Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering最新文献

{"title":"A review on optimization strategies for conventional nitrogen removal process and anammox process: Microbial community structure, functional genes and enzyme activity","authors":"Nan Wang ,&nbsp;Jiaoteng Wei ,&nbsp;Shaoyuan Bai ,&nbsp;Qin Zhang ,&nbsp;Ya-nan Zhang ,&nbsp;Mei Wang ,&nbsp;Yijian Zhong","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116788","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116788","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The performance and stability of biological nitrogen removal are intimately linked to changes in microorganisms, genes, and enzymes. In recent years, numerous studies have analyzed the nitrogen removal mechanism of biological nitrogen removal solely from the macro perspective of functional microbial community structure. However, exploring the biological nitrogen removal mechanism at the micro level and identifying measures to optimize its performance remains a challenging task. This article delves into an in-depth discussion on the functional microorganisms, key enzymes, and coding genes involved in nitrification/denitrification (N/DN), and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) processes. A series of optimization strategies have been summarized to improve nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE), considering microbial community structure, functional genes, and enzyme activity: (1) optimizing the competition and synergy among functional microorganisms, (2) bioaugmentation, and (3) utilizing exogenous additives. Furthermore, for the sustainable development of future biological nitrogen removal technologies, this review introduces the effects of changes in influent composition and key operating parameters on microbial community structure, functional gene expression levels, and enzyme activity during the N/DN processes and anammox process. Additionally, the challenges associated with N₂O generation, the byproduct with the highest global warming potential generated by the N/DN processes and anammox process, are also discussed. This review will contribute to deepening our understanding of the principles of biological nitrogen removal, enhancing the performance of existing biological nitrogen removal systems, and reducing N₂O emissions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"13 3","pages":"Article 116788"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143873678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electrokinetic remediation of chromium-contaminated soils: The potential for advanced materials in three-dimensional EKR approaches","authors":"Fidèle Suanon ,&nbsp;Lyde Arsène Sèwèdo Tomètin ,&nbsp;Obey Kudakwashe Zveushe ,&nbsp;Víctor Resco de Dios ,&nbsp;Ying Han ,&nbsp;Binessi Edouard Ifon ,&nbsp;Edidiong Okokon Atakpa ,&nbsp;Pélagie Yete ,&nbsp;Frank Sesu ,&nbsp;Jin Li ,&nbsp;Amal Mohamed Omer ,&nbsp;Faqin Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116774","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116774","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chromium (Cr) contamination in soils presents significant environmental and human health risks, necessitating the development of efficient and sustainable remediation strategies. Electrokinetic remediation (EKR) has emerged as a promising technique for heavy metal removal; however, its conventional application is hindered by challenges such as soil heterogeneity, poor electric field distribution, pH imbalances, and high energy consumption. The study begins by exploring chromium-soil interactions, highlighting the chemical behavior of Cr in soil matrices and the complexities associated with its remediation. It then discusses the limitations of conventional EKR, particularly regarding soil properties, poor electric field distribution, pH imbalances, and energy consumption. A key focus is the integration of advanced materials—including nanomaterials, biochar, conductive polymers, biopolymers, and aerogels—into EKR systems to enhance their performance. These materials facilitate charge transfer, increase ionic conductivity, and act as electrochemical catalysts, improving electrode reactions and electroosmotic flow. Specifically, they function as reactive barriers, auxiliary electrodes, and mobility enhancers, enhancing contaminant desorption, redox transformations, and targeted Cr migration. Special attention is also given to three-dimensional electrokinetic remediation (3D-EKR) approach, which leverages these materials to generate a more uniform and intensified electric field, buffer pH fluctuations through redox-active surfaces, and increase contaminant removal efficiency by enabling selective ion transport and enhanced electrochemical interactions. The review concludes with perspectives on future research directions to optimize material-assisted EKR for sustainable soil remediation and the role of interdisciplinary approaches in advancing this technology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"13 3","pages":"Article 116774"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143873680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functionalization of polymers and nanomaterials for H2/CO2 separation membrane: State-of-the-art, challenges and perspectives","authors":"Yifei Liu ,&nbsp;Pei Sean Goh ,&nbsp;Hooi-Siang Kang ,&nbsp;Nan Xu ,&nbsp;Mei An ,&nbsp;Yibin Wei ,&nbsp;Ahmad Fauzi Ismail","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116760","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116760","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Membrane technology provides unique advantages in separating hydrogen from various mixture streams in commercial settings owing to its energy efficiency and small footprints. Conventional polymer membranes have low permeability and selectivity in H₂/CO₂ separation, which limits their commercial application. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) which combine the advantages of conventional polymeric materials and inorganic nanomaterials offer tremendous opportunities to surmount the shortcomings and unsatisfactory performances of the polymeric and inorganic counterparts. While delivering attractive features to improve the permeability, selectivity, and durability of the membranes, the insufficient performance improvement of MMMs is closely associated with some bottlenecks, particularly the presence of interface defects caused by poor dispersion and incompatibility with the polymer. Various functionalization strategies have been explored to address these issues. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the functionalization strategies of polymeric membranes and MMMs for hydrogen separation, including their advantages and limitations, the classification of functionalization and the effects of functionalization on performance is presented. The current technical challenges are highlighted and the insights into future research directions are discussed. The progress made in membrane functionalization not only addresses the current limitations but also paves the way for a sustainable and efficient hydrogen economy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"13 3","pages":"Article 116760"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143868893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functionalized biochar for enhancing the removal of antibiotics and resistance genes in swine manure composting: A review","authors":"Dong Wang,&nbsp;Yulong Shi,&nbsp;Li Zheng,&nbsp;Yu Liu,&nbsp;Xinyuan Wei,&nbsp;Qingwen Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116752","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116752","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since the antibiotics typically employed for growth promotion and disease treatment in animals, a considerable quantity of antibiotics is retained in swine manure (SM). The inappropriate handling of SM may lead to the release of antibiotics into the natural environment, resulting in the development of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), posing significant risks to both the ecological system and human health. Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich, porous material derived from biomass pyrolysis, has emerged as a promising solution for mitigating ARGs risks during SM composting. To enhance the adsorption performance of BC, functional BC (physical, chemical, biological or composite material modification) has attracted widespread attention. This work presented a review of the various modification methods and performance improvement mechanisms of BC, especially the environmentally friendly earthworm-modified BC. The differences in adsorption mechanisms of antibiotics and ARGs by modified BC were compared and analyzed, revealing that biodegradation played a crucial role in the removal of these substances during the SM composting. Finally, the review identified current challenges and outlines prospective avenues for further investigation to achieve a greater role for functionalized BC in the treatment of antibiotics in SM compost, thereby contributing to more sustainable and environmentally responsible waste management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"13 3","pages":"Article 116752"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143864861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancements in graphitic carbon nitride based metal tungstate photocatalysts for enhanced energy and environmental remediation","authors":"Krishna Gurugubelli ,&nbsp;Thirumala Rao Gurugubelli ,&nbsp;M.P. Srinivasa Rao ,&nbsp;G.J. Naga Raju ,&nbsp;Kodam Ugendar ,&nbsp;Suresh Maddila ,&nbsp;Salman S. Alharthi ,&nbsp;Ravindranadh Koutavarapu","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116710","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116710","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metal tungstate (MWO₄) nanostructures were mixed with g-C₃N₄ (g-CN) to increase the photocatalytic activity. The use of these nanocomposite materials has shown surprisingly enhanced photocatalytic performance owing to efficient charge separation, enhanced light absorption and enhanced redox activity. The most recent studies aimed at enhancing the photocatalytic activity of metal tungstate (MWO₄) based on g-CN heterostructure nanocomposites are thoroughly described in this review. Here, we review the synthetic routes for these heterostructure materials based on precursors used during synthesis, in-situ formation techniques, as well as structural modifications. Moreover, we investigate the basic processes involved in improved photocatalytic performance, including charge separation, extended light absorption, and redox capability. The paper also discusses current developments in g-CN based metal tungstate heterostructures, with an emphasis on MWO₄ (M = Zn, Cd, Co, Ni_, and Cu) nanostructures. Finally, we analyse the optimization strategies and future potential approaches of designing and fabricating efficient photocatalysts from g-CN based MWO₄ heterostructures. Knowledge from this review paper will help to better understanding and will provide direction for future research projects aimed at maximizing the sage of metal tungstate combined with g-CN as a heterostructure photocatalyst for different photocatalytic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"13 3","pages":"Article 116710"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143864860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Application of natural mineral in round-the-clock solar-driven interfacial evaporation system: A review","authors":"Yunan Mu ,&nbsp;Pengfei Shuai ,&nbsp;Libing Liao ,&nbsp;Xiaobin Gu","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116701","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116701","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SIE) has gained widespread attention as an efficient seawater desalination technology. Among various materials that used for SIE system, natural mineral materials are one of the most important choices due to their high cost-effectiveness, wide availability and environmental friendliness. Notably, lot of studies have demonstrated that mineral materials can significantly enhance the performance of SIE systems in virtue of high adsorption capacity, thermal insulation, and mechanical strength. According to the three key components (the light absorber, the substrate, and the thermal storage device) of round-the-clock SIE systems, this review summarizes the start-of-the-art advancements in mineral-based SIE systems and highlights key strategies for their performance enhancement. Especially, the role of mineral materials in these SIE systems has been carefully analyzed and the relevant mechanisms have been revealed. Finally, the research gap and outlook in this field have also been identified. The review study aim to provide insights for the further development of mineral-based SIE systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"13 3","pages":"Article 116701"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143850487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Review of helium separation from natural gas by membranes","authors":"Weam S.K. Abudaqqa ,&nbsp;Omar Chaalal ,&nbsp;Marouane Chaalal ,&nbsp;Husain Al Hashimi ,&nbsp;Farih Messaoudi","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116625","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116625","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Helium, an essential noble gas with important industrial and scientific applications, is seeing a surge in demand as its resources deplete. In 2020 alone, yearly helium use was 30,000 tons, comparable to a market value of USD 1 billion. Natural gas remains the primary source of helium, with concentrations ranging from 0.3 % to 1.9 % mol. With the increasing importance of helium, membrane-based gas separation technologies such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and nanocomposite membranes have gained popularity due to their low cost and versatility. This review examines the present state of membrane technology for helium separation, focusing on recent research and publication trends. Notably, membrane-based approaches show a constant upward trend, with a special emphasis on the years 2020 and 2021. However, concerns with selectivity and permeability persist. Future research should focus on reinforced mixed matrix membranes and new fabrication techniques to address these limits and meet expanding industrial demands in a sustainable manner. The incorporation of membrane-based helium separation technologies into comprehensive gas processing systems has the potential to improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and increase economic viability. This review seeks to provide useful insights into the topic of helium separation by membranes, as well as to guide future improvements for sustainable helium supply and utilization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"13 3","pages":"Article 116625"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143844313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A complete review on the surface functional groups in pyrolyzed biochar and its interaction mechanism with heavy metal in water","authors":"Hai Lin ,&nbsp;Jiquan Xie ,&nbsp;Yingbo Dong ,&nbsp;Junfei Liu ,&nbsp;Kai Meng ,&nbsp;Qi Jin","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116681","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116681","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heavy metal pollution in water has become a major environmental issue. Among the various methods for heavy metal treatment, pyrolyzed biochar is widely used due to its high adsorption rate and diverse physicochemical properties. The effectiveness of biochar in removing heavy metals is closely related to the types and characteristics of its surface functional groups. This article systematically reviews the classification and characteristics of surface functional groups on pyrolyzed biochar, with a focus on the types of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur functional groups and their mechanisms of action in the adsorption of heavy metals. The article analyzes the impact of pyrolysis conditions and raw materials on the formation of these functional groups and points out that surface functional groups enhance the removal efficiency of heavy metals by biochar through charge interactions, coordination complexation, and physical adsorption, among other mechanisms. The article also provides a detailed summary of methods and effects for regulating surface functional groups and offers suggestions for future research, including the development of pollution-free functional group introduction techniques and the exploration of potential applications of biochar in other fields.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"13 3","pages":"Article 116681"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143844311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of microporous membranes with enhanced abrasion resistance for water treatment: A review","authors":"Wei Ann Lee ,&nbsp;Woei Jye Lau ,&nbsp;Pei Sean Goh ,&nbsp;Be Cheer Ng ,&nbsp;Ahmad Fauzi Ismail ,&nbsp;Xuesong Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116667","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Over the past few decades, research on ultrafiltration membranes has primarily concentrated on enhancing fouling resistance and water permeability without sacrificing solute rejection. However, membrane abrasion has remained a relatively overlooked issue, despite the increasing global demand for freshwater production. This challenge is particularly significant for polymer-based membranes, such as those made from polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl chloride and cellulose acetate. Since 2020, interest in developing abrasion-resistant ultrafiltration membranes has been growing. Unlike earlier reviews that emphasize fouling resistance, this paper focuses on the critical yet underexplored problem of membrane abrasion, providing a comprehensive comparison of recent strategies to improve membrane durability. Studies show that abrasion resistance can be enhanced through polymer or additive blending, surface coating/grafting, hot pressing (on nanofibers) and sandwich-structured designs—many of which also boost water flux, providing synergistic benefits. This review also examines the advantages and limitations of various fabrication and modification methods designed to enhance the abrasion resistance of polymeric membranes. However, despite promising lab-scale results, the long-term performance of these abrasion-resistant membranes under real-world conditions remains uncertain. While some studies report stable performance over extended testing periods, they often overlook that commercial membranes are expected to operate effectively for several years. Without long-term validation in practical settings, the durability of improved abrasion resistance remains questionable. We hope this review is a valuable resource for researchers seeking to develop abrasion-resistant polymeric membranes capable of maintaining performance when treating feed water containing abrasive substances such as particulates, catalysts, mineral precipitates and micro-/nanoplastics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"13 3","pages":"Article 116667"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143844314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microalgae-bacteria consortium for biohydrogen production ‐ A potential microbial catalyst? A review on mechanism, influencing factors and process optimization","authors":"S. Pavithra ,&nbsp;Greeshma Odukkathil ,&nbsp;S. Shanthakumar","doi":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116627","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jece.2025.116627","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The global energy demand is increasing, and most of the energy supply mainly depends on fossil fuels, significantly contributing to global warming. It necessitates finding alternate energy sources to overcome the adverse impacts of fossil fuels. Hydrogen is a prominent fuel due to its higher energy density than other fossil fuels and zero carbon emissions. Hydrogen production from third-generation biofuel microalgae (Biohydrogen) is considered an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method because it does not require more energy and does not produce any toxic intermediates. Moreover, microalgae require only essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous and sunlight to produce biohydrogen. The wastewater from domestic and selected industries is an excellent medium for biohydrogen production, and the potential of microalgae to treat wastewater is an additional benefit to microalgae-based biohydrogen production. However, the main obstacles hindering the widespread growth of microalgae are the high harvesting cost of biomass, low biomass production, treatment efficiency, and low hydrogen yield. This review mainly focuses on the potential of the microalgae-bacterium consortium in biohydrogen production to enhance the yield. The various microalgae species and bacteria for biohydrogen production and their characteristics, synthesis, and mechanism of biohydrogen production are presented. In addition, the possibility of utilizing wastewater as a substrate, various influencing factors and limitations in the approach of microalgae-bacteria consortium, and the future directions in improving the biohydrogen production potential are discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15759,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering","volume":"13 3","pages":"Article 116627"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143844310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}