This study evaluates the quality of water and surface sediment, ecological risk, and potential pollution sources at the Dober & ccedil;an Thermal Bath (Gjilan, Kosovo) during 2025. Physicochemical parameters, nutrients, major ions, and trace metals were analyzed, and contamination was assessed using the contamination factor (CF), the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), the pollution load index (PLI), and the ecological risk index (ERI). The results indicate slightly alkaline conditions with increased mineralization and pronounced eutrophication pressure. Trace metal analysis indicates moderate concentrations of Fe and Zn, while Pb, Ni, Cd, As, and Cr exceed EU and WHO guideline values at selected sites. The applied indices indicate predominantly low to moderate contamination levels; however, localized hotspots of elevated ecological risk were identified, particularly associated with Cd and Pb enrichment. Spatial differences among sampling sites suggest localized pollution sources and variable accumulation patterns in sediments. The findings highlight the vulnerability of thermal and recreational waters to diffuse pollution, underscoring the importance of long-term monitoring and improved wastewater management to protect ecosystem integrity and public health.
Landfill leachate leakage poses long-term risks to groundwater due to the persistence of both reactive and conservative pollutants. This study applies an integrated modeling framework, combining geomembrane leakage estimation, leachate quality evolution, and groundwater transport, to evaluate the impacts of varying liner and subgrade contact conditions. The results show that poor contact increases leakage and pollutant loads by more than fivefold compared to good contact, demonstrating the critical role of interface quality in containment performance. Simulations indicate that concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) and chloride (Cl-) decline during active and closure stages but remain environmentally significant for decades, with NH3-N showing residual releases and Cl-accumulating persistently as a conservative tracer. Groundwater modeling reveals strong spatial heterogeneity, with downstream locations exhibiting substantially higher breakthrough concentrations. These findings highlight the long-term vulnerability of groundwater systems to landfill leakage and underscore the need for strict liner construction quality and sustained post-closure monitoring.
Benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) are cationic surfactants with amphiphilic structure and relatively large molecular size, which strongly influences their interaction with sorbent materials. This study compares the sorption of BACs onto cation-exchange resins and activated carbons. The highest sorption capacities were observed for macroporous resins (up to 370 mg/g), while activated carbons showed lower performance due to limited pore accessibility. The results indicate that sorption efficiency is governed by pore structure, functional groups, and BAC molecular characteristics. Overall, macroporous cation-exchange resins were identified as the most effective materials for BAC removal from aqueous solutions.
This study proposes a decision-support tool to improve the performance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) operating in Bejaia, Algeria. The aim is to detect anomalies in WWTP management through evaluation. The model combines a top-down definition of objectives, criteria, and key indicators with a bottom-up evaluation based on reference values. Structured around 32 indicators linked to four criteria, it provides an optimization tool for WWTP operation. The model was tested on the Sidi-Ali Lebhar WWTP in Bejaia, demonstrating acceptable performance and highlighting its potential for wider application in contexts with limited financial resources.
The widespread occurrence of pharmaceutical residues, especially paracetamol (PCT), a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic that exhibits weaker anti-inflammatory effects compared to ibuprofen and other Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs, in aquatic environments presents serious ecological and human health challenges due to their persistence, potential for bioaccumulation, and insufficient removal by conventional wastewater treatment methods. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the electro-Fenton (EF) process for advanced oxidation and degradation of PCT in aqueous media. A cylindrical batch reactor using a stainless steel felt cathode and platinum anode was utilized, and key operational parameters (ferrous ion concentration (Fe2+), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) dosage, and current density) were optimized using the Box-Behnken response surface methodology. Results showed that the EF process achieved up to 95% PCT removal, with a maximum degradation rate constant of 0.018 m3/(mol & centerdot;min) under optimal conditions ([Fe2+] = 0.075 mol/m3, [H2O2] = 18 mol/m3, current density = 150 A/m2). Statistical analysis identified Fe2+ concentration and current density as significant factors, while H2O2 dosage had a lesser effect. Despite demonstrating high efficiency, limitations remain regarding batch-scale operation, energy demand, and by-product toxicity.
