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Water
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Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment and Water Recycling
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Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment and Water Recycling

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 5311

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Memory Tekere

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Johannesburg 1710, South Africa
Interests: applied and environmental microbiology; water quality; wastewater treatment; environmental pollution; metagenomics; microbial ecology; ecotoxicology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Water quality, wastewater treatment and water reuse continue to be topical issues requiring research attention and innovations amidst the complexity of pollution, supply, demand, need for sustainability, population growth, urbanisation, industrialisation and climate change. This Special Issue seeks to publish topical and ground-breaking advanced research articles highlighting research on water quality looking at pollution, monitoring, emerging pollutants in water and wastewater, antimicrobial resistance, risk assessment, wastewater treatment processes, water reuse and risks. Research papers considering application of artificial intelligence in wastewater treatment processes, modelling and process management will also be considered. With new and emerging pollutants being acknowledged in water and wastewater, water quality and wastewater treatment processes are equally impacted, and research addressing this concern is a necessity for environmental and human health protection. On the other hand, with increased water demand, water reuse occupies a key position in conserving and supplementing water requirements for various applications. Papers demonstrating advances in wastewater treatment leading to water of acceptable quality for reuse will be accepted in this Special Issue. Overall, in this Special Issue, the latest research articles to be published will include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Water quality, pollution, monitoring, emerging contaminants, antimicrobial risks, climate change impacts;
  • Wastewater treatment and novel technologies;
  • Treatment of different water effluents including technologies for the removal of emerging pollutants;
  • Artificial intelligence in water quality and wastewater treatment;
  • Wastewater treatment and valorisation;
  • Wastewater recycling, reuse, and risk concerns.

Prof. Dr. Memory Tekere
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 quality
  • emerging contaminants
  • treatment processes
  • water reuse
  • SDG6.3
  • waste effluent valorisation
  • innovations
  • advanced technology
  • pathogens
  • AI in wastewater issues

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

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2173 KiB  
Article
Reuse of Pretreated Household Wastewater for Decentralized Food Production
by Lukas Vavra, Miroslava Gono, Iwona Klosok-Bazan and Hana Svehlakova
Water 2025, 17(3), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17030372 - 29 Jan 2025
Viewed by 499
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment and Water Recycling)
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20 pages, 6566 KiB  
Article
Integrating Field Data and Modeling for Sustainable Wastewater Irrigation Management: Case Studies from Jordan and Palestine
by Rodolphe Aziz, Giovanna Dragonetti and Roula Khadra
Water 2025, 17(2), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17020228 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 380
Abstract
Water shortages, overexploitation, and sectoral conflicts have prompted the use of treated wastewater (TWW) in agriculture. While TWW provides essential nutrients, improper management can harm the soil and crops. To address this, case studies from Jordan and Palestine—where alfalfa and citrus crops are [...] Read more.
Water shortages, overexploitation, and sectoral conflicts have prompted the use of treated wastewater (TWW) in agriculture. While TWW provides essential nutrients, improper management can harm the soil and crops. To address this, case studies from Jordan and Palestine—where alfalfa and citrus crops are exclusively irrigated with TWW—were conducted to identify suitable irrigation schedules and assess adverse impacts on crops and soils. The Safe Irrigation Management (SIM) model was used to simulate irrigation in 2021, considering TWW quality, quantity, and initial soil conditions. Two scenarios were examined: FARMOD, based on farmers’ planning, and ON-DEMAND, suggested by SIM. The results showed significant differences in irrigation frequencies and volumes between the two scenarios. The ON-DEMAND scenario demonstrated improved nitrogen and phosphorus uptake, lower soil electrical conductivity (ECe 1.5 dS·m−1), and reduced Escherichia coli (E. coli) levels (4 log10 CFU·g−1). A hypothetical scenario assuming initial soil conditions prior to TWW use yielded even lower ECe (0.8 dS·m−1) and E. coli (3.3 log10 CFU·g−1). Sensitivity analysis identified ECe and nitrogen as crucial water quality indicators requiring continuous monitoring. Integrating field data and modeling practices is vital to maintaining soil quality, supporting long-term TWW reuse especially where it is a widely adopted irrigation solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment and Water Recycling)
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17 pages, 2944 KiB  
Article
Efficiency of Cerium Nitrate and Hydrogen Peroxide in Removing Ammonia and Nitrite from Aquaculture Wastewater and Its Impact on Microbial Community Dynamics
by Yu Qiao, Zhongyi Qu, Wenhuan Yang, Zhichao Wang, Ke Li and Weiping Li
Water 2024, 16(24), 3601; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16243601 - 14 Dec 2024
Viewed by 680
Abstract
Aquaculture wastewater is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. If discharged directly without treatment, it can cause eutrophication of water bodies and the proliferation of algae. This study explores the treatment of aquaculture wastewater using cerium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide. To [...] Read more.
Aquaculture wastewater is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. If discharged directly without treatment, it can cause eutrophication of water bodies and the proliferation of algae. This study explores the treatment of aquaculture wastewater using cerium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide. To improve the treatment efficiency of ammonia and nitrite in aquaculture wastewater, a Box–Behnken design with three factors at three levels was used to optimize the process of treating aquaculture wastewater with cerium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide. The optimal process conditions for removing ammonia and nitrite were determined to be a Ce(NO3)3 dosage of 0.18 g/L, an H2O2 reaction concentration of 1.0%, and a reaction time of 30 min. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the degradation rate of ammonia and nitrite can reach 80% or more. Finally, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to explore the impact of cerium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide treatment on microbial community structure and metabolic pathways. The results showed that, at the phylum level, the dominant positions of Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidota were maintained throughout the entire culture period. At the genus level, the relative abundance of the hgcI_clade genus under Actinobacteriota significantly increased, becoming the main dominant genus throughout the culture period. Under the condition of adding cerium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide, the metabolic functions of the microbial community were enhanced. The addition of cerium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide increased the abundance of key nitrogen metabolism genes such as amo, hao, and nap, thereby enhancing the potential nitrification/denitrification capabilities of microorganisms. The combination of cerium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide showed positive effects in the treatment of aquaculture wastewater, providing a new strategy for the green treatment of wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment and Water Recycling)
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16 pages, 2690 KiB  
Article
Performance Evaluation of a Pilot-Scale Constructed Wetland with Typha latifolia for Remediation of Domestic Wastewater in Zimbabwe
by Richwell Alufasi, Wilson Parawira, Cuthbert J. Zvidzai, Alexandros I. Stefanakis, Nancy Musili, Phiyani Lebea, Ereck Chakauya and Walter Chingwaru
Water 2024, 16(19), 2843; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16192843 - 7 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1567
Abstract
The management of wastewater remains a challenge, particularly in developing countries. The potential use of constructed wetlands to treat wastewater is promising but their contaminant removal efficiencies, particularly in a tropical country such as Zimbabwe, are not fully understood. A pilot-scale study was [...] Read more.
The management of wastewater remains a challenge, particularly in developing countries. The potential use of constructed wetlands to treat wastewater is promising but their contaminant removal efficiencies, particularly in a tropical country such as Zimbabwe, are not fully understood. A pilot-scale study was undertaken in Zimbabwe to evaluate the efficiency of vertical-flow constructed wetlands planted with Typha latifolia in the treatment of domestic wastewater. Four pilot subsurface vertical-flow constructed wetland units (measuring 1 m × 1 m × 1.1 m) were built from concrete. The units were filled with waste rock from a nickel mine. Three units were planted with Typha latifolia while the fourth one was left unplanted, acting as the control. Each unit was loaded with wastewater at a rate of 220 dm3/day. Physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters were analyzed during the winter season. Physico-chemical and bacterial contaminant concentrations were significantly lower in the effluent than in the influent, and the system achieved maximum removals for BOD5, COD, TDS, TSS, nitrates, phosphates, phosphate pentoxide, phosphorus, and E. coli of 56.01%, 82.87%, 30.61%, 90.40% 17.26%, 35.80%, 36.19%, 40.64%, and 90.28%, respectively. The study shows that constructed wetland systems can be successfully established for the removal of physical, chemical, and microbial contaminants from domestic wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment and Water Recycling)
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18 pages, 730 KiB  
Article
Using Treated Wastewater for Non-Potable Household Uses in Peri-Urban India: Is It Affordable for the Users?
by Norbert Brunner, Sukanya Das, Anju Singh and Markus Starkl
Water 2024, 16(19), 2838; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16192838 - 6 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1156
Abstract
Reuse of wastewater is a promising response to water scarcity. For peri-urban areas served by decentralized wastewater treatment plants, the delivery of treated wastewater to the households may be a viable option to promote reuse on a larger scale. Based on a case [...] Read more.
Reuse of wastewater is a promising response to water scarcity. For peri-urban areas served by decentralized wastewater treatment plants, the delivery of treated wastewater to the households may be a viable option to promote reuse on a larger scale. Based on a case study in Eastern India, this paper explores if households would accept recycled water for non-potable purposes and if they would pay for it. While the respondents to household surveys had very positive views about recycling, they were not willing to pay much, even if they were from a middle-income class and could afford more. A closer analysis of the attitudes towards recycling indicated knowledge gaps about the risks and advantages of using recycled water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment and Water Recycling)
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Review

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21 pages, 644 KiB  
Review
Perspectives of Utilizing Greywater in Agricultural Irrigation with a Special Reference to Vegetated Wall Agrosystems
by Muhammad Omair Sulaiman, Hamish R. Mackey, Mohammad A. Al-Ghouti, Jayaprakash Saththasivam and Mohammed H. Abu-Dieyeh
Water 2025, 17(1), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17010103 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 670
Abstract
With increasing urbanization, greywater, generated from domestic activities like bathing and washing, is a marginal water resource that can be valorized to meet irrigation demands and overcome water scarcity. This review paper delves into the characteristics and variability in greywater quality, highlighting the [...] Read more.
With increasing urbanization, greywater, generated from domestic activities like bathing and washing, is a marginal water resource that can be valorized to meet irrigation demands and overcome water scarcity. This review paper delves into the characteristics and variability in greywater quality, highlighting the benefits of greywater reuse, such as water conservation, nutrient supply, and potential cost savings, as well as challenges like pathogen contamination and salinity buildup. Various treatment methods, including physical, chemical, and biological processes, are discussed concerning their effective use for irrigation. This paper explores the integration of greywater irrigation with vegetated walls, an innovative urban greening solution that offers numerous environmental and social benefits. The types of vegetated walls, their irrigation requirements, and studies involving greywater application in these systems are discussed. By synthesizing the current knowledge, this review article provides a comprehensive understanding of enhancing urban sustainability through the valorization of an otherwise wasted resource. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment and Water Recycling)
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