The loading of granular activated carbon (GAC) is influenced by the amount of water treated and the concentrations of adsorbates present in the water matrix. Through extraction experiments, we aimed to investigate the total adsorbed mass of eight organic micropollutants by using ethanol as solvent and the maximum possible concentrations, due to the desorption of organic micropollutants, in water. Three different drying methods and the impact of the contact time, GAC particle size, and GAC/solvent ratio were investigated. Although no significant differences between the drying methods could be observed, the chosen contact time and particle size had a significant impact on the amount of organic micropollutants extracted. Lower GAC/solvent ratios positively affected the extraction yield. The masses extracted in ethanol were compared with the cumulated masses calculated from 72 feed and effluent samples, collected during filter operation, resulting in extraction yields between 0.5% and 30%. The composition of extracted micropollutants in ethanol reflected the concentrations in feed water of the pilot-scale filter. Desorption in water was mostly influenced by the solubility of the investigated micropollutants. The same substances found in the supernatants inf the experiments could also be identified in the backwash water of the filter.

Recent technological developments have led to a significant increase in energy consumption in daily life. The search for alternative means of energy production has become an important task for applied sciences and modern technology. Hydrogen technology has great potential as a source of clean energy. The production of green hydrogen is a desirable and beneficial way to contribute to the decarbonization of the energy sector. In response to the demand for environmentally friendly and economically feasible approaches, biohydrogen production from waste materials has recently attracted interest. Waste materials from industrial or municipal production can be used as low-cost substrates for biohydrogen production through microbial degradation. Green energy needs could be met through a form of sustainable development that moves hand in hand with the harnessing of the microbial potential of waste biomass. Reuse of waste materials leads to pollution reductions and energy recycling. The aim of this review is to provide informative insights for researchers and engineers to help them better understand microbial biohydrogen production from low-cost waste substrates, such as industrial wastewater and waste activated sludge.

The risk of contamination of the vital resource of water continues to increase and represents an urgent problem for modern society. Globalisation, industrialisation and technological progress have led to the need to treat more and more wastewater streams before they can be released into the environment. A high chemical and biochemical oxygen demand as well as the sum of dissolved and suspended organic and inorganic components are the main characteristics of highly contaminated wastewater. Research into environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies is becoming increasingly important in wastewater treatment. Bioremediation utilises the ability to restore the biogenic elements of the environment and is an environmentally friendly method for removing contaminants from the surrounding ecosystem. Forming microbial consortia that exhibit both excellent biosorption properties and a high resistance to toxic conditions is crucial for the biodegradation of complicated systems, such as highly contaminated wastewater. The development of systematic biological molecular tools can further improve the bioremediation process. By integrating innovative technologies with the already existing natural microbial capacity, it is possible to further improve the sustainability of biological treatments of wastewater streams while preserving the natural environment.

In this paper, two different types of biowaste composting processes were carried out – composting without and with bioaugmentation. All experiments were performed in an adiabatic reactor for 14 days. Composting enhanced with bioaugmentation was the better choice because the thermophilic phase was achieved earlier, making the composting time shorter. Additionally, a higher conversion of substrate (amount of substrate consumed) was also noticed in the process enhanced by bioaugmentation. A mathematical model was developed and process parameters were estimated in order to optimize the composting process. Based on good agreement between experimental data and the mathematical model simulation results, a three-level-four-factor Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to define the optimal process conditions for further studies. It was found that the air flow rate and the mass fraction of the substrate have the most significant effect on the composting process. An improvement of the composting process was achieved after altering the mentioned variables, resulting in shorter composting time and higher conversion of the substrate.

The release of oil into the environment represents a pervasive problem stemming from oil exploration, accidents, transportation and releases from landfills, storage facilities or industrial plants. Compared to conventional and costly techniques, bioremediation is an attractive and promising alternative, as it can selectively degrade pollution without affecting the natural features of the site and the flora and fauna living there. In this study, the isolation, identification and characterization of autochthonous bacterial strains from a crude oil-contaminated soil sample was carried out under batch conditions over a period of 28 days. The initial colony forming units value for bacteria was 1.15 × 10⁹/g of soil. The results show that the activity of bacteria was highest at a pH of 7.25. Based on morphology, biochemical tests and an analysis of MALDI TOF, isolated autochthonous bacterial species were identified as Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas chlororaphis. Since allochthonous bacteria are not highly efficient in a new environment due to their low adaptability and competition with indigenous microorganisms, these autochthonous microorganisms play a pivotal role in enhancing the bioremediation process on an applicable, industrial scale. This advancement aligns with the principles of sustainable development and the green economy, as purified soil is suitable for rational reuse in the environment.