Energy-Saving Mechanism of Wastewater Treatment Process Adaptation on Natural Temperature Variation: The Case from Coking Wastewater.

The cyclical variations in environmental temperature generated by natural rhythms constantly impact the wastewater treatment process through the aeration system. Engineering data show that fluctuations in environmental temperature cause the reactor temperature to drop at night, resulting in increased dissolved oxygen concentration and improved effluent wastewater quality. However, the impact of natural temperature variation on wastewater treatment systems and the energy-saving potential has yet to be fully recognized. Here, we conducted a comprehensive study, using a full-scale oxic-hydrolytic and denitrification-oxic (OHO) coking wastewater treatment process as a case and developed a dynamic aeration model integrating thermodynamics and kinetics to elucidate the energy-saving mechanisms of wastewater treatment systems in response to diurnal temperature variations. Our case study results indicate that natural diurnal temperature variations can cut the energy consumption of 660,980 kWh annually (up to 30%) for the aeration unit in the OHO system. Wastewater treatment facilities located in regions with significant environmental temperature variation stand to benefit more from this energy-saving mechanism. Methods such as flow dynamic control, load shifting, and process unit editing can be fitted into the new or retrofitted wastewater treatment engineering.

HP1BP3, a Chromatin Retention Factor for Co-transcriptional MicroRNA Processing.

Recent studies suggest that the microprocessor (Drosha-DGCR8) complex can be recruited to chromatin to catalyze co-transcriptional processing of primary microRNAs (pri-miRNAs) in mammalian cells. However, the molecular mechanism of co-transcriptional miRNA processing is poorly understood. Here we find that HP1BP3, a histone H1-like chromatin protein, specifically associates with the microprocessor and promotes global miRNA biogenesis in human cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies reveal genome-wide co-localization of HP1BP3 and Drosha and HP1BP3-dependent Drosha binding to actively transcribed miRNA loci. Moreover, HP1BP3 specifically binds endogenous pri-miRNAs and facilitates the Drosha/pri-miRNA association in vivo. Knockdown of HP1BP3 compromises pri-miRNA processing by causing premature release of pri-miRNAs from the chromatin. Taken together, these studies suggest that HP1BP3 promotes co-transcriptional miRNA processing via chromatin retention of nascent pri-miRNA transcripts. This work significantly expands the functional repertoire of the H1 family of proteins and suggests the existence of chromatin retention factors for widespread co-transcriptional miRNA processing.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Using High-Definition Flow Render Mode and Spatiotemporal Image Correlation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the use of two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound combined with high-definition flow (HD-flow) render mode and spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) in diagnosing and classifying fetal persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC). METHODS: Overall, 114 cases of fetal PLSVC were diagnosed using 2D ultrasound combined with STIC, and 114 normal fetuses of the same gestational week were selected. These cases were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the diagnostic approach. RESULTS: All 114 PLSVC cases were diagnosed using 2D ultrasound combined with STIC. Although the diagnostic coincidence rate of PLSVC in the HD-flow combined with STIC was similar to that in the 2D ultrasound combined with HD-flow (96.8 vs 96.2%), 2D ultrasound with STIC enabled dynamic visualization of the PLSVC, furthering prenatal diagnosis. These cases were classified as type I PLSVC: 80 cases of type Ia, 29 cases of type Ib, and 5 cases of type Ic. Seventy isolated PLSVC cases (61.4%) were noted, whereas 44 cases (35.6%) were associated with concomitant structural abnormalities. Intracardiac structural malformations accounted for the highest proportion (n = 53, 58.89%), followed by single umbilical artery and facial/bodily abnormalities (n = 10, 11.11%). CONCLUSION: Combining HD-flow and STIC complements 2D ultrasound in diagnosing and classifying fetal PLSVC, demonstrating significant clinical relevance.

Mandibular Buccal Bifurcation Cyst: Report of Two Cases.

Mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst is a rare inflammatory odontogenic cyst. We reported two cases who complained of painful swelling of extraoral soft tissue. Intraoral examination revealed the partially erupted mandibular first molar. Cone beam computed tomography showed a well-defined cystic lesion surrounding the first molar. Histopathologic images showed the cyst wall was infiltrated by a large number of plasma cells, neutrophils and eosinophils, and lined with a thin layer of non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Finally, the two patients were diagnosed as mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst and treated with cyst enucleation and curettage.

Relationship Between Shoulder Pain and Joint Reaction Forces and Muscle Moments During 2 Speeds of Wheelchair Propulsion.

The purpose of this study was to determine shoulder joint reaction forces and muscle moments during 2 speeds (1.3 and 2.2 m/s) of wheelchair propulsion and to investigate the relationship between joints reaction forces, muscle moments, and shoulder pain. The measurements were obtained from 20 manual wheelchair users. A JR3 6-channel load sensor (±1% error) and a Qualisys system were used to record 3-dimensional pushrim kinetics and kinematics. A 3-dimensional inverse dynamic model was generated to compute joint kinetics. The results demonstrated significant differences in shoulder joint forces and moments (P < .01) between the 2 speeds of wheelchair propulsion. The greatest peak shoulder joint forces during the drive phase were anterior directed (Fy, 184.69 N), and the greatest joint moment was the shoulder flexion direction (flexion moment, 35.79 N·m) at 2.2 m/s. All the shoulder joint reaction forces and flexion moment were significantly (P < .05) related to shoulder pain index. The forces combined in superior and anterior direction found at the shoulder joint may contribute to the compression of subacromial structure and predispose manual wheelchair users to potential rotator cuff impingement syndrome.

Auditory evoked potential in stranded melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra): With severe hearing loss and possibly caused by anthropogenic noise pollution.

Highly concentrated live mass stranding events of dolphins and whales happened in the eastern coast of China between June and October 2021. The current study adopted the non-invasive auditory evoked-potential technique to investigate the hearing threshold of a stranded melon headed whale (Peponocephala electra) at a frequency range of between 9.5 and 181 kHz. It was found that, at the frequency range of from 10 to 100 kHz, hearing thresholds for the animal were between 20 and 65 dB higher than those of its phylogenetically closest species (Pygmy killer whale). The severe hearing loss in the melon headed whale was probably caused by transient intense anthropogenic sonar or chronic shipping noise exposures. The hearing loss could have been the cause for the observed temporal and spatial clustered stranding events. Therefore, there is need for noise mitigation strategies to reduce noise exposure levels for marine mammals in the coastal areas of China.

Riverside underwater noise pollution threaten porpoises and fish along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China.

The Yangtze River exhibits a high biodiversity and plays an important role in global biodiversity conservation. As the world's busiest inland river in regard to shipping, little attention has been paid to underwater noise pollution. In 2017, the underwater noise level in 25 riverside locations along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River mainly at night time were investigated by using passive acoustic monitoring method. Approximately 88% and 40% of the sampled sites exhibit noise levels exceeding the underwater acoustic thresholds of causing responsiveness and temporary threshold shift, respectively, in cetacean. Noise pollution may impose a high impact on fish with physostomous swim bladders and Weberian ossicles, such as silver carp, bighead carp, goldfish and common carp, whereas it may affect fish with physoclistous swim bladders and without Weberian ossicles, such as lake sturgeon and paddlefish, to a lesser extent. Noise levels reductions of approximately 10 and 20 dB were observed in the middle and lower reaches, respectively, of the Yangtze River over the 2012 level. The green development mode of the ongoing construction of green shipping in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, including the development of green shipping lanes, ports, ships and transportation organizations, may account for the alleviated underwater noise pollution. Follow-up noise mitigation endeavors, such as the extension of ship speed restrictions and the study and implementation of the optimal navigation speed in ecologically important areas, are required to further reduce the noise level in the Yangtze River to protect local porpoises and fish.

Evoked-potential audiogram variability in a group of wild Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis).

Hearing is considered the primary sensory modality of cetaceans and enables their vital life functions. Information on the hearing sensitivity variability within a species obtained in a biologically relevant wild context is fundamental to evaluating potential noise impact and population-relevant management. Here, non-invasive auditory evoked-potential methods were adopted to describe the audiograms (11.2-152 kHz) of a group of four wild Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) during a capture-and-release health assessment project in Poyang Lake, China. All audiograms presented a U shape, generally similar to those of other delphinids and phocoenids. The lowest auditory threshold (51-55 dB re 1 µPa) was identified at a test frequency of 76 kHz, which was higher than that observed in aquarium porpoises (54 kHz). The good hearing range (within 20 dB of the best hearing sensitivity) was from approximately 20 to 145 kHz, and the low- and high-frequency hearing cut-offs (threshold > 120 dB re l µPa) were 5.6 and 170 kHz, respectively. Compared with aquarium porpoises, wild porpoises have significantly better hearing sensitivity at 32 and 76 kHz and worse sensitivity at 54, 108 and 140 kHz. The audiograms of this group can provide a basis for better understanding the potential impact of anthropogenic noise.

Simultaneous Removal of Trivalent Chromium and Hexavalent Chromium from Soil Using a Modified Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis System.

In this study, a modified bipolar membrane electrodialysis system equipped with a "back-to-back" soil compartment was fabricated for simultaneous removal of trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from contaminated soils. The results showed that the soil solution pH had a significant effect on the Cr(III) and Cr(VI) desorption, and the desorption data fit well with the Elovich kinetic model. Current density had an obvious effect on Cr(III) and Cr(VI) removal, cell voltage, soil pH, current efficiency, and specific energy consumption, and the optimal current density was 2.0 mA/cm2. The removal efficiencies of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were both 99.8%, while Cr(III) and Cr(VI) recoveries were somewhat lower at 87 and 90%, respectively, because some Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were adsorbed by the membranes. An energy consumption analysis indicates that the back-to-back soil compartment equipped system increased the current efficiency and decreased the specific energy consumption. When a system equipped with two back-to-back soil compartments was used to remove chromium from soil, the current efficiency increased to 28.8% and the specific energy consumption decreased to 0.048 kWh/g. The experimental results indicate that the proposed process has the potential to be an effective technique for the treatment of soil contaminated with heavy metals.

Physician-patient shared decision making, patient satisfaction, and adoption of new health technology in China.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between physician-patient treatments shared decision making (SDM), patient satisfaction, and adoption of a new health technology. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2016 to October 2016 in Fujian Province and Shanghai, in Eastern China. A total of 542 physicians and 619 patients in eleven hospitals were surveyed. Patients and their treating physicians completed self-reported questionnaires on patient-physician SDM, satisfaction with treatment decision making and adoption of a new health technology. Correlation analysis, multivariate logistic regression and multivariate linear regression were performed. RESULTS: The majority (68.20 percent) of patients preferred SDM. Involvement of patients in SDM was positively associated with their satisfaction with treatment decision making (p < .001) and adoption of a new health technology (p < .05). Better concordance between their preference and actual SDM was positively associated with patients' adoption behavior (p < .05), but no statistically significant association was found between concordance and satisfaction. CONCLUSION: SDM was the most important predictor of patients' satisfaction with decision making and adoption of a new health technology. Therefore, better communication between physicians and patients is recommended to improve their SDM, increase patient satisfaction and to assist with the adoption of new technologies. Training healthcare provider and teaching communication skills in working with patients in the initial stage of technology diffusion is required.

Telomere shortening activates TGF-ß/Smads signaling in lungs and enhances both lipopolysaccharide and bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Telomere shortening is associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a high-morbidity and high-mortality lung disease of unknown etiology. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, wild-type (WT) mice with normal telomeres and generation 3 (G3) or G2 telomerase RNA component (TERC) knockout Terc-/- mice with short telomeres were treated with and without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or bleomycin by intratracheal injection. We show that under LPS induction, G3 Terc-/- mice develop aggravated pulmonary fibrosis as indicated by significantly increased α-SMA, collagen I and hydroxyproline content. Interestingly, TGF-ß/Smads signaling is markedly activated in the lungs of G3 Terc-/- mice, as indicated by markedly elevated levels of phosphorylated Smad3 and TGF-ß1, compared with those of WT mice. This TGF-ß/Smads signaling activation is significantly increased in the lungs of LPS-treated G3 Terc-/- mice compared with those of LPS-treated WT or untreated G3 Terc-/- mice. A similar pattern of TGF-ß/Smads signaling activation and the enhancing role of telomere shortening in pulmonary fibrosis are also confirmed in bleomycin-induced model. Moreover, LPS challenge produced more present cellular senescence, apoptosis and infiltration of innate immune cells, including macrophages and neutrophils in the lungs of G3 Terc-/- mice, compared with WT mice. To our knowledge, this is the first time to report telomere shortening activated TGF-ß/Smads signaling in lungs. Our data suggest that telomere shortening cooperated with environment-induced lung injury accelerates the development of pulmonary fibrosis, and telomere shortening confers an inherent enhancing factor to the genesis of IPF through activation of TGF-ß/Smads signaling.

An in vitro study of the long non-coding RNA TUG1 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to study the expression of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and reveal its possible function. METHODS: qRT-PCR was used to evaluate 27 samples of fresh TSCC tissues and adjacent normal tongue tissues. siRNA technology was employed to downregulate TUG1 expression in CAL-27 and SCC-9 cell lines. The 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was utilized to assess cell proliferation ability; apoptosis and cell-cycle phases were analysed via flow cytometry. RESULTS: qRT-PCR findings indicated that the lncRNA TUG1 was upregulated in TSCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tongue tissues (P<.05). After TUG1 expression was downregulated using siRNA technology, cell proliferation was significantly inhibited (P<.05), and the number of cells in S phase was reduced (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The lncRNA TUG1 may represent a potential oncogene in TSCC.

TUC338 Overexpression Leads to Enhanced Proliferation and Reduced Apoptosis in Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells In Vitro.

PURPOSE: Long noncoding RNAs are closely related to the development of tumors. In this study, we explored the contribution of the long noncoding RNA TUC338 to cellular processes in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, we detected TUC338 expression using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 25 patients. Then, we transfected a short hairpin RNA to silence TUC338 expression in the CAL-27 and SCC-9 cell lines. Tumor cell growth was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and apoptosis and cell-cycle analyses were performed via flow cytometry. RESULTS: The results indicated that TUC338 was overexpressed in TSCCs (P < .05). In addition, silencing TUC338 in CAL-27 and SCC-9 cells inhibited cell growth and increased apoptosis significantly in vivo (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Long noncoding RNA TUC338 overexpression leads to enhanced proliferation and reduced apoptosis in TSCC.

A study on the inhibition of VEGF expression in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma cells via iNOS gene RNAi in vitro.

In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). Using RNAi, we transfected chemically synthesised iNOS siRNA into ACC-M cells (a highly metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma cell line) and detected the change in the gene and protein expression levels of iNOS and VEGF by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. A transwell invasiveness assay was used to examine the changes in invasive ability of ACC-M cells. Cell growth was determined using a CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis and cell-cycle phases were detected by flow cytometry. We found that silencing iNOS down-regulated the expression of VEGF and then inhibited cell growth and invasiveness of SACC cells, while it increased apoptosis. Therefore, we concluded that iNOS can regulate VEGF expression and iNOS may be a therapeutic target.

Role of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in the mechanism of calcification of aortic valve.

Aortic valve calcification is a common disease in the elderly, but its cellular and molecular mechanisms are not clear. In order to verify the hypothesis that Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway is involved in the process of calcification of aortic valve, porcine aortic valve interstitial cells (VICs) were isolated, cultured and stimulated with oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) for 48 h to induce the differentiation of VICs into osteoblast-like cells. The key proteins and genes of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, such as glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK-3ß) and ß-catenin, were detected by using Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results showed that the VICs managed to differentiate into osteoblast-like cells after the stimulation with ox-LDL and the levels of proteins and genes of GSK-3ß and ß-catenin were increased significantly in VICs after stimulation for 48 h (P<0.05). It is suggested that Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway may play a key role in the differentiation of VICs into osteoblast-like cells and make great contribution to aortic valve calcification.

Prevalence, subtypes, and risk factors of adverse childhood experiences among Chinese residents: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: Addressing the long-term physical and mental health impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) remains a significant public health challenge. Additionally, ACEs can contribute to intergenerational transmission, affecting future generations. While previous studies have primarily focused on children and adolescents, there is limited data on ACE subtypes and influencing factors among the general adult population, particularly in China. This study aims to explore the prevalence, subtypes, and factors influencing ACEs among Chinese adults. Method: A total of 1,932 Chinese residents from southwest China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou provinces, and Chongqing Municipality) participated in the study, consisting of 867 men (44.9%) and 1,065 women (55.1%). Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify ACE clusters, and regression analysis examined associations between ACE clusters and demographic factors, physical illness, and mental health outcomes. Results: The findings revealed that 28.7% of participants had experienced at least one ACE, while 13.2% had experienced three or more ACEs. Three distinct ACE clusters were identified: a low ACE group, a high emotional and physical abuse/family dysfunction group, and a high ACE/sexual abuse group. Regression analysis showed significant associations between childhood adversity and demographic factors (age, education, birthplace), as well as physical and mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression). ANOVA further confirmed significant differences in depression and anxiety scores across the clusters. Conclusion: These findings offer critical insights for developing targeted public health interventions. Policymakers should consider strategies to reduce childhood ACEs and mitigate their long-term consequences, with particular attention to high-risk groups.

Trends and factors influencing the mental health of college students in the post-pandemic: four consecutive cross-sectional surveys.

Background: The long-term impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and well-being of college students, specifically trends over time after full removal of COVID-19 restrictions, has not been well-studied. Methods: Four consecutive cross-sectional surveys were conducted in December 2022 (N = 689), March 2023 (N = 456), June 2023 (N = 300), and November 2023 (N = 601) at a university in Sichuan Province, China. Results: The proportion of students with COVID-19 panic decreased from 95.1 to 77.3% (p < 0.001). The prevalence of moderate anxiety and above decreased from 18 to 13.6% (p < 0.001), and the prevalence of moderate and above depression decreased from 33.1 to 28.1% (p < 0.001), while the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increased from 21.5 to 29.6% (p < 0.005). Further, the proportion of suicidal thoughts increased from 7.7 to 14.8% (p < 0.001). Suicidal thoughts and self-injuries were significantly associated with COVID-19 panic, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Students who reported being in close contact with COVID-19 patients in the past were more likely to develop PTSD. Further, COVID-19-induced panic was a risk factor for self-injury. Conclusion: One year after the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall mental health of college students was not optimal. Hence, we can conclude that the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the mental health of college students may have already occurred. To mitigate this impact and prepare for the next major public health event, strengthening college students' mental health curricula and promoting healthy behaviors among college students should be a priority for universities and education authorities.

Increased Yangtze finless porpoise presence in urban Wuhan waters of the Yangtze River during fishing closures.

Wuhan, a highly urbanized and rapidly growing region within China's Yangtze Economic Zone, has historically been identified as a gap area for the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) based on daytime visual surveys. However, there has been a noticeable increase in porpoise sightings since 2020. This study employed passive acoustic monitoring to investigate porpoise distribution in Wuhan between 2020 and 2022. Generalized linear models were used to explore the relationship between shipping, hydrological patterns, light intensity, and porpoise biosonar activity. Over 603 days of effective monitoring, the daily positive rate for porpoise biosonar detection reached 43%, with feeding-related buzz signals accounting for 55% of all porpoise biosonar signals. However, the proportion of minutes during which porpoise presence was detected was 0.18%, suggesting that while porpoises may frequent the area, their visits were brief and mainly focused on feeding. A significant temporal trend emerged, showing higher porpoise biosonar detection during winter (especially in February) and 2022. Additionally, periods without boat traffic correlated with increased porpoise activity. Hydrological conditions and light levels exhibited significant negative correlations with porpoise activity. Specifically, porpoise sonar detections were notably higher during the night, twilight, and new moon phases. It is highly conceivable that both fishing bans and COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdowns contributed to the heightened presence of porpoises in Wuhan. The rapid development of municipal transportation and shipping in Wuhan and resulting underwater noise pollution have emerged as a significant threat to the local porpoise population. Accordingly, it is imperative for regulatory bodies to effectively address this environmental stressor and formulate targeted protection measures to ensure the conservation of the finless porpoise.

Temporal and spatial biosonar activity of the recently established uppermost Yangtze finless porpoise population downstream of the Gezhouba Dam: Correlation with hydropower cascade development, shipping, hydrological regime, and light intensity.

Numerous dams disrupt freshwater animals. The uppermost population of the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise has been newly formed below the Gezhouba Dam, however, information regarding the local porpoise is scarce. Passive acoustic monitoring was used to detect the behaviors of porpoises below the Gezhouba Dam. The influence of shipping, pandemic lockdown, hydrological regime, and light intensity on the biosonar activity of dolphins was also examined using Generalized linear models. Over the course of 4 years (2019-2022), approximately 848, 596, and 676 effective monitoring days were investigated at the three sites, from upstream to downstream. Observations revealed significant spatio-temporal biosonar activity. Proportion of days that are porpoise positive were 73%, 54%, and 61%, while porpoise buzz signals accounted for 78.49%, 62.35%, and 81.30% of all porpoise biosonar at the three stations. The biosonar activity of porpoises was much higher at the confluence area, particularly at the MZ site, during the absence of boat traffic, and during the Pandemic shutdown. Temporal trends of monthly, seasonal, and yearly variation were also visible, with the highest number of porpoises biosonar detected in the summer season and in 2020. Significant correlations also exist between the hydrological regime and light intensity and porpoise activity, with much higher detections during nighttime and full moon periods. Hydropower cascade development, establishment of a natural reserve, fish release initiatives, and implementation of fishing restrictions may facilitate the proliferation of the porpoise population downstream of the Gezhouba Dam within the Yichang section of the Yangtze River. Prioritizing restoration designs that match natural flow regimes, optimize boat traffic, and reduce noise pollution is crucial for promoting the conservation of the local porpoises.

Physicochemical pre- and post-treatment of coking wastewater combined for energy recovery and reduced environmental risk.

In this study, physicochemical pre- and post-treatment of highly polluting coking wastewater (CWW) for the removal of refractory compounds and recovery of high-energy substances/components was investigated. An economic optimization model targeting the development of a cost-effective and sustainable treatment technology was proposed. At the post-treatment stage, powdered activated carbon (PAC) was used to separate the refractory and toxic pollutants from the bio-treated CWW, with the adsorption capacity ranging from 50 to 120 mg chemical oxygen demand (COD) g-1 PAC. Then, the spent PAC, together with a coagulant, was reused in the pre-treatment of highly concentrated raw CWW, which lifted the adsorption capacity to 800-1200 mg COD g-1 PAC. Results showed that the adsorbent's high selectivity towards macromolecular and complicated pollutants could remove 25-65 % of COD in both CWW flows. Analysis of pollutants' molecular weight distribution and GC-MS indicated a good affinity between PAC and high-energy pollutants (phenolic compounds and alkanes), which could transfer 144,555 kJ m-3 of energy from CWW to the adsorption-coagulation sludge. The economic optimization model suggested that the cost of the adsorbent was compensated by the net benefits of energy recovery and that profit was achieved when the PAC price was less than 5562 CNY t-1. The proposed two-stage PAC/coagulant approach offers a way to sustainable water quality and sludge management, plus energy recycling, in CWW treatment. It may also be applied to the treatment of other industrial wastewaters.