Charged functional groups modified porous spherical hollow carbon material as CDI electrode for salty water desalination.

As a new electrochemical technology, capacitive deionization (CDI) has been increasingly applied in environmental water treatment and seawater desalination. In this study, functional groups modified porous hollow carbon (HC) were synthesized as CDI electrode material for removing Na+ and Cl- in salty water. Results showed that the average diameter of HC was approximately 180 nm, and the infrared spectrum showed that its surface was successfully modified with sulfonic and amino groups, respectively. The sulfonic acid functionalized HC (HC-S) showed better electrochemical and desalting performance than the amino-functionalized HC (HCN), with a maximum Faradic capacity of 287.4 F/g and an adsorptive capacity of 112.97 mg/g for NaCl. Additionally, 92.63% capacity retention after 100 adsorption/desorption cycles demonstrates the excellent stability of HC-S. The main findings prove that HC-S is viable as an electrode material for desalination by high-performance CDI applications.

Activation of peroxymonosulfate by sustainable biomass-based carbon nanotubes for controlling the spread of plant viruses in water environments.

With the increasing demand for water in hydroponic systems and agricultural irrigation, viral diseases have seriously affected the yield and quality of crops. By removing plant viruses in water environments, virus transmission can be prevented and agricultural production and ecosystems can be protected. But so far, there have been few reports on the removal of plant viruses in water environments. Herein, in this study, easily recyclable biomass-based carbon nanotubes catalysts were synthesized with varying metal activities to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Among them, the magnetic 0.125Fe@NCNTs-1/PMS system showed the best overall removal performance against pepper mild mottle virus, with a 5.9 log10 removal within 1 min. Notably, the key reactive species in the 0.125Fe@NCNTs-1/PMS system is 1O2, which can maintain good removal effect in real water matrices (river water and tap water). Through RNA fragment analyses and label free analysis, it was found that this system could effectively cleave virus particles, destroy viral proteins and expose their genome. The capsid protein of pepper mild mottle virus was effectively decomposed where serine may be the main attacking sites by 1O2. Long viral RNA fragments (3349 and 1642 nt) were cut into smaller fragments (∼160 nt) and caused their degradation. In summary, this study contributes to controlling the spread of plant viruses in real water environment, which will potentially help protect agricultural production and food safety, and improve the health and sustainability of ecosystems.

Removal of particulate matter and dissolved organic matter from sedimentation sludge water during pre-sedimentation process: Performances and mechanisms.

Sedimentation sludge water (SSW), a prominent constituent of wastewater from drinking water treatment plants, has received limited attention in terms of its treatment and utilization likely due to the perceived difficulties associated with managing SSW sludge. This study comprehensively evaluated the water quality of SSW by comparing it to a well-documented wastewater (filter backwash water (FBW)). Furthermore, it investigated the pollutant variations in the SSW during pre-sedimentation process, probed the underlying reaction mechanism, and explored the feasibility of employing a pilot-scale coagulation-sedimentation process for SSW treatment. The levels of most water quality parameters were generally comparable between SSW and FBW. During the pre-sedimentation of SSW, significant removal of turbidity, bacterial counts, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) was observed. The characterization of DOM components, molecular weight distributions, and optical properties revealed that the macromolecular proteinaceous biopolymers and humic acids were preferentially removed. The characterization of particulates indicated that high surface energy, zeta potential, and bridging/adsorption/sedimentation/coagulation capacities in aluminum residuals of SSW, underscoring its potential as a coagulant and promoting the generation and sedimentation of inorganic-organic complexes. The coagulation-sedimentation process could effectively remove pollutants from low-turbidity SSW ([turbidity]0 < 15 NTU). These findings provide valuable insights into the water quality dynamics of SSW during the pre-sedimentation process, facilitating the development of SSW quality management and enhancing its reuse rate.

A comparison increasing the photodegradation power of a Ag/g-C3N4 /CoNi-LDH nanocomposite: Photocatalytic activity toward water treatment.

For environmental applications, it is crucial to rationally design and synthesize photocatalysts with positive exciton splitting and interfacial charge transfer. Here, a novel Ag-bridged dual Z-scheme Ag/g-C3N4/CoNi-LDH plasmonic heterojunction was successfully synthesized using a simple method, with the goal of overcoming the common drawbacks of traditional photocatalysts such as weak photoresponsivity, rapid combination of photo-generated carriers, and unstable structure. These materials were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM UV-Vis/DRS, and XPS to verify the structure and stability of the heterostructure. The pristine LDH, g-C3N4, and Ag/g-C3N4/CoNi-LDH composite were investigated as photocatalysts for water remediation, an environmentally motivated process. Specifically, the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline was studied as a model reaction. The performance of the supports and composite catalyst were determined by evaluating both the degradation and adsorption phenomenon. The influence of several experimental parameters such as catalyst loading, pH, and tetracycline concentration were evaluated. The current study provides important data for water treatment and similar environmental protection applications.

Ozonolysis of ketoprofen in polluted water: Reaction pathways, kinetics, removal efficiency, and health effects.

Ketoprofen (KET), as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug frequently detected in aqueous environments, is a threat to human health due to its accumulation and low biodegradability, which requires the transformation and degradation of KET in aqueous environments. In this paper, the reaction process of ozone-initiated KET degradation in water was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) method at the M06-2X/6-311++g(3df,2p)//M06-2X/6-31+g(d,p) level. The detailed reaction path of KET ozonation is proposed. The thermodynamic results show that ozone-initiated KET degradation is feasible. Under ultraviolet irradiation, the reaction of ozone with water can also produce OH radicals (HO·) that can react with KET. The degradation reaction of KET caused by HO· was further studied. The kinetic calculation illustrates that the reaction rate (1.99 × 10-1 (mol/L)-1 sec-1) of KET ozonation is relatively slow, but the reaction rate of HO· reaction is relatively high, which can further improve the degradation efficiency. On this basis, the effects of pollutant concentration, ozone concentration, natural organic matter, and pH value on degradation efficiency under UV/O3 process were analyzed. The ozonolysis reaction of KET is not sensitive to pH and is basically unaffected. Finally, the toxicity prediction of oxidation compounds produced by degradation reaction indicates that most of the degradation products are harmless, and a few products containing benzene rings are still toxic and have to be concerned. This study serves as a theoretical basis for analyzing the migration and transformation process of anti-inflammatory compounds in the water environment.

Metagenomic perspectives on antibiotic resistance genes in tap water: The environmental characteristic, potential mobility and health threat.

As an emerging environmental contaminant, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in tap water have attracted great attention. Although studies have provided ARG profiles in tap water, research on their abundance levels, composition characteristics, and potential threat is still insufficient. Here, 9 household tap water samples were collected from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in China. Additionally, 75 sets of environmental sample data (9 types) were downloaded from the public database. Metagenomics was then performed to explore the differences in the abundance and composition of ARGs. 221 ARG subtypes consisting of 17 types were detected in tap water. Although the ARG abundance in tap water was not significantly different from that found in drinking water plants and reservoirs, their composition varied. In tap water samples, the three most abundant classes of resistance genes were multidrug, fosfomycin and MLS (macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin) ARGs, and their corresponding subtypes ompR, fosX and macB were also the most abundant ARG subtypes. Regarding the potential mobility, vanS had the highest abundance on plasmids and viruses, but the absence of key genes rendered resistance to vancomycin ineffective. Generally, the majority of ARGs present in tap water were those that have not been assessed and are currently not listed as high-threat level ARG families based on the World Health Organization Guideline. Although the current potential threat to human health posed by ARGs in tap water is limited, with persistent transfer and accumulation, especially in pathogens, the potential danger to human health posed by ARGs should not be ignored.

Micro-polluted water source purification of root channel wetland in Jiaxing, China.

Root channel wetlands, as a new type of nature-imitating wetland system, provide a paradigm for micro-polluted water source purification; however, there is a knowledge gap on root channel wetlands' pollution removal effects and their main influencing factors after longtime operation. This study collected the turbidity, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), permanganate index (CODMn), dissolved oxygen (DO), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) at the inlet and outlet of Shijiuyang (SJY) wetland and Guanjinggang (GJG) wetland in Jiaxing City, China, from 2019 to 2021. The results showed that root channel wetlands had better water quality improvement effects. The SJY wetland had larger removal rates for DO, CODMn, and turbidity compared with the GJG wetland. In contrast, other water quality indexes have similar removal rates at both wetlands. The influencing factor analysis showed that water purification agent, flow, pH, and water temperature have large influences on the removal rates of pollutants for both wetlands. To address high turbidity and excessive DO, which are the primary pollutants affecting the two wetlands, implementing the diversion river before the pretreatment area and incorporating ecological floating beds in the deep purification area are recommended solutions to mitigate these issues. Compared with conventional general constructed wetlands, root channel wetlands are a more cost-effective and sustainable technology. The research is conducive to improving understanding of root channel wetland purification for micro-polluted water sources and enhancing water supply security capability in the plains water network area of the Yangtze River Delta region. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Compared with conventional general constructed wetlands, root channel wetlands are more cost-effective and sustainable technology. The SJY wetland demonstrated better removal rates for DO, CODMn, and turbidity, indicating a higher purification capacity compared to GJG wetland. Flow rate and pH are the primary factors influencing the GJG wetland, while the waterpurification agent and water temperature are the main factors affecting water quality in the SJY wetland.

Assessment of poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) and lime for surface water treatment (pond, river, and canal water): seasonal variations and correlation analyses.

The present study deals with the assessment of different physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity (E.C.), turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and dissolved oxygen) in different surface water such as pond, river, and canal water in four different seasons, viz. March, June, September, and December 2023. The research endeavors to assess the impact of a cationic polyelectrolyte, specifically poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC), utilized as a coagulation aid in conjunction with lime for water treatment. Employing a conventional jar test apparatus, turbidity removal from diverse water samples is examined. Furthermore, the samples undergo characterization utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The study also conducts correlation analyses on various parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity of raw water, polyelectrolyte dosage, and percentage of turbidity removal across different water sources. Utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, these analyses aim to establish robust relationships among initial turbidity, temperature, percentage of turbidity removal, dosage of coagulant aid, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) in pond water, river water, and canal water. A strong positive correlation could be found between the percentage of turbidity removal and the value of initial turbidity of all surface water. However, a negative correlation could be observed between the polyelectrolyte dosage and raw water's turbidity. By elucidating these correlations, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of PDADMAC and lime in water treatment processes across diverse environmental conditions. This research enhances our comprehension of surface water treatment methodologies and provides valuable insights for optimizing water treatment strategies to address the challenges posed by varying water sources and seasonal fluctuations.

Development of nanocomposite-selenium filter for water disinfection and bioremediation of wastewater from Hg and AgNPs.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are used in several sectors as antitumor, antimicrobial, and environmental adsorbents. Thus, the present research objective was the production of bacterial-SeNPs as an active and environmentally-friendly antibacterial and adsorbent agents and application into novel nanocomposite filter. From a total of 25 samples (soil, wastewater, and water) obtained from different locations in Egypt, 60 selenium-resistant bacterial isolates were obtained (on a mineral salt medium supplemented with selenium ions). After screening (based on the conversion of selenium from ionic form to nanoform), a superior bacterial isolate for SeNPs formation was obtained and molecular identified as Bacillus pumilus isolate OR431753. The high yield of SeNPs was noted after optimization (glucose as carbon source, pH 9 at 30 °C). The produced SeNPs were characterized as approximately 15 nm-diameter spherical nanoparticles, in addition to the presence of organic substances around these particles like polysaccharides and aromatic amines (protein residues). Also, they have antibacterial activity increased after formation of nanocomposite with nano-chitosan (SeNPs/NCh) against several pathogens. The antibacterial activity (expressed as a diameter of the inhibitory zone) averaged between 2.1 and 4.3, 2.7 and 4.8 cm for SeNPs and SeNPs/NCh, respectively compared with 1.1 to 1.8 cm for Amoxicillin. The produced nanoselenium/chitosan was used as a biofilter to remove mercury (Hg) and AgNPs as model chemicals with serious toxicity and potential pollutant for water bodies in many industries. The new SeNPs/NCh biofilter has proven highly effective in individually removing mercury and AgNPs from their synthetic wastewaters, with an efficiency of up to 99%. Moreover, the removal efficiency of AgNPs stabilized at 99% after treating them with the syringe filter-Se nanocomposite for 4 cycles of treatment (5 min each).

Examining the efficacy of biological filters in the removal of agricultural pesticides and nutrient elements from agricultural drainage water.

The high water consumption in agriculture has led to an obvious water crisis in this sector, and the use of unconventional water sources, especially agricultural drains, is considered necessary. For this purpose, the present study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of biological filters with different types of substrates for treating agricultural wastewater in Khuzestan province, located in the south of Iran, to use receptive resources and reuse them in agriculture. Next, the efficiency of four types of biological filters for treating agricultural drainage water with different retention times was evaluated. Sawdust, cotton stalks, wheat straw, stubble, and rice husk were used as filters. Qualitative factors included agricultural pesticides (Atrazine, Randup, Paraquat, and 2, 4-D) and nutrients (nitrate, nitrogen, phosphate, and phosphorus). By examining the trend of increasing the retention time and the corresponding removal percentage, it was observed that the retention time has a direct relationship with the amount of removal efficiency of nutrients and agricultural toxins. As the residence time increases, the average amount of nutrient compounds in different filters decreases, and their removal percentage increases. The highest removal percentage of nitrate, total nitrogen, phosphate, and total phosphorus was 74.03, 71.66, 57.97, and 61.85% in the sawdust filter and was assigned to 10 days. The highest percentage of removal of Atrazine, Tofudi, Paraquat, and Roundup toxins with a removal efficiency of 91.73, 84.27, 89.81, and 88.46% was also observed in the treatment of sawdust for 10 days. The sawdust filter showed a good performance in removing the parameters of agricultural toxins and nutrient compounds in a retention time of 10 days compared to other filters and retention times. As a general result, the sawdust filter can be cited as a reliable substrate with acceptable efficiency compared to other filters.

Prevalence and epidemiological distribution of indicators of pathogenic bacteria in households drinking water in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ensuring the availability of safe drinking water remains a critical challenge in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this paper aimed to investigate the prevalence of fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria and, geographical, children availability, and seasonal exposure assessment through a meta-analysis. METHODS: Two independent review groups extensively searched internet databases for English-language research articles published between 2013 and 2023. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality of each included study was evaluated using the STROBE guidelines. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of a funnel plot and then tested by the Egger regression test, and meta-analysis was performed using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with inverse variance weighting. Subgroup analyses were also conducted to explore heterogeneity. RESULTS: Out of 48 potentially relevant studies, only 21 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were considered for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of fecal coliform and E. coli was 64% (95% CI: 56.0-71.0%, I2 = 95.8%) and 54% (95% CI: 45.7-62.3%, I2 = 94.2%), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence of fecal coliform bacteria increased during the wet season (70%) compared to the dry season (60%), particularly in households with under-five children (74%) compared to all households (61%), in rural (68%) versus urban (66%) areas, and in regions with high prevalence such as Amhara (71%), Gambela (71%), and Oromia (70%). Similarly, the prevalence of E. coli was higher in households with under-five children (66%) than in all households (46%). CONCLUSIONS: The analysis highlights the higher prevalence of fecal coliform and E. coli within households drinking water, indicating that these bacteria are a significant public health concern. Moreover, these findings emphasize the critical need for targeted interventions aimed at improving drinking water quality to reduce the risk of fecal contamination and enhance public health outcomes for susceptible groups, including households with under-five children, in particular geographical areas such as the Amhara, Gambela, and Oromia regions, as well as rural areas, at point-of-use, and during the rainy season. REGISTRATION: This review was registered on PROSPERO (registration ID - CRD42023448812).

Development of a New Permanganate/Chlorite Process for Water Decontamination.

Development of new technologies with strong selectivity for target pollutants and low sensitivity toward a water matrix remains challenging. Herein, we introduced a novel strategy that used chlorite as an activator for Mn(VII) at pH 4.8, turning the inert reactivity of the pollutants toward Mn(VII) into a strong reactivity. This paved a new way for triggering reactions in water decontamination. By utilizing sulfamethoxazole (SMX) as a typical pollutant, we proposed coupled pathways involving electron transfer across hydrogen bonds (TEHB) and oxidation by reactive manganese species. The results indicated that a hydrogen bonding complex, SMX-ClO2-*, formed through chlorite binding the amino group of SMX initially in the TEHB route; such a complex exhibited a stronger reduction capability toward Mn(VII). Chlorite, in the hydrogen bonding complex SMX-ClO2-*, can then complex with Mn(VII). Consequently, a new reactive center (SMX-ClO2--Mn(VII)*) was formed, initiating the transfer of electrons across hydrogen bonds and the preliminary degradation of SMX. This is followed by the involvement of the generated Mn(V)-ClO2-/Mn(III) in the reduction process of Mn(VII). Such a process showed pH-dependent degradation, with a removal ratio ranging from 80% to near-stagnation as pH increased from 4.8 to 7. Combining with pKa analysis showed that the predominant forms of contaminants were crucial for the removal efficiency of pollutants by the Mn(VII)/chlorite process. The impact of the water matrix was demonstrated to have few adverse or even beneficial effects. With satisfactory performance against numerous contaminants, this study introduced a novel Mn(VII) synergistic strategy, and a new reactivity pattern focused on reducing the reduction potential of the contaminant, as opposed to increasing the oxidation potential of oxidants.

High-Performance Nanofiltration Membrane with Dual Resistance to Gypsum Scaling and Biofouling for Enhanced Water Purification.

Nanofiltration (NF) technology is pivotal for ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply of clean water. To address the critical need for advanced thin-film composite (TFC) polyamide (PA) membranes with exceptional permselectivity and fouling resistance for emerging contaminant purification, we introduce a novel high-performance NF membrane. This membrane features a selective polypiperazine (PIP) layer functionalized with amino-containing quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) through an in situ interfacial polycondensation reaction. Our investigation demonstrated that precise QAC functionalization enabled the construction of the selective PA layer with increased surface area, enhanced microporosity, stronger electronegativity, and reduced thickness compared to the control PIP membrane. As a result, the QAC NF membrane exhibited an approximately 51% increase in water permeance compared to the control PIP membrane, while achieving superior retention capabilities for divalent salts (>99%) and emerging organic contaminants (>90%). Furthermore, the incorporation of QACs into the PIP selective layer was proved to be effective in mitigating mineral scaling by allowing selective passage of scale-forming cations, while simultaneously exhibiting strong antimicrobial properties to combat biofouling. The in situ QAC incorporation strategy presented in this study provides valuable guidelines for the fit-for-purpose design of the selective PA layer, which is crucial for the development of high-performance NF membranes for efficient water purification.

Microalgae treatment of food processing wastewater for simultaneous biomass resource recycling and water reuse.

Food processing wastewater presents a considerable challenge for treatment owing to its elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels. Nonetheless, it possesses inherent value attributed to its abundant nutrients and organic content. This study presents an innovative approach for treating food processing wastewater and reusing biomass. Initially, the secondary-treated wastewater undergoes flocculation and sedimentation, followed by reverse osmosis to ensure that the effluent meets reuse standards. Subsequently, reverse osmosis concentrates, generated at varying water recovery rates, are utilized for microalgae cultivation to recover nitrogen and phosphorus. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of reverse osmosis concentrates in reducing the water demand for microalgae cultivation and in producing commercial-grade nutrients. The findings reveal that reverse osmosis achieves removal rates exceeding 90 % for both nitrogen and phosphorus and effluent meets reuse standards. Following seven days of cultivation, microalgae cultured in reverse osmosis concentrated water with an 80 % water recovery rate demonstrate denitrification and phosphorus removal rates of 73.88 % and 80.92 % respectively, with a biomass concentration of 563 mg/L and a protein yield of 128 mg/L. Moreover, a total volumetric energy yield of 10.08 kJ/L is obtained, facilitating energy valorization. In conclusion, this study offers practical solutions for wastewater treatment and resource recovery, enabling the attainment of zero discharge of pollutants while generating valuable resources through microalgae cultivation.

Assessment of contaminants of emerging concern and antibiotic resistance genes in the Mapocho River (Chile): A comprehensive study on water quality and municipal wastewater impact.

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the persistence and elimination of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPs) and their presence in the Mapocho River within the metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile. The use of advanced analytical techniques, based on liquid chromatography coupled to both low and high-resolution mass spectrometry, allowed a comprehensive overview on the presence of CECs in samples. Additionally, a preliminary assessment of the microbiological aspects aimed to determine the presence of indicator microorganisms of fecal contamination, such as Escherichia coli and total coliforms was conducted. Furthermore, a qualitative assessment of Antibiotic Resistant Genes (ARGs) was performed. No CECs were detected upstream to the MWWTPs. However, the results from various wastewater samples (influent, secondary, and tertiary effluents) revealed significant diversity, with 73 CECs detected alongside prevalent ARGs including sulI, sulfII, qnrB, and blaTEM. The presence of CECs and ARGs downstream of the MWWTP in the Mapocho River was mainly attributed to effluent discharge. On the other hand, typical values for a healthy river and a MWWTP with a final disinfection stage were found in terms of fecal contamination. Consequently, the imperative for developing tertiary or quaternary treatments capable of degrading CECs and ARGs to minimize environmental impact is underscored. These findings hold public health significance, offering insights into potential risks and influencing future legislative measures in Chile.

Bioelectrochemical biosensors for water quality assessment and wastewater monitoring.

Bioelectrochemical biosensors offer a promising approach for real-time monitoring of industrial bioprocesses. Many bioelectrochemical biosensors do not require additional labelling reagents for target molecules. This simplifies the monitoring process, reduces costs, and minimizes potential contamination risks. Advancements in materials science and microfabrication technologies are paving the way for smaller, more portable bioelectrochemical biosensors. This opens doors for integration into existing bioprocessing equipment and facilitates on-site, real-time monitoring capabilities. Biosensors can be designed to detect specific heavy metals such as lead, mercury, or chromium in wastewater. Early detection allows for the implementation of appropriate removal techniques before they reach the environment. Despite these challenges, bioelectrochemical biosensors offer a significant leap forward in wastewater monitoring. As research continues to improve their robustness, selectivity, and cost-effectiveness, they have the potential to become a cornerstone of efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment practices.

Design of biocompatible gelatin hydrogels reinforced with magnetite nanoparticles: Effective removal of chromium from water environment.

The development of biocompatible adsorbents is vital for environmental remediation to control and reduce pollution and waste accumulation in ecosystems. Biocompatible hydrogels represent an innovative class of materials that are primarily composed of polymer chain units forming their structural framework. They have a high affinity for water molecules. This research thus aims to incorporate iron oxide particles into the gelatin matrix to produce gelatin hydrogel beads to remove hexavalent chromium from an aqueous solution. The synthesized beads, known for their consistent size, low friction, high specific surface area, mechanical stability, and lightweight characteristics, demonstrated their suitability for various industrial applications. The effectiveness of these hydrogels in removing hexavalent chromium ions was confirmed through a thorough analysis using techniques such as FTIR, TGA, SEM, EDX, VSM, and XPS. Batch experiments revealed that the gelatin-based nanocomposite beads exhibited optimal adsorption efficiency under acidic conditions, lower initial concentrations of chromium ions, extended contact time, and elevated temperature (50-60 °C). The composite achieved a maximum removal efficiency of 99% at pH 1, with an adsorbent dose of 0.5 g at 50 °C, and an initial concentration of 50 mg per liter. The use of 0.7 N NaOH in the regeneration process resulted in a commendable 70.5% desorption efficiency, enabling potential reuse and regeneration. Significantly, the desorption efficiency remained consistently high even after four desorption-readsorption cycles, contributing to the economic and environmental sustainability of chromium removal. Additionally, the study determined that the sorption process was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic. These collective findings suggest that magnetic gelatin hydrogel beads could serve as a cost-effective alternative adsorbent for the efficient removal of chromium ions from aqueous solutions.

Oropharyngeal tularemia outbreak linked to drinking contaminated tap water in North-Western Iran.

Tularemia is a widespread bacterial disease caused by Francisella tularensis. Iran is an endemic country for this zoonosis. In this report, we present a 2020 tularemia outbreak in a village in northwestern Iran involving 15 patients with the oropharyngeal form of the disease. This outbreak was probably linked to the consumption of contaminated drinking water.

Heavy Metal-Based Toxic Oxo-Pollutants Sequestration by Advanced Functional Porous Materials for Safe Drinking Water.

ConspectusWater scarcity as a consequence of either environmental or economic actions is the most compelling global concern of the 21st century, as ∼2 billion people (26% of the total population) struggle to access safe drinking water and ∼3.6 billion (46% of the total population) lack access to clean water sanitation. In this context, groundwater pollution by toxic heavy metals and/or their oxo-pollutants, such as CrO42-, Cr2O72-, AsO43-, SeO32-, SeO42-, TcO4-, UO22+, etc., have been becoming rapidly growing global concerns. The severe toxicity upon bioaccumulation of these oxo-anions has prompted the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to mark these persistent and hazardous substances as priority pollutants. Additionally, the heavy-metal-based pollutants are difficult to transform into eco-friendly substances, thus presenting serious challenges toward human health and environmental preservation. To this end, the emergence of advanced functional porous materials (AFPMs), including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), metal-organic polyhedrons (MOPs), porous organic polymers (POPs), etc., have presented extraordinary opportunities in material research and water treatment applications. The liberty in designing and structural tunability of AFPMs, facilitated by utilization of structure-encoded molecular building blocks, enables precise control over target-specificity and structure-property correlations. Bridging the gap between strategic material design and on-demand real-world application can facilitate the development of next-generation sorbents/ion-exchangers for efficient water treatment.In this Account, we summarize the recent advancements from our group toward the development of cutting-edge multifunctional ionic-porous sorbents, offering viable solutions toward providing clean and safe drinking water. Our vision allows us to comprehend this challenge through two strategic factors: efficient oxo-anion capture via ion-exchange and specific host-guest interactions via installation of modular functional groups. To provide an overview, we first highlight the different structural variants and coexistance of various toxic oxo-anions depending on the pH of the medium and their adverse effects. Next, we highlight the promising potential of water stable cationic MOFs toward selective remediation of toxic Cr(VI), Mn(VII), Tc(VI), Se(IV), Se(VI), U (VI), As(III), and As(V)-based toxic oxo-pollutants from water. In the subsequent sections, we summarize the target-specific design strategies and oxo-anion remediation performances of ionic porous organic polymers and hybrid functional porous materials. The key role of target-specific designability and/or structural fine-tuning of AFPMs toward preferential sorption of oxo-pollutants is systematically demonstrate. Particularly, the role of ion-exchange (anion-exchange) processes toward targeted oxo-pollutant capture by ionic AFPMs has been discussed in details. In several examples, the AFPMs were successful in reducing the toxic oxo-anion concentration levels lower than the permitted values for drinking water by the World Health Organizing Committee (WHO), showcasing their real-world applicability potency.Our contemporaneous endeavors in exploring ionic AFPMs for selective toxic oxo-anion sequestration may serve as a blueprint to researchers for future development of the next generation sorbent materials for energy-economically feasible water treatment methods.