Modelling wastewater treatment plant odour dispersion in weak wind conditions: importance of high-resolution meteorological data.

Odour emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) represent one of the major causes of community's complaints since they can spread over large distances, influenced by air dispersion phenomena and particular topographic or meteorological conditions. The modelling tools, normally used for simulating odour emissions, can be affected by some limitations, often due to the refinement of input meteorological data, thus requiring an accurate evaluation. To investigate this aspect, a measurement campaign was performed at a WWTP located in Northern Italy, where a comparison between a conventional (CA) vs.

Critical review of microfiber release from textiles: Results, comparative challenges, mitigation strategies, and legislative perspectives.

The release of microfibers (MFs) from laundry has emerged as a significant environmental concern, drawing extensive attention from the scientific community. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on MFs release during washing, focusing on the factors influencing this phenomenon and the methods used to assess it. The results highlighted that, despite the proliferation of studies, a standardized protocol for measuring MFs release remains absent, leading to inconsistencies and challenges in data comparison.

Global Assessment of Emerging Contaminant Removal in Wastewater Treatment Plants: Hazard Screening and Risk Evaluation.

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are emerging contaminants (ECs), whose presence in the environment is of increasing concern due to their widespread use and possible detrimental effects on wildlife and humans. These chemicals may present multiple hazardous properties such as environmental persistence, toxicity, high mobility, and the potential for bioaccumulation. In this study, extended bibliographic research was conducted to characterize the removal efficiency (RE) of PPCPs in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) considering different technologies.

Valorization of organic waste through black soldier fly: On the way of a real circular bioeconomy process.

The transition from a linear to a circular production system involves transforming waste into valuable resources. Insect-mediated bioconversion, particularly using black soldier fly (BSF) larvae, can offer a promising opportunity to convert the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) into protein-rich biomass. However, current regulatory restrictions do not allow the use of this substrate to obtain insect proteins for animal feed, prompting the exploration of other applications, such as the production of bioplastics.

Solid waste management in Ugandan developing cities: Material flow analysis and sustainable practices for reducing the global warming potential.

The introduction of appropriate solid waste management (SWM) strategies can foster the mitigation of waste open dumping and burning in low-income developing cities. In this work, the SWM system in Gulu (Uganda) has been studied, and a material flow analysis, also of informal flows of waste, has been carried out. Moreover, the effectiveness of the SWM system of St.

Microplastics removal in wastewater treatment plants: A review of the different approaches to limit their release in the environment.

In last 10 years, the interest about the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has strongly grown. Wastewaters function as a carrier for MPs contamination from source to the aquatic environment, so the knowledge of the fate of this emerging contaminant in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a priority. This work aims to review the presence of MPs in the influent wastewater (WW) and the effectiveness of the treatments of conventional WWTPs.

When solid recovered fuel (SRF) production and consumption maximize environmental benefits? A life cycle assessment.

Solid recovered fuel (SRF) from non-recyclable waste obtained from source separation and mechanical treatments can replace carbon coke in cement plants, contributing to the carbon neutrality. A life cycle assessment (LCA) of the SRF production from non-recyclable and selected waste was conducted in an Italian mechanical treatment plant to estimate the potential environmental impacts per ton of SRF produced. The analysis would contribute to evaluate the benefits that can be obtained due to coke substitution in best- and worst-case scenarios.

Social acceptance, emissions analysis and potential applications of paper-waste briquettes in Andean areas.

The research assessed waste-based briquettes consumption compared to conventional fuels in the Andes. Laboratory tests were conducted together with on-field analysis in Colquencha (Bolivia). The laboratory study shows that the performances of briquettes are better in terms of PM2.

Can tourism support resource circularity in small islands? On-field analysis and intervention proposals in Madagascar.

Open dumping and burning of solid waste are common practices in low-income countries. On small and touristic islands, the problem is exacerbated due to the additional volume of waste amount generated by tourists. This article presents how, using Nosy Be island in Madagascar as a case study, waste recovery and recycling can be fostered by tourism to tackle the waste challenge.

Environmental impact scenarios of organic fraction municipal solid waste treatment with Black Soldier Fly larvae based on a life cycle assessment.

Biowaste treatment with Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae is an alternative option for organic waste valorization. Its environmental impacts should be assessed and compared with conventional treatment options. The research aims to evaluate the treatment of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) with BSF larvae through a life cycle assessment (LCA).

Application of different packing media for the biofiltration of gaseous effluents from waste composting.

A pilot-scale experiment was implemented in a waste bioreactor with an inner capacity of 1 m in order to simulate a real-scale composting process. The waste underwent composting conditions that are typical of the initial bio-oxidation phase, characterised by a high production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulphide (HS) and odorants. The waste bioreactor was fed with an intermittent airflow rate of 6 Nm/h.

Construction and demolition waste recycling in developing cities: management and cost analysis.

In Bolivia, construction and demolition waste (CDW) is unmanaged. The current research implemented a CDW flow analysis and a cost assessment in the city of La Paz, aiming to compare future recycling scenarios. Lack of data is challenging; therefore, a review of 31 international studies has been conducted.

Organic waste valorization in remote islands: Analysis of economic and environmental benefits of onsite treatment options.

Solid waste management (SWM) represents an important issue for small islands. This research evaluates the municipal SWM system of the Pelagian archipelago, in Italy. The research aims to evaluate environmental and econoemic benefits of onsite treatment plants for the valorization of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste.

Perspectives in solid recovered fuel production in Bolivia: Analysis of characteristics and potential benefits.

Solid recovered fuels (SRF) can provide another treatment option to the solid waste management (SWM) sector. However, in developing countries, to date, this system approach has not found considerable application. In Bolivia, SRF is not deemed within the national regulation and the final disposal in open dumping areas is still a reality.

Comparison of environmental impacts related to municipal solid waste and construction and demolition waste management and recycling in a Latin American developing city.

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) and municipal solid waste (MSW) are the waste flows mostly generated at a global level. In developing countries, most of these waste streams are disposed of in open dumps. Policy-makers should be informed in which priorities should be established in order to improve the quality of the environment.

Applications of Up-Flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) and Characteristics of Its Microbial Community: A Review of Bibliometric Trend and Recent Findings.

The interest in research on up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors is growing. The meta-analysis of bibliometric data highlighted the growing interest in four diverse topics: (i) energy recovery production; (ii) combination with other treatments; (iii) the study of processes for the removal of specific pollutants and, (iv) characterization of microbial community and granular sludge composition. In particular, the papers published in the first 6 months of 2021 on this process were selected and critically reviewed to highlight and discuss the results, the gaps in the literature and possible ideas for future research.

Environmental assessment of construction and demolition waste recycling in Bolivia: Focus on transportation distances and selective collection rates.

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) management in developing countries is a global concern. The analysis of scenarios and the implementation of life cycle assessment (LCA) support decision-makers in introducing integrated CDW management systems. This paper introduces the application of an LCA in La Paz (Bolivia), where CDW is mainly dumped in open areas.

Sensitivity analysis and improvements of the recycling rate in municipal solid waste life cycle assessment: Focus on a Latin American developing context.

The life cycle assessment (LCA) of municipal solid waste (MSW) systems in developing countries is a matter of research. Obtain reliable results is challenging since field data and local databases are not always available. The research presented in this paper explores this issue in La Paz (Bolivia), where six environmental impact categories were assessed.

The performance evaluation of wastewater service: a protocol based on performance indicators applied to sewer systems and wastewater treatment plants.

This research aimed to identify a tool to objectively analyse the performance and the environmental contextualisation of sewer systems (SwSs) and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This procedure performs assessment by calculating performance indices which could be subsequently applied to SwSs and WWTPs with different characteristics. The proposed tool can be applied conveniently over the years by managers of integrated urban water management systems for the analysis of different realities also allowing the evaluation of the effects of upgrades carried out during the management phases.

Disinfection of Wastewater by UV-Based Treatment for Reuse in a Circular Economy Perspective. Where Are We at?

Among the critical issues that prevent the reuse of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluents in a circular economy perspective, the microbiological component plays a key role causing infections and diseases. To date, the use of conventional chemical oxidants (e.g.

Evaluation of conventional and alternative anaerobic digestion technologies for applications to small and rural communities.

The management of food waste has been considered an extremely important issue since the 1990s but finding efficient solutions for small and rural communities is still challenging. Anaerobic digestion (AD) may provide interesting opportunities in terms of carbon emissions and economic payback in the long term, but the choice of the correct technology and the spatial scale requires attention. The focus of this study is on a small rural municipality, which is selected as a case study to assess the environmental and economic sustainability of the application of two options for AD (a conventional and an alternative wet process) and two spatial scales (municipality and a consortium of municipalities).

Formal and informal waste selective collection in developing megacities: Analysis of residents' involvement in Bolivia.

The implementation of waste selective collection (SC) schemes in low-income countries is a challenge although it is one important way for improving environmental sustainability. The inclusion of the population is necessary for gaining effective results, and social surveys are support methods for understanding citizens' involvement and behaviour. The aim of the research is to assess the support of the citizens concerning the formal and informal recycling in a low-middle income country.