In this study, hybrid ultrafiltration which involves adsorption onto activated carbon and/or coagulation was tested for the removal of ibuprofen, caffeine and diclofenac from the municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent (c₀ = 2–3 µg/L). Ultrafiltration was tested in combination with powdered activated carbon dose of 5 mg/L separately or with coagulants (FeCl₃, dose 4 mg Fe (III)/L and, natural coagulant isolated from bean seeds, dose 33 µL/L). In addition to the removal of organic micropollutants, the removal of As, Cr, Cu and Zn was also tested (c₀~100 µg/L). The research was conducted on a laboratory pilot plant (capacity 30 L/h, in-out dead-end filtration, flux of 80 L/m²h). The best results were obtained for caffeine when adsorption on PAC is combined with a FeCl₃ (removal efficiency 42–87%). The addition of a natural coagulant did not show benefits for the removal of organic micropollutants compared to the other tested processes, but both coagulants had similar effects on the content of metals and As Hybrid membrane processes proved to be the most efficient for Zn (44–87%) and Cr (33–87%) removal. The lowest efficiency was determined for As (˂19%). Ultrafiltration with PAC and coagulants removed 5–33% of effluent organic matter, depending on the type of coagulant; 57–87% of total nitrogen and PAC/FeCl₃/UF was also partially effective for removing total phosphorus (11–39%).

This study investigates the environmental risks posed by heavy metals in sediment from the Great Bačka Canal using both active and passive sampling methods. The necessity of this research lies in the critical need to address sediment contamination in ecological hotspots and enhance sediment management practices. Active sampling revealed total heavy metal concentrations, while sequential extraction showed bioavailability varied across metal fractions. Passive sampling with SPeeper™ quantified freely dissolved metal concentrations in sediment pore water, identifying zinc (41 μg/L) as the most bioavailable metal. Risk indices, including I_geo (geo-accumulation index) and IWCTU (interstitial water criteria toxic units), revealed low to moderate contamination levels. Although copper content classified the sediment as extremely polluted (195.7 mg/kg), its low bioavailability (16 μg/L in pore water) mitigates immediate ecological risks. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating passive sampling in regulatory frameworks for a realistic environmental risk assessment of sediments.

This study delves into the quality and quantity of sediment in the Great Bačka Canal near Vrbas, examining its physicochemical composition over a span of twenty years. The primary aim is to enhance sediment monitoring and risk assessment methodologies while advocating for a paradigm shift in sediment management—from treating sediments as waste to recognizing them as valuable resources. Analyzing sediment samples for heavy metals, including mercury, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, zinc, nickel, and copper, alongside polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), provides insights into contamination levels and trends. The results revealed that the concentrations of mercury, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and lead were within the second risk class, indicating that there was no immediate environmental hazard, but ongoing monitoring is necessary. Zinc levels, after initial exceedance, have decreased and are now within acceptable limits, whereas nickel concentrations, though reduced, remain a potential ecological risk. Copper levels persistently exceed remediation thresholds, indicating severe contamination that requires intervention. PAH concentrations were generally below regulatory limits, suggesting moderate pollution with no significant threat to benthic communities. This study highlights the effectiveness of recent pollution control measures, but underscores ongoing challenges in sediment management. This study highlights the need for more integrated and sustainable sediment management approaches that align with international standards and circular economy principles. Recommendations include adopting comprehensive regulatory frameworks, exploring beneficial uses of sediment, and fostering innovation in sediment reuse to enhance environmental outcomes and sustainability.