable management strategies.

Key findings

The results indicated that dominant cations followed the order Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ > Na⁺, while anions ranked Cl⁻ > HCO₃⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > NO₃⁻, with prevailing water types being Ca²⁺–Cl⁻ and mixed Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–Cl⁻. Hydrochemical analysis using Schoeller diagrams revealed reverse ion exchange processes influencing over 85% of samples. WQI classification showed 56% of samples as “excellent” for drinking in the monsoon season, improving to 75% in pre-monsoon. Multivariate analysis identified strong correlations among TDS, EC, hardness, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, and SO₄²⁻, indicating combined natural salinization and anthropogenic impacts. Nitrate contamination emerged as a major health concern, particularly affecting children. Geospatial analysis highlighted distinct seasonal variations in ion concentrations, underscoring precipitation’s role in coastal groundwater chemistry. These findings stress the necessity for targeted management to mitigate salinization and nitrate pollution, with emphasis on seasonal dynamics and protection of potable water sources. Urgent measures include bioremediation, desalination, policy enforcement, and active community engagement. Aligning these interventions with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) is essential for ensuring sustainable groundwater protection and enhancing climate resilience in vulnerable coastal aquifer systems.

This study investigates the spatial variability of surface water balance within the Semen Omo Zone in Ethiopia, leveraging data from the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) and Empirical Bayesian Kriging (EBK) techniques. The primary parameters analyzed include total precipitation rate (TPR), evapotranspiration (ET), storm surface runoff (SRO), and baseflow groundwater runoff (BF). The study focuses on two scenarios: Scenario I, which considers only surface water components (TPR-ET-SRO), and Scenario II, which incorporates partial groundwater (TPR-ET-SRO-BF). In Scenario I, significant variations in water balance were identified across different watersheds. Watersheds such as WS16, WS15, and WS14 exhibited surplus water, while WS3 showed a notable deficit, indicating insufficient precipitation compared to evapotranspiration and runoff. Scenario II provided a more comprehensive analysis, revealing that watersheds WS17, WS14, and WS6 experienced substantial water deficits when both surface and groundwater components were considered. Conversely, watersheds like WS21 and WS19 were identified as water-efficient areas. The geological context significantly influenced the water balance outcomes. Regions underlain by old crystalline granite schist diorite and marine sediments demonstrated higher water budgets in Scenario I. Scenario II indicated the crucial role these formations play in groundwater recharge and storage. The findings underscore the necessity of integrated water management practices that consider both surface and groundwater resources alongside geological variability. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights for policymakers and water resource managers in developing targeted strategies for sustainable water management, ensuring long-term water resource sustainability in the Semen Omo Zone and potentially other similar regions.

This study aimed to optimize water productivity and wheat yield in the rainfed wheat systems of the Honam plain, a critical region in the upper Karkheh River basin of Iran. In the first two years of research (2013–2014 and 2014–2015), the prevailing status of the region was investigated with regards to wheat yield and rainfall productivity under rainfed conditions. Thereafter, different management scenarios were defined and investigated to improve wheat yield, rainfall productivity, and water productivity. In the second year of research (2014–2015), the best management scenarios selected from the first two years were tested in some selected rainfed wheat farms in the Honam plain. The results showed that wheat biomass and grain yields from these best scenarios under rainfed and single irrigation (SI) conditions could be accurately predicted using the AquaCrop model. At the model validation stage, the RMSE was 0.16 for grain yield and 0.32 ton ha⁻¹ for biomass and the NRMSE was 5 and 4%, respectively. Whether for grain yield or crop biomass, the coefficient of determination was about 0.86. The proposed scenarios for AquaCrop modelling were then trialed for rainfed wheat and showed better agronomic advantages than the traditional crop management practices. By applying a single irrigation in spring, the mean total water productivity (rainfall + irrigation) for wheat increased to 0.70 kg m⁻³, being 74% higher than that under rainfed conditions. The best management plan in the Honam plain was the combination of superior crop management with single irrigation in spring (60 mm) during the mid-flowering period, which increased the grain yield by 176% and rainfall productivity by 134%. The results from this management scenario were satisfactorily simulated by the AquaCrop model.

Ethiopia confronts considerable challenges pertaining to the availability of clean drinking water, impacting numerous communities throughout the nation. This review critically evaluates the present condition of water quality and sanitation in Ethiopia, underscoring significant barriers and proposing feasible strategies to guarantee access to potable water and sufficient sanitation facilities. The investigation explores the determinants contributing to the insufficiency of water supply and sanitation infrastructure, pinpointing fundamental issues such as inadequate infrastructure development, restricted water distribution networks, ineffective waste management practices, and the overuse of insecticides and synthetic fertilizers. Untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff further intensify contamination risks. Utilizing a comprehensive analysis of 36 scientific journals, studies, and articles acquired from repositories such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and various indexed scholarly journals, the review elucidates disparities in water quality across various regions. While certain locales exhibit moderate water quality, others contend with severe contamination, presenting significant public health hazards. The results accentuate the imperative of enacting measures to improve water quality and ensure equitable access to clean drinking water for all populations. Proposed strategies advocate for substantial investments in water and sanitation infrastructure that are congruent with sustainable development objectives. Policy initiatives should prioritize the enhancement of water reservoirs, the expansion of distribution systems, and the promotion of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, capacity-building initiatives for healthcare institutions, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders are essential for effectively addressing these challenges. Fortifying these efforts will contribute to alleviating water pollution, enhancing sanitation services, and protecting public health for forthcoming generations. Furthermore, the findings provide valuable lessons for other developing countries facing similar water quality challenges, and contribute to international efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation for all).