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UASB Performance and Perspectives in Urban Wastewater Treatment at Sub-Mesophilic Operating Temperature. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
UASBs present several advantages compared to conventional wastewater treatment processes, including relatively low construction cost facilities, low excess sludge production, plain operation and maintenance, energy generation in the form of biogas, robustness in terms of COD removal efficiency, pH stability, and recovery time. Although anaerobic treatment is possible at every temperature, colder climates lead to lower process performance and biogas production. These factors can be critical in determining the applicability and sustainability of this technology for the treatment of urban wastewater at low operating temperature. The purpose of this study is the performance evaluation of a pilot-scale (2.75 m3) UASB reactor for treatment of urban wastewater at sub-mesophilic temperature (25 °C), below the optimal range for the process, as related to biogas production and organic matter removal. The results show that, despite lower methane production and COD removal efficiency compared to operation under ideal conditions, a UASB can still achieve satisfactory performance, and although not sufficient to grant effluent discharge requirements, it may be used as a pretreatment step for carbon removal with some degree of energy recovery. Options for UASB pretreatment applications in municipal WWTPs are discussed.
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2
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Tian B, Hua S, Tian Y, Liu J. Cyclodextrin-based adsorbents for the removal of pollutants from wastewater: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:1317-1340. [PMID: 33079345 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11168-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Water is a vital substance that constitutes biological structures and sustains life. However, water pollution is currently among the major environmental challenges and has attracted increasing study attention. How to handle contaminated water now mainly focuses on removing or reducing the pollutants from the wastewater. Cyclodextrin derivatives, possessing external hydrophilic and internal hydrophobic properties, have been recognized as new-generation adsorbents to exert positive effects on water pollution treatment. This article outlines recent contributions of cyclodextrin-based adsorbents on wastewater treatment, highlighting different adsorption mechanisms of cyclodextrin-based adsorbents under different influencing factors. The crosslinked and immobilized cyclodextrin-based adsorbents all displayed outstanding adsorption capacities. Particularly, according to specific pollutants including metal ions, organic chemicals, pesticides, and drugs in wastewater, this article has classified and organized various cyclodextrin-based adsorbents into tables, which could pave an intuitive shortcut for designing and developing efficient cyclodextrin-based adsorbents for targeted wastewater pollutants. Besides, this article specially discusses cost-effectiveness and regeneration performance of current cyclodextrin-based adsorbents. Finally, the challenges and future directions of cyclodextrin-based adsorbents are prospected in this article, which may shed substantial light on practical industrial applications of cyclodextrin-based adsorbents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingren Tian
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumchi, 830046, China.
| | - Shiyao Hua
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yu Tian
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiayue Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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3
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Arora M, Nair S, Malano H, George B. A combined simulation-optimisation modelling framework for assessing the energy use of urban water systems. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 274:111166. [PMID: 32835871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Reliance on new and alternative water supply sources is a desirable option for upgrading existing and ageing urban water system infrastructure that is no longer able to cater for steadily increasing water demand. This transformation will increasingly involve the use of decentralised, more complex and energy intensive urban water systems. Modelling capability that takes a holistic systems approach to optimize the dynamic interactions between water and energy is needed to evaluate the performance of fit-for-purpose water supply systems for the urban sector. This paper presents a simulation-optimisation model to concurrently simulate and optimize an urban water supply system based on minimum energy use when water of alternative quality is supplied to different users on a 'fit-for-purpose' basis. The model uses a System Dynamics approach to simulate the energy use of different water supply systems in the form of stocks and flows combined with a Genetic Algorithm (GA) technique to optimize energy use while satisfying all the water demands. The comprehensive model framework is built on a Matlab/Simulink® platform. Life Cycle Energy Assessment (LCEA) is used to generate the embodied energy use variables which are input to the simulation-optimisation model. The model is sufficiently flexible to accommodate water supply systems of variable spatial scales and analyse water and energy use at variable time scales. The application of the modelling framework on the Aurora urban development estate, Australia, shows that the model produces essential information about the water supply and energy use intensity according to specified criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Arora
- Department of Infrastructure Engineering, Melbourne School of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Sudeep Nair
- Faculty of Sci Eng & Built EnvSchool of Engineering, Deakin University, Australia
| | - Hector Malano
- Department of Infrastructure Engineering, Melbourne School of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Biju George
- Department of Infrastructure Engineering, Melbourne School of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia
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4
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Diagnoses for Potential Enaction of Water–Energy Nexus in Green Building Rating Systems: Case Study of the Pearl Rating System of United Arab Emirates. ENERGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/en13205284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The green building rating system within the sustainability framework of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Pearl Rating System (PRS), similar to most international rating systems such as LEED, considers several strategies, regulations, and policies to improve the energy and water performance in buildings. However, the applicability of considering water as part of energy or the fact that the utilization of energy mandates the usage of water seems unexplored and is not yet included in any of the existing building rating systems. A unified approach of water and energy resources is thus vital for future considerations in energy policy, planning, and the inclusion of the same in the sustainability rating systems. This paper investigated, as a case study, the prospects of water–energy nexus in the prevailing UAE green building rating system—PRS—to uncover whether any water conservation strategy has an adverse effect on energy and vice versa. The review revealed that the major shortcomings of the PRS in terms of water–energy nexus strategy are the usage of reference codes that are not suitable for the UAE’s climate and geographical conditions, inexistent synergy between some credit categories, the oversight of rebound effects, and a need for credit reassessment. The paper also recommends that any proposed strategy to realign credit categories in terms of the water–energy nexus with the potential risk to also have a hidden negative rebound effect that researchers and practitioners should identify lest the water–energy tradeoff brings unprecedented repercussions. The theoretical analysis establishes that the bifurcating management of water and energy in the sustainability rating system and energy policy needs to be revisited in order to reap more sustainable and optimum results that are environmentally, ecologically, and financially consistent.
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6
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Huang D, Li G, Sun C, Liu Q. Exploring interactions in the local water-energy-food nexus (WEF-Nexus) using a simultaneous equations model. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 703:135034. [PMID: 31767331 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Exploring interactions between factors is a critical step to understand, quantify and govern the WEF-Nexus. However, current research mainly focuses on mapping causal loops and the hierarchy structure; equations in interaction exploration have been largely ignored. Using the panel data of China's 30 provinces from 2005 to 2016, this paper adopts a simultaneous equations model (SEM) to evaluate intensities between related factors in the local WEF-Nexus. We define a local WEF-Nexus as containing core, peripheral and interactive sub-nexuses, and decouple the core sub-nexus from the supply, consumption and waste disposal processes. Results show that effective irrigated area, secondary industry rate and crop sown area are key positive influencing factors in the WEF subsystem, with positive impact coefficients of 1.0426, 0.6986 and 1.149, respectively. Food production (-0.303) and chemical fertilizer used per sown area unit (-0.3129) are key negative factors in the WEF subsystem. Additionally, urban green land (0.4436) and total population (0.5815) exert specific influences on the water and energy subsystems, with a 1% increase in urban green land resulting in a 0.4436% increase in water consumption. The system boundary, two positive feedback loops and seven nexus points are identified, with total groundwater pumping being the only nexus point exerting an holistic impact across the WEF equations. The results in this paper complement recent nexus modeling work, and give a better understand of interaction mechanism in China's local WEF nexus, with useful implications for future policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daohan Huang
- School of Economics and Management Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044 China; School of Management Science and Engineering, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Guijun Li
- School of Management Science and Engineering, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China; Center for Global Economy and Sustainable Development, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Chengshuang Sun
- School of Economics and Management Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044 China.
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute for Finance and Economics, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China; Center for Global Economy and Sustainable Development, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China
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7
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Abstract
Rapid growth in the food-energy-water (FEW) nexus literature calls for an assessment of the trajectory and impacts of this scholarship to identify key themes and future research directions. In this paper, we report on a bibliometric analysis of this literature that focuses on (1) examining publication trends and geographic focus of research, (2) identifying research hotspots and emerging themes, (3) assessing the integrated nature of research, and (4) reflecting on major developments and ways forward. We used Elsevier’s SCOPUS database to search for publications from January 2011 to May 2018 on the FEW nexus, and analyzed the final sample of 257 publications using BibExcel and Vosviewer software tools. The analysis showed steady growth in publications since 2011 with a sharp upturn in 2015 and 2016, coinciding with major funding calls. Thematic analysis of abstracts revealed a strong focus on quantitative resource interlinkages with limited attention to qualitative institutional capacities and intersectoral governance challenges. Term co-occurrence network map showed the term “investment” connected with a large number of frequently cited terms, while the term “governance” demonstrated much weaker links. We reflect on how these findings may help us better understand and address the enduring challenge of transitioning from nexus thinking to action.
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Rodrigues F, Silva-Afonso A, Pinto A, Macedo J, Santos AS, Pimentel-Rodrigues C. Increasing water and energy efficiency in university buildings: a case study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:4571-4581. [PMID: 30993562 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04990-w] [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: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, humanity is consuming unsustainably the planet's resources. In the scope of energy resource consumption, e.g., the intense use of fossil fuels has contributed to the acceleration of climate changes on the planet, and the overriding need to increase energy efficiency in all sectors is now widely recognized, aiming to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by 69% in 2030. Largely due to climate changes, water has also become a critical resource on the planet and hydric stress risk will rise significantly in the coming decades. Accordingly, several countries will have to apply measures to increase water efficiency in all sectors, including at the building level. These measures, in addition to reducing water consumption, will contribute to the increase of energy efficiency and to the decrease of GHG emissions, especially of CO2. Therefore, the nexus water energy in buildings is relevant because the application of water efficiency measures can result in a significant contribution to improve buildings' energy efficiency and the urban water cycle (namely in abstraction, treatment, and pumping). For Mediterranean climate, there are few studies to assess the extent and impact of this nexus. This study presents the assessment of water-energy nexus performed in a university building located in a mainland Portugal central region. The main goals are to present the results of the water and energy efficiency measures implemented and to assess the consequent reduction of water, above 37%, and energy (30%) consumption, obtained because of the application of water-efficient devices and highly efficient light systems in the building. The water efficiency increase at the building level represents at the urban level an energy saving in the water supply system of 406 kWh/year, nearly 0.5% of the building energy consumption, with a consequent increase in the energy efficiency and in the reduction of GHG emissions. Complementarily, other energy-efficient measures were implemented to reduce the energy consumption. As the building under study has a small demand of domestic hot water with no hydro pressure pumps and has a small water-energy nexus, it was concluded that the significant reduction of the building energy consumption did not influence the indoor comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Rodrigues
- RISCO, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando Silva-Afonso
- RISCO, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- ANQIP - Portuguese Association for Quality and Efficiency in Building Services, Operational Centre of the University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando Pinto
- RISCO, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- LNEC, Civil Engineering National Laboratory, Av. Brasil 101, 1700-066, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joaquim Macedo
- RISCO, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - António Silva Santos
- LNEC, Civil Engineering National Laboratory, Av. Brasil 101, 1700-066, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Pimentel-Rodrigues
- ANQIP - Portuguese Association for Quality and Efficiency in Building Services, Operational Centre of the University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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9
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di Bitonto L, Todisco S, Gallo V, Pastore C. Urban sewage scum and primary sludge as profitable sources of biodiesel and biolubricants of new generation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biteb.2020.100382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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An Analysis of Electricity Consumption Patterns in the Water and Wastewater Sectors in South East England, UK. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12010225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The water and wastewater sectors of England and Wales (E&W) are energy-intensive. Although E&W’s water sector is of international interest, in particular due to the early experience with privatisation, for the time being, few published data on energy usage exist. We analysed telemetry energy-use data from Thames Water Utilities Ltd. (TWUL), the largest water and wastewater company in the UK, which serves one of the largest mega-cities in the world, London. In our analysis, we: (1) break down energy use into their components; (2) present a statistical approach to handling seasonal and random cycles in data; and (3) derive energy-intensity (kWh m−3) metrics and compare them with other regions in the world. We show that electricity use in the sector grew by around 10.8 ± 0.4% year−1 as the utility coped with growing demands and stormwater flooding. The energy-intensity of water services in each of the utility’s service zone was measured in the range 0.46–0.92 kWh m−3. Plans to improve the efficiency of the system could yield benefits in lower energy-intensity, but the overall energy saving would be temporary as external pressures from population and climate change are driving up water and energy use.
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11
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Energy Issues in Sustainable Urban Wastewater Management: Use, Demand Reduction and Recovery in the Urban Water Cycle. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su12010266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Urban water systems and, in particular, wastewater treatment facilities are among the major energy consumers at municipal level worldwide. Estimates indicate that on average these facilities alone may require about 1% to 3% of the total electric energy output of a country, representing a significant fraction of municipal energy bills. Specific power consumption of state-of-the-art facilities should range between 20 and 45 kWh per population-equivalent served, per year, even though older plants may have even higher demands. This figure does not include wastewater conveyance (pumping) and residues post-processing. On the other hand, wastewater and its byproducts contain energy in different forms: chemical, thermal and potential. Until very recently, the only form of energy recovery from most facilities consisted of anaerobic post-digestion of process residuals (waste sludge), by which chemical energy methane is obtained as biogas, in amounts generally sufficient to cover about half of plant requirements. Implementation of new technologies may allow more efficient strategies of energy savings and recovery from sewage treatment. Besides wastewater valorization by exploitation of its chemical and thermal energy contents, closure of the wastewater cycle by recovery of the energy content of process residuals could allow significant additional energy recovery and increased greenhouse emissions abatement.
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12
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Managing the Water-Energy Nexus within a Climate Change Context—Lessons from the Experience of Cuenca, Ecuador. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11215918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The impact of climate change dynamics has a multiplicative effect when the interlinkages between water and energy are considered. This also applies to climate change co-benefits that derive from adaptation and mitigation initiatives implemented at the urban level and that address the water-energy nexus. A better understanding of the water-energy nexus is a precondition for integrated resource planning that optimizes the use of scarce resources. Against this background, the paper assesses the potential impact of water-energy saving technologies (WEST) on the water-energy nexus of Cuenca, Ecuador, focusing on how vulnerability to climate change may affect the water metabolic cycle of the urban area. Water-energy saving technologies such as rainwater harvesting, solar water heaters, and micro water turbines, reduce water-related energy consumption and mitigate greenhouse gases emissions; thereby illustrating the potential to generate climate change mitigation and adaptation co-benefits. The paper relies on primary data collected through interviews and a survey as well as secondary data in order to assess the extent to which water-energy saving technologies influence the water-energy nexus in Cuenca’s urban water metabolic cycle. Within the context of climate change, the paper develops a business-as-usual scenario and assesses how this is modified by the implementation of water-energy saving technologies.
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13
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Yuan MH, Chiueh PT, Lo SL. Understanding synergies and trade-offs between water and energy production at landfill sites. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 687:152-160. [PMID: 31207505 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Landfills provide the most commonly used waste disposal solution. They are designed to reduce the risk of environmental or public health hazards due to waste disposal, and are used for waste management purposes in many places around the world. Depending on the design of the site and recovery methods, landfill sites can work as a potential reserve of energy and water for society. Landfill biogas is a source of renewable energy, and surface water can be collected in a retention pond. Although researchers broadly agree on the importance of incorporating the concept of the energy and water nexus into policy strategies and decision-making, the lack of studies focused on how governance methods that incorporate energy-water linkages at landfill sites can improve the provision of these two essential services has hindered progress in this direction. This study analyzes the links between water-energy nexus at a restored landfill site in Taipei City, Taiwan. The study tracks leachate and methane production at the site over the time periods when the landfill was actively receiving waste and after its closure and since its restoration. The results of model simulation of leachate yield and methane collection under different conditions show that energy and water production changed considerably during the time span under consideration. We identified an increasing trend of water and energy production in the landfill operation phase and a decreasing trend of water and energy production in the landfill restoration phase. In addition, we also identify a synergy between energy generation and water volume during the operation phase, and show that no trade-offs between energy generation and water volume were observed during any of the phases studied. These observations imply that greater water volumes will always lead to greater energy production, which can help inform future landfill design and governance practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Hua Yuan
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71, Chou-Shan Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei-Te Chiueh
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71, Chou-Shan Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shang-Lien Lo
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71, Chou-Shan Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan, ROC..
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Liu J, Li X, Yang H, Han G, Liu J, Zheng C, Zheng Y. The Water-Energy Nexus of Megacities Extends Beyond Geographic Boundaries: A Case of Beijing. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE 2019; 36:778-788. [PMID: 31346304 PMCID: PMC6653795 DOI: 10.1089/ees.2018.0553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The water-energy nexus (WEN) is dynamic and complicated in megacities, most of which are challenged by water scarcity and the mandate to reduce energy consumption. A salient feature of water and energy services in megacities is that they are supported by a web of regional infrastructure, extending far beyond the geographic boundaries of the cities, resulting in a strong dependence on resources imported from outside. Understanding the WEN of megacities has implications not only for more efficient resource utilization but also for synergistic regional development and corporation. This study provides a quantitative assessment of the WEN of Beijing within and beyond its geographic boundaries. Results show that water for local internal energy production and transformation accounts for 220 million m3/year, or 5.6% of its total freshwater use in 2016, and the energy for local water abstraction, supply, and treatment is 3.06 billion kWh, accounting for 1.1% of its total energy consumption for the same year. The external water for "imported" energy is 290 million m3/year, 1.3 times of Beijing's freshwater use for internal energy. This means that more water for energy is consumed outside Beijing than that within Beijing. The energy for external water is negligible because the bulk of the water transfer into Beijing relies on gravity and because the energy for construction of the transfer infrastructure is not included. Analysis of the WEN revealed the contradiction between the two independently conceived policies of Beijing: to meet the "three-red-line" target in the water sector, recycled water and transferred water use will rise, making it more difficult to meet the carbon emission control targets. Therefore, adopting low energy intensity, nature-based water recycling is a wise policy choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Institute of Water Sciences, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Li
- Institute of Water Sciences, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Guoyi Han
- Stockholm Environment Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Junguo Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunmiao Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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15
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Yuan Z, Olsson G, Cardell-Oliver R, van Schagen K, Marchi A, Deletic A, Urich C, Rauch W, Liu Y, Jiang G. Sweating the assets - The role of instrumentation, control and automation in urban water systems. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 155:381-402. [PMID: 30861379 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Instrumentation, control and automation (ICA) are currently applied throughout the urban water system at water treatment plants, in water distribution networks, in sewer networks, and at wastewater treatment plants. However, researchers and practitioners specialising in respective urban water sub-systems do not frequently interact, and in most cases to date the application of ICA has been achieved in silo. Here, we review start-of-the-art ICA throughout these sub-systems, and discuss the benefits achieved in terms of performance improvement, cost reduction, and more importantly, the enhanced capacity of the existing infrastructure to cope with increased service demand caused by population growth and continued urbanisation. We emphasise the importance of integrated control within each of the sub-systems, and also across the entire urban water system. System-wide ICA will have increasing importance with the growing complexity of the urban water environment in cities of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Yuan
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, 4072, Australia; CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, PO Box 8000, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Gustaf Olsson
- Industrial Automation, IEA, Lund University, Sweden; CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, PO Box 8000, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Rachel Cardell-Oliver
- School of Computer Science & Software Engineering, The University of Western Australia, WA, 6009, Australia; CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, PO Box 8000, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Kim van Schagen
- Royal HaskoningDHV, PO Box 1132, 3800 BC, Amersfoort, the Netherlands
| | - Angela Marchi
- School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering, University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia; CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, PO Box 8000, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Ana Deletic
- Civil Engineering Department, Monash Water for Liveability, Monash University, VIC, 3800, Australia; CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, PO Box 8000, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Christian Urich
- Civil Engineering Department, Monash Water for Liveability, Monash University, VIC, 3800, Australia; CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, PO Box 8000, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Rauch
- Institute of Infrastructure Engineering, University Innsbruck, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria; CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, PO Box 8000, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Yanchen Liu
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Guangming Jiang
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, 4072, Australia; School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
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16
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Xu S, He W, Shen J, Degefu DM, Yuan L, Kong Y. Coupling and Coordination Degrees of the Core Water⁻Energy⁻Food Nexus in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091648. [PMID: 31083596 PMCID: PMC6540191 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Achieving sustainable development in the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus is gaining global attention. The coupling and coordination degrees are a way to measure sustainable development levels of a complex system. This study assessed the coupling and coordination degrees of the core WEF nexus and identified key factors that affect sustainable development. First, an index system for assessing coupling and coordination degrees of the core WEF nexus was built. Second, the development levels of three subsystems as well as the coupling and coordination degrees of the core WEF nexus in China were calculated. The results showed that from 2007 to 2016, the mean value of the coupling degree was 0.746 (range (0.01, 1)), which was a high level. This proved that the three resources were interdependent. Hence, it was necessary to study their relationship. However, the mean value of the coordination degree was 0.395 (range (0, 1)), which was a low level. This showed that the coordination development of the core WEF nexus in China was low. It is necessary to take some measures to improve the situation. According to the key factors that affect the development levels of water, energy, and food subsystems, the authors put forward some suggestions to improve the coordination development of the WEF system in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Xu
- Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Weijun He
- College of Economic & Management, Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China.
| | - Juqin Shen
- Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Dagmawi Mulugeta Degefu
- College of Economic & Management, Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China.
- Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada.
| | - Liang Yuan
- College of Economic & Management, Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China.
| | - Yang Kong
- College of Economic & Management, Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China.
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Su X, Chiang P, Pan S, Chen G, Tao Y, Wu G, Wang F, Cao W. Systematic approach to evaluating environmental and ecological technologies for wastewater treatment. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 218:778-792. [PMID: 30508796 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.11.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Evaluating the performance of wastewater treatment represents a challenging and complex task as it usually involves engineering, environmental and economic (3E) factors. In this study, we developed an 3E triangle model to evaluate the performance of environmental technologies (i.e., anaerobic-anoxic-oxic reactors, oxidation ditches, and membrane bioreactors) and ecological technologies (i.e., stabilization ponds, constructed wetlands, and slow-rate systems) for wastewater treatment. A total of 17 key performance indicators, such as energy consumption, pollutant removal, global warming potential and wastewater treatment fees, were considered in the 3E triangle model. The results indicated that, in terms of engineering performance, both the membrane bioreactors and constructed wetlands were stable, effective and reliable during their operating periods. When the environmental impacts of wastewater treatment technologies were compared via a life cycle assessment, the ecological technologies showed superior performance, in terms of environmental impacts, especially for the global warming potential and eutrophication potential. In general, environmental technologies exhibited higher treatment fees and unit construction costs because of their large power consumption and equipment costs. In contrast, ecological technologies had higher unit land use due to their large area requirements and low treatment capacity. In overall, both the membrane bioreactors and constructed wetlands showed excellent overall performance in the 3E triangle model. Wastewater treatment plant are typical case studies for addressing the interactions of water and energy elements. Reducing energy consumption is a hotspot for the research field of membrane bioreactors, while constructed wetlands are continually improved and optimized to have broad applications for rural wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Su
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiang'an District, Xiamen City, Fujian, China.
| | - Penchi Chiang
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan; Carbon Cycle Research Center, Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan.
| | - Shuyuan Pan
- Energy Technologies Area, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, One Cyclotron Road, MS 90R-2121, Berkeley, United States.
| | - Guangjiao Chen
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiang'an District, Xiamen City, Fujian, China.
| | - Yinren Tao
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiang'an District, Xiamen City, Fujian, China.
| | - Gaojie Wu
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiang'an District, Xiamen City, Fujian, China.
| | - Feifei Wang
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiang'an District, Xiamen City, Fujian, China.
| | - Wenzhi Cao
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiang'an District, Xiamen City, Fujian, China.
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Li G, Huang D, Sun C, Li Y. Developing interpretive structural modeling based on factor analysis for the water-energy-food nexus conundrum. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:309-322. [PMID: 30240915 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Factor identification and analysis are effective ways to explain and quantify complex relationships in the water-energy-food nexus (WEF-nexus). It has been acknowledged that factors in the WEF-nexus vary by time, level and location, but the hierarchy between factors has been largely ignored. Taking advantage of the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) method, this paper presents an identification and analysis on the interwoven factors in an urban WEF-nexus in Beijing. As a result, 87 representative factors have been identified and classified, with a hierarchy structure established by ISM. Based on the relative importance of given factors, factor hierarchy structure shows that the energy system in the core nexus is the essential system and is critical to promoting the WEF-nexus in Beijing; factors from peripheral nexuses - such as population and vehicle volume - also have a significant influence on nexus governance. Furthermore, integrated policies from subsystems within the core nexus or between the core and peripheral nexuses are critical to secure WEF in Beijing. Factor analysis suggests that the portrayed nexus structure could provide valuable references for further quantification and decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guijun Li
- School of Management Science and Engineering, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Daohan Huang
- School of Management Science and Engineering, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China; Intern (2017-2018), Stockholm Environment Institute U.S. Center, Somerville, MA 02144, United States.
| | - Chengshuang Sun
- School of Economics and Management Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China.
| | - Yulong Li
- School of Management Science and Engineering, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China.
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Liang S, Qu S, Zhao Q, Zhang X, Daigger GT, Newell JP, Miller SA, Johnson JX, Love NG, Zhang L, Yang Z, Xu M. Quantifying the Urban Food-Energy-Water Nexus: The Case of the Detroit Metropolitan Area. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:779-788. [PMID: 30540460 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b06240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The efficient provision of food, energy, and water (FEW) resources to cities is challenging around the world. Because of the complex interdependence of urban FEW systems, changing components of one system may lead to ripple effects on other systems. However, the inputs, intersectoral flows, stocks, and outputs of these FEW resources from the perspective of an integrated urban FEW system have not been synthetically characterized. Therefore, a standardized and specific accounting method to describe this system is needed to sustainably manage these FEW resources. Using the Detroit Metropolitan Area (DMA) as a case, this study developed such an accounting method by using material and energy flow analysis to quantify this urban FEW nexus. Our results help identify key processes for improving FEW resource efficiencies of the DMA. These include (1) optimizing the dietary habits of households to improve phosphorus use efficiency, (2) improving effluent-disposal standards for nitrogen removal to reduce nitrogen emission levels, (3) promoting adequate fertilization, and (4) enhancing the maintenance of wastewater collection pipelines. With respect to water use, better efficiency of thermoelectric power plants can help reduce water withdrawals. The method used in this study lays the ground for future urban FEW analyses and modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Liang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment , Beijing Normal University , Beijing 100875 , People's Republic of China
| | - Shen Qu
- School for Environment and Sustainability , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109-1041 , United States
| | - Qiaoting Zhao
- School for Environment and Sustainability , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109-1041 , United States
| | - Xilin Zhang
- School for Environment and Sustainability , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109-1041 , United States
| | - Glen T Daigger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109-2125 , United States
| | - Joshua P Newell
- School for Environment and Sustainability , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109-1041 , United States
| | - Shelie A Miller
- School for Environment and Sustainability , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109-1041 , United States
| | - Jeremiah X Johnson
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , North Carolina 27695-7908 , United States
| | - Nancy G Love
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109-2125 , United States
| | - Lixiao Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment , Beijing Normal University , Beijing 100875 , People's Republic of China
| | - Zhifeng Yang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment , Beijing Normal University , Beijing 100875 , People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Xu
- School for Environment and Sustainability , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109-1041 , United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109-2125 , United States
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End Use Level Water and Energy Interactions: A Large Non-Residential Building Case Study. WATER 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/w10060810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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22
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Liu Y, Wang S, Chen B. Regional water–energy–food nexus in China based on multiregional input–output analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2017.12.452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Valek AM, Sušnik J, Grafakos S. Quantification of the urban water-energy nexus in México City, México, with an assessment of water-system related carbon emissions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 590-591:258-268. [PMID: 28262366 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Global urbanisation will put considerable stress on both water and energy resources. While there is much research at the national and regional levels on the energy implications of water supply (the urban water-energy 'nexus'), there is relatively little at the city scale. This literature is further diminished when attempting to account for the climate impact of urban water systems. A study of the urban water-energy-climate nexus is presented for México City. It is shown that 50% of México City water comes from a local aquifer with a further 30% deriving from energy-intensive surface sources which are pumped over considerable topography. The water supply system consumes 90% of the water system energy demand, and is responsible for the majority (90%) of the CO2e emissions. In the wastewater sector, 80-90% is discharged with no or little treatment, with correspondingly low energy demand. The small fraction that is treated accounts for the majority of energy use in the wastewater sector. This study shows the uncertainty in energy demand and CO2e emissions when reliant on secondary data which considerably over/under-estimate energy use compared with primary data. This has implications when assessing energy and carbon budgets. Three water savings options are assessed for their impact on energy and CO2e emissions reductions. Considerable reductions in water supply volumes and concomitant energy consumption and CO2e emissions are possible. However the extent of implementation, and the effectiveness of any implemented solutions depend on financing, institutional backing and public support. An additional measure to reduce the climate impact is to switch from traditional to renewable fuels. This work adds city-level quantification of the urban water-energy-climate nexus, allowing policy makers to discern which water-system elements are responsible for the greatest energy use and climate impact, and are better equipped to make targeted operational decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Moredia Valek
- Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janez Sušnik
- Integrated Water Systems and Governance Department, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Stelios Grafakos
- Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Matos C, Briga-Sá A, Bentes I, Faria D, Pereira S. In situ evaluation of water and energy consumptions at the end use level: The influence of flow reducers and temperature in baths. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 586:536-541. [PMID: 28215797 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, water and energy consumption is intensifying every year in most of the countries. This perpetual increase will not be supportable in the long run, making urgently to manage these resources on a sustainable way. Domestic consumptions of water and electric energy usually are related and it's important to study that relation, identifying opportunities for use efficient improvement. In fact, without an understanding of water-energy relations, there are water efficiency measures that may lead to unintentional costs in the energy efficiency field. In order to take full advantage of combined effect between water and energy water management methodologies, it is necessary to collect data to ensure that the efforts are directed through the most effective paths. This paper presents a study based in the characterization, measurement and analysis of water and electricity consumption in a single family house (2months period) in order to find an interdependent relationship between consumptions at the end user level. The study was carried out on about 200 baths, divided in four different scenarios where the influence of two variables was tested: the flow reducer valve and the bath temperature. Data showed that the presence of flow reducer valve decreased electric energy consumption and water consumption, but increased the bath duration. Setting a lower temperature in water-heater, decreased electric consumption, water consumption and bath duration. Analysing the influence of the flow reducer valve and 60°C temperature simultaneously, it was concluded that it had a significant influence on electric energy consumption and on the baths duration but had no influence on water consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Matos
- ECT-School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; C-MADE-Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - A Briga-Sá
- ECT-School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; C-MADE-Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - I Bentes
- ECT-School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; C-MADE-Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - D Faria
- ECT-School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - S Pereira
- ECT-School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; C-MADE-Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
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26
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Feng L, Chen B. Energy-water Nexus of Wastewater Treatment System: Conceptual Model and Framework. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2016.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Wang S, Chen B. Energy–water nexus of urban agglomeration based on multiregional input–output tables and ecological network analysis: A case study of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. APPLIED ENERGY 2016; 178:773-783. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.06.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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Abstract
As the global population grows in size and increasingly lives in cities, and with lifestyles based on greater material consumption, more attention is being given to the integrated system that supplies our energy, water, and food, the Nexus. There is also mounting concern about effects on the Nexus of climate change and damage to the natural environment that provides essential ecosystem services. Nexus analysis applies existing techniques, such as computational modelling and Life Cycle Assessment, but new frameworks and tools are needed, including those that will integrate societal and technical dimensions. Case studies show the vital role played by stakeholder involvement in clarifying issues, priorities, and values. They also demonstrate the importance of an integrated systems view of the complex interrelationships of the Nexus when planning effective remedies. Assessments conclude that transformative social and political change is needed to create new structures, markets, and governance to deal with the Nexus if we are to meet agreed-upon sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- D.L. Keairns
- Booz Allen Hamilton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15146
| | - R.C. Darton
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PJ, United Kingdom
| | - A. Irabien
- Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, Universidad de Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
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30
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Water Footprint of Cities: A Review and Suggestions for Future Research. SUSTAINABILITY 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/su7078461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Loubet P, Roux P, Loiseau E, Bellon-Maurel V. Life cycle assessments of urban water systems: a comparative analysis of selected peer-reviewed literature. WATER RESEARCH 2014; 67:187-202. [PMID: 25282088 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Water is a growing concern in cities, and its sustainable management is very complex. Life cycle assessment (LCA) has been increasingly used to assess the environmental impacts of water technologies during the last 20 years. This review aims at compiling all LCA papers related to water technologies, out of which 18 LCA studies deals with whole urban water systems (UWS). A focus is carried out on these 18 case studies which are analyzed according to criteria derived from the four phases of LCA international standards. The results show that whereas the case studies share a common goal, i.e., providing quantitative information to policy makers on the environmental impacts of urban water systems and their forecasting scenarios, they are based on different scopes, resulting in the selection of different functional units and system boundaries. A quantitative comparison of life cycle inventory and life cycle impact assessment data is provided, and the results are discussed. It shows the superiority of information offered by multi-criteria approaches for decision making compared to that derived from mono-criterion. From this review, recommendations on the way to conduct the environmental assessment of urban water systems are given, e.g., the need to provide consistent mass balances in terms of emissions and water flows. Remaining challenges for urban water system LCAs are identified, such as a better consideration of water users and resources and the inclusion of recent LCA developments (territorial approaches and water-related impacts).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Loubet
- Irstea, UMR ITAP, 361 rue Jean-François Breton, F-34196 Montpellier, France; Veolia Eau d'Île-de-France, 28 Boulevard du Pesaro, F-92739 Nanterre, France; ELSA, Research Group for Environmental Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, 2 Place Pierre Viala, F-34060 Montpellier, France.
| | - Philippe Roux
- Irstea, UMR ITAP, 361 rue Jean-François Breton, F-34196 Montpellier, France; ELSA, Research Group for Environmental Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, 2 Place Pierre Viala, F-34060 Montpellier, France
| | - Eleonore Loiseau
- Irstea, UMR ITAP, 361 rue Jean-François Breton, F-34196 Montpellier, France; ELSA, Research Group for Environmental Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, 2 Place Pierre Viala, F-34060 Montpellier, France
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Villarroel Walker R, Beck MB, Hall JW, Dawson RJ, Heidrich O. The energy-water-food nexus: strategic analysis of technologies for transforming the urban metabolism. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2014; 141:104-15. [PMID: 24768840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Urban areas are considered net consumers of materials and energy, attracting these from the surrounding hinterland and other parts of the planet. The way these flows are transformed and returned to the environment by the city is important for addressing questions of sustainability and the effect of human behavior on the metabolism of the city. The present work explores these questions with the use of systems analysis, specifically in the form of a Multi-sectoral Systems Analysis (MSA), a tool for research and for supporting decision-making for policy and investment. The application of MSA is illustrated in the context of Greater London, with these three objectives: (a) estimating resource fluxes (nutrients, water and energy) entering, leaving and circulating within the city-watershed system; (b) revealing the synergies and antagonisms resulting from various combinations of water-sector innovations; and (c) estimating the economic benefits associated with implementing these technologies, from the point of view of production of fertilizer and energy, and the reduction of greenhouse gases. Results show that the selection of the best technological innovation depends on which resource is the focus for improvement. Urine separation can potentially recover 47% of the nitrogen in the food consumed in London, with revenue of $33 M per annum from fertilizer production. Collecting food waste in sewers together with growing algae in wastewater treatment plants could beneficially increase the amount of carbon release from renewable energy by 66%, with potential annual revenues of $58 M from fuel production.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Villarroel Walker
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - M B Beck
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - J W Hall
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - R J Dawson
- School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - O Heidrich
- School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
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Lenzen M, Geschke A, Wiedmann T, Lane J, Anderson N, Baynes T, Boland J, Daniels P, Dey C, Fry J, Hadjikakou M, Kenway S, Malik A, Moran D, Murray J, Nettleton S, Poruschi L, Reynolds C, Rowley H, Ugon J, Webb D, West J. Compiling and using input-output frameworks through collaborative virtual laboratories. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 485-486:241-251. [PMID: 24727042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.03.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Revised: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Compiling, deploying and utilising large-scale databases that integrate environmental and economic data have traditionally been labour- and cost-intensive processes, hindered by the large amount of disparate and misaligned data that must be collected and harmonised. The Australian Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory (IELab) is a novel, collaborative approach to compiling large-scale environmentally extended multi-region input-output (MRIO) models. The utility of the IELab product is greatly enhanced by avoiding the need to lock in an MRIO structure at the time the MRIO system is developed. The IELab advances the idea of the "mother-daughter" construction principle, whereby a regionally and sectorally very detailed "mother" table is set up, from which "daughter" tables are derived to suit specific research questions. By introducing a third tier - the "root classification" - IELab users are able to define their own mother-MRIO configuration, at no additional cost in terms of data handling. Customised mother-MRIOs can then be built, which maximise disaggregation in aspects that are useful to a family of research questions. The second innovation in the IELab system is to provide a highly automated collaborative research platform in a cloud-computing environment, greatly expediting workflows and making these computational benefits accessible to all users. Combining these two aspects realises many benefits. The collaborative nature of the IELab development project allows significant savings in resources. Timely deployment is possible by coupling automation procedures with the comprehensive input from multiple teams. User-defined MRIO tables, coupled with high performance computing, mean that MRIO analysis will be useful and accessible for a great many more research applications than would otherwise be possible. By ensuring that a common set of analytical tools such as for hybrid life-cycle assessment is adopted, the IELab will facilitate the harmonisation of fragmented, dispersed and misaligned raw data for the benefit of all interested parties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Lenzen
- ISA, School of Physics A28, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Arne Geschke
- ISA, School of Physics A28, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Thomas Wiedmann
- ISA, School of Physics A28, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW Australia, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Joe Lane
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Neal Anderson
- ISA, School of Physics A28, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | | | - John Boland
- Barbara Hardy Institute and School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Daniels
- Environmental Futures Centre, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia
| | - Christopher Dey
- ISA, School of Physics A28, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jacob Fry
- ISA, School of Physics A28, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michalis Hadjikakou
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW Australia, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Steven Kenway
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Arunima Malik
- ISA, School of Physics A28, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Daniel Moran
- Programme for Industrial Ecology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Joy Murray
- ISA, School of Physics A28, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Stuart Nettleton
- School of Systems, Management & Leadership, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Lavinia Poruschi
- Urban Research Program, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia
| | - Christian Reynolds
- Barbara Hardy Institute and School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of South Australia, Australia
| | - Hazel Rowley
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW Australia, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Julien Ugon
- Graduate School of Information Technology & Mathematical Sciences, University of Ballarat, Vic 3353, Australia
| | - Dean Webb
- Graduate School of Information Technology & Mathematical Sciences, University of Ballarat, Vic 3353, Australia
| | - James West
- CSIRO Ecosystems Sciences, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
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Lefebvre O, Tan Z, Shen Y, Ng HY. Optimization of a microbial fuel cell for wastewater treatment using recycled scrap metals as a cost-effective cathode material. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2013; 127:158-164. [PMID: 23138054 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) for wastewater treatment is still hindered by the prohibitive cost of cathode material, especially when platinum is used to catalyze oxygen reduction. In this study, recycled scrap metals could be used efficiently as cathode material in a specially-designed MFC. In terms of raw power, the scrap metals ranked as follows: W/Co > Cu/Ni > Inconel 718 > carpenter alloy; however, in terms of cost and long term stability, Inconel 718 was the preferred choice. Treatment performance--assessed on real and synthetic wastewater--was considerably improved either by filling the anode compartment with carbon granules or by operating the MFC in full-loop mode. The latter option allowed reaching 99.7% acetate removal while generating a maximum power of 36 W m(-3) at an acetate concentration of 2535 mg L(-1). Under these conditions, the energy produced by the system averaged 0.1 kWh m(-3) of wastewater treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Lefebvre
- Centre for Water Research, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Dr 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore
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