Selective adsorption of tetracycline by β-CD-immobilized sodium alginate aerogel coupled with ultrafiltration for reclaimed water

In this work,a novel composite material based on β-cyclodextrin-immobilized sodium alginate aerogel(β-CD/NaAlg) was developed utilizing cross-linker of epichlorohydrin and applied as an adsorbent to remove tetracycline antibiotics from reclaimed wastewater.A series of characterizations were utilized to confirm the successful synthesis of the adsorbent and this β-CD/NaAlg presented a three-dimensional network at the nanoscale or microscale.Under optimal conditions(pH=4,t=8 h,β-CD:NaAlg=9,adsorbent dosage = 1.5 g·L-1),the maximum removal rate of β-CD/NaAlg to tetracycline was 70%.The adsorption behavior of tetracycline on β-CD/NaAlg conformed to the Freundlich isotherm model(R2=0.9977) and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model(R^(2)=0.9993).Moreover,the adsorbent still removed 55.3% of tetracycline after five cycles.Specially,the adsorbent was integrated with ultrafiltration to adsorb tetracycline antibiotics from simulated reclaimed wastewater,and the removal rate of tetracycline reached 78.9% within 2 h.The existence of Cr(Ⅵ) had a negligible impact on tetracycline removal,while the presence of humic acid exhibited a promoting effect.The possible adsorption mechanisms were also elucidated through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory analysis.In summary,β-CD/NaAlg represents an environmentally friendly,efficient,and sustainable adsorbent for removing tetracycline antibiotics from reclaimed water.

Cloud-Model-Based Feature Engineering to Analyze the Energy-Water Nexus of a Full-Scale Wastewater Treatment Plant

Wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs)are important and energy-intensive municipal infrastructures.High energy consumption and relatively low operating performance are major challenges from the perspective of carbon neutrality.However,water-energy nexus analysis and models for WWTPs have rarely been reported to date.In this study,a cloud-model-based energy consumption analysis(CMECA)of a WWTP was conducted to explore the relationship between influent and energy consumption by clustering its influent’s parameters.The principal component analysis(PCA)and K-means clustering were applied to classify the influent condition using water quality and volume data.The energy consumption of the WWTP is divided into five standard evaluation levels,and its cloud digital characteristics(CDCs)were extracted according to bilateral constraints and golden ratio methods.Our results showed that the energy consumption distribution gradually dispersed and deviated from the Gaussian distribution with decreased water concentration and quantity.The days with high energy efficiency were extracted via the clustering method from the influent category of excessive energy consumption,represented by a compact-type energy consumption distribution curve to identify the influent conditions that affect the steady distribution of energy consumption.The local WWTP has high energy consumption with 0.3613 kW·h·m^(-3)despite low influent concentration and volumes,across four consumption levels from low(I)to relatively high(IV),showing an unsatisfactory operation and management level.The average oxygenation capacity,internal reflux ratio,and external reflux ratio during high energy efficiency days recognized by further clustering were obtained(0.2924-0.3703 kg O_(2)·m^(-3),1.9576-2.4787,and 0.6603-0.8361,respectively),which could be used as a guide for the days with low energy efficiency.Consequently,this study offers a water-energy nexus analysis method to identify influent conditions with operational management anomalies and can be used as an empirical reference for the optimized operation of WWTPs.

Multimodal Machine Learning Guides Low Carbon Aeration Strategies in Urban Wastewater Treatment

The potential for reducing greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions and energy consumption in wastewater treatment can be realized through intelligent control,with machine learning(ML)and multimodality emerging as a promising solution.Here,we introduce an ML technique based on multimodal strategies,focusing specifically on intelligent aeration control in wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs).The generalization of the multimodal strategy is demonstrated on eight ML models.The results demonstrate that this multimodal strategy significantly enhances model indicators for ML in environmental science and the efficiency of aeration control,exhibiting exceptional performance and interpretability.Integrating random forest with visual models achieves the highest accuracy in forecasting aeration quantity in multimodal models,with a mean absolute percentage error of 4.4%and a coefficient of determination of 0.948.Practical testing in a full-scale plant reveals that the multimodal model can reduce operation costs by 19.8%compared to traditional fuzzy control methods.The potential application of these strategies in critical water science domains is discussed.To foster accessibility and promote widespread adoption,the multimodal ML models are freely available on GitHub,thereby eliminating technical barriers and encouraging the application of artificial intelligence in urban wastewater treatment.

Synergistic coupling among Mg_(2)B_(2)O_(5),polycarbonate and N,Ndimethylformamide enhances the electrochemical performance of PVDF-HFP-based solid electrolyte

Polymer solid electrolytes(SPEs)based on the[solvate-Li+]complex structure have promising prospects in lithium metal batteries(LMBs)due to their unique ion transport mechanism.However,the solvation structure may compromise the mechanical performance and safety,hindering practical application of SPEs.In this work,a composite solid electrolyte(CSE)is designed through the organic-inorganic syner-gistic interaction among N,N-dimethylformamide(DMF),polycarbonate(PC),and Mg_(2)B_(2)O_(5) in poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)(PVDF-HFP).Flame-retardant Mg_(2)B_(2)O_(5) nanowires provide non-flammability to the prepared CSEs,and the addition of PC improves the dispersion of Mg_(2)B_(2)O_(5) nanowires.Simultaneously,the organic-inorganic synergistic action of PC plasticizer and Mg_(2)B_(2)O_(5) nanowires pro-motes the dissociation degree of LiTFSI and reduces the crystallinity of PVDF-HFP,enabling rapid Li ion transport.Additionally,Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations confirm the coordination between Mg atoms in Mg_(2)B_(2)O_(5) and N atoms in DMF,which exhibits Lewis base-like behavior attacking adjacent C-F and C-H bonds in PVDF-HFP while inducing dehydrofluorination of PVDF-HFP.Based on the syner-gistic coupling of Mg_(2)B_(2)O_(5),PC,and DMF in the PVDF-HFP matrix,the prepared CSE exhibits superior ion conductivity(9.78×10^(-4) s cm^(-1)).The assembled Li symmetric cells cycle stably for 3900 h at a current density of 0.1 mA cm^(-2) without short circuit.The LFP||Li cells assembled with PDL-Mg_(2)B_(2)O_(5)/PC CSEs show excellent rate capability and cycling performance,with a capacity retention of 83.3%after 1000 cycles at 0.5 C.This work provides a novel approach for the practical application of organic-inorganic Synergistic CSEs in LMBs.

Envisioning Water-Resilient Cities Through the Lens of Blue-Green-Grey Solutions

Cities are dynamic systems,and the urban water systems within them can be evolved to provide water services to both humans and the environment while also enhancing the broader urban environment.This is done by embracing innovation and technological advancement while focusing on increased service to the human population and the local and broader environment.In the contemporary era,characterized by the rise of low-carbon and intelligent technologies,the swift pace of socioeconomic expansion highlights the critical need to address issues of urban water security and environmental preservation.Amid escalating resource and environmental constraints,adopting holistic blue-green-grey strategies becomes imperative for the sustainable governance of urban water resources.An integrated approach is needed to navigate the intricate challenges of urban water dynamics while fostering enhanced ecological performance and resilience.

Bioresource Upgrade for Sustainable Energy,Environment,and Biomedicine

We conceptualize bioresource upgrade for sustainable energy,environment,and biomedicine with a focus on circular economy,sustainability,and carbon neutrality using high availability and low utilization biomass(HALUB).We acme energy-efficient technologies for sustainable energy and material recovery and applications.The technologies of thermochemical conversion(TC),biochemical conversion(BC),electrochemical conversion(EC),and photochemical conversion(PTC)are summarized for HALUB.Microalgal biomass could contribute to a biofuel HHV of 35.72 MJ Kg^(-1)and total benefit of 749$/ton biomass via TC.Specific surface area of biochar reached 3000 m^(2)g^(-1)via pyrolytic carbonization of waste bean dregs.Lignocellulosic biomass can be effectively converted into bio-stimulants and biofertilizers via BC with a high conversion efficiency of more than 90%.Besides,lignocellulosic biomass can contribute to a current density of 672 mA m^(-2)via EC.Bioresource can be 100%selectively synthesized via electrocatalysis through EC and PTC.Machine learning,techno-economic analysis,and life cycle analysis are essential to various upgrading approaches of HALUB.Sustainable biomaterials,sustainable living materials and technologies for biomedical and multifunctional applications like nano-catalysis,microfluidic and micro/nanomotors beyond are also highlighted.New techniques and systems for the complete conversion and utilization of HALUB for new energy and materials are further discussed.

Effect of filter-feeding fish silver carp on phytoplankton species and size distribution in surface water:A field study in water works

Silver carp were introduced into the pre-sedimentation pond to control excessive phytoplankton in raw water. The effectiveness of the filter-feeding silver carp on phytoplankton control and the effect of silver carp on phytoplankton community were investigated. The results showed that Microcystis could be effectively removed by silver carp stocked in the pre-sedimentation pond, and simultaneously, the concentration of single-cell phytoplankton increased obviously. The difference in phytoplankton species and single- cell phytoplankton size between in the water and in the gut of silver carp indicated that phytoplankton smaller than 5 μm, such as Chamydomonas and Platymonas, were almost not be filtered by silver carp, phytoplankton with the size between 5 and 20μm could be partly filtered, and large size phytoplankton, mainly colony-forming Microcystis could be filtered almost completely. These filter- feeding characteristics directly caused the phytoplankton size distribution biased toward miniaturization. Therefore, this biological treatment using silver carp could be applied only to deal with groups of Microcystis-dominated eutrophic water, and was not appropriate in water bodies where single-cell micro phytoplankton were dominant. Especially when silver carp are used in water treatment, a cautious attitude should be taken based on the evaluation of phytoplankton biomass and species structure features in raw water.

Synthesis of hierarchical dendritic micro–nano structure ZnFe_2O_4 and photocatalytic activities for water splitting

Hierarchical dendritic micro–nano structure Zn Fe_2O_4 have been prepared by electrochemical reduction and thermal oxidation method in this work. X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectra and field-emission scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the crystal structure, size and morphology. The results show that the sample(S-2) is composed of pure ZnFe_2O_4 when the molar ratio of Zn^(2+)/Fe^(2+)in the electrolyte is 0.35. Decreasing the molar ratio of Zn^(2+)/Fe^(2+), the sample(S-1) is composed of ZnFe_2O_4 and α-Fe_2O_3, whereas increasing the molar ratio of Zn^(2+)/Fe^(2+), the sample(S-3) is composed of ZnFe_2O_4 and Zn O. The lattice parameters of ZnFe_2O_4 are influenced by the molar ratio of Zn^(2+)/Fe: Zn at excess decreases the cell volume whereas Fe at excess increases the cell volume of Zn Fe_2O_4. All the samples have the dendritic structure, of which S-2 has micron-sized lush branches with nano-sized leaves. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra were acquired by a spectrophotometer. The absorption edges gradually blue shift with the increase of the molar ratio of Zn^(2+)/Fe^(2+). Photocatalytic activities for water splitting were investigated under Xe light irradiation in an aqueous olution containing 0.1 mol·L^(-1)Na_2S/0.02 mol·L^(-1)Na_2SO_3 in a glass reactor. The relatively highest photocatalytic activity with 1.41 μmol·h-1· 0.02 g^(-1)was achieved by pure ZnFe_2O_4sample(S-2). The photocatalytic activity of the mixture phase of Zn Fe_2O_4 and α-Fe_2O_3(S-1) is better than ZnF e_2O_4 and ZnO(S-3).

Causal Analysis Between Rice Growth and Cadmium Accumulation and Transfer under Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation

Cadmium(Cd)contamination in rice has been a serious threat to human health.To investigate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF)on the Cd translocation in rice,a controlled pot experiment was conducted.The results indicated that AMF significantly increased rice biomass,with an increase of up to 40.0%,particularly in root biomass by up to 68.4%.Notably,the number of prominent rice individuals also increased,and their plasticity was enhanced following AMF inoculation.AMF led to an increase in the net photosynthetic rate and antioxidant enzyme activity of rice.In the AMF treatment group,the Cd concentration in the rice roots was significantly higher(19.1%‒68.0%)compared with that in the control group.Conversely,the Cd concentration in the rice seeds was lower in the AMF treatment group,indicating that AMF facilitated the sequestration of Cd in rice roots and reduced Cd accumulation in the seeds.Path coefficients varied across different treatments,suggesting that AMF inoculation reduced the direct impact of soil Cd concentration on the total Cd accumulation in seeds.The translocation of Cd was consistently associated with simultaneous growth dilution and compensatory accumulation as a result of mycorrhizal effects.Our study quantitatively analyzed this process through path analysis and clarified the causal relationship between rice growth and Cd transfer under the influence of AMF.

Sustainable Generation of Sulfate Radicals and Decontamination of Micropollutants via Sequential Electrochemistry

The removal of emerging micropollutants in the aquatic environment remains a global challenge.Conventional routes are often chemically,energetically,and operationally intensive,which decreases their sustainability during applications.Herein,we develop an advanced chemical-free strategy for micropollutants decontamination that is solely based on sequential electrochemistry involving ubiquitous sulfate anions in natural and engineered waters.This can be achieved via a chain reaction initiated by electrocatalytic anodic sulfate(SO_(4)^(2-))oxidation to produce persulfate(S_(2)O_(8)^(2-))and followed by a cathodic persulfate reduction to produce sulfate radicals(SO_(4)^(·-)).These SO_(4)^(·-)are powerful reactive species that enable the unselective degradation of micropollutants and yield SO_(4)^(2-)again in the treated water.The proposed flow-through electrochemical system achieves the efficient degradation(100.0%)and total organic carbon removal(65.0%)of aniline under optimized conditions with a single-pass mode.We also reveal the effectiveness of the proposed system for the degradation of a wide array of emerging micropollutants over a broad pH range and in complex matrices.This work provides the first proof-ofconcept demonstration using ubiquitous sulfate for micropollutants decontamination,making water purification more sustainable and more economical.

Hetero-Janus Nanofibers as an Ideal Framework for Promoting Water-pollutant Photoreforming Hydrogen Evolution

Photoreforming hydrogen evolution(Pr-HE)of a water-pollutant system could simultaneously achieve efficient hydrogen production and pollutant degradation.It provides a new way to solve energy and environmental issues,but the poor internal charge separation still limits its performance.This work designed hetero-Janus nanofibers(HJNFs)with ordered electric field distribution and separated redox surfaces to promote Pr-HE of the water-pollutant system.Taking ZnO/NiO heterojunction as an example,the hetero-Janus structures were prepared via"Dual-channel"electrospinning and further confirmed by the element morphology analysis and asymmetric distribution of the XPS spectra.The theoretical simulation showed that Janus structures could effectively inhibit the electron trap and hole trap generation,then accelerate the directional carrier migration to the surface.Experimental investigations also confirmed that Janus structures could effectively suppress internal exciton luminescence and accelerate surface charge transfer.The Pr-HE amount and the corresponding propranolol(PRO)degradation rate of HJNFs were 7.9 and 1.5 times higher than hetero-mixed nanofibers(HMNFs).The enhancement factor of Pr-HE in water-PRO to pure water was about 3.1,but nearly zero for HMNFs.This prominent synergistic effect was due to the enhancement of charge separation and the inhibition of cascade side reaction from hetero-Janus structures.Furthermore,the synchronous Pr-HE and degradation reactions were significantly promoted by selective introducing Ag nanoparticles in one side of the HJNFs for enlarging the interfacial Fermi energy level difference.The hetero-Janus strategy offers a new perspective on designing efficient photoreforming photocatalysts for energy and environment applications.

High Efficient Removal of Trace Molybdenum from Water by FeCl_3:Effects of p H and Affecting Factors in the Presence of Co-existing Background Constituents

The effect of FeCl_3 coagulation-filtration on the removal of trace Mo(Ⅵ) from water is investigated in the p H range of 4. 00 to 9. 00 and the effects of sulfate,silicate,phosphate and humic acid( HA) on the process were determined. Overall,the removal of Mo(Ⅵ) is determined by two factors: the content of Fe intercepted from water( Intercepted Fe) and the affinity between Mo(Ⅵ)( or co-existing background constituents) and adsorption sites. At low p H,where the agglomeration of the iron flocs is limited,the former factor is dominant,so the methods that can promote the agglomeration of the iron flocs,such as increasing the p H,adding co-existing constituents( sulfate,phosphate or HA),can increase the removal of Mo(Ⅵ). While at high p H,the second factor dominated. Increasing the p H weakens the affinity between Mo(Ⅵ) and the iron flocs,and co-existing background constituents( sulfate,phosphate,silicate or HA) compete with Mo(Ⅵ) for adsorption sites,both effects result in a decrease in Mo(Ⅵ) removal. The Mo(Ⅵ) removal efficiency of FeCl_3 in natural water decreases as the p H increases from 4. 00 to 9. 00,and it is better to operate the coagulation process at p H 5.00 in the practical water treatment engineering.

Effects of low temperature on sludge settleability and nutrients removal performance treating domestic wastewater

In order to investigate the effect of temperature on activated sludge systems,sludge settleability,nitrogen and phosphorus removal processes were investigated by changing temperature variation patterns using 4 sequencing batch reactors (SBR).The results showed that no matter temperature changes in the range of 15-22 ℃ (decrease or increase) gradually or sharply,it has little effect on nitrogen and phosphorus removal processes.But when temperature decreases to 12 ℃,biochemical reactions will be inhibitted obviously.At least 1 sludge retention time (SRT) is needed for nitrification adapt to new temperature envirionment,and more time is necessary for phosphorus removal process.When temperature increases from 12 ℃ to 22 ℃ sharply,nitrification process deteriorates seriously,but phosphorus removal process shows no change.In addition,sludge settleability deteriorates when temperature changes sharply (decrease or increase),but the reasons are different.Under temperature decrease condition,it is mainly caused by the increase of accumulated extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).Under temperature increase condition,the loosing sludge flocs' configuration is the main reason.It should be pointed out that the filamentous bacteria content during the entire experiment keeps almost constant,and the sludge settleability variations are the reflection of the change of sludge physicochemical characteristics.

Pollutants removal and simulation model of combined membrane process for wastewater treatment and reuse in submarine cabin for long voyage

A laboratory scale test was conducted in a combined membrane process （CMP） with a capacity of 2.91 m3/d for 240 d to treat the mixed wastewater of humidity condensate, hygiene wastewater and urine in submarine cabin during prolonged voyage. Removal performance of chemical oxygen demand （COD）, ammonia nitrogen （NH4^＋-N）, turbidity and anionic surfactants （LAS） was investigated under different conditions. It was observed that the effluent COD, NH4^＋-N, turbidity and LAS flocculated in ranges of 0.19-0.85 mg/L, 0.03-0.18 mg/L, 0.0-0.15 NTU and 0.0-0.05 mg/L, respectively in spite of considerable fluctuation in corresponding influent of 2120-5350 mg/L, 79.5-129.3 mg/L, 110-181.1NTU and 4.9-5.4 mg/L. The effluent quality of the CMP could meet the requirements of mechanical water and hygiene water according to the class I water quality standards in China （GB3838-2002）. The removal rates of COD, NH4^＋-N, turbidity and LAS removed in the MBR were more than 90%, which indicated that biodegradation is indispensable and plays a major role in the wastewater treatment and reuse. A model, built on the back propagation neural network （BPNN） theory, was developed for the simulation of CMP and produced high reliability. The average error of COD and NH4^＋-N was 5.14% and 6.20%, respectively, and the root mean squared error of turbidity and LAS was 2.76% and 1.41%, respectively. The results indicated that the model well fitted the laboratory data, and was able to simulate the removal of COD, NH4^＋-N, turbidity and LAS. It also suggested that the model proposed could reflect and manage the operation of CMP for the treatment of the mixed wastewaters in submarine.

Optimization and application of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) process in EBPR fed with municipal wastewater

For sludge samples from EBPR reactor fed with municipal wastewater,fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) operation process including moisture chamber,pretreatment,treatment with lysozyme and Proteinase K and washing time was optimized and improved.Preserving box was chosen to be moisture chamber due to its bigger depth /radii ratio,good sealability and big volume contrast with Petri dish.3-5 mm diameter glass balls could disperse samples without destroying microorganism cells and community structure.Impurities and ECPs could be removed easily and sludge samples became thinner after dispersing which benefit the observation.Permeabilized cells with lysozyme and Proteinase K could enhance probe penetration before hybridization.Experiments of different treatment time with lysozyme and Proteinase K were carried out.Best results were observed when sludge samples treated with lysozyme 10 min/Proteinase K 20 min or lysozyme 20 min/Proteinase K 10 min.Slides were washed at 48 ℃ for 10,20,30,40 and 60 min in parallel.The best washing time was 20 min when washing temperature was 48 ℃.Fluorescent dye could residue when washing time was 10 min and washing out happened when washed for 30 min or more.

The mechanisms,evaluation and estimation of anti-skid performance of snowy and icy pavement:A review

The anti-skid performance of snowy and icy pavements is a popular research topic among road workers.Snow and ice are pollutants on a road surface.They significantly reduce the skid resistance of pavements,and thus,cause traffic accidents.Pertinent research progress on the skid resistance of snowy and icy pavements was reviewed and summarized in this work.The formation and classification of snowy and icy pavements were described on the basis of the state of snow and ice.The friction mechanisms between tires and snowy and icy pavements were revealed.Measurement methods and their applicability to the skid resistance of snowy and icy pavements were summarized.Factors that affect the skid resistance of pavements were discussed from the perspectives of pavement,environment,and vehicle.In addition,models of snowy and icy pavement resistance were classified into experience,mechanical,and numerical models.The advantages and disadvantages of these models were then compared and analyzed.Some suggestions regarding snowy and icy pavements were presented in accordance with the aforementioned information,including the development of efficient testing tools,the quantification of skid resistance under the coupling effects of multiple factors,the establishment of unified evaluation standards,and the development of more effective skid resistance models.

High donor-number and low content electrolyte additive for stabilizing zinc metal anode

The aqueous zinc ion batteries(AZIBs)are thought as promising competitors for electrochemical energy storage,though their wide application is curbed by the uncontrollable dendrite growth and gas evolution side reactions.Herein,to stabilize both zinc anodes and water molecules,we developed a modified electrolyte by adding a trace amount of N,N-diethylformanmide(DEF)into the ZnSO_(4)electrolyte for the first time in zinc ion batteries.The effectiveness of DEF is predicted by the comparison of donor number and its preferential adsorption behavior on the zinc anode is further demonstrated by several spectroscopy characterizations,electrochemical methods,and molecular dynamics simulation.The modified electrolyte with 5%v.t.DEF content can ensure a stable cycling life longer than 3400 h of Zn‖Zn symmetric cells and an ultra-reversible Zn stripping/plating process with a high coulombic efficiency of 99.7%.The Zn‖VO_(2)full cell maintains a capacity retention of 83.5%and a 104 mA h g^(-1)mass capacity after 1000cycles.This work provides insights into the role of interfacial adsorption behavior and the donor number of additive molecules in designing low-content and effective aqueous electrolytes.

Phase reconfiguration of heterogeneous CoFeS/CoNiS nanoparticles for superior battery-type supercapacitors

Developing advanced battery-type materials with abundant active sites,high conductivity,versatile morphologies,and hierarchically porous structures is crucial for realizing high-quality hybrid supercapacitors.Herein,heterogeneous FeS@NiS is synthesized by cationic Co doping via surface-structure engineering.The density functional theory(DFT)theoretical calculations are firstly performed to predict the advantages of Co dopant by improving the OH^(−)adsorption properties and adjusting electronic structure,benefiting ions/electron transfer.The dynamic surface evolution is further explored which demonstrates that CoFeS@CoNiS could be quickly reconstructed to Ni(Co)Fe_(2)O_(4)during the charging process,while the unstable structure of the amorphous Ni(Co)Fe_(2)O_(4)results in partial conversion to Ni/Co/FeOOH at high potentials,which contributes to the more reactive active site and good structural stability.Thus,the free-standing electrode reveals excellent electrochemical performance with a superior capacity(335.6 mA h g^(−1),2684 F g^(−1))at 3 A g^(−1).Furthermore,the as-fabricated device shows a quality energy density of 78.1 W h kg^(−1)at a power density of 750 W kg^(−1)and excellent cycle life of 92.1%capacitance retention after 5000 cycles.This work offers a facile strategy to construct versatile morphological structures using electrochemical activation and holds promising applications in energy-related fields.

Digital Twins for Wastewater Treatment:A Technical Review

The digital twins concept enhances modeling and simulation through the integration of real-time data and feedback.This review elucidates the foundational elements of digital twins,covering their concept,entities,domains,and key technologies.More specifically,we investigate the transformative potential of digital twins for the wastewater treatment engineering sector.Our discussion highlights the application of digital twins to wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs)and sewage networks,hardware(i.e.,facilities and pipes,sensors for water quality and activated sludge,hydrodynamics,and power consumption),and software(i.e.,knowledge-based and data-driven models,mechanistic models,hybrid twins,control methods,and the Internet of Things).Furthermore,two cases are provided,followed by an assessment of current challenges in and perspectives on the application of digital twins in WWTPs.This review serves as an essential primer for wastewater engineers navigating the digital paradigm shift.

Sorption Kinetics and Capacity of Composite Materials Made up of Polymeric Fabric and Expanded Perlite for Oil in Water

The oil sorption capacity of composite materials made up of different polymeric fabrics (namely acrylic fabric (AF), polypropylene nonwoven (PP), and silk stocking (SS) as composite out-packing materials) and expanded perlite (EP) was evaluated for oil removal from the water. The effects of sorbent dosage, desorption time, oil amount in the water, and contact time on composite materials sorption were investigated. The results showed that the optimum quantity of EP was between 0.5 g and 1.0 g for 25 cm2 polymeric fabrics bags. Oil removal efficiency for 6 L/m2 of oil amount in the water was 52%-72%, 44%-63%, and 37%-48% for AF, PP, and SS composite materials, respectively. Oil/water selectivity analysis of different composite materials showed that AF composite material had a very high degree of hydrophobicity and oil sorption capacity of approximately 10.17 g/g. Both oil sorption kinetics and equilibrium studies were carried out, and the equilibrium process of composite materials was described well by the Langmuir isotherm, and the oil sorption kinetics of composite materials showed good correlation coefficients for the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Intra-particle diffusion studies showed that oil sorption mechanism was controlled by the three processes, involving in external liquid membrane diffusion, surface sorption, and intra-particle diffusion.