The article compares the effectiveness of removing ibuprofen (IBU), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and tetracycline (TC) from their mixture using mesoporous silica SBA-15 modified with β-cyclodextrin (CD) and aminosilane (APTES). SBA-15 was synthesized using a waste solution from the synthesis of zeolites from fly ash as a source of silicon. X-ray diffraction (XRD), CHN elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), N₂ adsorption isotherms, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to obtain structural, chemical, and surface characteristics of the hybrid materials. Batch adsorption tests were performed to evaluate adsorbent-adsorbate interactions and competition between adsorbates at pH 6.5 and 9.0. Among the tested pharmaceuticals, TC showed the highest adsorption capacity, which indicates its greater affinity resulting from the presence of numerous functional groups that enable interactions with the adsorbent surface. The highest adsorption capacity qe for TC was 186.5 mg/g and 100.9 mg/g for SBA-15-CD and SBA-15-APTES, respectively, whereas the qe values for IBU and SMX were similar, amounting to ~ 150 mg/g and ~ 71 mg/g, respectively, at pH 6.5. SBA-15-CD showed similar removal efficiency at both tested pH values, whereas SBA-15-APTES clearly lost its affinity for the adsorbates at pH 9.0, where qe value for SMX decreased by approx. 20% compared with that at pH 6.5. The results indicate the high potential of waste-derived functionalized SBA-15 for the treatment of water and wastewater contaminated with pharmaceuticals.
Phosphate discharge from industrial effluents, including brewery wastewater, contributes significantly to eutrophication and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. The development of sustainable and low-cost materials for phosphate removal is therefore essential. This study evaluates activated carbon produced from wastewater treatment sludge generated at Dashen Brewery (Gondar, Ethiopia) for phosphate removal from aqueous solutions. The sludge was chemically activated using phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), followed by thermal carbonization. Physicochemical characterization was performed using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, point of zero charge (pHPZC), and proximate analysis. The H₃PO₄-activated carbon exhibited a well-developed porous structure with a surface area of 427.05 m²/g and showed higher phosphate removal efficiency than the NaOH-activated samples. Optimization using response surface methodology (RSM-CCD) identified optimal conditions at pH 3, a contact time of 120 min, and an adsorbent dosage of 2.61 g/L, achieving 80.3% phosphate removal and an adsorption capacity of 13.6 mg/g. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption. Regeneration tests showed that the adsorbent retained over 50% of its initial efficiency after three cycles. The results demonstrate that brewery sludge can be effectively valorized into an efficient adsorbent for phosphate removal, with potential applicability to similar sludge streams from other breweries.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds considered carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic, and they can migrate into soil and water environments. The aim of this article is to present potential changes in PAH concentrations in the tested soil samples from the city of Będzin, located in southern Poland, across two measurement series, and to identify potential sources of contamination. Thirty soil samples were collected in two measurement series. Sample locations associated with high traffic intensity and power plants showed higher average concentrations of PAHs in late spring. In contrast, locations associated with high population density showed higher concentrations in late autumn. The average concentration of the analyzed PAHs (PAHsum) in 15 soil samples from the first sampling (A) was 151 µg/g, while from the second sampling (B) it was 246 µg/g. The values of the ΣPAHcarc/ΣPAH toxicity index in all tested soil samples remained below 0.4. The current level of soil contamination in this region indicates greater accumulation of PAHs from former industrial plants than from current ones. Despite this fact, continuous monitoring of these compounds is important to prevent the migration of contaminants into aquifers.
The aim of this study was to assess indoor air quality in twelve beauty salons located in the Upper Silesian agglomeration (Poland) and to evaluate the influence of service type and surrounding environment on gaseous pollutant levels. A four-week monitoring campaign was conducted using passive samplers to determine concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde (HCHO), ammonia (NH₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone (O₃), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in the workers’ breathing zones, with reference to outdoor background levels. The results demonstrated a clear predominance of indoor emission sources. The mean indoor total VOC concentration (1485.5 µg/m³) was approximately ten times higher than outdoor concentration, confirming the significant contribution of cosmetic products and treatment procedures. The greatest spatial variability was observed in ammonia concentrations (26.6–1086 µg/m³), strongly associated with the use of hair treatment products. Nitrogen dioxide showed moderate indoor enrichment, whereas sulfur dioxide remained at urban background levels. Notably, indoor ozone concentrations were over an order of magnitude lower than outdoor levels, indicating effective ozone removal through reactions with VOCs and the potential formation of secondary pollutants. Although most concentrations did not exceed occupational exposure limits, long-term exposure to complex mixtures of primary and secondary pollutants may pose health risks, highlighting the need for systematic monitoring and improved ventilation strategies in beauty salons.
Rapid urbanization and the Industrial Revolution have resulted in large quantity of wastewater generation. Therefore, there is a need to explore sustainable options to treat and reuse it. This study investigates the removal of Texas dye, an industrial waste, from an aqueous solution using a cost-effective ceramic membrane. The ceramic membrane is manufactured using a mixture of 63 wt% bentonite, 3 wt% cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), 2 wt% calcium carbonate, and 32 wt% quartz, and is fabricated using the hydraulic pressing method followed by sintering. The structural and morphological properties of the manufactured membrane are characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Experiments are conducted using a synthetic dye solution with an initial concentration of 100 mg/L, under a constant operating pressure of 1 psi and a hydraulic retention time of 60 minutes. A novel hydrophilic surface modification is applied using Moringa oleifera leaf extract and silver nitrate solution. The modified membrane exhibits an improved permeability of 54.4% and an average pore size of 50 nm. The ceramic membrane shows promising removal efficiency of Texas dye. Reusability tests of the manufactured membrane demonstrate stable membrane performance over five continuous filtration cycles. The membranes are cleaned by backwashing, and removal tests are conducted for further nine cycles. The membrane maintains high removal efficiency of Texas dye, as measured in chemical oxygen demand (COD), as well as hardness, during the first five cycles. This research highlights the potential of ceramic membranes for efficient, low-pressure dye removal and wastewater treatment, with enhanced durability and reusability.
Solid waste from coal combustion deposited in landfills many years ago may constitute a potential secondary raw material resource for industrial applications. However, this requires the examination of a wide range of parameters of these wastes. This study aimed to determine the changes in chemical and mineralogical composition of ash-slag mixtures derived from coal-based power generation, as well as the leachability of heavy metals under the influence of accelerated weathering conditions. The study was based on samples collected from different depths of an ash-slag landfill. The samples were subjected to innovative testing in a chamber simulating variable humidity and temperature conditions, followed by aging in a separate chamber designed primarily to evaluate the effects of ultraviolet radiation. Chemical composition analysis revealed the dominance of silica, aluminum, and iron, with only minor changes after simulated processes. X-ray diffraction methods confirmed the presence of amorphous phases, quartz, mullite, and hematite, as well as calcite as a secondary phase formed during long-term storage. Heavy metals exhibited low leachability (total ≤ 1.56 mg/kgd.m.), with concentrations below the permissible limits for non-hazardous waste landfills. The stability of pH and the absence of significant changes in mineral composition after testing indicate good resistance of the mixtures to weathering processes.
Plastic pollution in water is becoming increasingly alarming due to the annual increase in global plastic production. Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have been detected in drinking water sources and tap water, raising concerns about the effectiveness of drinking water treatment plants and the public health of people who consume tap or bottled water. This article presents a systematic review of the available knowledge on the global occurrence of MNPs in drinking water sources and treated water, tap water, and/or bottled water. Data on the occurrence and properties of MNPs (polymer type, shape, and size) are presented. It then discusses the knowledge on the effectiveness of MNPs removal in various unit processes used for drinking water treatment, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, sand and membrane filtration, adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, and disinfection. Attention is also drawn to the health risks that MNPs present in drinking water may pose. Currently, there still appear to be gaps in research on MNPs removal in drinking water treatment. This article therefore discusses the potential challenges, strategies, and research needs related to the occurrence and removal of MNPs in unit processes used in drinking water production.
The aim of the study was to assess the microbiological quality of air in a naturally ventilated classroom used by students. The research was conducted over a nine-week cycle during the winter-spring-summer period of 2024. Bacterial and fungal concentrations in the air were analyzed, and the results obtained were compared with indoor microclimate parameters and atmospheric conditions. It was found that after classroom airing, bacterial counts decreased significantly, while mold spore counts increased, indicating a significant influence of outdoor air on the composition of indoor bioaerosols. During classes, there was a systematic increase in both bacterial abundance and diversity, with the primary source being the room occupants. The variability in microbial counts was also strongly correlated with weather conditions - dry, sunny days promoted reductions, while high humidity and limited exposure to sunlight increased their presence. The identified microorganisms belonged to general typical of indoor and outdoor environments, including Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Serratia, Aspergillus, and Penicillium, some of which are potentially pathogenic taxa. Regression modeling confirmed that key factors shaping microbial abundance were indoor and outdoor air temperatures. Despite the observed fluctuations, air quality remained within the typical range for public spaces and did not pose a significant health risk to users. The results emphasize the importance of appropriate ventilation and microclimate control in ensuring proper microbiological air quality in classrooms.
The present study investigates the effects of water contamination on wetland soil, flora, and fungal symbiosis in Dayet Oum Ghellaz, northwestern Algeria, focusing on the impact of high salinity and heavy metals. Water samples, rhizospheric soil, and roots from 14 plant species were collected and analyzed in order to assess water and soil quality, plant biodiversity, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) diversity, and the presence of metallic trace elements (MTEs). The findings revealed a high perturbation index (PeI) of the wetland flora (64%), as well as significant water and soil metallic pollution indices exceeding 2.5 and 5, respectively, indicating environmental contamination, particularly with cadmium, nickel, zinc, and lead, and elevated levels of sulphate, inorganic nitrogen, and oxygen demand (DBO5 and DCO). The majority of plant species exhibited high levels of mycorrhization (F>50%), 50% of the plants exhibited dark septate endophytes (DSE), and two species were found to have ectomycorrhizae. A total of 18 AMF morphospecies were identified, predominantly belonging to the families Glomeraceae and Acaulosporaceae. These results emphasize the detrimental effects of heavy metal pollution on wetland ecosystems, highlighting the necessity for further research and management strategies to mitigate contamination impacts on plant-fungal interactions and overall biodiversity.
Landfills remain the most widely adopted cost-efficient waste management systems across the globe. However, the infiltration of the landfill leachate plumes emerging from hazardous materials within poorly managed landfill sites remains a significant threat to groundwater resources and civil/environmental engineering foundations, especially in developing nations like Nigeria. To address these concerns, this study assesses the impact of landfill leachate plumes (LLPs) on groundwater, topsoil, and engineering foundations in Kaduna, Nigeria. The objectives of this study include delineating subsurface contamination using geophysical methods, analyzing the physicochemical and heavy metal content of leachate, and evaluating associated environmental and geotechnical risks. Integrated geophysical and laboratory analyses were employed. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) surveys (5 profiles) and ground magnetic surveys (24 lines) were conducted using an ABEM SAS4000 and an ENVI PRO magnetometer. Data were processed using RES2DINV and Oasis Montaj software. Leachate samples were analyzed via Atomic Absorption Spectrometry to determine heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, and Cr), as well as BOD₅, COD, TDS, and EC. ERT results identified severely contaminated zones within the landfill, with resistivity values ranging from 2.8 to 9.0 Ωm compared to 29–150 Ωm off-site areas of depths at 0–3.5 m. Magnetic surveys revealed anomalies from 31095 to 43510 nT, correlating with leachate accumulation at 2–5 m. Hydrochemical analysis showed high heavy metal concentrations (11.17–21.73 mg/L), elevated BOD₅ (809 mg /L) and COD (2104 mg /L), and a BOD₅/COD ratio of 0.385, indicating the presence of biodegradable organic matter. The LLPs contributed significantly to groundwater contamination and the depletion of the supportive topsoil layer. The combined geophysical and hydrochemical methods successfully identified the extent of contamination. The study clearly shows the importance of proper landfill lining, soil treatment, and effective waste management practices in developing countries to safeguard both infrastructural and health conditions. Future study could focus on simulation modeling of contaminant transport.
Advanced oxidation technology has an excellent treatment effect on refractory wastewater. In this study, conventional, unmodified, and low-cost electrode materials were used to construct an ultrasonic three-dimensional electrode coupled reaction system (US-3DES), and its effectiveness in treating leachate from a closed municipal solid waste landfill was investigated. The results showed that, under the optimal treatment conditions, the COD and UV254 removal rates were 98.15% and 96.32%, respectively, after 120 min of reaction. This performance significantly surpassed that of single ultrasound (US) (COD and UV254 removal rates of 53.13% and 60.74%, respectively) and a single three-dimensional electrode system (3DES) (73.84% and 87.57%, respectively). Kinetic analysis showed that the reaction process exhibited the characteristics of a pseudo-first-order reaction in two stages. The calculated synergistic indices (SI₁ = 1.26, SI₂ = 9) demonstrated a significant synergistic effect in the coupled system. Free radicals in the coupled reaction system were detected by methylene blue spectrophotometry, and the results showed that hydroxyl radical concentration [·OH] reached up to 9.8×10-6 M. The steady-state free radical generation rates in the two kinetic stages were 9.7×10⁻⁹ M s⁻¹ and 2.67×10⁻⁸ M s⁻¹, respectively. The energy consumption and treatment cost of US-3DES were 149.0 kWh·kg COD⁻¹ and 25,021.1 CNY·kg COD⁻¹, respectively. This study confirms that US-3DES offers the following benefits: efficient leachate treatment, simple operation, low cost, and no requirement of additional chemicals. Additionally, it provides feasible solutions for the engineering applications of refractory wastewater treatment.
The rapid increase in lithium demand, driven by the growth of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, has raised concerns about future supply. To support the lithium supply chain, it is necessary to explore new sources, one of which is geothermal water. In this study, we review the current state of adsorption methods for lithium extraction from geothermal water and present our own approach. A zeolite-hydrogel composite was prepared using natural clinoptilolite, sodium alginate, and chitosan through a direct mixing method. Adsorption tests were performed using untreated geothermal water from the Dieng Geothermal Power Plant in Central Java to reflect natural conditions. The material's performance was evaluated by comparing ICP-MS analysis results of the water before and after adsorption. The results showed no significant reduction in lithium content. However, the use of 1.5 g of the composite, prepared from 5 g of clinoptilolite and a solution containing 0.5% sodium alginate and 0.5% chitosan- reduced arsenic concentration by approximately 52%. To enhance lithium adsorption, further optimization is required, including pH adjustment, silica removal, or modification of the composite structure. Further research is also needed to further explore the material's potential for arsenic removal.
This study aims to examine the impact of green finance instruments on carbon dioxide emission intensity (CDEI), filling a methodological research gap across regions and time-series data. Specifically, it investigates how green finance instruments, namely green credit, green support, and green funds, together with gross domestic product (GDP), affect the CDEI across diverse regions from 2008 to 2021. A generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) was used to analyze panel data from 29 municipalities and provinces in China over this period. These municipalities and provinces were grouped into six administrative regions, allowing the model to capture the nonlinear relationships and interactions that vary across space and time. The results indicate that in Northern, Northeastern, and Northwestern China, GDP is associated with a higher CDEI. In contrast, green credit, green support, and green funds did not significantly reduce the CDEI during the study period. This study contributes to the discussion on the importance of developing region-specific green finance strategies. It proposes policy approaches tailored to local economic conditions to improve the effectiveness of green finance efforts, thereby supporting emission reduction and advancing environmental policies and sustainable business strategies.
Reliable water quality assessment depends on high-quality datasets; however, datasets obtained from field measurements often contain outliers and missing values, which directly affect subsequent analytical processes. This study presents a practical system application that enhances dataset integrity and reliability for advanced artificial intelligence analyses. The proposed approach integrates exploratory visualization (boxplots) for outlier detection, statistical outlier treatment, mean- and regression-based estimation for missing values, and normalization for ensuring comparability. The application utilizes a river water quality dataset from T & uuml;rkiye, including Cl-, Fe, K+, Na+, SO42-, TKN, TN, and turbidity parameters. Model performance demonstrated strong results, with Mean Squared Error (MSE) values for the identified outliers ranging from 0.00002 (turbidity) to 0.135 (K+). Comparative analysis of raw and post-processed datasets revealed that systematic outlier handling and targeted imputation improved data consistency and reduced modeling uncertainty, thereby enabling more reliable ANN- and GA-based predictive modeling. The proposed methodological framework is practical, reproducible, and easily integrable into water quality monitoring systems, supporting data-driven management and policy decisionmaking.
The Curve Number method, developed in the 1950s in the United States, is commonly used to estimate runoff depth resulting from heavy rainfall. Over many years, it has been tested in various regions and for purposes beyond its original use. Despite numerous studies on this method, some issues still require consideration, i.e., a universally accepted procedure for CN determination from rainfall-runoff data. In this work, the authors attempt to estimate the CN parameter for a small, lowland catchment in central Poland. Historical data on catchment land cover and original rainfall-runoff measurements are used to determine the CN values for three periods characterized by different catchment land-cover structures. The applied approaches for CN estimation are compared and discussed. The study indicates that: i) over the period 1974-2018, a gradual increase in forested areas was observed, accompanied by a decrease in the average CN value (on average, a 1% increase in forest cover reduces CN by 0.2), ii) among approaches based on rainfall-runoff data, the least-squares calibration appears to be the most straightforward method for CN estimation; while the asymptotic approach may additionally identify a threshold rainfall beyond which the method is applicable; iii) the accepted initial abstraction ratio plays a key role in CN estimation and water-routing modelling, and further research is required to improve runoff prediction.
This study evaluated the potential use of 15 industrial and organic waste materials-including fly ash, bottom ash, fluidized bed ash, slag, photovoltaic glass, sulfur, lignin, biochar, textile fibers, hemp fibers, sawdust, eggshells, bamboo fibers, fluidized bed sand-as fillers in two-component polyurethane (2C PU) adhesives. The materials were characterized for chemical composition, particle size distribution, moisture content, calorific value, FTIR spectra, and metal leachability. Fly ash from pulverized coal combustion demonstrated the highest compatibility with the PU matrix among all tested materials. Adhesive formulations with various fly ash-to-chalk ratios were synthesized and tested for shear strength. The highest value (4.50 MPa at 20 degrees C) was obtained with 10% fly ash and 90% chalk, indicating a favorable synergistic effect. In contrast, the formulation containing 100% fly ash showed a substantial drop in performance at elevated temperature (0.10 MPa at 100 degrees C), revealing a thermal limitation. These findings suggest that fly ash may serve as a sustainable and cost-effective partial filler in PU adhesives, contributing to circular economy goals. However, its limited thermal stability must be considered for products intended for high temperature applications.
It is now evident that the utilization of agricultural waste materials represents one of the most effective approaches for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated water. In this study, Kosovo pine cones were used as a natural, low-cost biosorbent to remove Mn(II) ions from aqueous solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the biosorbent before and after Mn(II) treatment. The observed peak shifts after Mn(II) biosorption suggest interactions between manganese ions and functional groups, particularly hydroxyl and amino groups, rather than carboxyl and carbonyl groups. The main parameters affecting the biosorption process, such as pH, biosorbent dose, initial solvent concentration, contact time, and temperature, were investigated to determine optimal conditions. The efficiency of manganese biosorption was strongly influenced by the pH of the aqueous solution, with optimal removal typically observed at a neutral pH of approximately 7. Isotherm parameters corresponding to the Langmuir and the Freundlich models were derived from the experimental data. The Langmuir isotherm model (R2 0.997) provided the best fit to the equilibrium data, with a maximum biosorption capacity of 36.90 mg/g at 288 K. Thermodynamic parameters (0Ho, 0So, and 0Go) were determined, indicating that the biosorption process is exothermic, favorable, and spontaneous. The study confirms that pine cones are an efficient biomaterial for the treatment of Mn(II)-contaminated water
Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most widely used technologies for achieving safe water reuse and can be effectively applied in wastewater recovery for crop irrigation. This paper presents the results of research involving the use of a two-stage RO system connected in series to produce water for agricultural use. A critical factor in applying this technology was achieving the target boron concentration. The effectiveness of the technology is also discussed with respect to the heavy metal content of the permeate. Pre-treatment steps, such as pre-filtration, deironing, and ultrafiltration (UF), are employed to remove colloidal particles and reduce membrane fouling, thereby enhancing longevity. Previous studies have shown that a two-stage reverse osmosis (RO-RO) system for geothermal water desalination (with initial mineralization of 2.5 g/L) produces permeate with a mineralization of 0.094 g/L and permissible heavy metal concentrations that do not adversely affect the quality or safety of irrigation water. Furthermore, due to the permeate's physicochemical composition, treated geothermal water can be used for drip irrigation without the risk of clogging installations. Future innovations should focus on energy-efficient membrane materials and real-time monitoring to further optimize the desalination process, ensuring sustainable agricultural reuse without soil or crop contamination.
This study aimed to determine the environmental impact of extensive green roofs (EGRs) using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) based on an analysis of a 4 m2 experimental EGR unit. A literature-based LCA was conducted, covering the first three life cycle stages, followed by a detailed LCA of these stages. The analysis was supplemented with carbon footprint calculations for the individual processes involved in constructing the experimental green roof unit (4 m2). The results showed that the production of green roof components, particularly synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene, significantly contributes to environmental degradation. The carbon footprint of the 740.15 kg experimental green roof was 0.29 kg CO2 equivalent per kilogram of green roof system (GRS). While this value is relatively low compared to, for example, selected food products, the environmental impact increases significantly when scaled to actual roof sizes, such as 100 m2. Compared to similar studies, such as 150.99 kg CO2 equivalent per m2 for tropical green roofs, this study highlights the variability of environmental impacts depending on climate, materials, and design decisions. Although green roofs are intended to mimic natural ecosystems, current designs often rely on materials with high environmental impacts. Further research into sustainable alternatives and the inclusion of more CO2-sequestering plant species are necessary to reduce their ecological footprint.
The liquid fraction of digestate, an important byproduct of anaerobic digestion in biogas plants treating municipal waste, has a complex and variable chemical composition and contains significant impurities of various types. Effective treatment of this fraction prior to further use poses a technological challenge, particularly in light of increasingly stringent environmental standards. Pressure-driven membrane processes, especially those using flat ceramic membranes, have the potential to efficiently separate contaminants and recover valuable components and water; however, they are prone to severe fouling. This study evaluated the effectiveness of selected chemical reagents for cleaning flat ceramic membranes after filtration of the liquid fraction of digestate from a municipal biogas plant. The results revealed that the porous structure of ceramic membranes significantly influences their transport properties, fouling mechanisms, and regeneration efficiency. Ultrafiltration membranes with molecular weight cut-offs of 5 or 15 kDa provided an optimal balance between separation efficiency, fouling resistance, and chemical cleaning efficiency. Additionally, fouling control effectiveness strongly depended on matching regeneration strategies to membrane characteristics and sludge type.
