1
|
Mehaidli AP, Mandal R, Simha P. Selective degradation of endogenous organic metabolites in acidified fresh human urine using sulphate radical-based advanced oxidation. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 257:121751. [PMID: 38744062 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The human urine metabolome is complex, containing a wide range of organic metabolites that affect treatment of urine collected in resource-oriented sanitation systems. In this study, an advanced oxidation process involving heat-activated peroxydisulphate was used to selectively oxidise organic metabolites in urine over urea and chloride. Initial experiments evaluated optimal conditions (peroxydisulphate dose, temperature, time, pH) for activation of peroxydisulphate in unconcentrated, non-hydrolysed synthetic urine and real urine acidified to pH 3.0. Subsequent experiments determined the fate of 268 endogenous organic metabolites (OMs) and removal of COD from unconcentrated and concentrated real urine (80-90% mass reduced by evaporation). The results revealed >90% activation of 60 mM peroxydisulphate in real unconcentrated urine heated to 90 °C for 1 h, resulting in 43% ΣOMs degradation, 22% COD removal and 56% total organic carbon removal, while >94% of total nitrogen and >97% of urea in real unconcentrated urine were recovered. The mechanism of urea degradation was identified to be chemical hydrolysis to ammonia, with the rate constant for this reaction determined to be 1.9 × 10-6 s-1 at pH 3.0 and 90 °C. Treating concentrated real urine resulted in similar removal of COD, ΣOMs degradation and total nitrogen loss as observed for unconcentrated urine, but with significantly higher chloride oxidation and chemical hydrolysis of urea. Targeted metabolomic analysis revealed that peroxydisulphate treatment degraded 157 organic metabolites in urine, of which 67 metabolites were degraded by >80%. The rate constant for the reaction of sulphate radicals with oxidisable endogenous organic metabolites in urine was estimated to exceed 108 M-1 s-1. These metabolites were preferentially oxidised over chloride and urea in acidified, non-hydrolysed urine treated with peroxydisulphate. Overall, the findings support the development of emerging urine recycling technologies, including alkaline/acid dehydration and reverse osmosis, where the presence of endogenous organic urine metabolites significantly influences treatment parameters such as energy demand and product purity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Peter Mehaidli
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Energy and Technology, SE 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rupasri Mandal
- The Metabolomics Innovation Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Prithvi Simha
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Energy and Technology, SE 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nguyen GT, Iftekhar MS, Ratnasiri S, Roiko A, Beal CD. Supply, demand and the economic effectiveness of urine-diverting technologies and products: A systematic literature review. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 255:121478. [PMID: 38522400 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The broader adoption of urine-diverting technologies (UDTs) and related products has been proposed as a strategy for moving towards a more circular economy. While some studies have explored the performance of UDTs, the interconnected factors involving supply, demand, and economic feasibility of UDTs remain under-researched. Our systematic review addresses this gap. Our search identified only 64 relevant, peer-reviewed studies, 71 % of which addressed the supply side (primarily the technical aspect of UDTs) and 58 % of which addressed the demand side (focusing on consumers' perceptions). Approximately one-third (18) of these studies delved into the economic feasibility of UDTs, with only 9 employing a cost benefit analysis (CBA) framework. However, none of these studies have analysed the economic performance of UDTs that have been fully deployed, indicating a significant knowledge gap. Our review suggests that overcoming challenges in scaling up UDTs can be achieved by engaging those stakeholders driving the uptake, developing business cases that offer an overall understanding of both market and non-market benefits of UDTs, addressing technological constraints by optimising urine treatment options for efficiency and economic viability, and enhancing stakeholders' acceptance of UDTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gam T Nguyen
- Griffith Business School, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia; Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Md Sayed Iftekhar
- Griffith Business School, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia; Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Shyama Ratnasiri
- Griffith Business School, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Anne Roiko
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences (Environmental Health), Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia; Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Cara D Beal
- Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lyu Y, Ao X, Wei Z, Cheng S, Zhou X, Liu N, Wang X, Feng R, Li Z. Synergetic effect on fouling alleviating of membrane distillation in urine resource recovery by thermally activated peroxydisulfate pretreatment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:117013. [PMID: 37648190 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Given that the spontaneous precipitation of minerals caused by urea hydrolysis and abundant organic compounds, membrane fouling became a major obstacle for urine recovery by membrane distillation (MD). Herein, this study developed a combined system (TAP-MD) by integrating thermally activated peroxydisulfate (TAP) and MD process to inhibit membrane fouling and improve separation efficiency. Based on the TAP-MD system, the separation performance was improved significantly, improving nutrient recovery efficiency and quality of reclaimed water. More than 80% of water could be recovered from urine, and about 94.13% of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), 99.02% of total nitrogen (TN), 100% of total phosphate (TP), and 100% of K+ were rejected. The mechanism for alleviating urine-induced fouling was systematically and intensively studied. With TAP pretreatment, the TAN concentration of pretreated urine was kept at a low level steadily and the pH was at neutral or weakly acidic. Hence, inorganic scaling represented by carbonate and phosphate precipitates were significantly inhibited by creating unfavorable solvent environment for crystallization with TAP pretreatment. Additionally, aromatic proteins were found as the main organic foulants. According to the secondary structure of protein, the proteins were degraded by the cleavage of peptide bonds by TAP pretreatment. Meanwhile, the hydrophilicity of protein increased, which reduced the hydrophobic interaction of protein and membrane surface and thus alleviated protein-induced membrane fouling. This study revealed the inorganic and organic foulants in urine that caused membrane fouling and demonstrated the mechanism of membrane fouling alleviation by TAP-MD system. The experimental results will be instrumental in better understanding the mechanisms of membrane fouling induced by urine and optimize MD process for resource recovery from urine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Lyu
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China.
| | - Xiuwei Ao
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China.
| | - Zongsu Wei
- Centre for Water Technology (WATEC), Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 36, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Shikun Cheng
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China.
| | - Xiaoqin Zhou
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China.
| | - Nana Liu
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China.
| | - Xuemei Wang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China.
| | - Rui Feng
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China.
| | - Zifu Li
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu H, Li X, Yao H, Sun P. Enhanced strategies for phosphate recovery from urine by magnesium galvanic process. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 245:120669. [PMID: 37776592 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Magnesium galvanic process (MGP) can be applied to recover phosphate from source-separated urine. However, information on how the urine matrix affects MGP performance is limited. Therefore, this study investigated the mechanism of phosphate recovery by MGP in synthetic and real urine matrixes. Our results showed that the major components in urine (i.e., NH4+, Cl-, and HCO3-) all exhibited acceleration effects on corrosion of Mg plate. However, the underlying action mechanism of each component was distinct. Ammonium facilitated the conversion from MgO to Mg(OH)2, chloride complexed with Mg2+ ions, and bicarbonate led to complexation as well as formation of MgCO3. Furthermore, our results revealed an interesting aspect where although bicarbonate alone accelerated the corrosion of Mg plate, its coexistence with other ions inhibited overall performance due to the blocking effect of formed MgCO3 on chloride penetration and reduction in free magnesium ion concentration. After elucidating the interaction of NH4+, Cl-, and HCO3- on the passive layer of the Mg plate, we proposed to pretreat urine with HCl, which resulted in a significant enhancement in current production and phosphate recovery. This improved MGP was further tested in a continuous flow reactor, which recovered over 95% of phosphate in real urine for more than 1 h. The phosphate precipitates were confirmed as high purity struvite. Generally, the improved MGP, which simultaneously produced Mg2+, dihydrogen, and electricity with no energy input, is a promising sustainable and green alternative for phosphate recovery from source-separated urine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xinyang Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Water Pollution Control Techniques for Antibiotics and Resistance genes, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Hong Yao
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Water Pollution Control Techniques for Antibiotics and Resistance genes, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Peizhe Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhou Y, Zhu Y, Zhu J, Li C, Chen G. A Comprehensive Review on Wastewater Nitrogen Removal and Its Recovery Processes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3429. [PMID: 36834120 PMCID: PMC9967642 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Discharging large amounts of domestic and industrial wastewater drastically increases the reactive nitrogen content in aquatic ecosystems, which causes severe ecological stress and biodiversity loss. This paper reviews three common types of denitrification processes, including physical, chemical, and biological processes, and mainly focuses on the membrane technology for nitrogen recovery. The applicable conditions and effects of various treatment methods, as well as the advantages, disadvantages, and influencing factors of membrane technologies, are summarized. Finally, it is proposed that developing effective combinations of different treatment methods and researching new processes with high efficiency, economy, and energy savings, such as microbial fuel cells and anaerobic osmotic membrane bioreactors, are the research and development directions of wastewater treatment processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yingying Zhu
- Faculty of Maritime and Transportation, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sniatala B, Kurniawan TA, Sobotka D, Makinia J, Othman MHD. Macro-nutrients recovery from liquid waste as a sustainable resource for production of recovered mineral fertilizer: Uncovering alternative options to sustain global food security cost-effectively. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159283. [PMID: 36208738 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Global food security, which has emerged as one of the sustainability challenges, impacts every country. As food cannot be generated without involving nutrients, research has intensified recently to recover unused nutrients from waste streams. As a finite resource, phosphorus (P) is largely wasted. This work critically reviews the technical applicability of various water technologies to recover macro-nutrients such as P, N, and K from wastewater. Struvite precipitation, adsorption, ion exchange, and membrane filtration are applied for nutrient recovery. Technological strengths and drawbacks in their applications are evaluated and compared. Their operational conditions such as pH, dose required, initial nutrient concentration, and treatment performance are presented. Cost-effectiveness of the technologies for P or N recovery is also elaborated. It is evident from a literature survey of 310 published studies (1985-2022) that no single technique can effectively and universally recover target macro-nutrients from liquid waste. Struvite precipitation is commonly used to recover over 95 % of P from sludge digestate with its concentration ranging from 200 to 4000 mg/L. The recovered precipitate can be reused as a fertilizer due to its high content of P and N. Phosphate removal of higher than 80 % can be achieved by struvite precipitation when the molar ratio of Mg2+/PO43- ranges between 1.1 and 1.3. The applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to collect data on critical parameters control optimization, improve treatment effectiveness, and facilitate water utilities to upscale water treatment plants. Such infrastructure in the plants could enable the recovered materials to be reused to sustain food security. As nutrient recovery is crucial in wastewater treatment, water treatment plant operators need to consider (1) the costs of nutrient recovery techniques; (2) their applicability; (3) their benefits and implications. It is essential to note that the treatment cost of P and/or N-laden wastewater depends on the process applied and local conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogna Sniatala
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Dominika Sobotka
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek Makinia
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang B, Tian S, Wu D. Phosphorus harvesting from fresh human urine: A strategy of precisely recovering high-purity calcium phosphate and insights into the precipitation conversion mechanism. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 227:119325. [PMID: 36371917 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) harvesting from source-separated urine to optimize the overall nutrient loop is one of the most appealing benefits and is a global research interest in wastewater management and treatment. However, current P precipitation is mainly oriented to struvite, which is limited by the issues such as relatively low product purity and high cost of Mg source. Distinguished from previous conventional struvite precipitation, the strategy of precisely harvesting P from fresh human urine as high-purity calcium phosphate was first proposed in this study. This enhanced strategy can optimize P harvesting performance and product purity by simply regulating the consumption of calcium-based materials via model simulation and experimental validation. The thermodynamic model was constructed to probe the precipitation conversion mechanism, and visually predict the component and yield for products under various operating conditions. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate P recovery performance as a function of initial Mg2+ concentration, initial pH level, as well as degree of urine hydrolysis. Moreover, the alternative dosing scheme with different calcium salts and alkali was presented, diversifying the options for efficient P recovery. The results showed that, from the perspective of acidic storage for fresh urine, P recovery can be boosted along with eliminating urine hydrolysis. In urine with an initial pH=2.0, P can be completely recovered and purity for calcium phosphate can be optimized to 100% within a Ca/P ratio range of 1.67-2.3. Overall, this work is of great significance for precisely and efficiently harvesting P from urine and provides an integrated strategy for P resource recovery from urine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Shiyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Deli Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tian M, Ma T, Goh K, Pei Z, Chong JY, Wang YN. Forward Osmosis Membranes: The Significant Roles of Selective Layer. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12100955. [PMID: 36295714 PMCID: PMC9607867 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12100955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Forward osmosis (FO) is a promising separation technology to overcome the challenges of pressure-driven membrane processes. The FO process has demonstrated profound advantages in treating feeds with high salinity and viscosity in applications such as brine treatment and food processing. This review discusses the advancement of FO membranes and the key membrane properties that are important in real applications. The membrane substrates have been the focus of the majority of FO membrane studies to reduce internal concentration polarization. However, the separation layer is critical in selecting the suitable FO membranes as the feed solute rejection and draw solute back diffusion are important considerations in designing large-scale FO processes. In this review, emphasis is placed on developing FO membrane selective layers with a high selectivity. The effects of porous FO substrates in synthesizing high-performance polyamide selective layer and strategies to overcome the substrate constraints are discussed. The role of interlayer in selective layer synthesis and the benefits of nanomaterial incorporation will also be reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Tian
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Tao Ma
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Kunli Goh
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, Singapore 637141, Singapore
| | - Zhiqiang Pei
- Beijing Origin Water Membrane Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 101417, China
| | - Jeng Yi Chong
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, Singapore 637141, Singapore
| | - Yi-Ning Wang
- Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, Singapore 637141, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Osmotic urine fuel cell to recover water, energy, and nutrients along with salinity reduction. J APPL ELECTROCHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10800-022-01738-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
|
10
|
Ahmadijokani F, Molavi H, Tajahmadi S, Rezakazemi M, Amini M, Kamkar M, Rojas OJ, Arjmand M. Coordination chemistry of metal–organic frameworks: Detection, adsorption, and photodegradation of tetracycline antibiotics and beyond. Coord Chem Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
11
|
Matar G, Besson M, Mas J, Azimi S, Rocher V, Sperandio M. Modelling the benefits of urine source separation scenarios on wastewater treatment plants within an urban water basin. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2022; 86:482-495. [PMID: 35960832 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2022.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Stringent discharge regulations are encouraging researchers to create innovative and sustainable wastewater treatment solutions. Urine source separation (USS) is among the potent approaches that may reduce nutrient peak loads in the influent wastewater and improve nutrient recovery. A phenomenological model was used to simulate dynamic influent properties and predict the advantages gained from implementing USS in an urban water basin. Several scenarios were investigated assuming different levels of deployment: at the entire city, or specifically in office buildings for men's urine only, or for both men and women employees. The results confirmed that all scenarios of urine source separation offered benefits at the treatment plant in terms of reducing nitrogen influent load. The economic benefits in terms of reducing energy consumption for nitrification and decreasing methanol addition for denitrification were quantified, and results confirmed environmental advantages gained from different USS scenarios. Despite larger advantages gained from a global USS rate in an entire city, implementation of a specific USS in office buildings would remain more feasible from a logistical perspective. A significant benefit in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions is demonstrated and this was especially due to the high level of N2O emissions avoided in nitrifying biological aerated filter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Matar
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRA, INSA, Toulouse, France E-mail:
| | - Mathilde Besson
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRA, INSA, Toulouse, France E-mail:
| | - Jennifer Mas
- SIAAP, Direction Innovation, 92700, Colombes, France
| | - Sam Azimi
- SIAAP, Direction Innovation, 92700, Colombes, France
| | | | - Mathieu Sperandio
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRA, INSA, Toulouse, France E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xu Y, Zhu Y, Chen Z, Zhu J, Chen G. A Comprehensive Review on Forward Osmosis Water Treatment: Recent Advances and Prospects of Membranes and Draw Solutes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138215. [PMID: 35805879 PMCID: PMC9266909 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Forward osmosis (FO) is an evolving membrane separation technology for water treatment and reclamation. However, FO water treatment technology is limited by factors such as concentration polarization, membrane fouling, and reverse solute flux. Therefore, it is of a great importance to prepare an efficient high-density porous membrane and to select an appropriate draw solute to reduce concentration polarization, membrane fouling, and reverse solute flux. This review aims to present a thorough evaluation of the advancement of different draw solutes and membranes with their effects on FO performance. NaCl is still widely used in a large number of studies, and several general draw solutes, such as organic-based and inorganic-based, are selected based on their osmotic pressure and water solubility. The selection criteria for reusable solutes, such as heat-recovered gaseous draw, magnetic field-recovered MNPs, and electrically or thermally-responsive hydrogel are primarily based on their industrial efficiency and energy requirements. CA membranes are resistant to chlorine degradation and are hydrophilic, while TFC/TFN exhibit a high inhibition of bio-adhesion and hydrolysis. AQPs are emerging membranes, due to proteins with complete retention capacity. Moreover, the development of the hybrid system combining FO with other energy or water treatment technologies is crucial to the sustainability of FO.
Collapse
|
13
|
A Review on the Development of an Integer System Coupling Forward Osmosis Membrane and Ultrasound Waves for Water Desalination Processes. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14132710. [PMID: 35808754 PMCID: PMC9269142 DOI: 10.3390/polym14132710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This review considers the forward osmosis (FO) membrane process as one of the feasible solutions for water desalination. Different aspects related to the FO process are reviewed with an emphasis on ultrasound assisted FO membrane processes. The different types of membranes used in FO are also reviewed and discussed; thus, their configuration, structure and applications are considered. Coupling ultrasound with FO enhances water flux through the membrane under certain conditions. In addition, this review addresses questions related to implementation of an ultrasound/FO system for seawater desalination, such as the impact on fouling, flow configuration, and location of fouling. Finally, the mechanisms for the impact of ultrasound on FO membranes are discussed and future research directions are suggested.
Collapse
|
14
|
Masrura SU, Jones-Lepp TL, Kajitvichyanukul P, Ok YS, Tsang DCW, Khan E. Unintentional release of antibiotics associated with nutrients recovery from source-separated human urine by biochar. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134426. [PMID: 35351480 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The use of biochar to recover nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater especially source-separated human urine is attractive from both economic and environmental standpoints. The widespread use of pharmaceuticals has raised concerns as they are not fully metabolized and ended up in human urine. The objective of this study is to examine adsorption of antibiotics (azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and tetracycline) and nutrients (ammonium and phosphate) in source-separated human urine by biochar and subsequent desorption. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted using biochar prepared from oak wood (OW) and paper mill sludge (PMS) to elucidate the effects of adsorption time, pH, and adsorbent dose. The desorption of adsorbed nutrients and antibiotics was also investigated. While the nutrient adsorption was more favorable by the PMS biochar, antibiotic adsorption was more prolific by the OW biochar. Hydrogen bonding and π-π interaction were identified as potential adsorption mechanisms. Experimental results agree with the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second order models (except the OW biochar for the kinetics). The findings suggest that biochar can adsorb both nutrients (43.30-266.67 mg g-1) and antibiotics (246.70-389.0 μg g-1) simultaneously. Lower solution pH (<5) was better for antibiotic adsorption, while higher solution pH (≥5) favored nutrient recovery. Also, desorption of the antibiotics (maximum of 92.6% for trimethoprim) was observed and might arise in the environment with the applications of biochar for nutrient recovery from human urine and subsequently for soil quality improvement. The findings serve as a foundation for future research on adsorption-based methods for separating nutrients and antibiotics in aqueous solutions, particularly urine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayeda Ummeh Masrura
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA.
| | - Tammy L Jones-Lepp
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA.
| | - Puangrat Kajitvichyanukul
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Eakalak Khan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Soyekwo F, Wen H, Dan L, Liu C. Crumpled Globule-Heterotextured Polyamide Membrane Interlayered with Protein-Polyphenol Nanoaggregates for Enhanced Forward Osmosis Performance. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:24806-24819. [PMID: 35594151 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c05075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Surface modulation of polyamide structures and the development of nanochanneled membranes with excellent water transport properties are crucial for the separation performance enhancement of thin-film composite membranes. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of a modular nanochannel-integrated polyamide network on a nanoporous interlayer membrane comprising Mxene-reinforced protein-polyphenol nanoaggregates. The research indicates that the confined growth of the polyamide matrix inside this hydrophilic sub-10 nm nanochannel nanoporous intermediate layer stiffened the interfacial channels, leading to the formation of a polyamide layer with a spatial distribution of a network of unique 3D crumpled globule-like nanostructures. The high specific surface area of such a morphology bestowed the membrane with increased filtration area while facilitating the nanofluidic transport of water molecules through the nanochanneled membrane structure, leading to enhanced water flux of up to 26.6 L m-2 h-1 (active layer facing the feed solution) and 41.0 L m-2 h-1 (active layer facing the draw solution) using 1.0 M NaCl as the draw solution. The membrane equally exhibited good treatment for organic solvent forward osmosis filtration and typical seawater desalination. Moreover, the hierarchical nanostructures induced antimicrobial activity by effectively reducing the biofilm formation of Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria. This work provides significant insights into the interfacial engineering and compatibility of the nanomaterials and the polymers in interlayer mixed-matrix membranes, which are environmentally sustainable and cost-effective for the fabrication of advanced forward osmosis membranes for water purification and osmotic energy applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faizal Soyekwo
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Boulevard, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wen
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Boulevard, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Liao Dan
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Boulevard, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Changkun Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Boulevard, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Recovery of Nutrients from Residual Streams Using Ion-Exchange Membranes: Current State, Bottlenecks, Fundamentals and Innovations. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12050497. [PMID: 35629823 PMCID: PMC9145069 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12050497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The review describes the place of membrane methods in solving the problem of the recovery and re-use of biogenic elements (nutrients), primarily trivalent nitrogen NIII and pentavalent phosphorus PV, to provide the sustainable development of mankind. Methods for the recovery of NH4+ − NH3 and phosphates from natural sources and waste products of humans and animals, as well as industrial streams, are classified. Particular attention is paid to the possibilities of using membrane processes for the transition to a circular economy in the field of nutrients. The possibilities of different methods, already developed or under development, are evaluated, primarily those that use ion-exchange membranes. Electromembrane methods take a special place including capacitive deionization and electrodialysis applied for recovery, separation, concentration, and reagent-free pH shift of solutions. This review is distinguished by the fact that it summarizes not only the successes, but also the “bottlenecks” of ion-exchange membrane-based processes. Modern views on the mechanisms of NH4+ − NH3 and phosphate transport in ion-exchange membranes in the presence and in the absence of an electric field are discussed. The innovations to enhance the performance of electromembrane separation processes for phosphate and ammonium recovery are considered.
Collapse
|
17
|
He M, Chiang Albert Ng T, Huang S, Xu B, Yong Ng H. Ammonium removal and recovery from effluent of AnMBR treating real domestic wastewater using polymeric hydrogel. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.121376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
18
|
Pourmovahed P, Lefsrud M, Maisonneuve J. Thermodynamic limits of using fertilizer to produce clean fertigation solution from wastewater via forward osmosis. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.120168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
19
|
Zarebska-Mølgaard A, Li K, Niedzielska A, Schneider C, Yangali-Quintanilla V, Tsapekos P, Angelidaki I, Wang J, Helix-Nielsen C. Techno-economic assessment of a hybrid forward osmosis and membrane distillation system for agricultural water recovery. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2021.120196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
20
|
Gangadharan P, Vadekeetil A, Sibi R, Sheelam A. Concentrating nutrients and recovering water and energy from source separated urine using osmotic microbial fuel cell. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 285:131548. [PMID: 34329146 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This work presents the use of osmotic microbial fuel cell (OsMFC), for the first time, to concentrate nutrients and recover water and energy from source separated urine. Four sets of concentration of fresh urine as feed and NaCl as draw were examined: 10% fresh urine vs 0.25 M NaCl; 10% fresh urine vs 2 M NaCl; fresh urine vs 0.25 M NaCl; and fresh urine vs 2 M NaCl. A maximum water flux of 14.27 LMH was attained when 10% of fresh urine and 2 M of NaCl were used as feed and draw solutions, respectively. Additionally, OsMFC concentrates ~99% of TOC, TN, NH4+, and 100% of PO43- and NO3- from urine at the feed side. Polarization studies indicate that the power generation in OsMFC is related to the rate of change of conductivity and the initial conductivity of the anolyte. The maximum (0.12187 W m-3) and minimum power densities (5.3372 × 10-4 W m-3) were obtained for the conditions of fresh urine vs 0.25 M NaCl and 10% fresh urine vs 0.25 M NaCl, respectively. The study shows that OsMFC is an effective pretreatment process to concentrate nutrients from urine by recovering water and energy, simultaneously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Praveena Gangadharan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Palakkad, Kerala, 678557, India.
| | - Anitha Vadekeetil
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Palakkad, Kerala, 678557, India
| | - Reiva Sibi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Palakkad, Kerala, 678557, India
| | - Anjaiah Sheelam
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yu C, Yin W, Yu Z, Chen J, Huang R, Zhou X. Membrane technologies in toilet urine treatment for toilet urine resource utilization: a review. RSC Adv 2021; 11:35525-35535. [PMID: 35493188 PMCID: PMC9043190 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra05816a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane technologies have broad potential in methods for separating, collecting, storing, and utilizing urine collected from toilets. Recovering urine from toilets for resource utilization instead of treating it in a sewage treatment plant not only reduces extra energy consumption for the degradation of N and P but also saves energy in chemical fertilizer production, which will contribute to carbon emission reduction of 12.19-17.82 kg kgN -1 in terms of N alone. Due to its high efficiency in terms of volume reduction, water recycling, nutrient recovery, and pollutant removal, membrane technology is a promising technology for resource utilization from urine collected from toilets. In this review, we divide membrane technologies for resource utilization from urine collected from toilets into four categories based on the driving force: external pressure-driven membrane technology, vapor pressure-driven membrane technology, chemical potential-driven membrane technology, and electric field-driven membrane technology. These technologies influence factors such as: recovery targets and mechanisms, reaction condition optimization, and process efficiency, and these are all discussed in this review. Finally, a toilet with source-separation is suggested. In the future, membrane technology research should focus on the practical application of source-separation toilets, membrane fouling prevention, and energy consumption evaluation. This review may provide theoretical support for the resource utilization of urine collected from toilets that is based on membrane technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University Shanghai 200092 China +86-21-6598-2693
| | - Wenjun Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University Shanghai 200092 China +86-21-6598-2693
| | - Zhenjiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University Shanghai 200092 China +86-21-6598-2693
| | - Jiabin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University Shanghai 200092 China +86-21-6598-2693
| | - Rui Huang
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Hangzhou 310053 China
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University Shanghai 200092 China +86-21-6598-2693
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University Shanghai 200092 China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Xu L, Ding R, Mao Y, Peng S, Li Z, Zong Y, Wu D. Selective recovery of phosphorus and urea from fresh human urine using a liquid membrane chamber integrated flow-electrode electrochemical system. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 202:117423. [PMID: 34284122 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) extraction from human urine is a potential strategy to address global resource shortage, but few approaches are able to obtain high-quality liquid P products. In this study, we introduced an innovative flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) system, also called ion-capture electrochemical system (ICES), for selectively extracting P and N (i.e., urea) from fresh human urine simply by integrating a liquid membrane chamber (LMC) using a pair of anion exchange membrane (AEM). In the charging process, negatively charged P ions (i.e., HPO42- and H2PO4-) can be captured by acidic extraction solutions (e.g., solutions of HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4) on their way to the anode chamber, leading to the conversion of P ions to uncharged H3PO4, while other undesired ions such as Cl- and SO42- are expelled. Simultaneously, uncharged urea molecules remain in the urine effluent with the removal of salt. Thus, high-purity phosphoric acid and urea solutions can be obtained in the LMC and spacer chambers, respectively. The purification of P in an acidic environment is ascribed largely to the competitive migration and protonation of ions. The latter contributes ~27% for the selective capture of P. Under the optimal operating conditions (i.e., ratio of the urine volume to the HCl volume = 7:3, initial pH of the extraction solution = 1.43, current density = 20 A/m2 and threshold pH ~ 2.0), satisfactory recovery performance (811 mg/L P with 73.85% purity and 8.3 g/L urea-N with 81.4% extraction efficiency) and desalination efficiency (91.1%) were obtained after 37.5 h of continuous operation. Our results reveal a promising strategy for improving in selective separation and continuous operation via adjustments to the cell configuration, initiating a new research dimension toward selective ion separation and high-quality P recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longqian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Ren Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yunfeng Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Shuai Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yang Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Deli Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rybalkina OA, Solonchenko KV, Nikonenko VV, Pismenskaya ND. Investigation of Causes of Low Current Efficiency in Electrodialysis of Phosphate-Containing Solutions. MEMBRANES AND MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s2517751621040065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
24
|
Pourmovahed P, Maisonneuve J. Thermodynamic limits of using fertilizer osmosis to produce mechanical work via pressure retarded osmosis. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.119268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
25
|
Zhang J, Xie M, Tong X, Yang D, Liu S, Qu D, Feng L, Zhang L. Ammonia capture from human urine to harvest liquid N-P compound fertilizer by a submerged hollow fiber membrane contactor: Performance and fertilizer analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 768:144478. [PMID: 33444863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we developed a submerged hollow fiber membrane contactor (HFMC) to recover ammonia from human urine to get compound N-P fertilizers. The ammonia capture performance, water vapor transmembrane performance, ion rejection performance and the liquid fertilizer components using 1-4 mol/L H3PO4 as the stripping solution was comprehensively investigated. Increasing H3PO4 concentration did not significantly affect the ammonia capture performance but the water vapor transfer and fertilizer components. The ammonia mass transfer coefficients were in a range of 1.95×10-6±4.77×10-8 to 2.28×10-6±6.71×10-8 m/s and the ammonia flux fluctuated between 17.80 and 20.80 g/m2·h. The water vapor flux increased with the increase of stripping solution concentration and the time elapsed. The N content (21.29-55.24 g/L) was in the range of the commercial products while the P2O5 content (99.41-281 g/L) was slightly higher, which can be used in the soils or plants with a high demand for phosphorus. The liquid fertilizers were all mixtures of (NH4)2HPO4 and NH4H2PO4, but the distribution ratio slightly changed with the different initial H3PO4 concentration. The economic assessment showed that harvesting liquid N-P fertilizer from human urine using HFMC can make a profit of $7.089/L.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Mengfei Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xin Tong
- Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States
| | - Dandan Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Su Liu
- Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States
| | - Dan Qu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China; Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States.
| | - Li Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Liqiu Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li X, Shen S, Xu Y, Guo T, Dai H, Lu X. Application of membrane separation processes in phosphorus recovery: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 767:144346. [PMID: 33422961 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The depletion of phosphorus resources and the excess discharge of phosphorus into waste streams are contrasting problems. The key to solving both problems is to recover phosphorus from the waste streams. Current phosphorus recovery technologies require high phosphorus concentrations and lack the ability to separate toxic substances from recovered phosphorus products. Membrane separation processes such as nanofiltration, forward osmosis, and electrodialysis are examples of effective methods for solving some of these issues. In this paper, the mechanisms, performance, and influential factors affect phosphorus recovery from membrane separation are reviewed. Membrane fouling, energy consumption, and the selectivity of toxic substances in membrane separation processes were evaluated. This work will serve as a basis for future research and development of phosphorus recovery by membrane separation processes and as a response to the increasingly pressing issues of eutrophication and the growing depletion of phosphorus resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Southeast University, School Energy & Environment, 2 Sipailou Rd, Nanjing 210096, PR China; ERC Taihu Lake Water Environment Wuxi, 99 Linghu Rd, Wuxi 214135, PR China.
| | - Shuting Shen
- Southeast University, School Energy & Environment, 2 Sipailou Rd, Nanjing 210096, PR China; ERC Taihu Lake Water Environment Wuxi, 99 Linghu Rd, Wuxi 214135, PR China
| | - Yuye Xu
- Southeast University, School Energy & Environment, 2 Sipailou Rd, Nanjing 210096, PR China; ERC Taihu Lake Water Environment Wuxi, 99 Linghu Rd, Wuxi 214135, PR China
| | - Ting Guo
- Southeast University, School Energy & Environment, 2 Sipailou Rd, Nanjing 210096, PR China; ERC Taihu Lake Water Environment Wuxi, 99 Linghu Rd, Wuxi 214135, PR China
| | - Hongliang Dai
- Southeast University, School Energy & Environment, 2 Sipailou Rd, Nanjing 210096, PR China; School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, No. 2 Mengxi Road, Zhenjiang 212018, PR China.
| | - Xiwu Lu
- Southeast University, School Energy & Environment, 2 Sipailou Rd, Nanjing 210096, PR China; ERC Taihu Lake Water Environment Wuxi, 99 Linghu Rd, Wuxi 214135, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Govindan K, Im SJ, Muthuraj V, Jang A. Electrochemical recovery of H 2 and nutrients (N, P) from synthetic source separate urine water. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 269:129361. [PMID: 33383251 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study examined an electrochemical method of H2 production and nutrient recovery from synthetic source separated urine (SSU). The efficacy of H2 production was examined through hydrogen recovery experiments (HRE) using Ni foam electrodes. Similarly, nutrient (N and P) recovery was also examined in post-nutrient recovery experiments (NRE) with sacrificial Mg electrodes. To achieve higher nutrient recovery in the post-nutrient recovery process, the most important operating parameters (initial solution pH (pHi) and current density) were optimized. Optimization of NRE revealed that > 90% NH3-N and PO43--P could be recovered at 8 mA cm-2 with a pHi of 6-8. Notable NH3-N and PO43--P reduction were observed at an equimolar Mg2+ dissolution ratio (1:1) of Mg2+:NH4+ and a 1.1:1 ratio of Mg2+:PO43- respectively. However, poor total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) reduction was observed. Thus, we anticipate that direct electrochemical conversion of urea to N2 at the anode followed by H2 generation at the cathode is a more sustainable way to reduce TKN. Batch HRE showed that the initial TKN, 1094 mg L-1 (934 mg L-1 from urea-N and 160 mg L-1 from NH4Cl), was significantly reduced to 360 mg L-1 by Ni-Ni electrolysis, whereas around 53.8 g H2 gas was received from this Ni-Ni electrolysis system with a flow rate of 5-5.8 g mol-1 day-1. Overall, this work produced a 68% reduction in TKN due to electrochemical conversion of urea into H2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kadarkarai Govindan
- Sustainable Water Treatment Laboratory, Graduate School of Water Resources, Sungkyunkwan University, Natural Science Campus, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung-Ju Im
- Sustainable Water Treatment Laboratory, Graduate School of Water Resources, Sungkyunkwan University, Natural Science Campus, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Velluchamy Muthuraj
- Department of Chemistry, V.H.N Senthikumara Nadar College (Autonomous), Virudhunagar 626 001, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Am Jang
- Sustainable Water Treatment Laboratory, Graduate School of Water Resources, Sungkyunkwan University, Natural Science Campus, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Jafarinejad S. Forward osmosis membrane technology for nutrient removal/recovery from wastewater: Recent advances, proposed designs, and future directions. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128116. [PMID: 33297109 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the concept of nutrient removal/recovery has been applied as a sustainable solution to develop and design various modern wastewater treatment technologies for recovering nutrients from waste streams and is one of the high-priority research areas. Forward osmosis (FO) technology has received increasing interests as a potential low-fouling membrane process and a new approach to remove/recover nutrients from wastewater and sludge. The main objective of this review is to summarize the state of FO technology for nutrient removal/recovery from wastewater and sludge in order to identify areas of future improvements. In this study, nutrient removal processes, FO membrane technology, main factors affecting the FO process performance, the source water for nutrient recovery, the previous studies on the FO membrane process for nutrient removal/recovery from wastewater and sludge, membrane fouling, and recent advances in FO membranes for nutrient removal/recovery were briefly and critically reviewed. Then, the proposed possible designs to apply FO process in conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were theoretically presented. Finally, based on the gaps identified in the area, challenges ahead, future perspectives, and conclusions were discussed. Further investigations on the properties of FO associated with real wastewater, wastewater pre-treatment, the long-term low fouling operation, membrane cleaning strategies, water flux and the economic feasibility of the FO process are still desirable to apply FO technology for nutrient removal/recovery at full-scale (decentralized or centralized) in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahryar Jafarinejad
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Patel A, Mungray AA, Mungray AK. Technologies for the recovery of nutrients, water and energy from human urine: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 259:127372. [PMID: 32599379 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The global demand for a constant supply of fertilizer is increasing with the booming of the population. Nowadays more focus is given to the recovery and reuse of the nutrients rather than synthesis of the fertilizer from chemicals. Human urine is the best available resource for the primary macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) for the fertilizer as it contains 10-12 g/L nitrogen, 0.1-0.5 g/L phosphorous and 1.0-2.0 g/L potassium. For the recovery of these nutrients from human urine, various technologies are available which requires source separation and treatment. . In this review, a wide range of the technologies for the treatment of source-separated human urine are covered and discussed in detail. This review has categorized the technologies based on the recovery of nutrients, energy, and water from human urine. Among the various technologies available, Bio-electrochemical technologies are environmental friendly and recovers energy along with the nutrients. Forward Osmosis is the best available technology for the water recovery and for concentrating the nutrients in urine, without or minimal consumption of energy. However, experimental work in this technology is at its prior stage. A single technology is still not sufficient to recover nutrients, water and energy. Therefore, integration of two or more technologies seems essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asfak Patel
- Chemical Engineering Department, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, Gujarat, India.
| | - Alka A Mungray
- Chemical Engineering Department, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, Gujarat, India.
| | - Arvind Kumar Mungray
- Chemical Engineering Department, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, Gujarat, India.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Blandin G, Ferrari F, Lesage G, Le-Clech P, Héran M, Martinez-Lladó X. Forward Osmosis as Concentration Process: Review of Opportunities and Challenges. MEMBRANES 2020; 10:membranes10100284. [PMID: 33066490 PMCID: PMC7602145 DOI: 10.3390/membranes10100284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the past few years, osmotic membrane systems, such as forward osmosis (FO), have gained popularity as "soft" concentration processes. FO has unique properties by combining high rejection rate and low fouling propensity and can be operated without significant pressure or temperature gradient, and therefore can be considered as a potential candidate for a broad range of concentration applications where current technologies still suffer from critical limitations. This review extensively compiles and critically assesses recent considerations of FO as a concentration process for applications, including food and beverages, organics value added compounds, water reuse and nutrients recovery, treatment of waste streams and brine management. Specific requirements for the concentration process regarding the evaluation of concentration factor, modules and design and process operation, draw selection and fouling aspects are also described. Encouraging potential is demonstrated to concentrate streams more than 20-fold with high rejection rate of most compounds and preservation of added value products. For applications dealing with highly concentrated or complex streams, FO still features lower propensity to fouling compared to other membranes technologies along with good versatility and robustness. However, further assessments on lab and pilot scales are expected to better define the achievable concentration factor, rejection and effective concentration of valuable compounds and to clearly demonstrate process limitations (such as fouling or clogging) when reaching high concentration rate. Another important consideration is the draw solution selection and its recovery that should be in line with application needs (i.e., food compatible draw for food and beverage applications, high osmotic pressure for brine management, etc.) and be economically competitive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaetan Blandin
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Water, Air and Soil Unit, 08242 Manresa, Spain;
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34090 Montpellier, France; (G.L.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Federico Ferrari
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), 17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Geoffroy Lesage
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34090 Montpellier, France; (G.L.); (M.H.)
| | - Pierre Le-Clech
- UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Marc Héran
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34090 Montpellier, France; (G.L.); (M.H.)
| | - Xavier Martinez-Lladó
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Water, Air and Soil Unit, 08242 Manresa, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ray H, Perreault F, Boyer TH. Ammonia Recovery from Hydrolyzed Human Urine by Forward Osmosis with Acidified Draw Solution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:11556-11565. [PMID: 32786574 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Forward osmosis (FO) is a low-pressure membrane process that can selectively separate low molecular weight neutral compounds such as ammonia from urine. However, an understanding of how un-ionized ammonia transfers is vital for maximizing ammonia recovery. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the transport behavior of low molecular weight neutral nitrogen compounds in order to maximize ammonia recovery from real hydrolyzed human urine by FO. Using urea as a model, batch FO experiments concluded that low molecular weight neutral compound transfer is dependent on concentration equilibrium between the feed and draw solutions due to its ability to freely move across the FO membrane. Therefore, 50% recovery is the theoretical maximum that could be achieved. However, novel strategic pH manipulation between the feed and the draw solution allowed for up to 86% recovery of ammonia by keeping the draw solution pH < 6.5 and the feed solution pH > 11, overcoming the 50% recovery barrier. An economic analysis showed that ammonia recovery by FO has the potential to be more economically favorable compared to ammonia air stripping or ion exchange if the proper draw solute is chosen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Ray
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE), Arizona State University, P.O. Box 873005, Tempe, Arizona 85287-3005, United States
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 873005, Tempe, Arizona 85287-3005, United States
| | - Francois Perreault
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE), Arizona State University, P.O. Box 873005, Tempe, Arizona 85287-3005, United States
| | - Treavor H Boyer
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE), Arizona State University, P.O. Box 873005, Tempe, Arizona 85287-3005, United States
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 873005, Tempe, Arizona 85287-3005, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Advances in Struvite Precipitation Technologies for Nutrients Removal and Recovery from Aqueous Waste and Wastewater. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12187538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The abatement of nutrient compounds from aqueous waste and wastewater is currently a priority issue. Indeed, the uncontrolled discharge of high levels of nutrients into water bodies causes serious deteriorations of environmental quality. On the other hand, the increasing request of nutrient compounds for agronomic utilizations makes it strictly necessary to identify technologies able to recover the nutrients from wastewater streams so as to avoid the consumption of natural resources. In this regard, the removal and recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus from aqueous waste and wastewater as struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) represents an attractive approach. Indeed, through the struvite precipitation it is possible to effectively remove the ammonium and phosphate content of many types of wastewater and to produce a solid compound, with only a trace of impurities. This precipitate, due to its chemical characteristics, represents a valuable multi-nutrients slow release fertilizer for vegetables and plants growth. For these reasons, the struvite precipitation technology constantly progresses on several aspects of the process. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review on the recent developments in this technology for the removal and recovery of nutrients from aqueous waste and wastewater. The theoretical background, the parameters, and the operating conditions affecting the process evolution are initially presented. After that, the paper focuses on the reagents exploitable to promote the process performance, with particular regard to unconventional low-cost compounds. In addition, the development of reactors configurations, the main technologies implemented on field scale, as well as the recent works on the use of struvite in agronomic practices are presented.
Collapse
|
33
|
Trotochaud L, Hawkins BT, Stoner BR. Non-biological methods for phosphorus and nitrogen removal from wastewater: A gap analysis of reinvented-toilet technologies with respect to ISO 30500. Gates Open Res 2020; 3:559. [PMID: 32494770 PMCID: PMC7232852 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12931.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of the Reinvent the Toilet Challenge (RTTC) include creation of an off-the-grid sanitation system with operating costs of less than US$0.05 per user per day. Because of the small scale at which many reinvented toilets (RT) are intended to operate, non-biological treatment has been generally favored. The RTTC has already instigated notable technological advances in non-sewered sanitation systems (NSSS). However, increasingly stringent liquid effluent standards for N and P could limit the deployment of current RT in real-world scenarios, despite the urgent need for these systems. The newly adopted ISO 30500 standards for water reuse in NSSS dictate minimal use of chemical/biological additives, while at the same time requiring a 70% and 80% reduction in total nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. This document provides a brief overview of the mature and emerging technologies for N and P (specifically ammonia/ammonium and orthophosphate) removal from wastewater. At present, the dearth of nutrient removal methods proven to be effective at small scales is a significant barrier to meeting ISO 30500 standards. Closing the gap between RTs and ISO 30500 will require significant investments in basic R&D of emerging technologies for non-biological N and P remediation and/or increased reliance on biological processes. Adaptation of existing nutrient-removal technologies to small-scale NSSS is a viable option that merits additional investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Trotochaud
- Center for WaSH-AID, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | | | - Brian R. Stoner
- Center for WaSH-AID, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Recovery of ammonium nitrogen from human urine by an open-loop hollow fiber membrane contactor. Sep Purif Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2020.116579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
35
|
Qiu G, Wong GKW, Ting YP. Electrostatic interaction governed solute transport in forward osmosis. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 173:115590. [PMID: 32062225 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Electrolytes are commonly employed as draw solutes in forward osmosis (FO). This work demonstrates that electrostatic interactions play a key role in ion transport in the FO process. The difference in diffusivity between the constituent ions of the draw electrolyte significantly impact the forward transport of the feed ions. Draw electrolyte composed of low-diffusivity cations and high diffusivity anions promoted forward transport of the feed anions and retarded that of the feed cation, and vice versa. The effects were remarkable even for the most commonly used draw electrolytes (NaCl or MgCl2), where the forward flux of NO3- and NO2- was found to increase by a few folds and that of NH4+ was reduced by similar magnitudes than that observed in a nonelectrolyte draw solute (glucose) system. More profound increase/reduction (up to 10 times) was observed for draw electrolytes composed of highly asymmetric cations and anions. An analytical model is developed by considering the electrostatic interaction between the draw and the feed ions, to predict its effect on the forward transport of the feed ions. The normalized diffusivity difference (θD) between the constituent ions of the draw electrolyte is found as a key factor that determines the transport behaviors of the feed ions. These results may have important implications in enhancing our understanding of bidirectional ion transport in FO. The findings may also be useful in the design and development of FO processes for enhanced removal of charged pollutants via draw solute selection and formulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanglei Qiu
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore.
| | - Gordon Kai Wai Wong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Yen-Peng Ting
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Robles Á, Aguado D, Barat R, Borrás L, Bouzas A, Giménez JB, Martí N, Ribes J, Ruano MV, Serralta J, Ferrer J, Seco A. New frontiers from removal to recycling of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater in the Circular Economy. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 300:122673. [PMID: 31948770 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient recovery technologies are rapidly expanding due to the need for the appropriate recycling of key elements from waste resources in order to move towards a truly sustainable modern society based on the Circular Economy. Nutrient recycling is a promising strategy for reducing the depletion of non-renewable resources and the environmental impact linked to their extraction and manufacture. However, nutrient recovery technologies are not yet fully mature, as further research is needed to optimize process efficiency and enhance their commercial applicability. This paper reviews state-of-the-art of nutrient recovery, focusing on frontier technological advances and economic and environmental innovation perspectives. The potentials and limitations of different technologies are discussed, covering systems based on membranes, photosynthesis, crystallization and other physical and biological nutrient recovery systems (e.g. incineration, composting, stripping and absorption and enhanced biological phosphorus recovery).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Robles
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat de València, Avinguda de la Universitat s/n, 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain.
| | - Daniel Aguado
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Institut Universitari d'Investigació d'Enginyeria de l'Aigua i Medi Ambient - IIAMA, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022 València, Spain
| | - Ramón Barat
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Institut Universitari d'Investigació d'Enginyeria de l'Aigua i Medi Ambient - IIAMA, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022 València, Spain
| | - Luis Borrás
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat de València, Avinguda de la Universitat s/n, 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - Alberto Bouzas
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat de València, Avinguda de la Universitat s/n, 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - Juan Bautista Giménez
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat de València, Avinguda de la Universitat s/n, 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - Nuria Martí
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat de València, Avinguda de la Universitat s/n, 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - Josep Ribes
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat de València, Avinguda de la Universitat s/n, 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - María Victoria Ruano
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat de València, Avinguda de la Universitat s/n, 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - Joaquín Serralta
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Institut Universitari d'Investigació d'Enginyeria de l'Aigua i Medi Ambient - IIAMA, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022 València, Spain
| | - José Ferrer
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Institut Universitari d'Investigació d'Enginyeria de l'Aigua i Medi Ambient - IIAMA, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022 València, Spain
| | - Aurora Seco
- CALAGUA - Unidad Mixta UV-UPV, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat de València, Avinguda de la Universitat s/n, 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Dou P, Zhao S, Xu S, Li XM, He T. Feasibility of osmotic dilution for recycling spent dialysate: Process performance, scaling, and economic evaluation. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 168:115157. [PMID: 31614235 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hemodialysis is one of the therapies for patients with kidney failure. Hemodialysis requires large amounts of pure water, and is one of the most water-hungry medical procedures, and thus represents a clear opportunity where improvements should be made concerning the consumption and wastage of water. In this paper, we explored the potential of forward osmosis (FO) membrane for recycling the spent dialysate using the dialysis concentrate as the draw solution. Partially diluted dialysis concentrate could be further diluted with pure water to form dialysate for further dialysis process. Using commercial cellulose triacetate (CTA) FO membranes, the water recovery of approximately 64% was achieved and the final volume of the partially diluted dialysis concentrate was about four times the initial volume. Flux decline of the FO process was observed, mainly due to concentration of synthetic spent dialysate and dilution of dialysis concentrate, while membrane scaling had little impact on the flux decline. The urea rejection was found to be relatively low owing to the small size and electroneutral nature of the urea molecule. Obvious membrane scaling was observed after three FO cycles. The energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis of the scaling layer indicated that the scalants were phosphates and carbonates. The scaling was removed via osmotic backwash and almost completely recovery of FO flux was obtained. Economic analysis showed that the centralized treatment of spent dialysate in a dialysis center using the proposed osmotic dilution process could greatly save water resources and cost. Improving the urea rejection of FO membrane was identified as an important research focus for future research on the potential application of FO technology for recycling the spent dialysate in hemodialysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengjia Dou
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Shuwei Zhao
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shanshan Xu
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xue-Mei Li
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Tao He
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China; School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Research on Forward Osmosis Membrane Technology Still Needs Improvement in Water Recovery and Wastewater Treatment. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w12010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Forward osmosis (FO) has become an evolving membrane separation technology to recover water due to its strong retention capacity, sustainable membrane fouling, etc. Although a good deal of research has been extensively investigated in the past decades, major challenges still remain as follows: (1) the novel FO membrane material properties, which significantly influence the fouling of the FO membranes, the intolerance reverse solute flux (RSF), the high concentration polarization (CP), and the low permeate flux; (2) novel draw solution preparation and utilization; (3) salinity build-up in the FO system; (4) the successful implementation of the FO process. This work critically reviews the last five years’ literature in development of the novel FO membrane material, structure in modification, and preparation, including comparison and analysis on the traditional and novel draw solutes coupled with their effects on FO performance; application in wastewater treatment, especially hybrid system and integrated FO system; fouling mechanism; and cleaning strategy as discussed in the literature. The current barriers of the research results in each hotspot and the areas that can be improved are also analyzed in detail. The research hotspots in the research and development of the novel membrane materials in various countries and regions have been compared in recent years, and the work of variation in pop research hotspots in the past 10 years has been analyzed and the ideas that fill the blank gaps also have been proposed.
Collapse
|
39
|
Tao W, Bayrakdar A, Wang Y, Agyeman F. Three-stage treatment for nitrogen and phosphorus recovery from human urine: Hydrolysis, precipitation and vacuum stripping. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 249:109435. [PMID: 31450199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Source separation of human urine has not been widely adopted because of scaling on urine collecting fixtures and lack of verified technologies for on-site utilization of waterless urine. This study investigated the effects of flushing liquid, temperature and urease amendment on hydrolysis of urea to ammonia, explored ammonia recovery via vacuum stripping in connection with phosphorus recovery via struvite precipitation in different sequences, and performed economic analysis of a proposed nutrient recovery strategy. It was found that acetic acid could be dosed at 0.05-0.07 N to flush urine-diverting toilets and urinals for hygiene and prevention of scaling. However, a high dosage of 0.56 N completely inhibited urea hydrolysis. Source-separated urine could be stored at 25 °C with ample urease for complete urea hydrolysis within approximately 20 h. Fully hydrolyzed waterless urine contained 9.0-11.6 g/L ammonia-N, 0.53-0.95 g/L phosphate-P and only 2.3-9.1 mg/L magnesium. When magnesium was supplemented to attain the optimum Mg2+: PO43- molar concentration ratio of 1.0 in hydrolyzed urine, batch operation of a pilot-scale air-lift crystallizer removed 93-95% of phosphate and produced 3.65-4.93 g/L struvite in 1-5 h. Batch operation of a pilot-scale vacuum stripping - acid absorption system for 12 h stripped 72-77% of ammonia and produced 37.6-39.7 g/L (NH4)2SO4. Compared with the ammonia → phosphorus recovery sequence, the struvite precipitation → vacuum stripping sequence produced more struvite and ammonium sulfate. The strategy of urea hydrolysis → struvite precipitation → vacuum stripping of ammonia is a sustainable alternative to the conventional phosphorus fertilizer production and ammonia synthesis processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendong Tao
- Department of Environmental Resources Engineering, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
| | - Alper Bayrakdar
- Department of Environmental Resources Engineering, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; Environmental Engineering Department, Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram, Konya, 42140, Turkey
| | - Yanru Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Fred Agyeman
- Department of Environmental Resources Engineering, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Volpin F, Yu H, Cho J, Lee C, Phuntsho S, Ghaffour N, Vrouwenvelder JS, Shon HK. Human urine as a forward osmosis draw solution for the application of microalgae dewatering. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 378:120724. [PMID: 31326765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Human urine is a unique solution that has the right composition to constitute both a severe environmental threat and a rich source of nitrogen and phosphorous. In fact, between 4-9% of urine mass consists of ions, such as K+, Cl-, Na+ or NH4+. Because of its high ionic strength, urine osmotic pressure can reach values of up to 2000 kPa. With this in mind, this work aimed to study the effectiveness of real urine as a novel draw solution for forward osmosis. Water flux, reverse nitrogen flux and membrane fouling were investigated using fresh or hydrolysed urine. Water flux as high as 16.7 ± 1.1 L m-2 h-1 was recorded using real hydrolysed urine. Additionally, no support layer membrane fouling was noticed in over 20 h of experimentation. Urine was also employed to dewater a Chlorella vulgaris culture. A fourfold increase in algal concentration was achieved while having an average flux of 14.1 L m-2 h-1. During the algae dewatering, a flux decrease of about 19% was noticed; this was mainly due to a thin layer of algal deposition on the active side of the membrane. Overall, human urine was found to be an effective draw solution for forward osmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Volpin
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), City Campus, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Hyeonjung Yu
- School of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), UNIST-gil 50, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeweon Cho
- School of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), UNIST-gil 50, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsoo Lee
- School of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), UNIST-gil 50, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Sherub Phuntsho
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), City Campus, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Noreddine Ghaffour
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering Division (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering Division (BESE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ho Kyong Shon
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), City Campus, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Lee DJ, Hsieh MH. Forward osmosis membrane processes for wastewater bioremediation: Research needs. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 290:121795. [PMID: 31326216 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Increasing research and development works have been made to develop forward osmosis (FO) processes as a cost-effective substitute for energy intensive water vacuum suction facility in submerged membrane bioreactor (MBR) applications. Perceived to be a spontaneous water driven process without external applied pressures, the FO has been applied in lab and pilot scales for wastewater bioremediation. This paper reviewed the state-of-the-art developments on the FO unit, the process, and ways of enhancing process performance, particularly on the aspects of flux enhancement, flow resistance reduction, and draw solute with low reverse salt diffusion, which are relevant to enhanced osmotic MBR performance. The perspective to realize the use of FO processes in revision of currently existing energy intensive osmotic MBR processes is discussed with research needs being highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duu-Jong Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan; College of Technology and Engineering, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 10610, Taiwan.
| | - Meng-Huan Hsieh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Role of Operating Conditions in a Pilot Scale Investigation of Hollow Fiber Forward Osmosis Membrane Modules. MEMBRANES 2019; 9:membranes9060066. [PMID: 31163624 PMCID: PMC6631378 DOI: 10.3390/membranes9060066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although forward osmosis (FO) membranes have shown great promise for many applications, there are few studies attempting to create a systematization of the testing conditions at a pilot scale for FO membrane modules. To address this issue, hollow fiber forward osmosis (HFFO) membrane modules with different performances (water flux and solute rejection) have been investigated at different operating conditions. Various draw and feed flow rates, draw solute types and concentrations, transmembrane pressures, temperatures, and operation modes have been studied using two model feed solutions—deionized water and artificial seawater. The significance of the operational conditions in the FO process was attributed to a dominant role of concentration polarization (CP) effects, where the selected draw solute and draw concentration had the biggest impact on membrane performance due to internal CP. Additionally, the rejection of the HFFO membranes using three model solutes (caffeine, niacin, and urea) were determined under both FO and reverse osmosis (RO) conditions with the same process recovery. FO rejections had an increase of 2% for caffeine, 19% for niacin, and 740% for urea compared to the RO rejections. Overall, this is the first extensive study of commercially available inside-out HFFO membrane modules.
Collapse
|
43
|
Trotochaud L, Hawkins BT, Stoner BR. Non-biological methods for phosphorus and nitrogen removal from wastewater: A gap analysis of reinvented-toilet technologies with respect to ISO 30500. Gates Open Res 2019; 3:559. [PMID: 32494770 PMCID: PMC7232852 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12931.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of the Reinvent the Toilet Challenge (RTTC) include creation of an off-the-grid sanitation system with operating costs of less than US$0.05 per user per day. Because of the small scale at which many reinvented toilets (RT) are intended to operate, non-biological treatment has been generally favored. The RTTC has already instigated notable technological advances in non-sewered sanitation systems (NSSS). However, increasingly stringent effluent standards for N and P could limit the deployment of current RT in real-world scenarios, despite the urgent need for these systems. The newly adopted ISO 30500 standards for water reuse in NSSS dictate minimal use of chemical/biological additives, while at the same time requiring a 70% and 80% reduction in total nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. This document provides a brief overview of the mature and emerging technologies for N and P removal from wastewater. At present, the dearth of nutrient removal methods proven to be effective at small scales is a significant barrier to meeting ISO 30500 standards. Closing the gap between RTs and ISO 30500 will require significant investments in basic R&D of emerging technologies for non-biological N and P remediation and/or increased reliance on biological processes. Adaptation of existing nutrient-removal technologies to small-scale NSSS is a viable option that merits additional investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Trotochaud
- Center for WaSH-AID, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | | | - Brian R. Stoner
- Center for WaSH-AID, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| |
Collapse
|