JournalTOCs

Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health
Number of Followers: 1

Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
ISSN (Online) 2468-5844
Published by Elsevier

[3210 journals]

Using national sewage sludge data for chemical ranking and prioritization
- Abstract: Publication date: April 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 14Author(s): Arjun K. Venkatesan, Rolf U. HaldenAbstractTreated sewage sludges (SSs) or biosolids are rich in organic carbon, nutrients, and, unfortunately, chemical contaminants. Accumulation of chemicals in SS is influenced by the mass of chemical produced and released into wastewater, resistance to (bio)degradation during treatment, and the chemicals' propensity to sorb to particulates. Hence, accumulation of chemicals in SS is indicative of their persistent and bioaccumulative behavior: the two characteristics that are predominantly used for chemical prioritization. Thus, it is possible for risk assessors to use existing SS survey data to identify, rank, and prioritize persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals present in the human society. In this review, we highlight unique papers that used this concept to help prioritizing chemical contaminants in SS and the environment. We additionally showcase a simple decision flowchart and scoring algorithm for prioritizing chemicals whose presence in SS warrants further investigation.
Translocation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products after
land application of biosolids
- Abstract: Publication date: April 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 14Author(s): Chad A. Kinney, Brian Vanden HeuvelAbstractPharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are common components of the municipal waste stream and well documented to be present in the final products of wastewater treatment including biosolids, which are commonly land applied in agricultural settings and at reclamation sites. Biosolids are therefore an identified source of PPCPs into environments, where biosolids are applied. Here, we review the current understanding of the potential for uptake and translocation of PPCPs within plants and consider knowledge gaps related to PPCP in plants and beyond them. Identified gaps include knowledge related to translocation of PPCPs beyond plants, the importance of transformation products for total exposure/uptake of PPCP, and the role of rhizosphere microorganisms in plant uptake.
Municipal sewage sludge as a source of microplastics in the environment
- Abstract: Publication date: April 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 14Author(s): Charles Rolsky, Varun Kelkar, Erin Driver, Rolf U. HaldenAbstractWastewater treatment plants are known to contribute to microplastic (MP) pollution in freshwater and terrestrial environments, but studies on MP abundance in sludge are scarce. This study aimed to (i) conduct a literature review to assess the number and extent of MPs in sludge worldwide, (ii) determine extraction and analytical techniques used to isolate and identify these materials, and (iii) assess the fate and transport of these materials in the environment as a result of sludge disposal and reuse. Research in this area has increased as 12 countries have now reported and quantified MPs in sludge. This study highlights the need to assess the temporal and spatial differences in MP pollution in sludge, this relationship to land-applied biosolids, and the risk to human and ecological health.
Critical review for microwave pretreatment of waste-activated sludge prior
to anaerobic digestion
- Abstract: Publication date: April 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 14Author(s): Yigit C. Bozkurt, Onur G. ApulSewage sludge generation is steadily rising because of urbanization and population increase. Handling the excess sludge is a tedious and costly task. Although anaerobic digestion (AD) is a widely accepted practice, a notable portion of the substrate leaves digesters undigested. Microwave pretreatment offers a distinct advantage to increase digester performances by solubilizing intracellular organic matter and disturbing the floc assemblies in waste-activated sludge. This article summarizes 70 + microwave pretreatment articles testing irradiation of waste-activated sludge prior to AD published in the past 15 years. Our systematic analysis reveals critical sludge properties, microwave operational conditions, and gaps in today's literature while providing a mechanistic insight for microwave enabled solubilization and subsequent AD.Graphical abstract
A framework for the design of the future energy-efficient, cost-effective,
reliable, resilient, and sustainable full-scale wastewater
treatment plants
- Abstract: Publication date: February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 13Author(s): Shahryar JafarinejadGenerally, the compliance with the effluent quality standards, the related harm prevention on the surrounding environment and human health, costs reduction, possible water reuse, energy and resource recovery, and environmental impact issues have been the driving forces and/or important criteria in the design and simulation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To date, not much research has been conducted to study the reliability and resilience of WWTPs. This study seeks to provide a comprehensive procedure framework to design the future energy-efficient, cost-effective, reliable, resilient, and sustainable full-scale WWTPs for both normal and natural hazard conditions. It is a key and emerging research area. In this study, the process flow diagram of a typical municipal WWTP, modeling of WWTPs, computer programs for WWTP design, and the previous studies on the simulation of the full-scale WWTPs were briefly and critically reviewed. Then, the procedure framework was presented. Finally, future perspectives and conclusions were discussed.Graphical abstract
Potential environmental impacts of wind energy development: A global
perspective
- Abstract: Publication date: February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 13Author(s): Muhammad Shahzad Nazir, Nisar Ali, Muhammad Bilal, Hafiz M.N. IqbalAfter careful consideration of long-term economic crises and ecological impact of fossil resources, green and sustainable energy resources have gained preference. Wind energy has been endorsed as an emission-free, green, and sustainable, thus supported by state appropriations. However, many avian fatalities at utility-scale wind energy amenities, particularly along forested and habitations globally. These mortalities raise serious concerns about the increasing pace of projected wind energy development on ecological beings. This mini overview discusses current developments of wind energy developments, its increasing trend, and the adverse ecological impacts, that is, noise, visual, deforestation, and land erosion. Moreover, possible solutions to those aforementioned adverse ecological impacts on wind power production facilities are also given. In this context, considering the research needs, decision-makers, developers, and other stakeholders should work closely to standardize the policies to minimize the negative environmental impact of this natural source of energy.Graphical abstract
Life cycle assessment in wastewater treatment technology
- Abstract: Publication date: February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 13Author(s): Roberto Parra-Saldivar, Muhammad Bilal, Hafiz M.N. IqbalLife cycle assessment (LCA) has been recognized as a sophisticated approach to evaluate the overall impact of a process and related by-products through its life cycle from an environmental viewpoint. LCA is being performed in different sectors for an optimal evaluation and comparison purposes. Herein, we signify the LCA in wastewater treatment technology, recent advances in LCA, and their effective deployment to know the fate of hazardous pollutants. The available literature revealed that the generation of numerous contaminants is the hotspot in the life cycle of various industrial processes. The synergies of different industrial sectors coupled with LCA strategies deliver highly efficient, precise, reliable, and sustainable production processes with a minimal environmental load. A properly designed LCA procedure also provides comprehensive information to producers, consumers, and policymakers or legislative authorities to further broaden the practical applications of LCA, minimize the environmental insecurity, and lower/reduce the related human health risks.Graphical abstract
Impacts of food and diets' life cycle: A brief review
- Abstract: Publication date: February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 13Author(s): Giacomo Falcone, Nathalie Iofrida, Teodora Stillitano, Anna Irene De LucaAbstractRecently, consumers are modifying their eating and consumption habits, especially because of healthy and ethical needs, followed by environmental concerns afterward. The aim of this study is to review the most recent findings about the impacts of different diets, assessed by means of the life cycle thinking methodologies, and the possible implications of consuming more products of plant origin than an omnivorous diet. Many studies suggest that a lower consumption of meat and dairy products in favor of plant-based products reduce environmental and health impacts. Some methodological and practical aspects should be improved by life cycle practitioners, when assessing the potential impacts of diets. In particular, more attention should be paid to the actual consumption patterns and the environmental damage factors linked to secondary services, such as the consumption of imported products, refrigerated or precooked foods and/or use of single-portion packaged foodstuffs.
Antibiotics traces in the aquatic environment: persistence and adverse
environmental impact
- Abstract: Publication date: February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 13Author(s): Muhammad Bilal, Shahid Mehmood, Tahir Rasheed, Hafiz M.N. IqbalAntibiotics are rightly regarded as one of the marvelous scientific discoveries of the 20th century that revolutionized both veterinary and human medicine. Nevertheless, the antibiotics have been realized as emerging environmental pollutants because of their massive administration in humans and animals and longer environmental persistence. Low concentrations of antibiotics are often detected in seawater, groundwater, surface water, and even drinking water. Parent antibiotic molecules or their metabolites are discharged into the aquatic environment giving rise to virtual or persistent ecological contamination, as well as the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, concerns have increased regarding source, occurrence, and consequences of the antibiotics or their active residues in aqueous environments. Their potential toxicity, teratogenicity, and genotoxicity on the aquatic organisms have grabbed noticeable attention as a serious environmental apprehension. This work covers up-to-date information on the occurrence, sources (surface water, underground water, and seawater), and consequences of the different antibiotics or their active residues on human health, microbiome, and various aqueous environment systems.Graphical abstract
Toward sustainable dietary patterns under a water–energy–food nexus
life cycle thinking approach
- Abstract: Publication date: February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 13Author(s): Laura Batlle-Bayer, Rubén Aldaco, Alba Bala, Pere Fullana-i-PalmerAbstractThe big challenge of the next decades is meeting the global nutritional demand, while reducing the pressure on food resources and the GHG emissions. In this regard, the overall goal consists of redesigning the food systems and promoting sustainable dietary patterns is a crucial aspect. This article focuses on reviewing the state-of-the-art of the combined Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) Nexus approach in assessing the effects of diet transitions. Diet LCAs differ in methodology, design, and assessed environmental impacts. The WEF nexus, which aims at finding synergies and trade-offs between the water, energy, and food resources systems, has been applied to different contexts and levels. However, a limited number of nexus methods have been developed at the food and diet levels, and no commonly recognizable methodology for the nexus assessment has been achieved. An integrated LCA and WEF Nexus approach can be a decisive tool to improve the understanding of the interconnections in the nexus, as it enables the consideration of entire supply chains.
Dynamics of water–energy–food nexus methodology, methods, and
tools
- Abstract: Publication date: February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 13Author(s): Aiko Endo, Makoto Yamada, Yuji Miyashita, Ryo Sugimoto, Akira Ishii, Jun Nishijima, Masahiko Fujii, Takaaki Kato, Hideki Hamamoto, Michinori Kimura, Terukazu Kumazawa, Jiaguo QiAbstractA review was conducted to understand the current status of the water–energy–food nexus, focusing on its methodology, and the process through which the nexus approach has academically and geographically expanded across and synthesized more than one discourse, discipline, and domain via its methodology as interdisciplinary and integrated approaches. The review article types were categorized into five groups and comprehensively analyzed. Various indicators to assess the nexus methods and tools, reported in previous studies, that can be used to select appropriate methods and tools for methodology and research designs. The studies in the reviewed articles were characterized by various stages of interdisciplinary research. In addition, the water–energy–food nexus initiatives, which generalize methods and tools, applying mixed methods to the replicability of specific case studies, were discussed based on the findings.
A comprehensive review of environmental and operational issues of
constructed wetland systems
- Abstract: Publication date: February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 13Author(s): Carlo Ingrao, Sabina Failla, Claudia ArcidiaconoAbstractConstructed wetlands (CWs) are increasingly gaining ground for the treatment of domestic and agricultural wastewaters, coal mine drainage, and stormwater runoff, mainly because of a set of beneficial features, including environmental quality preservation, landscape conservation, and economic convenience. These would not be possible without activities such as monitoring and harvesting that can significantly contribute to both pollutant removal efficiency and sustainability of CWs.This review investigates this field of research by touching those themes and close-related ones, to contribute to enhancing the state of the art and the knowledge on CWs.
Circular economy approach to reduce water–energy–food nexus
- Abstract: Publication date: February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 13Author(s): Adriana Del Borghi, Luca Moreschi, Michela GalloAbstractThe increase in world population and the resulting demand for food, water, and energy are exerting increasing pressure on soil, water resources, and ecosystems. Identification of approaches to reduce the related cross-sectoral environmental impacts for the water–energy–food nexus is, therefore, crucial. The purpose of the review was to discuss the circular economy approaches devoted to understand the interdependencies among these three sectors. In particular, the review focuses on the importance of the application of life cycle thinking and life cycle assessment for understanding the interconnections in the nexus along the whole supply chains. Moreover, researches related to water and energy use in the agrifood sector are presented, addressing food waste management alternatives in a circular economy perspective.
Energy flow modeling and optimization trends in food supply chain: a mini
review
- Abstract: Publication date: February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 13Author(s): Amin Nikkhah, Sam Van HauteAbstractEnergy auditing, modeling, and optimization are the important tools which can be considered toward achieving a sustainable food supply chain (FSC). In this regard, energy modeling and optimization have become a hot topic in the food sector, and thus, several mathematical and computational intelligent-based systems have been applied to model and optimize the energy flows of FSC. This study briefly reviewed the widely used mathematical (multiple linear regressions and data envelopment analysis) and computational intelligent-based (artificial neural networks, adaptive neuro fuzzy inference systems, and genetic algorithm) approaches for modeling and optimization of the energy flow in FSC. On basis of the literature review, it can be inferred that computational intelligent-based approaches could better model and optimize the energy flows than mathematical approaches, and the performance of computational intelligent-based systems showed that this approach can be generally applicable for modeling and optimizing energy flows of FSC.
New solutions to reduce water and energy consumption in crop production: A
water–energy–food nexus perspective
- Abstract: Publication date: February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 13Author(s): Alessandra ScardignoAbstractRecent research studies and policies about innovative solutions to reduce water and energy consumption in food production are briefly reviewed. Options to increase water use efficiency and productivity include soil mulching, drip irrigation, deficit irrigation, and precision agriculture. As for the energy–water nexus, attention is focused on energy audits of water distribution networks; improving of system performance –– network sectoring, use of variable speed drives, critical points control, electricity tariff — and reduction of wastewater treatment’s energy use. At a larger scale, other solutions emerge: diversification and rotation of crops, cultivation of drought-resistant crops, and optimization process of the spatial distribution of cropping patterns. The rebound effect that can be associated to these options is also considered.
The water–energy–food nexus: bridging the science–policy
divide
- Abstract: Publication date: February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 13Author(s): Terry van GeveltAbstractAlthough our technical understanding of water–energy–food (WEF) nexus dynamics continues to improve, this knowledge has not yet been translated into effective and implementable policy. My review of the literature suggests that key to bridging the science–policy divide is introducing a political dimension into our understanding of the WEF nexus. By applying insights from the broader area of environmental governance to real-world WEF nexus examples, we see that navigating WEF nexus trade-offs and ensuring the sustainable management of our resources is a ‘wicked’ problem necessarily solved through the political process. By moving beyond an apolitical and positivist conceptualisation of the WEF nexus, we can devise innovative solutions that leverage the contributions of robust science to better manage our WEF resources.
A fine kettle of fish: the fishing industry and environmental impacts
- Abstract: Publication date: February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, Volume 13Author(s): Ian Vázquez-RoweOverexploitation or full exploitation of fishing stocks first became an important problem in the second half of the 20th century, with certain fisheries collapsing and others being exploited in an unsustainable manner. This situation led to dwindling fish landings worldwide, although final seafood demand has not suffered this decrease thanks to the growth of aquaculture. Currently, new threats to marine biota are emerging that could ultimately lead to further stress on fishing stocks. The current opinion article explores these growing threats, which include the spread of dead zones throughout coastal areas, marine litter, especially microplastics and nanoplastics that are ingested by marine organisms and ultimately by humans, or the effects of climate change on world oceans, including acidification due to carbon dioxide absorption from the atmosphere or alteration in ocean circulation due to melting glaciers. Consequently, it is critical for stakeholders in the fishing sector to gain awareness of what is at stake in the upcoming decades. In fact, not only will fisheries have to expand their approach from single-species stock assessment to ecosystem-based approaches but also other metrics will have to be brought forward to maintain competitiveness and minimize food security concerns.Graphical abstract
Microalgae: A prospective low cost green alternative for nanoparticle
synthesis
- Abstract: Publication date: Available online 1 February 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & HealthAuthor(s): Jaya Mary Jacob, Rajeev Ravindran, Manoj Narayanan, S. Melvin Samuel, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi, Gopalakrishnan KumarAbstractNanoparticle synthesis from biological sources has recently evolved as a green alternative to the traditional chemical means of synthesis. Among the diverse green sources explored, microalgae with prominent advantages with respect to their ease in growth, ability to survive in extreme conditions of pH and temperature, make these entities as promising low cost, green machinery for the large scale synthesis of nanoparticles. Characterized with their ability to remediate wastewater along with the production of a wide variety of commercially important nanomaterials, economically viable growth associated products and the inherent carbon reduction potentials, algae are gaining wide interest as candidate renewable alternative for the traditional chemical synthesis options Although, several reviews have highlighted the importance of algal bio factories, the commercial large scale utilization of these biological agents is still aloof. In view of the immediate need to develop effective alternatives to the currently used sources for nanoparticles synthesis and environmental sustainability, it is relevant that individual research findings on the prospects of algae for nanoparticles production are updated and comprehended together in a way to facilitate scale up and commercialization of the technology. The present mini-review provides a brief outline about the growth and advantages of microalgae and the recent updates on the biogenesis of nanoparticles and quantum dots using microalgae with mention on the biosensing and environmental pollution detection properties on the microalgae derived nanomaterials.
Comparing microbial risks from multiple sustainable waste streams applied
for agricultural use: Biosolids, manure, and diverted urine
- Abstract: Publication date: Available online 29 January 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & HealthAuthor(s): Kerry A. Hamilton, Warish Ahmed, Eleanor Rauh, Channah Rock, Jean McLain, Rebecca L. MuenichABSTRACTDespite the global push for a circular water and nutrient economy, the United States still lags in recycling and reusing valuable waste streams. The reuse of waste streams could result in more sustainable agricultural practices by reducing water withdrawals in stressed environments and nutrient inputs to eutrophication-impacted ecosystems. However, microbial risks are a key barrier to reuse. We identify research and regulatory gaps through a systematic review of quantitative microbial risk assessments (QMRA) and regulations for biosolids, manure, and human source-separated urine. We propose a cohesive path forward to improve upon existing QMRA approaches, to combine QMRA with other risk frameworks, and to develop integrated monitoring and control strategies by incorporating molecular biology tools. The application of a farm-to-fork risk-based approach that considers the combined use of waste streams is needed to develop comprehensive best management practices, treatment recommendations, and microbial quality criteria that promote food safety while advancing agricultural sustainability.
Indoor dust and associated chemical exposures
- Abstract: Publication date: Available online 22 January 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & HealthAuthor(s): Lisa Melymuk, Hale Demirtepe, Simona Rozárka JílkováAbstractGiven that more than 90% of time in industrialized countries is typically spent indoors, the indoor environment is a key source of environmental exposures contributing to the overall human exposome. Indoor settled dust is of particular interest because of its ubiquitous presence and human exposure across indoor environments; it serves as a sink for many indoor chemicals of concern, particularly plastic additives, personal care product components, pesticides and industrial chemicals, combustion by-products and heavy metals. Non-dietary dust ingestion and dermal contact with dust are important routes of human exposure to these chemicals. This review will summarize the properties and composition of typical indoor dust and relate these to the importance of indoor dust as a part of the human exposome.
The State of Technologies and Research for Energy Recovery from Municipal
Wastewater Sludge and Biosolids
- Abstract: Publication date: Available online 15 January 2020Source: Current Opinion in Environmental Science & HealthAuthor(s): Zhongzhe Liu, Brooke Mayer, Kaushik Venkiteshwaran, Saba Seyedi, Arun S.K. Raju, Daniel Zitomer, Patrick McNamaraAbstractWastewater resource recovery facilities produce wastewater solids that offer potential for energy recovery. This opinion article provides a perspective on state-of-the-art technologies to recover energy from sludge (unstabilized wastewater residual solids) and biosolids (stabilized wastewater solids meeting criteria for application on land). The production of biodiesel fuel is an emerging technology for energy recovery from sludge, while advancements in pre-treatment technologies have improved energy recovery from anaerobic digestion of sludge. Incineration is an established technology to recover energy from sludge or biosolids. Gasification, and to a greater extent, pyrolysis, are emerging technologies well-suited for energy recovery from biosolids. While gasification produces high-energy gases, pyrolysis has the benefit of producing biochar in addition to pyrolysis gas. Research on the use of pyrolysis liquids, however, must proceed to advance pyrolysis implementation efforts. Future research on improvements to dewatering and drying of sewage sludge and biosolids will help advance all technologies reviewed.