A study of Cr(VI) and NH4+adsorption using greensand (glauconite) as a low‐cost adsorbent from aqueous solutions

This paper investigates the removal of Cr(VI) and NH⁴⁺ from aqueous solutions using greensand (glauconite). The effects of adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial Cr(VI) and NH⁴⁺ concentrations, and pH were investigated in batch experiments. The results show that these parameters influenced Cr(VI) and NH⁴⁺ removal using glauconite considerably. Pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order and intraparticle diffusion kinetic models were applied to explain the kinetic data, and the pseudo‐second‐order model achieved good agreement. The equilibrium isotherm data are coordinated with the Freundlich, Langmuir models, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich; the Freundlich model proved most best suitable. The removal efficiency of Cr(VI) and NH₄⁺ were 12.21 mg/g (54% at pH 3) and 19.24 mg/g (77.08% at pH 7). All in all, the results showed that the adsorption process on glauconite could be used as an effective method for removing Cr(VI) and NH⁴⁺ from aqueous solutions.     

Defluorination of water by modified ceramic membranes from clayey minerals

Investigated are main regularities of the process of defluorination of water by nation-made ceramic membranes from clayey minerals, modified by a dynamic layer from aluminum hydroxycompounds and demonstrated its high efficiency. It was proposed to use specified membranes for defluorination of water to MAC standards in drinking water at the initial concentration F^– up to 22.0, Al³⁺—4.0–6.0 mg/dm³ in the additive forming the dynamics, pH_ini 6.5–7, P—1.0 MPa.     

Transfer of counterions and diffusion of electrolyte in inorganic membranes modified by ion exchanger nanoparticles

Using the method of impedance spectroscopy we have investigated charge selectivity of macroporous inorganic membranes modified with nanoparticles of the inorganic ion exchanger—hydrated zirconium dioxide, which displays anion-exchange properties in an acid area. It has been found that transfer numbers of the SO₄ ^2? reach 0.81–0.9 at the H₂SO₄ concentration 10 mol · m^?3 and decrease as the acid concentration in solution goes down. It has also been found that modified membranes demonstrate a two-fold decrease of the diffusion coefficient of H₂SO₄ compared with a free solution. It has been shown that charge selectivity of the membrane improves as the amount of the ion exchanger in the matrix increases.     

Impact of sulfochlorination on the structure and properties of the MA-100 anion–exchange membrane

Modification of a homogenous anion–exchange MA-100 membrane by chlorosulfonic acid is accompanied by grafting of negatively charged–SO ₃ ^– groups and a substantial increase of hydrophilicity. The method of differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the mass fraction of free and bound water increases nearly twice. The porous structure of the modified membrane becomes more developed at the expense of an increase of the volume of micropores. The membrane acquires resistance to poisoning by large organic anions.     

Effect of Organic Carbon on Tertiary Denitrification of the Secondary Effluent in Biofilters Packed with Suspended Carriers

Denitrifying biokinetics in biofilters packed with suspended carriers were evaluated under different empty bed residence times (EBRT) with ethanol or acetate as the electron donor. The two denitrifying biofilters removed nitrate (NO₃^––N) effectively after only 3–4 days operation. At EBRT of 30; 15 and 7.5 min, the NO₃^––N removal percentage was 84; 72 and 59% in the ethanol biofilter, and was 89; 70 and 62% in the acetate biofilter, respectively. With the influent NO₃^––N loading rate ranged from 0.4 to 1.8 g/(m²·d), the NO₃^––N removal loading rate increased with increasing influent NO₃^––N loading rates, and the system was substrate limited. While when the influent nitrate loading rate was above 3 g/(m²·d), the system was biomass limited. The half-order coefficients were 0.162; 0.175 and 0.274 (mg/L)^1/2/min for the ethanol biofilter with the influent NO₃^––N concentration of 7.3–7.7 mg/L, and were 0.107; 0.165 and 0.303 (mg/L)^1/2/min for the acetate biofilter with the influent NO₃^––N concentration of 6.8–8.0 mg/L. Denitrification efficiency varied slightly during the backwashing cycle, and the effect of backwashing on the effluent turbidity was relatively large, especially for the biofilter with ethanol as the organic carbon.     

The pH influence on the index properties of clays

Three clay sediments, concerning Pliocenic clay, Chaotic Complex clay and commercial kaolinic clay, have been studied in order to verify the pH influence on the index properties. The analysed clays have been mineralogically characterized in natural, conditions, and in modified pH conditions. This last procedure, obtained respectively by adding NH₄OH or CH₃COOH 1 mol., in a pH range between 4.5–11.3 has been carried out. To verify the different experimental conditions the C.E.C. of exchangeable cations as K⁺, Na⁺, Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺, has been measured. The index properties obtained show a different behaviour of the three clays. The kaolin is not much affected only a limited W_L% increase is recognizable when the pH decreases. The Chaotic complex clay evidence a considerable rise of the W_L with the pH uncrease. In the Pliocenic clay the W_L value increased with the pH. The described process can be related to the natural environment, connected also with various pollution phenomena.     

Estimation of source contribution to nitrate loading in road runoff using stable isotope analysis

The nitrogen load was determined in road runoff during rainfall events. Moreover, nitrate isotopes analysis was conducted to determine the contribution of nitrates from atmospheric deposition and leaching from road dust. The concentrations of NO₃-N in road runoff were higher than those in atmospheric deposits for each rainfall event, except one event with a long antecedent dry weather period. The δ¹⁸O-NO₃ in road runoff was lower than in atmospheric deposits and higher than in leachate from road dust; however, no difference in δ¹⁵N-NO₃ was observed. By using δ¹⁸O-NO₃ as an indicator for evaluating NO₃-N sources in road runoff, contribution ratios of NO₃-N from road dust were estimated to be 14–22%, 23–25%, and 22–34% for Event 1 to Event 3, respectively. These results indicated that the NO₃-N from the atmosphere accounts for more than half of the NO₃-N in road runoff.     

Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification process in a new Tubificidae-reactor for minimizing nutrient release during sludge reduction

Nutrient release is reported as one of the main disadvantage of sludge reduction induced by aquatic worm. In this study, a Static Sequencing Batch Worm Reactor (SSBWR) was proposed with novel structure of perforated panels, combined aeration system and cycle operation. Effective simultaneous nitrification and denitrification were obtained owing to the stratified sludge layer containing aerobic and anoxic microzone formed on each carrier during most of the operation time in the SSBWR, which created suitable conditions for remarkable sludge reduction and nutrient removal. The results showed that the total nitrogen (TN) concentration, NO₃^?–N + NO₂^?–N concentration and NH₄⁺–N release could be reduced by 67.5%, 98.5% and 63.0%, respectively. And the soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) released by sludge predation was also proved to provide a carbon source for denitrification leading to carbon release control and substantial cost savings. A schematic diagram of the stratified sludge layer and the mass balance of the nitrification–denitrification cycle were given, providing further insight into the nutrient (sCOD and nitrogen compounds) transformation during the worm predation in the SSBWR. For the mixed sludge liquid of 3000 mg TSS/L, 30 mg/L sCOD and 40 mg/L NO₃^?–N, the NO₃^?–N and NO₂^?–N came close to zero, and the sludge concentration, NH₄⁺–N release and sCOD release was reduced by 33.6%, 63.0% and 72.5%, respectively, during 48 h’ predation.     

Palygorskite–TiO2 nanocatalysts for photocatalytic degradation of tebuconazole in water

Palygorskite–TiO₂ nanoparticles are frequently used as nanocatalysts. In the present study, two different nanocatalysts were developed based on the use of different palygorskite–TiO₂ ratios: 40–60 and 10–90. The nanocomposites were investigated for the photocatalytic degradation of the common fungicide tebuconazole (TEB), under aquatic conditions. The samples were extensively characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and N₂ specific surface area (SSA) by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analytical techniques. The TiO₂ nanoparticles were successfully dispersed on the mineral's surfaces and the photocatalytic activity reached 88.4% for the palygorskite–TiO₂ ratio of 40:60, where the dispersion was better as proved by the total pore volume and BET parameters (0.49 cm³/g and 258 m²/g compared to 0.33 cm³/g and 220 m²/g of the 10:90 ratio). The photocatalytic efficiency of the proposed materials was significantly higher than Degussa P25 (33.2%), and that makes the palygorskite–TiO₂ nanocomposites very promising for advanced application in fungicides' degradation in aquatic environments.     

Processing of retentates of reverse osmosis treatment of phosphate-containing wastewater

The possibility of processing the phosphate-containing reverse osmosis retentates has been investigated. It was established that the use of NH₄Cl: NH₄OH mixture with 1: 4 ratio as a source of NH₄ ⁺ ions and the use of magnesium chloride as a source of Mg²⁺ ions ensured the phosphate removal by 95.1–96.6% at the initial pH value of reaction medium equal to 10.5–11 and precipitator component ratio PO₄ ^3–: NH₄ ⁺: Mg²⁺ = 1: 1: 2.     

The use of potassium iodide solution as photochemical actinometer for vacuum ultraviolet region

The paper has investigated the process of measuring power illumination for vacuum ultraviolet radiation by means of the solution of potassium iodide as a photochemical actinometer. We have investigated the formation of triiodide–ion when radiated the solution of light with wavelength 185 nm. It has been shown that obtaining hydroxyl radicals OH^– at this wavelength is determined by the formation of I ₃ ^– . The quantum yield of the process constitutes 0.165. Measuring the concentration of the obtained I ₃ ^– we determined power illumination of a quartz lamp DRB-20 (wavelength 185 nm), which constitutes 49.2 × 10^–9 E/s.     

Real-time air monitoring of occupational exposures to particulate matter among hairdressers in Maryland: A pilot study

Hairdressers are exposed to particulate matter (PM), a known air pollutant linked to adverse health effects. Still, studies on occupational PM exposures in hair salons are sparse. We characterized indoor air PM concentrations in three salons primarily serving an African/African American (AA) clientele, and three Dominican salons primarily serving a Latino clientele. We also assessed the performance of low-cost sensors (uRAD, Flow, AirVisual) by comparing them to high-end sensors (DustTrak) to conduct air monitoring in each salon over 3 days to quantify work shift concentrations of PM_2.5, respirable PM (RPM), and PM₁₀. We observed high spatial and temporal variability in 30-min time-weighted average (TWA) RPM concentrations (0.18–5518 μg/m³). Readings for the uRAD and AirVisual sensors were highly correlated with the DustTrak (R² = 0.90–0.99). RPM 8-hour TWAs ranged from 18 to 383 µg/m³ for AA salons, and 9–2115 µg/m³ for Dominican salons. Upper 95th percentiles of daily RPM exposures ranged from 439 to 2669 µg/m³. The overall range of 30-min TWA PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations was 0.13–5497 and 0.36-,541 μg/m³, respectively. Findings suggest that hairdressers could be overexposed to RPM during an 8-hour shift. Additional comprehensive monitoring studies are warranted to further characterize temporal and spatial variability of PM exposures in this understudied occupational population.     

Effects of principal stress rotation on stress–strain behaviors of saturated clay under traffic–load–induced stress path

A series of cyclic torsional shear tests using hollow cylinder apparatus (HCA) were performed to investigate the effect of principal stress rotation (PSR) on the stress–strain behaviors of saturated soft clay. The traffic–load–induced shear stress path was used in the cyclic test and the investigation mainly concerned the influence of PSR on the shear stiffness and non-coaxiality. It indicated that the effects of PSR substantially depends on the magnitude of deviatoric stress (q?=?{[(σ₁???σ₂)²?+?(σ₂???σ₃)²?+?(σ₁???σ₃)²]/2}^1/2) as well as the intermediate principal stress ratio (b?=?(σ₂???σ₃)/(σ₁???σ₃)). At low deviatoric stress, the trajectory envelope of deviatoric strain path translates with a nearly constant size, showing constant shear stiffness and strong non-coaxiality. However, at high deviatoric stress, the trajectory envelope of deviatoric strain rapidly expands towards instability, showing degenerating shear stiffness and weak non-coaxiality. Moreover, the excess pore water pressure increases and the shear stiffness decreases more rapidly as b value increases. The results can provide an experimental basis for constitutive modelling of clays under traffic–induced loadings.     

Electrochemical disinfection of Escherichia coli in the presence and absence of primary sludge particulates

Electrochemical (EC) residual disinfection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the presence and absence of primary sludge particulates (PSPs) was studied. The kinetics followed a first-order rate law. When PSPs were absent, the EC residual disinfection rate coefficient (k) increased linearly with EC pretreatment energy (E_C, 0–0.63 kWh/m³). However, with 143 mg PSPs/L, k first increased linearly with E_C (0–0.28 kWh/m³) and then decreased linearly with E_C (0.28–0.42 kWh/m³). H₂O₂ was detected during EC pretreatment in PSPs-free samples and the H₂O₂ concentration (C_H) increased with E_C (0–0.83 kWh/m³) linearly. Chloride was detected in PSPs aqueous samples (143 mg PSPs/L) and its concentration (C_C) changed during EC pretreatment: initially, a decrease of C_C was observed when E_C increased from 0 to 0.28 kWh/m³, followed by an increase of C_C when E_C increased 0.28–0.42 kWh/m³. In both cases, k correlated to the initial post-EC chloride concentration (C_CI) in an inverse linear relationship. This two-stage change of C_C and k was caused by a combination of two reactions: anodic oxidation of chloride and the reaction of chloramines with excess chlorine. This paper explains the mechanisms underlying EC residual disinfection in the presence and absence of PSPs, and proposes a feasible strategy for EC disinfection when PSPs are present, an approach that could be useful in the treatment of combined sewage overflow (CSO).     

Performance analysis of a full-scale duckweed-covered sewage lagoon

A sewage lagoon for 2000–3000 capita (0.6 ha) has been operated successfully with a duckweed cover for over four years. The cover suppressed algal growth; the effluent turbidity was always below 12 Ntu. Because of inappropriate construction, one fifth of the inflow is lost by percolation and seepage during the dry season; during the wet season the loss is limited. During a detailed sampling period in the dry season actual hydraulic retention time was 20.4 d, and surface loading rate was 48–60 kgBOD₅/ha · d. Concentration reduction was 90–97% for COD, 95–99% for BOD₅, and 74–77% for Kjeldahl-N and total P. Effluent contained 2.7 mg Kjeldahl-N/l and 0.4 mg total P/l. The water column remained aerobic. At two-thirds of retention time the plants had absorbed virtually all NH⁺₄ and ortho-PO³⁻₄ from the water column. The duckweed harvest would remove in a watertight lagoon 60–80% of the N and P load, or 0.26 gN/m² · d and 0.05 gP/m² · d (in the first three-quarters of retention time). The results during this period were representative for the 4-year operation so far. Corrected for the leakage, plant productivity under these fertilised and managed conditions was sustained for several years at the level of 58–105 kg(dw)/ha · d, or 715–1200 kg/ha · d (over full lagoon surface) in the dry and wet season, respectively. We suggest that the microbial hydrolysis of the more complex organic N and P into NH⁺₄ and ortho-PO³⁻₄ is the limiting step for enhanced biomass production.     

Modelling and kinetic aspects of a BTEX contaminated air-treating biofilter

In this study, the overall performance of a biofilter was evaluated in terms of its elimination capacity by using 3-D mesh techniques. The overall results indicate that the agreement between experimental data and model predictions is excellent for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and o-xylene (BTEX). In this study, the maximum removal rate (r _max) values for BTEX were 0.0117, 0.0126, 0.0081 and 0.0146 g m^–3 h^–1, and the half-saturation constant (K_S ) values were calculated to be 0.269, 0.297, 0.156 and 0.394 g m^–3, respectively. For this system, the coefficients of determination (r ²) of BTEX compounds were greater than 0.97. The BTEX concentration profiles along the depth were also determined using a convection–diffusion reactor (CDR) model. The sums of squares of the errors (SSEs) of BTEX were 0.0078, 0.0059, 0.0129 and 0.0269, respectively, with r ² values greater than 0.99 for all four compounds at low concentrations.     

Laboratory Investigation on Electro-Osmosis Properties of Singapore Marine Clay

In order to be able to design the electro-osmosis scheme, two major properties of clay, electro-osmosis permeability and coefficient of consolidation, need to be known. These properties can be measured in the laboratory by running the electro-osmosis consolidation test. This type of test is carried out with the help of modified triaxial apparatus in which the soil sample has an electric current applied, and its volumetric change accurately measured. It was found that the electro-osmosis permeability (k_e) of Singapore marine clay ranges between 10^–8 and 10^–9 m/v-s, whereas the electro-osmosis coefficient of consolidation (c_ve) varied between 0.17 and 2.81 m²/yr for tests under an electric potential gradient between 2 to 12 volts; c_ve increased with voltage applied. Physical and compressibility properties changes were noted after the electro-osmosis process. Gain in effective stress due to electro-osmosis was significant and magnitude of effective stress gain was directly proportional to the voltage applied. However vertical displacement was found to be smaller and significant magnitude of volume change was contributed from lateral deformation. This paper describes the test apparatus, and procedures and discusses the results from electro-osmosis tests, carried out on Singapore Marine Clay.     

Treatment of high strength hexamine-containing wastewater by electro-Fenton method

A novel Electro-Fenton (EF–Fere) method, applied H₂O₂ and electrogenerated ferrous ion, was investigated for treating the hexamine-containing wastewater. The performance of Fe²⁺ generation in the electrolytic system was first evaluated, including the factors of the cathode material, initial pH, initial ferric concentration (Fe_i), and current density. When initial pH exceeded 2.5, the current efficiency dramatically decreased, which was due to the formation of Fe(OH)₃. Between 3000 and 10,000 mg/l of Fe_i, the initial current efficiency of Fe²⁺ generation was almost constant (85–87%), which dropped sharply to 39% at 1000 mg/l. In EF–Fere experiments, the COD removal efficiency attained above 94% after 5 h of reaction. The relationship between the temperature, dissolved oxygen, and COD was discussed. The changes in hexamine and its oxidation intermediates (methanol, formaldahyde, formate, ammonium and nitrate) during the reaction were also investigated. Three additional experiments using H₂O₂/Fe²⁺, H₂O₂/Fe³⁺, and direct electrolysis were also conducted to treat the hexamine-containing wastewater for comparison. The results showed that the EF–Fere method was the most efficient.     

Free nitrous acid inhibition on the aerobic metabolism of poly-phosphate accumulating organisms

In full-scale wastewater treatment systems, phosphorus removal typically occurs together with nitrogen removal. Nitrite, an intermediate of both the nitrification and denitrification processes, can accumulate in the reactor. The inhibitory effect of nitrite/free nitrous acid (FNA) on the aerobic metabolism of poly-phosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) is investigated. A culture highly enriched (90 ± 5%) in Candidatus “Accummulibacter phosphatis”, a well-known PAO, was used to perform a series of batch experiments at various nitrite and pH levels. FNA was found to inhibit all key aerobic metabolic processes performed by PAOs, namely PHA oxidation, phosphate uptake, glycogen replenishment and growth. The inhibitory effect on the anabolic processes (growth, phosphate uptake and glycogen production) was much stronger than that on the catabolic processes (PHA oxidation). 50% inhibition on all anabolic processes occurred at FNA concentrations of approximately 0.5 × 10^?3 mg HNO₂–N/L (equivalent to 2.0 mg NO₂^?–N/L at pH 7.0), while full inhibition occurred at FNA concentrations of approximately 6.0 × 10^?3 mg HNO₂–N. These concentrations could be found in full-scale wastewater treatment systems that achieve nitrogen removal via the nitrite pathway. In comparison, PHA oxidation remained at 40–50% of the highest rate at FNA concentrations in the range 2.0 × 10^?3–10.0 × 10^?3 mg HNO₂–N/L. Interestingly, PAOs were able to reduce nitrite under aerobic conditions (DO ≈ 3 mg/L), with the rate increasing substantially with the FNA concentration. The inhibition on phosphate uptake was found to be reversible.     

Effectiveness of portable HEPA air cleaners on reducing indoor endotoxin,PM10, and coarse particulate matter in an agricultural cohort of children with asthma: A randomized intervention trial

We conducted a randomized trial of portable HEPA air cleaners in the homes of children age 6–12 years with asthma in the Yakima Valley, Washington. All families received asthma education while intervention families also received two HEPA cleaners (child's bedroom, living room). We collected 14-day integrated samples of endotoxin in settled dust and PM₁₀ and PM_10-2.5 in the air of the children's bedrooms at baseline and one-year follow-up, and used linear regression to compare follow-up levels, adjusting for baseline. Seventy-one families (36 HEPA, 35 control) completed the study. Baseline geometric mean (GSD) endotoxin loadings were 1565 (6.3) EU/m² and 2110 (4.9) EU/m², respectively, in HEPA vs. control homes while PM₁₀ and PM_10-2.5 were 22.5 (1.9) μg/m³ and 9.5 (2.9) μg/m³, respectively, in HEPA homes, and 19.8 (1.8) μg/m³ and 7.7 (2.0) μg/m³, respectively, in control homes. At follow-up, HEPA families had 46% lower (95% CI, 31%–57%) PM₁₀ on average than control families, consistent with prior studies. In the best-fit heterogeneous slopes model, HEPA families had 49% (95% CI, 6%–110%) and 89% lower (95% CI, 28%–177%) PM_10-2.5 at follow-up, respectively, at 50th and 75th percentile baseline concentrations. Endotoxin loadings did not differ significantly at follow-up (4% lower, HEPA homes; 95% CI, −87% to 50%).