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Advanced Wastewater Treatment Processes and Technologies
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Advanced Wastewater Treatment Processes and Technologies

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental and Green Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 4207

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Dragana D. Vasić Anićijević

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Guest Editor
Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: material design; surface modelling; pollutant removal; DFT calculations
Dr. Miloš D. Milović

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Theoretical Physics and Condensed Matter Physics, “Vinča” Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: solid-state chemistry; crystallography; electrode materials; catalysis
Dr. Marija Ječmenica Dučić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physical Chemistry, “Vinča” Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: carbon materials; adsorption; electrochemical techniques; modelling and simulations

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid increase in the consumption of industrial products in recent decades has contributed to the comprehensive increase in environmental pollution by various types of chemicals. The subsistence of clean water as the most important resource on Earth is the common interest of the whole of humanity. The permanent development of novel, efficient, innocuous technologies for wastewater remediation represents an inevitable challenge for the entire scientific community. In terms of research and development of wastewater treatment methods, an integral approach that covers both fundamental and practical aspects is necessary so that the removal is complete, sustainable, and safe for the environment, without secondary pollution. Facing the increasing challenges, even the well-established technologies for water purification need improvements and optimization to fit these goals. Bringing together the scientific and technological knowledge with the recognition of the long-range effects of their application should contribute to the finding of optimal solutions that will assure enough safe water for the living world in the near future.

This Special Issue, titled “Advanced Wastewater Treatment Processes and Technologies”, seeks high-quality works focusing on the recent progress in the development of wastewater treatment processes with minimal negative impact on the environment and humanity. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • The implementation of green materials in wastewater treatment processes.
  • Optimization of wastewater treatment process.
  • Development of the methodologies for the removal of target pollutants.
  • Development of novel materials with potential applications in green technologies.
  • Studies of treatment by-products, secondary pollution, and toxicology.
  • Modelling and simulations.

We look forward to your submissions.

Dr. Dragana D. Vasić Anićijević
Dr. Miloš D. Milović
Dr. Marija Ječmenica Dučić
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. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2400 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
  • green methods
  • pollutant removal
  • material design
  • nanomaterials
  • adsorption
  • advanced oxidation processes
  • catalysis

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 2426 KB  
Article
Selective Removal of Chlorpyrifos from Contaminated Water Using Young Walnut-Derived Carbon Material as a Sustainable Adsorbent
by Rialda Kurtić, Tamara Tasić, Vedran Milanković, Vladan J. Anićijević, Lazar Rakočević, Nebojša Potkonjak, Christoph Unterweger, Igor A. Pašti and Tamara Lazarević-Pašti
Processes 2025, 13(10), 3357; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13103357 - 20 Oct 2025
Viewed by 239
Abstract
Chlorpyrifos (CHP) is a persistent organophosphate pesticide whose presence in water poses serious ecological and health risks. Here, we report a sustainable adsorbent obtained by high-temperature carbonization of immature walnuts (Juglans regia). The adsorbent’s structure, surface chemistry, and charge properties were [...] Read more.
Chlorpyrifos (CHP) is a persistent organophosphate pesticide whose presence in water poses serious ecological and health risks. Here, we report a sustainable adsorbent obtained by high-temperature carbonization of immature walnuts (Juglans regia). The adsorbent’s structure, surface chemistry, and charge properties were comprehensively characterized using FTIR, SEM-EDX, zeta potential measurement, BET analysis, and XPS. The synthesis yielded a mesoporous carbon material with a BET surface area of 303 m2 g−1. Its performance in CHP removal was assessed under batch and dynamic conditions. Adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics (k2 = 0.122 mg min−1 g−1; contact time 0–120 min). Isotherm experiments performed at 20, 25, and 30 °C, with equilibrium data best described by the Langmuir and Sips models, reaching a maximum capacity of 43.2 mg g−1. Thermodynamic analysis indicated a spontaneous and endothermic process. The adsorbent demonstrated selectivity for CHP over chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPO) in binary mixtures, retained its efficiency over at least ten regeneration cycles with ethanol, and removed up to 90% of CHP toxicity, as measured by acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Dynamic filtration confirmed its applicability under flow conditions. These findings demonstrate that the investigated adsorbent is an effective, reusable, and selective adsorbent, offering a low-cost and eco-friendly approach to pesticide removal from contaminated waters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Wastewater Treatment Processes and Technologies)
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27 pages, 4113 KB  
Article
Pharmaceutical Micropollutants in Wastewater: A Case Study of the Mascara WWTP (Algeria)
by Souhila Saim, Slimane Mokrani and Isabel Martínez-Alcalá
Processes 2025, 13(10), 3205; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13103205 - 9 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are emerging contaminants of global concern, but their occurrence and removal in semi-arid regions such as Algeria remain poorly documented. This study provides the first systematic evaluation of pharmaceutical and physicochemical parameters in two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Mascara: an activated [...] Read more.
Pharmaceuticals are emerging contaminants of global concern, but their occurrence and removal in semi-arid regions such as Algeria remain poorly documented. This study provides the first systematic evaluation of pharmaceutical and physicochemical parameters in two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Mascara: an activated sludge system (WWTP-1) and an aerated lagoon system (WWTP-2). Ten pharmaceuticals of different therapeutic classes were quantified using UPLC-HR-QTOF-MS in influent, effluent, and sludge samples, and removal efficiencies were compared using ANOVA and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). WWTP-1 showed higher efficiency, with >90% removal of COD, BOD5, and ammonium, and near-complete elimination of sulfamethoxazole (99.9%) and atenolol (94%). In contrast, WWTP-2 achieved only moderate reductions (69% COD, 51% BOD5) and low pharmaceutical removal, with negative efficiencies for persistent compounds such as carbamazepine, diclofenac, and ibuprofen. Weak correlations between macro- and micropollutants indicated that traditional indicators cannot predict pharmaceutical behavior. This work is the first to integrate physicochemical monitoring, pharmaceutical profiling, and multivariate analysis in Algerian WWTPs. The findings highlight the limitations of conventional treatment in semi-arid conditions and provide a critical baseline for adopting advanced technologies to mitigate pharmaceutical pollution in North Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Wastewater Treatment Processes and Technologies)
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32 pages, 3453 KB  
Article
Activated Carbons from Apricot Kernel Shells for Wastewater Treatment: Adsorption of Pb2+ and Rhodamine B with Equilibrium, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and DFT Analysis
by Milena Pijović Radovanović, Marija Ječmenica Dučić, Dragana Vasić Anićijević, Vladimir Dodevski, Sanja Živković, Vladimir Pavićević and Bojan Janković
Processes 2025, 13(6), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13061715 - 30 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1537
Abstract
Apricot kernel shells were evaluated as a sustainable activated carbon precursor for wastewater treatment using experimental and theoretical methods. Two adsorbents were synthesized: physically activated with CO2 (AKS-CO2) and chemically activated with H3PO4 (AKS-H3PO4 [...] Read more.
Apricot kernel shells were evaluated as a sustainable activated carbon precursor for wastewater treatment using experimental and theoretical methods. Two adsorbents were synthesized: physically activated with CO2 (AKS-CO2) and chemically activated with H3PO4 (AKS-H3PO4). Comprehensive materials characterization and adsorption tests using Pb2+ ions and Rhodamine B dye (RhB) as model pollutants revealed that AKS-H3PO4 significantly outperformed its physically activated counterpart. With an exceptionally high specific surface area (1159.4 m2/g) enriched with phosphorus-containing functional groups, the chemically activated carbon demonstrated outstanding removal efficiencies of 85.1% for Pb2+ and 80.3% for RhB. Kinetic studies showed Pb2+ adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating chemisorption, while RhB adsorption fitted pseudo-first-order kinetics, suggesting intra-particle diffusion control. The thermodynamic analysis confirmed the spontaneity of both processes: Pb2+ adsorption was exothermic under standard conditions with positive isosteric heat at higher concentrations, reinforcing its chemisorption nature, whereas RhB adsorption was endothermic, consistent with physisorption. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations further elucidated the mechanisms, revealing that Pb2+ preferentially binds to oxygen-containing functional groups, while RhB interacts through hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking. These findings establish chemically activated apricot kernel shell carbon as a high-performance adsorbent, exhibiting exceptional removal capacity for both ionic and molecular contaminants through distinct adsorption mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Wastewater Treatment Processes and Technologies)
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15 pages, 3635 KB  
Article
Synergistic Removal of Hazardous Dyes Using a Clay/Carbon Composite Derived from Spent Bleaching Earth: Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology
by Freeman Madhau, Zhenjun Wu, Yahui Shi, Dongli Guo, Dongjin Wan, Shepherd Tichapondwa, Yangyang Wang, Bright Chisadza and Beibei Zhu
Processes 2025, 13(4), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041217 - 17 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 840
Abstract
Industrial wastewater contains complex pollutants, including toxic dyes, necessitating effective and sustainable remediation strategies. Conventional treatment methods often struggle to remove multiple dyes simultaneously, underscoring the need for innovative adsorbents. This study investigated a clay/carbon composite (SBE/C (500 °C)) derived from spent bleaching [...] Read more.
Industrial wastewater contains complex pollutants, including toxic dyes, necessitating effective and sustainable remediation strategies. Conventional treatment methods often struggle to remove multiple dyes simultaneously, underscoring the need for innovative adsorbents. This study investigated a clay/carbon composite (SBE/C (500 °C)) derived from spent bleaching earth (SBE) via pyrolysis for the simultaneous removal of methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) dyes. The pyrolysis process significantly enhanced the specific surface area of SBE, improving its adsorption capacity. Using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM), we optimized key parameters (pH, contact time, and dosage) at 45 °C and an initial dye concentration of 20 mg/L. The developed quadratic model demonstrated high predictive accuracy, with experimental results closely aligning with predictions (R2 = 0.9983 for MB, 0.9955 for MG), along with strong adjusted (R2 = 0.9962 for MB, 0.9896 for MG) and predicted (R2 = 0.9811 for MB, 0.9275 for MG) values. Under optimal conditions, the maximum adsorption capacities reached 27.77 mg/g for MB and 27.38 mg/g for MG. These findings highlight the potential of SBE/C (500 °C) as a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent for the simultaneous removal of MB and MG from wastewater, offering a promising solution for environmental remediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Wastewater Treatment Processes and Technologies)
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Review

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30 pages, 1329 KB  
Review
Corn Residue-Based Activated Carbon for Heavy Metal Removal: A Review of Adsorptive Performance and Properties
by Marina Radenković, Marija Kovačević, Vuk Radojičić, Miloš Tošić, Miloš Momčilović and Sanja Živković
Processes 2025, 13(11), 3406; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13113406 - 23 Oct 2025
Viewed by 381
Abstract
Corn (Zea mays L.) ranks among the most important cereal crops globally, extensively cultivated for food, animal feed, and industrial applications. Its large-scale production generates substantial amounts of agricultural residues such as cobs, husks, stalks, leaves and other, which are often underutilized, [...] Read more.
Corn (Zea mays L.) ranks among the most important cereal crops globally, extensively cultivated for food, animal feed, and industrial applications. Its large-scale production generates substantial amounts of agricultural residues such as cobs, husks, stalks, leaves and other, which are often underutilized, leading to environmental concerns. Due to their high carbon content, lignocellulosic structure, and abundant availability, these residues represent a sustainable and low-cost raw material for the synthesis of activated carbon. Corn waste-derived activated carbon has emerged as a promising material for the efficient removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. Its high surface area, well-developed porosity, and adjustable surface chemistry, referring to the functional groups on the adsorbent surface that can be modified to enhance affinity toward metal ions, facilitate effective adsorption. This review provides a comprehensive overview of (1) the potential of corn waste biomass as a precursor for activated carbon production, (2) methods of carbonization and activation that influence the textural and chemical properties of the resulting adsorbents, (3) adsorption performance for heavy metal removal under varying experimental parameters such as pH, initial concentration, contact time, and adsorbent dosage, (4) adsorption mechanisms responsible for heavy metal uptake. Reported maximum adsorption capacities vary for different metals, ranging from 2.814–206 mg/g for lead, 0.21–87.72 mg/g for cadmium, 9.6246–175.44 mg/g for chromium, and 0.724–643.92 mg/g for copper. Utilizing corn waste not only provides an eco-friendly approach for managing agricultural residues but also supports the development of efficient adsorbents. Nevertheless, challenges such as scaling up production and evaluating adsorbent performance in real wastewater samples remain and require further investigation. Finally, the review highlights key challenges and knowledge gaps in current research and offers recommendations for future studies aimed at advancing the practical application of corn waste–based activated carbons in water treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Wastewater Treatment Processes and Technologies)
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