Applied Water Science最新文献

Toxic heavy metals, such as Pb(II) and Cd(II), pose serious environmental and health risks, stressing the urgent demand for innovative and sustainable techniques to reduce their adverse effects. This study investigates the use of sugar beet biowaste as an eco-friendly biosorbent for the removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solutions, in both laboratory and industrial effluents. Characterization through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the formation of stable hydrocerussite and otavite, confirming chemisorption. Approximately 95% of the employed biowaste is composed of calcium (Ca), carbon (C), and oxygen (O). The zeta potential was measured at − 17.5 mV with a point of zero charge at pH 8.0, and the total surface area of the biosorbent was approximately 7.72 m² g⁻¹, with a Langmuir surface area of 11.563 m² g⁻¹ and a pore volume of 0.028 cm³ g⁻¹. Various parameters, such as the metal concentration, biosorbent dosage, pH, temperature, and contact time, were optimized, achieving maximum removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) within 60 min at pH 12 and 328 K. Sorption followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R² = 0.99) and the Freundlich isotherm (R² = 0.98), with high sorption capacities of 466.5 mg g⁻¹ for Pb(II) and 505.6 mg g⁻¹ for Cd(II). Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the sorption process is spontaneous, thermodynamically favorable, and endothermic. The biowaste effectively removed heavy metals and demonstrated removal efficiencies exceeding 85% for most heavy metals in industrial effluent samples from Alexandria and Ain Sokhna. Sorption capacity ratio values close to 1 indicate effective Pb(II) and Cd(II) uptake with minimal interference, even in the presence of methylene blue dye. Comparative analysis revealed that the untreated biosorbent was more efficient than typical biosorbents, and an economic cost evaluation revealed that processing the biosorbent costs 1.05 USD/kg, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and economically viable option for industrial effluent treatment and supporting broader environmental goals.

The problem of water contamination has grown significantly in recent years, and the development of novel materials capable of effectively removing these toxins is imperative. The Tm₂Cu₂O₅ nanophotocatalyst for the decolorization of various organic pollutants that are soluble in water is presented in the current study. A quick and easy sonochemical process was used to create Tm₂Cu₂O₅ nanostructures, which had an appropriate bandgap of 1.6 eV according to DRS spectroscopy. The BET result indicated type III isotherm with H3 hysteresis and the specific surface area of 5.9788 m² g⁻¹. To get the maximum effectiveness, a number of variables were carefully examined, including the pH of the medium, the concentrations of organic pollutants, the types of organic contaminants, and the doses of Tm₂Cu₂O₅. The outcomes demonstrated that Tm₂Cu₂O₅ was very successful in eliminating various organic pollutants from water. For instance, 100% of the erythrosine was destroyed when 50 mg of Tm₂Cu₂O₅ and 10 ppm dye were utilized under visible irradiation for 35 min. Subsequent analysis utilizing Tm₂Cu₂O₅ as a photocatalyst showed that hydroxyl radicals were the main cause of pollutant photodegradation. The recyclability test showed that Tm₂Cu₂O₅ is very stable and after five cycles, the degradation performance reduced by 7.8% from the first cycle (100.0%) to about 92.2%. According to this research, Tm₂Cu₂O₅ is a promising choice for creating novel materials that efficiently eliminate water pollutants.

Wetlands are critically impacted by a variety of pollutants, primarily due to their position at the terminus of both surface and subsurface water flows. This study aims to assess the eutrophication status of Zarivar Wetland, situated in Kurdistan Province, Iran. To evaluate the eutrophication levels, the research employed the Iranian Water Quality Index for Surface Water Resources-Conventional Parameters (IRWQI_SC) and the Carlson’s Trophic State Index (TSI) during two sampling periods in July and September 2021. The findings indicate that in July, the wetland exhibited an upper-mesotrophic condition, with an average Carlson index value of 52.2, while in September, it transitioned to both upper-mesotrophic and eutrophic conditions, reflected by an average Carlson index value of 60.17. The zoned map of the eutrophication index identified domestic sewage from Marivan city as a significant contributor to elevated eutrophication levels in the southeastern region. Additionally, runoff from irrigated agricultural lands, orchards, and domestic wastewater from surrounding villages contributed to heightened eutrophication in the northeastern and eastern areas of the wetland. A comparative analysis of water quality between July and September 2021 revealed IRWQI_SC values ranging from 3.57 to 9.72 in July and from 2.63 to 4.72 in September, categorizing them as relatively good and good, respectively. To safeguard Zarivar Wetland, it is recommended to implement measures that prevent livestock waste discharge into the wetland, manage urban and rural sewage systems, control agricultural runoff, and optimize fertilizer application practices.

In this research, the impact of integrating solar still with thermal energy storage material and flat plate solar collector (FPSC) on the freshwater productivity was experimentally investigated. The experiments were conducted on three types of similar-sized solar stills under climate conditions of Saudi Arabia. The first type was a conventional solar still (CSS), without any modifications. The second type was a modified solar still (MSS-1), CSS integrated with natural stones in the still basin. The third type was a modified solar still (MSS-2), CSS integrated with both natural stones and FPSC. Three types of natural stones with same quantity were selected and individually tested in the MSS-1 and MSS-2 simultaneously (each stone type on one day). The corresponding experimental results of MSS-1 showed a 11–32% increase in the daily freshwater yield, compared to CSS, indicating a minimal effect of natural stones utilization on the freshwater productivity. The MSS-2 showed a 155–183% increase in the daily freshwater yield, compared to CSS, indicating a significant effect of basin water heating on the freshwater productivity. The total dissolved solids (TDS) level was measured at 112 ppm, which complies with the permissible limits for drinking water quality standards. The economic analysis revealed that the cost to produce one liter of freshwater is 0.028, 0.022, and 0.027 $ from CSS, MSS-1, and MSS-2, respectively. Additionally, the benefit–cost ratio (BCR) analysis demonstrated the economic feasibility of the constructed solar still, with a BCR value of 2.1.

Concerning issues include the distribution of scarce water resources, the quality of utilized water, environmental repercussions, and regulations for the sustainable use of water resources. In the management of water resources, optimal qualitative–quantitative exploitation of surface water bodies is regarded as a desirable strategy. The Dez River surface water system from the Dez regulatory dam to Band-e-Ghir is selected in the current paper to create a qualitative–quantitative model that can determine the best exploitation strategies. A dynamic linkage between qualitative and quantitative models is built in order to simulate the current exploitation conditions under the umbrella of the best-case scenario. In this coupled system, hydraulic relationships are established between all of the system’s components. The available data are shared between two models in this structure to simulate the qualitative and quantitative effects of surface water. Then, a new structure is produced to derive the best policies for exploiting the dam and the river by connecting the multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm with the qualitative–quantitative coupled model body. The monthly river environmental demand is one of the decision variables in the ideal scenario, and the goals include boosting the percentage of supply demands and minimizing the violation of quality standards. The best-case scenario’s implementation increases the likelihood that all plain demands will be met, regardless of priority. Furthermore, in comparison with the reference scenario, the results of the optimal scenario show that not only are the concentrations of contaminants and qualitative parameters increased, but there are also only minimal violations of the quality and pollution standards of the river water in the majority of river points, particularly in the locations of agricultural withdrawals. The findings demonstrate that using the qualitative–quantitative dynamic relationship between water resources and the development of the coupled model using the NSGA-II algorithm allows us to better plan for the appropriate use of existing water resources by taking into account all stakeholders in such a way that, in addition to meeting needs, maintains the river quality close to standard limits throughout the exploitation period. By using this strategy, users will be informed of the negative effects of their actions, as well as the encroachment on river boundaries and associated consequences.

Water and wastewater contaminated by dyes are becoming a bigger global problem. The drawbacks of conventional treatment methods are their high prices, lack of sustainability, and partial elimination. Metal oxide semiconductor-based photocatalytic degradation has lately supplanted these techniques. One method promising for completely degrading azo dyes found in wastewater is photocatalysis. Ni₆MnO₈ nanostructures, a novel photocatalyst, were created in this study to aid in the photocatalytic breakdown of several dyes, especially Eriochrome Black T (EBT). These nanostructures were fabricated through a simple and low-cost co-precipitation method using different amines, including ammonia, tetraethylenepentamine, triethylenetetramine, and ethylenediamine (EDA) as precipitating and capping agents. The pure phase of Ni₆MnO₈ was achieved in the presence of ammonia. According to the DRS result (bandgap = 2.6 eV), visible light was used to conduct photocatalytic degradation tests on a several dyes solution. The results show that the degradation is greatly influenced by the type of catalyst, dye solution’s starting concentration, pH of dye solution, and the amount of catalyst used. Increased catalyst dose and acidic media result in increased degradation. The maximum degradation rate of Ni₆MnO₈ prepared in the presence of ammonia on EBT is 96.3% under visible light, and its pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant is 0.0182 min^–1. The scavenger experiment revealed the hydroxyl radicals performed the superior role in the degradation of EBT. The recycling test indicated the high stability of Ni₆MnO₈, with the yield reduced by only 5.6% after five cycles.

Morphometric analysis is essential for understanding the surface hydrological processes within a watershed. It enables the prediction of runoff and infiltration patterns, assesses soil erosion risks, and helps in the planning of effective water resource management practices. The integrated approach of morphometric analysis and land use land cover (LULC) analysis is vital for addressing water resource challenges and ensuring the sustainable management of watersheds. The present study aims to measure the morphometric and LULC parameters to assess and understand the morphological and hydrological properties of the Guder sub-basin. The Guder sub-basin is an ungauged watershed facing water resource challenges throughout the year. The study used data from the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to extract the stream network and sub-watershed (SW) through ArcGIS10.4 environment using Arc hydro tools and the SWAT model. Fourteen morphometric parameters including linear, areal, and relief were computed over thirty sub-watersheds for prioritization of watersheds. The land use land cover analysis was conducted using the Google Earth Engine platform to examine how anthropogenic factors affect hydrologic aspects. The Guder sub-basin LULC was divided into seven classes: bare land, built-up, bushland, cropland, forest, grassland, and waterbody, with 93% overall accuracy. Based on the combined results obtained, the sub-watersheds were classified into five priority categories: very low (> 9.23), low (8.82–9.23), medium (8.14–8.58), high (7.66–8.11), and very high (< 7.66). Sub-watersheds SW3, SW7, SW14, SW17, SW22, and SW29 were identified as high priority watersheds with a high probability of runoff and erosion. Sub-watersheds SW6, SW9, SW11, SW13, SW28, and SW30 were identified as low priority watersheds, indicating good infiltration. Therefore, immediate action should be applied for appropriate land and water management to mitigate the risks and optimize the benefits in these areas. The outcome of this research provides knowledge of watershed hydrologic information before planning and implementing land and water management practices.

This study investigated the presence and characteristics of MPs in commonly used face and body scrubs. Six commercially available scrub brands were analyzed using various techniques, including SEM, FTIR, EDX, and DLS. The scrubs examined in this study were meticulously selected from markets in Mashhad. These cosmetic products were treated with H₂O₂ and agitated for 15 min. Finally, the shape, color, and total number of MPs were analyzed using microscopy. The findings revealed that the concentration of MPs detected per gram of scrub across the different brands was 298.66 ± 60 particles. The MPs identified in all brands were predominantly composed of PE. The results indicated a significant correlation between the number of MPs and the brand used (P value < 0.05). The findings indicated that MPs were primarily composed of carbon (84.42%) and oxygen (13.73%). These materials displayed numerous grooves and a considerable degree of surface irregularity. Furthermore, the zeta potential of the MPs in all samples was measured at − 36 mV. According to the results, 50% of the MPs were colorless, 36% were white, and 14% had a shiny appearance (P value < 0.05). Additionally, the forms of the MPs were observed in the following order of prevalence: irregular (38%), filamentous (31%), sharp (15%), fragmentary (8%), and spherical (8%) (P value < 0.05). The sizes of the MPs ranged from 0.147 to 2.133 mm (P value < 0.05). The MPLI analysis indicated that approximately half of the scrubs exhibited significant contamination. The study also estimated the potential release of MPs into the environment via wastewater treatment plants, underscoring the substantial contribution of cosmetics to MP pollution.

This research was designed to evaluate the performance of the CuFe₁₂O₁₉/CuS/Xenon system in the degradation of tetracycline in aqueous solutions. In this study, after green synthesis of nanocomposite using the extract of the Artemisia plant, its properties were determined by XRD, FTIR, FESEM, TEM, BET, XPS, DRS, DLS, EDS, VSM, and PL. In addition, parameters affecting the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline, including time, pH, TC initial concentration, and nanocomposite dose, were assessed. The findings showed that the degradation efficiency increases with increasing pH and catalyst dosage. Under optimum circumstances (pH = 9, nanocomposite dose of 0.5 g/L, and time 200 min), the process efficiency with concentration of 20 mg/L was 100%. The kinetics of the degradation rate of tetracycline obeyed the pseudo-first-order equation. In addition, the results show that after six consecutive cycles, the synthesized catalyst’s ability did not significantly reduce. The results of the mineralization tests revealed that the COD and TOC degradation of the synthetic solution of tetracycline with a concentration of 20 mg/L reached 87.25% and 73.06%, respectively, in the optimal reaction conditions. The scavenger experiments confirmed that OH plays the most crucial role in the decomposition process of tetracycline. Generally, the CuFe₁₂O₁₉/CuS/Xenon photocatalytic system can effectively degradation tetracycline from aqueous environments.