water-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Wastewater Treatment and Reuse".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 February 2024) | Viewed by 21233

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biosystems Engineering, Poznań Uniwersity of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 50, 60-627 Poznań, Poland
Interests: waste management; biomass; biofuels production; renewable energy; organic fertilizers; sustainable development; environmental protection; circular economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable development is one of the most important challenges of the 21st century. On the other hand, society’s impact on the environment is becoming increasingly evident. It concerns almost every country in the world. Despite the development of newer technologies, many people still do not have access to the appropriate quality resources, including but not limited to food and water. Therefore in the light of circular economy becoming a globally acknowledged philosophy, water, food, and other resources should be protected both qualitatively and quantitatively.

This Special Issue titled “Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development” will cover topics related to sustainable water, sewage, and waste management, including resource reduction, treatment, and environmental impact.

Prof. Dr. Wojciech Czekała
Guest Editor

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. Water 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 2600 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

  • water management
  • wastewater
  • waste management
  • wastewater reduction
  • wastewater treatment
  • waste reduction
  • agri-food industry
  • sustainable development
  • circular economy
  • waste to energy
  • sewage sludge treatment

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (11 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 165 KiB  
Editorial
Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development
by Wojciech Czekała
Water 2024, 16(17), 2468; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16172468 - 30 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1079
Abstract
The subjects of environmental protection, climate change, and sustainability are gaining in importance every year [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

11 pages, 1812 KiB  
Article
Reuse of Treated Slaughterhouse Wastewater from Immediate One-Step Lime Precipitation and Atmospheric Carbonation to Produce Aromatic Plants in Hydroponics
by Luís Madeira, Margarida Ribau Teixeira, Sérgio Nunes, Adelaide Almeida and Fátima Carvalho
Water 2024, 16(11), 1566; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111566 - 30 May 2024
Viewed by 806
Abstract
The transition from the linear economy paradigm to the circular economy in industrial wastewater treatment is on the global agenda. The search for new simple, eco-innovative and low-cost processes for treating industrial wastewater, which can also be used by small- and medium-sized industries, [...] Read more.
The transition from the linear economy paradigm to the circular economy in industrial wastewater treatment is on the global agenda. The search for new simple, eco-innovative and low-cost processes for treating industrial wastewater, which can also be used by small- and medium-sized industries, has been a constant challenge to ensure environmental sustainability in all types of industries. The present work aimed to evaluate the suitability of the treated slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW) obtained by the integrated process composed of immediate one-step lime precipitation (IOSLM) and atmospheric carbonation (AC) for the production of aromatic plants by hydroponics. Results showed a significant increase in plant height of 177 and 147% and root length of 64 and 37% for Pennyroyal and Chocolate Peppermint plants, respectively, after 26 days. No signs of toxicity or symptoms of micronutrient deficiency were detected in aromatic plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6807 KiB  
Article
Study on Properties of Micro-Nano Magnetic Composite Prepared by Mechanochemical Method of NdFeB Secondary Waste and Removal of As (V) from Mine Water
by Xiujuan Feng and Yicheng Rao
Water 2024, 16(9), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091234 - 25 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1074
Abstract
The secondary waste produced by NdFeB waste after rare earth recycling, with an annual output of more than tens of thousands of tons, is the largest solid waste emission source in the rare earth industry, and long-term storage causes land resource occupation and [...] Read more.
The secondary waste produced by NdFeB waste after rare earth recycling, with an annual output of more than tens of thousands of tons, is the largest solid waste emission source in the rare earth industry, and long-term storage causes land resource occupation and environmental pollution. Arsenic-containing mine wastewater has serious harm, wide distribution, and long duration of pollution. In this study, the mechanical ball milling method was used to activate NdFeB secondary waste to prepare micro-nano magnetic composite materials, the main components of which are Fe2O3, Fe3O4, and C. Under mechanical mechanochemical action, the particles are more dispersed, the particle size decreases, the specific surface area increases significantly, the crystal structure changes to amorphous structure, the degree of amorphous shape increases, and the content of Fe-OH increases. Applied to the treatment of As (V) in simulated mine water, it was found that the removal of As (V) by this material was mainly based on chemisorption and monolayer adsorption, and the maximum adsorption amount reached 10.477 mg/g. Zeta, FT-IT, and XPS characterization confirmed that the removal of As (V) was a coordination exchange reaction between the material and As (V) to form an inner sphere complex. The removal rate of As (V) decreased from 94.33% to 73.56% when the initial concentration of solution was 10 mg/L, pH value was 3.0, and material dosage was 1 g/L after 5 times of regrowth. This study provides a new way for the application of NdFeB secondary waste, which has low cost, green environmental protection, and wide application prospects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 3047 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Characteristics of Pollutant Discharge in Tomato Hydroponic Wastewater (HWW) for Sustainable Water Management in Korea
by Jinkwan Son
Water 2024, 16(5), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16050720 - 28 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1207
Abstract
In South Korea, the use of hydroponic cultivation has been on the rise. However, this system produces a large amount of wastewater. In this study, the amount of wastewater generated by hydroponic tomato cultivation is identified, and a management plan is proposed. Based [...] Read more.
In South Korea, the use of hydroponic cultivation has been on the rise. However, this system produces a large amount of wastewater. In this study, the amount of wastewater generated by hydroponic tomato cultivation is identified, and a management plan is proposed. Based on the analysis of 103 tomato HWW samples, it was found that the electrical conductivity (EC) was 4.25 ± 1.01 dS/m, the nitrogen (N) content was 411.21 ± 122.64 mg/L, and the phosphorus (P) content was 47.74 mg/L, which caused eutrophication. Therefore, agricultural reuse and HWW treatment were proposed. Regarding the annual HWW load, 1 ha of hydroponics discharges 964.26 kg/ha of N, 111.95 of P, 937.46 of K, 795.14 of Ca, 313.83 of Mg, and 405.40 of S. The trace elements were heavy metals, which were calculated as Fe—4.03, Mn—0.77, Zn—1.08, B—2.25, Cu—0.38, and Mo—0.05 kg/ha. Since wastewater is a national source of drinking water, it needs to be collected and treated. Inter-item correlation analysis showed that most of the fertilizer components were correlated with the EC concentrations. This study can be used to determine the concentrations required for agricultural reuse and to determine the treatment capacity in HWW management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3637 KiB  
Article
A Newly Isolated Rhodococcus sp. S2 from Landfill Leachate Capable of Heterotrophic Nitrification and Aerobic Denitrification
by Xianglan Chen, Shuangfei Li, Wenxuan Zhang, Shaofeng Li, Yurong Gu and Liao Ouyang
Water 2024, 16(3), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16030431 - 29 Jan 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1644
Abstract
Nitrogen removal through heterotrophic nitrification–aerobic denitrification (HN–AD) has been acknowledged as one of the most efficient and cost-effective nitrogen removal processes. This study involved the isolation of a novel HN–AD bacterium (Rhodococcus sp. S2) from landfill leachate. Rhodococcus sp. S2 exhibited high [...] Read more.
Nitrogen removal through heterotrophic nitrification–aerobic denitrification (HN–AD) has been acknowledged as one of the most efficient and cost-effective nitrogen removal processes. This study involved the isolation of a novel HN–AD bacterium (Rhodococcus sp. S2) from landfill leachate. Rhodococcus sp. S2 exhibited high nitrogen removal performance under aerobic conditions without the accumulation of nitrite as an intermediate. The maximum removal efficiencies for NH4+-N, NO2-N, and NO3-N were found to be 99.97 ± 0.3%, 99.79 ± 0.14%, and 83.53 ± 0.31%, respectively. Additionally, Rhodococcus sp. S2 demonstrated simultaneous nitrifying and denitrifying capabilities and showed a preference for utilizing NH4+-N in mixed nitrogen sources. The optimal nitrogen removal conditions for Rhodococcus sp. S2 were as follows: sodium acetate as a carbon source, a C/N ratio of 16, a shaking speed of 200 rpm, a pH of 9, and a temperature of 35 °C. Genome sequencing results revealed the presence of nitrate reductases (NarG), nitrate oxidoreductase (NxrA), and nitrite reductase (NirBD) in Rhodococcus sp. S2, providing further evidence of its HN–AD capability. In treating raw wastewater under the aforementioned experimental conditions, S2 achieved a maximum TN removal efficiency of 57.16 ± 0.52% with the addition of sodium acetate as a carbon source. These results suggest that Rhodococcus sp. S2 might be a promising candidate for wastewater nitrogen removal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 12402 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Various Types of Cultivation on Stream Water Quality in Central Poland
by Krzysztof Stępniewski, Michał Karger and Maksym Łaszewski
Water 2024, 16(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16010050 - 22 Dec 2023
Viewed by 2210
Abstract
Agricultural practices have a significant impact on stream water quality in rural landscapes; however, there is still little empirical evidence of how different types of cultivation alter the hydrochemistry of running water. Thus, the current study explored the spatial dynamics of selected ion [...] Read more.
Agricultural practices have a significant impact on stream water quality in rural landscapes; however, there is still little empirical evidence of how different types of cultivation alter the hydrochemistry of running water. Thus, the current study explored the spatial dynamics of selected ion concentrations and their land cover dependence in lowland agricultural catchments. From November 2021 to October 2022, water samples were collected from 30 sites located across small tributaries of the rivers Bzura, Pilica, and Radomka for chemical analysis of their NO3, NO2, NH4, Ca, Mg, K, Na, As, Ba, Sr, and V concentrations. The results indicated a clear spatial heterogeneity of water quality, related to lithology and dominant land cover evaluated with the CORINE Land Cover 2018 dataset. Overall, sites representing agricultural land promoted increased concentrations of major and trace elements, while those with pepper cultivation were additionally contaminated with NO3 and NO2. The correlation performance for nitrogen compounds was the highest for narrower buffer zones, which was not documented for major and trace elements, which were linked more strongly with land cover at larger scales. Such new insights into the water quality dynamics of lowland agricultural catchments, being a simultaneous reflection of lithology, agricultural practices, and several municipal impacts, have significant implications for appropriate water management in rural landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4672 KiB  
Article
Application of the Monte-Carlo Method to Assess the Operational Reliability of a Household-Constructed Wetland with Vertical Flow: A Case Study in Poland
by Karolina Migdał, Krzysztof Jóźwiakowski, Wojciech Czekała, Paulina Śliz, Jorge Manuel Rodrigues Tavares and Adelaide Almeida
Water 2023, 15(20), 3693; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15203693 - 23 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1772
Abstract
The objective of this study was to model the operation of a vertical-flow constructed wetland (VF-CW) for domestic wastewater, using Monte-Carlo simulations and selected probability distributions of various random variables. The analysis was based on collected wastewater quality data, including the values of [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to model the operation of a vertical-flow constructed wetland (VF-CW) for domestic wastewater, using Monte-Carlo simulations and selected probability distributions of various random variables. The analysis was based on collected wastewater quality data, including the values of the pollutant indicators BOD5 (biochemical oxygen demand), CODCr (chemical oxygen demand), and TSS (total suspended solids), in the 2017–2020 period. Anderson–Darling (A–D) statistics were applied to assess the fit of the theoretical distributions to the empirical distributions of the random variables under study. The selection of the best-fitting statistical distributions was determined using the percentage deviation (PBIAS) criterion. Based on the analyses that were performed, the best-fitting statistical distributions for the pollution indicators of the raw wastewater were the generalised extreme value distribution for BOD5, the Gaussian distribution for CODCr, and the log-normal distribution for TSS. For treated effluent, the log-normal distribution was the best fit for BOD5 and CODCr; the semi-normal distribution, for TSS. The new data generated using the Monte-Carlo method allowed the reliability of the VF-CW operation to be assessed by determining the reliability indices, i.e., the average efficiency of the removal of pollutants (η), the technological efficiency index (R), the reliability index (CR), and the risk index of the negative control of the sewage treatment plant operation (Re). The obtained results indicate that only in the case of CODCr, the analysed treatment facility may fail to meet the requirements related to the reduction of organic pollutants to the required level, which is evidenced by the values of the indicators CR = 1.10, R = 0.49, and η = 0.82. In addition, the risk index of the negative operation of the facility (Re) assumes a value of 1, which indicates that during the period of its operation, the VF-CW system will not operate with the required efficiency in relation to this indicator. The novelty of this work is the implementation of the indicated mathematical simulation methods for analysing the reliability of the operation of the domestic wastewater treatment facility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 6890 KiB  
Article
Pharmaceuticals Removal by Ozone and Electro-Oxidation in Combination with Biological Treatment
by Francesca Audino, Judith Arboleda, Mira Petrovic, Ricard García Cudinach and Sonia Sanchis Pérez
Water 2023, 15(18), 3180; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15183180 - 6 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1720
Abstract
This study investigated the efficiency of two advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), ozonation (O3), and electrochemical oxidation (EO), applied individually or in combination, in the removal of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) contained in hospital wastewaters, focusing on pharmaceuticals. The optimisation of [...] Read more.
This study investigated the efficiency of two advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), ozonation (O3), and electrochemical oxidation (EO), applied individually or in combination, in the removal of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) contained in hospital wastewaters, focusing on pharmaceuticals. The optimisation of the single technologies was performed using synthetic wastewater composed of four refractory pharmaceuticals, (carbamazepine-CBZ, lorazepam-LZP, ketoprofen-KTP, 10,11-epoxicarbamazepine-E-CBZ), first alone and then in mixture, in an initial concentration of 1 mg L−1 each. Once the best operational conditions for EO and O3 were defined, their combination (both simultaneous and sequential) was evaluated for the mixture of the selected pharmaceuticals. The treatment solution that showed the best performance was the simultaneous combination of O3 and EO. This treatment was validated using real hospital wastewater previously treated through a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), evaluating its viability by testing the toxicity of the final effluent via Vibrio fischeri inhibition tests. The obtained results showed that the simultaneous combination of O3 and EO as the polishing step after a biological treatment is a very promising solution for hospital wastewater treatment, allowing for obtaining a non-toxic effluent and full degradation of refractory compounds. The disinfection potential of the proposed AOP was also assessed by determining Escherichia coli inactivation potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 852 KiB  
Article
Possibilities for Anaerobic Digestion of Slaughter Waste and Flotates for Biomethane Production
by Maximilian Philipp, Helene Ackermann, Nesrine Barbana, Jonas Pluschke and Sven Uwe Geißen
Water 2023, 15(10), 1818; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15101818 - 10 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2350
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion for biomethane production is an important tool regarding sustainable energy production. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the substrate composition and operating parameters on biomethane production during anaerobic digestion, focusing on the use of flotates and [...] Read more.
Anaerobic digestion for biomethane production is an important tool regarding sustainable energy production. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the substrate composition and operating parameters on biomethane production during anaerobic digestion, focusing on the use of flotates and slaughterhouse waste as substrates with a high organic content. A novelty here was the use of a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) with circulation pump for the anaerobic treatment of flotates, slaughter waste (SW), and their mixture. Flotates and waste from slaughterhouses offer a substrate with a high organic content. In this work, it was shown that both substrates provide a high biochemical methane potential (BMP). The highest methane yield was achieved by mixing both substrates. In continuous operation, special challenges arose, due to the high nitrogen and fat content of the substrates. These could be overcome by mixing the substrates and using a circulation pump in the reactor for improved back-mixing. As a result, the highest average methane yield of 0.65 NLCH4·gTS eli−1 was achieved in mesophilic operation at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 4.2 gTS·L−1·d−1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

44 pages, 5035 KiB  
Review
An Extensive Analysis of Combined Processes for Landfill Leachate Treatment
by Ahmad Jamrah, Tharaa M. AL-Zghoul and Zakaria Al-Qodah
Water 2024, 16(12), 1640; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16121640 - 7 Jun 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2177
Abstract
Sanitary landfilling is the predominant process for solid urban waste disposal, but it generates leachate that poses environmental, economic, and social concerns. Landfill leachate (LL) contains complex and refractory pollutants and toxic compounds that can vary depending on landfill maturity, age, and biochemical [...] Read more.
Sanitary landfilling is the predominant process for solid urban waste disposal, but it generates leachate that poses environmental, economic, and social concerns. Landfill leachate (LL) contains complex and refractory pollutants and toxic compounds that can vary depending on landfill maturity, age, and biochemical reactions, making its treatment challenging. Due to its unique characteristics and occurrence in remote locations, LL requires separate treatment from wastewater. Various conventional treatment processes involving biological, chemical, and physical processes have been used for LL treatment, but a single treatment process is insufficient to meet environmental standards. This review demonstrates that combined treatment processes are more effective and efficient for LL treatment compared to single processes. Among the various combinations, chemical–chemical and chemical–biological treatments are the most commonly used. Specifically, the integration of Fenton with adsorption and a membrane bioreactor (MBR) with nanofiltration (NF) processes shows promising results. The combined processes of MBR with NF, Fenton with adsorption, and PF with biological treatment show maximum removal efficiencies for COD, reaching 99 ± 1%, 99%, 98%, and 97%, respectively. Additionally, the combined Fenton with adsorption process and EC with SPF process enhance biodegradability as indicated by increased BOD5/COD ratios, from 0.084 to 0.82 and 0.35 to 0.75, respectively. The findings emphasize the importance of developing and implementing enhanced combined treatment processes for LL, with the aim of achieving efficient and comprehensive pollutant mineralization. Such processes have the potential to address the environmental concerns associated with LL and contribute to sustainable waste management practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

34 pages, 1666 KiB  
Review
Integrated Process of Immediate One-Step Lime Precipitation, Atmospheric Carbonation, Constructed Wetlands, or Adsorption for Industrial Wastewater Treatment: A Review
by Luís Madeira, Fátima Carvalho, Adelaide Almeida and Margarida Ribau Teixeira
Water 2023, 15(22), 3929; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15223929 - 10 Nov 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3566
Abstract
The transition from the linear economy paradigm to the circular economy in industrial wastewater treatment systems is on the global agenda. The search for new simple, eco-innovative, and low-cost processes for treating industrial wastewater, which can also be used by small and medium-sized [...] Read more.
The transition from the linear economy paradigm to the circular economy in industrial wastewater treatment systems is on the global agenda. The search for new simple, eco-innovative, and low-cost processes for treating industrial wastewater, which can also be used by small and medium-sized industries, has been a constant challenge especially when environmental sustainability is considered. So, a new integrated industrial wastewater treatment system has been developed that includes the immediate one-step lime precipitation process (IOSLM) and atmospheric carbonation (AC), followed by constructed wetlands (CWs) or adsorption. The current review provides an overview of industrial wastewater treatment strategies for high- and low-biodegradable wastewater. A background on functionality, applicability, advantages and disadvantages, operating variables, removal mechanisms, main challenges, and recent advances are carried out for each process that makes up the IOSLM+AC+CW/adsorption integrated system. The prospects of the IOSLM+AC+CW/adsorption integrated system are also discussed. Not neglecting the improvements that still need to be made in the integrated treatment system as well as its application to various types of industrial wastewater, this review highlights that this treatment system is promising in industrial wastewater treatment and consequent by-product recovery. The IOSLM+AC integrated system showed that it can remove high amounts of organic matter, total suspended solids, oils and fats, phosphorus, and ammonium nitrogen from industrial effluents. On the other hand, constructed wetlands/adsorption can be alternatives for refining effluents still containing organic matter and nitrogen that were not possible to remove in the previous steps. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop