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Molecules
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Wastewater Treatment: Functional Materials and Advanced Technology, 2nd Edition
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Wastewater Treatment: Functional Materials and Advanced Technology, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2024 | Viewed by 5148

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jingtao Bi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
Interests: wastewater; adsorption; photocatalysis; titanate; electrodialysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Guohui Dong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
Interests: environment functional material; environmental photocatalysis; advanced oxidation process
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As a result of recent technological advancements, water pollution has emerged as a pressing issue, which is characterized by two modern features: (1) the rapid increase in population and corresponding demands, leading to a sharp escalation in wastewater discharge, and (2) the continuous emergence of new technologies contributing to a significant increase in the variety of pollutants, resulting in more complex wastewater composition. Due to the close relationship between water resources and our living environment, addressing water pollution and safeguarding the water environment have become critical environmental challenges. Considering the continuous development of functional materials and sustainable technologies recently, it is imperative to organize a Special Issue to track the developing trend and offer guidance for this problem.

Building on the success of the first volume of this Special Issue, “Wastewater Treatment: Functional Materials and Advanced Technology” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules/special_issues/wastewater_treatment_materials_technology), which comprised over 30 outstanding articles on various wastewater treatment materials and technologies, we are pleased to launch the second phase of this Special Issue. For this volume, we are seeking submissions that focus on wastewater treatment within the following scope: (1) environmental functional materials for wastewater treatment (e.g., organic frameworks and carbon materials); (2) sustainable treatment technologies (e.g., adsorption, photocatalysis and membrane separation); (3) chemical analysis of emerging pollutants (e.g., PFAS, organic complexes); (3) probing of contaminants (e.g., chemical sensors and molecular probes); (4) in-depth mechanism insights (e.g., sorption mechanisms, radical/non-radical mechanisms); (5) green chemistry in wastewater remediation and utilization.

Dr. Jingtao Bi
Prof. Dr. Guohui Dong
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • wastewater treatment
  • emerging contaminants
  • functional materials
  • contaminant probing
  • adsorption
  • AOPs
  • catalysis
  • membrane separation

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 6062 KiB  
Article
Unraveling the Impact of Adsorbed Molecules on Photocatalytic Processes: Advancements in Understanding Facet-Controlled Semiconductor Photocatalysts
by Anna Kusior, Kinga Michalec, Anna Micek-Ilnicka and Marta Radecka
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2290; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102290 - 13 May 2024
Viewed by 225
Abstract
This work aims to demonstrate that the Fe2O3 nanocrystals’ adsorptive and photocatalytic properties can be adjusted by exposing the crystal facets that are functionalized. To this end, cube- and disc-like structures were synthesized using a metal ion-mediated hydrothermal route. Thereafter, [...] Read more.
This work aims to demonstrate that the Fe2O3 nanocrystals’ adsorptive and photocatalytic properties can be adjusted by exposing the crystal facets that are functionalized. To this end, cube- and disc-like structures were synthesized using a metal ion-mediated hydrothermal route. Thereafter, some of the samples were annealed at 500 °C for 3 h. Our paper combines the experimental part with theoretical calculations of the obtained materials’ band edge positions. The results reveal that—aside from hematite—the as-synthesized discs also contain γ-FeOOH and β-Fe2O3 phases, which transform into α-Fe2O3 during annealing. The hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, and adsorption kinetics measurements show that the cube-like samples exhibit the highest affinity for cationic, whereas the discs have an affinity for anionic dye. Measurements of the wall zeta potential also reveal that annealing the discs modifies their surface state and ability to adsorb molecules. Photocatalytic tests show that the as-synthesized powders have better photocatalytic performance toward methylene blue decomposition than the annealed ones. The observed small changes in the concentration of the MO during illumination result from the energy band structure of the cube-like crystal orientation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater Treatment: Functional Materials and Advanced Technology, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 17650 KiB  
Article
The Simultaneous Efficient Recovery of Ammonia Nitrogen and Phosphate Resources in the Form of Struvite: Optimization and Potential Applications for the Electrochemical Reduction of NO3−
by Liping Li, Jingtao Bi, Mengmeng Sun, Shizhao Wang, Xiaofu Guo, Fei Li, Jie Liu and Yingying Zhao
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2185; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102185 - 8 May 2024
Viewed by 307
Abstract
In response to the need for improvement in the utilization of ammonium-rich solutions after the electrochemical reduction of nitrate (NO3−–RR), this study combined phosphorus-containing wastewater and adopted the electrochemical precipitation method for the preparation of struvite (MAP) to simultaneously recover [...] Read more.
In response to the need for improvement in the utilization of ammonium-rich solutions after the electrochemical reduction of nitrate (NO3−–RR), this study combined phosphorus-containing wastewater and adopted the electrochemical precipitation method for the preparation of struvite (MAP) to simultaneously recover nitrogen and phosphorus resources. At a current density of 5 mA·cm−2 and an initial solution pH of 7.0, the recovery efficiencies for nitrogen and phosphorus can reach 47.15% and 88.66%, respectively. Under various experimental conditions, the generated struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) exhibits a typical long prismatic structure. In solutions containing nitrate and nitrite, the coexisting ions have no significant effect on the final product, struvite. Finally, the characterization of the precipitate product by X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that its main component is struvite, with a high purity reaching 93.24%. Overall, this system can effectively recover ammonium nitrogen from the NO3−–RR solution system after nitrate reduction, with certain application prospects for the recovery of ammonium nitrogen and phosphate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater Treatment: Functional Materials and Advanced Technology, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 3638 KiB  
Article
Efficient Recovery of Phosphate from Water Media by Iron-Magnesium Functionalized Lignite: Adsorption Evaluation, Mechanism Revelation and Potential Application Exploration
by Wenbo An, Qiqi Wang, He Chen, Yifan Liu, Xuechun Hu and Junzhen Di
Molecules 2024, 29(6), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29061252 - 12 Mar 2024
Viewed by 838
Abstract
Selective phosphorus removal from aquatic media has become an ideal strategy to mitigate eutrophication and meet increasingly stringent discharge requirements. To achieve phosphorus control and resource utilization of low-calorific-value lignite, iron and magnesium salts were used to functionalize lignite, and iron–magnesium functionalized lignite [...] Read more.
Selective phosphorus removal from aquatic media has become an ideal strategy to mitigate eutrophication and meet increasingly stringent discharge requirements. To achieve phosphorus control and resource utilization of low-calorific-value lignite, iron and magnesium salts were used to functionalize lignite, and iron–magnesium functionalized lignite (called IM@BC) was prepared for phosphate recovery from water media. The adsorption properties of IM@BC were systematically evaluated, especially the influence of ambient pH and co-existing ions. The kinetic, isothermal, and thermodynamic adsorption behaviors of IM@BC were analyzed. The adsorption mechanism was revealed by microscopic characterization. The potential application of phosphate-containing IM@BC (P-IM@BC) was explored. The results show that IM@BC has a strong phosphate adsorption capacity, and the maximum adsorption capacity is 226.22 mgP/g at pH = 3. Co-existing CO32− inhibits phosphate adsorption, while coexisting Ca2+ and Mg2+ enhance the effect. At the initial adsorption stage, the amount of phosphate adsorbed by IM@BC continues to increase, and the adsorption equilibrium state is gradually reached after 24 h. The adsorption process conforms to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (PSO) and Langmuir isothermal adsorption model, and the adsorption process is mainly chemical adsorption. The phosphate absorption capacity is positively correlated with temperature (283.15 K~313.15 K), and the adsorption process is spontaneous, endothermic, and entropy-increasing. Its adsorption mechanism includes electrostatic attraction, ion exchange, surface precipitation, and coordination exchange. IM@BC can efficiently recover phosphate from actual phosphorus-containing wastewater with a recovery efficiency of up to 90%. P-IM@BC slowly releases phosphate from pH 3 to 11. Plant growth experiments showed that P-IM@BC could be used as a slow-release fertilizer to promote the root growth of cowpeas. The novelty of this work lies in the development of a highly efficient phosphate recovery adsorbent, which provides a feasible method of phosphorus control in water media and resource utilization of lignite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater Treatment: Functional Materials and Advanced Technology, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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12 pages, 2360 KiB  
Review
Research Progress of Ozone/Peroxymonosulfate Advanced Oxidation Technology for Degrading Antibiotics in Drinking Water and Wastewater Effluent: A Review
by Hai Lu, Xinglin Chen, Qiao Cong, Qingpo Li, Xiaoyan Wang, Shuang Zhong, Huan Deng and Bojiao Yan
Molecules 2024, 29(5), 1170; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29051170 - 6 Mar 2024
Viewed by 771
Abstract
Nowadays, antibiotics are widely used, increasing the risk of contamination of the water body and further threatening human health. The traditional water treatment process is less efficient in degrading antibiotics, and the advanced oxidation process (AOPs) is cleaner and more efficient than the [...] Read more.
Nowadays, antibiotics are widely used, increasing the risk of contamination of the water body and further threatening human health. The traditional water treatment process is less efficient in degrading antibiotics, and the advanced oxidation process (AOPs) is cleaner and more efficient than the traditional biochemical degradation process. The combined ozone/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) advanced oxidation process (O3/PMS) based on sulfate radical (SO4•−) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) has developed rapidly in recent years. The O3/PMS process has become one of the most effective ways to treat antibiotic wastewater. The reaction mechanism of O3/PMS was reviewed in this paper, and the research and application progress of the O3/PMS process in the degradation of antibiotics in drinking water and wastewater effluent were evaluated. The operation characteristics and current application range of the process were summarized, which has a certain reference value for further research on O3/PMS process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater Treatment: Functional Materials and Advanced Technology, 2nd Edition)
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29 pages, 8326 KiB  
Review
Efficient Adsorption of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Wastewater by Biochar
by Xichang Wu, Wenxuan Quan, Qi Chen, Wei Gong and Anping Wang
Molecules 2024, 29(5), 1005; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29051005 - 26 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1601
Abstract
Nitrogen and phosphorus play essential roles in ecosystems and organisms. However, with the development of industry and agriculture in recent years, excessive N and P have flowed into water bodies, leading to eutrophication, algal proliferation, and red tides, which are harmful to aquatic [...] Read more.
Nitrogen and phosphorus play essential roles in ecosystems and organisms. However, with the development of industry and agriculture in recent years, excessive N and P have flowed into water bodies, leading to eutrophication, algal proliferation, and red tides, which are harmful to aquatic organisms. Biochar has a high specific surface area, abundant functional groups, and porous structure, which can effectively adsorb nitrogen and phosphorus in water, thus reducing environmental pollution, achieving the reusability of elements. This article provides an overview of the preparation of biochar, modification methods of biochar, advancements in the adsorption of nitrogen and phosphorus by biochar, factors influencing the adsorption of nitrogen and phosphorus in water by biochar, as well as reusability and adsorption mechanisms. Furthermore, the difficulties encountered and future research directions regarding the adsorption of nitrogen and phosphorus by biochar were proposed, providing references for the future application of biochar in nitrogen and phosphorus adsorption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater Treatment: Functional Materials and Advanced Technology, 2nd Edition)
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Other

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17 pages, 2354 KiB  
Perspective
Research Progress on the Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Water by Activated Persulfate Using Biochar-Loaded Nano Zero-Valent Iron
by Hai Lu, Xiaoyan Wang, Qiao Cong, Xinglin Chen, Qingpo Li, Xueqi Li, Shuang Zhong, Huan Deng and Bojiao Yan
Molecules 2024, 29(5), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29051130 - 3 Mar 2024
Viewed by 824
Abstract
Biochar (BC) is a new type of carbon material with a high specific surface area, porous structure, and good adsorption capacity, which can effectively adsorb and enrich organic pollutants. Meanwhile, nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) has excellent catalytic activity and can rapidly degrade organic [...] Read more.
Biochar (BC) is a new type of carbon material with a high specific surface area, porous structure, and good adsorption capacity, which can effectively adsorb and enrich organic pollutants. Meanwhile, nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) has excellent catalytic activity and can rapidly degrade organic pollutants through reduction and oxidation reactions. The combined utilization of BC and nZVI can not only give full play to their advantages in the adsorption and catalytic degradation of organic pollutants, but also help to reduce the agglomeration of nZVI, thus improving its efficiency in water treatment and providing strong technical support for water resources protection and environmental quality improvement. This article provides a detailed introduction to the preparation method and characterization technology, reaction mechanism, influencing factors, and specific applications of BC and nZVI, and elaborates on the research progress of BC-nZVI in activating persulfate (PS) to degrade organic pollutants in water. It has been proven experimentally that BC-nZVI can effectively remove phenols, dyes, pesticides, and other organic pollutants. Meanwhile, in response to the existing problems in current research, this article proposes future research directions and challenges, and summarizes the application prospects and development trends of BC-nZVI in water treatment. In summary, BC-nZVI-activated PS is an efficient technology for degrading organic pollutants in water, providing an effective solution for protecting water resources and improving environmental quality, and has significant application value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater Treatment: Functional Materials and Advanced Technology, 2nd Edition)
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