{"title":"met<i>EAU</i>data: a framework for automatic metadata generation for environmental time series preprocessing.","authors":"Jean-David Therrien, Peter A Vanrolleghem","doi":"10.2166/wst.2026.255","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2026.255","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Water resource recovery facilities generate tremendous amounts of process data, most of it in the form of time series. This data can be found in supervisory control and data acquisition systems, process historians, or relational databases where metadata is (hopefully) abundant. Removal of data artefacts and sensor faults, as well as smoothing and aggregation, are all essential steps in transforming raw data into a form fit for modelling, analysis, and decision-making. These transformations typically ignore metadata, meaning metadata-rich datasets can quickly lose all context, traceability, and reusability. The context at risk of being lost includes both the original metadata and descriptions of the processing itself. Failure to report this metadata is due to the difficulty of manual reporting and to the sometimes highly iterative nature of data pre-processing. This paper presents met<i>EAU</i>data, a framework that automates metadata creation and preservation during pre-processing operations. Unlike existing solutions that bundle limited preprocessing algorithms, met<i>EAU</i>data provides a lightweight interface enabling any algorithm to become metadata-aware through simple wrapper functions, extending metadata recording to existing scientific libraries with minimal effort. By automating the creation of structured, extensive metadata for arbitrary preprocessing pipelines, met<i>EAU</i>data supports the transition towards FAIR-compliant time series data.</p>","PeriodicalId":23653,"journal":{"name":"Water Science and Technology","volume":"93 8","pages":"1117-1129"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Haekeum Park, Gyumin Jeong, Yoojin Oh, Taehyeon Kim, Mincheol Kim, Jayong Koo
{"title":"Feature-engineered machine learning for daily-scale prediction of effluent total phosphorus and coagulant dosing optimization in full-scale DAF systems.","authors":"Haekeum Park, Gyumin Jeong, Yoojin Oh, Taehyeon Kim, Mincheol Kim, Jayong Koo","doi":"10.2166/wst.2026.256","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2026.256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Effective phosphorus control in dissolved air flotation (DAF) systems is essential for regulatory compliance in full-scale wastewater treatment plants, yet operational decisions are often constrained to daily time scales due to limited online sensing. This study proposes an interpretable, feature-engineered machine-learning framework for daily prediction of effluent total phosphorus (T-P) and sensitivity-based optimization of coagulant dosing in a full-scale municipal DAF system (410,000 m<sup>3</sup>/day). Long-term operational, water-quality, and meteorological data (1,096 days) were preprocessed using three-sigma outlier screening and multivariate imputation by chained equations (MICE). Mechanistically informed features capturing influent loading, operational conditions, short-term variability of effluent T-P (1-3 day difference-based features), and seasonal effects were incorporated. Among the evaluated models, Random Forest achieved the best performance (Test R<sup>2</sup> = 0.818; RMSE = 0.032 mg/L), corresponding to a prediction error within 20% of the discharge limit (0.2 mg/L). SHAP analysis identified influent T-P, coagulant dosage, and short-term variation as dominant drivers across seasons. A sensitivity-based autoregressive simulation indicated that optimized dosing could reduce coagulant consumption by 32-51%, yielding an estimated annual cost saving of 1.53 billion KRW while improving effluent stability. The proposed framework demonstrates the practical value of daily-scale, interpretable machine learning for data-driven DAF operation.</p>","PeriodicalId":23653,"journal":{"name":"Water Science and Technology","volume":"93 7","pages":"1003-1023"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147692549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Behnam Askari Lasaki, Megha C Manoj, Harald Schönberger
{"title":"Comprehensive review of conventional and emerging technologies for advanced primary wastewater treatment with an insight into future perspectives.","authors":"Behnam Askari Lasaki, Megha C Manoj, Harald Schönberger","doi":"10.2166/wst.2026.253","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2026.253","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advanced primary treatment (APT) technologies are increasingly recognized as key components in the development of next-generation wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), driven by their high pollutant removal efficiency, reduced energy demand, and contribution to climate-neutral operation. This review systematically evaluates the performance of major APT processes - including chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT), microsieving, flotation, electrocoagulation, integrated systems, and conventional sedimentation. Multiple visualization tools were applied to compare removal efficiencies and operational characteristics across technologies. The analysis demonstrates that all advanced techniques consistently outperform conventional gravity-driven sedimentation, highlighting the limitations of traditional primary treatment. Electrocoagulation and integrated systems achieve the highest overall removal efficiencies across multiple parameters, while CEPT, flotation, and microsieving exhibit strong performance in removing suspended solids, turbidity, and particulate-bound organic matter. However, these latter technologies show limited and highly variable nutrient removal, particularly for total nitrogen, reflecting both inherent process constraints and a lack of comprehensive studies.In addition, the review assesses economic and environmental aspects, revealing that microsieving and sedimentation offer lower costs and reduced carbon footprints, albeit with limited nutrient control. In contrast, electrocoagulation and integrated systems provide superior treatment performance at higher capital and operational costs, restricting their application to plants facing stringent effluent requirements.</p>","PeriodicalId":23653,"journal":{"name":"Water Science and Technology","volume":"93 7","pages":"1039-1060"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147692581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Monitoring and attenuation dynamics of riverine surface waters contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons under conflict-affected conditions: processes, kinetics and implications for SDG achievement.","authors":"Oleg Mandryk, Olha Biedunkova, Pavlo Kuznietsov, Marіana Stah, Mykola Khovanets","doi":"10.2166/wst.2026.247","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2026.247","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examines the temporal dynamics of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination and natural attenuation processes in riverine surface waters affected by military-related accidental pollution. Time-series monitoring data from six rivers located in eastern and western regions were analysed to quantify concentration exceedances, rates of decline, and differences in self-purification capacity among river systems. Petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations were determined using a standardised fluorimetric method, and their temporal behaviour was evaluated through descriptive statistics and first-order kinetic modelling. Extremely high peak concentrations were recorded following accidental releases, exceeding regulatory thresholds for fisheries and domestic water use by one to two orders of magnitude. Although a consistent decreasing trend was observed in all rivers, median and mean concentrations in several cases remained above regulatory limits for extended periods. Estimated half-times of concentration reduction varied markedly among rivers, reflecting differences in hydrological conditions, channel morphology, urbanisation, and dilution capacity. The results demonstrate that natural attenuation plays a significant role in reducing petroleum hydrocarbon levels, but is insufficient to fully offset the impacts of large-scale and repeated pollution events under conflict conditions. These findings highlight the need for integrated monitoring, targeted mitigation measures, and long-term restoration strategies to support sustainable water management during post-conflict recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":23653,"journal":{"name":"Water Science and Technology","volume":"93 7","pages":"1082-1099"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147692637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hadeel Hosney, Mostafa Elshourbagy, Thomas V Wagner, Eleonora L Borén, Piet N L Lens
{"title":"Efficacy of biochar from mixed biomass resources for the removal of pharmaceutical residues from treated domestic wastewater.","authors":"Hadeel Hosney, Mostafa Elshourbagy, Thomas V Wagner, Eleonora L Borén, Piet N L Lens","doi":"10.2166/wst.2026.251","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2026.251","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biochar-based sorption has gained popularity for pharmaceutical residues removal; nonetheless, its performance is heavily dependent on feedstock selection, biomass characteristics, and operating conditions. Therefore, this study assesses the performance of biochar derived from several mixed biomass resources and addresses its applicability for use in nature-based treatment systems. Batch sorption studies were conducted on eight biochar types derived from softwood, bagasse, and coffee husk to assess their capacity to remove five pharmaceuticals. The experimental study was carried out in two phases. Phase 1 consisted of a screening, where softwood-bagasse biochar (50:50) was found to be the most efficient material among the eight chosen sorbents, with removal efficiencies of up to 97%. In phase two, response surface method (RSM) was employed to evaluate the individual and interactive effects of contact time, sorbent dose, and initial pharmaceutical concentration. The empirical statistical models revealed critical operational trade-offs, with removal efficiencies exceeding 90% at longer contact times (24-30 h) and higher biochar dosages (up to 2 g). The softwood-bagasse biochar's higher sorption performance was attributed to enhanced carbonization and aromaticity, as reflected by a low H/C ratio (0.31). This indicates that condensed carbon structure favours hydrophobic partitioning and π-π interactions with aromatic pharmaceutical molecules.</p>","PeriodicalId":23653,"journal":{"name":"Water Science and Technology","volume":"93 7","pages":"1061-1081"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147692564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Microbial mechanisms of rapid startup in a sequencing batch biofilm reactor treating high-ammonia slaughterhouse wastewater.","authors":"Ningqian Zhang, Qinxiang Fang, Yu Wang, Qi Wang","doi":"10.2166/wst.2026.242","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2026.242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Traditional processes for treating high-ammonia slaughterhouse wastewater face challenges of long start-up periods and poor shock load resistance. This study established a sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SBBR) to achieve rapid start-up and elucidate the underlying microbial mechanisms. Through integrated analysis of reactor performance, microbial community succession, and functional gene dynamics, the system achieved stable removal of ammonia nitrogen (NH<sub>3</sub>-N) (>90%) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) within 20 days, marking a rapid functional start-up. After 50 days, the system demonstrated excellent resistance to influent fluctuations. Full biofilm maturation and microbial specialization were accomplished within 80 days, yielding high mean removal efficiencies of 93.04% for NH<sub>3</sub>-N, 79.38% for COD, and 58.47% for total nitrogen. Microbial analysis revealed a distinct ecological succession from initial <i>Proteobacteria</i> dominance to mature-phase specialization, characterized by significant enrichment of <i>Thermomonas</i> (11.06%) and <i>Flavobacterium</i> (10.16%) capable of heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification. Functional gene annotation showed marked upregulation of energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, and glycan biosynthesis pathways in the mature biofilm, enabling efficient degradation of complex organics and robust biofilm structure. These findings demonstrate that SBBR achieves rapid start-up through directed microbial succession and metabolic specialization, providing important insights for the optimization of high-ammonia wastewater treatment systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":23653,"journal":{"name":"Water Science and Technology","volume":"93 6","pages":"804-816"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Synergizing process efficiency and environmental sustainability in a pilot-scale anaerobic digestion system for volatile fatty acid recovery from waste.","authors":"Dilara Yalcinkaya, Isaac Owusu-Agyeman, Nilay Elginoz, Zeynep Cetecioglu, Fatos Germirli Babuna","doi":"10.2166/wst.2026.240","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2026.240","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are valuable industrial inputs traditionally produced through petrochemical routes. Converting waste into VFAs offers a sustainable and environmentally responsible alternative. To identify optimal operational conditions, pilot-scale treatability studies are essential. This study evaluates the environmental performance of such a pilot anaerobic digestion system using life cycle assessment (LCA) to reveal the sustainable treatment condition. LCA modeling was conducted in GaBi software with the Ecoinvent database, applying the CML2001 method for impact assessment. The pilot plant inhibits the methanogenesis to efficiently yield VFA-rich liquid from primary sludge and food waste. System boundaries cover electricity and chemical inputs, the anaerobic digestion process, and sludge incineration, following a gate-to-gate approach. By integrating treatability results with LCA outcomes, this study identifies the most environmentally favorable operating conditions and underscores the importance of impact assessment before scaling waste-to-VFA technologies to full-scale applications. Although quantifying the financial cost of environmental burdens remains challenging, linking efficiency with environmental performance highlights the industrial significance of this work.</p>","PeriodicalId":23653,"journal":{"name":"Water Science and Technology","volume":"93 6","pages":"793-803"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hareef Ahmed Keerio, Sallahuddin Panhwar, Adham Mohammed Alnadish, Tasawar Ali Chandio, Tarique Ahmed Memon, Sunel Kumar, Sabab Ali Shah, Farhan Ahmed, Muhammad Muqeet
{"title":"Molecular solutions to carbon pollution: innovations, mechanisms, and challenges in solvent-based carbon capture.","authors":"Hareef Ahmed Keerio, Sallahuddin Panhwar, Adham Mohammed Alnadish, Tasawar Ali Chandio, Tarique Ahmed Memon, Sunel Kumar, Sabab Ali Shah, Farhan Ahmed, Muhammad Muqeet","doi":"10.2166/wst.2026.238","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2026.238","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> levels exceeding 429 ppm necessitate scalable carbon capture and storage (CCS). Solvent-based absorption is the most mature technology but faces high energy demands and environmental impacts. Conventional amines such as MEA require high regeneration energy (3.5-4.0 GJ/tCO<sub>2</sub>) and degrade over time. Emerging solutions like ionic liquids, blended amines, and phase-change solvents promise improved efficiency and stability. This review links molecular-level solvent design with techno-economic performance to overcome commercialization barriers. It identifies critical gaps, including the absence of standardized life cycle and techno-economic assessments for next-generation solvents. Furthermore, molecular innovations are often insufficiently integrated with process or cluster-scale requirements, and scaling advanced materials faces supply chain and operational challenges. Transformative pathways, such as integrated capture-conversion systems, can bypass energy-intensive regeneration. By combining technical, economic, and strategic perspectives, this review provides a roadmap to guide solvent development, prioritize research, reduce deployment risks, and accelerate sustainable carbon management necessary for achieving net-zero targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":23653,"journal":{"name":"Water Science and Technology","volume":"93 6","pages":"849-874"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bernoulli-induced self-cleaning in drainage pipes: visual micro-Venturi validation.","authors":"Guangyang Wang","doi":"10.2166/wst.2026.243","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2026.243","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Standard methods of removing sediment from drainage systems consume significant amounts of energy. This study evaluates a passive self-cleaning mechanism that is operated by the Bernoulli principle through a Venturi contraction, using little or no additional energy. A laboratory-scale micro-Venturi was utilized to quantify the relationship between hydraulically induced wall shear stress (<i>τ</i>) and the removal rate (<i>R</i>) of a surrogate kaolinite deposit. Over the flow rate range of 1-12 L·min<sup>-1</sup>, <i>τ</i> reached a maximum of 102.1 Pa. A strong linear correlation between <i>τ</i> and <i>R</i> was observed (<i>r</i> = 0.958), with a critical shear stress <i>τ</i>_<i>c</i> ≈ 5.8 Pa sufficient to achieve over 60% deposit removal. From this conclusion, a dimensionless scaling factor, <i>Π</i> = <i>τ</i>/<i>τ</i>_<i>c</i>, is presented to help with the design and application of energy-efficient cleaning technology on other pipes of larger scale and similar geometry.</p>","PeriodicalId":23653,"journal":{"name":"Water Science and Technology","volume":"93 6","pages":"875-884"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Azzam Abuhabib, Ahmed Albahnasavi, Heba Isawi, Law Yong Ng, Abdul Wahab Mohammad, Sofiah Hamzah
{"title":"Applying machine learning and AI for nanofiltration membranes water applications: a review.","authors":"Azzam Abuhabib, Ahmed Albahnasavi, Heba Isawi, Law Yong Ng, Abdul Wahab Mohammad, Sofiah Hamzah","doi":"10.2166/wst.2026.234","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2026.234","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nanofiltration (NF) has long been the focus of researchers and operators in the field of water and wastewater treatment and desalination. Characterised by both high rejection of diverse substances depending on their molecular composition and charge, and high flux, NF membranes have demonstrated broad applicability while maintaining long-lasting performance. However, NF membrane scalability and reliability are intrinsically constrained by non-linear phenomena like complex solute-rejection mechanisms, long-term fouling dynamics, and the inherent flux-selectivity trade-off. Traditional mechanistic models relying on simplifying assumptions within the solution-diffusion framework, often fail to accurately predict performance in heterogeneous, real-time water matrices, leading to a critical divergence between predictive capability and operational reality. This review addresses this gap by comprehensively assessing the integration of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) across three critical domains: fabrication optimisation, performance prediction, and fouling diagnosis and mitigation, through the analysis of 100 NF-ML publications over the past 10 years. Additionally, it highlights key methodological challenges including data scarcity and heterogeneity, and lack of robust external validation. Finally, the review emphasises that future advancements lie in reinforcement learning for real-time adaptive control and in hybrid ML-mechanistic frameworks bridging the existing gap between data-driven prediction and transparent mechanistic understanding.</p>","PeriodicalId":23653,"journal":{"name":"Water Science and Technology","volume":"93 6","pages":"817-848"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}