The rapid growth of the palm oil industry produces large amounts of palm oil mill effluent (POME), which contains high organic content and is challenging to treat using conventional ponding systems. These traditional systems often fail to meet discharge standards for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). This study tested anaerobic biofilm reactors enhanced with biochips and chemically treated palm oil fuel ash (TPOFA) to improve POME degradation and biogas production. Two 3 L reactors were operated at the same feed-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio: a control (C) and a combination of both (P + B). Biochips helped microbes attach and form biofilms, while TPOFA acted as an adsorbent, creating better conditions for anaerobic breakdown. The P + B reactor outperformed others, achieving over 95% COD removal, high microbial biomass (MLVSS: 24,500 mg/L), and the highest biogas yield at 917 mL per day. Microbial analysis showed dominant groups, including phyla groups of Halobacterota, Bacteroidota, and Firmicutes. Class Methanosarcina in archaeal phylum of Halobaterota was key in converting acetate to methane. Bacteroidota primarily aided organic matter breakdown and nutrient removal, while Firmicutes supported hydrolysis and electron transfer. Less abundant Desulfobacterota also helped by interacting with methanogenic archaea. Overall, combining biochips with TPOFA in anaerobic biofilm reactors offers an effective, sustainable method for treating POME and recovering renewable energy through biogas.

Industrial wastewater sludge represents a significant environmental burden due to the increasing volume generated and the limitations of conventional disposal methods such as landfilling and incineration. As industries seek sustainable and cost-effective waste management alternatives, energy recovery from sludge has emerged as a promising solution. This study investigates the potential of industrial wastewater sludge as an alternative solid fuel by evaluating the physicochemical characteristics of six sludge types collected from different industrial sectors: Beverage Production, Beverage Recycling, Dairy Processing, Flavour Industry, Oleochemical, and Paper Processing. Comprehensive analyses were conducted, including MC determination, proximate analysis, calorific value measurement using bomb calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and heavy metal quantification via Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The calorific values ranged from 11.85 to 31.31 kJ/g, with Dairy Processing wastewater sludge recorded the highest average HHV at 31.308 kJ/g, placing it within the typical coal range (26.50–34.63 kJ/g). Meanwhile, Beverage Production, and Oleochemical sludges showed lower energy content than coal but surpassed both charcoal benchmarks (19.09 and 20.09 kJ/g). Proximate analysis revealed high volatile matter and fixed carbon content, further supporting their suitability for thermal energy recovery. However, sludges with high MC, particularly from beverage industries, require pre-treatment for efficient combustion. The study underscores the viability of industrial sludge as a renewable energy source and recommends optimization of treatment processes.

The Gaza Strip suffers from chronic electricity shortages, fossil fuel dependence, and severe air pollution. This study demonstrates the feasibility of coupling photovoltaic (PV) generation with proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis to produce green hydrogen production aimed at low-carbon transportation. Three grid-connected PV systems (10, 50, and 100 kW) were simulated using local solar irradiation data (5-6 kWh m-2 day-1) to evaluate electricity yield, hydrogen output, and CO2 mitigation. The proposed system can produce significant amounts of hydrogen annually, reaching 260.68 kg, 1315.60 kg, and 2631.2 kg for the 10 kW, 50 kW, and 100 kW systems, respectively. The results also indicate a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions due to the use of solar energy, with annual savings of 3129 kg, 15,788 kg, and 31,347 kg for the 10 kW, 50 kW, and 100 kW systems, respectively. The produced hydrogen powers fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), eliminating tailpipe CO2 emissions-contrasting with 16.1 and 13.9 kg CO2 per 100 km from diesel and gasoline vehicles, respectively. Results confirm that solar-driven hydrogen is technically viable and environmentally advantageous for Gaza, offering substantial emission reductions and energy security gains. Remaining challenges include high capital costs, infrastructure needs, and workforce readiness. Strategic investments, efficiency improvements, and targeted policy incentives are recommended to accelerate deployment and align with global decarbonization goals.

Microplastics (MPs) and emerging contaminants (ECs) are increasingly prevalent in environments due to their persistence, toxicity, and resilience against standard wastewater treatment methods. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of contemporary and advanced membrane-based techniques, highlighting their removal efficacy, recovery potential, and fundamental mechanisms such as size exclusion, adsorption, electrostatic interactions, and biodegradation. This review emphasizes the physicochemical properties of MPs, including particle size, shape, polymer type, and hydrophobicity, and their significant impact on membrane performance and fouling behavior. Key findings reveal that membrane fouling is a primary constraint affecting operational efficiency. This study identifies the types of fouling standard, total, intermediate, and cake formation that contribute to flux deterioration and necessitate increased energy expenditures during prolonged operation. Additionally, this research highlights the detrimental effects of mechanical abrasion and scaling on membrane integrity and lifespan. Future prospects for membrane technology are explored, positioning it as a leading solution for sustainable wastewater treatment. Essential directives include the development of intelligent membranes responsive to environmental stimuli, AI-driven monitoring systems, and modular and decentralized treatment units. Moreover, the implementation of circular economy principles is discussed, emphasizing concurrent treatment and resource recovery, such as nutrients, biogas, and clean water. The regulatory and legislative implications of membrane-based treatment are also addressed, underscoring the importance of standardization, performance evaluation, and sustainability. Ultimately, this analysis positions membrane technologies as pivotal instruments in the advancement of intelligent, energy-efficient, and regenerative wastewater management systems.

This study investigates the effectiveness of electrocoagulation (EC) and hybrid electrocoagulation-ultrasound (EC-US) processes for treating landfill leachate from Alor Pongsu Landfill and Pulau Burung Sanitary Landfill in Malaysia. The treatment performance of the EC and EC-US processes was evaluated using aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) electrodes under various operating conditions, including applied voltage (2 V-10 V), inter-electrode distance (1 cm-3 cm), and electrolysis time (5-30 minutes) in influencing COD removal efficiency from both landfill leachates. The results showed that the hybrid EC-US process significantly outperformed the EC process. Using Al electrodes, the maximum COD removal efficiency reached 95.05% and 96.31% for Alor Pongsu and Pulau Burung leachates, respectively, in the EC-US process, compared to 80.80% and 81.90% in the EC process. Both methods shared optimal operational parameters: 10 V, 2 cm inter-electrode distance, and 25 minutes of electrolysis time. The highest percentage of anode weight loss was 19.4% and 21.4%, as recorded in the EC-US process using Al electrodes for Alor Pongsu and Pulau Burung leachates, respectively, indicating enhanced coagulant generation. The findings demonstrate that the EC-US process is a promising and efficient approach for improving COD removal in landfill leachate treatment.

This research aims to harness wind energy to generate power and green hydrogen as a fuel for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The wind‐generated power is divided into two parts: one alleviates Gaza's electrical need, and the other is used to produce hydrogen. The study assesses various wind turbine options, calculates electricity and hydrogen production potential, and quantifies CO 2 emission reductions compared to fossil fuel alternatives. The results shown that the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) are found to be $0.0696/kWh and $4.8/kg, respectively. The lowest levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) delivered, including transportation expenses, has a value of 5.15 $ kg −1 of H 2 . Furthermore, the results reveal that employing a Siemens SWT‐2.3‐93 turbine, which provides an annual energy output of 3910.288 MWh, may cut CO 2 emissions by up to 1071.81 tons if replacing power plants that use fuel oil and 735.134 tons if replacing those that use natural gas. Finally, a comparison of hydrogen fuel cell cars to gasoline and diesel vehicles reveal that 1 kg of hydrogen fuel cells generate 4.85 and 4.45 times more energy than 1 kg of gasoline and diesel, respectively. The findings may be valuable for decision‐makers in the surrounding countries with energy challenges.

نظراً لأن معظم احتياجات فلسطين من الكهرباء تُلبى عن طريق الاستيراد، لا تزال البلاد تعاني من أزمة أمن الطاقة. إضافةً إلى ذلك، ومع نمو المدن وتزايد عدد السكان، يزداد الطلب على الكهرباء، مما يؤدي إلى انقطاعات متكررة للتيار الكهربائي تؤثر على الحياة اليومية والنمو الاقتصادي. للتغلب على هذه العقبة وتحسين أمن الطاقة في مدينة يعبد، تم تصميم نظام طاقة هجين يدمج مولدات الديزل مع أنظمة الطاقة الشمسية الكهروضوئية باستخدام أدوات تحليل وإدارة أنظمة الطاقة المختلفة، بما في ذلك MATLAB وETAP وSCADA. وللتخفيف من ندرة الكهرباء المستوردة، تم تطبيق نظام الإدارة بالتعاون مع شركة كهرباء يعبد. يتضمن النظام المقترح تصميم وتنفيذ نظام يجمع بين الخلايا الشمسية ومولدات الديزل. تُدمج الخلايا الشمسية في شبكة الكهرباء، مما يوفر مصدراً إضافياً للطاقة. وفي حالة انقطاع التيار الكهربائي أو نقص الطاقة المستوردة، يتم تشغيل مولدات الديزل لضمان استمرار إمدادات الكهرباء. يُحسّن هذا النهج المتكامل قدرة شبكة الكهرباء، كما يُتيح توليد طاقة تعويضية عبر الخلايا الشمسية، مما يُخفف من أثر انخفاض استهلاك الكهرباء. تبلغ ذروة الطلب التي تُلبّيها مولدات الديزل 8247.77 كيلوواط. في حين تحققت المزايا البيئية من خلال خفض انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون بمقدار 12185 طنًا. لذا، يُوفّر هذا النظام استراتيجية مستدامة لتعزيز موثوقية الطاقة، بالإضافة إلى إنشاء بنية تحتية قوية ومكتفية ذاتيًا للطاقة التكميلية، مما يُقلل الاعتماد على مصادر الطاقة المستوردة ويُعزز استدامة الطاقة.

Microplastics have recently emerged as a widespread contaminant in wastewater, posing severe risks to the environment and human health due to their potential bioaccumulation and toxicity. Conventional wastewater treatment processes are generally inadequate for the complete removal of microplastics due to their modest scale. Interest has been garnered from academia and industry regarding their separation from wastewater. This review covers recent advances in the application of membrane processes for the removal of microplastics from wastewater. The principles of membrane separation, removal efficiency, and operational challenges are critically evaluated, along with the potential of the hybrid membrane systems. In the next section, the fouling mechanism induced by microplastics and their interaction with foulants, as well as cleaning and anti-fouling strategies, are discussed. Finally, future perspectives focus on the current unresolved research gaps, including the integration of digital monitoring and artificial intelligence-assisted optimization of membrane technology for microplastic removal. By consolidating current knowledge and identifying pathways for innovation, this review underscores the pivotal role of membranes in mitigating plastic pollution and advancing sustainable wastewater management.

Industrial wastewater management has become one of the defining environmental challenges of the twenty-first century [...]

BACKGROUND : The escalating global water crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment technologies. This study investigates the use of nanosilica (SiO2), extracted from rice husk-an abundant agricultural by-product-as a functional additive in polyethersulfone (PES) membranes. Membranes containing varying nanosilica loadings (0, 1, 3, and 5 wt.%) were fabricated via phase inversion and assessed for permeability and pollutant removal efficiency. RESULTS : Incorporation of nanosilica markedly improved membrane performance, with the 5 wt.% PES-SiO2 membrane exhibiting a pure water flux of 576.65 L m(-2)h at 0.8 bar, approximately six times higher than pristine PES (96.85 L m(-2)h). Pollutant removal was also significantly enhanced, achieving 91% turbidity reduction, 71% color removal, and 58% COD reduction. SEM analysis confirmed that nanosilica addition increased porosity and macrovoid formation, thereby improving hydrophilicity, permeability, and adsorption properties. CONCLUSION : Rice husk-derived nanosilica provides a cost-effective and sustainable strategy for advancing membrane technology. By simultaneously enhancing permeability and pollutant removal, this approach leverages agricultural waste valorization to deliver efficient wastewater treatment solutions aligned with global sustainability challenges. (c) 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Gaza Strip faces continuous electricity shortages, high dependence on imported energy, and increasing environmental pressures from fossil-fuel-based power generation, which is mostly imported and controlled by Israel. This study evaluates the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of an integrated photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy system for domestic power generation and CO2 emissions reduction under Gaza's local climatic conditions and location. Solar irradiance and wind-speed profiles were used to estimate the annual energy output of standalone PV, standalone wind, and combined hybrid configurations. The results show that a 3-kW wind system can generate approximately 5089 kWh/year, while a 3 kW PV system can generate approximately 4736 kWh/year. The combined 6 kW hybrid PV-wind system produces approximately 9825 kWh/year, demonstrating the benefit of complementary solar and wind generation patterns for improving supply stability. The environmental assessment indicates that the hybrid system can avoid approximately 9.4 tCO2/year compared with diesel-based electricity generation, with separate contributions of 4.9 tCO2/year from the wind system and 4.5 tCO2/year from the PV system. The economic assessment shows simple payback periods of approximately 6.0 years for the PV system and 6.4 years for the wind system, indicating that both technologies are financially promising for decentralized domestic energy applications. Overall, the study's results suggested that integrated PV-wind systems can support energy security, reduce emissions, and provide a practical renewable-energy pathway for energy constrained regions such as the Gaza Strip.

Utilising municipal solid waste (MSW) as a dry feedstock for bio-oil production significantly enhances the pyrolysis process, optimising both the yield and quality of the bio-oil. The study aims to determine pyrolysis conditions that would lead to a high heating value (HHV) and a low oxygen concentration. These features are essential for bio-oil to be a viable renewable fuel. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by methodically optimising the pyrolysis parameters, therefore enhancing the efficiency and quantity of bio-oil production from MSW. This study investigated the effects of temperature, residence time, and particle size on bio-oil generation from MSW using the pyrolysis process. The MSW could be refined by comparing the traditional drying procedure at 100 degrees C for 24 hours to an accelerated drying approach at 160 degrees C for 6 hours. The dry basis Municipal solid waste feedstock with particle sizes between 1.5 mm and 6 mm is utilised to generate bio-oil. A response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design, as a comprehensive experimental approach, can systematically modify the selected parameters. MSW samples consist of diapers, paper, plastic, and organic waste. The odour was detected at 170 degrees C during the pretreatment of MSW. Bio-oil yield was monitored and assessed at temperatures (405 degrees C-645 degrees C), residence lengths (5-55 minutes), particle sizes (0.5-7.0 mm), and heat increase rates of 10 degrees C per minute. A maximum bio-oil yield of 44% was achieved from the three parameters with the 500 ml/min nitrogen gas flow rate. The bomb calorimeter measured 35.526 MJ/kg of bio-oil. The CHNS equation predicted an HHV of 38.46 MJ/kg. The CHNS data showed that bio-oil has 75.25% carbon, 0.2% nitrogen, 0% sulphur, 12.34% hydrogen, and 12.21% oxygen. The FTIR results indicated that the bio-oil comprises various chemicals and functional groups, including alkanes, alkenes, ethers, alcohols, and aromatics.

Natural resources are considered as a promising and reliable source of energy to use in Palestine, especially in Gaza Strip, which has a great lack of infrastructure and energy resources needed to meet the energy demand. Recently, this issue has gained more interest because of the increase in the electricity resources. This study focuses on a technical and economic analysis for a potential energy method for the generation of methane gas (waste-to-energy, WTE). It mainly focuses on taking Gaza Strip as case study. Four different WTE methods were investigated and analyzed from technical and economic viewpoints in order to determine the best-case study to use in Gaza. The results underscore the significant potential of WTE technologies as a viable solution to alleviate energy shortages in Gaza. Incineration emerged as the most effective method for daily energy generation, producing approximately 565.554 MWh per day, followed by gasification, which generates around 291.176 MWh daily. A combined approach of incinerating combustible waste and using anaerobic digestion for organic waste could yield up to 800.853 MWh per day, offering a promising path to meeting the region's energy needs. The recommendations for WTE adoption are provided for policymakers for implementation of appropriate WTE technology considering the highlighted technical, environmental and economic issues to ensure energy security in Gaza, Palestine.

Subsea fault fracture zones pose significant stability challenges and heighten the risk of tunnel face collapse and sudden water inrush during subway construction. Despite the common practice of using grouting reinforcement to stabilize the surrounding rock, there is limited research on its specific control effects. This study addresses this gap by investigating the impact of grouting reinforcement on the safety of subsea tunnels crossing fault fracture zones, using the Qingdao subway project in China as a case study. A coupled numerical model encompassing seepage, stress, and displacement fields was developed via MIDAS/GTS to analyze changes in porewater pressure, seepage velocity, surrounding rock stress, initial support stress, and tunnel displacement before and after grouting. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in porewater pressure and stress concentration post-grouting. The maximum and minimum principal stresses of the initial support were approximately 4.7 MPa and 3.4 MPa, which were found to be within safe limits, indicating a well-designed reinforcement strategy. Additionally, settlement and uplift measurements were 12 mm and 14 mm, representing a 54 % reduction compared to conditions without grouting reinforcement. Both maximum settlement and uplift values were considerably below standard limits of 20 mm, affirming the effectiveness of the grouting measures. The close alignment between field test data and numerical model results validates the model's accuracy. This study provides critical insights and a scientific basis for evaluating and implementing grouting reinforcement in similar subsea tunnel projects, contributing to safer and more efficient construction practices.

This study represents a significant effort towards ensuring Libya’s adherence to its international commitments under the Paris Agreement, aimed at mitigating the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions on ecosystems and curbing environmental degradation. As a signatory to this global accord, Libya is required to engage in initiatives that address climate change. The primary objective of this research is to estimate the quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from electrical power generation facilities in Libya, as well as to estimate the associated environmental damage costs. This study distinguishes itself from prior research through its reliance on empirical data collected from pollution monitoring stations and performance control systems at power generation plants, thereby offering a comprehensive assessment across all generation technologies and fuel types employed in Libya’s energy sector. By determining the CO₂ emission factor at 0.857 kg CO₂/kWh, the study provides accurate emission rates through various metrics, thereby maximizing the scientific and practical benefits of the research. Furthermore, the results are benchmarked against emission inventories published by environmental organizations such as the IPCC and IEA, and compared to the performance standards set by the UNFCCC. This comparison supports technical and environmental performance evaluations, fostering competition in the energy market for cleaner, renewable energy sources. It offers policymakers valuable insights for implementing legal frameworks that facilitate a swift transition to sustainable and clean electricity generation.

This study evaluated the unmodified Norway Spruce Wood Residue (NSWR), an abundant lignocellulosic biomass, for the simultaneous removal of Pb2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ from a quaternary aqueous system. A series of batch adsorption experiments were performed to assess the influence of key operational parameters (pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, temperature, particle size, initial concentration), with equilibrium data subsequently fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and the NSWR characterized using FTIR and EDS analyses. The results demonstrated maximum Langmuir adsorption capacities following the order Pb2+ (10.3 mg/g) > Cu2+ (7.9 mg/g) > Cd2+ (6.3 mg/g) > Zn2+ (6.0 mg/g), corresponding to high removal efficiencies (up to 99% for Pb2+). Adsorption was rapid initially (~60% removal within 20 min) and favored slightly acidic conditions (pH 5–6) and moderately elevated temperatures (45°C). The Langmuir model provided an excellent fit to the data (R2 ≈ 0.99), indicating favorable monolayer chemisorption, likely driven by a combination of cation exchange supported by EDS and interactions with surface functional groups. Conclusively, unmodified NSWR shows significant promise as an effective, inexpensive, and eco-friendly biosorbent for treating water contaminated with multiple heavy metals, presenting a viable waste valorization strategy for sustainable water management.

Background: The high toxicity of landfill leachate has motivated to an investigation of economical and ecological treatment prior releasing into environment. Recently, microalgae have emerged as an alternative method due to its ability to recover nutrient and potential for bio-fuel production. However, the high concentrations of inhibitory compounds and ammoniacal nitrogen in young landfill leachates require high dilutions for microalgae to thrive. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the performance of microalgae by using stabilized landfill leachate with lower to no dilutions in nutrient removal, biomass and lipid production. Methods: Leachate concentrations of 33, 44, 66, 89 and 100 v/v% were initially treated with the microalgae C. vulgaris. Parameters of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), orthophosphate (PO43-), total phosphorus (TP) and colour removal were evaluated. Cost analysis was conducted to evaluate the economical appropriateness. Significant findings: The highest removals were achieved at 43.67% of COD, >97% of NH3-N, 79.26% of PO43-, 77.64% of TP and 44.04% of colour. Highest biomass yield obtained was 220 mg/L by 89 v/v% of leachate concentration with 8.14% of lipid yield. Cost of treatment was calculated to be similar to$0.02 per m(3) leachate. The feasibility of stabilized landfill leachate treatment without any dilutions using microalgae was attained as they can survive amidst this condition, perform nutrient removals, and produce biomass simultaneously.