Search Results (161)

The development of efficient and sustainable water recycling systems is essential for long-term human missions and the establishment of space habitats on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Humidity condensate (HC) is a low-strength wastewater that is currently recycled on the International Space Station (ISS). The main contaminants in HC are primarily low-molecular-weight organics and ammonia. This has caused operational issues due to microbial growth in the Water Process Assembly (WPA) storage tank as well as failure of downstream systems. In addition, treatment of this wastewater primarily uses adsorptive and exchange media, which must be continually resupplied and represent a significant life-cycle cost. This study demonstrates the integration of a membrane-aerated biological reactor (MABR) for pretreatment and storage of HC, followed by brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO). Two system configurations were tested: (1) periodic MABR fluid was sent to batch RO operating at 90% water recovery with the RO concentrate sent to a separate waste tank; and (2) periodic MABR fluid was sent to batch RO operating at 90% recovery with the RO concentrate returned to the MABR (accumulating salinity in the MABR). With an external recycle tank (configuration 2), the system produced 2160 L (i.e., 1080 crew-days) of near potable water (dissolved organic carbon (DOC) < 10 mg/L, total nitrogen (TN) < 12 mg/L, total dissolved solids (TDS) < 30 mg/L) with a single membrane (weight of 260 g). When the MABR was used as the RO recycle tank (configuration 1), 1100 L of permeate could be produced on a single membrane; RO permeate quality was slightly better but generally similar to the first configuration even though no brine was wasted during the run. The results suggest that this hybrid system has the potential to significantly enhance the self-sufficiency of space habitats, supporting sustainable extraterrestrial human habitation, as well as reducing current operational problems on the ISS. These systems may also apply to extreme locations such as remote/isolated terrestrial locations, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article

As potable water becomes limited, alternative water sources, such as reclaimed wastewater, for crop irrigation have gained attention. However, reclaimed wastewater for irrigation may expose edible crops to compounds of emerging concern (CECs), which may include pharmaceutics, hazardous waste, and volatile substances. Of these CECs, carbamazepine (CBZ) is of particular interest because only 7% of CBZ is filtered out during traditional wastewater treatment processing methods. Two trials were designed to evaluate the uptake and partitioning of CBZ in lettuce grown in a deep-water culture system (DWC) at low and high concentrations. The first trial (0 µg L⁻¹, 12.5 µg L⁻¹, 25 µg L⁻¹, and 50 µg L⁻¹) of CBZ had few effects on lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) growth, and low concentrations of accumulated CBZ were found in lettuce tissues. As a result, increased concentrations of CBZ were used in the second trial (0 mg L⁻¹, 21 mg L⁻¹, 41 mg L⁻¹, and 83 mg L⁻¹). Greater amounts of CBZ accumulated in plant tissues and the application of higher rates of CBZ negatively affected the growth and overall health of the lettuce. Further research is needed to determine the impacts of CECs on plant uptake and growth, as well as the environmental conditions. Full article

Desalination is becoming crucial to meet the increasing global demand for potable water. Despite its benefits, desalination produces reject brine, a highly concentrated saline byproduct, which poses substantial environmental risks if not managed properly. It contains high levels of salts and other potentially harmful compounds, which, when discharged into oceans or land, can disrupt habitats, degrade soil quality, and harm biodiversity, creating serious environmental challenges. In response to these challenges, this study investigated various uses for reject brine, aiming to reduce its environmental footprint and explore its potential applications. This review paper synthesizes findings from previous studies on the disposal, management, and applications of reject brine in fields such as concrete production, road construction, and ground stabilization. In addition, this review highlights the potential cost savings and resource efficiency resulting from the utilization of reject brine, as well as the mitigation of environmental impacts associated with traditional disposal methods. This paper also provides a comprehensive overview of existing technologies and approaches used to utilize reject brine in various industries, including construction. This review contributes to the growing body of knowledge on environmentally friendly solutions for reject brine, emphasizing its potential role in supporting sustainable development goals through resource reutilization and waste minimization. The study also highlights current research gaps that are still unaddressed, hindering the complete realization of the full potential of reject brine as a sustainable resource. Full article

Hospitals require continuous access to water to sustain essential health services, especially when resources are taxed when drought conditions are compounded with other public health emergencies. In mid-2020, we conducted a rapid assessment of 71 hospitals in northern Thailand to evaluate water use and resilience during the concurrent 2019–2020 drought and the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. While most hospitals reported adequate water availability, many depended on short-term measures such as shallow wells and improvised storage. Water use per bed often exceeded international benchmarks, reflecting broader usage patterns that extend beyond potable consumption. Community hospitals, in particular, reported more limited backup supply and planning capacity. Drawing on both our findings and international guidance, we propose the Hazard Management Model, involving a set of recommendations to strengthen hospital water resilience, including hazard-specific planning, protected infrastructure, emergency storage, and improved efficiency. These insights contribute to the growing body of work on climate-adaptive healthcare, particularly in resource-constrained settings facing intensifying multi-hazard risks. Full article

Membrane technologies are used in the production of potable water and the treatment of wastewater in the military forces, providing the highest level of contaminant removal at an energy-efficient cost. This review examines the integration and application of membrane technologies, including reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, electrodialysis and advanced hybrid systems, in the treatment of wastewater generated at military bases, naval vessels and submarines. Special emphasis is placed on purification technologies for chemically, biologically and radiologically contaminated wastewater, as well as on the recycling and treatment of wastewater streams by mobile systems used in military applications. Given the specific requirements of complex military infrastructures, particularly in terms of energy efficiency, unit self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on logistical supply chains, this work analyses the latest advances in membrane technologies. Innovations such as nanographene membranes, biomimetic membranes, antifouling membrane systems and hybrid configurations of forward osmosis/reverse osmosis and electrodialysis/reverse electrodialysis offer unique potential for implementation in modular and mobile water treatment systems. In addition, the integration and operational use of these advanced technologies serve as a foundation for the development of autonomous military water supply strategies tailored to extreme operational conditions. The continued advancement and optimization of membrane technologies in military contexts is expected to significantly impact operational sustainability while minimizing environmental impact. Full article

Water scarcity and energy consumption are two pressing global challenges, especially in arid regions, that require sustainable solutions in line with circular economic principles. This study investigates the feasibility of greywater recycling systems for a 10-floor residential building housing 425 occupants by optimizing non-potable water demand and energy consumption. The grey-box modeling approach and energy balance optimization analysis are used to identify effective practices for implementing greywater recycling through the evaluation of environmental and economic effects on the performance of residential buildings. The findings are that there are 18% and 40% savings in water and energy, respectively, with greywater recycling systems. The research concludes that maximum treatment and recovery efficiencies significantly enhance the performance of the systems. Thus, there are 2.25 million kWh of annual energy savings that can repay itself in 4.42 years, as well as savings in the long-term consequences. These findings contribute further to achieving the UN-SDGs on Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) and Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7). This study contributes to a better understanding of optimizing greywater recycling systems that are practical and scalable for residential use and promote sustainable urban development with minimal environmental impacts. Full article

This study investigates the often-overlooked phenomenon of land drainage interventions as a means of climate change adaptation, focusing on a conceptual case study from Northern Bohemia, Czech Republic. The intensification of agriculture has led to extensive tile drainage systems, which have had significant environmental impacts, including disruption of water balance, nutrient leaching, and ecological degradation. With climate change expected to alter precipitation patterns and increase temperatures, these impacts are likely to intensify, leading to more frequent droughts and pollutant delivery from soil to water bodies. This study explores the options for the allocation and implementation of drainage-related measures such as controlled drainage, constructed wetlands, and partial drainage elimination to mitigate these effects, with the use of readily available archival data as well as aerial images, current as well as historical soil, land use, geomorphological and landowner-land user relationships. At two cadastral units with local potable water resources at the hilly Lovečkovicko case study, the paper proposes conceptual, practical approaches for integrating drainage-related measures into land consolidation processes. Here, eleven sites based on the cross-intersection of the above interventions’ criteria were selected, and twenty various drainage-related measures were tentatively designed. This study categorizes the implementation potential of the proposed measures into three levels: high, medium, and low, highlighting the feasibility and transferability of these interventions within the land consolidation or similar process. Full article

Over 1350 Chilean rural schools are experiencing a lack of potable water, and 40.4% of them lack formal access to drinking water and have to resort to various alternative sources of supply, with 43% relying on wells or waterwheels, 32% using water trucks, and 26% relying on rivers, springs, or streams. Due to the extreme situation, most inhabitants of affected rural areas count on different means of water recycling, mainly reused from irrigation, without control or management of water quality. For this study, Los Bellotos de la Vega Elementary, a rural school, became a case study as proposed by the Municipality of Olmué. The educational program focuses on crops and plantations based on rural agricultural practices, which are irrigated by a water recycling system. Through microbiological water analysis, olfactory air quality testing, surveys, and photovoice methods, we identified serious problems with the implementation and management of the water recycling system, including a lack of resources and maintenance, which could endanger the health of the members of the community. An analysis of the treatment plant’s water revealed that the recycled water did not meet quality standards, and the water supplied by water trucks was at the limits of the standards. It was also found that all the families related to the school children recycle water in their homes without any control over the quality of the water they reuse. However, a positive aspect revealed by this study is the elevated level of awareness about water conservation, habits of use, consumption, rationing, and reuse, as well as knowledge of appropriate vegetation, and they are already part of daily life. Full article

The provision of potable water or water with physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics suitable for consumption is essential for human survival. However, numerous communities in the coastal areas of Colombia still lack access to clean and safe water sources. To address this challenge in many communities, desalination emerges as a promising solution. In this regard, this article focuses on the evaluation and proposal of an integrated simulation model for solar-powered water desalination in coastal communities, with particular attention to water quality aspects, as well as potential impacts on health and the environment. To carry out a comprehensive assessment, the intention is to design a simulation model using tools such as Homer Pro, IMSdesign, and MATLAB, leveraging data on living conditions and water quality in La Guajira, as well as publicly available information on the best desalination practices in coastal communities and following current Colombian regulations within the framework of health and environmental care. This model will allow for a detailed analysis of key factors and impacts in the implementation of solar-powered desalination systems, considering the conditions of the case study in Manaure, La Guajira, Colombia. Through this design, it facilitates the understanding of technical and operational aspects, as well as exploring efficient energy solutions through the integration of renewable sources, with the purpose of mitigating the challenges associated with high energy consumption and reducing both costs and the environmental and human health impact inherent in these desalination processes. Full article

Thallium poisoning, which may be accidental or criminal, presents with a non-specific clinical picture but is rapidly progressive. A delay in diagnosis may cause the appearance of serious, often irreversible, and sometimes fatal lesions. Prompt treatment with Prussian Blue before toxicological confirmation results in immediate improvement in cases of intoxication, without appreciable side effects, and is, therefore, recommended as an “ex juvantibus” strategy in cases of suspected thallium poisoning. A successfully treated case of poisoning is presented as an example of this strategy. An analysis of the contaminated well water the patient had unknowingly drunk subsequently showed pollution over 75 times higher than the potable limit, and plasma levels revealed values 267 times higher than the normal range. All the test results were received when the patient undergoing treatment had improved so much that she had been discharged from hospital. To complete the study, we conducted a scoping review to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to the latency in the diagnosis of intoxication and health effects. The review of 30 articles covering 115 cases of thallotoxicosis confirmed that early treatment with Prussian Blue offers the best chance of achieving complete recovery. Full article

This study evaluates the feasibility of using pretreated domestic wastewater (PDW) for food production in a hydroponic system. In the face of increasing water shortage problems and rising fertilizer costs, PDW combined with a limited amount of fertilizer is evaluated for its effects on plant growth, biomass yield, and product safety. The results showed that lettuce grown with PDW and mineral fertilizers reached a fresh weight of 116, while the use of organic fertilizers increased the yield to 127 g, compared to only 54 g with raw water. Nitrate concentration (NO₃) was higher in lettuce grown with organic fertilizers (1044.33 ± 144.04 mg/kg) than with mineral fertilizers (623.33 ± 85.62 mg/kg), but the values remained well below the acceptable limit of 5000 mg/kg for safe consumption. Analysis of heavy metals confirmed that levels of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead were significantly lower than the maximum permissible values set by FAO and EU regulations. In addition, no phthalates were detected in the lettuce biomass, confirming the safety of the materials used in the hydroponic system. The use of PDW in hydroponic crops significantly reduces dependence on potable water and synthetic fertilizers, contributing to sustainable resource management. This approach not only reduces production costs, but also reduces the water footprint of crops, which is crucial in the context of global water availability problems. The findings support the validity of using PDW in decentralized food production as a sustainable solution for regions facing water and fertilizer shortages. Further research will focus on optimizing nutrient management and environmental conditions to increase system efficiency and food safety. Full article

Elevated concentrations of nitrate in potable water supplies have been linked to negative health outcomes such as methemoglobinemia and various cancers. Groundwater can become contaminated with nitrate from sources including onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs). A groundwater well down-gradient from an OWTS serving an elementary school in Eastern North Carolina USA had 15 consecutive water samples collected over a 5-year period that exceeded the maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/L for nitrate. Corrective actions were required. A permeable reactive barrier (PRB) filled with woodchips was installed between the OWTS drainfield and the contaminated well. The concentration of nitrate in groundwater from the well steadily decreased after the PRB was installed, and a significant (p = 0.001) inverse correlation (−0.859) was observed between the mean annual nitrate concentration and years after the PRB. The nitrate concentration in groundwater from the well has been below 10 mg/L for the last 17 consecutive sampling events. The median nitrate concentration in the well was significantly lower (p = 0.007) post (6.93 mg/L) relative to pre (12.66 mg/L) PRB. The PRB has not required any maintenance over the past 10 years. The implemented PRB directly influences the sampling results from a monitoring well, but it is not necessarily confirmed that it intercepts the entire groundwater flow or fully prevents aquifer contamination. To confirm this, additional monitoring wells would need to be installed. This research has shown that PRBs can be an effective, low-maintenance, best-management practice to reduce the groundwater transport of nitrate. Full article

The rapid development of the residential and industrial sectors produces a huge amount of treated domestic wastewater. The treated wastewater is discharged and could affect the environment in the long term. Improving the quality of treated domestic wastewater for water reclamation would benefit both sectors. This study aims to determine the efficiency of the biofilm-phytoremediation integration process in reclaiming domestic wastewater. A cuboid-shaped reactor was filled with 15 L of domestic wastewater, utilizing water hyacinth and a polyethylene carrier as supporting media for the process. The integrated reactor is tested in two phases: the initial adaptation of bacteria with domestic and synthetic wastewater (Phase I) and the integration process of biofilm-phytoremediation, based on the factors of NH₃-N concentration and hydraulic retention time (HRT), for 24 to 48 h (Phase II). In Phase II, pollutant removal was observed at varying NH₃-N concentrations: C1 (11–13 mg/L), C2 (9–11 mg/L), and C3 (3–5 mg/L). The study’s findings indicate a consistent performance in the first phase, with removal rates for COD and NH₃-N ranging between 86.7–100.0% and 79.0–99.6%, respectively. The reactor effectively removed pollutants at varying concentrations of NH₃-N, with average removal up to 100% (COD), 99% (NH₃-N), and 80% (PO₄³⁻). This integrated reactor shows the finest treated water quality outcomes for non-potable water recovery, as well as offers an alternative to resolve water scarcity for use in various sectors. Full article

The present study reviews leachate models useful for proactive and rehab actions to safeguard surface and subsurface soft water, which have become even more scarce. Integrated management plans of water basins are of crucial importance since intensively cultivated areas are adding huge quantities of fertilizers to the soil, affecting surface water basins and groundwater. Aquifers are progressively being nitrified on account of the nitrogen-based fertilizer surplus, rendering water for human consumption not potable. Well-tested solute leaching models, standalone or part of a model package, provide rapid site-specific estimates of the leaching potential of chemical agents, mostly nitrates, below the root zone of crops and the impact of leaching toward groundwater. Most of the models examined were process-based or conceptual approaches. Nonetheless, empirical prediction models, though rather simplistic and therefore not preferrable, demonstrate certain advantages, such as less demanding extensive calibration database information requirements, which in many cases are unavailable, not to mention a stochastic approach and the involvement of artificial intelligence (AI). Models were categorized according to the porous medium and agents to be monitored. Integrated packages of nutrient models are irreplaceable elements for extensive catchments to monitor the terrestrial nitrogen-balanced cycle and to contribute to policy making as regards soft water management. Full article

Chromium is an essential element in various industrial processes, including stainless steel production, electroplating, metal finishing, leather tanning, photography, and textile manufacturing. However, it is also a well-documented contaminant of aquatic systems and agricultural land, posing significant economic and health challenges. The hexavalent form of chromium [Cr(VI)] is particularly toxic and carcinogenic, linked to severe health issues such as cancer, kidney disorders, liver failure, and environmental biomagnification. Due to the high risks associated with chromium contamination in potable water, researchers have focused on developing effective removal strategies. Among these strategies, biosorption has emerged as a promising, cost-effective, and energy-efficient method for eliminating toxic metals, especially chromium. This process utilizes agricultural waste, plants, algae, bacteria, fungi, and other biomass as adsorbents, demonstrating substantial potential for the remediation of heavy metals from contaminated environments at minimal cost. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of various strategies, materials, and mechanisms involved in the bioremediation of chromium, along with their commercial viability. It also highlights the advantages of biosorption over traditional chemical and physical methods, offering a thorough understanding of its applications and effectiveness. Full article