The Experts below are selected from a list of 25869 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
J Ferrer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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exploring the limits of anaerobic biodegradability of Urban Wastewater by anmbr technology
Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology, 2018Co-Authors: A Seco, O Mateo, N Zamoranolopez, P Sanchisperucho, J Serralta, N Marti, L Borras, J FerrerAbstract:Anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) can achieve maximum energy recovery from Urban Wastewater (UWW) by converting influent COD into methane. The aim of this study was to assess the anaerobic biodegradability limits of Urban Wastewater with AnMBR technology by studying the possible degradation of the organic matter considered as non-biodegradable as observed in aerobic membrane bioreactors operated at very high sludge retention times. For this, the results obtained in an AnMBR pilot plant operated at very high SRT (140 days) treating sulfate-rich Urban Wastewater were compared with those previously obtained with the system operating at lower SRT (29 to 70 days). At 140 days SRT the organic matter biodegraded by the AnMBR system accounted for 64.4% of the influent COD (45.9% was removed by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), and only 18.5% was converted into methane, highlighting the strong competition between SRB and methanogenic archaea (MA) when treating sulfate-rich Wastewater). Almost half of the methane produced (46%) was dissolved in the permeate and most of it was recovered by a degassing membrane. The organic matter biodegraded by the AnMBR system was similar to the influent anaerobic biodegradability determined by Wastewater characterization assays (68.5% of the influent COD), indicating that nearly all the influent's biodegradable organic matter had been removed. This percentage of degraded COD was similar to that obtained in previous studies working at 70 days SRT, showing that the limit of anaerobic biodegradability was already reached in this SRT. The organic matter considered as non-biodegradable according to Wastewater characterization assays therefore was not seen to degrade in the AnMBR pilot plant, even at very high SRT. Once the biodegraded COD is close to the influent's anaerobic biodegradability, increasing the SRT is not justified as it only leads to higher operational costs for the same biogas production. These findings support the use of mathematical models for AnMBR design since they accurately represent the behaviour of these systems in a wide range of operating conditions.
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understanding the performance of an anmbr treating Urban Wastewater and food waste via model simulation and characterization of the microbial population dynamics
Process Biochemistry, 2018Co-Authors: F Duran, J Ferrer, N Zamoranolopez, R Barat, D AguadoAbstract:Abstract An anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) pilot plant treating kitchen food waste (FW) jointly with Urban Wastewater was run for 536 days. Different operational conditions were tested varying the sludge retention time (SRT), the hydraulic retention time (HRT) and the penetration factor (PF) of food waste disposers. COD removal efficiency exceeded 90% in all tested conditions. The joint treatment resulted in an almost 3-fold increase in methane production (at 70 days of SRT, 24 h HRT and 80% PF) in comparison with the treatment of Urban Wastewater only. Mathematical model simulations and Illumina technology were used to obtain in-depth information of this outstanding process performance. Both the PF and SRT factors increased influent biodegradability. The experimental results were accurately reproduced via model simulations modifying only the influent biodegradability. The high SRT and the presence of ground FW in the influent resulted in higher hydrolytic activity. Not only did the Archaea population increase 3-fold but Levilinea genera was also significantly raised. Three new genera characterised by anaerobic fermentation of amino acids (Leptolinea, Aminomonas and Aminobacterium) were among the ten most abundant of the total sequences identified during the joint treatment, indicating an improvement in the hydrolysis step of anaerobic degradation. Influent biodegradability remained at high values when FW addition stopped.
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the operating cost of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor anmbr treating sulphate rich Urban Wastewater
Separation and Purification Technology, 2014Co-Authors: R. Pretel, A. Robles, M V Ruano, A Seco, J FerrerAbstract:Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the operating cost of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) treating sulphate-rich Urban Wastewater (UWW) at ambient temperature (ranging from 17 to 33 °C). To this aim, energy consumption, methane production, and sludge handling and recycling to land were evaluated. The results revealed that optimising specific gas demand with respect to permeate volume (SGDP) and sludge retention time (for given ambient temperature conditions) is essential to maximise energy savings (minimum energy demand: 0.07 kW h m−3). Moreover, low/moderate sludge productions were obtained (minimum value: 0.16 kg TSS kg−1 CODRemoved), which further enhanced the overall operating cost of the plant (minimum value: €0.011 per m3 of treated water). The sulphate content in the influent UWW significantly affected the final production of methane and thereby the overall operating cost. Indeed, the evaluated AnMBR system presented energy surplus potential when treating low-sulphate UWW.
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environmental impact of submerged anaerobic mbr sanmbr technology used to treat Urban Wastewater at different temperatures
Bioresource Technology, 2013Co-Authors: R. Pretel, A. Robles, M V Ruano, A Seco, J FerrerAbstract:Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the environmental impact of a submerged anaerobic MBR (SAnMBR) system in the treatment of Urban Wastewater at different temperatures: ambient temperature (20 and 33 °C), and a controlled temperature (33 °C). To this end, an overall energy balance (OEB) and life cycle assessment (LCA), both based on real process data, were carried out. Four factors were considered in this study: (1) energy consumption during Wastewater treatment; (2) energy recovered from biogas capture; (3) potential recovery of nutrients from the final effluent; and (4) sludge disposal. The OEB and LCA showed SAnMBR to be a promising technology for treating Urban Wastewater at ambient temperature (OEB = 0.19 kW h m−3). LCA results reinforce the importance of maximising the recovery of nutrients (environmental impact in eutrophication can be reduced up to 45%) and dissolved methane (positive environmental impact can be obtained) from SAnMBR effluent.
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methane recovery efficiency in a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor sanmbr treating sulphate rich Urban Wastewater evaluation of methane losses with the effluent
Bioresource Technology, 2012Co-Authors: J B Gimenez, N Marti, J Ferrer, A SecoAbstract:Abstract The present paper presents a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (SAnMBR) as a sustainable approach for Urban Wastewater treatment at 33 and 20 °C, since greenhouse gas emissions are reduced and energy recovery is enhanced. Compared to other anaerobic systems, such as UASB reactors, the membrane technology allows the use of biogas-assisted mixing which enhances the methane stripping from the liquid phase bulk. The methane saturation index obtained for the whole period (1.00 ± 0.04) evidenced that the equilibrium condition was reached and the methane loss with the effluent was reduced. The methane recovery efficiency obtained at 20 °C (53.6%) was slightly lower than at 33 °C (57.4%) due to a reduction of the treatment efficiency, as evidenced by the lower methane production and the higher waste sludge per litre of treated Wastewater. For both operational temperatures, the methane recovery efficiency was strongly affected by the high sulphate concentration in the influent Wastewater.
A Seco - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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exploring the limits of anaerobic biodegradability of Urban Wastewater by anmbr technology
Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology, 2018Co-Authors: A Seco, O Mateo, N Zamoranolopez, P Sanchisperucho, J Serralta, N Marti, L Borras, J FerrerAbstract:Anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) can achieve maximum energy recovery from Urban Wastewater (UWW) by converting influent COD into methane. The aim of this study was to assess the anaerobic biodegradability limits of Urban Wastewater with AnMBR technology by studying the possible degradation of the organic matter considered as non-biodegradable as observed in aerobic membrane bioreactors operated at very high sludge retention times. For this, the results obtained in an AnMBR pilot plant operated at very high SRT (140 days) treating sulfate-rich Urban Wastewater were compared with those previously obtained with the system operating at lower SRT (29 to 70 days). At 140 days SRT the organic matter biodegraded by the AnMBR system accounted for 64.4% of the influent COD (45.9% was removed by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), and only 18.5% was converted into methane, highlighting the strong competition between SRB and methanogenic archaea (MA) when treating sulfate-rich Wastewater). Almost half of the methane produced (46%) was dissolved in the permeate and most of it was recovered by a degassing membrane. The organic matter biodegraded by the AnMBR system was similar to the influent anaerobic biodegradability determined by Wastewater characterization assays (68.5% of the influent COD), indicating that nearly all the influent's biodegradable organic matter had been removed. This percentage of degraded COD was similar to that obtained in previous studies working at 70 days SRT, showing that the limit of anaerobic biodegradability was already reached in this SRT. The organic matter considered as non-biodegradable according to Wastewater characterization assays therefore was not seen to degrade in the AnMBR pilot plant, even at very high SRT. Once the biodegraded COD is close to the influent's anaerobic biodegradability, increasing the SRT is not justified as it only leads to higher operational costs for the same biogas production. These findings support the use of mathematical models for AnMBR design since they accurately represent the behaviour of these systems in a wide range of operating conditions.
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the operating cost of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor anmbr treating sulphate rich Urban Wastewater
Separation and Purification Technology, 2014Co-Authors: R. Pretel, A. Robles, M V Ruano, A Seco, J FerrerAbstract:Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the operating cost of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) treating sulphate-rich Urban Wastewater (UWW) at ambient temperature (ranging from 17 to 33 °C). To this aim, energy consumption, methane production, and sludge handling and recycling to land were evaluated. The results revealed that optimising specific gas demand with respect to permeate volume (SGDP) and sludge retention time (for given ambient temperature conditions) is essential to maximise energy savings (minimum energy demand: 0.07 kW h m−3). Moreover, low/moderate sludge productions were obtained (minimum value: 0.16 kg TSS kg−1 CODRemoved), which further enhanced the overall operating cost of the plant (minimum value: €0.011 per m3 of treated water). The sulphate content in the influent UWW significantly affected the final production of methane and thereby the overall operating cost. Indeed, the evaluated AnMBR system presented energy surplus potential when treating low-sulphate UWW.
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environmental impact of submerged anaerobic mbr sanmbr technology used to treat Urban Wastewater at different temperatures
Bioresource Technology, 2013Co-Authors: R. Pretel, A. Robles, M V Ruano, A Seco, J FerrerAbstract:Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the environmental impact of a submerged anaerobic MBR (SAnMBR) system in the treatment of Urban Wastewater at different temperatures: ambient temperature (20 and 33 °C), and a controlled temperature (33 °C). To this end, an overall energy balance (OEB) and life cycle assessment (LCA), both based on real process data, were carried out. Four factors were considered in this study: (1) energy consumption during Wastewater treatment; (2) energy recovered from biogas capture; (3) potential recovery of nutrients from the final effluent; and (4) sludge disposal. The OEB and LCA showed SAnMBR to be a promising technology for treating Urban Wastewater at ambient temperature (OEB = 0.19 kW h m−3). LCA results reinforce the importance of maximising the recovery of nutrients (environmental impact in eutrophication can be reduced up to 45%) and dissolved methane (positive environmental impact can be obtained) from SAnMBR effluent.
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methane recovery efficiency in a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor sanmbr treating sulphate rich Urban Wastewater evaluation of methane losses with the effluent
Bioresource Technology, 2012Co-Authors: J B Gimenez, N Marti, J Ferrer, A SecoAbstract:Abstract The present paper presents a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (SAnMBR) as a sustainable approach for Urban Wastewater treatment at 33 and 20 °C, since greenhouse gas emissions are reduced and energy recovery is enhanced. Compared to other anaerobic systems, such as UASB reactors, the membrane technology allows the use of biogas-assisted mixing which enhances the methane stripping from the liquid phase bulk. The methane saturation index obtained for the whole period (1.00 ± 0.04) evidenced that the equilibrium condition was reached and the methane loss with the effluent was reduced. The methane recovery efficiency obtained at 20 °C (53.6%) was slightly lower than at 33 °C (57.4%) due to a reduction of the treatment efficiency, as evidenced by the lower methane production and the higher waste sludge per litre of treated Wastewater. For both operational temperatures, the methane recovery efficiency was strongly affected by the high sulphate concentration in the influent Wastewater.
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experimental study of the anaerobic Urban Wastewater treatment in a submerged hollow fibre membrane bioreactor at pilot scale
Bioresource Technology, 2011Co-Authors: J B Gimenez, A. Robles, M V Ruano, J Ferrer, L Carretero, Freddy Duran, M N Gatti, J Ribes, A SecoAbstract:The aim of this study was to assess the effect of several operational variables on both biological and separation process performance in a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor pilot plant that treats Urban Wastewater. The pilot plant is equipped with two industrial hollow-fibre ultrafiltration membrane modules (PURON® Koch Membrane Systems, 30 m² of filtration surface each). It was operated under mesophilic conditions (at 33 °C), 70 days of SRT, and variable HRT ranging from 20 to 6h. The effects of the influent COD/SO₄-S ratio (ranging from 2 to 12) and the MLTS concentration (ranging from 6 to 22 g L⁻¹) were also analysed. The main performance results were about 87% of COD removal, effluent VFA below 20 mg L⁻¹ and biogas methane concentrations over 55% v/v. Methane yield was strongly affected by the influent COD/SO₄-S ratio. No irreversible fouling problems were detected, even for MLTS concentrations above 22 g L⁻¹.
Luigi Rizzo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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advanced treatment of Urban Wastewater by uv c free chlorine process micro pollutants removal and effect of uv c radiation on trihalomethanes formation
Water Research, 2020Co-Authors: Giusy Cerreta, Melina Roccamante, Patricia Plazabolanos, Isabel Oller, Ana Aguera, S Malato, Luigi RizzoAbstract:Abstract The effect of the UV-C/free chlorine (FC) process on the removal of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) from real Urban Wastewater as well as the effect of UV-C radiation on the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) compared to FC process alone was investigated. Unlike of FC process, UV-C/FC was really effective in the degradation of the target CECs (carbamazepine (CBZ), diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole and imidacloprid) in real Wastewater (87% degradation of total CECs within 60 min, QUVC = 1.33 kJ L−1), being CBZ the most refractory one (49.5%, after 60 min). The UV-C radiation significantly affected the formation of THMs. THMs concentration (mainly chloroform) was lower in UV-C/FC process after 30 min treatment (
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consolidated vs new advanced treatment methods for the removal of contaminants of emerging concern from Urban Wastewater
Science of The Total Environment, 2019Co-Authors: Luigi Rizzo, Sixto Malato, Demet Antakyali, Vasiliki G Beretsou, Maja đolic, W Gernjak, Ester Heath, Ivana Ivancevtumbas, Popi KaraoliaAbstract:Abstract Urban Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are among the main anthropogenic sources for the release of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) into the environment, which can result in toxic and adverse effects on aquatic organisms and consequently on humans. Unfortunately, WWTPs are not designed to remove CECs and secondary (e.g., conventional activated sludge process, CAS) and tertiary (such as filtration and disinfection) treatments are not effective in the removal of most CECs entering WWTP. Accordingly, several advanced treatment methods have been investigated for the removal of CECs from Wastewater, including consolidated (namely, activated carbon (AC) adsorption, ozonation and membranes) and new (such as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs)) processes/technologies. This review paper gathers the efforts of a group of international experts, members of the NEREUS COST Action ES1403 who for three years have been constructively discussing the state of the art and the best available technologies for the advanced treatment of Urban Wastewater. In particular, this work critically reviews the papers available in scientific literature on consolidated (ozonation, AC and membranes) and new advanced treatment methods (mainly AOPs) to analyse: (i) their efficiency in the removal of CECs from Wastewater, (ii) advantages and drawbacks, (iii) possible obstacles to the application of AOPs, (iv) technological limitations and mid to long-term perspectives for the application of heterogeneous processes, and (v) a technical and economic comparison among the different processes/technologies.
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tertiary treatment of Urban Wastewater by solar and uv c driven advanced oxidation with peracetic acid effect on contaminants of emerging concern and antibiotic resistance
Water Research, 2019Co-Authors: Luigi Rizzo, Teresa Agovino, Samira Nahimgranados, Maria Castroalferez, Pilar Fernandezibanez, Maria Inmaculada PololopezAbstract:Abstract Photo-driven advanced oxidation process (AOP) with peracetic acid (PAA) has been poorly investigated in water and Wastewater treatment so far. In the present work its possible use as tertiary treatment of Urban Wastewater to effectively minimize the release into the environment of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria was investigated. Different initial PAA concentrations, two light sources (sunlight and UV-C) and two different water matrices (groundwater (GW) and Wastewater (WW)) were studied. Low PAA doses were found to be effective in the inactivation of antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli (AR E. coli) in GW, with the UV-C process being faster (limit of detection (LOD) achieved for a cumulative energy (QUV) of 0.3 kJL−1 with 0.2 mg PAA L−1) than solar driven one (LOD achieved at QUV = 4.4 kJL−1 with 0.2 mg PAA L−1). Really fast inactivation rates of indigenous AR E. coli were also observed in WW. Higher QUV and PAA initial doses were necessary to effectively remove the three target CECs (carbamazepine (CBZ), diclofenac and sulfamethoxazole), with CBZ being the more refractory one. In conclusion, photo-driven AOP with PAA can be effectively used as tertiary treatment of Urban Wastewater but initial PAA dose should be optimized to find the best compromise between target bacteria inactivation and CECs removal as well as to prevent scavenging effect of PAA on hydroxyl radicals because of high PAA concentration.
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antibiotic resistance spread potential in Urban Wastewater effluents disinfected by uv h2o2 process
Science of The Total Environment, 2016Co-Authors: Giovanna Ferro, Francesco Guarino, Stefano Castiglione, Luigi RizzoAbstract:Urban Wastewater treatment plants (UWTPs) are among the main hotspots of antibiotic resistance (AR) spread into the environment and the role of conventional and new disinfection processes as possible barrier to minimise the risk for AR transfer is presently under investigation. Accordingly, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of an advanced oxidation process (AOP) (specifically UV/H2O2) on AR transfer potential. UV/H2O2 disinfection experiments were carried out on real Wastewater samples to evaluate the: i) inactivation of total coliforms, Escherichia coli and antibiotic resistant E. coli as well as ii) possible removal of target antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) (namely, blaTEM, qnrS and tetW). In particular, DNA was extracted from both antibiotic resistant E. coli bacterial cells (intracellular DNA), grown on selective culture media, and the whole water suspension (total DNA) collected at different treatment times. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed to detect the absence/presence of the selected ARGs. Real Time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was used to quantify the investigated ARGs in terms of copiesmL(-1). In spite of the bacterial inactivation and a decrease of ARGs in intracellular DNA after 60min treatment, UV/H2O2 process was not effective in ARGs removal from water suspension (total DNA). Particularly, an increase up to 3.7×10(3)copiesmL(-1) (p>0.05) of blaTEM gene was observed in total DNA after 240min treatment, while no difference (p>0.05) was found for qnrS gene between the initial (5.1×10(4)copiesmL(-1)) and the final sample (4.3×10(4)copiesmL(-1)). On the base of the achieved results, the investigated disinfection process may not be effective in minimising AR spread potential into the environment. The death of bacterial cells, which results in DNA release in the treated water, may pose a risk for AR transfer to other bacteria present in the receiving water body.
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Urban Wastewater treatment plants as hotspots for the release of antibiotics in the environment a review
Water Research, 2013Co-Authors: I Michael, Luigi Rizzo, Celia M Manaia, Christophe Dagot, Christa S Mcardell, Christophe Merlin, Thomas Schwartz, Despo FattakassinosAbstract:Urban Wastewater treatment plants (UWTPs) are among the main sources of antibiotics' release into various compartments of the environment worldwide. The aim of the present paper is to critically review the fate and removal of various antibiotics in Wastewater treatment, focusing on different processes (i.e. biological processes, advanced treatment technologies and disinfection) in view of the current concerns related to the induction of toxic effects in aquatic and terrestrial organisms, and the occurrence of antibiotics that may promote the selection of antibiotic resistance genes and bacteria, as reported in the literature. Where available, estimations of the removal of antibiotics are provided along with the main treatment steps. The removal efficiency during Wastewater treatment processes varies and is mainly dependent on a combination of antibiotics' physicochemical properties and the operating conditions of the treatment systems. As a result, the application of alternative techniques including membrane processes, activated carbon adsorption, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), and combinations of them, which may lead to higher removals, may be necessary before the final disposal of the effluents or their reuse for irrigation or groundwater recharge.
Despo Fattakassinos - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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continuous ozonation of Urban Wastewater removal of antibiotics antibiotic resistant escherichia coli and antibiotic resistance genes and phytotoxicity
Water Research, 2019Co-Authors: Iakovos C Iakovides, Nuno F F Moreira, Telma Fernandes, Adrian M T Silva, Celia M Manaia, Olga C Nunes, Ana R. Ribeiro, I Michaelkordatou, M F R Pereira, Despo FattakassinosAbstract:Abstract This work evaluated the removal of a mixture of eight antibiotics (i.e. ampicillin (AMP), azithromycin (AZM), erythromycin (ERY), clarithromycin (CLA), ofloxacin (OFL), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), trimethoprim (TMP) and tetracycline (TC)) from Urban Wastewater, by ozonation operated in continuous mode at different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) (i.e. 10, 20, 40 and 60 min) and specific ozone doses (i.e. 0.125, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 gO3 gDOC− 1). As expected, the efficiency of ozonation was highly ozone dose- and contact time-dependent. The removal of the parent compounds of the selected antibiotics to levels below their detection limits was achieved with HRT of 40 min and specific ozone dose of 0.125 gO3 gDOC− 1. The effect of ozonation was also investigated at a microbiological and genomic level, by studying the efficiency of the process with respect to the inactivation of Escherichia coli and antibiotic-resistant E. coli, as well as to the reduction of the abundance of selected antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The inactivation of total cultivable E. coli was achieved under the experimental conditions of HRT 40 min and 0.25 gO3 gDOC−1, at which all antibiotic compounds were already degraded. The regrowth examinations revealed that higher ozone concentrations were required for the permanent inactivation of E. coli below the Limit of Quantification (
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the role of operating parameters and oxidative damage mechanisms of advanced chemical oxidation processes in the combat against antibiotic resistant bacteria and resistance genes present in Urban Wastewater
Water Research, 2018Co-Authors: I Michaelkordatou, Popi Karaolia, Despo FattakassinosAbstract:An upsurge in the study of antibiotic resistance in the environment has been observed in the last decade. Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly clear that Urban Wastewater is a key source of antibiotic resistance determinants, i.e. antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARB&ARGs). Urban Wastewater reuse has arisen as an important component of water resources management in the European Union and worldwide to address prolonged water scarcity issues. Especially, biological Wastewater treatment processes (i.e. conventional activated sludge), which are widely applied in Urban Wastewater treatment plants, have been shown to provide an ideal environment for the evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance. The ability of advanced chemical oxidation processes (AOPs), e.g. light-driven oxidation in the presence of H2O2, ozonation, homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalysis, to inactivate ARB and remove ARGs in Wastewater effluents has not been yet evaluated through a systematic and integrated approach. Consequently, this review seeks to provide an extensive and critical appraisal on the assessment of the efficiency of these processes in inactivating ARB and removing ARGs in Wastewater effluents, based on recent available scientific literature. It tries to elucidate how the key operating conditions may affect the process efficiency, while pinpointing potential areas for further research and major knowledge gaps which need to be addressed. Also, this review aims at shedding light on the main oxidative damage pathways involved in the inactivation of ARB and removal of ARGs by these processes. In general, the lack and/or heterogeneity of the available scientific data, as well as the different methodological approaches applied in the various studies, make difficult the accurate evaluation of the efficiency of the processes applied. Besides the operating conditions, the variable behavior observed by the various examined genetic constituents of the microbial community, may be directed by the process distinct oxidative damage mechanisms in place during the application of each treatment technology. For example, it was shown in various studies that the majority of cellular damage by advanced chemical oxidation may be on cell wall and membrane structures of the targeted bacteria, leaving the internal components of the cells relatively intact/able to repair damage. As a result, further in-depth mechanistic studies are required, to establish the optimum operating conditions under which oxidative mechanisms target internal cell components such as genetic material and ribosomal structures more intensively, thus conferring permanent damage and/or death and preventing potential post-treatment re-growth.
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Urban Wastewater treatment plants as hotspots for the release of antibiotics in the environment a review
Water Research, 2013Co-Authors: I Michael, Luigi Rizzo, Celia M Manaia, Christophe Dagot, Christa S Mcardell, Christophe Merlin, Thomas Schwartz, Despo FattakassinosAbstract:Urban Wastewater treatment plants (UWTPs) are among the main sources of antibiotics' release into various compartments of the environment worldwide. The aim of the present paper is to critically review the fate and removal of various antibiotics in Wastewater treatment, focusing on different processes (i.e. biological processes, advanced treatment technologies and disinfection) in view of the current concerns related to the induction of toxic effects in aquatic and terrestrial organisms, and the occurrence of antibiotics that may promote the selection of antibiotic resistance genes and bacteria, as reported in the literature. Where available, estimations of the removal of antibiotics are provided along with the main treatment steps. The removal efficiency during Wastewater treatment processes varies and is mainly dependent on a combination of antibiotics' physicochemical properties and the operating conditions of the treatment systems. As a result, the application of alternative techniques including membrane processes, activated carbon adsorption, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), and combinations of them, which may lead to higher removals, may be necessary before the final disposal of the effluents or their reuse for irrigation or groundwater recharge.
R. Pretel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Economic and environmental sustainability of submerged anaerobic MBR-based (AnMBR-based) technology as compared to aerobic-based technologies for moderate-/high-loaded Urban Wastewater treatment.
Journal of Environmental Management, 2015Co-Authors: R. Pretel, A. Robles, María Victoria Ruano, Aurora Seco, José FerrerAbstract:The objective of this study was to assess the economic and environmental sustainability of submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) in comparison with aerobic-based technologies for moderate-/high-loaded Urban Wastewater (UWW) treatment. To this aim, a combined approach of steady-state performance modelling, life cycle analysis (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) was used, in which AnMBR (coupled with an aerobic-based post-treatment) was compared to aerobic membrane bioreactor (AeMBR) and conventional activated sludge (CAS). AnMBR with CAS-based post-treatment for nutrient removal was identified as a sustainable option for moderate-/high-loaded UWW treatment: low energy consumption and reduced sludge production could be obtained at given operating conditions. In addition, significant reductions can be achieved in different aspects of environmental impact (global warming potential (GWP), abiotic depletion, acidification, etc.) and LCC over existing UWW treatment technologies.
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the operating cost of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor anmbr treating sulphate rich Urban Wastewater
Separation and Purification Technology, 2014Co-Authors: R. Pretel, A. Robles, M V Ruano, A Seco, J FerrerAbstract:Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the operating cost of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) treating sulphate-rich Urban Wastewater (UWW) at ambient temperature (ranging from 17 to 33 °C). To this aim, energy consumption, methane production, and sludge handling and recycling to land were evaluated. The results revealed that optimising specific gas demand with respect to permeate volume (SGDP) and sludge retention time (for given ambient temperature conditions) is essential to maximise energy savings (minimum energy demand: 0.07 kW h m−3). Moreover, low/moderate sludge productions were obtained (minimum value: 0.16 kg TSS kg−1 CODRemoved), which further enhanced the overall operating cost of the plant (minimum value: €0.011 per m3 of treated water). The sulphate content in the influent UWW significantly affected the final production of methane and thereby the overall operating cost. Indeed, the evaluated AnMBR system presented energy surplus potential when treating low-sulphate UWW.
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environmental impact of submerged anaerobic mbr sanmbr technology used to treat Urban Wastewater at different temperatures
Bioresource Technology, 2013Co-Authors: R. Pretel, A. Robles, M V Ruano, A Seco, J FerrerAbstract:Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the environmental impact of a submerged anaerobic MBR (SAnMBR) system in the treatment of Urban Wastewater at different temperatures: ambient temperature (20 and 33 °C), and a controlled temperature (33 °C). To this end, an overall energy balance (OEB) and life cycle assessment (LCA), both based on real process data, were carried out. Four factors were considered in this study: (1) energy consumption during Wastewater treatment; (2) energy recovered from biogas capture; (3) potential recovery of nutrients from the final effluent; and (4) sludge disposal. The OEB and LCA showed SAnMBR to be a promising technology for treating Urban Wastewater at ambient temperature (OEB = 0.19 kW h m−3). LCA results reinforce the importance of maximising the recovery of nutrients (environmental impact in eutrophication can be reduced up to 45%) and dissolved methane (positive environmental impact can be obtained) from SAnMBR effluent.
