Nature water最新文献

{"title":"Unlocking sludge co-firing synergies between thermal power and wastewater treatment plants","authors":"Jin Lin, Qi Zhou, Linyuan Hu, YuChen Hu, Yunlei She, Yifan Song, Qiang Huang, Jiaqi Jing, Xiuya Wang, Shen Qu","doi":"10.1038/s44221-026-00697-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44221-026-00697-8","url":null,"abstract":"Co-firing municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWWTP) sludge in thermal-fired power plants (TFPPs) offers a low-carbon circular strategy. However, its adoption is constrained by spatio-temporal supply–demand mismatches and economic feasibility. Here we show that an optimized, plant-level monthly allocation framework can overcome these barriers, powered by a high-resolution database of 5,218 MWWTPs and 1,990 TFPPs across China. We find that surplus sludge from 3,735 MWWTPs (~87% capacity) can stably substitute coal on a monthly basis across 421 qualified TFPPs. This symbiotic network reduces total sludge volume by 79% (95% CI 55–88%) and mitigates 15.25 (10.53–17.39) MtCO2eq annually (50% of MWWTP emissions), while yielding median incremental profits of 369.41 (4.18–1,250.46) million CNY yr‒1. Scenario analysis reveals that rising fuel prices can amplify environmental and economic benefits by 11% and 135%. Crucially, despite a shrinking coal-power sector under future energy transitions, long-term co-firing network resilience is sustained through a 35–67% expansion in collaborative TFPPs. These insights provide a scalable framework for implementing cross-sectoral circular strategies tailored to regional sustainability. An optimized nationwide sludge-to-coal co-firing network in China could convert wastewater sludge into energy, reducing sludge volume by 79% and avoiding about 15.25 Mt of CO2 emissions annually.","PeriodicalId":74252,"journal":{"name":"Nature water","volume":"4 8","pages":"979-991"},"PeriodicalIF":30.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148754321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unconventional phase high-entropy nanoalloys with modulated electronic structure for efficient low-concentration nitrate electroreduction to ammonia","authors":"Fu Liu \u0000 (, ), Fengkun Hao \u0000 (, ), Mingzi Sun \u0000 (, ), Helin Wang \u0000 (, ), Ning Yao \u0000 (, ), Yunhao Wang \u0000 (, ), Juan Wang \u0000 (, ), Peng Chen \u0000 (, ), Xintao Ma \u0000 (, ), Jingwen Zhou \u0000 (, ), Yuecheng Xiong \u0000 (, ), Yangbo Ma \u0000 (, ), Guozhi Wang \u0000 (, ), Liang Guo \u0000 (, ), Xiang Meng \u0000 (, ), Mingzheng Shao \u0000 (, ), Chaohui Wang \u0000 (, ), Miao Wang \u0000 (, ), Fangren Qian \u0000 (, ), Chenliang Ye \u0000 (, ), Shibo Xi \u0000 (, ), Bolong Huang \u0000 (, ), Zhanxi Fan \u0000 (, )","doi":"10.1038/s44221-026-00694-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44221-026-00694-x","url":null,"abstract":"Phase control of alloy nanomaterials can modulate their atomic/electronic structures towards various electrocatalytic applications. However, the controlled synthesis of high-entropy nanoalloys (HENAs) with unconventional phase remains challenging. Here we report the one-pot synthesis of RhCuNiInSb HENAs with the unconventional 2H phase through regulating the nucleation/growth kinetics. Compared with the face-centred cubic phase counterpart, 2H RhCuNiInSb HENAs exhibit superior electrocatalytic nitrate reduction performance at low nitrate concentration. Ex/in situ studies reveal the accelerated deoxygenation/hydrogenation kinetics and distinct reaction pathway. Theoretical calculations demonstrate the electronic optimizations induced by the face-centred-cubic-to-2H phase transition, where the electronic redistribution and p–d elemental interactions improve the surface electroactivity. When operated in flow cell, 0.5 l of simulated wastewater can be efficiently converted into the value-added ammonia-derived product within 10 h. With a 20-h electrolysis, the NO3−-N concentration in real industrial and agricultural wastewater can be both reduced above the World Health Organization standard for drinking water. Phase engineering of high-entropy nanoalloys can enhance electrocatalysis. A one-pot synthesized 2H RhCuNiInSb nanoalloy outperformed its face-centred cubic counterpart for nitrate reduction, enabling efficient NH3 production and wastewater denitrification through an optimized electronic structure.","PeriodicalId":74252,"journal":{"name":"Nature water","volume":"4 9","pages":"1114-1127"},"PeriodicalIF":30.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148981564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Variable scale domains reconcile continuous and patchy carbon dynamics in river networks","authors":"Hjalmar Laudon, Jason A. Leach, Tejshree Tiwari, Ishi Buffam, Marcus B. Wallin, Anna Lupon, Martin Berggren, Kevin Bishop, Johannes Larson, Ryan A. Sponseller","doi":"10.1038/s44221-026-00675-0","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44221-026-00675-0","url":null,"abstract":"The supply, processing, storage and transport of carbon in inland waters have garnered considerable attention in past decades due to their ecological importance, water quality influence, and contribution to landscape carbon balance. Yet, understanding how the various sources, pathways and transformations combine into predictable downstream patterns remains elusive. Here we synthesize 40 years of research from the Krycklan Catchment Study (KCS) to advance a new framework—‘variable scale domains’ (VSD)—which describes the multiscale dynamic controls over aquatic carbon. The VSD framework identifies distinct spatial domains where either scale-dependent or patchy geomorphic properties control the supply, dynamics and transformations of major carbon forms, including dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). By integrating scale-dependent and patchy attributes along river networks, VSD enhances the predictability of how, when and where environmental changes will alter carbon fluxes and concentrations in freshwater systems. This Perspective proposes the variable scale domains framework for explaining the spatial and temporal variability of river network dissolved organic and inorganic carbon through mechanisms that are primarily regulated by scale-dependent geomorphic attributes or by patchy geomorphic structures.","PeriodicalId":74252,"journal":{"name":"Nature water","volume":"4 9","pages":"1074-1083"},"PeriodicalIF":30.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148981578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differences in PFAS drinking water limits create barriers to cost-effective risk reduction","authors":"Alison L. Ling","doi":"10.1038/s44221-026-00680-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44221-026-00680-3","url":null,"abstract":"Differing decision-making priorities and risk assessment approaches across jurisdictions have produced variation in national implementation of European Union drinking water PFAS standards. Analysis of such differences reflects uncertainty around harder-to-remove compounds such as TFA, which complicates planning and investment in cost-effective drinking water solutions.","PeriodicalId":74252,"journal":{"name":"Nature water","volume":"4 8","pages":"943-944"},"PeriodicalIF":30.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148754329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation of the Drinking Water Directive limit values for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Europe","authors":"Steffen Foss Hansen, Rune Hjorth, Anders Baun, Hans-Jørgen Albrechtsen","doi":"10.1038/s44221-026-00670-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44221-026-00670-5","url":null,"abstract":"The European Union Drinking Water Directive (DWD) established limit values for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) owing to health concerns. Here we examine how European Union member states have implemented the DWD limit values, which went into effect in January 2026. All but one member state have adopted the sum of PFAS limit of 0.1 µg l−1. Several member states have also adopted the PFAS total limit of 0.5 µg l−1 in combination with the sum of PFAS limit, whereas no one has adopted the PFAS total parameter in isolation. Member states often go beyond DWD requirements and nine have implemented the sum of four PFASs — that is, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). These limit values have been implemented faster but also more sporadically resulting in different levels of protection. The division between monitoring water quality and legal oversight may counteract, for instance, effective mitigation and institutional collaboration. Finally, supplying clean drinking water in compliance with the DWD can be challenging if trifluoroacetic acid is considered a toxicological relevant pesticide metabolite. The European Union Drinking Water Directive set new limits for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to health concerns, prompting varied implementation across member states. An analysis of these implementations reveals that while most adopt the sum of PFAS substances limit, diverse approaches may hinder consistent protection and challenge compliance, especially regarding trifluoroacetic acid.","PeriodicalId":74252,"journal":{"name":"Nature water","volume":"4 8","pages":"1045-1054"},"PeriodicalIF":30.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148754330","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Simultaneous desalination and selective metal recovery enabled by potential-regulated electrochemical ion pumping","authors":"Longqian Xu, Oluwatosin A. Bello, Shawon Sk Md Ali Zaker, Bing Zhao, Shihong Lin","doi":"10.1038/s44221-026-00679-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44221-026-00679-w","url":null,"abstract":"Highly saline industrial wastewaters containing heavy metals are common, yet no existing process can achieve both desalination and metal recovery in an integrated technology platform. Conventional desalination processes do not distinguish between heavy metals and background electrolyte and generate toxic brines with heavy metals, missing opportunities for resource recovery. Here we show that electrochemical ion pumping (EIP) has the unique capability to promote simultaneous desalination and metal recovery through programmable control of the electrode potential. As EIP transfers only a small amount of ions per half cycle via high-frequency circuit switching, the electrode potential can be maintained within a narrow window throughout operation, which allows redox reactions to be selectively activated or suppressed without interrupting continuous ion transport. At potentials above the Cu2+/Cu0 reduction threshold, the system desalinates only capacitively, with no metal deposition. Shifting the potential window to below this threshold triggers selective copper electrodeposition on the electrode while still performing desalination. In an asymmetric five-electrode EIP stack fed with a mixture of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Na+, positioning the potential window between the reduction potentials of Cu2+ and Ni2+ yielded selective Cu2+ capture on the electrode. These findings establish the electrode potential as a controllable operation parameter in EIP, providing an integrated platform for coupled water recycling and selective resource recovery from complex industrial brines. Electrochemical ion pumping enables tunable, simultaneous desalination and selective heavy-metal recovery from complex industrial brines by precisely controlling the electrode potential to couple capacitive ion removal with targeted metal electrodeposition.","PeriodicalId":74252,"journal":{"name":"Nature water","volume":"4 8","pages":"1033-1044"},"PeriodicalIF":30.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148754328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Programming electrochemical separations for metal recovery","authors":"Xiangtong Kong, Jinxing Ma","doi":"10.1038/s44221-026-00689-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44221-026-00689-8","url":null,"abstract":"Industrial wastewater contains both dissolved salts and valuable metals, yet existing technologies rarely achieve water reuse and resource recovery simultaneously. Programming electrode potential can direct the fate of dissolved ions, enabling desalination and selective metal recovery within a single electrochemical platform.","PeriodicalId":74252,"journal":{"name":"Nature water","volume":"4 8","pages":"949-950"},"PeriodicalIF":30.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148754317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quorum sensing-driven metabolic altruism of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria fuels nitritation","authors":"Xuliang Zhuang, Xu Wang, Cancan Jiang, Danhua Wang, Shengjun Xu, Lei Wang, Shanghua Wu, Ye Deng, Guibing Zhu, Aamer Ali Shah, Jian Xu","doi":"10.1038/s44221-026-00677-y","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44221-026-00677-y","url":null,"abstract":"Nitritation, the conversion of ammonia to nitrite without further oxidation, offers an energy-efficient route for nitrogen removal, but its application is limited by the difficulty of selectively suppressing nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB). The underlying biological mechanisms that enable such suppression remain poorly understood. Here we show that quorum sensing (QS), a cell–cell communication system, enables nitritation by regulating NOB behaviour. Using multi-omics and single-cell Raman spectroscopy, we demonstrate that QS signalling induces the overexpression of nirB in the dominant NOB genus Nitrospira, triggering an altruistic nitrite reduction causing self-inactivation. In contrast, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria refrain from this altruistic metabolism, gaining a decisive competitive advantage and directing nitrification flux towards nitritation. QS manipulation confirms that active QS is required to maintain nitritation, and single-cell analysis reveals that QS drives a stress-tolerant Nitrospira cell into a susceptible state, markedly reducing survival. These findings uncover an unknown social behaviour in the nitrifier community and offer new insights for nitritation stabilization. Nitritation is limited by the difficulty of suppressing nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, the mechanisms of which are clear. This study shows that quorum sensing drives altruistic self-inactivation in Nitrospira, favouring ammonia oxidizers and stabilizing nitritation.","PeriodicalId":74252,"journal":{"name":"Nature water","volume":"4 8","pages":"992-1006"},"PeriodicalIF":30.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148754316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unequal costs of community stress responses","authors":"Hyungmin Choi, Satoshi Okabe, Mamoru Oshiki","doi":"10.1038/s44221-026-00686-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44221-026-00686-x","url":null,"abstract":"Nitritation depends on selectively suppressing nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. Research now shows that quorum sensing reshapes how ammonia- and nitrite-oxidizers respond to inhibition, revealing a hidden layer of metabolic control in nitrogen removal.","PeriodicalId":74252,"journal":{"name":"Nature water","volume":"4 8","pages":"945-946"},"PeriodicalIF":30.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148754319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Human health risk from manganese in groundwater","authors":"Katherine Knierim","doi":"10.1038/s44221-026-00691-0","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44221-026-00691-0","url":null,"abstract":"Machine learning is the key to uncovering where populations across the globe are at risk from manganese in their groundwater-sourced drinking water.","PeriodicalId":74252,"journal":{"name":"Nature water","volume":"4 8","pages":"951-953"},"PeriodicalIF":30.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148754320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}