Magnetic recyclable ZnO/SrFe12O19 photocatalyst for effective photodegradation of rhodamine B under simulated sunlight

This work develops a novel magnetic photocatalysts ZnO/SrFe₁₂O₁₉ (ZS) synthesized with hydrothermal process. The introduction of SrFe₁₂O₁₉ not only enhances the photocatalytic behavior of ZnO towards Rhodamine B (RhB) decomposition, but also reinforces the recycling stability. Especially, ZS-5 composite exhibits the optimal photocatalytic performance, and the RhB decomposition reaches 99.5% after being exposed to simulative sunlight for 70 min, which is obviously superior to that of bare ZnO. Furthermore, the ZS-5 can be recovered from RhB solution by an extra magnet space and reused. After five recycles, the RhB removal efficiency can still be maintained over 90%. Such prominent photocatalytic property and stability of ZS-5 are associated with the greatly improved detachment efficiency of photoexcited carriers in a magnetic field. This study could provide a new-type recyclable photocatalyst that can effectively purify dye wastewater for convenient recovery.     

Nanotechnology‐based wastewater treatment

Water contamination is a global challenge impacting both the environment and human health with significant economic and social costs. The growing scarcity of usable water resources requires effective treatment of wastewater. In this context, developing cheaper, safer and more efficient wastewater treatment technologies are the need of the hour. One promising approach that several studies have reported success has been the usage of nanomaterials in water and waste water management. The rapid progress of research in nanomaterial sciences has shown their growing potential; however, there has not been a great amount of information available on their implementation. This review focuses on developments in nanotechnology that hold strong potential for wastewater treatment. The review covers key techniques in nanomaterial‐based water treatments including adsorption, filtration and photocatalysis with recent examples showing how to improve their properties and efficiencies according to the need.     

Reusable Polyacrylonitrile-Sulfur Extractor of Heavy Metal Ions from Wastewater

Mercury, lead, and cadmium are among the most toxic and carcinogenic heavy metal ions (HMIs), posing serious threats to the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and public health. There is an urgent need to remove these ions from water by a cheap but green process. Traditional methods have insufficient removal efficiency and reusability. Structurally robust, large surface-area adsorbents functionalized with high-selectivity affinity to HMIs are attractive filter materials. Here, an adsorbent prepared by vulcanization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), a nitrogen-rich polymer, is reported, giving rise to PAN-S nanoparticles with cyclic π-conjugated backbone and electronic conductivity. PAN-S can be coated on ultra-robust melamine (ML) foam by simple dipping and drying. In agreement with hard/soft acid/base theory, N- and S-containing soft Lewis bases have strong binding to Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Cd²⁺, with extraordinary capture efficiency and performance stability. Furthermore, the used filters, when collected and electrochemically biased in a recycling bath, can release the HMIs into the bath and electrodeposit on the counter-electrode as metallic Hg⁰, Pb⁰, Cu⁰, and Cd⁰, and the PAN-S@ML filter can then be reused at least 6 times as new. The electronically conductive PAN-S@ML filter can be fabricated cheaply and holds promise for scale-up applications.     

Localized corrosion of (lean) duplex stainless steels in immersion units of urban wastewater treatment plants

With lower alloying cost and higher mechanical properties, lean duplex stainless steels can be an alternative to the more commonly used austenitic stainless steels. However, these alloys are still not the preferred choice, probably due to a lack of field experience. A study was thus initiated in view of defining the limits of use of selected (lean) duplexes for urban wastewater treatment units. The present paper shows the localized corrosion performance of selected lean duplexes in chloride contaminated solutions. The results are compared with austenitic S30403 and S31603 and with the more standard duplexes S82441 and S32205. The effect of welding was also investigated. Exposures in field municipal wastewater plants were conducted for 1 year in low and high chloride content units. The results show that lean duplexes S32101 and S32202 can be used as alternatives to S30403 and S31603 in low chloride electrolytes. At 500 ppm of chloride content, duplex stainless steel S32304 showed better corrosion resistance than S30403 and S31603. For higher chloride contents (1000 ppm and above) the standard duplexes S82441 and S32205 shall be preferred.     

炼油废白土在水泥厂燃煤自备电厂中再利用的实践

本项目主要研究和实现了工业废白土在BAYAH燃煤自备电厂中的再利用,实现变废为宝,减少了环境污染,同时为企业创造了一定的经济效益。针对废白土的特性,对燃料输送系统给煤机、皮带机、煤仓、下料溜子和排渣系统进行了改造。通过修改操作规程消除废白土对锅炉运行的影响。     

基于ANP-SWOT的上海公路废弃物资源化发展对策研究

随着公路系统的新陈代谢，大量废弃物给城市的资源与环境协调发展带来了巨大压力，以沥青路面再生技术为路径的公路废弃物资源化符合循环经济的理念，是我国公路建设迈向生态文明的必然选择。通过 ANP-SWOT 对上海公路废弃物资源化发展战略进行实证分析，发现当前形势下其优势和机遇较为明显，确定以 SO 策略为核心的推广战略为最佳选择，并提出一系列配套发展策略，为推动上海公路废弃物资源化提供参考。     

轻质滤料滤池的试验与研究

轻质滤料滤池是以比水密度略小的滤料为滤床的滤池，通过以净水厂的原水和污水处理厂的二级处理出水为过滤试验对象，所取得的结果表明：下向流轻质滤料滤池对浊度和悬浮固体（SS）的去除率分别可以达到80％和45％，而滤床的水头损失不超过15cm。因此轻质滤料滤池可以以预过滤的形式配置在过滤处理的净水和污水的处理工艺中。     

Design Methodology and Area Sensitivity Analysis of Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands

An approach is presented to satisfy the demand for simple criteria, guidelines and models for the preliminary sizing of horizontal subsurface flow (SF) constructed wetland systems. This approach eliminates time-consuming calculations and iterations by providing graphical solutions for wetland system sizing. Therefore, it can be used for the preliminary assessment of new or performance evaluation of existing subsurface flow constructed wetland systems. The validity of this methodology is checked with data from existing systems and is found to be quite satisfactory. This methodology is combined with simple equations predicting the maximum wetland capacity in summer, so as to assist designers in sizing installations in tourist areas with increased summer populations. Furthermore, based on this methodology, a sensitivity analysis is performed of the area requirements for wastewaters of various strengths and various design conditions and performance criteria. The results provide a useful overview to engineers and further simplify the design methodology of new subsurface flow constructed wetland systems.     

Public Attitudes to In-House Water Recycling in England and Wales

This study, which is based on responses from over 300 individuals in England and Wales, explores how a willingness to use a water-recycling system of specific configuration varies against a number of factors which are linked to system design, system scale, system context, and water-conservation behaviour. Findings show that there is broad willingness to accept in-house water recycling provided that public health is not compromised.