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Latest Advances in Environmental Engineering: Approaches to the Management and Treatment of Water, Air and Waste

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Sustainable Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2025 | Viewed by 15920

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Dr. Marco Carnevale Miino

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Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
Interests: sustainable and circular wastewater treatment plants; carbon footprint of wastewater treatment plants; resources reuse/recovery; emerging contaminants in water and sludge; microplastics; sludge minimization; advanced oxidation processes; blue-green infrastructures
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Dr. Maria Cristina Collivignarelli

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Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Interests: drinking water; chemical-physical processes; sewage sludge minimization; thermophilic treatments; WWTP optimization; membrane processes
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Dr. Alessandro Abbà

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Interests: water reuse; circular economy; resource recovery; advanced biological wastewater treatment; treatment for sludge minimization; membrane processes; assessment of wastewater treatment plants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A comprehensive knowledge of all aspects related to environmental engineering is fundamental to face the current challenge of reducing humans’ impact on the environment.

This Special Issue aims to collect up-to-date papers exploring the latest advances in environmental engineering, specifically approaches to the management and treatment of water, air and waste.

Authors are invited to submit papers focusing on this area. Research papers, short communications presenting preliminary but significant results, case studies and review articles are welcome. Critical reviews are strongly encouraged as well as systematic reviews. Perspective/opinion papers can be also submitted; however, in this case, we would encourage authors to contact the Guest Editor(s) and Managing Editor to ensure their fit within the scope of the Special Issue.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Waters

Drinking water and wastewater treatment, emerging contaminants, water scarcity, characterization and recovery of residues from water treatment, sludge reuse options, water characterization, advanced oxidation or biological processes, water treatment plant optimization, biota characterization and low-impact treatments.

Air

Air pollution in the urban environment, outdoor and indoor air pollution, traffic and industrial pollution, strategies for reducing air emissions, modeling of the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants, indoor air treatment and greenhouse gas emissions from waste and wastewater treatment plants.

Waste

Solid and aqueous waste characterization, waste collection and treatment, recycling, material reuse, energy recovery, life cycle assessment, carbon footprint, environmental compatibility of recycled materials, waste production, strategies for waste minimization and strategies for waste management in low- middle-income countries.

Dr. Marco Carnevale Miino
Dr. Maria Cristina Collivignarelli
Dr. Alessandro Abbà
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

water treatment
advanced oxidation processes
WWTP optimization
air pollution
waste management
material and energy recovery
environmental engineering
modeling of pollutants dispersion

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 3804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Aluminium White Dross for Hydrogen Generation Hydrolysis in Low-Concentration Alkali

by Ainars Knoks, Ansis Mezulis, Christiaan Richter, Sarunas Varnagiris, Marius Urbonavicius, Darius Milcius, Rauan Meirbekova, Gudmundur Gunnarsson, Daniels Jurjevs, Raitis Sika and Janis Kleperis

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2640; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052640 - 28 Feb 2025

Viewed by 580

Abstract

In this work, three samples of primary aluminium dross were investigated and compared to construction aluminium waste. The composition was determined, and an evaluation of hydrogen generation via hydrolysis in a low-concentration alkali solution was performed. The composition revealed low to moderate aluminium content and the presence of various crystalline phases; hydrolysis reactions showed hydrogen generation’s direct dependence on the amount of aluminium present, which translated into variation in the volume per sample mass. It was found that the composition played a substantial role in the evolution of hydrogen and its purity, simultaneously indicating a possible opportunity for dross use in hydrogen generation and power production. It was revealed that, in addition to the expected hydrogen, methane was released from some dross samples during the hydrolysis reaction. To compare the reaction kinetics, the reaction rate was obtained using the spherical solid particle shrinking core model and compared with that of construction aluminium waste. Hydrogen generation was compared to that in the known literature, and the dependence on the sample composition was determined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Environmental Engineering: Approaches to the Management and Treatment of Water, Air and Waste)

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20 pages, 118630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wastewater Treatment with Geotextile Filters: The Role in Permeability and Pollutant Control

by Maria Vitoria Morais, Leonardo Marchiori, Josivaldo Sátiro, Antonio Albuquerque and Victor Cavaleiro

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020626 - 10 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 798

Abstract

The application of geotextiles as filter materials in various systems, such as biofilters, wetlands, and wastewater treatment plants, has grown significantly in recent years. The ability of these materials to support biofilm growth makes them ideal for the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants present in wastewater. The objective of this research was to analyze clogging through variations in permeability, using column tests for 80 days with two types of nonwoven geotextiles with different grammages (GT120 and GT300), as well as to study the efficiency in the removal of organic matter. A synthetic wastewater was used, allowing the specific observation of biological clogging and the treatment carried out exclusively by microorganisms. The results indicated that bioclogging was not a significant factor within the experimental period. Through the mass test, a continuous increase in biofilm growth over time was observed for both geotextiles. For scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images, GT300 presented a larger biofilm area. A higher removal of COD (80%), N (52%), and P (36%) by microorganisms present in GT300 was found, which appears to be associated with its greater thickness and weight. The higher mesh density provides a larger area for the growth of microorganisms, allowing a greater amount of biomass to establish itself and contributing to the efficient removal of pollutants. These findings highlight the potential of using geotextile filters in wastewater treatment applications, where biofilm growth can positively contribute to contaminant removal without immediately compromising permeability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Environmental Engineering: Approaches to the Management and Treatment of Water, Air and Waste)

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20 pages, 2914 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flue Gas Desulfurization in a Fixed-Bed Reactor: Mild-Condition Uptake Through Different Adsorbent Materials

by Maura Mancinelli, Elena Spagnoli, Francesco Di Benedetto, Vito Cristino, Matteo Valt, Giordano Montegrossi, Luca Barion, Lia Vanzetti, Andrea Gaiardo, Gabriele Vola, Mattia Massa, Annalisa Martucci, Sandro Gherardi and Matteo Ardit

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11364; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311364 - 5 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1378

Abstract

In quest of a substantial reduction in potentially toxic gas emissions into the air from industrial plants, dry flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems offer several advantages, such as reduced operational costs, adaptability, ease of use, and the elimination of liquid waste. This study describes the development of a laboratory-scale pilot system for conducting SO₂ abatement experiments using a fixed-bed reactor. To validate the experimental setup, the reactor was equipped with a control system for measuring and monitoring relative humidity, temperature, and total flux composition. The study utilized two standards, slaked lime and 13X zeolite, under identical experimental conditions to ensure comparability. This research will significantly advance the understanding of adsorbent materials for capturing low SO₂ concentrations by measuring adsorption kinetics and equilibrium data. The findings highlight the impact of distinct morphological, chemical, and crystallographic properties on the efficiency of dry FGD systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Environmental Engineering: Approaches to the Management and Treatment of Water, Air and Waste)

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30 pages, 29684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Active Soil Gas Screening for the Identification of Groundwater Contamination with Chlorinated Hydrocarbons at an Industrial Area—A Case Study of the Former Refrigerator Manufacturer Calex (City of Zlaté Moravce, Western Slovakia)

by Roman Tóth, Edgar Hiller, Veronika Špirová, Ľubomír Jurkovič, Ľubica Ševčíková, Juraj Macek, Claudia Čičáková, Tibor Kovács and Anton Auxt

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 10842; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142310842 - 22 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1191

Abstract

Background: Groundwater contamination with chlorinated hydrocarbons (CLHCs), particularly with tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), which are used in industry for degreasing and cleaning, can be considered a serious problem concerning the entire world. In addition to conventional groundwater monitoring from a network of wells, several screening methods have been proposed to identify and delineate groundwater contamination with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as soil gas measurement, bioindicators, direct-push technologies or geophysical techniques. The main objectives of this study were to confirm the feasibility of active soil gas screening for the characterisation of groundwater contamination with CLHCs under the wider area of the former refrigerator manufacturer (city of Zlaté Moravce, western Slovakia) and to evaluate the human health risks through exposure to CLHCs present in groundwater. Methods: a conventional site investigation based on concentration measurements using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry from monitoring wells and soil gas measurements using a portable photo-ionisation detector device were applied. Results: The chemical analyses showed the persistent contamination of groundwater, with PCE, TCE and other CLHCs, such as cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (cis-DCE) or 1,1,2-trichloroethane (TCA), being most severe in the zone of the former factory (up to 2690, 83,900, 6020 and 156 µg/L for PCE, TCE, cis-DCE and TCA, respectively), but also extended into the residential zone located 600 m along the groundwater flow line. Soil gas measurements of VOCs and other chemical parameters (methane (CH₄), total petroleum (TP), carbon dioxide (CO₂) and oxygen (O₂)) from a densely designed network of sampling points (n = 300) helped trace the current state of groundwater contamination. Spatial distribution maps of VOCs concentrations in soil gas clearly marked the areas of the highest CLHCs concentrations in groundwater. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed a significant correlation of VOCs and CLHCs with the first principal component, PC1, explaining up to 84% of the total variability of the concentration data, suggesting that VOCs in soil gas were a suitable marker of the extent of groundwater contamination with CLHCs. Despite severe groundwater contamination with CLHCs reaching residential areas, local residents were not exposed to non-carcinogenic risks, but a potential carcinogenic risk was present. Conclusions: based on the results, it could be confirmed that soil gas screening is an efficient and quick tool for identifying the sources of groundwater contamination with CLHCs as well as the level of this contamination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Environmental Engineering: Approaches to the Management and Treatment of Water, Air and Waste)

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10 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emission Factors for Biochar Production from Various Biomass Types in Flame Curtain Kilns

by Gerard Cornelissen, Clifton Makate, Jan Mulder, Jente Janssen, Jon Trimarco, Alfred Obia, Vegard Martinsen and Erlend Sørmo

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 9649; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14219649 - 22 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1686

Abstract

Simple and low-cost flame curtain (“Kon-Tiki”) kilns are currently the preferred biochar technology for smallholder farmers in the tropics. While gas and aerosol emissions have been documented for woody feedstocks (twigs and leaves) with varying moisture contents, there is a lack of data on emissions from other types of feedstocks. This study aims to document the gas and aerosol emissions for common non-woody feedstocks and to compare emissions from finely grained, high-lignin feedstock (coffee husk) with those from coarser, low-lignin feedstocks (maize cobs, grass, sesame stems). Throughout each pyrolysis cycle, all carbon-containing gases and NO_x were monitored using hand-held sensitive instruments equipped with internal pumps. Carbon balances were used to establish emission factors in grams per kilogram of biochar. The resulting methane emissions were nearly zero (<5.5 g/kg biochar) for the pyrolysis of three dry (~10% moisture) maize cobs, grass, and a 1:1 mixture of grass and woody twigs. For sesame stems, methane was detected in only two distinct spikes during the pyrolysis cycle. Carbon monoxide (CO) and aerosol (Total Suspended Particles, TSP) emissions were recorded at levels similar to earlier data for dry twigs, while nitrogen oxide (NO_x) emissions were negligible. In contrast, the pyrolysis of finely grained coffee husks generated significant methane and aerosol emissions, indicating that technologies other than flame curtain kilns are more suitable for finely grained feedstocks. The emission results from this study suggest that certification of biochar made from dry maize, sesame, and grass biomass using low-tech pyrolysis should be encouraged. Meanwhile, more advanced systems with syngas combustion are needed to sufficiently reduce CO, CH₄, and aerosol emissions for the pyrolysis of finely grained biomasses such as rice, coffee, and nut husks. The reported data should aid overarching life-cycle analyses of the integration of biochar practice in climate-smart agriculture and facilitate carbon credit certification for tropical smallholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Environmental Engineering: Approaches to the Management and Treatment of Water, Air and Waste)

18 pages, 4815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Air Quality Predictions through Mathematical Modeling for Iron Ore Mine Project

by Naresh Kumar Katariya, Bhanwar Singh Choudhary and Prerna Pandey

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5922; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135922 - 6 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1844

Abstract

Mathematical modeling was deployed to predict air quality during the construction and operation phases of an iron ore mine project in Maharashtra, India. A survey of different models revealed that the ISCST3 model was the most applicable one to predict the air quality parameters, particularly the suspended particulate matter (SPM) and coarse particulate matter (PM₁₀). Baseline air quality data, emission rates, local meteorology, and terrain information were used to simulate the ground-level concentrations. The simulation predicted SPM and PM₁₀ peaks of 172 µg/m³ and 44 µg/m³, respectively. The prediction was within the prescribed limits of the national standards of 200 µg/m³ and 100 µg/m³, respectively, near the source, with minor exceedances in total SPM in two nearby villages and an impact on air quality due to proposed mining. Accordingly, mitigation strategies towards such villages were recommended and implemented. Later, the monitoring in the operation phase revealed that particulate matter could be controlled effectively with mitigation strategies and ensured compliance with air quality standards. The analysis also revealed strong correlations between the particulate matter and the distance of the localities and SPM and PM₁₀. Continuous monitoring and adaptive mitigation based on real-time data were thus emphasized for long-term sustainability and responsible mining practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Environmental Engineering: Approaches to the Management and Treatment of Water, Air and Waste)

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18 pages, 1721 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Benefit of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Beneficial Soil Bacteria in Drought Exposed Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) Is Genotype and Environment Dependent

by Antonija Kojić, Monika Marković, Tihana Marček, Natalija Velić, Lea Lojková, Atilgan Atilgan and Božica Japundžić-Palenkić

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(22), 12117; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212117 - 7 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1680

Abstract

Morphological and biochemical responses were assessed in an iceberg (G_IL) and butterhead (G_BL) lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) treated with commercially available soluble preparation of mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial soil bacteria (MT) grown in three irrigation treatments considered in greenhouse (continental Croatia, 2022): I₁₀₀—control treatment (100% volumetric water content—VWC); I₈₀—80% VWC, moderate drought and I₆₀—60% VWC, severe drought), in two growing cycles. MT was applied during lettuce drought-sensitive stages, i.e., transplanting and heading. Study results show that MT improved lettuce growth-related traits, yet the results are genotype and growing-cycle dependent. The beneficial effect of MT was also noted for root length, weight, and diameter which confirms the mycorrhizal role in improving the plant water uptake. Both lettuce genotypes responded to water deficit by overproduction of MDA and proline content, whereby the response of tested variables was growing cycle and genotype-specific. Both genotypes in severe drought treatment (MT-I₆₀) responded with higher MDA in the first growing cycle and lower MDA content in the second growing cycle. MT-I₆₀ treatment reduced proline accumulation in G_BH in both growing cycles, while increased accumulation in G_IL during the second growing cycle. The responses of lettuce to MT are genotype-specific and shaped by environmental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Environmental Engineering: Approaches to the Management and Treatment of Water, Air and Waste)

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20 pages, 22618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Holistic Trash Collection System Integrating Human Collaboration with Technology

by Raazia Saher, Matasem Saleh and Madiha Anjum

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11263; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011263 - 13 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3069

Abstract

Effective waste management is of paramount importance as it contributes significantly to environmental preservation, mitigates health hazards, and aids in the preservation of precious resources. Conversely, mishandling waste not only presents severe environmental risks but can also disrupt the balance of ecosystems and pose threats to biodiversity. The emission of carbon dioxide, methane, and greenhouse gases (GHGs) can constitute a significant factor in the progression of global warming and climate change, consequently giving rise to atmospheric pollution. This pollution, in turn, has the potential to exacerbate respiratory ailments, elevate the likelihood of cardiovascular disorders, and negatively impact overall public health. Hence, efficient management of trash is extremely crucial in any society. It requires integrating technology and innovative solutions, which can help eradicate this global issue. The internet of things (IoT) is a revolutionary communication paradigm with significant contributions to remote monitoring and control. IoT-based trash management aids remote garbage level monitoring but entails drawbacks like high installation and maintenance costs, increased electronic waste production (53 million metric tons in 2013), and substantial energy consumption for always-vigilant IoT devices. Our research endeavors to formulate a comprehensive model for an efficient and cost-effective waste collection system. It emphasizes the need for global commitment by policymakers, stakeholders, and civil society, working together to achieve a common goal. In order to mitigate the depletion of manpower, fuel resources, and time, our proposed method leverages quick response (QR) codes to enable the remote monitoring of waste bin capacity across diverse city locations. We propose to minimize the deployment of IoT devices, utilizing them only when absolutely necessary and thereby allocating their use exclusively to central garbage collection facilities. Our solution places the onus of monitoring garbage levels at the community level firmly on the shoulders of civilians, demonstrating that a critical aspect of any technology is its ability to interact and collaborate with humans. Within our framework, citizens will employ our proposed mobile application to scan QR codes affixed to waste bins, select the relevant garbage level, and transmit this data to the waste collection teams’ database. Subsequently, these teams will plan for optimized garbage collection procedures, considering parameters such as garbage volume and the most efficient collection routes aimed at minimizing both time and fuel consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Environmental Engineering: Approaches to the Management and Treatment of Water, Air and Waste)

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22 pages, 3636 KiB

Open AccessReview

E-Waste Challenges in India: Environmental and Human Health Impacts

by Sarita Kumari Sandwal, Rakshit Jakhar and Katarzyna Styszko

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4350; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084350 - 15 Apr 2025

Viewed by 283

Abstract

E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices and components, and the management of e-waste has become a newly arising and challenging issue both in India and globally. Due to the increase in population, urbanization, global demand, and expansion of the digital infrastructure, generation of electronic waste is increasing annually. This study provides a comprehensive and thoroughly reviewed qualitative study on electronic waste management practice. This study highlights an outline of the amount of electronic waste generation in India and the world and examines prevailing approaches in the treatment and management of electronic waste, including unsafe informal recycling and inadequate inventory control. This article focuses on major problems such as child labor, illegal dumping, poor infrastructure, limited knowledge and awareness among the public inadequate legal regulation, and spillage of various toxic heavy metals such as arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and barium (Ba) via electronic waste. This study analyzes the harmful effects of toxic heavy metals, such as arsenic and mercury, on environmental quality and human well-being. To address these issues, this study outlines various sustainable recommendations, such as technology improvement proper collection; handling, management, and eradication of waste generated by electrical equipment in formal recycling practices; the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle) following circular economy practice, including collaboration between governmental, non-governmental, business, industries, and civil society; better legislative measures such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) and a single approach method, where collecting, sorting, and dismantling electronic waste is handled by the informal sector, while the formal sector manages extraction of metal, disposal, and recycling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Environmental Engineering: Approaches to the Management and Treatment of Water, Air and Waste)

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26 pages, 4340 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phytoplankton as CO₂ Sinks: Redirecting the Carbon Cycle

by Basilio Zafrilla, Laura Matarredona, María-José Bonete, Guillermo Zafrilla and Julia Esclapez

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8657; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198657 - 25 Sep 2024

Viewed by 2149

Abstract

Since the Industrial Revolution, nearly 700 Gt of carbon (GtC) have been emitted into the atmosphere as CO₂ derived from human activities, of which 292 GtC remain uncontrolled. By the end of this century, the atmospheric CO₂ concentration is predicted to surpass 700 ppm. The effects of this sudden carbon release on the worldwide biogeochemical cycles and balances are not yet fully understood, but global warming and climate change are undeniable, with this gas playing a starring role. Governmental policies and international agreements on emission reduction are not producing results quickly enough, and the deadline to act is running out. Biological CO₂ capture is a fast-acting carbon cycle component capable of sequestering over 115 GtC annually through photosynthesis. This study analyses a hypothetical scenario in which this biological CO₂ capture is artificially enhanced through the large-scale cultivation of phytoplankton in partially natural photobioreactors (PBRs). To develop this approach, the current figures of the carbon cycle have been updated, and the key aspects of phytoplankton cultivation technology have been analysed. Our results show that a global increase of 6.5% in biological capture, along with the subsequent stabilization of the produced biomass, could counteract the current CO₂ emission rate and maintain atmospheric levels of this gas at their current levels. Based on a review of the available literature, an average production rate of 17 g/m²·day has been proposed for phytoplankton cultivation in horizontal PBRs. Using this value as a key reference, it is estimated that implementing a large-scale production system would require approximately 2.1 × 10⁶ km² of the Earth’s surface. From this, a production system model is proposed, and the key technological and political challenges associated with establishing these extensive cultivation areas are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Environmental Engineering: Approaches to the Management and Treatment of Water, Air and Waste)

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