Contact Lens (CLs) are often disposed of via toilet or sinks, ending up in the wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs). Millions of CLs enter WWTPs worldwide each year in macro and micro sizes. Despite WWTPs'ability to remove solids, CLs can persist and potentially contaminate watercourses and soils. This study evaluates whether different CLs degrade in WWTP aeration tanks. Six daily CLs (Nelfilcon A,Delefilcon A, Nesofilcon A, Stenfilcon A, Narafilcon A, Somofilcon A) and four monthly CLs (Lotrafilcon B,Comfilcon A, Senofilcon A, and Samfilcon A) were immersed in aeration tanks for twelve weeks. Theirphysical and chemical properties, including water content (WC), refractive index (RI), chemical prop-erties (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), and mechanical properties were assessed. Results show that all CLs maintained their physical appearance after 12 weeks. Neither Nelfilcon A norNarafilcon A exhibited significant changes in WC and RI, (p>0.05, Tukey test), while other daily lensesshowed variations in at least one parameter. Among monthly CLs, only Senofilcon A showed significant differences in both WC (p0.05 Tukey test). However, Somofilcon A displayed significant changes in stress at break (p<0.0001,Tukey test), and Elongation at Break (p<0.05, Tukey test). No changes were found in the chemicalstructure of any CLs suggesting that twelve weeks in WWTP aeration tanks is insufficient for CLsdegradation. Thesefindings highlight CLs as a potential emerging pollutant, emphasizing their persis-tence in sludge or migration into watercourses and soils (c) 2025 The Authors. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd. Thisis an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

The study explored the long-term efficiency of an integrated electrodialysis-forward osmosis (EDFO) treatment technology for nutrient recovery and its application in irrigating and fertilizing high-value crops. Results showed a stable energy profile with consistent electrical conductivity (EC) trends in both municipal and dairy digestates, highlighting the system's capacity to maintain ionic stability, essential for long-term operation. Fouling resistance was indicated by gradual and minimal declines in current density, reflecting stable performance after three cycles and reducing the need for chemical cleaning. A greenhouse trial assessed the impact of using treated and untreated wastewater for irrigation on plant growth and nutrient dynamics in southern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. interspecific hybrid). The plants were grown in a soilless potting media and irrigated with a modified Hoagland nutrient solution (control), untreated municipal or dairy digestate, or recovered nutrient water from municipal or dairy digestate treated by the EDFO process. Leaf area and shoot biomass were similar among the treatments, confirming that wastewater irrigation did not adversely affect blueberry growth. Furthermore, pH levels in the potting media were near or within the optimal range for blueberry cultivation (4.5-5.5), while EC exceeded salinity thresholds for the crop (> 2 dS m(-1)) but did not visibly damage the plants, suggesting that salt levels were manageable with periodic freshwater flushing. Mass-spectrometry-based, non-targeted analysis detected significant reductions in organic pollutants across treatment cycles. In particular, pharmaceuticals and pesticides in untreated digestate were reduced by over 90 % post-treatment, affirming the system's efficacy in removing emerging contaminants that could pose risks in agriculture and consumers. Given the favorable nutrient recovery and contaminant removal, the EDFO system offers a sustainable solution for wastewater reuse, enabling nutrient cycling in agricultural systems and reducing freshwater dependence.

Reuse of greywater for irrigation has surged due to increasing urban freshwater scarcity. Greywater sources differ in ease and cost of reuse, with limited studies on the effects of irrigation with different sources on soil properties and subsequent rainwater remediation. Thus, this study compared the effect of four major household greywater sources (shower (SH), dishwasher (DW) and liquid and powdered laundry detergent (LLD and PLD)) on soil properties and rainwater remediation potential of two contrasting (albic Planosol (bleached) and Lixisol (rhodic)) topsoils under Mediterranean climate conditions. Summer irrigation with the greywater and tap water sources was simulated (370 mm) followed by winter rainfall simulation (370 mm). Soil chemical, physical and microbial properties were determined after each simulation. Irrigation with SH and LLD greywaters was least harmful to soil chemistry; however, LLD decreased soil infiltration rate by 48-53%, and SH resulted in hydrophobic crusting. Irrigation with PLD and DW greywater was most damaging, resulting in alkalisation, sodification and salinisation accompanied by soil structural degradation, decreasing infiltration by 85-100%. All treatments reduced soil bacterial diversity and species richness. Rain simulation was only able to reduce sodicity and salinity associated with PLD and DW application on the rhodic soil, as the clay fraction was more stable, permitting some infiltration. Therefore, PLD and DW greywaters should not be used directly for irrigation, especially on bleached soils, as this can halt rainwater percolation. Furthermore, use of less chemically harmful SH or LLD liquid greywaters could result in undesirable soil physical problems in the long term.

Escalating usage of non-degradable plastics is raising significant concern. The search for bio-based degradable alternatives commenced far back, and the burgeoning progress in the development of bioplastics is featured as a critical solution to ongoing plastic pollution. Bioplastics are becoming a promising substitute for petroleum-based plastics, depending on the production source and post-use disposal management. Among all the promising materials, microbially produced polyester and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) belong to the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family and are biocompatible and non-toxic. PHB has remarkable thermal and mechanical properties, making it a potential replacement for ubiquitous plastics. In this study, PHB-producing bacteria were isolated from mangrove soil and checked for PHB accumulation using preliminary and confirmatory staining. Out of a total 25 isolates, 13 were found positive for PHB accumulation. Dairy wastewater was used as a cultivation medium for PHB production; the potential PHB-producing strain was selected for morphological and biochemical characterization up to the genus level and was found to be Bacillus sp (3.6 +/- 0.15g/L). Extracted PHB was characterized using FTIR, XRD, and TGA; in FTIR, the characteristic peak was recorded at 1724 cm-1, and XRD showed the crystallinity of PHB. outcome of the present study shows that dairy wastewater is an indispensable medium for PHB production in an eco-friendly way.

This review paper explores the use of red mud as a sustainable alternative for construction materials and soil stabilisation due to its unique chemical and mineral composition, a waste produced during the extraction of aluminium from bauxite ore. The disposal of red mud is a major environmental issue worldwide due to its high alkalinity and large production volume. Although this material has already been utilised as construction material (e.g., bricks, cement, concrete), it can also be incorporated for waste water treatment and lead to waste reduction. In soil stabilisation, red mud's alkaline nature, pozzolanic properties, and fine particle size improve soil structure and strength, offering a cost-effective solution. Utilising red mud as a filling material for low-lying areas addresses the disposal problem while contributing to infrastructure development projects. This study highlights construction materials' mechanical properties and durability by incorporating bauxite tailings and also incorporating valorisation of red mud as a precursor for alkali-activated binder. This paper comprises recent research findings and practical applications associated with the use of this waste. Also, it discusses the benefits and challenges associated with the large-scale use of red mud. It gives an idea about how the strength and durability of construction materials can be improved considering overall environmental impact. Future perspectives on policy, technology, and environmental impact are also discussed to provide a comprehensive understanding of red mud's potential for sustainable development. Red mud enhances the properties of materials like strength, durability, and thermal resistance of construction materials like bricks, ceramic, and cement.Red mud increases soil load-bearing capacity, reduces plasticity, and enhances erosion resistance, making it ideal for foundations and road construction.Using red mud reduces dependency on traditional raw materials, conserving natural resources and lowering environmental impacts.Red mud in construction and soil stabilisation contributes to durable, eco-friendly structures and supports sustainable land use.

Global water scarcity entailed the use of treated wastewater (TWW) in agriculture, however, this water can vehiculate numerous pollutants into soil and further crops such as microplastics (MPs). To date, few studies had quantified the accumulation of MPs in soils and earthworms after irrigation with TWW as well as their toxicological effects. Hence, the main objective of the present work is to evaluate the toxicity of MPs using Lumbricus sp. earthworms collected from TWW irrigated soils with an increasing gradient of time (5 years, 16 years and 24 years). MPs determination in soil, as well as in earthworms were performed. The intestinal mucus was quantified, and cytotoxicity (Lysosomal membrane stability (LMS), Catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) activities), neurotoxicity (Acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE)) and genotoxicity (Micronuclei frequency (MNi)) biomarker were assessed. Our results revealed that the use of TWW rendered MPs accumulation in earthworms' tissues and induce alteration on the intestinal mucus. An important cytotoxicity time-depending was observed being associated with an increase on genotoxicity. Overall, the present investigation highlights the ecotoxicological risk associated with the use of TWWs as an important driver of MPs and consequently measures are necessary to reduce MPs in wastewater treatment plans to improve this non-conventional water quality.

This study proposes a waste-to-value approach; specifically focusing on the utilization of industrial wastewater sludge (IWS) derived pyrolytic biochar (PBC) as an alternative to conventional carbon positive soil stabilizing materials. The IWS was subjected to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in N2 environment which suggested the pyrolysis temperature of 450 degrees C for the synthesis of PBC. Five different dosages of PBC by weight were mixed with the soft soil (SS) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) values were examined across the various curing periods. Test results confirmed that UCS and stiffness values of soil-PBC matrix increased 4-5 and 5-6 times to that of virgin soil respectively. The PBC increased the cation exchange capacity (CEC), point of zero charge (pH(pzc)), alkalinity, and water holding capacity of the soil thereby assisted to initiate pozzolanic reactions. Various spectroscopic techniques were performed to investigate the strength development mechanism. Free oxide of calcium (CaO) in PBC disturbed the laminated structure of soil, reacted with oxides of silica (SiO2) and other silicates of aluminum thereby densifying the soil-PBC structure. Further, leaching test was performed on soil-PBC matrices to evaluate the environmental viability of the PBC. The statistical significance of the test results was confirmed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique. Overall, this study concludes that PBC has the potential to serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional soil stabilizing materials.

This study aimed to develop an energy-efficient process for treating highly saline textile wastewater (TWW) in a 10 m3/day pilot plant and evaluate forage sorghum irrigation with treated wastewater in terms of crop production and soil and irrigation device performance. The TWW treatment pilot plant, consisting of a coagulation/flocculation unit followed by a sand filter and an anion exchange resin column, produced treated effluent that complied with the permissible limits specified in the ISO 16075-2:2020 standard for Category C irrigation water. The corresponding average energy consumption was 1.77 kWh/m3. Reusing treated TWW for forage sorghum irrigation over a 13-week cycle yielded crop performances comparable with freshwater irrigation, with no negative impact on the irrigation system. Although soil profiles were similar between treated TWW and freshwater irrigation, both soils featured an increase in electrical conductivity, which may reversibly or irreversibly affect soil quality and damage salt-sensitive crops. These findings demonstrate the effective treatment and reuse of saline TWW for irrigating salt-tolerant crops, offering significant implications for industrial wastewater management and cropping patterns in arid and semi-arid regions. A 10-m3/day pilot plant was developed for the treatment of highly saline textile wastewater. The pilot plant demonstrated average removal efficiencies of 63% for COD, 97% for colour, 96% for TSS and 21% for EC. Treated effluent met ISO 16075-2:2020 standards for Category C irrigation water, with an average energy consumption of 1.77 kWh/m3. The use of treated wastewater showed sorghum crop production comparable with freshwater irrigation. The use of treated wastewater had no adverse effects on the irrigation system; however, it led to an increase in soil electrical conductivity.

Agricultural waste presents a significant environmental challenge due to improper disposal and management practices, contributing to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and pollution of water and air resources. To address these issues, there is a growing emphasis on the valorization of agricultural waste. Cellulose, a major component of agricultural waste, offers promising opportunities for resource utilization due to its unique properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, and renewability. Thus, this review explored various types of agricultural waste, their chemical composition, and pretreatment methods for cellulose extraction. It also highlights the significance of rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, and other agricultural residues as cellulose-rich resources. Among the various membrane fabrication techniques, phase inversion is highly effective for creating porous membranes with controlled thickness and uniformity, while electrospinning produces nanofibrous membranes with high surface area and exceptional mechanical properties. The review further explores the separation of pollutants including using cellulose membranes, demonstrating their potential in environmental remediation. Hence, by valorizing agricultural residues into functional materials, this approach addresses the challenge of agricultural waste management and contributes to the development of innovative solutions for pollution control and water treatment.

Purpose of ReviewAn increase in the generation of waste within cities is unavoidable due to the increasing global population growth, particularly in urban areas. Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in these urban areas are being pushed to their design limits resulting in issues with WWTP residual management. This paper reviews potential applications of transitioning a municipal WWTP into an urban biorefinery for converting wastes into various value-added chemicals and energy.Recent FindingsPrimary WWTP-based residuals produced are waste-activated sludge, biosolids, grit, and effluent. These components are becoming viable feedstocks for producing many potential products and can be recovered for commercial purposes as opposed to simple disposal. Example products include chemicals, energy, and transportable biofuels. An advantage to biorefinery operations composed of WWTPs is that they provide greener solutions while posing little to no threat to the environment. There has also been an increasing interest in co-feedstocks to WWTPs, such as municipal solids, food wastes, agriculture wastes, and lignocellulosic biomass, which can enhance product yields while providing sustainable management solutions to these additional waste streams.SummaryMunicipal wastewater influents generated within the USA have a chemical energy potential of 1.3 MJ/person/day which represents about 4% of the total daily electricity consumed globally. The cost of waste management is expected to rise by 5.5% by 2027 which can be significantly lowered by having WWTPs integrated into biorefineries. This review found that there is great potential for converting WWTPs into true biorefineries that can effectively produce numerous value-added chemicals. Often, minor process changes can be applied which will yield the envisoned products. This paper provides the framework towards both commercialization opportunities and needed research.