Paula Oulego

Bio: Paula Oulego is an academic researcher from University of Oviedo. The author has contributed to research in topics: Wet oxidation & Chemistry. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 58 publications receiving 783 citations.

Towards the Implementation of Circular Economy in the Wastewater Sector: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract: The advancement of science has facilitated increase in the human lifespan, reflected in economic and population growth, which unfortunately leads to increased exploitation of resources. This situation entails not only depletion of resources, but also increases environmental pollution, mainly due to atmospheric emissions, wastewater effluents, and solid wastes. In this scenario, it is compulsory to adopt a paradigm change, as far as the consumption of resources by the population is concerned, to achieve a circular economy. The recovery and reuse of resources are key points, leading to a decrease in the consumption of raw materials, waste reduction, and improvement of energy efficiency. This is the reason why the concept of the circular economy can be applied in any industrial activity, including the wastewater treatment sector. With this in view, this review manuscript focuses on demonstrating the challenges and opportunities in applying a circular economy in the water sector. For example, reclamation and reuse of wastewater to increase water resources, by paying particular attention to the risks for human health, recovery of nutrients, or highly added-value products (e.g., metals and biomolecules among others), valorisation of sewage sludge, and/or recovery of energy. Being aware of this situation, in the European, Union 18 out of 27 countries are already reusing reclaimed wastewater at some level. Moreover, many wastewater treatment plants have reached energy self-sufficiency, producing up to 150% of their energy requirements. Unfortunately, many of the opportunities presented in this work are far from becoming a reality. Still, the first step is always to become aware of the problem and work on optimizing the solution to make it possible.

Novel biosorbents from almond shells: Characterization and adsorption properties modeling for Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions

Abstract: This study is focused on the adsorption of Cu(II) ions on chemically modified almond shell-based adsorbents, namely bleached almond shell (BAS), lyophilized-bleached almond shell (L-BAS), and TEMPO ((2,2,6,6-Tetramethyl-piperidin-1-yl)oxyl) oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCN1 and TOCN2). Such materials were characterized by FTIR-ATR, N 2 adsorption-desorption, SEM, TEM, and TGA/DTG. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics of Cu(II) onto the prepared biosorbents and the effect of temperature and pH on the removal efficiency were thoroughly analyzed. The maximum adsorption capacity of BAS, L-BAS, TOCN1 and TOCN2 at 30 °C and pH 6 was found to be 18.71, 28.27, 23.80, and 21.57 mg g −1 , respectively. Therefore, these materials can be used as effective adsorbents for Cu(II)-containing wastewaters. The results of all the biosorbents, except for the BAS one, were fitted to the pseudo-first-order model with a good degree of concordance. It was also proved that the adsorption process onto L-BAS, TOCN1, and TOCN2 was exothermic and spontaneous.

Wastewater Engineering Treatment Disposal And Reuse

Abstract: wastewater engineering treatment disposal and reuse is available in our digital library an online access to it is set as public so you can download it instantly. Our books collection hosts in multiple countries, allowing you to get the most less latency time to download any of our books like this one. Kindly say, the wastewater engineering treatment disposal and reuse is universally compatible with any devices to read.

Wear and Tear of Tyres: A Stealthy Source of Microplastics in the Environment.

Abstract: Wear and tear from tyres significantly contributes to the flow of (micro-)plastics into the environment. This paper compiles the fragmented knowledge on tyre wear and tear characteristics, amounts of particles emitted, pathways in the environment, and the possible effects on humans. The estimated per capita emission ranges from 0.23 to 4.7 kg/year, with a global average of 0.81 kg/year. The emissions from car tyres (100%) are substantially higher than those of other sources of microplastics, e.g., airplane tyres (2%), artificial turf (12–50%), brake wear (8%) and road markings (5%). Emissions and pathways depend on local factors like road type or sewage systems. The relative contribution of tyre wear and tear to the total global amount of plastics ending up in our oceans is estimated to be 5–10%. In air, 3–7% of the particulate matter (PM2.5) is estimated to consist of tyre wear and tear, indicating that it may contribute to the global health burden of air pollution which has been projected by the World Health Organization (WHO) at 3 million deaths in 2012. The wear and tear also enters our food chain, but further research is needed to assess human health risks. It is concluded here that tyre wear and tear is a stealthy source of microplastics in our environment, which can only be addressed effectively if awareness increases, knowledge gaps on quantities and effects are being closed, and creative technical solutions are being sought. This requires a global effort from all stakeholders; consumers, regulators, industry and researchers alike.