Phthalates removal efficiency in different wastewater treatment technology in the Eastern Cape,South Africa

The removal capacity of different wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) technologies adopted in rural areas for phthalate was investigated in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Wastewater samples collected from three selected WWTPs which use activated sludge (AS), trickling filter (TF), and oxidation pond (OP) technology were extracted using the solid-phase extraction method followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The six selected phthalate esters (PAEs) dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP) were detected in all the samples collected from the WWTPs. DBP was the most abundant compound in the influent, effluent, and sludge samples with a maximum detection of 2497 μgL^?1, 24.2 μgL^?1, and 1249 μg/g dW, respectively, followed by DEHP and BBP. There was a relatively high removal capacity achieved by AS in Alice, TF in Berlin, and OP in Bedford with a removal efficiency that varied between 77 and 99%, 76 and 98%, and 61 and 98%, respectively. A high significant correlation of PAE removal with total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity suggests that the removal performance proceeded more through adsorption on settling particles and sludge than on biodegradation. However, the concentrations of PAEs detected in the final effluent and sludge samples exceeded acceptable levels allowed internationally for a safe aquatic environment. AS may have exhibited a more stable and better performance across the different seasons; however, pollution source control still deserves a special attention to prevent the risk posed by these micropollutants.     

Characterization and performance of nanofiltration membranes

The availability of clean water has become a critical problems facing the society due to pollution by human activities. Most regions in the world have high demands for clean water. Supplies for freshwater are under pressure. Water reuse is a potential solution for clean water scarcity. A pressure-driven membrane process such as nanofiltration has become the main component of advanced water reuse and desalination systems. High rejection and water permeability of solutes are the major characteristics that make nanofiltration membranes economically feasible for water purification. Recent advances include the prediction of membrane performances under different operating conditions. Here, we review the characterization of nanofiltration membranes by methods such as scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Advances show that the solute rejection and permeation performance of nanofiltration membranes are controlled by the composition of the casting solution of the active layer, cross-linking agent concentration, preparation method, and operating conditions. The solute rejection depends strongly on the solute type, which includes charge valency, diffusion coefficient, and hydration energy. We also review the analysis of the surface roughness, the nodule size, and the pore size of nanofiltration membranes. We also present a new concept for membrane characterization by quantitative analysis of phase images to elucidate the macro-molecular packing at the membrane surface.     

Trends in the management of waste tyres and recent experimental approaches in the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from rubber crumbs

The health and environmental consciousness of waste tires has increased tremendously over the years. This has motivated efforts to develop secondary applications that will utilize tire when they reach the end of their life cycle and limit their disposal in landfills. Among the applications of waste tires which are discussed in this review, the use of rubber crumbs in artificial turf fields has gained worldwide attention and is increasing annually. However, there are serious concerns regarding chemicals that are used in the manufacturing process of tires, which ultimately end up in rubber crumbs. Chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and heavy metals which are found in rubber crumbs have been identified as harmful to human health and the environment. This review paper is intended to highlight some of the methods which have been used to manage waste tire; it also looks at chemicals/materials used in tire compounding which are identified as possible carcinogenic.